Critical water activity and amorphous state for optimal preservation of lyophilised lactic acid bacteria

International audienceThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the water activity on the stability of lyophilised lactic acid bacteria, especially in the solid glassy region. Lactobacillus bulgaricus CFL1 was co-lyophilised with sucrose and stored under controlled relative humidity at 25 °C. Glass transition temperature (T g), water activity, water content and loss of specific acidification activity during storage were determined. The rates of bacteria degradation were analysed as a function of water activity and as a function of the temperature difference between storage temperature and T g. Above T g , the degradation rate appeared related to the physical changes of the amorphous matrix. Below T g , the optimal stability of the lyophilised bacteria was observed in the intermediate water activity range 0.1–0.214. An integrated analysis of the relationships between water activity, T g , water content and biological activity appeared as a promising approach for optimising the freeze-drying process and predicting the storage stability

Natural Regeneration of Maritime Pine: A Review of the Influencing Factors and Proposals for Management

ReviewThe main objective of the present work was to review the current knowledge about the factors that influence the different phases of the natural regeneration of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton) and propose scientifically based management schedules. The review focused on the natural regeneration of maritime pine within its most representative areas (Portugal, Spain, and France). First, a brief characterisation of the main phases of the natural regeneration of maritime pine is described. Next, information on the factors affecting the natural regeneration of the species is provided, highlighting its positive and negative effects. Finally, management proposals are presented to promote the natural regeneration of maritime pine species. Numerous factors influencing the natural regeneration of maritime pine were identified. Fires and climatic factors can intervene in all three regeneration phases (seeding, germination, and seedling survival and development). The natural regeneration failure of maritime pine species can be aggravated in drier scenarios. Forest management plays an important role as it can promote the natural regeneration of the speciesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

An Interactive Tool for the Optimization of Freeze-Drying Cycles Based on Quality Criteria

International audienceAmong existing dehydration methods, freeze-drying has unique benefits for the stabilization and preservation of biological activity of pharmaceutical products but remains an expensive and time-consuming process. A user-friendly software tool was developed, allowing for interactive selection of process operating condition profiles in order to maximize process productivity while insuring product quality preservation. The software is based on a dynamic, one-dimensional heat and mass transfer model, which can accurately represent both the primary and secondary drying stages and the gradual transition between them. The model was validated in a wide range of operating conditions: − 25 to + 25°C shelf temperature and 10 to 34 Pa total pressure. By comparing a reference sucrose solution with a formulated pharmaceutical product containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), it is shown that controlling product properties such as glass transition temperature and sorption isotherm can reduce the minimum achievable cycle duration by 12 h (33%)

Aspectos técnicos e avaliação de metodologia para o acompanhamento da reação de glicerólise catalisada pelo derivado enzimáticos lipozyme TL IM

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Química, Florianópolis, 2015Este trabalho objetivou elucidar alguns aspectos técnicos da glicerólise enzimática de óleos e gorduras catalisada pela lipase imobilizada Lipozyme TL IM e avaliar a metodologia para acompanhamento dessa reação. Azeite de oliva extra-virgem (AOEV) foi utilizado como óleo modelo. Os ensaios cinéticos foram realizados através de reações não destrutivas e destrutivas, conduzidas entre 0 e 24 h, a 55ºC, sob agitação mecânica de 600 rpm, utilizando razão molar AOEV/glicerol 2:1 e biocatalisador a 10% m/m em relação aos reagentes. Para acompanhamento das reações, desenvolveu-se um método espectrofotométrico para quantificação de glicerol (Gli) e implementou-se o método consolidado AOCS Cd 11b-91 para quantificação de acilgliceróis por cromatografia a gás. O método espectrofotométrico permitiu acompanhar o perfil da concentração de Gli ao longo do tempo, mas os resultados mostraram que as etapas de preparo da amostra (filtração, lavagem e extração) requerem aprimoramento. O método AOCS Cd 11b-91 mostrou-se adequado para acompanhar a reação em função da formação de monoacilgliceróis (MAGs). Constatou-se que devido aos fenômenos de transporte de massa, os valores obtidos a partir de reações não destrutivas referem-se à dispersão de reagentes e produtos na fase líquida do meio reacional e que quantidade considerável do Gli permanece adsorvida no suporte hidrófilo do biocatalisador durante a reação. Para os ensaios com reações não destrutivas, obtiveram-se os seguintes valores para velocidade inicial de dispersão de MAG, frações mássicas máxima de MAG, mínima e máxima de glicerol respectivamente: , , , . Para os ensaios com reações destrutivas, foram obtidos os seguintes valores para velocidade inicial de formação de MAG, frações mássicas mínima de Gli e máxima de MAG respectivamente: , O rendimento final da reação em MAG ficou entre 0,31 e 0,47.Abstract: The present work aims to elucidate some technical features of the enzymatic glycerolysis of oils and fats catalyzed by the immobilized lipase Lipozyme TL IM, as well as evaluate the methodology required to monitor this reaction over time. Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) has been chosen to serve as the model oil. Kinetic experiments have been conducted by means of non-destructive and destructive reactions, between 0 and 24 hours, under 55ºC, 600 rpm of mechanical stirring, molar ratio EVOO/glycerol 2:1, and 10% of the total mass of the reagents as biocatalyst. In order to monitor the reaction course, a spectrophotometric method to quantify the glycerol (Gly) was developed, and the standard method AOCS Cd 11b-91 for acylglycerols quantification by gas chromatography was implemented. The spectrophotometric method allowed to establish the glycerol concentration profile over time; nevertheless, results have indicated that sample preparation steps (washing, filtration and extraction) must be improved. The AOCS CD 11b-91 method proved to be useful to monitor the reactions regarding the production of monoacylglycerols (MAG). It was observed that due to mass transport phenomena, values provided by non-destructive reactions are related to the dispersion of reagents and products through the reaction bulk, and that most of the total glycerol amount remains adsorbed to the hydrophilic support of the biocatalyst during the entire course of the reaction. The following results of initial velocity of MAG dispersion, maximum fraction mass of MAG, minimum and maximum fraction mass of Gly were provided by the experiments conducted through non-destructive reactions: , , , . Regarding the experiments conducted through destructive reactions, the following results of initial velocity of MAG production, minimum and maximum mass fraction of Gly and MAG were found: , , . The final yield of the reaction has varied between 0,31 and 0,47

Impact of fire recurrence and induced water stress on seed germination and root mitotic cell cycle of Pinus pinaster aiton

Climate change will increase the frequency of drought, heat waves, and wildfires. We intended to analyse how fire recurrence and/or induced water stress can affect seed germination and root cell division in Pinus pinaster Aiton. Seeds from stands with no prior fire history and from post-fire regeneration (in areas burnt once, twice, and thrice) in northern Portugal were germinated in distilled water (control) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to simulate water stress for four weeks, followed by a recovery period. Roots were analysed cytogenetically. The germination index of the Pinus pinaster seeds was not statistically influenced by the induction of osmotic stress, nor by the fire recurrence of the stands. The mean germination time (MGT) was 10–29 days and 1–36 days for the stress and recovery periods, respectively, and increased with PEG concentration. The 20% PEG treatment inhibited root growth after germination. The 10% PEG treatment induced a high frequency of cytogenetic anomalies, mostly in the sites which experienced fire exposure. While fire recurrence did not affect the germination rate, it seemed to reduce the water stress response, negatively impacting cell division and impair root growthinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Questões étnico-raciais no ambiente escolar

Anais do II Seminário Seminário Estadual PIBID do Paraná: tecendo saberes / organizado por Dulcyene Maria Ribeiro e Catarina Costa Fernandes — Foz do Iguaçu: Unioeste; Unila, 2014Ao decorrer do trabalho a ser apresentado, temos por objetivo discutir sobre as questões étnico-raciais em ambiente escolar. A sociedade brasileira é formada por uma grande diversidade étnico-racial e é por esse motivo principalmente, dentre outros que temos a desigualdade presente em nosso meio, gerando, portanto o preconceito, tema este desenvolvido em nosso projeto no PIBID. Através das atividades aplicadas em sala de aula em forma de dinâmicas e levantamentos de dados por meio de questionários, reunimos informações a cerca do tema, observando e analisando o comportamento dos alunos, suas experiências e opiniões em relação às questões étnico-raciais que serão aqui apresentada

Les vaisseaux sanguins dans la Formation des fœtus de Galien

editorial reviewe

Neuronal damage induced by perinatal asphyxia is attenuated by postinjury glutaredoxin-2 administration

The general disruption of redox signaling following an ischemia-reperfusion episode has been proposed as a crucial component in neuronal death and consequently brain damage. Thioredoxin (Trx) family proteins control redox reactions and ensure protein regulation via specific, oxidative posttranslational modifications as part of cellular signaling processes. Trx proteins function in the manifestation, progression, and recovery following hypoxic/ischemic damage. Here, we analyzed the neuroprotective effects of postinjury, exogenous administration of Grx2 and Trx1 in a neonatal hypoxia/ischemia model. P7 Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to right common carotid ligation or sham surgery, followed by an exposure to nitrogen. 1 h later, animals were injected i.p. with saline solution, 10 mg/kg recombinant Grx2 or Trx1, and euthanized 72 h postinjury. Results showed that Grx2 administration, and to some extent Trx1, attenuated part of the neuronal damage associated with a perinatal hypoxic/ischemic damage, such as glutamate excitotoxicity, axonal integrity, and astrogliosis. Moreover, these treatments also prevented some of the consequences of the induced neural injury, such as the delay of neurobehavioral development. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating neuroprotective effects of recombinant Trx proteins on the outcome of neonatal hypoxia/ischemia, implying clinical potential as neuroprotective agents that might counteract neonatal hypoxia/ischemia injury

Deliverable D4.4-3, Report detailing Multimetric fish-based indices sensitivity to anthropogenic and natural pressures, and to metrics’ variation range

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) aims at achieving good ecological status (GES) for surface water bodies throughout Europe, by 2015. Consequently European countries are currently developing and intercalibrating methods based on biological, hydromorphological and physico-chemical quality elements for the assessment of their transitional waters, including fishes. The present work focuses on the response of fish indicators and indices to anthropogenic pressures and natural factors. For doing that, datasets from the Basque and Portuguese estuaries, in the North East Atlantic, have been used. Hence, biological data from fish (and in some cases, crustaceans), together with different types of pressure (population, industry, ports, dredging, global pressures, pollution, channeling, etc.) and hydromorphological data (flow, estuary volume, depth, intertidal surface, residence time, etc.) have been analyzed. Together with fish assemblages composition and individual metrics (richness, trophic composition, etc.), two fish indices (Basque AFI and Portuguese EFAI) have been investigated. Additionally, the response of five fish indices (AFI, EFAI, ELFI, TFCI, Z-EBI) were tested on a common dataset, within Portuguese estuaries, to check the time lag in the metrics’ response to different human pressures and the variability in the strength of responses to those pressures. This work also focuses on the sensitivity analysis of two European fish-based indices (French ELFI and British TFCI) to changes in their respective metric scores through their observed dynamic range. Sensitivity analyses were run simulating different scenarios of metric score changes, taking into consideration the relationship between metrics. This allowed the metrics with stronger influence in the index score and the resulting water body classification to be highlighted. Importantly, the identification of the most influential metrics could help to guide management efforts in terms of achieving GES by 2015. In general, the fish metrics and indices tested responded to anthropogenic pressures in the Atlantic estuarine sites, yet at the individual metrics level environmental chemical quality was the main driver for observed differences. Also, some metrics did not respond to pressures as expected, which is most likely related to sampling gear efficiency, namely the low capture efficiency of diadromous species with beam trawl. The cause-effect relationship study emphasized that fish-based indices developed to assess the water quality of estuarine systems did not detect all the pressures with the same sensitivity in terms of strength and time-lag, and gave more importance to some pressures, namely chemical pollution. The fish-based indices developed to assess the water quality of estuarine systems do not allow the individualization of pressure effects, which may constitute a problem to put forward the correct specific measures for management and rehabilitation of estuaries. On the other hand, some indices also do not seem relevant, in a short time, to detect changes of the ecological quality which may constitute a handicap for management or an indication for their restructuring. The sensitivity analysis indicates that a number of estuarine resident taxa, a number of estuarine-dependent marine taxa, a number of benthic invertebrate feeding taxa and a number of piscivorous taxa have the greatest influence on the TFCI classification. For the French index ELFI, the most influential metrics are mainly DT (total density) and DB (density of benthic species), followed by RT (total richness). These results suggest a high sensitivity of the quality indication provided by these indices on richness related aspects of the fish assemblages. Management should therefore prioritize efforts to conserve or restore estuarine attributes underpinning abundance and ecological diversity, for example the diversity of fish habitats, food resources and shelter or the hydrological integration between coastal and transitional waters.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cervical cancer screening coverage in a high-incidence region

OBJECTIVE To analyze the coverage of a cervical cancer screening program in a city with a high incidence of the disease in addition to the factors associated with non-adherence to the current preventive program.METHODS A cross-sectional study based on household surveys was conducted. The sample was composed of women between 25 and 59 years of age of the city of Boa Vista, RR, Northern Brazil who were covered by the cervical cancer screening program. The cluster sampling method was used. The dependent variable was participation in a women’s health program, defined as undergoing at least one Pap smear in the 36 months prior to the interview; the explanatory variables were extracted from individual data. A generalized linear model was used.RESULTS 603 women were analyzed, with an mean age of 38.2 years (SD = 10.2). Five hundred and seventeen women underwent the screening test, and the prevalence of adherence in the last three years was up to 85.7% (95%CI 82.5;88.5). A high per capita household income and recent medical consultation were associated with the lower rate of not being tested in multivariate analysis. Disease ignorance, causes, and prevention methods were correlated with chances of non-adherence to the screening system; 20.0% of the women were reported to have undergone opportunistic and non-routine screening.CONCLUSIONS The informed level of coverage is high, exceeding the level recommended for the control of cervical cancer. The preventive program appears to be opportunistic in nature, particularly for the most vulnerable women (with low income and little information on the disease). Studies on the diagnostic quality of cervicovaginal cytology and therapeutic schedules for positive cases are necessary for understanding the barriers to the control of cervical cancer.OBJETIVO Analisar a cobertura do programa de rastreamento do câncer do colo uterino em município com alta incidência da doença e os fatores relacionados à não adesão ao programa preventivo vigente.MÉTODOS Foi realizado estudo transversal, com base em inquérito domiciliar. A amostra foi composta por mulheres entre 25 e 59 anos de idade do município de Boa vista, RR, Brasil, com cobertura pelo programa de rastreamento do câncer do colo uterino. Foi utilizado o método de amostragem por conglomerado. A variável dependente foi a adesão ao programa de saúde da mulher, definida como a realização de pelo menos um teste de Papanicolaou nos 36 meses anteriores à data da entrevista; as variáveis explicativas foram extraídas a partir de informações individuais. Foi utilizado modelo linear generalizado.RESULTADOS Foram analisadas 603 mulheres, com idade média de 38,2 anos (DP = 10,2). Quinhentas e dezessete mulheres realizaram o exame, sendo a prevalência de realização, nos últimos três anos, de 85,7% (IC95% 82,5;88,5). Renda familiar per capita elevada e consulta médica recente associaram-se à menor taxa de não realização do exame na análise multivariada. O desconhecimento da doença, das causas e dos meios de prevenção correlacionou-se com a chance de não adesão ao rastreamento. Vinte por cento das mulheres relataram realização do exame em caráter oportunístico, e não rotineiro.CONCLUSÕES A cobertura informada é elevada, acima do recomendado para controle do câncer do colo uterino. O programa preventivo apresenta caráter oportunístico, sobretudo para as mulheres mais vulneráveis (com baixa renda e pouca informação sobre a doença). Estudos sobre a qualidade diagnóstica da citologia cervicovaginal e dos itinerários terapêuticos dos casos positivos são necessários para compreensão das barreiras para o controle do câncer do colo uterino