Metabolic and molecular effects of dietary extra virgin olive oil in blood and placenta of women with GDM.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risks of maternal, placental, and neonatal complications. Previously, we found that a diet enriched in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) prevents increased maternal triglyceridemia and placental proinflammatory markers in a cohort of GDM patients. The aim of this work was to evaluate maternal circulating markers of insulin resistance, placental collagen, glycogen and lipid levels, and placental levels of proteins, mRNAs, and a microRNA involved in the endocytic pathway in the same cohort of control women and women with GDM who received or did not receive a diet enriched in EVOO (36 g/day) from weeks 24 to 28 of pregnancy until term. Results: At term, the TG/HDL cholesterol ratio, fatty acid binding protein 4 circulating levels, and maternal BMI were increased in the GDM patients, alterations prevented by the maternal diet enriched in EVOO. Although there were no changes in placental lipid levels and lipid profile, GDM placentas were thicker than controls and showed increased glycogen and collagen content, alterations prevented by the EVOO enriched diet. GDM placentas showed increases in megalin levels, in the expression of several genes involved in the endocytic pathway, and in miR-199, which targets these genes, alterations prevented by the maternal diet enriched in EVOO. Conclusions: We identified novel beneficial effects of an EVOO-enriched diet in GDM women, a diet capable of regulating maternal insulin resistance, the structure and metabolism of the placenta, and the placental endocytic pathway, suggesting effects that may be beneficial for fetal development.

Clinical and Visual Outcomes of Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy After Surgical Orbital Decompression.

Background: Current guidelines suggest high-dose steroids as first-line treatment for dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). When steroids fail, decompressive surgery is mandatory. Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study in a tertiary care combined Thyroid-Eye clinic in Milan, Italy. We studied 88 orbits of 56 patients that were submitted to surgical orbital decompression to treat DON from 2005 to 2020. Of these, 33 orbits (37.5%) underwent surgery as first-line treatment for DON whereas the other 55 (62.5%) were decompressed after being unresponsive to very high-dose steroids. Previous orbital surgery, concurrent neurological or ophthalmologic diseases, or incomplete follow-up were considered as exclusion criteria from this study. Surgery was considered successful if no further decompression was needed to preserve vision. Pinhole best corrected visual acuity (p-BCVA), color sensitivity, automated visual field, pupil reflexes, optic disk and fundus appearance, exophtalmometry, and ocular motility were studied before and after surgery (1 week, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months). Activity of Graves' Orbitopathy (GO) was graded using a clinical activity score (CAS). Results: Surgery was successful in 77 orbits (87.5%). The remaining 11 orbits (12.5%) needed further surgery to treat DON definitively. All parameters of visual function improved significantly at follow-up and GO inactivated (CAS <3) within 1 month. At 3 months, all 77 responding orbits had p-BCVA >0.63 whereas all of the 11 non-responding orbits had p-BCVA ≤0.63. Visual field parameters and color sensitivity were not associated with response to surgery. High-dose steroid treatment before surgery was associated with a better response rate (96% vs. 73%; p = 0.004). Balanced decompression was associated with a higher response rate compared with medial wall decompression (96% vs. 80%; p = 0.04). A significant inverse correlation was observed between final p-BCVA and the patient's age (r = -0.42; p = 0.0003). Conclusions: Surgical decompression was found to be a very effective treatment for DON. In this study, all clinical parameters improved after surgery and further intervention was rarely needed.

Protective Effect of Limosilactobacillus fermentum ME-3 against the Increase in Paracellular Permeability Induced by Chemotherapy or Inflammatory Conditions in Caco-2 Cell Models.

Chemotherapy- or inflammation-induced increase in intestinal permeability represents a severe element in disease evolution in patients suffering from colorectal cancer and gut inflammatory conditions. Emerging data strongly support the gut microbiota's role in preserving intestinal barrier integrity, whilst both chemotherapy and gut inflammation alter microbiota composition. Some probiotics might have a strong re-balancing effect on the gut microbiota, also positively affecting intestinal barrier integrity. In this study, we asked whether Limosilactobacillus fermentum ME-3 can prevent the intestinal paracellular permeability increase caused by the chemotherapeutic drug Irinotecan or by inflammatory stimuli, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). As an intestinal barrier model, we used a confluent and polarized Caco-2 cell monolayer and assessed the ME-3-induced effect on paracellular permeability by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and fluorescent-dextran flux assays. The integrity of tight and adherens junctions was examined by confocal microscopy analysis. Transwell co-cultures of Caco-2 cells and U937-derived macrophages were used as models of LPS-induced intestinal inflammation to test the effect of ME-3 on release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines Tumor Necrosis Factor α, Interleukin-6, and Interleukin-8, was measured by ELISA. The results demonstrate that ME-3 prevents the IRI-induced increment in paracellular permeability, possibly by modulating the expression and localization of cell junction components. In addition, ME-3 inhibited both the increase in paracellular permeability and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the co-culture model of LPS-induced inflammation. Our findings sustain the validity of L. fermentum ME-3 as a valuable therapeutic tool for preventing leaky gut syndrome, still currently without an available specific treatment.

Stability of a standardized preparation of methotrexate, cytarabine, and methylprednisolone hemisuccinate for intrathecal use.

INTRODUCTION: Data about the feasibility or stability of drugs prepared for intrathecal administration are scarce, especially concerning the possibility of mixing two or more compounds in the same syringe. We evaluated the stability of an extemporaneously prepared triple intrathecal therapy containing methotrexate, cytarabine, and methylprednisolone hemisuccinate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six mixtures containing 12.5 mg methotrexate, 50 mg cytarabine, and 40 mg methylprednisolone hemisuccinate, diluted to a final volume of 5 ml with water for injection, were prepared in polypropylene syringes on six different days. Syringes were stored protected from light either at room temperature (20°C) (n = 3) or refrigerated temperature (4°C) (n = 3). Samples were analyzed immediately after preparation and again at 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h. The analysis was conducted with a high-performance liquid chromatography instrument equipped with a quaternary pump and diode array detector. pH was also assessed before every sample analysis. RESULTS: When mixed in a polypropylene syringe, the three drugs were stable at both temperatures tested. No degradation >10% was observed in any sample and pH remained between 7.0 and 7.5 over time. No precipitation or color change occurred. Among the three compounds, methylprednisolone hemisuccinate was the most labile as a slight temperature- and time-dependent degradation was observed. CONCLUSION: Triple intrathecal solution of methotrexate, cytarabine, and methylprednisolone hemisuccinate is stable for up to 24 h when stored in polypropylene syringes protected from light at 4°C and 20°C.

Early predictors of clinical outcomes of COVID-19 outbreak in Milan, Italy.

BACKGROUND: National health-system hospitals of Lombardy faced a heavy burden of admissions for acute respiratory distress syndromes associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Data on patients of European origin affected by COVID-19 are limited. METHODS: All consecutive patients aged ≥18 years, coming from North-East of Milan's province and admitted at San Raffaele Hospital with COVID-19, between February 25th and March 24th, were reported, all patients were followed for at least one month. Clinical and radiological features at admission and predictors of clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 500 patients admitted to the Emergency Unit, 410 patients were hospitalized and analyzed: median age was 65 (IQR 56-75) years, and the majority of patients were males (72.9%). Median (IQR) days from COVID-19 symptoms onset was 8 (5-11) days. At hospital admission, fever (≥ 37.5 °C) was present in 67.5% of patients. Median oxygen saturation (SpO2) was 93% (range 60-99), with median PaO2/FiO2 ratio, 267 (IQR 184-314). Median Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema (RALE) score was 9 (IQR 4-16). More than half of the patients (56.3%) had comorbidities, with hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes and chronic kidney failure being the most common. The probability of overall survival at day 28 was 66%. Multivariable analysis showed older age, coronary artery disease, cancer, low lymphocyte count and high RALE score as factors independently associated with an increased risk of mortality. CONCLUSION: In a large cohort of COVID-19 patients of European origin, main risk factors for mortality were older age, comorbidities, low lymphocyte count and high RALE.

An extra virgin olive oil-enriched diet improves maternal, placental, and cord blood parameters in GDM pregnancies.

AIMS: To address the effect of a diet enriched in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on maternal metabolic parameters and placental proinflammatory markers in Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients. METHODS: Pregnant women at 24-28 weeks of gestation were enrolled: 33 GDM patients which were randomly assigned or not to the EVOO-enriched group and 17 healthy controls. Metabolic parameters were determined. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ and PPARα protein expression, expression of microRNA (miR)-130a and miR-518d (which respectively target these PPAR isoforms) and levels of proinflammatory markers were evaluated in term placentas. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity was evaluated in term placentas and umbilical cord blood. RESULTS: GDM patients that received the EVOO-enriched diet showed reduced pregnancy weight gain (GDM-EVOO:10.3 ± 0.9, GDM:14.2 ± 1.4, P = .03) and reduced triglyceridemia (GDM-EVOO:231 ± 14, GDM:292 ± 21, P = .02) compared to the non-EVOO-enriched GDM group. In GDM placentas, the EVOO-enriched diet did not regulate PPARγ protein expression or miR-130a expression, but prevented the reduced PPARα protein expression (P = .02 vs GDM) and the increased miR-518d expression (P = .009 vs GDM). Increased proinflammatory markers (interleukin-1ß, tumour necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide overproduction) in GDM placentas were prevented by the EVOO-enriched diet (respectively P = .001, P = .001 and P = .01 vs GDM). MMPs overactivity was prevented in placenta and umbilical cord blood in the EVOO-enriched GDM group (MMP-9: respectively P = .01 and P = .001 vs GDM). CONCLUSIONS: A diet enriched in EVOO in GDM patients reduced maternal triglyceridemia and weight gain and has antiinflammatory properties in placenta and umbilical cord blood, possibly mediated by the regulation of PPAR pathways.

Recurrent intracranial hemorrhage and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: an atypical case of Neuro-Behçet's Syndrome.

We report the case of a 22-year-old man with an history of headaches, seizures, cognitive impairment associated with recurrent intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), acute ischemic stroke (AIS), worsened over the last eighteen months for a new onset of uveitis and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). After excluding common causes of lobar ICH, and some rare ones according to the diagnostic protocol proposed by Beuker et al, in the suspicion of Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System (PACNS), the gradual development of a low-grade fever, a cutaneous rash, and a papulopustular manifestation on lower back after rachicentesis (pathergy phenomenon), allowed us to make a diagnosis of Neuro-Behçet's Syndrome (NBS) without oral/genital aphthous ulcerations, according to the International Study Group for Behçet's Disease classification criteria for BD (ICBD).

Ação antimicrobiana de óleos essenciais de sucupira branca (Pterodon emarginatus); folhas de pêssego (Prunus persica); bagas de junipero (Juniperus communis); rosa de damasco (Rosa damascena) e petitgrain mandarina (Citrus deliciosa) / Antimicrobial action of white sucupira essential oils (Pterodon emarginatus); peach leaves (Prunus persica); juniper berries (Juniperus communis); pink apricot (Rosa damascena) and petitgrain mandarin (Citrus deliciosa)

Os óleos essenciais são complexos naturais formados por cerca de 20 ­ 60 componentes em distintas concentrações, sendo caracterizados por dois ou três componentes presentes em maiores concentrações (20 ­ 70%) quando comparados aos demais. A atividade antibacteriana de muitas plantas deve-se aos compostos sintetizados no metabolismo secundário. Tais produtos são conhecidos por suas substâncias ativas. Este trabalho apresentou como objetivo verificar a ação antibacteriana dos óleos essenciais: bagas de junípero (Junipeus communis), folhas de pêssego (Prunus pérsica), petitgrain mandarina (Citrus deliciosa), rosa de damasco 10% (Rosa damascena) e sucupira branca (Pterodon emarginatus). Os testes foram realizados com os óleos essenciais individualmente e combinados. Os óleos essenciais foram impregnados em discos de papel filtro de 6 mm de diâmetro, próprios para antibiograma, colocados em placas de Petri com meio de cultura apropriado, semeado previamente com os seguintes micro-organismos: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis e Staphylococcus aureus, posteriormente incubadas a 35 °C/ 24 ­ 48 horas. Considerou-se de ação antimicrobiana eficaz aqueles que apresentaram halos iguais ou superiores a 10 mm. Resultados eficazes foram observados para o óleo essencial de folhas de pêssego sobre S. aureus (halo de 60 mm) e S. Typhimurium (halo de 62 mm); óleo essencial de folhas de pêssego e petitgrain mandarina sobre B. subtilis (halo de 62 mm). E. coli foi inibida eficientemente por todos os óleos essenciais testados. A atividade inibitória mais eficaz foi observada para o óleo essencial de folhas de pêssego.

Essential oils are natural complexes formed by 20 to 60 components in varying amounts; being characterized by two or three components present in higher concentrations (20-70%) when compared to the others. The antibacterial activity of many plants is due to the compounds synthesized in the secondary metabolism. Such products are known for their active substances. This research aimed to verify the antibacterial action of essential oils: juniper berries (Junipeus communis), peach leaves (Prunus persica), petitgrain mandarin (Citrus deliciosa), apricot rose 10% (Rosa damascena) and sucupira branca (Pterodon emarginatus). The tests were performed with the essential oils individually and in combination. The essential oils were impregnated into 6 mm diameter filter paper disks, suitable for antibiogram, placed in Petri dishes with appropriate culture medium, previously seeded with the following microorganisms: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus, subsequently incubated at 35 °C/24 - 48 hours. Efficient antimicrobial action was considered in those essential oils with halos equal to or greater than 10 mm. Efficient results were observed for the essential oil of peach leaves on S. aureus (60 mm halo) and S. Typhimurium (62 mm halo); for essential oil of peach leaves and petitgrain mandarin on B. subtilis (62 mm halo). E. coli was efficiently inhibited for all essential oils tested. The most effective inhibitory activity observed for the essential oil of peach leaves.

Atividade antibacteriana de óleos essenciais de café verde e torrado (Coffea arabica), Cacau (Theobroma cacao), casca e folha de canela do ceilão (Cinnamomum zeylanicun) / Antibacterial activity of essential oils from green and roasted coffee (Coffea arabica), Cacau (Theobroma cacao), bark and cinnamon leaf from Ceylon (Cinnamomum zeylanicun)

Diversos conservantes naturais têm sido utilizados na inativação de micro-organismos, sem efeitos adversos com relação aos valores nutricionais dos alimentos e da saúde humana. Entretanto, estudos apontam reações adversas aos aditivos sintéticos, tais como reações tóxicas e o possível desenvolvimento de cânceres específicos. A busca por agentes antimicrobianos naturais em alternativa aos conservantes sintéticos tem sido constante; a fim de proporcionar o controle microbiológico e a extensão da vida de prateleira, excluindo, portanto, as desvantagens trazidas pelo uso de aditivos artificiais, através de ação antimicrobiana de óleos essenciais. O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar a ação antibacteriana dos óleos essenciais de café verde e torrado (Coffea arabica), cacau (Theobroma cacao), casca e folha de canela-do- -Ceilão (Cinnamomum zeylanicun) sobre as bactérias Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis e Salmonella Typhimurium. Os óleos essenciais foram impregnados em discos de papel filtro de 6 mm de diâmetro, próprios para antibiograma; sendo posteriormente colocados em placas de Petri contendo Ágar Nutriente previamente semeado com os micro-organismos. As mesmas foram incubadas a 35°C por 24 e 48 horas. Após este período foi possível observar e medir o diâmetro dos halos e, halos iguais ou superiores a 10 mm foram considerados significativos de atividade antimicrobiana. Os óleos essenciais de cacau, canela casca e canela folha inibiram significativamente todos os micro-organismos testados. E. coli foi inibida significativamente por todos os óleos essenciais. O óleo essencial de canela casca demonstrou os melhores efeitos inibitórios, sendo o mais significativo sobre a E. coli (halo de 36 mm).(AU)

Atividade antibacteriana de extratos aquosos de açafrão, cominho, estragão, endro e tomilho / Antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of saffron, cumin and tarragon

Os registros das eficientes propriedades de conservação das especiarias constam desde a Antiguidade, porém acredita-se que o uso dessas ervas tenha ocorrido antes mesmo do domínio da cocção com fogo. No cenário atual, o crescente interesse do consumidor pela qualidade e composição dos produtos disponíveis no mercado junto com os questionamentos sobre a segurança do uso de aditivos químicos e a preocupação com suas implicações na saúde pública, motivam a busca e valorização de compostos antimicrobianos naturais. Diante disso, o presente trabalho objetivou verificar a ação antimicrobiana dos extratos aquosos de açafrão (Curcuma longa), cominho (Cuminum cyminum), estragão (Artemisia dracunculus), endro (Anethum graveolens) e tomilho (Thymus vulgaris) de forma individual e combinada sobre Samonella Tiphymurium, Samonella Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus e Bacillus subtilis utilizando semeadura em superfície com Ágar Nutriente, após incubação a 35ºC de 24 e 48 horas. Por meio dos resultados obtidos, foi possível observar os fenômenos de sinergismo e antagonismo entre os extratos, destacando-se a combinação sinérgica entre cominho e tomilho, capaz de inibir três das cinco bactérias empregadas. Salmonella Enteritidis apresentou maior sensibilidade entre os micro-organismos testados e o maior halo de inibição registrado resultou da ação do extrato de endro adicionado ao extrato de tomilho sobre Salmonella Typhimurium.

Determinação do potencial antibacteriano das especiarias hibiscus sabdariffa, carum carvi, sesamum indicum, foeniculum vulgare e trigonella foenum-graecum / Determination of the antibacterial potential of spices hibiscus sabdariffa, carum carvi, sesamum indicum, foeniculum vulgare e trigonella foenum-graecum

Conhecidas pelo seu uso na culinária, na medicina, festividades, óleos e ceras aromáticas, perfumes e atualmente como antissépticos, as especiarias são produtos naturais. Produtos aromáticos, poderosos, prazerosos e sensuais. Esses produtos estão marcados na história, como um dos primeiros que percorreram o globo terrestre de um lado ao outro como moeda comercial. Considerando o mencionado, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar a possível ação antibacteriana das especiarias: hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), kummel (alcaravia)(Carum carvi), gergelim preto (Sesamum indicum), funcho (Foeniculum vulgare) e feno grego (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Os testes foram realizados com as especiarias individualmente e também combinadas. Extratos aquosos das especiarias foram impregnados em discos de papel filtro de 6 mm de diâmetro, próprios para antibiograma, colocados em placas de Petri com meio de cultura apropriado, semeado previamente com os seguintes micro-organismos: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis e Staphylococcus aureus, posteriormente incubadas a 35°C/24 ­ 48 horas. Após este período, foram considerados de ação antimicrobiana significativa aqueles que apresentaram halos iguais ou superiores a 10mm. Com relação ao micro-organismo B. cereus, foi constatada a ação significativa do extrato de gergelim preto combinado com funcho (halo de 10mm). No que se refere a B. subtilis, os resultados mais significativos foram verificados para o extrato de hibiscus individualmente (halo de 17mm) e também para a combinação entre gergelim preto e feno grego (halo de 10mm). Para a ação sobre S. aureus, destacou-se a combinação entre gergelim preto e feno grego (halo de 13mm). S. Typhimurium foi inibida significativamente pelo extrato de hibiscus individual (halo de 14mm) e pela combinação de hibiscus e feno grego (halo de 12mm). A bactéria inibida significativamente pelo maior número de extratos (6) foi S. Enteritidis, destacando-se a ação do extrato combinado de hibiscus e gergelim preto (halo de 21mm), hibiscus individual (halo de 18mm) e do extrato combinado de hibiscus e feno grego (halo de 14mm). Os melhores resultados foram observados para o extrato de hibiscus individualmente e as suas combinações.

Ação antimicrobiana de especiarias sobre o desenvolvimento bacteriano / Antimicrobial action of spices on bacterial development

As especiarias são conhecidas por exercerem uma estabilidade frente à ação de micro-organismos, estando inseridas no grupo dos alimentos estáveis. Considerando os aspectos mencionados, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de anis estrelado (Illicium verum Hook.), canela-em-pau (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), cardamono (Elettaria cardamomum L.), cravo-da-índia (Syzygium aromaticum), erva-doce (Pimpinella anisum L), mostarda amarela (Brassica hirta Moench.), noz-moscada (Myristica fragrans Houtt), pimenta-da-jamaica (Pimenta officinalis Lindl.) e pimenta rosa (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi). Para tanto foram utilizados extratos aquosos das diferentes especiarias, impregnados em discos de papel filtro de 6 mm de diâmetro, próprios para antibiograma, colocados em placas de Petri com meio de cultura apropriado, semeado previamente com os seguintes micro-organismos: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 14028), Salmonella Enteritidis e Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 22923), posteriormente incubados a 35°C por 24 - 48 horas. Os extratos aquosos do anis estrelado (halo de 10 mm), canela em pau (15 mm), cardamono (12 mm), cravo-da-índia (10 mm) e pimenta rosa (10 mm) apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana significativa sobre S. Enteritidis. Sobre S. Typhimurium a inibição significativa ocorreu pela ação dos extratos de cardamono (halo de 10 mm), cravo-da-índia (15 mm) e erva-doce (10 mm). O extrato aquoso de cravo-da-índia forneceu o melhor resultado, uma vez que inibiu significativamente três das cinco bactérias testadas (S. aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis e S. Typhimurium).

Spices are known to fulfill a stability to the action of micro-organisms, being inserted in the group of stable foods. Considering the aspects mentioned, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of star anise (Illicium verum Hook.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum L.), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), yellow mustard (Brassica hirta Moench.), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt), allspice (Pimenta officinalis Lindl.) and pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi). For this purpose the various spices aqueous extracts impregnated in filter paper discs of 6 mm diameter, suitable for antibiogram placed in Petri dishes with the appropriate culture medium previously seeded with the following micro-organisms Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 14028), Salmonella Enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 22923), then incubated at 35° C for 24 - 48 hours. The aqueous extracts of star anise (inhibition zone 10 mm), cinnamon sticks (15 mm), cardamom (12 mm), clove India (10 mm) and pink pepper (10 mm) showed significant antimicrobial activity against S. Enteritidis. About S. Typhimurium significant inhibition occurred by the action of cardamom (inhibition zone 10 mm), clove India (15 mm) and fennel (10 mm). India clove aqueous extract provided the best outcome, since it significantly inhibited three of the five bacteria tested (S. aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis e S. Typhimurium).

Atividade antibacteriana de diferentes especiarias / Antibacterial activity of different spices

Micro-organismos patogênicos são responsáveis por inúmeras doenças veiculadas por alimentos, causando constante preocupação à indústria alimentícia e consumidores. Além disso, há também a preocupação com os possíveis efeitos adversos causados pelos aditivos químicos usados na conservação dos alimentos. Outro problema relacionado aos micro-organismos patogênicos é sua resistência adquirida frente aos antibióticos comuns. A procura por antimicrobianos naturais, presentes em extratos vegetais, tende a ser uma alternativa bastante interessante para todas estas questões. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de especiarias, de forma individual e combinada, sobre algumas bactérias. Foram utilizados extratos aquosos de cinco diferentes especiarias, empregados em disco de papel filtro de 6 mm de diâmetro próprios para antibiograma, colocado em placas de Petri com meios de cultura apropriados, semeados previamente com os seguintes micro-organismos: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella Typhimurium, Samonella Enteritidis e Staphylococcus aureus, posteriormente incubadas à 35ºC/ 24 ­ 48 horas. Através dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que o extrato aquoso de sálvia apresentou atividade antimicrobiana significativa sobre S. Typhimurium (halo de 12 mm), o extrato combinado de sálvia e alho apresentou resultado significativo sobre B. cereus e S. aureus (halos de 10mm), este ainda foi inibido significativamente pelos extratos combinados de sálvia e urucum, sálvia e louro, sálvia e gengibre (halos de 10mm).

Pathogenic micro-organisms are responsible for numerous diseases transmitted by foods, causing constant concern to the provision industry and consumers. Besides, there is also the concern with the possible adverse effects caused by the chemical addictive used in the conservation of foods. Another problem related to the pathogenic micro-organisms is about their resistance acquired to the common antibiotics. The search for natural antimicrobials, presents in vegetable extracts, tends to be a quite interesting alternative for all these subjects. In that way, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of spices, in an individual and combined way, on some bacteria. Were used aqueous extracts of five different spices, inserted in paper filter disks of 6 mm diameter own for antibiogram, placed in Petri dishes with appropriate culture means, previously seeded with the following personal micro-organisms: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella Typhimurium, Samonella Enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus, subsequently incubated at 35º C/ 24-48 hours. Through the results obtained, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of sage presented significant antimicrobial activity on S. Typhimurium (inhibition zone 12 mm), the combined extract of sage and garlic presented significant result on B. cereus and S. aureus (inhibition zones 10 mm), this still was inhibited significantly by combined extracts of sage and urucum, sage and blond, sage and ginger (inhibition zones 10 mm).

Qualidade higienicos sanitária de produtos sólidos prontos para o consumo (petiscos e similares) comercializados na região de Catanduva – SP / Sanitary hygienic quality of solid products ready for consumption (snacks) marketed in the Catanduva region - SP

Petiscos compreendem sementes comestíveis, salgadas, cruas, doces, torradas, fritas, condimentadas ou não, podendo também ser produtos doces, salgados, fritos, assados, compactados, incluindo torresmos e similares. Na maioria das vezes são consumidos como aperitivos ou acompanhamentos de alguns tipos de pratos, variando conforme sua espécie e região. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade higienicossanitária de diferentes amostras de produtos sólidos prontos para o consumo (petiscos e similares), comercializados na região de Catanduva-SP, por meio de metodologias internacionalmente reconhecidas. Para tanto, 20 amostras de diferentes marcas comerciais, dentro do prazo de validade, foram submetidas às seguintes análises: determinação do Número Mais Provável (NMP) de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, pesquisa de Escherichia coli e Salmonella spp. Os resultados obtidos para coliformes termotolerantes revelaram que todas as amostras (100%) encontravam-se de acordo com o padrão federal vigente. No entanto, para Salmonella spp. as análises mostraram que 50% das amostras estavam em desacordo com o padrão federal vigente, podendo ser classificadas como "produtos em condições sanitárias insatisfatórias" e, por conseguinte, "produtos impróprios para o consumo humano".

Snacks include edible seeds, salted, raw, sweet, toast, fried, spicy or not, can also be sweet products, salty, fried, baked, packaged, including greaves and the like. Most often are eaten as appetizers or side dishes, varying according to their species and region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sanitary quality of different samples of solid products ready for consumption (and similar snacks), marketed in the region Catanduva-SP, through internationally recognized methodologies. For this purpose, samples of different brands within the validity period were subjected to the following tests: determination of Most Probable Number (MPN) of total and thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp research. The results obtained for thermotolerant coliforms revealed that all samples (100%) were in accordance with the federal standard force. However, for Salmonella spp. the analysis showed that 50% of the samples weren't in accordance with the current federal standard, which can be classified as "products in poor sanitary conditions" and therefore "products unfit for human consumption".