BLENDS FOR AN ALTERNATIVE TO DARK CHOCOLATE: APPROACH WITH SENSORY PANEL AND CONSUMERS

O chocolate é um produto muito apreciado por suas características sensoriais. No que diz respeito a saúde, é uma parte amarga que tem maior benefício devido a um evento que apresenta naturalmente não cacau. No entanto, o chocolate com alto teor de cacau sólido tem características predominantes como alto gosto amargo residual e maior dureza, afetando diretamente a aceitabilidade do consumidor. O objetivo deste estudo foi substituir o chocolate amargo tradicional por blends contendo as combinações de cacau mais baixas (27%), igual (35%) e superior (47%) do produto tradicional.Os chocolates foram caracterizados por seus atributos sensoriais: cor marrom, aroma e sabor da massa de cacau, sabor adocicado, gosto amargo residual, dureza, espalhabilidade e adesividade por meio de uma nova técnica descritiva, o Perfil Descritivo Otimizado. A capacidade de ser avaliada por 120 coroas utilizando uma escala hedônica de nove pontos. Os resultados foram por análise de componentes principais, teste de Dunnet e Mapa de Preferências. As misturas “igual” e “superior” diferiram do controle para todos os atributos relacionados à textura e foram mais aceitas que a apresentação comercial, onde se destacam as características da textura do chocolate com os atributos que definiram aceitabilidade.Uma tecnologia de mistura mostrou-se para melhorar a aceitabilidade de chocolates com maior teor de cacau

PROTÓTIPO DE SOLDA PONTO

O trabalho em questão consiste em desenvolver uma máquina de solda ponto (inventada em 1877 peloengenheiro elétrico e instrumentista inventor inglês Elihu Thomson), sendo ela um exemplo dos diversos tiposde máquina de solda. Conhecida também como ponto de resistência, tem a função de criar um ponto de uniãopermanente, a partir de uma corrente elétrica passando entre os metais (geralmente chapas finas ou fiosmetálicos) que estão em contato entre si e a máquina, unindo-os pelo calor gerado e pressão adicionada. Vistoque o processo de união de chapas mais predominante na indústria automobilística é o de resistência elétrica, emvirtude de seu fácil controle e qualidade. O objetivo do projeto é difundir a função de seus componentes, comoeste sistema funciona (sendo capaz de derreter, fundindo assim, metais como chapas de aço e ligas de alumínio),créditos e deméritos. Para a conclusão do trabalho serão adotados passos como: o estudo baseado em artigos;pesquisa de preços e compra dos materiais (transformador de alta tensão 110/220v de microondas, Cooler110/220v, tábuas de madeira, fio de cobre revestido (50 mm), duas ponteiras de tungstênio, etc) a seremutilizados; elaboração de uma planta do protótipo em vista ortogonal para pré-montagem; montagem e testes damáquina; finalização e publicação do trabalho. O orçamento estimado varia entre 350 a 400 reais para amontagem completa do protótipo. A solda ponto é muito utilizada no setor ferroviário, em aplicaçõesaeroespaciais e na indústria automobilística (cobre cerca de 85% do mercado global de soldagem a ponto). Optarpelo uso da solda ponto traz diversas vantagens devido à alta tendência de construção leve – menos massa leva aum menor consumo de energia e emissões de CO2 – , a alta velocidade e a facilidade de automação com grandetaxa de produção; em vários métodos é um processo econômico, devido a ser mais rápido do que os processos aarco elétrico e com maçarico. Pretende-se, com o protótipo de solda ponto, colocar em prática os conteúdoslecionados no curso de eletromecânica do Instituto Federal Catarinense (Campus Blumenau), desenvolvendo umcircuito seguro e de uso prático

Peginterferon still has a place in the treatment of hepatitis C caused by genotype 3 virus

Despite recent advances in therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC), the disease caused by genotype 3 virus (GEN3) is still considered a treatment challenge in certain patient subgroups. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the peginterferon (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) combination treatment for GEN3/CHC patients, and to evaluate sustained virological response (SVR) indicators and early treatment interruption due to serious adverse events (SAE). This was a retrospective observational study of GEN3/CHC patients, co-infected or not by HIV and treated with Peg-IFN/RBV in nine Brazilian healthcare centers. The study sample included 184 GEN3/CHC patients70 (38%) were co-infected with HIV. The overall SVR rate was 57.1% (95% CI 50-64). Among co-infected and mono-infected patients, the SVR rate was 51.4% (36/70) and 60.5% (69/114), respectively (p=0.241). Thirty-four (18.5%) patients experienced SAE and interrupted treatment. SVR was negatively associated with the use of Peg-IFN alpha 2b (PR 0.7595% CI 0.58-0.99p=0.045) and to early treatment interruption due to SAE (PR 0.3695% CI 0.20-0.68p=0.001). Early treatment interruption due to SAE was associated with age (PR 1.0695% CI 1.02-1.10p<0.001) and occurrence of liver cirrhosis (PR 2.0695% CI 1.11-3.83p=0.022). In conclusion, Peg-IFN/RBV might represent an adequate treatment option, mainly in young patients without advanced liver disease or when the use of direct-action drugs is limited to specific patient groups.Univ Sul Santa Catarina, Fac Med, Dept Ciencias Biol & Saude & Ciencias Sociais Apl, Disciplina Doencas Infecciosas, Av Pedra Branca 25, BR-88137270 Palhoca, SC, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Disciplina Infectol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Div Gastroenterol & Hepatol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Estado Rio de Janeiro, Dept Clin Med, Disciplina Gastroenterol, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Espirito Santo, Serv Infectol, Vitoria, ES, SpainUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Div Gastroenterol, Ribeirao Preto, SP, BrazilInst Infectol Emilio Ribas, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Doencas Infecciosas & Parasitarias, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilSecretaria Estadual Saude, Unidade Mista Saude, Unimista 508 509, Brasilia, DF, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo, Lab Virol, LIM 52, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Disciplina Infectol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Electromyography in muscle activation lumbar region in a comparison between manual therapy and photobiomodulation associated with kinesiotherapy in individuals with low back pain

Introduction: About 10 million people have low back pain (LBP) disability in Brazil, and several therapies are used to treat this condition, such as kinesiotherapy, manual therapy (MT) and photobiomodulation-PBM. Although studies have investigated the use of these methods in LBP, research seeking to evaluate the efficacy of the association between techniques is still needed. Objective: To evaluate the activation of the muscles lumbar region with the influence of PBM and MT associated with kinesiotherapy in the treatment of LBP. Methods: Twenty individuals with chronic LBP were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (MT) received vertebral mobilization associated with a kinesiotherapy exercise program, while the second group (830nm-PBM) received PBM associated with the exercise program, twice a week for 8 weeks. It was performed an evaluation of pain perceived by the visual analogic scale (VAS), lumbar disability by the Oswestry questionnaire, muscle strength by strain gauge and activation through surface electromyography, before and after the treatment protocol. EMG data analysis was performed by MatLab® software. The ANOVA two-way test was used (degree of significance p≤0.05), and the effects size by Hedge test. Results: Considering pain, the two groups presented a significant result (p<0.05). In muscle activation only the multifidus obtained different during side bridge (p<0.05) when compared intragroups. But none of the variables were different when evaluating intergroups. Conclusion: Both MT and PBM associated with kinesiotherapy for 8 weeks are effective in reducing pain, improving motor control and stability of the lumbar spine in patients with chronic LBP

Post-intervention Status in Patients With Refractory Myasthenia Gravis Treated With Eculizumab During REGAIN and Its Open-Label Extension

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether eculizumab helps patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor-positive (AChR+) refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) achieve the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) post-intervention status of minimal manifestations (MM), we assessed patients' status throughout REGAIN (Safety and Efficacy of Eculizumab in AChR+ Refractory Generalized Myasthenia Gravis) and its open-label extension. METHODS: Patients who completed the REGAIN randomized controlled trial and continued into the open-label extension were included in this tertiary endpoint analysis. Patients were assessed for the MGFA post-intervention status of improved, unchanged, worse, MM, and pharmacologic remission at defined time points during REGAIN and through week 130 of the open-label study. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients completed REGAIN and continued into the open-label study (eculizumab/eculizumab: 56; placebo/eculizumab: 61). At week 26 of REGAIN, more eculizumab-treated patients than placebo-treated patients achieved a status of improved (60.7% vs 41.7%) or MM (25.0% vs 13.3%; common OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-4.5). After 130 weeks of eculizumab treatment, 88.0% of patients achieved improved status and 57.3% of patients achieved MM status. The safety profile of eculizumab was consistent with its known profile and no new safety signals were detected. CONCLUSION: Eculizumab led to rapid and sustained achievement of MM in patients with AChR+ refractory gMG. These findings support the use of eculizumab in this previously difficult-to-treat patient population. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: REGAIN, NCT01997229; REGAIN open-label extension, NCT02301624. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that, after 26 weeks of eculizumab treatment, 25.0% of adults with AChR+ refractory gMG achieved MM, compared with 13.3% who received placebo

Minimal Symptom Expression' in Patients With Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody-Positive Refractory Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Treated With Eculizumab

The efficacy and tolerability of eculizumab were assessed in REGAIN, a 26-week, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR+) refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), and its open-label extension

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure &lt;= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

Evaluation of blood pressure in feline night monkeys (Aotus azarae infulatus) under different restraint protocols

Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Instituto da Saúde e Produção Animal. Belém, PA, Brazil.Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Instituto da Saúde e Produção Animal. Belém, PA, Brazil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Centro Nacional de Primatas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Instituto da Saúde e Produção Animal. Belém, PA, Brazil.Universidade do Estado do Pará. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Laboratório de Cirurgia Experimental. Belém, PA,Brazil.Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Instituto da Saúde e Produção Animal. Belém, PA, Brazil.Background Feline night monkeys are very susceptible to stress when handled, and because of that, the use of anesthetic and physical restraint methods should be carefully evaluated. To ensure a safer anesthesia to the animals the present study aimed to observe the influence of four restraint protocols in the blood pressure of Aotus azarae infulatus. Methods Blood pressure was obtained from 10 animals subjected to restraining protocols using tiletamine and zolazepam, isoflurane, ketamine and midazolam, and physical restraint and results were evaluated to determine their effect on this exam. Results Among the restraint protocols tested, the anesthetic isoflurane promoted lower blood pressure values and no differences were observed between values measured in both arms in all groups. Conclusion The results of our study suggest that all restraint protocols tested significantly alter blood pressure in this species of primates

Sediment toxicity identification evaluation (TIE phases I and II) based on microscale bioassays for diagnosing causes of toxicity in coastal areas affected by domestic sewage

Domestic sewage is a major problem in highly urbanized coastal areas worldwide. In the present study, toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) phases I and II were applied to sediment interstitial water from 2 locations along the Sao Paulo coast in southeastern Brazil: the sewage outfalls from the city of Santos, a densely urbanized area, and the city of Bertioga, a less urbanized area. An adapted microscale sea urchin embryo-larval development bioassay was employed. Phase TIE-I manipulations were 1) ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) addition, 2) aeration at modified pH, 3) C18 solid-phase extraction (SPE), and 4) addition of Na2S2O3. The results of the Santos TIE-I indicated toxicity by sulfides and substances with affinity to C18 resin. In Bertioga, toxicity was the result of NH3, metals, and arsenic, as well as substances with affinity to C18 resin. Phase TIE-II aimed to specify the causes of toxicity by testing the toxicity of eluates of the sublation and C18 SPE manipulation. The results reinforced the role of both surfactants and nonpolar compounds as causative agents of toxicity in both Santos and Bertioga. Chemical analyses of sediment interstitial water or whole sediment ruled out the influence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the toxicity of both sampling sites. Other hydrophobic substances may play a role in the toxicity of Santos and Bertioga effluents. Efforts to remove such substances from sanitary effluents must be prioritized. (C) 2017 SETACConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Univ Santa Cecilia, Dept Ecotoxicol, Sao Paulo, BrazilFed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Grad Program Integrated Environm Anal, Sao Paulo, BrazilFed Univ Parana UFPR, Dept Cellular Biol, Cellular Toxicol Lab, Curitiba, Parana, BrazilSao Paulo State Univ, Lab Study Aquat Pollut & Ecotoxicol NEPEA, Sao Vicente Campus UNESP,Campus Litoral Paulista, Sao Paulo, BrazilFed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Marine Sci, Campus Baixada Santista, Sao Paulo, BrazilFed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Grad Program Integrated Environm Anal, Sao Paulo, BrazilFed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Marine Sci, Campus Baixada Santista, Sao Paulo, BrazilCNPq: 486350/2013-4CNPq: 308079/2015-9FAPESP: 2015/00030-2Web of Scienc

Data_Sheet_1_Effects of physical distancing by COVID-19 pandemic on diet quality, neurological and immunological markers, and fecal microbiota of Brazilian older women.docx

Physical distancing was used to prevent transmission of COVID-19, however there are concerns that this may promote harmful impacts on health, such as reduced levels of physical practice and changes in food intake and gut microbiota composition. This study evaluated the impacts of 6 months physical distancing on Brazilian older women upon body mass index (BMI), strength, physical activity level (IPAQ), eating habits, neurological markers (brain-derived neurotrophic factor-BDNF and cortisol), cytokines (IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-TNF-α), aging-associated markers (vascular endothelial growth factor-VEGF, insulin-like growth factor-IGF-1, klotho and thymic stromal lymphopoietin-TSLP), besides specific groups of fecal microbiota. Fifteen women, over 60 years old, residents of São Paulo state (Brazil), were evaluated in March and in September 2020. The older adult women, with a mean age 66 ± 6.2 years presented significantly increased BMI and high effect size for non-protective foods consumption, reduced light physical activity and strength 6 months following the physical distancing. Furthermore, the serum concentration of IFN-γ, IGF-1, and IFN-γ/IL-5 were significantly higher, while lower concentration of IL-2 and IL-5 were observed 6 months after the physical distancing. Significant increase was noted only to Blautia spp. abundance after 6 months of physical distancing. Several correlations were observed at both before and after physical distancing, however, interestingly, many of them were lost or inverted 6 months following, while new ones emerged. Taken together, these results showed that lifestyle changes and stress conditions addressed by physical distancing from the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the health of older women included in the present study. Therefore, future follow-up studies are essential to propose interventions in order to restore the health conditions observed before the pandemic period, and thus to maintain the quality of life of older adults in different socioeconomic contexts.</p