RESUMO
Saccharomyces yeasts are able to ferment simple sugars to generate levels of ethanol that are toxic to other yeasts and bacteria. The tolerance to ethanol of different yeasts depends also on the incubation temperature. In this study, the ethanol stress responses of S. cerevisiae and the probiotic yeast S. boulardii CNCM I-745 were evaluated at two temperatures. The growth kinetics parameters were obtained by fitting the Baranyi and Roberts model to the experimental data. The four-parameter logistic Hill equation was used to describe the ethanol tolerance of the yeasts at the temperatures of 28 and 37 °C. Adequate determination coefficients were obtained (R2 > 0.91) in all cases. S. boulardii grown at 28 °C was selected as the yeast with the best ethanol tolerance (6-8%) for use in the elaboration of functional craft beers.
Assuntos
Cerveja/microbiologia , Etanol/metabolismo , Modelos Biológicos , Probióticos , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismoRESUMO
The outcomes of HIV-infected patients requiring critical care have improved. However, in developing countries, information about HIV-infected patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) is scarce. We describe the prognosis of HIV-infected patients admitted to a Brazilian ICU and the factors predictive of short- and long-term survival. A historical cohort study, including HIV-infected patients admitted to a Brazilian ICU at an HIV/AIDS reference hospital, was conducted. Survivors were followed up for 24 months after ICU discharge. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data, disease severity scores and mortality were evaluated. Data were analysed using survival and regression models. One hundred and twenty-five patients were studied. In-ICU and in-hospital mortality rates were 46.4% and 68.0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the in-ICU mortality was significantly associated with APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II scores (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.11), mechanical ventilation (OR, 6.39; 95% CI, 1.29-31.76), tuberculosis treatment (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.03-6.71), use of antiretroviral therapy (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.05-0.77) and septic shock (OR, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.78-10.76). Septic shock was also associated with long-term survival (hazard ratio, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.31-6.90). In-hospital and in-ICU mortality were higher than those reported for developed countries. ICU admission mostly due to AIDS-related diseases may explain these differences.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/mortalidade , Adulto , Análise de Variância , Brasil/epidemiologia , Estudos de Coortes , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Humanos , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva/estatística & dados numéricos , Estimativa de Kaplan-Meier , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Razão de Chances , Análise de Regressão , Choque Séptico/mortalidade , Choque Séptico/virologia , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Protein quality in relation to the degree of fertilization of two varieties (Costa and Blanco Sinaloa) and an advanced line (Hoga L10) of chickpeas obtained from the Campo Experimental Costa de Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico from INFAP was evaluated. They were grown in similar conditions with 3 levels of nitrogen fertilization (60,120 and 200K/Ha.). Protein and non-protein nitrogen, digestibility and available lysine were analyzed. Significant differences between the varieties and the advanced line in protein and non-protein nitrogen and available lysine were found. The effect of the degree of fertilization on protein quality was significant, showing that a level ofl20KI Ha an increase is observed in protein and non-protein nitrogen and in the percent of digestibility. No significant differences were observed between 60 and 200KIHa. Available lysine was higher at the 200KIHa level. These indicators of protein quality can be used to complement commercial and agricultural aspects that are evaluated for improvement and selection of new varieties of chickpeas.
En este trabajo se evaluó la calidad proteica in-vitro en dos variedades y una línea avanzada de garbanzo, así como su relación con el grado de fertilización aplicado durante su cultivo. Se utilizaron dos variedades comerciales de garbanzo (Costa y Blanco Sinaloa) y una línea avanzada Hoga L10, sembradas en condiciones ambientales similares, con tres niveles de fertilización de nitrógeno (60, 120 y 200K/Ha.), las cuales fueron obtenidas del Campo Experimental Costa de Hermosillo, Sonora, México del INIFAP. Se llevó a cabo un análisis químico proximal, determinaciones de calidad proteica como: nitrógeno proteico y no proteico utilizando extracciones con ácido tricloroacético, digestibilidad in-vitro por el método multienzimático y lisina disponible. A excepción de digestibilidad in-vitro se observaron diferencias significativas entre las variedades y línea avanzada en: nitrógeno proteico, no proteico y lisina disponible. El efecto de la fertilización fue observado en todos las determinaciones de calidad proteica, los resultados indicaron que al aumentar el nivel de fertilización a 120K/Ha se obtiene un incremento significativo en el porcentaje de nitrógeno proteico y no proteico, así como el porcentaje de digestibilidad. Entre los niveles de 60 y 200K/Ha no se observaron diferencias significativas. La lisina disponible fue mayor en las variedades y líneas con nivel de fertilización de 200K/Ha. Estos indicadores de calidad proteica pueden complementar a los aspectos agronómicos y comerciales que son evaluados en los programas de mejoramiento, en la selección de nuevas variedades de garbanzo para su explotación comercial.
Assuntos
Cicer/química , Nitrogênio/análise , Proteínas de Plantas/análise , Proteínas Alimentares/análise , Valor NutritivoRESUMO
Spectroscopic and colorimetric analysis of a representative set of Dugès watercolor paintings was performed. These paintings were the result of scientific studies carried out by the zoologist Alfredo Dugès, who recorded the fauna of the Mexican Republic between 1853 and 1910. Micro-Raman spectroscopy, with an excitation wavelength of 830 nm, and colorimetric techniques were employed in order to understand if different colors with the same hue were reproduced using the same pigments. The color coordinates of the measured areas were obtained in the CIEL*a*b* color space. Raman analysis showed that, in some cases, to reproduce colors with the same hue the pigment employed was not the same. Pigments identified in the watercolors were vermilion, carbon-based black, lead white, gamboge and chrome yellow, Prussian and ultramarine blue. Some of these pigments have been used since ancient times, others as Prussian blue, chrome yellow and synthetic ultramarine blue arrived to the market at the beginning of the 18th and 19th centuries, respectively. Furthermore, regarding the white color, instead of left the paper unpainted, lead white was detected in the eye of a bird. The green color was obtained by mixing Prussian blue with chrome yellow. The results of this work show the suitability of using Raman spectroscopy for watercolor pigment analysis and colorimetric techniques to measure the color of small areas (246 microm x 246 microm) that was the case for the lead white pigment.
Assuntos
Corantes/análise , Pinturas , Análise Espectral Raman , Animais , Aves , CorRESUMO
Peptide secretion from rat melanotropes is tonically inhibited by a dopaminergic synaptic input that develops after birth and acts through D2 dopamine receptors. In this study, whole-cell Na(+) currents were recorded from melanotropes that were isolated from rat pituitary intermediate lobes at postnatal days 1-20 (P1-P20) and maintained in culture for 5-24 h. Coincident with the development of innervation, melanotropes exhibited a progressive decrease in peak Na(+) current density from P3 to P14. The decrease involved a 50% reduction in maximal Na(+) conductance with no detectable changes in channel gating. Subcutaneous injections of the D2 antagonist sulpiride, applied from P11 to P13, restored melanotrope Na(+) channel activity to pre-innervation levels. Thus, the activation of D2 receptors by the dopaminergic input reduces the functional expression of Na(+) channels in melanotropes.
Assuntos
Animais Recém-Nascidos/metabolismo , Dopamina/fisiologia , Hormônios Estimuladores de Melanócitos/metabolismo , Hipófise/fisiologia , Canais de Sódio/fisiologia , Envelhecimento/fisiologia , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos/genética , Células Cultivadas , Condutividade Elétrica , Hipófise/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
A combined clinical and sonographic classification of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni to be used in field-based studies is proposed herein. Seven hundred forty one individuals out of 892 (83%), living in an area endemic for schistosomiasis in Brazil, have been submitted to clinical and ultrasound examinations. Based on two stool examinations the overall prevalence for schistosomiasis in this area was 73%. Abdominal palpation was performed with patients in dorsal decubit, during deep breath, by two experienced physicians and a portable ultrasound was used for the evaluation of liver fibrosis, portal collaterals and spleen size. Four groups of individuals were identified using data obtained by abdominal palpation and ultrasound examination: (1) palpable spleen and intense periportal thickening in 9 individuals (1.2%); (2) spleen not palpable and intense periportal thickening in 15 (2%); (3) palpable spleen with light to moderate periportal thickening in 32 (4.3%), and (4) palpable spleen with a normal liver on ultrasound in 30 (4%). The definition of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in field-based studies as the finding of Schistosoma mansoni eggs in the stools in an individual with splenomegaly is not acceptable anymore. Abdominal ultrasound should be combined with clinical examination to accurately identify hepatosplenics in endemic areas for schistosomiasis.
Assuntos
Hepatopatias Parasitárias/diagnóstico , Esquistossomose mansoni/diagnóstico , Esplenopatias/diagnóstico , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Hepatopatias Parasitárias/diagnóstico por imagem , Hepatopatias Parasitárias/epidemiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Palpação , Prevalência , Esquistossomose mansoni/diagnóstico por imagem , Esquistossomose mansoni/epidemiologia , Esplenopatias/diagnóstico por imagem , Esplenopatias/epidemiologia , UltrassonografiaRESUMO
1. The effects of chronic pharmacological modulation of L-type Ca2+ channel activity on the cell surface expression of Na+ channels were examined in GH3 cells. 2. Prolonged inhibition (4-5 days) of L-channels with nimodipine caused a 50-60 % decrease in the peak amplitude of whole-cell Na+ currents recorded with the patch-clamp technique. On the contrary, prolonged exposure to the L-channel agonist Bay K 8644 induced an approximately 2.5-fold increase in peak Na+ current. In both cases, there were only minor changes in cell capacitance and no significant changes in Na+ channel gating properties. 3. Measurements of the specific binding of radiolabelled saxitoxin to intact cells showed that nimodipine treatment reduced the number of cell surface Na+ channels, whereas treatment with Bay K 8664 produced the opposite effect. The dual regulation of Na+ channel abundance explained the mentioned changes in Na+ current amplitude. 4. Plasma membrane Na+ channels had a half-life of approximately 17 h both in control cells and in cells treated with Bay K 8644, as estimated from the rate of decay of peak Na+ current after inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide. Actinomycin D, an inhibitor of gene transcription, and also cycloheximide, occluded the stimulatory effect of Bay K 8644 on Na+ current density when measured over a 24 h period. 5. These findings indicate that the entry of Ca2+ through L-type channels influences in a positive way the number of functional Na+ channels in GH3 cells, and suggest that Ca2+ influx stimulates either Na+ channel gene expression or the expression of a regulatory protein that promotes translocation of pre-assembled Na+ channels into the plasma membrane.
Assuntos
Canais de Cálcio Tipo L/fisiologia , Hipófise/metabolismo , Canais de Sódio/metabolismo , Éster Metílico do Ácido 3-Piridinacarboxílico, 1,4-Di-Hidro-2,6-Dimetil-5-Nitro-4-(2-(Trifluormetil)fenil)/farmacologia , Animais , Agonistas dos Canais de Cálcio/farmacologia , Bloqueadores dos Canais de Cálcio/farmacologia , Linhagem Celular , Cicloeximida/farmacologia , Dactinomicina/farmacologia , Eletrofisiologia , Ativação do Canal Iônico/efeitos dos fármacos , Nimodipina/farmacologia , Inibidores da Síntese de Ácido Nucleico/farmacologia , Hipófise/citologia , Inibidores da Síntese de Proteínas/farmacologia , Ratos , Saxitoxina/metabolismo , Canais de Sódio/fisiologia , Transcrição Gênica/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
1. We have examined the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel activity of rat melanotrophs during the early postnatal period. The cells were dissociated from pituitary intermediate lobes, kept in culture for 5-24 h and then subjected to whole-cell patch-clamp experiments. 2. Like their adult counterparts, neonatal melanotrophs were able to generate Na+ currents, K+ currents and Ca2+ currents in response to membrane depolarization. Ca2+ currents were carried by both low- and high-threshold Ca2+ channels. 3. High-threshold Ca2+ current density decreased sharply between postnatal day 4 (P4) and P12. This period coincides with the onset of dopaminergic innervation within the intermediate lobe. Accordingly, the developmental decrease in Ca2+ current density was largely reversed by chronic in vivo treatment with sulpiride, a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist. 4. Prolonging the time in culture from 5 h to 8 days did not significantly alter the Ca2+ channel activity of P3 melanotrophs, whereas the high-threshold Ca2+ current in previously innervated (P14) melanotrophs stayed small for the first 24 h and then increased 3-fold during the subsequent 4-5 days. This increase required RNA and protein synthesis and was prevented by adding D2 agonists to the culture medium. 5. These results provide evidence for a postnatal suppression of high-threshold Ca2+ current expression in pituitary melanotrophs mediated by presynaptic dopamine neurons through D2 dopamine receptors.
Assuntos
Canais de Cálcio/metabolismo , Hipófise/metabolismo , Receptores de Dopamina D2/metabolismo , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos , Bromocriptina/farmacologia , Canais de Cálcio/efeitos dos fármacos , Cicloeximida/farmacologia , Antagonistas de Dopamina/farmacologia , Estimulação Elétrica , Eletrofisiologia , Melanócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Melanócitos/metabolismo , Técnicas de Patch-Clamp , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Receptores de Dopamina D2/agonistas , Sulpirida/farmacologiaRESUMO
Long term incubation of pituitary tumor GH3 cultures with epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces reciprocal changes in PRL and GH production. However, it is not known whether EGF alters the cellular composition of these cultures. Another unanswered question is whether chronic treatment with EGF stimulates PRL secretion from nonneoplastic pituitary cells. In this study, GH3 cells and pituitary cells from neonatal (10-day-old) rats were cultured for 6 and 2 days, respectively, in the absence or presence of 5 nM EGF. Cells containing PRL and/or GH were then enumerated using light microscopic immunocytochemistry. In addition, neonatal pituitary cells were subjected to reverse hemolytic plaque assays for PRL. EGF treatment drastically increased the proportion of classical lactotropes (cells that secrete only PRL) in the GH3 cultures, from about 0.5% to 8% of all cells, without modifying the percentage of GH-positive cells. A similar action of EGF was observed in the primary cultures. Moreover, EGF enhanced by 240% the amount of PRL secreted from the neonatal lactotrope population during 1-h incubations under basal conditions. This effect was mediated by a selective increase in the relative number of PRL secretors forming large plaques. The results suggest that EGF promotes the differentiation of classical lactotropes in both GH3 cultures and pituitary cultures from neonatal rats, and that these cells are characterized by a high basal rate of PRL secretion.
Assuntos
Fator de Crescimento Epidérmico/farmacologia , Hipófise/citologia , Hipófise/metabolismo , Prolactina/metabolismo , Animais , Técnica de Placa Hemolítica , Imuno-Histoquímica , Masculino , Hipófise/efeitos dos fármacos , Neoplasias Hipofisárias/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hipofisárias/patologia , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Células Tumorais CultivadasRESUMO
In rat pituitary GH3 cells, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin stimulate prolactin production, whereas glucocorticoids exert the opposite effect. In the present study, GH3 cells were subjected to whole-cell patch clamp to assess the chronic actions of such regulatory factors on voltage-dependent calcium currents. Before the electrical recording, cells were grown 5-6 d either under standard conditions or in the presence of 5 nM EGF, 100 nM insulin, 1 microM dexamethasone or 5 microM cortisol. EGF induced a twofold selective increase in high-threshold calcium current density. Insulin and glucocorticoids, on the other hand, specifically regulated low-threshold Ca channels. Current density through these channels increased by 70% in insulin-treated cells, and decreased by 50% in cells exposed to dexamethasone or cortisol. Other Ca channel properties investigated (conductance-voltage curves, deactivation rates, time course and voltage dependence of low-threshold current inactivation) were unaffected by the chemical messengers. The alterations in current density persisted for many hours after removing the regulatory factors from the culture medium. In fact, the stimulatory action of EGF on high-threshold current lasted > 3 d. The results suggest that the control of prolactin production by the factors tested involves regulation of the surface density of functional Ca channels in the plasma membrane.