Weighted capitation incentive (Previne Brasil Program): impacts on the evolution of the population register in PHC. / Incentivo de capitação ponderada (Programa Previne Brasil): impactos na evolução do cadastro populacional na APS.

In Brazil, consistent advances occurred towards universal coverage after the creation of the Family Health Program (FHP), the main strategy for expanding first contact access and changing the care model in Brazil, strengthened from the creation of The Primary Care Floor (PAB), with resources exclusively for Primary Care, transferred to the municipalities on a regular and automatic basis. The registration of the population is one of the fundamentals of work in the Family Health Strategy (ESF), aiming to know the families enrolled in the teams. The institution of the Previne Brasil Program in November 2019 established a new funding model for PHC, with weighted capitation as one of its components, whose remuneration model is calculated based on the number of people registered. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of the population registered in PHC after the weighted capitation incentive creation, considering the registration in the municipalities and their behavior in the different rural-urban municipal typologies and the population size. The study showed that in 76.1% of the municipalities there was an increase in registrations in the analyzed period, regardless of the rural-urban typology and population size of the municipalities.

No Brasil, avanços consistentes ocorreram em direção à cobertura universal após a criação do Programa Saúde Família (PSF), principal estratégia para a ampliação do acesso de primeiro contato e de mudança do modelo assistencial no Brasil, fortalecido a partir da criação Piso de Atenção Básica (PAB), com recursos destinados exclusivamente à atenção básica, transferidos aos municípios de forma regular e automática. O cadastramento da população é um dos fundamentos do trabalho na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF), objetivando conhecer as famílias adscritas às equipes. A instituição do Programa Previne Brasil em novembro de 2019 estabeleceu um novo modelo de financiamento de custeio da APS, tendo como um de seus componentes a capitação ponderada, cujo modelo de remuneração é calculado com base no número de pessoas cadastradas. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a evolução da população cadastrada na APS após a criação do incentivo de capitação ponderada, considerando o cadastro nos municípios e o seu comportamento nas diferentes tipologias municipais rural-urbano e o porte populacional. O estudo demonstrou que em 76,1% dos municípios houve aumento de cadastros no período analisado, independentemente da tipologia rural-urbano e do porte populacional dos municípios.

Incentivo de capitação ponderada (Programa Previne Brasil): impactos na evolução do cadastro populacional na APS / Weighted capitation incentive (Previne Brasil Program): impacts on the evolution of the population register in PHC

Resumo No Brasil, avanços consistentes ocorreram em direção à cobertura universal após a criação do Programa Saúde Família (PSF), principal estratégia para a ampliação do acesso de primeiro contato e de mudança do modelo assistencial no Brasil, fortalecido a partir da criação Piso de Atenção Básica (PAB), com recursos destinados exclusivamente à atenção básica, transferidos aos municípios de forma regular e automática. O cadastramento da população é um dos fundamentos do trabalho na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF), objetivando conhecer as famílias adscritas às equipes. A instituição do Programa Previne Brasil em novembro de 2019 estabeleceu um novo modelo de financiamento de custeio da APS, tendo como um de seus componentes a capitação ponderada, cujo modelo de remuneração é calculado com base no número de pessoas cadastradas. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a evolução da população cadastrada na APS após a criação do incentivo de capitação ponderada, considerando o cadastro nos municípios e o seu comportamento nas diferentes tipologias municipais rural-urbano e o porte populacional. O estudo demonstrou que em 76,1% dos municípios houve aumento de cadastros no período analisado, independentemente da tipologia rural-urbano e do porte populacional dos municípios.

Abstract In Brazil, consistent advances occurred towards universal coverage after the creation of the Family Health Program (FHP), the main strategy for expanding first contact access and changing the care model in Brazil, strengthened from the creation of The Primary Care Floor (PAB), with resources exclusively for Primary Care, transferred to the municipalities on a regular and automatic basis. The registration of the population is one of the fundamentals of work in the Family Health Strategy (ESF), aiming to know the families enrolled in the teams. The institution of the Previne Brasil Program in November 2019 established a new funding model for PHC, with weighted capitation as one of its components, whose remuneration model is calculated based on the number of people registered. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of the population registered in PHC after the weighted capitation incentive creation, considering the registration in the municipalities and their behavior in the different rural-urban municipal typologies and the population size. The study showed that in 76.1% of the municipalities there was an increase in registrations in the analyzed period, regardless of the rural-urban typology and population size of the municipalities.

Nutrition and Diet Apps: Brazilian Panorama before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In the last decade, we have seen a substantial increase in the development and use of mobile technology to improve diet and healthy eating behaviors. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of nutrition and diet apps before and after the COVID-19 pandemic available in Brazil. METHODS: Nutrition and diet apps were identified using the official Apple and Google stores. The search occurred in January 2020 and May 2022 in Brazil. We extracted the nutritional content and standard indicators (e.g., being developed before or after 2020, number of languages, target population, investment, prices, seller, number of reviews and downloads, consumer rating). RESULTS: 280 apps were launched before and 411 during the COVID-19 period. Most apps were available in at least ten languages (96.6%), with no indication of age (95.6%) or partial or full cost (59%). As for the contents, 18.9% addressed personal diet suggestions; 73.4%, nutritional education; 48.8%, revenues; 35.9%, physical activity with a nutritional guide; 2.3%, nutritional recommendation for eating out; 23.9%, grocery shopping with a scan code; 32.4%, food diary; 18.9%, water intake; and 4.6%, nutrition/diseases. The data show an evolution that may have been boosted by the pandemic and that reveals a trend towards the development of apps with educational content. CONCLUSION: During the pandemic, there was a positive qualitative and quantitative movement in e-health regarding the promotion of education.

Nutrition Literacy Level in Bank Employees: The Case of a Large Brazilian Company.

Nutrition Literacy (NL) positively impacts diet quality and has the potential to promote health and prevent nutrition-related chronic diseases. Brazil is one of the countries with the highest rates of nutrition-related chronic diseases. Nevertheless, in Brazil, few studies have explored the NL levels of its population. To provide remote access to the Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument for Brazilians (NLit-Br) and assess Brazilian bank employees, we conducted a study to estimate the validity of the NLit-Br online and to investigate whether bank employees have an adequate NL level. In the first step, we randomly assigned 21 employees from three financial institution branches to two groups to complete NLit-Br paper and online versions. After an interval period, both groups completed the NLit-Br with an opposite delivery method (paper vs. online). We compared the validity of the digital and paper versions of the NLit-Br by the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and the reliability by Kuder-Richardson formula 20. Second, we evaluated 1174 bank employees using the NLit-Br online version. We found an excellent absolute agreement (ICC ≥ 0.75) between the paper and online versions. The questionnaire had good internal consistency (KR-20 = 0.64). The sample was characterized as mostly male (61.0%), married/cohabitant (73.8%), and white (69.8%), with high household income (85.2%), and graduated or postgraduate (97.4%). The mean age of the population was 42.1 (SD = 7.6) years. Subjects predominantly had possibly inadequate NL (62.3%). The online NLit-Br total score was significantly associated with gender, age, and household income (p < 0.05). Women and individuals with higher incomes had a higher degree of NL. Subjects over 50 years old had a lower degree of NL. There was no significant association between the NLit-Br score and the participants' education. The NLit-Br online is a valid instrument to assess NL remotely. The population studied showed a high prevalence of inadequacy of the NL. Therefore, there is a need for targeted actions to improve the NL of bank employees.

Acceptability of School Menus: A Systematic Review of Assessment Methods.

The school meal promotes healthy eating habits through nutritionally adequate preparations. Consequently, it prevents obesity and malnutrition, favoring learning. This systematic review aimed at investigating the methods for evaluating the acceptance of school menus offered by school feeding programs (SFPs) around the world. Specific search strategies were conducted on PubMed, Lilacs, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Global. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Meta-Analysis Statistical Assessment and Review Instrument. A total of 89 studies were included. The countries with the highest number of studies were Brazil (n = 42), South Korea (n = 13), and the United States (n = 12). The most used methods (69.66%) were numerical scales, with a higher prevalence for the 5-point scale (50.56%). Other methods included questionnaires and/or interviews with objective and/or subjective questions (44.94%); and mathematical formulas and/or visual estimates evaluating the consumption of food and leftovers (40.45%). The prevalent use of the 5-point hedonic scale may be due to its low cost, simplicity, ease of elaboration, application speed, and student understanding. Mathematical formulas and/or visual estimation were used by about 40% of the studies, but it is difficult to compare studies.

Reproducibility and Validity of a Self-Administered Food Safety Assessment Tool on Children and Adolescent's Risk Perception, Knowledge, and Practices.

The present study aimed to verify the instrument's reliability and validity for assessing children and adolescents' risk perception, knowledge, and food safety practices in the school context. Moreover, it aimed to test the hypothesis that both application methods (paper and pencil (PAPI) and online) are valid. The instrument comprised three questionnaires and followed a strict protocol to combine online and PAPI models, resulting in five application forms. The sample consisted of 439 Brazilian students from 10 to 14 years old (y/o). The results related to reliability and validity indicated that the knowledge questionnaire presented adequate stability and discriminant validity coefficients. The self-reported practices questionnaire obtained acceptable coefficients of stability and internal consistency. Regarding risk perception data, it was observed that students attribute a low probability of Foodborne Diseases (FBD) outbreaks occurrence and low severity of possible symptoms. In addition, students demonstrated insufficient knowledge and inadequate practices on issues related to failures associated with the time and temperature of preparation, storage, and exposure of food, contamination of food, and consumption of unsafe food. In this context, the reproducibility and validity indices need to be interpreted and discussed correctly, and young people in food safety actions are a priority in facing FBD.

Aplicativos como ferramenta de educação em saúde para portadores de diabetes mellitus: o que está disponível na língua portuguesa? / Apps as a health education tool for people with diabetes mellitus: what is available in Portuguese?

Resumo Os aplicativos de saúde para dispositivos móveis se revelam como uma ferramenta importante para a educação em saúde para apoiar o tratamento de diferentes doenças, como o diabetes mellitus (DM). Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa analisa as funcionalidades dos aplicativos existentes na língua portuguesa destinados a auxiliar pessoas com DM. Foi realizada uma busca sistemática para identificação dos aplicativos por meio dos indexadores "Controle de diabetes", "Diabetes", "Glicose" e "Insulina" nos sistemas operacionais Android e iOS. Foram encontrados 576 aplicativos, porém, apenas 63 (10,9%) atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. De acordo com sua funcionalidade, os aplicativos apresentaram as seguintes possibilidades de uso: 13 educativos; 12 monitoram atividade física; 18 contêm diário alimentar; 28 contam carboidratos; 34 monitoram a insulina; 49 monitoram a glicemia; 33 apresentam gráficos; 9 alertam sobre a presença de hipo ou hiperglicemia; 17 lembram coleta de glicemia; e 5 apresentaram receitas culinárias. As funcionalidades que auxiliam na mudança de comportamento e individualizam estratégias de tratamento ainda são incipientes. Sugere-se o desenvolvimento de ferramentas auxiliares para interação dos aplicativos com seus usuários e a comprovação da sua eficácia.

Abstract Health applications for mobile devices are an important tool for a health education to support the treatment of different diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM). In this sense, this research analyzes the functionalities of existing applications in Portuguese aimed at helping people with DM. A systematic search was performed to identify the applications by the descriptors "Diabetes control," "Diabetes," "Glucose," and "Insulin" in Android and iOS operating systems. A total of 576 applications were found, but only 63 (10.9%) met the inclusion criteria. According to their functionality, the apps presented the following possibilities of use: 13 are educational; 12 monitor physical activity; 18 contain a food diary; 28 count carbohydrates; 34 monitor insulin; 49 monitor blood glucose; 33 present graphs; 9 warn about the presence of hypo or hyperglycemia; 17 recall blood glucose collection; and 5 present culinary recipes. Functionalities that assist in behavior change and that individualize treatment strategies are still incipient. We suggest the development of auxiliary tools for interaction of applications with their users and the proof of their effectiveness.

Entrevista com Ana Paula Cupertino / Interview with Ana Paula Cupertino

Resumo Nesta entrevista à revista Saúde e Sociedade, a Dra. Cupertino faz um relato do seu engajamento para alcançar pessoas em situações desafiadoras como a pandemia de covid-19. O diálogo buscou conhecer experiências exitosas capazes de interromper ou reduzir a perpetuação das disparidades em saúde. Em sua trajetória profissional, perpassou pelo Instituto de Câncer de Wilmot (WIC), onde atua no momento, sempre apoiada em referências brasileiras importantes como Paulo Freire. No seu trabalho, percebe-se a utilização de estratégias que ultrapassam questões acadêmicas e trazem a comunidade para o protagonismo da pesquisa, permitindo que o processo de translação ocorra apropriadamente. Por fim, define as parcerias com países da América Latina como fundamentais para o desenvolvimento de ações de saúde direcionadas a imigrantes que vivem nos Estados Unidos, uma vez que a variável relações sociais é determinante para a saúde de uma comunidade. A fala da Dra. Cupertino revela, assim, um olhar distinto sobre realidades distantes, mas que podem contribuir para reflexões importantes em um mundo globalizado, no qual intercâmbios são cada vez mais frequentes.

Abstract In this interview with the journal Saúde e Sociedade, Dr. Cupertino talks about her actions to reach people under challenging situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The dialogue aimed to learn about successful experiences capable of erasing or reducing the perpetuation of health disparities. In her professional career, she worked at the Wilmot Cancer Institute (WIC), her current employer, always supported by important Brazilian references such as Paulo Freire. Her research work uses strategies that go beyond academic issues and bring the community to the forefront, enabling an accurate translation process. Finally, she considers the partnerships with Latin American countries as fundamental for developing health actions towards immigrants living in the United States, since the social relations variable is crucial for community health. Dr. Cupertino's testimony thus reveals a distinct look at distant realities, which can contribute to important reflections in a globalized world where exchanges are increasingly frequent.

The Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument for Brazilians, NLit-Br: An Exploratory Cross-Cultural Validity Study.

This study aimed to test the validity of the cross-cultural adapted Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument for Brazilians (NLit-Br). An observational cross-sectional study was performed in chronic disease clinics from the Brazilian Public Health System in two phases: (1) linguistic and cultural adaptation and (2) validity testing. Six registered dietitians and thirty adult patients diagnosed with at least one chronic disease participated in the study using the nutrition literacy assessment instrument (NLit-Br) and the short assessment of health literacy for Portuguese-speaking adults (SAHLPA-18). Sample descriptive variables: age, sex, race, income, education, and occupation. To adapt the instrument to the Brazilian Portuguese and Brazilian culture, we tested cognitive interviewing and the Scale Content Validity Index (S-CVI) with a group of dietitians and patients. To test the tool's validity, health literacy (SAHLPA-18) was used as a construct that presents similarities and differences with nutrition literacy (NLit-Br). The correlation of NLit-Br and the SAHLPA-18 was tested (Spearman's Rho). Internal consistency was measured by Kuder−Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20). The NLit-Br content validity (S-CVI = 0.85) and internal consistency (KR-20 = 0.868) were confirmed. Additionally, NLit-Br presented a significant and robust correlation with SAHLPA-18 (r = 0.665, p < 0.001). Therefore, the NLit-Br was considered a linguistic, cultural, and valid instrument to measure Brazilian's nutrition literacy.

Brazilian Consumers' Perception towards Food Labeling Models Accompanying Self-Service Foods.

The study aimed to evaluate consumers' perception of self-service foods' nutrition labels. This qualitative and quantitative assessment was performed with potential consumers at food services. Four food labeling formats, traditional, simplified, traffic-light, and warning, were proposed to evaluate three types of sandwiches: simple, chicken, and hamburger. Data were collected via an online survey from April to May 2020. The study included 413 subjects. The respondents preferred the traffic-light format, but there was a good understanding and acceptability of all four models. The traffic-light and warning nutrition labeling models, which showed health warnings, led to a reduction in the choice of the Simple Sandwich and the Hamburger. Most respondents (96.1%, n = 397) agreed that it is necessary to complement the information on food labels with ingredients and the number of calories per serving. Therefore, it is essential to have legislation regulating such issues. Consumers' choices improved with the increase in the information placed on the products. This research demonstrated that nutrition labels explain what exists currently and that consumers require such information. Thus, food labeling may positively influence consumers' choices.

A consulta pública na construção da Política Distrital de Alimentação e Nutrição / Public consultation in the construction of the District Food and Nutrition Policy

RESUMO Este estudo objetivou analisar o conteúdo da consulta pública da Política Distrital de Alimentação e Nutrição. Secundariamente, apresentar o perfil dos participantes e relatar a sistematização da análise realizada. Trata-se de estudo documental, exploratório, transversal, de abordagem qualiquantitativa. A amostra inicial foi composta por 115 contribuições, sendo 59 excluídas e 56 submetidas à análise de conteúdo descrita por Bardin e à análise multivariada e em função da frequência (p<0,05) no software IRaMuTeQ. Os eixos norteadores da análise do conteúdo foram: Insegurança Alimentar e Nutricional, Equidade, Ambiente Escolar, Importância da Atenção Primária à Saúde, Responsabilidade pela Garantia da Política, Alimentos e Nutrientes. O perfil geral dos participantes foi heterogêneo em relação ao segmento de atuação, sendo as instituições de ensino e pesquisa (38%) o de maior representação. As contribuições destacaram a preocupação da sociedade civil em garantir a segurança alimentar e nutricional da população do Distrito Federal. Constatou-se que a diversidade das contribuições associada à análise sistemática pode subsidiar a elaboração de políticas públicas mais condizentes com a realidade e fortalecer sua implementação, tornando-a mais tangível. Assim, a participação da sociedade em decisões políticas deve ser incentivada e ampliada, pois é fundamental para democratização e equidade.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze the content of the District Food and Nutrition Policy's public consultation, present the participants' profiles, and report the systematization of the analysis performed. This is a documentary, exploratory, cross-sectional study with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The initial sample consisted of 115 inputs, with 59 exclusions and 56 retained for the content analysis described by Bardin and multivariate analysis by frequency (p<0.05) in the IRaMuTeQ software. The guiding axes defined for the content analysis were Food and Nutritional Insecurity, Equity, School Environment, Importance of Primary Care, Responsibility for Policy Assurance, and Food and Nutrients. The overall profile of the participants was heterogeneous concerning the activity segment, with the highest representation being education and research institutions (38%). The inputs highlighted the concern of civil society in assuring food and nutrition security for the population of the Federal District. We observed that the diverse inputs associated with systematic analysis could support the elaboration of public policies more consistent with reality and strengthen its implementation, making it more tangible. Thus, society's participation in political decisions must be encouraged and expanded, as it is essential for democratization and equity.

Eating Competence among Brazilian Adults: A Comparison between before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic started a worldwide emergency, and tight preventive actions were necessary to protect the population, changing individuals' daily habits. Dwelling and working at home can change dietary habits, affect food choice and access, as well as the practice of physical activity. In this regard, this study's goal was to compare eating competence (EC) among Brazilian adults before and during the coronavirus pandemic, using the Brazilian version of the eating competence Satter inventory (ecSI2.0™BR) with the "retrospective post-then-pre" design. This cross-sectional study was performed from 30 April to 31 May 2021 among a convenience sample of the Brazilian adult population using an online platform (Google® Forms). In the studied sample (n = 302 in which 76.82% were females), EC total score lowered during the pandemic (31.69 ± 8.26 vs. 29.99 ± 9.72; p < 0.005), and the decrease was worst after the beginning of the pandemic among those who reported weight gain, decreased the consumption of fruit and vegetables, and increased the consumption of sugary beverages. The contextual skill component seems relevant in this scenario, where our life and routines were changed entirely, demonstrating that the ability to manage the food context is essential, especially when sanitary and economic situations represent a new challenge.

Eco-Inefficiency Formula: A Method to Verify the Cost of the Economic, Environmental, and Social Impact of Waste in Food Services.

This study aimed to develop an Eco-Inefficiency (Ely) formula to verify the cost of the economic, environmental, and social impact of waste, applicable to food services (FS). Six stages were performed: identification of the terms that characterize food waste; definition of constructs influenced by food waste; identification of the variables that make up each construct; indicators capable of measuring the impact generated by food waste; definition of the mathematical formula; and EIy pilot test. The formula was based on eco-efficiency but focused on food waste. The constructs were translated into three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. Researchers created a score for the dimensions and the entire evaluation, based on a literature review. Water footprint, cleaning material, food production waste, the amount of rest-intake, and the amount of distribution leftover were evaluated on the environmental impact. The economic dimension variables were energy consumption to produce the wasted food, cost of raw material used in wasted food, and food handlers' wages for the economic impact measurement. The social impact variables were: energy density (ED), rest-intake (kcal/g), distribution of leftover ED (kcal/g), use of organic food, and food surpluses' donation. With an EIy application in each item, we have the item's score in each dimension. The higher value of an item, the higher is its influence on the dimension, allowing us to identify those with the most significant impact in the restaurant. The Environmental dimension presented the most significant problems in the assessed scenario. The eco-inefficiency formula identifies food waste's main critical points, allowing us to trace strategies to reduce food waste.

Food Waste on Foodservice: An Overview through the Perspective of Sustainable Dimensions.

Food waste (FW) is a current, complex, and widely debated issue in various spheres of society. Globally, about 2.6 trillion dollars per year is lost because of wasted food. Part of FW is preventable, and it is necessary to identify where it occurs. In most cases, FW occurs at the end of the production chain (meal preparation and distribution). Identifying the main food service failures on FW is important for developing efficient strategies for reducing them. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a narrative review of the impacts caused by FW in food services considering the three dimensions of sustainability (social, economic, or environmental). Multiple reasons were identified in this review that impacts those three dimensions, such as the cost of wasted raw material, use of cleaning material, the energy consumption, salary of food handlers, the water footprint, the amounts of rest-intake, production waste, energy density wasted, use of organic food, and food donation. Identifying these aspects can contribute to reduce FW impacts for better sustainable development, develop tools to measure FW, and assist food service managers in minimizing FW.

How Are School Menus Evaluated in Different Countries? A Systematic Review.

School meals should focus on quality of life issues, particularly on reducing food shortages, overweight, obesity and its consequences. As an essential tool for quality assurance, creating the menu is an activity of great complexity and requires multidisciplinary knowledge. This activity covers the observation of countless aspects of quality, highlighting nutritional, sensory, cultural, hygienic, and sanitary issues, among others. This study aims to identify and analyze instruments and methods to evaluate school menus in different countries. The authors developed specific search strategies for Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Pubmed, Lilacs, ProQuest Global, and Google Scholar. The included studies' methodological quality was assessed using the statistical analysis and meta-analysis review tool (MASTARI). A total of 16 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Brazil and Spain were the countries that presented the highest number of studies (n = 5; 31.25% for each). The majority of the studies have a qualitative approach (n = 12, 75%), and only 25% (n = 4) of the studies present quantitative assessment methods to evaluate school menus. No school menu assessment tools were found to assess all aspects of menu planning. The results show a lack of a methodology or of instruments for evaluating the menus offered for school meals that can contribute to better dietary care offered to students.

Isolation, Identification, and Screening of Lactic Acid Bacteria with Probiotic Potential in Silage of Different Species of Forage Plants, Cocoa Beans, and Artisanal Salami.

The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize lactic acid bacteria with probiotic potential in silages of different species of forage plants, cocoa beans, and artisanal salami. The obtained isolates were submitted to the following evaluations: (i) screening for tolerance to pH 2 and bile salts, (ii) genotypic identification of isolates, (iii) survival in simulated gastric and pancreatic conditions, (iv) antimicrobial activity, (v) antibiotic susceptibility and safety, and (vi) properties associated with adhesion capacity. A total of 82 isolates were obtained and were screened for pH 2.0 tolerance and capacity to growth in the presence of bile salts (1.0 and 2.0%). Only 19 strains simultaneously presented tolerance to pH 2.0 and bile salts. These 19 strains were evaluated for genetic profile by Box-PCR. Subsequently, the selected strains were subjected to partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The species Lactobacillus plantarum was prevalent. The identified strains were evaluated for survival under simulated gastric and pancreatic conditions. Some strains have shown tolerance in both conditions. Different strains showed variations in antimicrobial activity, susceptibility to antibiotics, and properties associated with adhesion (hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, coaggregation, and adhesion to CaCo2 cells). All strains were negative for hemolysis, DNase, gelatinase, and biogenic amine synthesis activity. The L. plantarum SBR64.7 strain can be considered the most promising for it presented the lowest viability reduction when exposed to gastric and pancreatic juices.

Eating Competence Associated with Food Consumption and Health Outcomes among Brazilian Adult Population.

This study aimed to associate Eating Competence (EC) with food consumption and health outcomes in the Brazilian adult population. Researchers developed a questionnaire to associate EC with sociodemographic information, health outcomes, and food consumption. Data on body weight and height was referred to by participants in the questionnaire, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated and classified. A question to evaluate the perception of body size was included. After constructing the questionnaire items, content validation and semantic evaluation were performed following the Delphi method with a group of judges composed of 26 health professionals. The judges evaluated the sociodemographic information, health outcomes, and food consumption items associated with the eating competence instrument (previously validated in Brazilian-Portuguese). The final version of the questionnaire was composed of 33 items. Our results confirmed good reliability, responsiveness, and internal consistency. A total of 1810 Brazilians answered the questionnaire. Most of the participants were female, up to 40 years old, with a high education level and high income. Most of the participants did not report diabetes or hypertension. The EC total score did not differ among males and females. Individuals up to 40 years old presented a lower total score. The increase in educational level and income also increased EC total score. Excess weight individuals showed lower EC compared to the normal weight/underweight. Individuals who consumed fruits and/or vegetables five or more days/week presented the best scores for total EC.

Survival of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei LBC 81 in Fermented Milk Enriched with Green Banana Pulp Under Acid Stress and in the Presence of Bile Salts.

This study evaluated the in vitro effect of 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0% of green banana pulp (GBP) incorporation in fermented milk on the survival of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei LBC 81 subjected to acid stress conditions and in the presence of bile salts. Tolerance to acid stress in pH 2.0 and in the presence of 0.30% of bile salts was evaluated right after the incorporation of the fermented milk in each of these conditions, and also during 3 and 4 h of exposure, respectively. The addition of GBP (3.0%) gives a protective effect on L. paracasei LBC 81 when exposed to stress conditions evaluated, while of 9.0% there is a marked decrease of L. paracasei LBC 81. In the absence of GBP, a decrease of L. paracasei LBC 81 is observed, but lower in the presence of GBP (9.0%).

Accidental Gluten Contamination in Traditional Lunch Meals from Food Services in Brasilia, Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of gluten contamination in naturally gluten-free meals from food services in the Federal District, Brazil. This is an exploratory cross-sectional quantitative study in which a total of 180 samples of naturally gluten-free dishes were collected from 60 food services in Brazil. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the quantification of gluten. As established by the Codex Alimentarius, the threshold of 20 ppm of gluten was considered as the accepted upper gluten level for gluten-free food. A total of 2.8% (95% CI: 0.3-5.2%) gluten contamination was found in the samples. Among the 60 food services, 6.7% (95% CI: 2.7-10.6%) displayed at least one contaminated food in our sample. The occurrence of gluten contamination in naturally gluten-free preparations was uncommon and low on a quantitative basis.

Good manufacturing practices of minimally processed vegetables reduce contamination with pathogenic microorganisms.

Consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables is quick, easy and healthy, especially when eaten without cooking. However, they might be a source of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological and parasitological contamination of fresh RTE vegetables produced in agroindustries in the Federal District of Brazil (FD), and to correlate contamination with good manufacturing practices (GMP). One hundred and three samples of RTE vegetables were collected from six agroindustries for microbiology and parasitology analyses and correlate with GMP; 54 samples were collected from three hypermarkets for parasitological evaluation. None of the samples analyzed were positive for Salmonella sp. and for thermotolerant coliforms, but they were contaminated with total coliforms. All analyzed samples were contaminated with at least one species of enteroparasistes or commensals, which were identified as Ascaris sp., Balantidium coli, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Hookworm, Strongyloides sp., Trichuris sp., Entamoeba sp., eggs and larvae of Nematoda, insects and fungi. Agroindustries that adopted GMP showed less contamination with helminths. RTE vegetables sold in hypermarkets of the FD are unfit for human consumption. It is important to guide farmers in the FD on the need to adopt good practices in the production and processing of vegetables to reduce the microbial contamination.