Federal University of Ceará

Lipids offer high energy recovery potential during anaerobic digestion (AD), but their hydrolysis generates long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), which are difficult to biodegrade. The introduction of microbial electrolysis cells has been widely recognized as a promising strategy to enhance AD. However, it is still under debate whether the electrical circuit needs to be connected, as certain electrodes with large specific surface areas have been reported to enhance direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) without requiring an external power supply. Here we confirmed that the carbon brush anode pre-acclimated with electroactive bacteria (EAB) was able to accelerate LCFA methanation. Although the applied potential achieved a rapid methane production, the coupling of homoacetogenesis and electrogenesis consumed part of the bioelectrohydrogen, reducing the maximum methane production rate by 5–13%. In the AD system with only carbon brushes added, the dominant methanogens shifted from Methanosarcina in solution to Methanothrix on brushes. Pre-enriching EAB further established a composite mechanism, with DIET driven by Syntrophomonas, Geobacter and Methanothrix as the primary pathway, and interspecies hydrogen transfer mediated by Methanospirillum as a complementary process, collectively optimizing LCFA methanation. Genetic regulation underlying microbial tolerance to high LCFA concentrations was then elucidated, underscoring the critical role of combining immobilized electrodes and pre-acclimated EAB in adapting to LCFA stress and improving lipid-rich wastewater treatment.

Climate change poses a significant threat to human health. Long-term climate effects on childhood asthma hospitalizations depend on the population’s geographic region. These effects in tropical drylands are not well understood. The objective of this study is to examine the long-term association between childhood asthma hospitalizations and the climate of a tropical dryland. The study covered 14 municipalities in the Brazilian semiarid. Monthly trends in hospitalizations and climatic variables were calculated. A generalized additive model analyzed the association between these trends, and the Mann-Kendall test determined if trends were increasing, decreasing, or not significant. Thirteen municipalities showed a significant link between hospitalizations and climate variables, especially wind speed, maximum temperature, and humidity. Overall, hospitalizations decreased, correlating with decreasing wind speed and humidity, and increasing temperature. However, no discernable pattern was found between hospitalizations and precipitation. The study emphasizes the need for climate-health analysis to manage childhood asthma amid climate change.

Purpose Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the first-line treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in women. As low adherence to PFMT affects the clinical evolution of patients, understanding the self-efficacy (performance expectation and results expectation) of women undergoing PFMT can contribute to developing strategies for improving treatment adherence. This study aimed to analyze the self-efficacy of women with SUI before and 6 months after completion of PFMT. Methods This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2 regions in Brazil. The participants performed a PFMT protocol supervised by a physical therapist and answered the Self-Efficacy Scale for Practicing Pelvic Floor Exercises (SESPPFE) at baseline, after 12 weeks of supervised training, and after 3 and 6 months of unsupervised training. Results Altogether, 90 women with a mean age of 53 (±12.5) years were enrolled. Scores for performance expectation and total SESPPFE decreased after the unsupervised training compared to after 12 weeks of supervised training. Performance expectation scores also decreased after 6 months of supervised PFMT. Discussion Women with SUI and MUI had high self-efficacy scores (performance expectation and results expectation) for supervised PFMT at treatment initiation. These high self-efficacy levels were maintained even after 12 weeks of supervision. However, scores for both total SESPPFE and performance expectation declined after 3 months of unsupervised training and further decreased after 6 months, indicating a drop in participants’ self-efficacy during the unsupervised PFMT period.

Purpose Breast cancer encompasses various subtypes with distinct prognoses, necessitating accurate stratification methods. Current techniques rely on quantifying gene expression in limited subsets. Given the complexity of breast tissues, effective detection and classification of breast cancer is crucial in medical imaging. This study introduces a novel method, MPa-DCAE, which uses a multi-patch-based deep convolutional auto-encoder (DCAE) framework combined with VGG19 to detect and classify breast cancer in histopathology images. Methods The proposed MPa-DCAE model leverages the hierarchical feature extraction capabilities of VGG19 within a DCAE framework, designed to capture intricate patterns in histopathology images. By using a multi-patch approach, regions of interest are extracted from pathology images to facilitate localized feature learning, enhancing the model's discriminatory power. The auto-encoder component enables unsupervised feature learning, increasing resilience and adaptability to variations in image features. Experiments were conducted at various magnifications on the CBIS-DDSM and MIAS datasets to validate model performance. Results Experimental results demonstrated that the MPa-DCAE model outperformed existing methods. For the CBIS-DDSM dataset, the model achieved a precision of 97.96%, a recall of 94.85%, and an accuracy of 98.36%. For the MIAS dataset, it achieved a precision of 97.99%, a recall of 97.2%, and an accuracy of 98.95%. These results highlight the model's robustness and potential for clinical application in computer-assisted diagnosis. Conclusion The MPa-DCAE model, integrating VGG19 and DCAE, proves to be an effective, automated approach for diagnosing breast cancer. Its high accuracy and generalizability make it a promising tool for clinical practice, potentially improving patient care in histopathology-based breast cancer diagnosis.

The selection of genotypes that exhibit resistance to pests has been proposed as an alternative to pesticide use. However, this resistance can also influence pollination by making the crops less appealing to pollinating bees. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the attractiveness of melon genotypes, which exhibit resistance traits against the leaf miner fly (Liriomyza sativae), to pollinating bees (Apis mellifera). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in male and hermaphrodite flowers of the resistant genotypes CNPH 06-1047-343, CNPH 11-1071-43, and CNPH 06-1047-341 were analysed. The Goldex and Imperial 45 commercial hybrids served as attraction controls. α-Pinene and Limonene were predominant in both types of flowers, with significant differences in the male flowers between the genotypes. CNPH 06-1047-341 showed the highest Limonene intensity, distinguishing it from the others, but not from Goldex or CNPH 06-1047-343. The olfactory response of the bees to the melon volatiles was assessed using a ‘Y’ olfactometer, which revealed no significant differences in bee entry between the hybrids, melon genotypes or controls. In the experiments for residence time, the bees were generally more attracted to the control than to the melon volatiles, while CNPH 06-1047-341 was less attractive than Imperial 45. The results suggest that CNPH 06-1047-341, with its high α-Pinene and Limonene intensities and limited attractive compounds, has no appeal to the pollinators; however, CNPH 06-1047-343 and CNPH 11-1071-43, despite being unattractive to the pest, remain attractive to the pollinators, making them promising materials for cultivation. These findings highlight the potential of specific genotypes in integrated pest management strategies and should be considered in genetic improvement programs.

Executive functioning (EF) in referees is associated with their decision‐making during a match and can be affected by mental fatigue (MF), a psychobiological state induced by prolonged periods of cognitive activity or high cognitive demand within a short timeframe. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of MF on EF and the perception of effort during a physical task for football referees. Twelve male professional football referees were recruited (32 ± 7.3 years; 1.75 ± 0.06 cm; 85 ± 13.32 kg; 41.4 ± 5.92 mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ VO2max), visiting the laboratory on three occasions: one for characterization and familiarization and two experimental manipulations: high cognitive load (MF) and low cognitive load. After manipulations, they performed a physical task designed to replicate the physical demands of an official match. During the physical task, executive functioning was tested with a reaction time task and the ratings of perceived effort were assessed using subjective scales. The results revealed no effect of MF on response time performance (p = 0.395). However, higher perceptions of effort were observed in the high cognitive load condition (p = 0.018), which may impact physical performance. Despite the alteration in the perception of effort due to mental fatigue, executive function performance of football referees remained unimpaired.

Fusarium keratitis (FK) is an important clinical condition that can lead to blindness and eye loss, and is most commonly caused by the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC). This study evaluated the susceptibility of planktonic cells and biofilms of FSSC (n = 7) and non-FSSC (n = 7) isolates obtained from patients with keratitis from a semi-arid tropical region to amphotericin B (AMB), natamycin (NAT), voriconazole (VRZ), efinaconazole (EFZ), and luliconazole (LCZ). Analysis of clinical data showed that trauma was the most common risk factor for FK patients. Disease onset was longer in non-FSSC group (3–30 days) than in the FSSC group (3–7 days). FSSC strains were less susceptible to AMB and VRZ than non-FSSC strains (p < 0.05). Susceptibility to NAT, LCZ and EFZ was similar between isolates of FSSC and non-FSSC groups. Overall, patients infected with non-FSSC showed a better response to antifungal treatment. Corneal transplantation was more common in patients infected with FSSC (3/7) than in those infected with non-FSSC (1/7). Mature biofilms showed a poor response to antifungal treatment. Patients infected with Fusarium strains capable of forming antifungal tolerant biofilms had more complex therapeutic management, requiring two antifungals and/or corneal transplantation (p < 0.05). This study highlights the importance of mycological diagnosis and the antifungal susceptibility testing in the clinical management of FK. The ability of Fusarium to form antifungal tolerant biofilms poses a challenge to clinicians and urges the development of new antibiofilm therapeutics.

The correct application of lignin is directly related to its structure which is strongly affected by the extraction method. In this work, three technical lignins were obtained from Eucalyptus urograndis by Kraft, fast pyrolysis (FP), and microwave-assisted organosolv delignification (MWAOD), and their structural and antioxidant properties were evaluated and compared to those of milled wood lignin (MWL). The samples were characterized by FTIR, 2D and ³¹P NMR, GPC, TGA, DSC and DPPH. assay. The technical lignins were obtained with elevated yields (33 – 68.5%) and high purities (76 – 93%). The combination of different analytical techniques showed that the higher the severity the lower the molecular weights (657 – 1959 g mol⁻¹), the higher the quantity of condensed structures (β-5’ and β-β’), and the higher the concentration of phenolic hydroxyls. During MWAOD process, partial acetylation of aliphatic hydroxyls of organosolv lignin (OL) occurred under mild conditions. The thermal stability and the molecular mobility of lignins were also affected by the nature of the extraction method. The DPPH. assay showed that the structural features of lignins also affected their antioxidant activities, since the IC50 values varied from 13.2 to 19.3 µg mL⁻¹. Therefore, three technical lignins with different structural features were obtained from the same biomass through distinct processes, offering different possibilities for their valorization.

Clostridioides difficile, a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium, is the primary cause of hospital antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Key virulence factors, toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB), significantly contribute to C. difficile infection (CDI). Yet, the specific impact of these toxins, particularly on enteric glial cells (EGCs), still needs to be fully understood. This study examines the role of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a calcium-permeable channel, in the inflammatory response and apoptosis of EGCs induced by TcdA and TcdB and evaluates TRPV4 expression in the cecum and colon of infected mice. EGCs were treated with TcdA (50ng/mL) or TcdB (1ng/mL) for 18 h, with or without the TRPV4 antagonist RN-1734 (100 µM), to assess TRPV4 gene and protein levels, inflammatory markers, and cell death. C. difficile infected mice were euthanized on day 3 post-infection for TRPV4 expression in the cecum and colon. Findings reveal that EGCs naturally express TRPV4, increasing its expression by TcdA and TcdB exposure. CDI significantly upregulates TRPV4 in the cecum and colon’s submucosal and myenteric plexus regions. TRPV4 mediates TNF-α release in EGCs and is partially involved in the increase in IL-6 gene expression triggered by these toxins. Our results highlight TRPV4’s role in triggering EGC apoptosis via caspase 3 activation and inhibiting the reduction of Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein in EGCs caused by C. difficile toxins. These results highlight TRPV4’s significant role in CDI pathogenesis and its potential as a therapeutic target to counteract the detrimental effects of C. difficile toxins on enteric glia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12950-024-00425-7.

Objectives This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Streptococcus spp., Streptococcus mutans, its serotypes (c, e, f, and k), collagen-binding genes (cnm/cbm), and Candida albicans in medium deep (D2) and deep (D3) dentin carious lesions of permanent teeth. Materials and methods Carious dentin was collected from D2 (n = 23) and D3 (n = 24) lesions in posterior teeth from 31 individuals. DNA was extracted and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Streptococcus spp. exhibited a high prevalence in both D2 and D3 lesions, with a 100% occurrence rate in D3. Although S. mutans was prevalent in both lesion types, serotype distribution highlighted differences in complexity. Serotype e was the most frequently detected in D2 samples. Serotype c was absent in D2 but present in 19.0% of D3; serotype k was exclusively found in multi-serotype D3 alongside f, c, and e. The cbm gene and undetermined serotypes were detected only in D3. Candida albicans was not found in any samples, regardless of lesion depth. Conclusion Dentinal lesions exhibited a complex array of S. mutans serotypes, with a notable prevalence of the genus Streptococcus and an overall S. mutans prevalence of approximately 35%. Candida albicans was absent. In addition, a high diversity of serotypes was observed, including multiple and indeterminate serotypes, along with the presence of the collagen-binding cbm gene. Clinical relevance The identification of diverse Streptococcus mutans serotypes and the cbm gene in carious dentin from permanent teeth offers insights into microbial factors potentially linked to dentinal caries lesions. Additionally, the absence of Candida albicans suggests a limited role in this context.

Background COVID‐19 can course with persistent symptoms after infection in a condition called long Covid (NATH, 2020). In this context, cognitive complaints, sleep disorders, headache, smell disorders, in addition to anxiety and depression are common (DELGADO‐ALONSO et al, 2022; ISMAEL et al, 2021.). The present study aims to describe the cognitive manifestations in patients who had a previous COVID‐19 infection and is justified by the need to better explain the pathophysiological mechanisms behind these manifestations. Method This is a cross‐sectional view of a prospective longitudinal study carried out on an outpatient basis. Patients have been evaluated on an outpatient basis since March 2023. Patients were evaluated by a neurologist and sleep specialist, with the application of MMSE, GDS/BECK, Pittsburgh, Epworth, Pfeffer and CDR. In addition, a blood sample is collected to analyze APOE and markers of neurodegenerative and inflammatory processes (NfL, AB42, AB40, p‐tau, t‐tau, GFAP, alpha‐synuclein and clusterin). In addition, all patients will undergo cranial MRI, polysomnography and neuropsychological evaluation. The project is approved by the local CEP, all patients have signed an informed consent form. Result So far, 93 patients have been evaluated, with 79% female. 1.1% had <4 years of schooling, 4.5% between 4‐8 years and 94.3% > 8 years of schooling. The average duration of symptoms was about 2 years. The average age was 42.8 years. During the illness, only 13.9% were hospitalized, and 10.7% in the ICU. As for the applied batteries, 4.3% of the patients presented alterations in the Pfeffer, and 3.2% presented alterations in MMSE for education. As for post‐Covid symptoms, 96.7% had cognitive complaints, 73.1% sleep disorders, 63.4% anxiety, 35.4% headache, 32.2% depression and 24.7% smell disorders. Results of neuropsychological assessment, biomarkers, cranial MRI and PSNG are pending. Conclusion In our study, cognitive manifestations and sleep disturbances were common in the Long Covid phase, even in a population with x months after the acute infection. In addition, cognitive complaints were common even in a sample with a mean age < 50 years, after a mild case of Covid‐19 and with a high level of education.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), a crucial global fibre and oil seed crop faces diverse biotic and abiotic stresses. Among these, temperature stress strongly influences its growth, prompting adaptive physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes. In this study, we explored the proteomic changes underscoring the heat stress tolerance in the leaves of two locally developed cotton genotypes, i.e., heat tolerant (GH-Hamaliya Htol) and heat susceptible (CIM-789 Hsus), guided by morpho-physiological and biochemical analysis. These genotypes were sown at two different temperatures, control (35°C) and stress (45°C), in a glasshouse, in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. At the flowering stage, a label-free quantitative shotgun proteomics of cotton leaves revealed the differential expression of 701 and 1270 proteins in the tolerant and susceptible genotypes compared to the control, respectively. Physiological and biochemical analysis showed that the heat-tolerant genotype responded uniquely to stress by maintaining the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) (25.2–17.5 μmolCO2m⁻²S⁻¹), chlorophyll (8.5–7.8mg/g FW), and proline contents (4.9–7.4 μmole/g) compared to control, supported by the upregulation of many proteins involved in several pathways, including photosynthesis, oxidoreductase activity, response to stresses, translation, transporter activities, as well as protein and carbohydrate metabolic processes. In contrast, the distinctive pattern of protein downregulation involved in stress response, oxidoreductase activity, and carbohydrate metabolism was observed in susceptible plants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first proteomic study on cotton leaves that has identified more than 8000 proteins with an array of differentially expressed proteins responsive to the heat treatment that could serve as potential markers in the breeding programs after further experimentation.

Objective The aim of this study was to synthesize scientific evidence on the influence of health literacy and numerical knowledge on self-monitoring of capillary blood glucose. Methods Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines and the principles of the Joanna Briggs Institute, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, OPENGREY, and NDLTD. The review included studies published in any language that examined the relationship between HL, numeracy, and SMBG. Results A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies utilized various assessment tools, such as the Brief Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (B-TOFHLA) and the Diabetes Numeracy Test (DNT-15), to evaluate health literacy and numeracy levels. The findings revealed a significant association between adequate HL and numeracy and improved SMBG practices. Specifically, individuals with sufficient health literacy were more likely to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly and make appropriate treatment adjustments based on their readings. Conclusion The results indicated that numeracy skills and health literacy are critical determinants of effective SMBG, influencing the frequency and accuracy of self-care practices in diabetes management. These findings highlight the urgent need for educational interventions tailored to enhance these skills, which could lead to improved health outcomes for individuals with diabetes.