Abstract Experimental models that consider host-pathogen interactions are relevant for improving knowledge about oral candidiasis. The aim of this study was to assess the epithelial immune responses, Candida penetration of cell monolayers, and virulence during mixed species culture infections. Single species cultures of Candida albicans and mixed cultures (C. albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sanguinis) were used to infect monolayers of HaCaT and FaDu ATCC HTB-43 cells for 12 h. After infection, IL-18 and IL-34 gene expression was measured to assess epithelial cell immune responses, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was measured as an indicator of cell damage. Microscopy determined C. albicans morphology and penetration of fungal cells through the keratinocyte monolayer. Monolayers devoid of infection served as controls. Data were analyzed by an ANOVA one-way test followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test (α = 0.05). The results found that IL-18 and IL-34 gene expression and LDH activity were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated for both cell lines exposed to mixed species cultures compared with C. albicans alone. Candida albicans yeast and hyphae were evident in C. albicans only infections. In contrast, monolayers infected by C. albicans, S. mutans, and S. sanguinis exhibited higher microbial invasion with several hyphal aggregates detected. The presence of streptococci in C. albicans infection enhances the virulence and pathogenicity of the fungus with associated increased immune responses and tissue damage. Extrapolation of these findings to oral infection would indicate the added potential benefit of managing bacterial components of biofilms during treatment.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta epithelial imune, a colonização da Candida albicans em monocamadas celulares e sua virulência em resposta a infecções de culturas de biofilme multiespécie. Culturas de biofilme monoespécie de C. albicans e culturas mistas (C. albicans, Streptococcus mutans e Streptococcus sanguinis) foram utilizadas para infectar monocamadas de células HaCaT e FaDu por 12 h. Após a infecção, a expressão dos genes IL-18 e IL-34 foi medida para avaliar as respostas imunes das células epiteliais. A atividade da lactato desidrogenase (LDH) foi medida como um indicador de dano celular. A microscopia determinou a morfologia de C. albicans e a penetração das células fúngicas através da monocamada de queratinócitos. Monocamadas em que não houve infecção serviram como controles. Os dados foram analisados por um teste ANOVA one-way seguido pelo teste post-hoc de Tukey (α = 0,05). Os resultados demonstraram que a expressão gênica de IL-18 e IL-34 e a atividade de LDH foram (p < 0,05) reguladas positivamente para ambas as linhagens de células expostas a culturas de espécies mistas em comparação com C. albicans isoladamente. Leveduras de C.albicans e hifas foram evidentes em infecções apenas por C. albicans. Entretanto, monocamadas infectadas por C. albicans, S. mutans e S. sanguinis exibiram maior invasão microbiana com vários agregados de hifas detectados. Dessa maneira, a presença de estreptococos na infecção por C. albicans aumentou a virulência e a patogenicidade do fungo com respostas imunes aumentadas associadas a danos nos tecidos. A extrapolação desses achados para a infecção oral indicaria o potencial benéfico do controle dos componentes bacterianos em biofilmes durante a terapia da candidíase

Resumen La colaboración docente en las últimas décadas ha adquirido cada vez más importancia como estrategia para la mejora e innovación escolar (Hargreaves & O’Connor, 2020). Una Comunidad Profesional de Aprendizaje (CPA) pone énfasis en el desarrollo de culturas colaborativas que incentivan el aprendizaje, tanto en los docentes como en los estudiantes (Bolam et al., 2007; Hord et al., 2010; Hord & Hirsh, 2008). El presente estudio analiza las apreciaciones de docentes, directivos y asistentes de la educación sobre las dimensiones de colaboración que contempla una CPA. El método de investigación corresponde a un estudio mixto concurrente (Creswell, 2009) con estrategia de estudio de casos múltiples (Stake, 1998) en cinco centros educativos de Chile. Se aplicó un cuestionario a 161 informantes, junto al desarrollo de 10 grupos de discusión. Los principales hallazgos establecen que son positivas las percepciones con respecto a las relaciones entre pares al compartir sus prácticas, sin embargo, se carece de espacios de acompañamiento, observación y retroalimentación entre pares que permitan profundizar en el aprendizaje colectivo. Se observa la necesidad de avanzar en espacios de profundización especializada en la práctica docente, teniendo como base la documentación de investigaciones en materias educativas, junto con potenciar las fortalezas halladas en los centros educativos con relaciones sociales positivas para el aprendizaje.

Abstract Teacher collaboration in recent decades has become increasingly important as a strategy for school improvement and innovation (Hargreaves & O'Connor, 2020). A Professional Learning Community emphasizes the development of collaborative cultures that encourage learning in both teachers and students (Bolam et al., 2007; Hord et al., 2010; Hord & Hirsh, 2008). The present study analyzes the appraisals of teachers, managers and educational assistants on the dimensions of collaboration that a CPA contemplates. The research method corresponds to a concurrent mixed study (Creswell, 2009) with a multiple case study strategy (Stake, 1998) in five educational centers in Chile. A questionnaire was applied to 161 informants, together with the development of 10 discussion groups. The main findings establish that the perceptions regarding peer relationships when sharing their practices are positive; however, there is a lack of spaces for peer accompaniment, observation and feedback that would deepen collective learning. There is a need to advance in specialized deepening spaces in teaching practice based on the documentation of research in educational subjects, together with enhancing the strengths found in educational centers with positive social relations for learning.

Resumo A colaboração dos professores nas últimas décadas tornou-se cada vez mais importante como estratégia para a melhoria e inovação escolares (Hargreaves & O'Connor, 2020). Uma Comunidade de Aprendizagem Profissional enfatiza o desenvolvimento de culturas colaborativas que encorajam a aprendizagem tanto em professores como em estudantes (Bolam et al., 2007; Hord et al., 2010; Hord & Hirsh, 2008). Este estudo analisa as percepções dos professores, gestores e assistentes educativos sobre as dimensões de colaboração de um CPA. O método de investigação corresponde a um estudo simultâneo misto (Creswell, 2009) com uma estratégia de estudo de casos múltiplos (Stake, 1998) em cinco escolas no Chile. Foi aplicado um questionário a 161 informadores, juntamente com o desenvolvimento de 10 grupos focais. As principais conclusões estabelecem que as percepções relativas às relações entre pares quando partilham as suas práticas são positivas; no entanto, há uma falta de espaços para o acompanhamento, observação e feedback dos pares que permitam aprofundar a aprendizagem coletiva. Observa-se a necessidade de avançar em espaços de aprofundamento especializado da prática pedagógica com base na documentação da investigação em disciplinas educativas, juntamente com o reforço dos pontos fortes encontrados nas escolas com relações sociais positivas para a aprendizagem.

ABSTRACT Objective This study verified the replication efficiency of the Rocio virus in a primary culture of mouse neural cells. Methods Mixed primary cultures (neurons/glia) obtained from the brains of newborn isogenic BALB/c mice were inoculated with Rocio virus on the 7 th day of culture, and the development of cytopathogenic effects was monitored. The infection was confirmed via immunocytochemistry (anti-ROCV), while viral replication was quantified in infected primary cultures. The titration method used depended on the infection period. Results Rocio virus efficiently infected primary cultured neural cells, with the highest viral titer causing cytopathic changes was observed at 2 days post infection. The virus-infected primary culture survived for up to 7 days post infection, and viral load quantitation showed viral replication kinetics compatible with the cell death kinetics of cultures. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that mouse neural cell primary cultures support Rocio virus replication and could be used as an alternative system for studying Flavivirus infection in the central nervous system.

ABSTRACT The aims of this study were to search for the presence of bacterial and fungal growth in urine samples from cats with urethral obstruction, to identify the causative infectious agents, and to compare select clinical-laboratory parameters with urine culture results after urethral catheterization. Twenty-eight male cats were enrolled in this prospective study. Urethral catheterization was performed aseptically, and the catheter was maintained for 24-48 hours with a sterile closed collection system. No antibiotics were used during this period. The first urine sample was obtained at the time of presentation, and the second, 24-48 hours after catheter removal, both by cystocentesis. Two cats (7.1%) presented a positive bacterial urine culture on the first sample. The frequency of positive urine cultures in the second sample was 52.4% (11/21 cats). One third of bacterial pathogens were Gram-positive, one third were Gram-negative, and one third were mixed isolates. Fungal cultures were all negative. There was significant association of positive urine culture results with pyuria (P=0.0128). A high frequency of positive urine cultures after urinary catheter removal was observed, despite respecting the standards of care for urethral catheters. Still, these results should be interpreted with caution, since intermittent bladder flushing was performed disconnecting the collecting system, which may have represented a critical point for bacterial contamination. It is emphasized that urine cultures should be considered as follow up in cats with urethral obstruction, after urethral catheter removal.

RESUMO Os objetivos deste estudo foram pesquisar a presença de crescimento bacteriano e fúngico em amostras de urina de gatos com obstrução uretral, identificar os agentes infecciosos causadores e comparar parâmetros clínico-laboratoriais selecionados com os resultados da urocultura após a cateterização uretral. Vinte e oito gatos machos foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo. A sondagem uretral foi realizada de forma asséptica, e o cateter foi mantido por 24-48 horas, com um sistema de coleta fechado e estéril. Não foram utilizados antibióticos durante esse período. A primeira amostra de urina foi obtida no momento da admissão do felino, e a segunda 24-48 horas após a retirada do cateter, ambas por cistocentese. Dois gatos (7,1%) apresentaram urocultura bacteriana positiva na primeira amostra de urina. A frequência de culturas de urina positivas na segunda amostra foi de 52,4% (11/21 gatos). Um terço das bactérias isoladas eram Gram-positivas, um terço eram Gram-negativas e um terço eram infecções mistas. As culturas fúngicas foram todas negativas. Houve associação significativa das uroculturas positivas com presença de piúria (P=0,0128). Observou-se alta frequência de uroculturas positivas após a retirada do cateter urinário, apesar de se respeitarem as diretrizes de cuidados com os cateteres uretrais. Ainda assim, esses resultados devem ser interpretados com cautela, pois a lavagem vesical intermitente foi realizada desconectando o sistema coletor, o que pode ter representado um ponto crítico para contaminação bacteriana. Ressalta-se que as uroculturas devem ser consideradas como acompanhamento em gatos com obstrução uretral, após a retirada do cateter uretral.

BACKGROUND: Many state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa face the serious problem of knowledge-unfriendly organisational cultures, structures and human resource management (HRM) practices that hinder the reduction of the risks associated with tacit knowledge loss. OBJECTIVE: The article examines the role of HRM in facilitating knowledge-driven organisational cultures and structures for the reduction of tacit knowledge loss in South African SOEs. METHODS: The study deployed an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design to examine the role of HRM in facilitating organisational cultures and structures that are supportive of knowledge management (KM). In the qualitative phase, data were collected through interviews with 20 purposively selected HR managers in nine SOEs. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was distributed to 585 randomly selected employees in three state-owned companies. The instrument was considered reliable with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.94 and a response rate of 25%. RESULTS: The research findings revealed that a majority of organisational cultures and structures in SOEs did not facilitate or assist to propel and support KM activities, behaviours and practices. On a positive note, human resource managers acknowledge that they have a crucial role to play in influencing culture management and structural designs in their companies to boost KM activities, behaviours and cultures. CONCLUSION: Numerous SOEs did not exhibit certain knowledge-driven behaviours and cultures because of a lack of structures to drive KM. Human resource managers did not exert their role in driving and influencing such knowledge-based behaviours, cultures and structures to lessen potential tacit knowledge loss.

RESUMEN Introducción: La infección del tracto urinario (ITU) se considera la enfermedad infecciosa más común entre las mujeres. La ITU puede provocar una complicación grave en ambos riñones. En este estudio, intentamos determinar si la alternancia en el recuento de plaquetas durante la ITU está relacionada con el tipo específico de bacterias Gram que causan la infección. Esto ayuda al personal médico a seleccionar el fármaco antimicrobiano adecuado. Material y Métodos: Datos de todos los urocultivos del Servicio de Ginecología del Hospital Albaraa (Trípoli), procesados en el Laboratorio durante un período de tres años (2017-2019). Todos los análisis de datos y estadísticas se realizaron con el software SPSS versión 16 y se realizaron con ANOVA de una vía y se utilizó una prueba paramétrica para valores categóricos y valores no distribuidos normalmente. Resultados: Se detectó un crecimiento en 101 de 193 (52%) muestras y 22 (11%) fueron de crecimiento mixto. Las bacterias Gram negativas se identificaron en el 57% (45/79) mientras que el 43% (34/79) se presentaron con bacterias Gram positivas. En cuanto a la alteración del recuento de plaquetas, se revela que hubo una diferencia significativa entre los casos infectados por bacterias Gram negativas frente a otros infectados por bacterias Gram positivas y el grupo control. Conclusiones: Los resultados del estudio actual sugieren que el cambio en el recuento de plaquetas durante la ITU está asociado con el tipo Gram de la bacteria causante.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Urinary Tract infection (UTI) is considered as the most common infections disease among women. UTI may lead to a serious complication in both kidneys. In this study, we tried to determine whether the alternation in platelet count during UTI is related to specific Gram-type of bacteria causing the infection. This assists the medical staff in selection of suitable antimicrobial drug. Material and Methods: Data of all urine cultures from Gynecology Department/ Albaraa Hospital/Tripoli processed at the Laboratory during a period of three years (2017 - 2019). All Data analysis and statistics were made with the SPSS software version 16 and performed with one-way ANOVA and a parametric test was used for categorical values and not normally distributed values. Results: A growth was detected in 101 of 193 (52%) samples and 22 (11%) were mixed growth. Gram-negative bacteria identified in 57% (45/79) while 43% (34/79) occurred with Gram-positive bacteria. Regarding to platelets count alteration, it is revealed that there was a significant difference between cases infected by Gram-negative bacteria compared to others infected by Gram-positive bacteria and control group. Conclusions: Results of the current study suggest that the change in platelet count during UTI is associated with causative bacteria’s Gram-type.

Abstract. Gracilaria chilensis is distributed in New Zealand (including Chatham Island) and South America. This species has a three-stage sexual life cycle, as well as asexual and vegetative reproduction, and is commercially important as it is a valuable source for producing agar. However, basing the crops exclusively on clonal reproduction and vegetative propagation has led to a reduction in their genotypic diversity, an increase in their susceptibility to infection by epiphytes, and a decrease in their quality. Thus, it is important to establish indoor cultures of G. chilensis from thalli with a mixed reproductive regime (sexual and asexual) that maintains the genetic variability of the cultivars. In this study, the biomass, growth rate, and productivity of indoor cultures of G. chilensis were evaluated (as a first approach) using various culture media [i.e., von Stosch medium (VS), Basfoliar® Aktiv (BF), and mixtures of VS and BF, namely, VS/BF-A and VS/BF-B]. The VS/BF-A medium showed the best results in terms of biomass (51.8 ± 3.7 g m-2), growth rate (4.55 ± 0.43 %d-1), and productivity (14 g m-2 d-1), including the occurrence of thalli with cystocarps. The positive results using the VS/BF-A medium could be attributed to the fact that BF provides different elements (K, Cu, Mo, and Zn) that are crucial, since they are involved in numerous physiological functions in the algae, and also to the N:P ratio utilized (1:1), which positively affects growth and productivity. This information provides pivotal updated knowledge regarding cultures of G. chilensis under controlled conditions, promoting its successful cultivation for productive purposes.

Resumen: Gracilaria chilensis se distribuye en Nueva Zelanda (incluida la Isla Chatham) y Sudamérica. Esta especie tiene un ciclo de vida sexual de tres fases, así como una reproducción asexual y vegetativa, y es comercialmente importante, ya que es una valiosa fuente para producir agar. Sin embargo, los cultivos basados exclusivamente en la reproducción clonal y la propagación vegetativa han provocado una reducción de la diversidad genotípica, incrementando la susceptibilidad a la infección por epifitos y una disminución de la calidad. Por ello, es importante establecer cultivos de interior de G. chilensis a partir de talos, con un régimen reproductivo mixto (sexual y asexual), que mantenga la variabilidad genética de los cultivares. En este estudio, fue evaluada (como primera aproximación) la biomasa, la tasa de crecimiento y la productividad de los cultivos de interior de G. chilensis utilizando varios medios de cultivo [i.e., medio von Stosch (VS), Basfoliar® Aktiv (BF), y mezclas de VS y BF, es decir, VS/BF-A y VS/BF-B]. El medio VS/BF-A mostró los mejores resultados en términos de biomasa (51,8 ± 3,7 g m-2), tasa de crecimiento (4,55 ± 0,43 %d-1) y productividad (14 g m-2 d-1), incluyendo la ocurrencia de talos con cistocarpos. Los resultados positivos utilizando el medio VS/BF-A podrían atribuirse al hecho de que el BF proporciona diferentes elementos (K, Cu, Mo y Zn) que son cruciales, ya que están involucrados en numerosas funciones fisiológicas en las algas, y la razón N:P utilizada (1:1) ya que afecta positivamente al crecimiento y la productividad. Esta información proporciona un conocimiento actualizado fundamental sobre los cultivos de G. chilensis en condiciones controladas, promoviendo su cultivo exitoso con fines productivos.

ABSTRACT: There are bacteria that produce lactic acid (LAB) present in the epiphytic microflora of plants, and consortia of mountain microorganisms such as yeasts and mixed cultures that can be used as probiotics and growth promoters in animal production. To evaluate the use of mountain microorganisms in corn silage as probiotics in the fattening of rabbits for 4 weeks, 20 hybrid rabbits were used which were chosen randomly in each treatment. The preparation of the probiotics was carried out through an initial anaerobic fermentation stage and a final aerobic one. Treatment (T1) was a diet supplemented with the addition of mountain microorganisms in corn silage (MME) in the drinking water and treatment two or conventional (T2) served as a control without application of MME. The feed consumption and the feed conversion index were calculated, expressed as the mean ± the standard deviation. When performing an analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was established that during week 4 of treatment there was a significant difference (P <0.05) in weight gain and feed conversion between treatments, being favorable for T1 supplemented with MME.

RESUMEN: Existen bacterias que producen ácido láctico (BAL) presentes en la microflora epifita de los vegetales, y consorcios de microorganismos de montaña como levaduras y cultivos mixtos que pueden ser empleados como probióticos y promotores del crecimiento en la producción animal. Para evaluar el uso de microorganismos de montaña en ensilado de maíz como probióticos en la engorda de conejos durante 4 semanas, se emplearon 20 conejos híbridos. Los cuales se escogieron aleatoriamente en cada tratamiento. La preparación de los probióticos se realizó mediante una etapa de fermentación inicial anaerobia y una final aerobia. El tratamiento (T1) fue una dieta suplementada con la adición de microorganismos de montaña en ensilado de maíz (MME) en el agua de bebida y el tratamiento dos o convencional (T2) fungió como testigo sin aplicación de MME. Se calculó el consumo de alimento y el indicie de conversión alimenticia, expresados como la media ± la desviación estándar. Al realizar un análisis de varianza (ANOVA) se estableció que durante la semana 4 del tratamiento hubo diferencia significativa (P<0.05) en la ganancia de peso y conversión alimenticia entre los tratamientos, siendo favorable para T1 suplementados con MME.

BACKGROUND: Hand sepsis is a common cause of morbidity. The study was conducted in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, investigating the bacteriological profile and aetiology of hand sepsis, aiming at optimising empiric antibiotic therapyMETHODS: This is a descriptive study of 120 patients who presented to the plastic surgery department of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital with hand sepsis, from January 2017 to April 2019, that required surgical drainage. Data recorded included: aetiology of sepsis, underlying comorbidities, length of hospital stay, and outcome. A pus swab was taken during surgical drainage for microscopy, culture and sensitivity (MCS) analysis. The relationship between clinical factors and microbiological findings was analysedRESULTS: The predominant bacterial strains cultured from infected patients, excluding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, were Staphylococcus aureus (80.8%) and Streptococcus spp. (20.0%), mostly due to spontaneous onset infection (58.3%). Cultures of the more problematic Streptococcus spp. were more frequently associated in patients with diabetes mellitus (60.0%), penetrating trauma (41.9%), or blunt trauma (31.3%). The diabetes group in isolation had the longest median hospital stay of 8 (5-15) days, the most need for multiple procedures (60.0%), amputations (30.0%), and skin grafts (20.0%). The most effective antimicrobial drug particularly in mixed cultures was amoxicillin-clavulanic acidCONCLUSION: Staphylococcus aureus infection was the most common. Streptococcus spp. occurred more frequently in patients with traumatic injury and diabetes mellitus. The latter required further surgical procedures and an increased hospital stay. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is the preferred empiric antimicrobial agent

Abstract From a comparative approach, this study analyses the criminal process in the Hispanic and English Law in the Middle Ages. The activation of the criminal proceedings and prosecution in both (Hispanic and English) legal cultures are the basis underlying this article. In the English context, the transition from the mob justice of the outlawry process and the private justice (blood feud) to the justice of the king is analyzed. The evolution of the process circumscribed to the compurgatory swearing in the Early Middle Ages (subject to a strict formalism where there is just the possibility of the sworn judgement of the legal parties and the party’s witnesses) to the prosecution by a judge with ruling authority in the Late Middle Ages is also examined. On the other hand, regarding the Visigothic Hispania, this study focuses on the types of procedures as regulated in the Liber Iudiciorum, in the Early Middle Ages. This is a legal text which maintains its validity by adapting to the local customs in the municipal custumals of the reconquered territories in the transition to the Late Middle Ages. Following the arrival of the Roman-Canon Law the adversarial and the inquisitorial procedures are studied and also the way in which both give rise to a mixed procedural model which combines the ritual elements of both procedural models.

Resumen En este estudio se analiza, desde un enfoque comparativo, el proceso penal en los derechos hispano e inglés en la época medieval. La activación de la acción penal y su enjuiciamiento en estas dos culturas jurídicas (hispana e inglesa) constituyen el fundamento de este artículo. En el contexto inglés, se analiza la transición de la justicia popular del proceso de outlawry y la justicia privada (blood feud) a la justicia del rey. Se examina también la evolución del proceso circunscrito al juramento compurgatorio en la Alta Edad Media (sujeto a un rígido formalismo en el que solo cabe el pronunciamiento jurado de las partes judiciales y testigos de parte) al enjuiciamiento por jurado con potestad instructora en la Baja Edad Media. En la Hispania visigoda, en cambio, el estudio se centra en la tipología procesal reglada en el Liber Iudiciorum, en la Alta Edad Media, texto jurídico que mantiene su vigencia, adaptada a las costumbres locales, en los fueros municipales de los territorios reconquistados en la transición a la Baja Edad Media. Tras la recepción del derecho romano-canónico se examina el proceso acusatorio y el proceso inquisitivo y cómo ambos dan origen a un modelo procesal mixto que combina elementos rituarios de estos dos modelos procesales.

Traditionally, the use of malolactic fermentation gives rise to microbiologically stable wines. However, malolactic fermentation is not free from possible collateral effects that can take place under specific scenarios. The present work tests the influence of different biological deacidification strategies on the volatile and non-volatile components of white must from Germany. The study compared mixed cultures of Lachancea thermotolerans and Schizosaccharomyces pombe and a pure culture of Sc. pombe to the classical biological deacidification process performed by lactic acid bacteria. Strains of Oenococcus oeni and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were co- or sequentially inoculated with S. cerevisiae to carry out malolactic fermentation. Different fermentation treatments took place at a laboratory scale of 0.6 L in vessels of 0.75 L. The instrumental techniques Fourier-transform mid-infrared spectroscopy (FT-MIR), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to evaluate different chemical parameters in the final wines. The results showed the ability of Sc. pombe to consume malic acid in combination with L. thermotolerans without using S. cerevisiae or lactic acid bacteria. Fermentations involving Sc. pombe consumed all the malic acid, although they reduced the concentrations of higher alcohols, fatty acids and acetic acid. Simultaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentations reduced malic acid by about 80%, while classical malolactic fermentation reduced it by 100%. Fermentations involving L. thermotolerans produced the highest lactic acid, ester and glycerol concentrations.

The associative effects resulting from the proportions of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and non-fibre carbohydrate (NFC) were explored and assessed by in vitro gas production. Total mixed rations (TMR) composed primarily of alfalfa and corn-soybean concentrate were fed to growing cashmere goats. Treatments were defined by three proportions of NFC and NDF, namely 2.00 (TMR1), 2.35 (TMR2), and 3.00 (TMR3) that were used to grow cashmere goats, and these TRMs were incubated for 48 hours to evaluate their influence on associative effects. The results indicated that the associative influences of these treatments on gas production occurred within the cultures predominantly at 2 - 8 hours, and disappeared gradually as culture time was extended. TMR2 and TMR3 incubation increased gas production compared with that observed in the other groups at all incubation times (P >0.05), and these groups exhibited positive associative effects, particularly during the early hours of incubation (P <0.05). TMR3 displayed the best associative effect.

RESUMO Nos últimos anos há um interesse crescente no uso de diversos resíduos agroindustriais. No Brasil, as indústrias de alimentos acumulam uma enorme quantidade de resíduos, principalmente as de processamento de frutos cítricos.Entre as possibilidades de valorização destes resíduos, a digestão anaeróbia é uma alternativa promissora na geração de energia renovável e controle da poluição. Nesse sentido, esse estudo avaliou a digestão anaeróbia de água residuária citrícola, visando à produção biológica de hidrogênio a partir de três inóculos: (1) Clostridium Acetobutylicum ATCC 824,(2) Clostridium Beijerinckii ATCC 10132 e (3) consórcio anaeróbio obtido da água residuária citrícola. O experimento foi realizado em 51h, em triplicatas de reatores anaeróbios em batelada, alimentados com 2 fontes distintas de carbono: glicose (10,7 g DQO L-1) e água residuária citrícola (10,0 g DQO L-1), headspace preenchido com N2 (99,99%), pH inicial 7,0 e mantidos a 37°C, sob modo estático. Nos reatores alimentados com glicose foram verificados geração de hidrogênio apenas com os inóculos 1 e 2, que foram, respectivamente, de 36,8 mmol L-1 e 64,1 mmol L-1. Nos reatores operados com água residuária citrícola foram obtidos 21,2; 15,7 e; 37,6 mmol H2 L-1 com os inóculos 1; 2 e 3, respectivamente. Além disso, foram verificadas gerações expressivas de etanol para todos os inóculos testados nos reatores alimentados com glicose. Na caracterização do consórcio anaeróbio citrícola foi verificado predomínio de bacilos Gram + e quantificados os gêneros de bactérias anaeróbias geradoras de H2 (UFC mL-1): Clostridium sp. (3x105), Bacteroides sp. (4x105), Lactobacillus sp. (4x105), Streptococcus sp. (5x104), e Veillonella sp. (3x105), revelando diversidade elevada de bactérias anaeróbias produtoras de hidrogênio presentes na água residuária agroindustrial. Tais resultados ressaltam que a geração de hidrogênio pode ocorrer em vias metabólicas distintas com consequente favorecimento na geração de biocombustíveis como etanol ou butanol.

ABSTRACT In recent years there has been a growing interest in the use of various agro-industrial wastes. In Brazil, the food industries accumulate an enormous amount of waste, especially those that process citrus fruits. Among the possibilities for valuing these residues, anaerobic digestion is a promising alternative in the generation of renewable energy and pollution control. In this sense, this study evaluated the anaerobic digestion of citrus wastewater, aiming at the biological production of hydrogen from three inocula: (1) Clostridium Acetobutylicum ATCC 824, (2) Clostridium Beijerinckii ATCC 10132 and (3) anaerobic consortium obtained from citrus wastewater. The experiment was carried out in 51h, in triplicates of anaerobic batch reactors, fed with 2 different carbon sources: glucose (10.7 g COD L-1) and citrus wastewater (10.0 g COD L-1), headspace filled with N2 (99.99%), initial pH 7.0 and maintained at 37 ° C, under static mode. In the reactors fed with glucose, hydrogen generation was verified only with the inocula 1 and 2, which were, respectively, 36.8 mmol L-1 and 64.1 mmol L-1. In the reactors operated with citrus wastewater, were obtained 21.2; 15.7 e; 37.6 mmol H2 L-1 with inocula 1; 2 and 3, respectively. In addition, expressive generations of ethanol were verified for all inocula tested in the reactors fed with glucose. In the characterization of the citrus anaerobic consortium, a predominance of Gram + bacilli was verified and the genera of anaerobic H2-generating bacteria (UFC mL-1) were quantified: Clostridium sp. (3x105), Bacteroides sp. (4x105), Lactobacillus sp. (4x105), Streptococcus sp. (5x104), and Veillonella sp. (3x105), revealing a high diversity of anaerobic hydrogen-producing bacteria present in agro-industrial wastewater. Such results emphasize that the generation of hydrogen can occur in different metabolic pathways with consequent favor in the generation of biofuels such as ethanol or butanol.

RESUMEN Procesos oncogénicos como proliferación incontrolable, resistencia apoptótica, aumento de mecanismos angiogénicos y evasión inmune son regulados generalmente por factores de transcripción, como HIF-1. Por tanto, se ha señalado a esta molécula como un blanco terapéutico prometedor. Para explorar esta posibilidad, un oligonucleótido tipo "señuelo" dirigido a HIF-1 a (ODN) fue diseñado para evaluar su eficiencia en esquema tanto monoterapéutico, como en combinación con dos agentes quimioterapéuticos en un modelo in vitro de cáncer de mama. Después de comprobar, mediante citometría de flujo e inmunofluorescencia, la localización del blanco, el señuelo fue transfectado en la línea celular MDA-MB-231. Se estableció la IC-50 de HIF-1 a ODN, Cisplatino y Taxol con el método de Resazurina. Mecanismos de muerte celular fueron evaluados con el método de TUNEL. Por último, se estableció el índice de combinación (IC) de cada uno de los quimio-agentes en combinación con el ODN. Se evidencio que HIF-1 a ODN causa un efecto citotóxico en MDA-MB-231 de hasta un 90% hacia las 72h pos-tratamiento. Este efecto no se observa tanto en los controles del ensayo, como en el cultivo primario de células no tumorales (FIBRO), siendo este agente altamente selectivo hacia células tumorales, al activar mecanismos pro-apoptóticos. A su vez, HIF-1 a ODN potencializa la actividad tumorogénica de Cisplatino y Taxol en la línea celular tumoral. Por tanto, HIF-1 a ODN demostró tener actividad selectiva potencialmente antitumoral, al disminuir la proliferación celular e inducir apoptosis; optimizando de forma sinérgica, la eficacia de fármacos quimioterapéuticos de alto espectro, en tratamientos combinados.

ABSTRACT Oncogenic processes like uncontrollable proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, increases in angiogenic mechanisms and immune evasion are regulated by transcription factors such HIF-1. Therefore, this molecule is regarded as a potential therapeutic target. To explore this possibility, a HIF-1 α oligonucleotide decoy (ODN) was designed to evaluate its efficiency on both a mono-therapeutic scheme and a mixed treatment with two chemotherapeutic agents within an in vitro model of breast cancer. After confirming the target location with flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assays, that decoy was transfected over the MDA-MB-231 cell line. We established the HIF-1 α ODN, Cisplatin and Taxol IC-50 using Resazurin tests. Cell death mechanisms was evaluated with TUNEL. Finally, we obtained the combination index (IC) of each chemical agents with the ODN. This study showed that HIF-1 α ODN caused a cytotoxic effect (up to 90%) in MDA-MB-231 during 72 hours post treatment. That effect did not appear in either the assay controls nor in non-tumor cell cultures (FIBRO). This agent is highly selective towards tumor cells, activating pro-apoptotic mechanisms. Additionally, HIF-1 α ODN increases the tumorigenic action of Cisplatin and Taxol on the cell line, due to an additive effect. For these reasons, HIF-1 α ODN has potential antitumor selective activity, decreasing cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and optimizing, in a synergistic manner, the efficacy of wide spectrum chemotherapeutic compounds when it used in a combined treatment.

RESUMO A mineração de ouro é uma das principais fontes de contaminação de arsênio (As) no Quadrilátero Ferrífero em Minas Gerais. O As é um elemento tóxico capaz de causar sérios danos à saúde humana. Com o objetivo de investigar formas mais ecológicas e igualmente eficientes para a remoção de As em solos, empregou-se a técnica de lavagem de solos (soil washing) com uso de extratos com biossurfactantes (BS) visando promover a mobilização do As contido em solo de mina de ouro abandonada. Para a produção dos extratos, foram selecionadas duas culturas mistas de bactérias produtoras de BS (MPCB e MPBR) tolerantes a alta concentração de arsênio (8 mg.L-1). Os tensoativos produzidos foram estáveis em ampla faixa de pH, 3-11; temperatura, 28-50ºC e salinidade, 1-5% NaCl (p.v-1). Nos testes de lavagem de solo, em pH 11, as remoções de As obtidas com os extratos MPCB (14,01 e 13,72%) e MPBR (12,04 e 12,31%) foram superiores àquelas obtidas com soluções a 1% (p.v-1) dos surfactantes comerciais SDS (0,87 e 0,71%); saponina (0,57 e 0,55%) e lecitina de soja (2,05 e 2,63%). Os resultados dos testes em coluna foram igualmente influenciados pelo pH e pela proporção sólido:líquido. As maiores remoções de As: 25,43% (MPCB) 22,43% (MPBR) foram obtidas em pH 11, na proporção 1:40 (g.mL-1), após 10 ciclos de extração. Os extratos MPCB e MPBR removeram o As solúvel em água, os íons ligados ao carbonato e aqueles adsorvidos. Ambos os extratos tiveram comportamento semelhante ao ácido etilenodiaminotetracético (EDTA) e ao extrato de cultura microbiana comercial (GorduraKlin®).

ABSTRACT Gold mining is one of the main sources of Arsenic (As) contamination in Minas Gerais, particularly at the Iron quadrangle. Arsenic is a toxic element that causes damage to human health. The soil washing technique using biosurfactants (BS) containing extracts was tested to promote the mobilization of the As contained in some soil samples collected in an abandoned gold mine, to investigate an environmentally friendly but equally efficient alternative to remove As from soils. Two mixed cultures of biosurfactant-producing bacteria (MPCB and MPBR), both adapted to the cultivation at high As concentrations (8 mg.L-1), were selected for extracts production. Surfactants were stable over a wide pH range, 3-11; temperature, 28-50ºC and salinity, 1-5% NaCl (p.v-1), and promoted the mobilization of As. The pH and solid:liquid ratio influenced the removal efficiency of the tested extracts. The highest removals were obtained at pH 11.0 and a solid:liquid ratio of 1:40 (g.mL-1). Under pH 11.0, the arsenic removal results obtained with MPCB (14.01 and 13.72%) and MPBR extracts (12.04 and 12.31%) were superior to those obtained by using 1% (w/v) solutions of the commercial surfactants SDS (0.87 and 0.71%), saponin (0.57 and 0.55%) and, soy lecithin (2.05 and 2.63%). The pH and the solid: liquid ratio influenced the results of the column tests. The highest As removals: 25.43% (MPCB) and 22.43% (MPBR) were obtained after 10 extraction cycles, at pH 11 and 1:40 ratio (g.mL-1). The extracts MPCB and MPBR removed the water-soluble arsenic as well as the carbonate associated As and the adsorbed ions. Both extracts behaved similarly to EDTA and the commercial microbial extract (GorduraKlin®).