COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is now understood that the immune response plays a crucial role in modulating the severity and outcome of this disease. In this context, the Th17 response has been receiving increasing attention due to its ability to modulate inflammation. A prospective inclusion of 56 COVID-19 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the General Hospital of Vitória da Conquista (HGVC) in Bahia, Brazil, was conducted. All included patients had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of nasopharyngeal swab samples. Serum samples were collected from all participants to determine the concentration of Th17-associated cytokines (IL-1β, TGF-β, IL-6, IL-17, and IL23) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed the normality of data distribution, and Levene's test verified variance homogeneity. Student's t-test was employed for mean comparisons, and chi-square independence tests (2x2) examined associations between categorical variables. Lastly, Spearman correlation evaluated associations between cytokines and the mortality outcome variable. It was initially demonstrated that male patients had a higher likelihood of mortality compared to female patients. Deceased patients exhibited higher levels of IL-1β and IL-6 compared to those discharged, while TGF-β levels in deceased patients were substantially elevated. Although statistically significant differences were not observed, there was a trend of higher levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in patients who succumbed to mortality. IL-1β and TGF-β showed a significant strong correlation with the mortality outcome, while IL-6 presented a moderate correlation. Strong significant correlations were found between IL-1β and TGF-β, as well as between IL-6 and IL-17, and IL-6 and IL-23, with a moderate correlation observed between IL-6 and TGF-β. Finally, IL-17 and IL-23 exhibited a significant correlation with each other. Based on our analysis, we conclude that elevated levels of cytokines IL-1β, TGF-β, and IL-6 are significantly associated with an unfavorable outcome in SARS-CoV-2 patients, irrespective of comorbidities. These cytokines may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease and serve as useful indicators for assessing the severity and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.

The search on renewable energy sources has grown sharply in recent years, encouraged by international treaties and public policies that seek to mitigate the harmful environmental effects caused by high consumption and dependence on fossil fuels. Agroindustrial residues are widely available, renewable and suitable for bioconversion into value-added products. They are potential sources of fermentable sugars, but their lignocellulosic composition confers resistance to microbial hydrolysis. Co-digestion and pre-treatment techniques (physical, chemical and biological) are studied to improve the biodegradability of these residues, as well as operational parameters to optimize the production of biogas and its methane content. In this study, a systematic review was carried out on the production of biogas and methane from lignocellulosic residues and cattle manure. For this, a refined analysis of the literature was established, including inclusion and exclusion criteria for the formation of a database. In addition, the objective of this work was to apply statistical tools for process optimization to investigate the influence of operational parameters (pH, temperature and volume of substrates) for the production of biogas and CH4, from the anaerobic co-digestion of cattle manure, manipueira and coffee husk. The Central Composite Design (CDC) was used and evaluated the levels of initial pH (8, 9, 10), temperature (30, 40 and 50°C) and proportion of substrate (coffee husk: manipueira: bovine manure) on the production of biogas and methane, over 15 days of hydraulic retention. The systematic review generated a database with a total of 127 publications from different countries, from 2012 to 2022. Asian countries, such as China and India, and European countries, especially Germany, stand out as promoters of research related to optimization the production of biogas from lignocellulosic waste and cattle manure. The operational parameters, most frequently addressed in the selected studies, included the mesophilic temperature and the initial adjustment of the pH to 7. Among the pre-treatments studied, physical preparation techniques were the most used and commonly associated with chemical and biological treatments, in order to to increase the degradability and reduce the recalcitrance of cellulose and lignin. As for the results of the experimental tests carried out in the present work, it was verified that they presented significant production of biogas and methane. The statistical tool made it possible to identify an inversely proportional relationship between pH and temperature, under the conditions used. The operating conditions of initial pH 8 and 30°C temperature showed the best fermentation conditions, resulting in 798.72 cm3 of biogas and 638.98 cm3 of CH4 accumulated at the end of 15 days of hydraulic retention.

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. The currently available treatment presents high toxicity, high cost, parasite resistance and difficulties in cure. In this sense, snake venoms are a promising source of study, since they have a series of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential, among these, phospholipases A2 (PLA2) stand out. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of PLA2 MjTX -I, isolated from Bothrops moojeni venom on the growth and viability of promastigote forms of Leishmania Leishmania amazonensis. In addition, were evaluated, changes in the parasite's ultrastructure and action of the toxin in the process of infectivity in macrophages. MjTX-I showed activity against the promastigote forms of the parasite at 24 and 72 hours, with an IC50= 36.54 ug / mL 72 hours after treatment. Furthermore, the results of the growth curve demonstrate a total inhibition of parasite proliferation at a concentration of 40μg/ mL of the toxin after 72 hours of treatment. Ultrastructural studies by scanning electron microscopy in promastigotes treated with MjTX-I revealed the presence of a double flagellum and rounding of the parasite tip. It was also observed that the toxin increased the production of ROS and decreased the membrane potential in the assay (10 and 40 μg / mL) using the rhodamine 123 probe. MjTX-I interfered with the invasion capacity of the pre-treated promastigotes (10 and 40 μg / mL), decreasing the number of infected cells and the number of parasites per infected cell. Finally, the treatment of infected macrophages reduced the proliferation of parasites (10 μg / mL) at 72 hours. Our results suggest that PLA2 MjTX-I is an important tool for the discovery of new targets in the parasite that can be exploited for the development of new drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Bacterial sexually transmitted Infections (STI), especially gonorrea and chlamydia are very prevalent in Brazil and in the world. Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) are disproportionatelly affected by these pathogens, on account of a higher context of vulnerability. Adolescents aged 15-19, specially from sexual minorities, are another important population in this context.

This research aimed to estimate the baseline prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and

Chlamydia trachomatis, identify behavioural and socia factor linked to these infections and estimate the prevalence of extragenital infections by these pathogens among 246 adolescent MSM and TW who participated in the PrEP15-19 study in Salvador-BA city. Social and behavioural data were collected by interview, with oral, anal and uretral samples collected from participants. The samples were tested by qPCR for the presence of NG and CT.

Among the participants, 15.0 % (37/246) tested positive for NG and 4.9% (12/246) tested positive for CT. Coinfection occurred in only one case (0.4%). For the presence of NG, the factors that were linked the most to infection were: having casual partnership in the last 3 months (RP=2.18; IC95%: 0.99-4.76), practice receptive anal intercourse (RP=3.09; IC95%: 1.13-8.43) or insertive anal intercourse (RP= 1.98; IC95%: 0.97-4.03), drug use before or during sexual intercourse (RP=3.00; IC95%: 1.48-6.09). No statistically significant factors were identified for the presence of CT. Most infections by these pathogens would not have been identified if only urogenital samples were

collected, with 87.5% of NG and 61.48% of CT infections occurring on extragenital sites.

This study was one of the first researches conducted on Brazil studying the presence of theses infections among adolescent MSM and TW, as well as identifying the social and behavioral factors

associated with these infections, allowing the development of strategies on public health aimed at the

control of these epidemics taking in consideration the specific context of these populations.

Lung cancer is the second most prevalent type of cancer and the first in number of deaths worldwide. In this context, several studies have shown that toxins isolated from snake venom have been investigated with the aim of developing future drugs for cancer therapy. Thus, we evaluated the antitumor and antiangiogenic effects of BthMP metalloprotease isolated from Bothrops moojeni venom on human umbilical cord endothelial cell line (HUVEC) lung cancer cells. BthMP was cytotoxic to lung cancer cells (A549) showing inhibition of colony formation by the clonogenic assay and increased levels of LDH at concentrations of 40 and 5μg/mL. Furthermore, at these same concentrations, BthMP inhibited the invasion, migration and adhesion of A549 cells in addition to increasing the levels of reactive oxygen and nitric oxide species. Interestingly, the toxin did not interfere in the cytotoxicity and adhesion processes of non-tumorigenic lung cells. BthMP inhibited the adhesion and migration of HUVECs and blocked angiogenesis in vitro dependent on VEGF, an essential pro-angiogenic factor. In addition, the toxin was able to inhibit the angiogenic process through an ex vivo assay of the aortic ring. Finally, it was possible to observe in the A549 cell migration assay that the inactivation of the catalytic activity of the toxin abolished the inhibitory effect of the toxin, demonstrating that the antitumor activity of the metalloprotease is associated with its catalytic activity. Therefore, these results demonstrate that BthMP toxin has a significant antitumor and antiangiogenic effect on lung cancer and endothelial cells and represents an important biotechnological tool targeting a new form of cancer therapy..

Mimosa tenuiflora is popularly known as “black jurema”, widely distributed in northeastern Brazil, and used in many communities to treat various diseases. Streptococcus mutans is gram-positive microorganism that form pathogenic biofilms and the main etiological agent associated with the development of dental caries. In this work, a bioguided study of fractionation of the ethanolic extract of M. tenuiflora leaves and analysis of antimicrobial activity in vitro against S. mutans ATCC 700610. Ethanol extract (EEMT), hexane fractions, dichloromethane (FDMT) and ethyl acetate (FEAMT), and subfractions of FDMT were tested in the determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bactericidal (CBM), inhibition of cell adhesion (MIC) with planktonic cells of S. mutans. Compounds were identified in the FDMT and in active subfractions by gas chromatography coupled to the mass spectrum (GC-MS), and the compound 5,6,4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxyflavone (sorbifolin) was identified by ¹H-NMR. The antimicrobial activity of FDMT was evaluated in vitro for inhibition of biofilm formation, inhibition of the glycolytic pathway (polysaccharide formation), inhibition of acid production (pH drop), inhibition of acidity (proton permeability), inhibition of the production of extracellular DNA (quantification of eDNA). Phytochemical analysis of extracts by thin layer chromatography revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, polyphenols, saponins and tannins. Bioactive compounds identified in FDMT were ethyl gallate (14.25%), sorbifolin (4.66%), gallic acid (3.55%), lactic acid (3.24%), palmitic acid (1.42%), salicylic acid (0.23%) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (0.22%), and in the subfractions were propylene glycol, lactic acid, oxalic acid, R-(3) hydroxybutyric acid, salicylic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, ethyl gallate, gallic acid, palmitic acid and sorbifolin, in different concentrations and distribution. EEMT presented MIC - 31.25 µg/mL, MBC - 62.5 µg/mL and MICA - 15.75 µg/mL, and FDMT was the most bioactive fraction MIC - 15.62 µg/mL, MBC - 31.25 µg/mL and MICA - 7.875 µg/mL. Sorbifolin showed only bacteriostatic activity (MIC 125 µg/mL) against S. mutans and is present in FDMT and its subfractions D5.8, D6.6, D6.7, D5.8.1 and D6.6.1. FDMT 6.25 mg/mL (200 x MBC) demonstrated bactericidal activity (decreased CFU/biofilm), reduced production of soluble (FDMT 3.125 mg/mL) and insoluble (FDMT 3.125 and 6.25 mg/mL) polysaccharides, decreasing levels of eDNA (FDMT 3.125 and 6.25 mg/mL) in mature biofilms formed in relation to the vehicle group (Ethanol 10%, v/v) (p < 0.05). FDMT (3.125 mg/mL) reduced the acid production of the S. mutans biofilm in the period of 30 to 120 min compared to the vehicle (p < 0.05). The final pH in 120 min was 6.83 for chlorhexidine, 5.36 for FDMT and 4.4 for vehicle. FDMT (6.25 mg/mL) reduced proton permeability of the S. mutans cell membrane in 80, 82 and 120 min compared to the vehicle (p < 0.05). Thus, the dichloromethane fraction has several bioactive compounds that act synergistically in inhibiting the formation of cariogenic biofilm with bacteriostatic / bactericidal activity, acting mainly in inhibiting the main virulence factors of S. mutans, such as the production of extracellular polysaccharides, extracellular DNA, and decreased acid tolerance and acidogenic capacity. This is the first report of sorbifolin identified in leaves of M. tenuiflora and bacteriostatic activity on S. mutans. Thus, M. tenuiflora is a promising source for the development of new phytotherapics and phytopharmaceuticals with anti-plaque and /or anti-caries activities, and further studies in vivo should be carried out in the future.

Streptococcus agalactiae or group B streptococci (GBS), are Gram positive, catalase and oxidase negative bacteria in the form of cocci, arranged predominantly in chains. They reside commensally in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of humans, with the potential to trigger serious infections. In neonates, it is one of the most relevant causes of morbidity and mortality. The manifestations of the disease can vary between sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis. The capsular polysaccharide represents the most relevant virulence factor and determines the classification of the 10 serotypes already described. The present paper is an excerpt of a larger study, with the objective of disclosing the prevalence of serotypes of 34 strains of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from colonized pregnant women in the county of Vitória da Conquista - BA. Molecular serotyping techniques were used, via multiplex PCR and gel electrophoresis. Serotype Ia was the most prevalent 44.11% (15/34), followed by serotypes Ib, 26.47% (9/34) and II, 8.82%, (3/34). Serotype IX was the least prevalent 2.94%, (1/34). Non-typable strains represented 17.64% (6/34) of the sample. This study presented the first data on the distribution and prevalence of GBS serotypes in the county, which strengthens the data already found on the prevalence of colonization in pregnant women and their sensitivity profile. These results also significantly assist local managers in making decisions to implement actions that reduce the vertical transmission of this microorganism, further corroborating to the reduction of impacts on the health and economy of the county.

Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled division of cells, which escape the control mechanisms of the cell cycle and apoptosis, and invade other tissues, promoting angiogenesis and metastasis. Lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Brazil and is associated with high incidence and mortality rates, as a result of the aggressiveness sustained by the processes of angiogenesis and metastasis. In this context, several studies have shown that PLA₂ isolated from snake venom have been investigated with the aim of developing future drugs for cancer therapy. In this work we show for the first time the antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effect of MjTX-II, a PLA₂ isolated from Bothrops moojeni snake venom on lung cancer cells and endothelial cells. From in vitro cell culture assays and ex vivo techniques, we demonstrate that PLA₂ acts on A549 lung cancer tumor cells, reducing their viability and inhibiting processes that are fundamental to their growth and metastasis, such as adhesion, migration, invasion and decrease of actin cytoskeleton without significantly interfering with non-tumorigenic lung cells (BEAS-2B). Furthermore, it caused alterations in the cell cycle, led to the production of reactive oxygen species, as well as modulated the expression of pro and antiangiogenic genes and increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in endothelial cells HUVECs. Finally, the toxin also inhibited ex vivo angiogenesis processes in aortic ring model. We conclude, therefore, that MjTX-II has an antimestatic and antiangiogenic effect in vitro and ex vivo, representing a biotechnological tool for the study of neoplasms and a promising molecule as a pharmacological model for antitumor therapy.

Dengue, zika and chikungunya are arboviruses of great importance for public health worldwide. Aedes Aegypti is the principal vector for arboviruses in Brazil. The three arboviruses circulate simultaneously in the same geographic regions in a synergistic with for Aedes Aegypti, leading to considerable costs to health services and significant morbidity in the population. Aedes Aegypti is essential for the spread of arboviruses and the perpetuation of the pathogen in nature, it is necessary to understand the aspects of its reproduction. The aim of the study was to identify the circulation of Zika virus (ZIKV), Chinkungunya virus (CHIKV) and Dengue virus (DENV) in larvae hatced from eggs collected from traps (ovitramps) in Vitória da Conquista. The city was divided into 5 administrative regions. The Municipal Health Department guides the distribution of 50 ovitramps, according to the score, with the Rapid Study of Infestation Indexes by Aedes Aegypti (LIRAa) of each region. Egg collection took place between the months of April and May 2019. The eggs were matured and the larvae were fed fish food up to levels L2 to L3. Viral RNA was extracted from larvae and stored at -70 ºC until cDNA synthesis. An amplification of the genetic material occurred using the TaqMan 2x Universal PCR Master Mix system (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA). There were 74% of ovitraps to be positive for the presence of eggs and 60% of these viable larvae. In total, 450 larvae were distributed in 30 pools of 25 larvae. In addition, 30 larvae were assessed individually. Fifty-three percent of the pools were positive for one of the arboviruses, 26% of the pools were positive for ZIKV, 13% for CHIKV and 10% for DENV. When the larvae were evaluated individually, the presence of a virus was detected in 30% of the samples, 13% positive for DENV and 3.3% ZIKV. Surprisingly, a co-transmission of DENV and ZIKV was detected in four larvae (13.3% of the samples) with the highest number of copies for ZIKV. There was a correlation with statistical significance between the LIRAa score and the presence of arboviruses in different regions. These data prove the co-circulation, presence of individual vertical transmission of DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV and transovarian co-transmission of DENV and ZIKV in nature

Caries is a multifactorial and infectious oral disease that affects the majority of the world's population and for life. Streptococcus mutans is one of the main etiologic agents for the formation of dental biofilm due to its adhesion, acidogenicity and acidity, which are the main factors associated with caryogenesis. Medicinal plants can be an alternative to antimicrobial agents that allow the control of microbial biofilms. In this context, an Schinopsis brasiliensis Engler, popularly known as Brazil, has been much appreciated locally in popular medicine, due to the presence of chemical compounds that have biological activity, mainly antimicrobial. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract, fractions and subfractions of the leaves of S. brasiliensis against S. mutans UA159. For this, the tests of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration of adhesion (MICA) were performed. The activity of the ethanolic extract was evaluated in relation to inhibition of biofilm formation, its effects on glycolysis and membrane permeability to protons, and analysis of polysaccharide formation. The lowest MIC values were obtained with the ethanolic extract, dichloromethane, H3 and D4 subfractions at 31.25 μg/mL. Butanol and D4.11 did not showed MIC at the maximum concentration tested. In relation to MBC, bactericidal activity was demonstrated in the ethanolic extract, hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, H2, D2, D3, D4, D4.8 A1 and A2.  Butanol, H1, H3, H4, D4.11, D4.12, D4.13 A3 and A4 did not show MBC at the maximum concentration tested at 1000 μg/mL. The extracts tested with sub-MIC concentrations did not inhibit adherence of S. mutans UA159. In biofilm analyzes, treatment with the ethanol extract of S. brasiliensis (2 g/mL) in the tested concentration was able to reduce biomass, insoluble and alkaline soluble glucans compared to the control biofilm (p < 0.05). The S. brasiliensis leaves affected the acid production, compared to the saline group (p < 0.05). However, it did not alter the permeability of the S. mutans membrane acid tolerance (p > 0.05). This is the first report of antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract from S. brasiliensis against Streptococcus mutans biofilm. Thus, the ethanolic extract, fractions and subfractions of the leaves of S. brasiliensis demonstrated therapeutic potential for use in preventing the formation of dental caries, as it presented antimicrobial activity and inhibited important virulence factors of S. mutans UA159. Thus, studies must be carried out to deepen the knowledge about the mechanism of action of these antimicrobials and which compounds are active against S. mutans.

Human milk (LH) is the primary food source for newborns (RNs) and infants. Often RNs in the hospital need nutritional support from a Human Milk Bank (BLH). Considering the rich nutrient composition of LH, milked human milk (LHO) can become an excellent culture medium for the development of various microorganisms. At BLH, the donated LHO needs to undergo strict microbiological quality control to be made available. The possible causes of increase of the amount of microorganisms in the human milk can be related to the inadequate techniques of collection, with conditions of hygiene of the donor and the used utensils and with the form of conservation of the food.Among the microorganisms associated with important infections of RNs, which may be contaminants samples of LHO, are the species belonging to the genus Enterococcus that can come from the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract and skin from healthy donors. These species may be pathogenic for newborns with immunological vulnerability and therefore need to be effectively inactivated by the pasteurization process performed at the BLH. Given the importance of Enterococcus spp. in human pathologies, especially in neonates, the study was identified and characterized the resistance and pathogenicity of these microorganisms in the breast milk of the Hospital of Esau Matos de Vitória da Conquista, associating hygienic-sanitary conditions of the donors with an aim to draw up alternatives that prevent diffusion in a hospital environment. Samples were collected from the nipple-areolar region and donor hands, using single sterile swab, and aliquots and raw milk and pasteurized milk. Isolates of Enterococcus spp. were identified through microbiological cultivation techniques and antibiogram (according to recommendations recommended by CLSI 2017) in a conventional way, together with the use of the chromogenic medium Chromagar Orientation (BD ™ CHROMagar ™ Orientation). Subsequently, molecular biology tests were performed to confirm resistance. Specimens of Enterococcus spp. were identified in 30% of the donors, obtaining a total of 11 isolates. Of these, 63.6% were from swab samples and 36.4% from LHC. Samples of pasteurized human milk did not detect Enterococcus spp. Regarding the antimicrobial susceptibility test, the isolates were sensitive to Ampicillin, Linezolid and Vancomycin. Resistance profile against Penicillin, Norfloxacin and Nitrofurantoin was observed in 18% of the isolates, separately, 9% resistance to Ciprofloxacin and 63% to Tetracycline. The virulence factors were identified in 63% of the isolates for the efaA gene (Antigen A) and 27% presented genotype for the ace gene (Collagen Adesin). The present study presented the responsibility of the microbiological control by the Human Milk Bank and the need to outline alternatives to prevent the arrival of species of Enterococcus spp. in the hospital environment (dispersion of community pathogens in the hospital environment, and the reverse), possibly as causes of important neonatal infections that increase hospitalization time and, consequently, health care costs.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacteria with a high capacity to form dense biofilms, a complex structure that predisposes the development of antibiotic-resistant phenotypes, contributing to health-care-related infections becoming a serious public health problem worldwide. It is an in vitro research of the experimental type whose objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of different protocols of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) mediated by curcumin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms that were submitted to protocols of PDT mediated by curcumin in three different concentrations (5μg / ml, 20μg / ml and 40μg / ml), activated by blue LED light at three different energy doses (3.24J / cm², 5.4J / cm² and 10.8J / cm²) compared to a negative control group ( without treatment) and positive control groups (LED and curcumin, alone, in the concentrations and energy doses delineated for the study), totaling 16 experimental groups. After checking the assumptions of normality and homogeneity, the statistical analysis was performed by Anova and Kruskal-Wallis, with post-test of Bonferroni and Dunn, respectively and the interpretation of the data took into account the values of reduction of Log10 of formative units colony count per ml (CFU / ml) to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the therapy instituted. The biofilm structure analyzes were performed using confocal laser scanning (CSLM) images and Raman microspectroscopy allowed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of curcumin action through the observed peaks in the spectrum. The results demonstrated an action centered on the disruptive effect of the biofilm, besides an antimicrobial effect in all PDT protocols, with better results observed in the protocols with higher concentration of photosensitizer and higher energy dose. The curcumin-mediated PDT evaluated in this research proved to be effective not only in reducing the viability of bacterial cells, but mainly because of its antibiofilm effect, and could be used as an antimicrobial potentiator.

Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of more than 6000 different chemicals substances. In the lung, these components can directly or indirectly trigger inflammation and redox stress, characteristic of some pulmonary diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine-1-oxyl) and other cyclic nitroxides reduce tissue injury associated with inflammation by mechanisms that are not fully understood. In the literature there is no report on the effects of tempol on lung injury caused by cigarette smoke as well as its involvement in the activation of the Nrf2 pathway. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effect of tempol on inflammation and redox stress induced by acute exposure to cigarette smoke. C57BL/6 (n=32) were assigned to four groups (n = 8 each): 1) control exposed to ambient air (CG), 2) mice exposed to cigarette smoke for 5 days (CSG), mice treated 3) preventively or 4) therapeutically with tempol (50 mg/kg/day) and exposed to cigarette smoke for 5 days (TP50+CS and TT50+CS, respectively). The animals were euthanized after 24 h of last exposure to cigarette smoke, and bronchoalveolar lavage and lungs were collected for further analysis. The number of total leukocytes and neutrophils as well as myeloperoxidase concentration and activity increased in the respiratory tract and lung parenchyma of mice exposed to cigarette smoke. As consequence, there was an increase in lipid peroxidation, and nitration and carbonylation of lung proteins. Administration of tempol before or during exposure to cigarette smoke inhibited 60-80% all of the above parameters. Tempol also reduced inflammatory cytokines expression IL-6, IL-1β and IL-17 for basal levels and TNF-α by approximately 50%. On the other hand, IL-10, TGF-β transcription, and activation Nrf2 pathway markers, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and GPx2 increased significantly in the mice treated preventively and therapeutically with the nitroxide, which reflected a higher activity of glutathione peroxidase in the lung homogenate. Then, the effects of tempol were evaluated on intracellular redox state, nitric oxide synthase activity and HO-1 expression in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. When RAW 264.7 cells were preincubated with tempol (25, 50 and 100 μM) for 24 h and stimulated with cigarette smoke extract, the intracellular oxidation of dichlorofluorescein was reduced in a concentration dependent manner, although nitrite and nitrate concentrations, indirect marker of nitric oxide synthase activity, did not change. In the cells treated with tempol (50 and 100 μM) for 24 h, HO-1 levels increased according to SDS-PAGE / Western Blotting. Collectively, these data indicate that tempol protects cells and tissues against oxidative damage and inflammation on exposure to cigarette smoke probably through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway.

Wine is considered an alcoholic beverage resulting from the fermentation of grapes. For this, during the process of its production, several chemical reactions are provoked by the yeast, transforming the sugars present in the fruit in alcohol and later giving rise to drink. Obtaining quality wine depends on a number of prerequisites, including environmental factors and human intervention, which, when optimized, result in a significant increase in the quality of the initial process and consequently in the improvement of the final product. In this scenario, the search for improvements in the wine production process has been studied, one of them, analyzed by this work is the application of photostimulation, since light is able to accelerate the yeast metabolism leading to a reduction in the time spent on fermentation. without altering the quality of the drink, as already proven in studies with beer number of prerequisites, including environmental factors and human intervention, which, when optimized, result in a significant increase in the quality of the initial process and consequently in the improvement of the final. product. In this scenario, the search for improvements in the wine production process has been studied, one of which, analyzed by this work is the application of photostimulation, since light is able to accelerate the yeast metabolism leading to a reduction in the time spent on fermentation . without changing the quality of the drink, as proven in studies with beer. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the effects of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on microbial selection, fermentation yield and productivity during the initial process of red wine production. The photonic reactors used in the process were made with four RGB (Red - Green - Blue) LED strips (MSS LED Lightining Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China) measuring 10 cm in length, these strips were fixed to the outer walls. of a 12 x 100 mm glass test tube. Each ribbon contained 6 RGB LEDs, making up a total of 24 RGB LEDs. The reactors were inserted in elermayer containing grape must with yeast of the genus Saccharomyces, isolated from the grapes themselves. For groups that were evaluated for microbiological capacity, the blue LED light was used and for groups that were evaluated the productivity and yield of fermentation, the red light was used. In order to avoid interference from ambient light, in all groups irradiated with light the erlenmeyer containing the must was completely covered with film paper. When performing the intergroup analyzes, it can be observed that the LED was efficient in the bacterial decrease mainly at 48 and 72 hours of application, showing a statistically significant difference (p <0.001) when compared to all times of the Pure group (P24h, P48h and P72h) and at the 24 hour time of the Metabisulfite group (M24h). Another positive point was the alcohol content obtained in the samples that were irradiated with 525nm red LED, which obtained superior results when compared to all other groups (p <0.001) in the final time of 72 hours, showing that the light stimulates the production of ethanol by yeast. Thus, it can be seen that the use of blue (460 nm) and red (630 nm) lights has a positive effect on grape must both in the microbiological decontamination and ethanol production, and can thus be used as an innovative technique as a means of enhance and facilitate the production of red wine.

Growth in the field of aesthetic dentistry has increased, as a result of the requirement in the aesthetic pattern of smile. A healthy and beautiful smile improves self-image and confidence, is directly associated with searching for whiter teeth, which makes dental whitening a requested procedure today. Whitening consists a result of a complex physical and chemical interaction between the tooth and the stain causative agent. When thinking about developing new products, nanotechnology has been pointed out as the technological revolution, which has aroused a huge interest in the scientific community over the past few decades, being one of the main focuses of development and innovation in all countries. Microemulsions (EMs) are nanotechnological, thermodynamically stable, isotropic, dispersed systems consisting of two imiscible liquids. The validation of an analytical method, in the quality control of pharmaceutical products, is to demonstrate that the method is appropriate for a given purpose, that is, the quantitative determination of drugs. In this work, the stability of nanotechnological systems containing carbamide peroxide 16% for tooth whitener was characterized and evaluated, with permeation potential in the dentin canaliles in order to optimize the bleaching process. The selected formulation, from the phase diagram, carbamide peroxide 16% was incorporated, and then characterized (optical microscopy, pH, particle size, polydispersivity index, zeta potential,conductivity). The formulation also submitted to the study of preliminary and accelerated stability. Validated the method for quantifying carbamide peroxide, according to RDC 166 – ANVISA. The product containing Carbamide Peroxide 16% obtained pH values of 5.86 ± 0.05; zeta potential -6.38 ± 0.37mV; droplet size 22.52 ± 0.37nm; Polydispersivity index 0.164±0.02 and Conductivity 0.1063±,001μs/cm. The rheological profile of the analyzed samples presented with thixotropic behavior. The product is stable.

Several studies have focused on the use of agro-industrial residues and co-products,
such as the use of cellulose and hemicellulose, which is component of the plant cell wall
of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of second generation ethanol (2G) and
other bioproducts. Several enzymes derived from fungi and bacteria act in the
deconstruction of these polysaccharides in monosaccharides, thus allowing subsequent
alcoholic fermentation. The enzymes cellulases and hemicellulases have already been
well studied, but in the last decade, new enzymes with oxidative activity, such as lytic
polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), which increase the release of glucose
together with the cellulases and hemicellulases have attracted attention of the scientific
community. For the characterization of new LPMOs, it is necessary to insert genes
encoding these enzymes in expression systems, such as, for example, Komagataella
phaffii. The LPMO TrCel61A from Trichoderma reesei, belonging to the AA9 family,
was previously characterized and in the present work it was used as a model, together
with five new LPMOs from Basidiomycota and Ascomycota, which were selected from
the CAZy database, synthesized, cloned into expression vector pPICZαA and then
transformed into K. phaffii. Although none of the five new enzymes were successfully
produced by K. phaffii, but the LPMO model TrCel61A was produced. The work
continued with the enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse pretreated by
autohydrolysis using the enzymatic crude extracts of the mutant hyperchololytic fungus
Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30 and the standard lineage Aspergillus aculeatus F-50.
Based on the results of enzymatic hydrolysis, it was possible to observe that with the
addition of LPMO TrCel61A there was a significant increase in the glucose release,
being able to overcome the release occurred with the commercial enzyme celluloclast.
In fact, the addition of LPMO-TrCel61A in the optimum enzyme mix increases the
cellulose conversion to 18.35%. These data indicate that TrCel61A has a greater
positive effect on the hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse, increasing the biochemical
conversion of cellulolytic extracts of T. reesei and A. aculeatus when added as
accessory enzyme in ideal enzymatic mixtures.

Dental caries is a multifactorial chronic-infeccion disease, which starts with a bacterial biofilm formation caused mainly by Streptococcus mutans. Besides the daily hygiene that is inherent to the individual, there are few preventive methods to combat dental caries. The use of probiotics has shown numerous health benefits, including in the fight against oral diseases. Strains of Lactobacillus fermentum have already shown probiotic potential against S. mutans, but there are still few studies. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the inoculum and metabolites produced by L. fermentum TcUESC01 against S. mutans UA159. For this, a growth curve of L. fermentum was performed and both the inoculum and the metabolites formed in the fermentation were tested against the growth of S. mutans UA159 in agar diffusion tests, and only its metabolites were tested to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimal bactericidal concentration and inhibition of cell adhesion. Inhibition of biofilm formation, pH drop and proton permeability were also tested with the metabolites. The zone of inhibition began to be formed at 14 hours and continued until 16 hours. The inoculum containing L. fermentum also showed zone of inhibition. The MIC for the metabolites was 1280 mg/mL and the MBC was obtained with a concentration higher than the MIC equal to 5120 mg/mL. Half of the MIC concentration (640 mg/mL) was required to inhibit S. mutans adhesion to the surface of the microplates. In the biofilm analyzes, the treatment with the metabolites in the tested concentration was not able to reduce biomass (17.40 ± 9.79 mg/biofilm), insoluble glucans (11.24 ± 0.78 mg/biofilm) and alkali soluble (1.74 ± 0.52a mg/biofilm) compared to the control biofilm (p> 0.05). The metabolites also did not affect acid production and acid tolerance of S. mutans cells in biofilms compared to saline group (p> 0.05). The results explain the concentration-dependence of the metabolites in the efficacy in fighting S. mutans how previous studies have already shown. Thus, our work showed that the metabolites produced by the Lactobacillus fermentum TcUESC01 have a great potential to be used as an antimicrobial agent against S. mutans for presenting anti-adherence activity and bactericidal activity in planktonic cells. However, more researches should be done in order to characterize these metabolites and thus, concentrate them to obtain better results in the biofilms tests.

Peptides derived from endogenous antigens can bind to MHC-I molecules. Those which bind with high affinity can invoke a CD8+ immune response, resulting in the destruction of infected cells. Much work in immunoinformatics has involved the algorithmic prediction of peptide binding affinity to various MHC-I alleles. A number of tools for MHC-I binding prediction have been developed, many of which are available on the web. However, many machine learning-based methods are generally less sensitive in recognizing locally-clustered interactions, which can synergistically stabilize peptide binding. Here we propose the EPI predictor, an artificial neural network-based for HLA-A*0101 allele. Our ANN was built using 3902 epitopes for HLA-A*0101 and nine physical-chemical properties. Then the physical-chemical properties were reduced to four PCA and used as features for each amino acid in the train and test peptides. We train/test the model using 70/30% of the epitopes retrieved from the database respectively. Our model reached a good prediction level with an accuracy of 77.09 and f1 score of 0.77 in the test set. Additionally, several hyperparameters test were done to identify the most suitable multilayer neural network. In addition to the validation testing protocol, we sought to compare the accuracy rate performed by our predictor in comparison to several other predictive approaches available online. The benchmark demonstrated EPI displaying an outstanding performance in contrast to some reliable MHC-I predictors. The EPI reached 0.53 MCC score, indicating consistent predictive capacity. The strategy to build the EPI and performance compared with other predictors are discussed.