Cereal bar enriched with ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller): physicochemical and sensory characterization.

Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) is an unconventional food plant with high nutritional value, and its nutritional composition can be altered according to cultivation. Cereal bars are a popular nutrient-poor foods, and OPN could be incorporated to improve the nutritional quality. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and sensory acceptability of cereal bars enriched with OPN flour (OpnF) from different forms of cultivation. OpnF was obtained by dehydrating and grinding OPN leaves collected in rural (ROpnF) and urban (UOpnF) municipalities. Two formulations of cereal bars, peanut flavor (Bpn) and mango flavor (Bmg), each with 10% OpnF, were prepared. The macronutrients and mineral composition, oxalate content, water activity, texture, color profile, and acceptability were evaluated. ROpnF had the highest protein, iron, and manganese content, whereas UOpnF had the highest ash and magnesium content. The oxalic acid/calcium ratio was 1.43 and did not imply calcium bioavailability. In addition to nutritional and protein values, Bpn and Bmg presented a good sensory acceptability index of > 77.5% with market potential. Bmg has the highest mineral content and is a source of iron, manganese, and magnesium. OpnF can be used in cereal bars and potentially improve nutritional attributes and used in other foods in a similar way.

Analytical method for urinary homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels using HPLC with electrochemical detection applied to evaluate children environmentally exposed to manganese.

Homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) are the urinary metabolites of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HA), respectively. We aimed to develop an extraction method for the determination of HVA and 5-HIAA, using strong anionic exchange cartridges combined with HPLC with electrochemical detection, and apply it to measure the levels of HVA and 5-HIAA in children living near a ferro-manganese alloy plant in Simões Filho, Brazil. The validated method showed good selectivity, sensitivity, precision, and accuracy. The limits of detection (LOD) were 4 and 8 µmol/L for 5-HIAA and HVA, respectively, in urine. Recoveries ranged from 85.8 to 94%. The coefficients of determination (R2 ) of the calibration curves were greater than 0.99. Spot urine samples of 30 exposed children and 20 nonexposed ones were processed accordingly. The metabolite levels in exposed and reference children were within the physiological ranges. The medians (range) for 5-HIAA and HVA of the exposed ones were 36.4 µmol/L (18.4-58.0) and 32.9 µmol/L (

Impact of chronic toxoplasmosis in pregnancy: association between maternal seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies and fetal growth restriction.

Insults caused by acute infections during the gestational period on fetal development are known; however, new evidence suggests that chronic infectious diseases can also impact the maternal immune status and lead to negative consequences for the neonate. This study investigated the association between the prevalence of specific antibodies in pregnant women and alterations in fetal development at birth. A follow-up study evaluated women during the gestational period and their respective newborns at delivery time. The pregnant women were tested for the presence of antibodies to infectious agents: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), cytomegalovirus (CMV), syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the pregnant women at the time of recruitment after obtaining informed consent. Detailed information about the newborns was extracted from medical records. The seroprevalence of chronic T. gondii infection, as determined by the presence of IgG antibodies against the protozoan, was found to be 56.2%, while the overall prevalence of CMV IgG antibodies was 96.3%. Non-primiparous pregnant women from socio-economic classes, less affluent groups, and skilled working-class individuals had higher chances of testing positive for specific T. gondii IgG antibodies. Newborns classified as small for gestational age represented 12.9% of the total. Those born to mothers seropositive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were 9.4 times more likely to be born small for gestational age (p = 0.035). The results suggest that chronic T. gondii infection may contribute to higher rates of newborns with growth restriction. These findings add to a growing body of evidence regarding the impact of chronic infectious diseases on intrauterine fetal development.

Toxoplasma gondii infection and behavioral outcomes in humans: a systematic review.

Studies suggest that the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii can disturb human behavior. This study aimed to systematically review the scientific literature on the possible associations between Toxoplasma gondii infection and neurobehavioral abnormalities in humans. We reviewed and summarized the studies published since 1990. The descriptors used were related to T. gondii infection and behavioral outcomes in humans; the main databases of the medical literature were accessed. The results of eight original articles published between 1994 and 2016 were evaluated and described. The most common serological method was the enzyme immunoassay. Most of the researchers used validated instruments for behavioral evaluation. Seven studies reported some association between the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies and some altered behavioral aspects in adult humans; these studies focused on adult population in Europe and the USA. The most reported behavioral deviations are related to greater impulsivity and aggressiveness. There are very few studies on this subject, which present some limitations for inference and conclusions: most were cross-sectional studies, with a small sample size and in similar populations. Investigations with a larger sample size of different population groups should be performed to evaluate multiple factors.

Manganese and lead in dust fall accumulation in elementary schools near a ferromanganese alloy plant.

Previous studies have shown elevated airborne manganese (Mn) in villages adjacent to a Mn alloy production plant in Brazil and negative associations between biomarkers of Mn and children's cognition and behavior. Since small Mn particles may be carried for long distances, we measured manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb) dust fall accumulation in 15 elementary schools, located between 1.25 and 6.48km from the plant in the municipality of Simões Filho, Bahia, Brazil. Passive samplers (polyethylene Petri dishes) were set in interior and exterior environments. After 30 days, the samplers' content was solubilized with diluted nitric acid and Mn and Pb levels were analyzed by electrothermal absorption spectrometry. The overall geometric mean and range of Mn and Pb accumulation in dust fall (loading rates) were 1582µg Mn/m(2)/30 days (37-37,967) and 43.2µg Pb/m(2)/30 days (2.9-210.4). A logarithmic decrease in interior and exterior Mn loading rates was observed with distance from the ferro-manganese alloy plant. Multiple regression analyses of log-transformed Mn loading rate within the schools showed a positive association with Mn levels in outdoor dust, a negative association with distance from the plant; as well, wind direction (downwind>upwind) and school location (urban>rural) entered significantly into the model. For the interior school environments, located within a 2-km radius from the plant, loading rate was, on average, 190 times higher than the Mn levels reported by Gulson et al., (2014) in daycare centers in Sydney, Australia, using a similar method. Pb loading rates were not associated with distance from the plant and were lower than the rates observed in the same daycare centers in Sydney. Our findings suggest that a significant portion of the children in this town in Brazil may be exposed to airborne Mn at concentrations that may affect their neurodevelopment.

Cadmium and lead in seafood from the Aratu Bay, Brazil and the human health risk assessment.

This study aimed to evaluate cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels in seafood and perform a risk assessment based on individual food consumption frequency of inhabitants of the Aratu Bay, Brazil. From December 2013 to November 2014, ready-to-market seafood, including fish [pititinga (Lile piquitinga) and small green eel (Gobionellus oceanicus)], mollusks [mussel (Mytella guyanensis) and oyster (Crassostrea rhizophorae)], and crustaceans [white shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti) and blue crab (Callinectes exasperatus)], were purchased bimonthly from a local artisanal shellfish harvester. Metal levels were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Based on the volunteer' seafood consumption, estimates of the non-carcinogenic target hazard quotients (THQs) were calculated. The annual concentrations (µg/g, w/w) of Cd were 0.007 (±0.001) in crustaceans, 0.001 (±0.0003) in fish, and 0.446 (±0.034) in mollusks. Lead levels were

Aflatoxins in maize flour produced in Mozambique and its risk assessment.

This study investigated the occurrence of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) in maize flour produced in Mozambique and to assess the associated carcinogenic risk. At different opportunities, 30 samples of maize flour were collected in five flour processing factories. These were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. AFB1 concentrations ranged from 0.25 to 0.33 µg kg-1. The levels of total aflatoxins ranged from 0.55 to 1.05 µg kg-1, with a mean of 0.89 µg kg-1, for which maximum limits (MLs) are 10 and 4 µg kg-1 for Mozambique and the European Union, respectively. The calculated Margin of Exposure (MOE) for men and women was 243 and 231, respectively, so several folds below the risk cut-off level, indicating that consumption of such maize flour poses a potential risk of hepatocarcinoma related to aflatoxin exposure due to high intake of this food, a staple diet in most African countries.

Macro and trace element compositions and physicochemical parameters of guajiru fruits (Chrysobalanus icaco l.) from two Brazilian states.

Chrysobalanus icaco L. is a tree found in America and Africa. In Brazil it can be found in the biome along the coast. It has great food potential and its fruits, named guajiru, are consumed by fishing communities in natura and processed as jams and jellies. However, the literature on this tree species is limited. This study aims to describe the element contents and physicochemical characteristics of the C. icaco fruits from two regions in Brazil and investigate if they influence its sensory characteristics. The fruits were collected in the Northeastern region of Brazil in Maracajaú, State of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) and in Salvador, Bahia (BA). The morphometric characteristics, color, texture, and sensory analyses were carried out on the fruits in natura, and the physicochemical analyses and mineral profile on the pulp homogenized with the peel. The mineral profile showed K > Na > Mn > Mg > Ca > Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cr, varying from 206 mg/100g (K) to 0.87 µg/100 g (Cr). The fruits from RN presented higher levels of trace and macronutrients, which affected the sensory characteristics, mainly the flavor, and led to better acceptance of these samples as compared to those from BA. The results suggest that C. icaco fruits present a good nutritional profile and sensory acceptance and hence their commercialization could be stimulated as a table fruit or mixed with other fruits.

Determinants of lead exposure in children on the outskirts of Salvador, Brazil.

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal that is widely distributed throughout the environment. Pb is an important neurotoxic metal and children are more susceptible to its effect due to their higher absorption rate and greater susceptibility of the developing nervous system. In this work, we evaluated the lead exposure levels in children living near a metallurgical plant and identified risk factors associated with its internal dose. All children, aged 1-10 years and 11 months, living near a metallurgical plant in the great Salvador area, Brazil were evaluated in this cross-sectional study and compared with children from a non exposed area. Occipital hair and blood were used to assess exposure. Air lead levels in the respirable fraction (PM(2.5)) were also measured in both areas. Blood lead levels (BLL), hair lead levels (PbH) and air lead were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Spearman correlations analysis was used to evaluate correlations between BLL, PbH and descriptors. Significant risk factors were modeled using multivariate linear regression analysis. Air lead levels were approximately ten-folds lower than EPA reference concentration (0.15 µg/m(3)). Median BLL and PbH were 1.65 ± 1.45 µg/dL and 1.26 ± 3.70 µg/g, respectively, in exposed children. In the referents, medians were BLL 1.20 ± 1.20 µg/dL; PbH 2.09 ± 2.06 µg/g. No significant difference was observed in biomarkers levels between boys and girls. It was observed a positive weak correlation (Spearman rho = 0.197, p = 0.033) between BLL and PbH. Our data show that children's lead body burden measured as BLL or PbH are low when compared with the recommended reference values. Despite that, we were able to identify four risk factors associated with increased biological lead levels: age, living near industrial site, environmental tobacco smoking and, above all, domestic waste burning. In order to prevent such avoidable exposure, environmental education and proper waste management should be implemented, especially in developing countries.

Exposure to common-use pesticides, manganese, lead, and thyroid function among pregnant women from the Infants' Environmental Health (ISA) study, Costa Rica.

BACKGROUND: Pesticides and metals may disrupt thyroid function, which is key to fetal brain development. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if current-use pesticide exposures, lead and excess manganese alter free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations in pregnant women from the Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA). METHODS: At enrollment, we determined women's (n = 400) specific-gravity corrected urinary pesticide (µg/L) metabolite concentrations of mancozeb (ethylene thiourea (ETU)), pyrimethanil, thiabendazole, chlorpyrifos, synthetic pyrethroids, and 2,4-D. We also measured manganese hair (MnH) (µg/g) and blood (MnB) (µg/L), and blood lead (PbB) (µg/L) concentrations. To detect an immediate and late effect on thyroid homeostasis, we determined TSH, FT4 and FT3 in serum obtained at the same visit (n = 400), and about ten weeks afterwards (n = 245). We assessed associations between exposures and outcomes with linear regression and general additive models, Bayesian multivariate linear regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression. RESULTS: About 80%, 94%, and 100% of the women had TSH, FT4, and FT3 within clinical reference ranges, respectively. Women with higher urinary ETU, and pyrimethanil-metabolites, had lower FT4: ß = -0.79 (95%CI = -1.51, -0.08) and ß = -0.29 (95%CI = -0.62, -0.03), respectively, for each tenfold increase in exposure. MnB was positively associated with FT4 (ß = 0.04 (95%CI = 0.00, 0.07 per 1 µg/L increase), and women with high urinary pyrethroid-metabolite concentrations had decreased TSH (non-linear effects). For the late-effect analysis, metabolites of pyrethroids and chlorpyrifos, as well as MnH, and PbB were associated decreased TSH, or increased FT4 and/or FT3. DISCUSSION: Mancozeb (ETU) and pyrimethanil may inhibit FT4 secretion (hypothyroidism-like effect), while chlorpyrifos, pyrethroids, MnB, MnH, PbB and Mn showed hyperthyroidism-like effects. Some effects on thyroid homeostasis seemed to be immediate (mancozeb (ETU), pyrimethanil, MnB), others delayed (chlorpyrifos, MnH, PbB), or both (pyrethroids), possibly reflecting different mechanisms of action.

Manganese and Lead Exposure and Early Puberty Onset in Children Living near a Ferromanganese Alloy Plant.

Manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb) have been associated with the deregulation of the neuroendocrine system, which could potentially favor the appearance of precocious puberty (PP) in environmentally exposed children. This study aims to evaluate the exposure to Mn and Pb and their potential effects in anticipating puberty in school-aged children living near a ferromanganese alloy plant in Bahia, Brazil. Toenail, occipital hair and blood samples were collected from 225 school-aged children. Tanner's scale was used for pubertal staging. Mn in blood (MnB), toenail (MnTn) and hair (MnH) and blood lead (PbB) levels were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Puberty-related hormone concentrations were determined by chemiluminescence. The age at which girls' breasts began to develop was inversely correlated with weight-for-age, height-for-age and BMI-for-age Z-scores (p < 0.05); pubarche also had similar results. Mn biomarker levels did not present differences among pubertal classification nor among children with potential PP or not. Furthermore, Mn exposure was not associated with the age of onset of sexual characteristics for either girls or boys. However, PbB levels were positively correlated with boys' pubic hair stages (rho = 0.258; p = 0.009) and associated with the age of onset of girls' pubarche (ß = 0.299, 95%CI = 0.055−0.542; p = 0.017). Testosterone and LH concentrations were statistically higher in boys with an increased PbB (p = 0.09 and p = 0.02, respectively). Prospective studies are needed to better assess the association between exposure to Mn and Pb and the early onset of puberty.

A Call for Biomonitoring Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Considerations for Potentially Toxic Metals/Metalloids.

The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region makes up 8.4% of the world's population. Human biomonitoring (HBM) programs, which can shed light on population-level exposure to environmental contaminants such as toxic metals and thus, improve the health of the populations are inexistent in LAC countries. We call for the creation of HBM programs in the region and identify three viable design options for HBM at the individual level, through national surveys, newborn blood collection, and biobanks. We highlight some of challenges to the implementation of HBM programs, including financial and human resources, technical constrains (laboratory), sample, and data logistics. Finally, we provide the case studies of Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay, to illustrate a range of responses to toxic metal exposure in non-occupational populations. Although different in many respects, the individual country responses share two commonalities: 1) academic centers drive the research to raise awareness of governmental entities; 2) reference levels are adapted from international norms rather than arising from the studied populations. Well-designed and sufficiently funded biomonitoring systems need to be established in each country of the LAC region. HBM programs are key to promoting human health by informing the public and contributing to policy processes that establish sustainable environmental controls and health prevention programs.

Prenatal and postnatal exposure to pesticides and school-age children's cognitive ability in rural Bogotá, Colombia.

Colombia is one of the largest pesticide consumers in South America. These products have a variety of negative consequences on the health of rural populations, especially neurocognitive disorders in children. In this work, the prenatal and postnatal exposure to pesticides was evaluated and the association between the cognitive capacity of school-age children in rural areas of the city of Bogotá, Colombia, investigated. Separate multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate associations of pesticide exposure measures and WISC-IV scales, adjusted for child sex, maternal educational attainment, growth retardation, and effect modification explored by sex, using a cross products term of 232 children between the ages of 7 and 10. It was found that among all children, pesticide exposure at school was associated with a worse working memory index (ß = -3.40; 95%CI; -6.6; -0.2) and a worst verbal comprehension index (ß = -3.2; 95%CI; -6.5; -0.2). Among girls, pesticide use at home was associated with a worse processing speed index (ß = -5.1; 95% CI; -10.1; -0.20) but not among boys (ß = 1.73; 95% CI; -2.6; 6.9). This revealed an association between the prenatal and postnatal exposure reported and some IQ sub-indices of children aged between 7 and 10 years residing in the rural areas of Usme and Sumapaz in the city of Bogotá, Colombia.

Assessment of carcinogenic heavy metal levels in Brazilian cigarettes.

Several studies have associated high cancer incidence with smoking habits. According to IARC, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) are carcinogenic to humans. These metals are present in cigarettes and their levels vary according to geographical region of tobacco cultivation, fertilizer treatment, plant variety etc. This study aims to assess these metal levels in cigarettes commercialized in Brazil. Three cigarettes of each 20 different brands were individually weighed, the tobacco filling removed, and homogenized. After desiccation, samples were subjected to microwave-assisted digestion. Analyses were performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean levels for Pb, Cd, As, Ni, and Cr were, respectively, 0.27 ± 0.054, 0.65 ± 0.091, 0.09 ± 0.024, 1.26 ± 0.449, and 1.43 ± 0.630, in micrograms per gram of tobacco. No correlation was observed between Cd and any other metal analyzed. A mild correlation (r = 0.483, p < 0.05) was observed between Pb and Cr levels. Strong significant (p < 0.01) correlations were observed between Ni and Cr (r = 0.829), Ni and As (r = 0.799), Ni and Pb (r = 0.637), and between Cr and As (r = 0.621). Chromium and Ni levels were significantly higher in cigarettes from a multinational manufacturer. Our results show a high variability in heavy metal levels in cigarettes, representing an important exposure source of smokers and passive smokers to carcinogenic substances.

Selenium concentrations in elderly people with Alzheimer's disease: a cross-sectional study with control group.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible differences in plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of selenium among elderly with and without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Cross-sectional study, performed with an elderly group with Alzheimer's disease, diagnosed by a geriatric doctor, and compared to an elderly group without the disease, equaling gender, education, and age. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry determined plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of total selenium (Set). RESULTS: The mean age was 74.41±7.1 years in the Alzheimer's disease group and 71.46±5.1 years among the control group. The Alzheimer's disease group presented lower plasma concentrations (mean of 45.29±14.51 µg/dL vs. 55.14±14.01 µg/dL; p=0.004), and erythrocyte Set (median of 56.36 µg/L vs. 76.96 µg/L; p<0.001). The logistic regression model indicated an association between erythrocyte Set concentrations and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (p=0.028). CONCLUSION: Elderly with Alzheimer's disease present lower selenium concentrations in the evaluated organic compartments.

Neuropsychological Effects of Mercury Exposure in Children and Adolescents of the Amazon Region, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Studies with children exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) through fish consumption in the Brazilian Amazon region report that the high levels of hair Hg are associated with significant decreases in intelligence, memory, attention, and visuospatial processing. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between mercury exposure and neuropsychological functions in riverside communities of the Brazilian Amazon. METHOD: 263 participants aged 6 to 14 years old were assessed, from resettlement regions, near the Madeira river, Rondônia, Brazil. To assess the neuropsychological functions we used the following instruments: intelligence (WASI), working memory (Corsi Block-Tapping Task and Digit Span), verbal fluency (Word Generation - NEPSY II), inhibitory control (Inhibition Errors - NEPSY II), shifting (Trail Making Test) and manual motor dexterity (Grooved PegBoard Test). Socioeconomic status was obtained through household surveys. Total Hg levels were quantified hair samples (Total HgH) collected from the occipital region of the scalp and analyzed by Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. RESULTS: The group in the upper quartile of Total HgH levels presented lower scores on the tasks that assessed estimated IQ, visuospatial working memory, semantic knowledge and phonological verbal fluency, when compared to the group in the lower quartile level. A regression analysis controlled for age, sex, and maternal education showed that for each increase of 10 µg/g of Total HgH, there was a decrease around half standard deviation in Verbal IQ, estimated IQ scores, semantic knowledge, phonological verbal fluency and for verbal and visuospatial working memory. CONCLUSIONS: High concentrations of Total Hg in hair were associated with a lower performance in neuropsychological functions tests. The results show that environmental exposure to Hg is associated to children and adolescents' lower neuropsychological performance in the riverine and resettled areas of the Brazilian Amazon region.

Interaction of Toxoplasma gondii infection and elevated blood lead levels on children's neurobehavior.

A chronic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii was considered asymptomatic in immunologically healthy humans, but results from animal and epidemiological studies led to a reconsideration of this assumption. The objective of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and its possible effects on the behavior of school-aged children in Bahia, Brazil. Serum anti-body determinations were performed by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Blood lead levels (BLL) were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The evaluation of a child's behavior was assessed using the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL). Multivariate models applying logistic regression were used to test the association of chronic T. gondii infection and BLL with behavioral outcomes in children. Seroprevalence for anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 43.7 % (95 %-CI: 35.8-51.9). Significant associations between chronic T. gondii infection and total behavioral problems (OR = 2.50; 95 %-CI: 1.06-5.88), internalizing spectrum problems (OR = 4.35; 95 %-CI: 1.11-17.14) and rule breaking (OR = 2.61; 95 %-CI: 1.12-6.05) were observed. A possible interaction between toxoplasmosis prevalence and lead exposure was detected. Children with above the median BLL and positive for IgG anti-T. gondii showed a 5.51-fold increase (95 %-CI: 1.75-17.38) in the chance of displaying disobedient behavior. The results suggest that T. gondii infection may be contributing to the high indices of behavioral changes. Moreover, these findings are the first evidence for a possible interaction between chronic T. gondii infection and elevated blood lead levels on children's neurobehavior.

Pilot-scale isolation and characterization of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from cell-free medium of Spirulina sp. LEB-18 cultures under outdoor conditions.

This objective of this work was to monitor the EPS production during the growth of Spirulina sp. LEB-18, evaluate the productivity and to characterize the exopolymers obtained on pilot-scale under outdoor conditions. The production of crude EPS occurred in all phases of biomass growth and was approximately ten folds higher than that biomass concentration of Spirulina sp. LEB-18 at the end cultivation, demonstrating the importance of the use of supernatant after harvesting of Spirulina to obtain high value bioproducts. The EPS extracted by Spirulina sp. LEB-18 are typically heteropolymers with one high molecular weight fraction (polysaccharides) with potential to be utilized as an alternative bioflocculant and another fraction of lower molecular mass (proteins). The presence of uronic acids, pyruvates and acyl groups of carbohydrates or carboxylic groups of amino acids in protein moiety is the main responsible for overall negative charge of EPS, which is also of biotechnological importance. Moreover, due to the pseudoplastic behavior of the solutions and high thermal stability, the obtained EPS can be widely applied in several industrial sectors, thus determining its technological and market potentiality.

Environmental manganese exposure and associations with memory, executive functions, and hyperactivity in Brazilian children.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element, however high levels of Mn have been associated with lower neuropsychological performance and behavioral problems in children. We investigated the associations between hair Mn concentrations and neuropsychological and behavioral performances among children with long-term exposure to airborne Mn aged between 7 and 12 years. Neuropsychological performance included tests of: verbal memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, verbal fluency, and motor function. We used the Conners Abbreviated Rating Scale for teachers to assess students' behaviors of hyperactivity. Hair manganese (MnH) concentrations in children and exposure to airborne manganese from a ferro-manganese alloy plant were analyzed and correlated with tests scores. Multivariable linear models adjusting for potential confounders showed that elevated levels of MnH were associated with lower performance in verbal memory, as measured by the free recall after interference (ß = - 1.8; 95% CI: - 3.4, - 0.2), which indicates susceptibility to interference, and Delayed Effect (ß = -2.0; 95% CI: -3.7, - 0.2), representing a loss of information over time. Additionally, we found patterns of effect modification by sex in three subtests measuring verbal memory: the free recall after interference score, Interference Effect, and Delayed Effect (all at p < 0.10). Overall, the results suggest that long-term airborne Mn exposure may be associated with lower performance in verbal memory, and hyperactivity behaviors.

Lead in mangrove root crab (Goniopsis cruentata) and risk assessment due to exposure for estuarine villagers.

This study evaluated lead (Pb) content in mangrove root crabs Goniopsis cruentata and performed a risk assessment based on individual frequency of food consumption of the residents of an estuarine village in Brazil. The Pb content in the raw and two forms of processed crabs were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Based on consumption by the community, estimates of non-carcinogenic target hazard quotients (THQ) were calculated. The mean (± SD) Pb concentrations in raw tissues were: 0.17 (± 0.36), < 0.012 and 0.05 (± 0.09) mg kg-1 (gills, muscle and hepatopancreas), respectively. In the processed products, the highest levels were found in the traditional stew collected in April (2.84 mg kg-1), surpassing the maximum limit allowed. The THQ for consumption of traditional stew was < 1, classified as negligible risk. The G. cruentata of the Jaguaripe River estuary can be considered a safe food, but cooking should be avoided in lead-glazed pottery.