Study about attitudes, perceptions and knowledge regarding edible insects in Portugal

Os insetos têm sido apontados como uma fonte alternativa e mais sustentável de proteína animal, que pode ajudar a alimentar a crescente população mundial. Devido à menor pegada e impacto ambiental, a substituição parcial da proteína animal por insetos pode contribuir para a preservação do meio ambiente e dos ecossistemas naturais. No entanto, o consumo de insetos comestíveis, embora culturalmente aceite em algumas comunidades, não é prontamente aceite noutras. Assim, este trabalho investigou o conhecimento, atitudes, hábitos de consumo e grau de aceitabilidade de insetos ou produtos derivados entre consumidores portugueses. Este estudo foi baseado numa pesquisa por questionário, realizada numa amostra de 213 participantes. Os resultados mostraram que os portugueses tendem a ter perceções corretas sobre as questões de sustentabilidade relacionadas com a utilização de insetos como alternativa a carnes convencionais. No entanto, o grau de conhecimento sobre o valor nutritivo dos insetos e possíveis efeitos na saúde é baixo. Entre os indivíduos pesquisados, apenas uma pequena percentagem indicou já ter comido insetos, consumidos maioritariamente no estrangeiro, por iniciativa própria, seja em restaurantes ou em festas/eventos sociais. Não surpreendentemente, observou-se que há uma maior relutância em consumir insetos inteiros do que em ingeri-los como ingredientes utilizados em preparações alimentares. Assim, em conclusão, a investigação revelou que os portugueses ainda apresentam alguma resistência para aderir ao consumo de insetos como alternativa a outros produtos cárneos, mas não se descarta que o mercado de produtos à base de insetos possa ser uma forma de ultrapassar a neofobia associada a este tipo de alimentos num país tradicionalmente não comedor de insetos.Insects have been pointed out as an alternative and more sustainable source of animal protein that might help feed the growing world population. Because of the lower footprint and environmental impact, replacing partly the animal protein by insects can contribute to the preservation of the environment and natural ecosystems. However, the consumption of edible insects, although culturally accepted for some communities, is not readily accepted for others. Hence this work investigated the knowledge, attitudes, consumption habits, and degree of acceptability of edible insects or derived products among Portuguese consumers. This study was based on a questionnaire survey undertaken on a sample of 213 participants. The results showed that the Portuguese tend to have correct perceptions about the sustainability issues related to the utilization of edible insects as an alternative to conventional meats. Nevertheless, the degree of knowledge about the nutritive value of insects and possible health effects is low. Among the individuals surveyed, only a small percentage indicated they had already eaten insects, consumed mostly abroad, by self-initiative, and either in restaurants or at parties/social events. Not surprisingly, it was observed that there is a higher reluctance to consume whole insects than to ingest them as ingredients used in food preparations. So, in conclusion, the research revealed that the Portuguese still present some resistance to adhere to the consumption of insects as an alternative to other meat products, but it is not discarded that the market of insect based products can be a way to surpass the neophobia associated with this type of food on a traditionally non-insect-eating country.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Expanding the potential of self-assembled silk fibroin as aerogel particles for tissue regeneration

A newly produced silk fibroin (SF) aerogel particulate system using a supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2)-assisted drying technology is herein proposed for biomedical applications. Different concentrations of silk fibroin (3%, 5%, and 7% (w/v)) were explored to investigate the potential of this technology to produce size- and porosity-controlled particles. Laser diffraction, helium pycnometry, nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy were performed to characterize the physicochemical properties of the material. The enzymatic degradation profile of the SF aerogel particles was evaluated by immersion in protease XIV solution, and the biological properties by cell viability and cell proliferation assays. The obtained aerogel particles were mesoporous with high and concentration dependent specific surface area (203–326 m2/g). They displayed significant antioxidant activity and sustained degradation in the presence of protease XIV enzyme. The in vitro assessment using human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) confirm the particles’ biocompatibility, as well as the enhancement in cell viability and proliferation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Antiparasitic Activity of Natural and Semi-Synthetic Tirucallane Triterpenoids from Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae): Structure/Activity Relationships

Leishmaniasis and Chagas are diseases caused by parasitic protozoans that affect the poorest population in the World, causing a high mortality and morbidity. As a result of highly toxic and long-term treatments, the discovery of novel, safe and more efficacious drugs is essential. in this work, the in vitro antiparasitic activity and mammalian cytotoxicity of three natural tirucallane triterpenoids, isolated from leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae), and nine semi-synthetic derivatives were investigated against Leishmania (L.) infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi. Trypomastigotes of T. cruzi were the most susceptible parasites and seven compounds demonstrated a trypanocidal activity with IC50 values in the range between 15 and 58 mu g/mL. Four compounds demonstrated selectivity towards the intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania, with IC50 values in the range between 28 and 97 mu g/mL. the complete characterization of triterpenoids was afforded after thorough analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data as well as electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Additionally, structure-activity relationships were performed using Decision Trees.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Inst Ciencias Ambientais Quim & Farmaceut, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilAdolfo Lutz Inst, Ctr Parasitol, BR-01246902 São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Paraiba, Ctr Ciencias Aplicadas & Educ, BR-58297000 Rio Tinto, BrazilUniv Fed Uberlandia, Inst Quim, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Inst Ciencias Ambientais Quim & Farmaceut, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilCNPq: 300546/2012-2CNPq: 471458/2012-0FAPESP: 2011/51739-0FAPESP: 2012/18756-1FAPESP: 2013/16320-4Web of Scienc

Insights into the cultured bacterial fraction of corals

Bacteria associated with coral hosts are diverse and abundant, with recent studies suggesting involvement of these symbionts in host resilience to anthropogenic stress. Despite their putative importance, the work dedicated to culturing coral-associated bacteria has received little attention. Combining published and unpublished data, here we report a comprehensive overview of the diversity and function of culturable bacteria isolated from corals originating from tropical, temperate, and cold-water habitats. A total of 3,055 isolates from 52 studies were considered by our metasurvey. Of these, 1,045 had full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences, spanning 138 formally described and 12 putatively novel bacterial genera across the Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria phyla. We performed comparative genomic analysis using the available genomes of 74 strains and identified potential signatures of beneficial bacterium-coral symbioses among the strains. Our analysis revealed \u3e 400 biosynthetic gene clusters that underlie the biosynthesis of antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and other secondary metabolites. Moreover, we uncovered genomic features-not previously described for coral-bacterium symbioses-potentially involved in host colonization and host-symbiont recognition, antiviral defense mechanisms, and/or integrated metabolic interactions, which we suggest as novel targets for the screening of coral probiotics. Our results highlight the importance of bacterial cultures to elucidate coral holobiont functioning and guide the selection of probiotic candidates to promote coral resilience and improve holistic and customized reef restoration and rehabilitation efforts

An shRNA-Based Screen of Splicing Regulators Identifies SFRS3 as a Negative Regulator of IL-1β Secretion

The generation of diversity and plasticity of transcriptional programs are key components of effective vertebrate immune responses. The role of Alternative Splicing has been recognized, but it is underappreciated and poorly understood as a critical mechanism for the regulation and fine-tuning of physiological immune responses. Here we report the generation of loss-of-function phenotypes for a large collection of genes known or predicted to be involved in the splicing reaction and the identification of 19 novel regulators of IL-1β secretion in response to E. coli challenge of THP-1 cells. Twelve of these genes are required for IL-1β secretion, while seven are negative regulators of this process. Silencing of SFRS3 increased IL-1β secretion due to elevation of IL-1β and caspase-1 mRNA in addition to active caspase-1 levels. This study points to the relevance of splicing in the regulation of auto-inflammatory diseases

Investigation of the Level of Knowledge in Different Countries about Edible Insects: Cluster Segmentation

This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge about edible insects (EIs) in a sample of people from thirteen countries (Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey). Data collection was based on a questionnaire survey applied through online tools between July and November 2021. For data analysis, techniques such as factor analysis, cluster analysis, and chi-square tests were used, with a significance level of 5%. A total of 27 items were used to measure knowledge on a five-point Likert scale. Applying factor analysis with principal components and Varimax rotation, a solution that explains about 55% of variance was obtained. This accounts for four factors that retained 22 of the 27 initial items: F1 = Sustainability (8 items), F2 = Nutrition (8 items), F3 = Production Factors (2 items), and F4 = Health Concerns (4 items). Internal consistency was evaluated through Cronbach’s alpha. The cluster analysis consisted of the application of hierarchical methods followed by k-means and produced three clusters (1—‘fearful’, 2—‘farming,’ and 3—‘ecological’ individuals). The characterisation of the clusters revealed that age did not influence cluster membership, while sex, education, country, living environment, professional area, and income all influenced the composition of the clusters. While participants from Mexico and Spain were fewer in the ‘fearful’ cluster, in those from Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, and Turkey, the situation was opposed. Participants from rural areas were mostly in cluster 2, which also included a higher percentage of participants with lower income. Participants from professional areas linked with biology, food, and nutrition were mostly in cluster 3. In this way, we concluded that the level of knowledge about EIs is highly variable according to the individual characteristics, namely that the social and cultural influences of the different countries lead to distinct levels of knowledge and interpretation of information, thus producing divergent approaches to the consumption of insects—some more reluctant and measuring possible risks. In contrast, others consider EIs a good and sustainable protein-food alternative.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Investigation of the level of knowledge in different countries about edible insects : cluster segmentation

This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge about edible insects (EIs) in a sample of people from thirteen countries (Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey). Data collection was based on a questionnaire survey applied through online tools between July and November 2021. For data analysis, techniques such as factor analysis, cluster analysis, and chi-square tests were used, with a significance level of 5%. A total of 27 items were used to measure knowledge on a five-point Likert scale. Applying factor analysis with principal components and Varimax rotation, a solution that explains about 55% of variance was obtained. This accounts for four factors that retained 22 of the 27 initial items: F1 = Sustainability (8 items), F2 = Nutrition (8 items), F3 = Production Factors (2 items), and F4 = Health Concerns (4 items). Internal consistency was evaluated through Cronbach’s alpha. The cluster analysis consisted of the application of hierarchical methods followed by k-means and produced three clusters (1—‘fearful’, 2—‘farming,’ and 3—‘ecological’ individuals). The characterisation of the clusters revealed that age did not influence cluster membership, while sex, education, country, living environment, professional area, and income all influenced the composition of the clusters. While participants from Mexico and Spain were fewer in the ‘fearful’ cluster, in those from Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, and Turkey, the situation was opposed. Participants from rural areas were mostly in cluster 2, which also included a higher percentage of participants with lower income. Participants from professional areas linked with biology, food, and nutrition were mostly in cluster 3. In this way, we concluded that the level of knowledge about EIs is highly variable according to the individual characteristics, namely that the social and cultural influences of the different countries lead to distinct levels of knowledge and interpretation of information, thus producing divergent approaches to the consumption of insects—some more reluctant and measuring possible risks. In contrast, others consider EIs a good and sustainable protein-food alternative.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time and attempts to address it require a clear understanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space. While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes, vast areas of the tropics remain understudied. In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world's most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity, but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepresented in biodiversity databases. To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications may eliminate pieces of the Amazon's biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological communities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge, it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple organism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region's vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most neglected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lost

A novel case of human visceral leishmaniasis from the urban area of the city of Rio de Janeiro: autochthonous or imported from Spain ?

Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, 10ª Enfermaria. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, 10ª Enfermaria. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, 10ª Enfermaria. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, 10ª Enfermaria. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, 10ª Enfermaria. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, 10ª Enfermaria. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, 10ª Enfermaria. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, 10ª Enfermaria. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, 10ª Enfermaria. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle. Serviço de Anatomia Patológica. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas. Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica e Vigilância em Leishmanioses. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas. Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica e Vigilância em Leishmanioses. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas. Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica e Vigilância em Leishmanioses. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas. Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica e Vigilância em Leishmanioses. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas. Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica e Vigilância em Leishmanioses. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas. Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica e Vigilância em Leishmanioses. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

The Genomic Ancestry of Individuals from Different Geographical Regions of Brazil Is More Uniform Than Expected

Based on pre-DNA racial/color methodology, clinical and pharmacological trials have traditionally considered the different geographical regions of Brazil as being very heterogeneous. We wished to ascertain how such diversity of regional color categories correlated with ancestry. Using a panel of 40 validated ancestry-informative insertion-deletion DNA polymorphisms we estimated individually the European, African and Amerindian ancestry components of 934 self-categorized White, Brown or Black Brazilians from the four most populous regions of the Country. We unraveled great ancestral diversity between and within the different regions. Especially, color categories in the northern part of Brazil diverged significantly in their ancestry proportions from their counterparts in the southern part of the Country, indicating that diverse regional semantics were being used in the self-classification as White, Brown or Black. To circumvent these regional subjective differences in color perception, we estimated the general ancestry proportions of each of the four regions in a form independent of color considerations. For that, we multiplied the proportions of a given ancestry in a given color category by the official census information about the proportion of that color category in the specific region, to arrive at a “total ancestry” estimate. Once such a calculation was performed, there emerged a much higher level of uniformity than previously expected. In all regions studied, the European ancestry was predominant, with proportions ranging from 60.6% in the Northeast to 77.7% in the South. We propose that the immigration of six million Europeans to Brazil in the 19th and 20th centuries - a phenomenon described and intended as the “whitening of Brazil” - is in large part responsible for dissipating previous ancestry dissimilarities that reflected region-specific population histories. These findings, of both clinical and sociological importance for Brazil, should also be relevant to other countries with ancestrally admixed populations