Traceability of animal protein byproducts in ruminants by multivariate analysis of isotope ratio mass spectrometry to prevent transmission of prion diseases

Ruminant feed containing animal byproduct proteins (ABPs) is prohibited in many countries due to its risk of transmitting prion diseases (PD). In most cases the entire herd is sacrificed, which causes great harm to the producer countries by preventing their exportation of ruminant derived-products. Methods: We used stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) of carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N) to trace the animal protein in the blood of 15 buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) divided into three experimental groups: 1 - received only vegetable protein (VP) during 117 days; 2 - received animal and vegetable protein (AVP); and 3 - received animal and vegetable protein with animal protein subsequently removed (AVPR). Groups 2 and 3 received diets containing 13.7% bovine meat and bone meal (MBM) added to a vegetable diet (from days 21-117 in the AVP group and until day 47 in the AVPR group, when MBM was removed). Results: On the 36th day, differences were detectable in the feeding profile (p <0.01) among the three experimental groups, which remained for a further 49 days (85th day). The AVPR group showed isotopic rate reversibility on the 110th day by presenting values similar to those in the control group (VP) (p> 0.05), indicating that it took 63 days to eliminate MBM in this group. Total atoms exchange (> 95%) of 13C and 15N was observed through incorporation of the diet into the AVP and AVPR groups. Conclusions: IRMS is an accurate and sensitive technique for tracing the feeding profile of ruminants through blood analysis, thus enabling investigation of ABP use. enabling investigation of ABP use.(AU)

The under-reporting of energy intake influences the dietary pattern reported by obese women in the waiting list for bariatric surgery / A subnotificação do consumo energético influencia os resultados de padrão alimentar relatado por mulheres obesas na fila de espera para cirurgia bariátrica

ABSTRACT Objective To verify the interference of the energy intake under-reporting in the determination of the dietary patterns and nutrient intakes reported by obese women in the waiting list for bariatric surgery. Methods The study included 412 women aged 20 to 45 years with a body mass index ranging from 35 to 60kg/m2 who were on waiting list for bariatric surgery. Data from three reported food intake and physical activity, body weight, and height were used for estimating the reported energy intake, physical activity level, and resting energy expenditure. Subsequently, it was checked the biological plausibility of the reported energy intakes, classifying all participants as plausible reporters or under-reporters. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the participants' dietary patterns. The Mann-Whitney test assessed the reported energy and nutrient intakes between plausible reporters and under-reporters groups. The Z-test assessed the variables of plausible reporters or under-reporters in relation to all participants of the study. Results Six dietary patterns were determined for all participants of study. After excluding information from under-reporting women, only two dietary patterns remained similar to those of all participants, while three other dietary patterns presented different conformations from food subgroups to plausible reporters. The reported energy intake did not present difference for the subgroups of fruits, leaf vegetables and vegetables. However, the energetic value reported for the other food subgroups was higher for the plausible reporters. Conclusion The under-reporting of energy intake influenced the determination of dietary patterns of obese women waiting for bariatric surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo Esta pesquisa buscou verificar a interferência da subnotificação do consumo energético na determinação do padrão alimentar e consumo de nutrientes, relatados por mulheres obesas na fila de espera para cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos Participaram do estudo 412 mulheres com idade entre 20 e 45 anos e índice de massa corporal entre 35 e 60 kg/m2, que aguardavam na fila de espera de cirurgia bariátrica. Foram utilizadas informações de três registros do consumo alimentar, da atividade física de 24 horas e do peso corporal e altura, para estimativa da Ingestão Energética Relatada, Nível de Atividade Física e Gasto Energético de Repouso das participantes e subsequente verificação da plausibilidade biológica do consumo energético. As mulheres foram agrupadas em notificadoras plausíveis e subnotificadoras. A análise fatorial exploratória foi utilizada para classificar os padrões alimentares. Os valores relatados de energia e nutrientes entre os grupos de notificadoras plausíveis e subnotificadoras foram avaliados por meio do teste de Mann-Whitney. O Teste de hipótese Z avaliou as variáveis das notificadoras plausíveis ou subnotificadoras em relação a todas as participantes do estudo. Resultados Seis padrões alimentares foram determinados para todas as participantes do estudo. Após excluir as informações das mulheres subnotificadoras, apenas dois padrões alimentares mantiveram-se similares aos de todas as participantes, ao passo que outros três padrões alimentares apresentaram diferentes conformações de subgrupos alimentares para as notificadoras plausíveis. A ingestão energética relatada não apresentou diferença para os subgrupos das frutas, hortaliças e legumes. Porém, o valor energético relatado para os demais subgrupos alimentares foi maior para as notificadoras plausíveis. Conclusão A subnotificação do consumo energético influenciou a determinação de padrões alimentares de mulheres obesas na lista de espera para cirurgia bariátrica.

Avaliação da qualidade higienicossanitária de hambúrgueres bovinos de marcas comerciais brasileiras / Evaluation higienic sanitary quality beef burgers sold in Brazil

O hambúrguer é um produto cárneo industrializado e potencial veículo de bactérias produtoras ou não de toxinas nas diversas fases de seu processamento, desde sua origem até as fases de transformação, armazenagem, transporte e distribuição para o consumo. Dentro deste contexto, o objetivo do trabalho foi a avaliação do aspecto higienicossanitário dos hambúrgueres bovinos comercializados no Brasil. Foram analisadas 110 amostras de hambúrgueres de carne bovina de 11 marcas comerciais brasileiras segundo a metodologia microbiológica descrita pela Instrução Normativa n° 62 de 26 de agosto de 2003. Todas as 11 marcas comerciais brasileiras apresentaram contagem bacteriana dentro do limite (5x103 UFC/g) para Coliformes a 45°C, enquanto os valores para Staphylococcus coagulase positiva estavam acima dos padrões permitidos (5x103 UFC/g) na marca H (amostras 1 e 7). As marcas B (amostra 5), D (amostra 5), E (amostra 5) e G (amostra 4) também apresentaram contagens acima do estipulado (3x103 UFC/g) para Clostridium sulfito redutor a 46°C e a amostra 6 da marca L foi positiva para Salmonella Infantis.

Estresse, depressão e percepção de suporte familiar em estudantes de educação profissionalizante / Stress, depression, and perception of family support in technical school students

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o estresse, o indicativo da depressão e a percepção do suporte familiar em estudantes de educação profissionalizante. Participaram 200 estudantes, os quais responderam ao Inventário de Sintomas de Stress para Adultos de Lipp, ao Inventário de Depressão de Beck e ao Inventário de Percepção de Suporte Familiar. Os resultados mostraram que 61,0% apresentaram estresse; 28,5% indicativos de depressão; e 55,5% avaliaram seu suporte familiar em níveis médio-baixo e baixo. Observou-se a existência de correlação positiva entre estresse e depressão e negativa entre depressão e suporte familiar. Os achados sinalizam a importância de investimentos das políticas públicas em Psicologia, seja na área social ou educacional.

This study aimed to investigate the stress, the level of depression, and perception of family support in technical school students. Two-hundred students responded to the following instruments: Lipp's Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults, Beck Depression Inventory, and Perception of Family Support Inventory. The results showed that stress was detected in 61.0% of the students evaluated, depression was detected in 28.5%, and 55.5% rated their family support levels as medium-low and low. There was positive a correlation between depression and stress and a negative correlation between depression and family support. These findings suggest the importance of investments public policies on Psychology in both social and educational areas.

Does the rattle of Crotalus durissus terrificus reveal its dietary history?

Background Environmental devastation threatens the survival of many species, including venomous snakes such as the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. This observation is based on the decrease of snakes collected and donated to Brazilian research institutes. Nevertheless, some individuals have managed to survive and procreate. The question is how these snakes are adapting in these new environmental conditions.Methods To answer it, the carbon-13 level of rattlesnakes and their feed (either laboratory or wild mice) was evaluated by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Thus, rattle segments from 16 adults and 15 offspring of captive snakes, and of three wild newborn C. d. terrificus were evaluated as well as 17 Mus musculus mice captured in traps, four live feeder mice and the ration offered to mice at animal houses.Results The isotopic exchange time of the captive adult snakes (n = 16) varied between 33 and 37 months and of captive-born animals (n = 15), until reaching a plateau of equilibrium, varied from 18 to 24 months. Regarding the captured Mus musculus (n = 17), 88.23% (n = 15) were from a C4 environment. Of the six rattle rings from offspring of captured C. d. terrificus, five were from a C4environment, whereas of the 170 rattle rings studied, 60% originated from a C3 environment and 40% from a C4. The same carbon-13 values were found in captive snakes.Conclusions Based on the present results, it can be inferred that most C. d. terrificus snakes (60%) fed animals from a C3environment; birds consist of an alimentary alternative for snakes, as well as rodents, small reptiles and amphibians; different venom compositions among snakes from the same region may be related to the food type; the primary rattle of offspring reflects the maternal diet during gestation; and, finally, the different rattle rings indicate the alimentary history of these animals.

Does the rattle of Crotalus durissus terrificus reveal its dietary history?

Background Environmental devastation threatens the survival of many species, including venomous snakes such as the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. This observation is based on the decrease of snakes collected and donated to Brazilian research institutes. Nevertheless, some individuals have managed to survive and procreate. The question is how these snakes are adapting in these new environmental conditions.Methods To answer it, the carbon-13 level of rattlesnakes and their feed (either laboratory or wild mice) was evaluated by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Thus, rattle segments from 16 adults and 15 offspring of captive snakes, and of three wild newborn C. d. terrificus were evaluated as well as 17 Mus musculus mice captured in traps, four live feeder mice and the ration offered to mice at animal houses.Results The isotopic exchange time of the captive adult snakes (n = 16) varied between 33 and 37 months and of captive-born animals (n = 15), until reaching a plateau of equilibrium, varied from 18 to 24 months. Regarding the captured Mus musculus (n = 17), 88.23% (n = 15) were from a C4 environment. Of the six rattle rings from offspring of captured C. d. terrificus, five were from a C4environment, whereas of the 170 rattle rings studied, 60% originated from a C3 environment and 40% from a C4. The same carbon-13 values were found in captive snakes.Conclusions Based on the present results, it can be inferred that most C. d. terrificus snakes (60%) fed animals from a C3environment; birds consist of an alimentary alternative for snakes, as well as rodents, small reptiles and amphibians; different venom compositions among snakes from the same region may be related to the food type; the primary rattle of offspring reflects the maternal diet during gestation; and, finally, the different rattle rings indicate the alimentary history of these animals.(AU)

Relações entre proeminência facial nas fotos do Orkut e o perfil dos usuários / Relationship between facil prominense of Orkut's photos and the users' profile

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar a existência de relação entre o índice de proeminência facial (IPF) e o perfil de 600 usuários do Orkut. Os resultados mostraram que, em todos os segmentos avaliados, a média do IPF masculino foi superior ao feminino; as mulheres aumentam a proeminência enquanto os homens diminuem com a idade e mulheres com ensino superior apresentam maior proeminência do que as de ensino médio. Diferenças significativas também foram encontradas nas categorias de humor ao comparar o IPF entre os sexos e entre pessoas de mesmo sexo. Em síntese, os resultados indicam que fatores determinantes do IPF apresentado no Orkut provavelmente estão relacionados tanto a aspectos biológicos como culturais.

This research aimed to verify the relation between facial prominence index (FPI) and the profile of 600 users of Orkut. The results demonstrated that in all evaluated segments the average of male facial prominence was higher than the female; women increase the prominence while men decrease it as they become older and university graduates women have presented higher prominence than high school graduates. Significant differences were also found in the categories of humor when comparing the FPI between the genders and between persons of the same gender. In summary, the results indicate that the determinant factors for the facial prominence presented at Orkut are probably related to both biological and cultural aspects.