2,249 research outputs found
Todo in Brazilian Portuguese: all or every or neither?
Todo-sentences in BP are a challenge to current views on the behavior of quantifiers like all. Todo selects not only plural and singular definite descriptions, but also noun phrases for its restriction, and it occurs with both distributive and collective predicates. Our thesis is that it is a distributive universal quantifier, which operates both over its nominal argument and over its predicate, being able to quantify over partitions of both its restriction and its nuclear scope
Modulation of fatty acid profile in nannochloropsis oculata adaptation to temperature stress
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Can growth of nannochloropsis oculata under modulated stress enhance its lipid-associated biological properties?
Nannochloropsis oculata is well-recognized as a potential microalgal source of valuable compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The content and profile of these lipids is highly dependent on the growth conditions and can, therefore, be tailored through modulation of the growth parameters, specifically, temperature. Moreover, biological activities are composition dependent. In the present work, lipid extracts obtained from N. oculata, grown under constant temperature and under modulated temperature stress (to increase EPA content; Str) were characterized by GC-FID and several bioactivities were evaluated, namely, antioxidant (L-ORACFL), cytotoxic (MTT), adipolytic, anti-hepatic lipid accumulation (steatosis), and anti-inflammatory properties. Both extracts exhibited antioxidant activity (c.a. 49 µmol Troloxequivalent/mgextract) and the absence of toxicity (up to 800 µg/mL) toward colon and hepatic cells, adipocytes, and macrophages. They also induced adipolysis and the inhibition of triglycerides hepatic accumulation, with a higher impact from Str. In addition, anti-inflammatory activity was observed in the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation of macrophages in the presence of either extract, since lower levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 and interferon-β were obtained, specifically by Str. The results presented herein revealed that modulated temperature stress may enhance the health effects of N. oculata lipid extracts, which may be safely utilized to formulate novel food products.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Proteolysis in model portuguese cheeses: Effects of rennet and starter culture
To shed further light onto the mechanisms of proteolysis that prevail throughout ripening of Portuguese cheeses, model cheeses were
manufactured from bovine milk, following as much as possible traditional manufacture practices – using either animal or plant rennet. The individual role upon proteolysis of two (wild) strains of lactic acid bacteria – viz. Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus brevis, which are normally found to high viable numbers in said cheeses, was also considered, either as single or mixed cultures. Our experimental
results confirmed the influence of rennet on the proteolysis extent, but not on proteolysis depth. On the other hand, the aforementioned strains clearly improved release of medium- and small-sized peptides, and contributed as well to the free amino acid pool in cheese
Sleep and Academic Performance in Undergraduates: A Multi-measure, Multi-predictor Approach
The present study examined the associations of sleep patterns with multiple measures of academic achievement of undergraduate university students and tested whether sleep variables emerged as significant predictors of subsequent academic performance when other potential predictors, such as class attendance, time devoted to study, and substance use are considered. A sample of 1654 (55% female) full-time undergraduates 17 to 25 yrs of age responded to a self-response questionnaire on sleep, academics, lifestyle, and well-being that was administered at the middle of the semester. In addition to self-reported measures of academic performance, a final grade for each student was collected at the end of the semester. Univariate analyses found that sleep phase, morningness/eveningness preference, sleep deprivation, sleep quality, and sleep irregularity were significantly associated with at least two academic performance measures. Among 15 potential predictors, stepwise multiple regression analysis identified 5 significant predictors of end-of-semester marks: previous academic achievement, class attendance, sufficient sleep, night outings, and sleep quality (R(2)=0.14 and adjusted R(2)=0.14, F(5, 1234)= 40.99, p < .0001). Associations between academic achievement and the remaining sleep variables as well as the academic, well-being, and lifestyle variables lost significance in stepwise regression. Together with class attendance, night outings, and previous academic achievement, self-reported sleep quality and self-reported frequency of sufficient sleep were among the main predictors of academic performance, adding an independent and significant contribution, regardless of academic variables and lifestyles of the students
Differences in chemical composition and antioxidant activity of three propolis samples collected in the same apiary
Financial support provided by FCT (PD/BD/128276/2017), under the Doctoral
Programme Agrichains - PD/00122/2012
Introdução à mesa-redonda sobre fisiopatologia da obesidade
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Manufacturing of fermented goat milk with a mixed starter culture of Bifidobacterium animalis and Lactobacillus acidophilus in a controlled bioreactor
Aims: This work was undertaken to study the feasibility and the characteristics
of a fermented product made of goat milk, using a mixed starter culture of Bifidobacterium
animalis and Lactobacillus acidophilus under controlled conditions,
and to determine their survival in the fermented milk during refrigerated storage.
Methods and Results: Goat milk was inoculated with Lact. acidophilus and Bif.
animalis mixed starter, fermented in a glass bioreactor with controlled temperature
(37 C) and anaerobiosis, and monitored for growth and acidification.
The fermented milk was then stored for 10 days under refrigeration, and monitored
daily for starter microflora survival and pH changes. Lact. acidophilus
viable counts reached a maximum of 7Æ1 · 108 colony-forming units
(CFU) ml)1, and Bif. animalis a maximum of 6Æ3 · 107 CFU ml)1 by 20 h of
fermentation. During refrigerated storage, both strains exhibited a good survival,
with viable numbers remaining essentially constant throughout the experiment,
whereas the pH of the fermented milk dropped slightly.
Conclusions: Mixed cultures of Bif. animalis and Lact. acidophilus may be used
to produce fermented goat milk with high counts of both probiotic strains.
Significance and Impact of the Study: Goat milk fermented with Bif. animalis
and Lact. acidophilus can be manufactured as an alternative probiotic dairy
product
Survival of probiotic microbial strains in a cheese matrix during ripening: Simulation of rates of salt diffusion and microorganism survival
The growth and survival behaviours of Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus in a semi-hard Gouda cheese at various axial locations during 9 wk of ripening at 13 °C were assessed using non-linear regression analysis. The final average salt levels ranged in 2–4%(w/w). Viable numbers of both probiotic strains underwent a slow decline during the first 3 wk followed by a sharper decrease towards the end of ripening; such decrease was more substantial for the outer than for the inner cheese portions. Salt transport was successfully described by Fick's second law of diffusion, and the cheese was considered as a finite slab for modelling purposes. Salt diffusivity remained constant with time and was estimated to be 0.2 cm2/day. Theoretical salt concentration profiles were in good agreement with experimental data. The mathematical models postulated and fitted to the microbial viability data encompassed both a linear relationship between specific death rate and salt concentration and a constant death rate, following a methodology of increasing model complexity. Decision on the better model was taken based on a F-test of the ratio of incremental sum of squares of residuals to sum of squares of residuals of the more complex model, and it was concluded that viability of the probiotic strains was better described by a first order process independent of local salt concentration. Prediction of profiles of viable numbers of B. lactis and L. acidophilus in cheese with respect to both ripening time and axial location for several overall salt concentrations is useful in attempts to predict potential viability by the time of consumption
O4 - Exploring the biological properties and regenerative potential of biomaterials using cell culture models
Life expectancy has improved signifcantly and, along with the declining birthrate, has contributed to the aging of populations, especially in industrialized countries. Alas, aging is intrinsically associated with the incidence of health problems including bone and tooth loss that require suitable solutions to support the quality of life. To meet these demands, signifcant research eforts have been undertaken to develop novel biomaterials, both orthopedic and dental implants. The feld of biomaterials for bone tissue engineering is increasingly evolving. The most recent generations of biomaterials have increasingly more activity and interaction with the biological environment and stimulate the regeneration of functional tissue. Natural polymers and compounds have been combined with each other to improve workability and are strategically integrated with ceramics or bioactive glasses to reinforce the structure of the fnal system, thus producing composites with a better mechanical performance. Our research group has been focused on the biological characterization of diferent added-value materials and composites, namely by evaluating their antimicrobial, biocompatibility, and regenerative properties. Some of our recent work results allowed us to conclude that marine fungal extracts, as well as sol–gel-derived bioactive glass nanoparticles, have inhibitory efects on the growth of C. albicans and E. faecalis (main pathogens in persistent root canal infections). Additionally, we have characterized cuttlefsh bone powders for endodontic applications. We are also committed to developing strategies for monitoring cell response to these biomaterials at the molecular level that could be used to follow infammation and osteoconduction.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
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