Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of phenol and derivatives by (BiPO4/H2O2/UV and TiO2/H2O2/UV) and the evaluation of plant seed toxicity tests

Léa Elias Mendes Carneiro Zaidan,Joan Manuel Rodriguez-Díaz,Daniella Carla Napoleão,Maria da Conceição Branco da Silva de Mendonça Mon,Alberto da Nova Araújo,Mohand Benachour,Valdinete Lins da Silva 한국화학공학회 2017 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.34 No.2

We examined the photocatalytic degradation of phenol from laboratory samples under UV radiation by using BiPO4/H2O2 and TiO2/H2O2 advanced oxidation systems. Both catalysts prepared were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction. Surface area tests showed about 3.46 and 31.33m2·g−1, respectively, for BiPO4 and TiO2. A central composite design was developed with the following variables-- catalyst concentration, time and concentration of hydrogen peroxide--to optimize the degradation process. Removal rates of 99.99% for phenol degradation using BiPO4 and TiO2 were obtained, respectively. For mineralization of organic carbon were obtained 95,56% when using BiPO4 and 63,40% for TiO2, respectively. The lumped kinetic model represented satisfactorily the degradation of phenol process, using BiPO4/H2O2/UV (R2=0.9977) and TiO2/H2O2/UV (R2=0.9701) treatments. The toxicity tests using different seed species showed the benefits of the proposed advanced oxidation process when applied to waste waters containing these pollutants.

Barthel’s Index: A Better Predictor for COVID-19 Mortality Than Comorbidities

João Cordeiro da Costa,Manso Maria Conceição,Gregório Susana,Leite Márcia,Pinto João Moreira 대한결핵및호흡기학회 2022 Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Vol.85 No.4

Background: The most consistently identified mortality determinants for the new coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection are aging, male sex, cardiovascular/respiratory diseases, and cancer. They were determined from heterogeneous cohorts that included patients with different disease severity and previous conditions. The main goal of this study was to determine if activities of daily living (ADL) dependence measured by Barthel’s index could be a predictor for COVID-19 mortality.Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed with a consecutive sample of 340 COVID-19 patients representing patients from all over the northern region of Portugal from October 2020 to March 2021. Mortality risk factors were determined after controlling for demographics, ADL dependence, admission time, comorbidities, clinical manifestations, and delay-time for diagnosis. Central tendency measures were used to analyze continuous variables and absolute numbers (proportions) for categorical variables. For univariable analysis, we used t test, chi-square test, or Fisher exact test as appropriate (α=0.05). Multivariable analysis was performed using logistic regression. IBM SPSS version 27 statistical software was used for data analysis.Results: The cohort included 340 patients (55.3% females) with a mean age of 80.6±11.0 years. The mortality rate was 19.7%. Univariate analysis revealed that aging, ADL dependence, pneumonia, and dementia were associated with mortality and that dyslipidemia and obesity were associated with survival. In multivariable analysis, dyslipidemia (odds ratio [OR], 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17–0.71) was independently associated with survival. Age ≥86 years (pooled OR, 2.239; 95% CI, 1.100–4.559), pneumonia (pooled OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.362–6.606), and ADL dependence (pooled OR, 6.296; 95% CI, 1.795–22.088) were significantly related to mortality (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve, 82.1%; p<0.001).Conclusion: ADL dependence, aging, and pneumonia are three main predictors for COVID-19 mortality in an elderly population.

Effect of sucrose and pectin addition on physical, chemical, thermal and rheologicalproperties of frozen/thawed pineapple pulps

Márcia Cavalcante Conceição,Tatiana Nunes Fernandes,Mônica Elisabeth Torres Prado,Jaime Vilela de Resende 한국유변학회 2012 Korea-Australia rheology journal Vol.24 No.3

Pectin (0-1.0g/100mL) and sucrose (0-20g/100mL) were added to pineapple pulp to improve their rheo\-logical properties, thermal properties and stability after freezing and thawing processes. The properties of the mixes were characterized before and after freezing and thawing. Samples were frozen at -20oC, and the freeze concentration was evaluated every 60min. The thawing rate was evaluated at 19oC and quantified by photographic editing and image analysis software. The thawing rates and values for the freeze con\-centration were leveled out at pectin concentrations above 0.5g/100mL pectin, which indicated that pectin functions to maintain structural homogeneity during freezing. In the thawed samples, the plastic viscosity values were leveled out from pectin concentrations (0.25-0.75g/100mL) as the sucrose concentration increased when compared to unfrozen samples. The differences between the rheological parameters of the unfrozen and frozen/thawed pulps, the higher yield stress values after thawing were attributed to the size of suspended particles in the pulp. Applications can specify formulations of frozen products containing pec\-tin, where these properties can be handled after thawing the product.

Effect of St. John's Wort Standardized Extract and Hypericin on In Vitro Placental Calcium Transport

Aline Oliveira da Conceição,Larissa Takser,Julie Lafond 한국식품영양과학회 2010 Journal of medicinal food Vol.13 No.4

Hypericum perforatum L., known as St. John's wort (SJW), is widely used in human therapeutics for wound healing and to treat depression; however, its recommendation during pregnancy is controversial. Hypericin, a polycyclic quinone isolated from this plant, has been studied and used to standardize the plant extracts. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of SJW and hypericin on in vitro placental Ca2+ transport. Cell viability, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) production, Ca2+ uptake, and Ca2+ transport proteins expression analysis were conducted using the JEG-3cell line. Toxicity of SJW was seen at high concentrations (≥150μg/mL), but no effect on hCG production was observed using SJW (25μg/mL) or hypericin (7.5 and 75ng/mL). The results showed that cells treated with both SJW and hypericin exhibited increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration after long-term (24-hour) but not short-term (10-minute) period incubation. A significant decrease in translationally controlled tumor protein Ca2+ handling protein was seen only with SJW-treated cells. Hypericin increased the protein expression of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 6 Ca2+ channel and 28-kDa calcium-binding protein and decreased that of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase 1/4. In conclusion, SJW and hypericin can increase the trophoblast internal Ca2+ concentration through regulating the protein expression of the Ca2+ transport system, and their intake during pregnancy is still a point of concern.

Genipa americana (Rubiaceae) Fruit Extract Affects Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cell Pathways in Human Trophoblast–Derived BeWo Cells: Implications for Placental Development

Aline Oliveira da Conceição,Maria Helena Rossi,Fernando Faustino de Oliveira,Larissa Takser,Julie Lafond 한국식품영양과학회 2011 Journal of medicinal food Vol.14 No.5

Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae) is a fruit tree and a traditional medicine used to treat anemia, icterus, asthma, and liver and spleen problems. The aim of the present study was to verify the effect of G. americana fruit ethanolic extract on the mechanism for proliferation and differentiation of trophoblast-like cells. Qualitative analysis of G. americana fruit extract was performed, and BeWo cells, a well-established placental choriocarcinoma cell line that can undergo differentiation, were used to analyze cell viability and proliferation. Methods consisted of cytotoxic and proliferation measurement, detection of release of human chorionic gonadotrophins, cell fusion observation, and evaluation of cell-signaling pathways (production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases [MAPKs]). A stock solution of the extract was diluted in Ham's F-12 medium with 10% fetal bovine serum at concentrations ranging from 50 to 1000 μg/mL. Cells treated with dimethylsulfoxide, forskoline, and MAPK inhibitors (PD98059 or SB203580) were used as a control. Forskoline was used to induce the differentiation state in BeWo cells. Phytoanalysis indicated the presence of steroids only. Results showed that the G. americana fruit extract did not cause any cytotoxicity or interference in cell differentiation. However, a significant antiproliferative state related to inhibition and reactivation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in BeWo cells was seen. These results suggest that steroids from G. americana may affect placental cell regulation.

IPA and its precursors differently modulate the proliferation, differentiation, and integrity of intestinal epithelial cells

Ismael Shámila,Rodrigues Catarina,Santos Gilberto Maia,Castela Inês,Barreiros-Mota Inês,Almeida Maria João,Calhau Conceição,Faria Ana,Araújo João Ricardo 한국영양학회 2023 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.17 No.4

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) is a tr yptophan-derived microbial metabolite that has been associated with protective effects against inflammator y and metabolic diseases. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the effects of IPA under physiological conditions and at the intestinal level. MATERIALS/METHODS: Human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells were treated for 2, 24, and/ or 72 h with IPA or its precursors – indole, tr yptophan, and propionate – at 1, 10, 100, 250, or 500 μM to assess cell viability, integrity, differentiation, and proliferation. RESULTS: IPA induced cell proliferation and this effect was associated with a higher expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) and a lower expression of c-Jun. Although indole and propionate also induced cell proliferation, this involved ERK2 and c-Jun independent mechanisms. On the other hand, both tr yptophan and propionate increased cell integrity and reduced the expression of claudin-1, whereas propionate decreased cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these findings suggested that IPA and its precursors distinctly contribute to the proliferation, differentiation, and barrier function properties of human intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, the pro-proliferative effect of IPA in intestinal epithelial cells was not explained by its precursors and is rather related to its whole chemical structure. Maintaining IPA at physiological levels, e.g., through IPA-producing commensal bacteria, may be important to preser ve the integrity of the intestinal barrier and play an integral role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.

Performance Improvement of Hydrophobized Bacterial Cellulose Films as Wound Dressing

Katlyn Bazoli dos Santos,Gustavo Eiji Higawa,Karen Stefany Conceição,Denise Coutinho Endringerv,Elisangela Flavia Pimentel Schmitt,Lorena Martins Xavier,Marcio Fronza,Alessandra Stevanato,Cesar August 한국고분자학회 2022 Macromolecular Research Vol.30 No.2

In the wound dressing research field, there is a continuous search for high-quality materials which present properties superior to those already used. Bacterial cellulose films are recognized as being effective, but their performance can still be further enhanced. On the other hand, wound dressings which present surfaces modified with hydrophobic molecules, such as dialkyl carbamoyl chloride, appear to be an alternative material, acting as antimicrobial dressings. Based on that, this paper describes the synthesis of small hydrophobic molecules based on inexpensive alcohols, such as octyl and benzyl alcohol, conjugated to the hydroxyl groups of bacterial cellulose. The films were prepared using ultrasound irradiation and characterized via infrared, as well as for their wettability and water absorption capacity, which showed greater contact angles and similar moisture retention when compared to unmodified films. Morphological aspects of modified films were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and minimal modification in the structure was found. The hydrophobized cellulose films showed cytocompatibility with fibroblasts, and antimicrobial activity when compared to native bacterial cellulose films, by reducing the bacterial load up to 75%. This type of modification on these films is of interest in order to prepare films with better properties as dressings based on bacterial cellulose.

Evaluation of salt and root-zone temperature stresses in leafy vegetables using hydroponics as a clean production cultivation technique in northeastern Brazil

da Silva Mairton Gomes,Gheyi Hans Raj,da Silva Lucas Lesqueves,de Souza Thaisa Teixeira,Silva Petterson Costa Conceição,Queiroz Laila de Andrade,dos Santos Thainan Sipriano,Soares Tales Miler 한국원예학회 2024 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.65 No.1

Hydroponics has represented an emerging solution for regions with freshwater scarcity. Besides requiring a lower volume of water for production, this cultivation technique allows the use of brackish waters with high salinity levels. Under normal cultivation conditions (i.e., without any environmental control), plants are exposed to other abiotic stresses, such as tem perature, which can further enhance the salinity eff ect. Given the above, three experiments were conducted using a nutrient f i lm technique (NFT) hydroponic system: from April to May (autumn) with endive ( Cichorium endivia L., cv. Gigante Barbarella), from May to July (autumn/winter) with lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L., cv. Rubinela and cv. Veneranda), and from August to October (winter/spring) with chicory ( Cichorium intybus L., cv. Pão de Açúcar and cv. Radiche Todo Ano), in 2021. The trials aimed to evaluate the isolated and/or combined eff ect of salt and root-zone temperature stresses on yield, water use effi ciency, and visual quality of these vegetables. In all experiments, plants were subjected to stresses for 25 days in a randomized block design with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement: two levels of electrical conductivity of water –ECw (0.30 and 5.50 dS m –1 for endive and chicory; 0.25 and 6.50 dS m −1 for lettuce) combined with four root-zone temperatures – RZTs (ambient-ARZT, ARZT + 2 °C, ARZT + 4 °C, and ARZT + 6 °C, corresponding to the mean temperatures of 24.72, 26.90, 28.77, and 30.73 °C for endive; 24.20, 26.00, 28.00, and 29.99 °C for lettuce; 27.12, 28.93, 31.01, and 32.86 °C for chicory). The isolated eff ects of RZT stresses or ECw levels on endive traits were observed, with leaf fresh matter losses of approxi mately 17 and 44% at higher ARZT + 6 °C (mean of 30.73 °C) and salinity (ECw 5.50 dS m –1 ), respectively. Shoot fresh matter losses of around 32 and 52% (Veneranda and Rubinela lettuces, respectively) and 65% (Radiche Todo Ano chicory) occurred only due to salt stress. The interaction aff ected the shoot fresh matter of Pão de Açúcar chicory, with approximate losses of 80% at higher ARZT + 6 °C (mean of 32.86 °C) and salt stress (ECw 5.50 dS m –1 ) than ARZT and ARZT + 2 °C and without salt stress (ECw 0.30 dS m –1 ). Despite these reductions, visual quality of plants was not depreciated. Therefore, the present study suggested cultivating leafy vegetables such as lettuce, chicory, and endive using brackish waters, even under high temperatures of nutrient solutions.

Specific IgG and IgA Antibody Reactivities in Sera of Children by Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay and Comparison With <italic>Giardia duodenalis</italic> Diagnosis in Feces

Flávia Thamiris Figueiredo Pacheco,Silvia Souza de Carvalho,Samara Alves Santos,Gisele Maria Trindade das Chagas,Mariana Conceição Santos,Jéssica Gleide Souza Santos,Hugo da Costa-Ribeiro Júnior,Terez 대한진단검사의학회 2020 Annals of Laboratory Medicine Vol.40 No.5

Background: Giardia duodenalis is conventionally diagnosed in fecal samples using parasitological methods. However, sensitivity is poor when only a single sample is analyzed, due to intermittent excretion of cysts in feces. Alternatively, the serum antibodies to G. duodenalis can be used for parasite diagnosis and epidemiological studies to determine previous exposure. We compared the rate of G. duodenalis infection between serum anti-Giardia IgG and IgA antibodies and fecal examination in Brazilian children. Methods: Fecal and serum samples were tested from 287 children at a clinical laboratory and from 187 children at daycare centers. Fecal samples were processed using conventional parasitological methods and coproantigen detection for Giardia diagnosis. Serum samples were tested using an in-house ELISA for detection of anti-Giardia IgG and IgA. Results: G. duodenalis was found in 8.2% (N=39) of the 474 children analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 80.0% and 90.0% for IgG and 80.0% and 83.3% for IgA, respectively. The total positivity rate of anti-Giardia IgG and IgA in the sera was 13.9% (N=66) and 23.6% (N=112). The agreement between the positivity of specific antibodies and the detection of G. duodenalis in feces was moderate for ELISA-IgG, kappa index (95% CI)=0.543 (0.422–0.664), and mild for ELISA-IgA, kappa index (95% CI)=0.283 (0.162–0.404). Among the children infected with other enteroparasites, 11.6% (N=10) and 24.4% (N=21) showed reactivity to anti-Giardia IgG and to IgA, respectively. This cross-reactivity was more frequent in samples from children infected with Endolimax nana and Entamoeba coli. Conclusions: The higher frequency of specific antibody reactivity compared with G. duodenalis diagnosis in feces could reflect continuous exposure of children to G. duodenalis infection, resulting in long-lasting immunological memory and/or cross-reactivity with other intestinal amoebas.

Comparison of Climacteric Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Self-Care Attitudes before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

( Camila Oliveira Serra ),( Paula Mara Gomes Leite ),( Andráa Beatriz Bezerra ),( Laura Freitas ),( Lucas Veras ),( Marcela Deda Costa ),( Leila Luiza Conceição Gonçalves ),( Leonardo Yung Dos Santos 대한폐경학회 2022 대한폐경학회지 Vol.28 No.1

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the climacteric symptoms, quality of life indices, and self-care attitudes in women before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2020 and September 2021. The sample consisted of 342 climacteric women who were divided into two groups: before the pandemic (BP group; n = 62) and during the pandemic (DP group; n = 280). The Menopause Rating Scale and Women’s Health Questionnaire were used to measure the health-related quality of life and degree of climacteric symptoms reported by women. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, women were able to decrease their somatic symptoms derived from the climacteric period (BP group: 7.84 ± 4.46, DP group: 5.94 ± 9.20; P = 0.003). Conclusions: There was no worsening in the self-reported symptoms, quality of life, and self-care attitudes of climacteric women because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, only somatic symptoms decreased during the pandemic.