Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Processing and Extraction: Retention of Bioactive Compounds.

Ilex paraguariensis is a native tree from South America known for the presence of bioactive compounds, and its processed leaves are consumed as hot and cold infusions. After harvest (step 1), the leaves are subjected to flame blanching to inactive the enzymes (step 2), followed by drying and milling (step 3). The impacts of I. paraguariensis processing on leaf composition were investigated by extracting the major compounds (chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids (3-CQA, 4-CQA, 5-CQA, 3,4-DQA, 3,5-DQA and 4,5-DQA), p-coumaric acid, caffeine and rutin) using different ratios of ethanol and water as extraction solvent (EW 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25 (w/w)). The solvent ratio of EW 50:50 was more effective in extracting the chlorogenic acids isomers, with retention of chlorogenic acids of 3463, 9485, and 9516 µg mL- 1 for steps 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Rutin and p-coumaric acid exhibited similar behavior with the increment of processing steps; however, p-coumaric acid was only detected in steps 2 and 3 for the solvent ratios EW 50:50 and 25:50. The caffeine extraction from I. paraguariensis varied from 936 to 1170 µg mL- 1 for all processing steps, with emphasis on its concentration extracted in step 1. The evolution of processing steps led to a higher retention of phenolic compounds from I. paraguariensis, which was not observed when using different solvent ratios, and the solvent ratio EW 50:50 was more effective for the extraction of chlorogenic acids. The successful extraction of chlorogenic acids from I. paraguariensis in this study proved to be a promising alternative for the use of yerba mate beyond the cuia cup.

Effects of lasalocid, narasin, or virginiamycin supplementation on rumen parameters and performance of beef cattle fed forage-based diet.

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the impacts of supplementing lasalocid (LAS), narasin (NAR), or virginiamycin (VRM) on rumen fermentation parameters, apparent nutrient digestibility, and blood parameters (Exp. 1), as well as feed intake and performance (Exp. 2) of Nellore cattle consuming a forage-based diet. In Exp. 1, 32 rumen-fistulated Nellore steers (initial shrunk body weight [BW] = 355 ± 4.4 kg) were assigned to a randomized complete block design. Within block, animals were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: 1) forage-based diet without feed additives (CON), 2) CON diet plus 13 mg/kg of dry matter (DM) of NAR, 3) CON diet plus 20 mg/kg of DM of sodium LAS, or 4) CON diet plus 20 mg/kg of DM of VRM. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.32) for intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients. Steers fed NAR had the lowest (P ≤ 0.01) molar proportion of acetate on day 28, 56, and 112 vs. CON, LAS, and VRM steers, whereas acetate did not differ (P ≥ 0.25) between LAS, VRM, and CON steers from day 28 to 84. On day 112, steers fed LAS had a lower (P < 0.02) molar proportion of acetate vs. VRM and CON, whereas it did not differ between CON and VRM (P > 0.33). Steers receiving NAR had a greater (P ≤ 0.04) ruminal propionate vs. CON, LAS, and VRM, whereas LAS steers had greater (P < 0.04) propionate vs. CON and VRM steers on day 28 and 112, and it did not differ (P > 0.22) between CON and VRM. In Exp. 2, 160 Nellore bulls were blocked by initial shrunk BW (212 ± 3.1 kg) in a 140-d feedlot trial. Diets contained the same treatments used in Exp. 1. Bulls fed NAR had greater (P < 0.02) average daily gain (ADG) vs. CON and VRM, and similar (P = 0.17) ADG between NAR and LAS, whereas ADG did not differ (P > 0.28) between LAS, VRM, and CON bulls. A treatment effect was detected (P = 0.03) for dry matter intake, being greater in NAR vs. CON, LAS, and VRM bulls, and similar (P > 0.48) between CON, LAS, and VRM bulls. A tendency was detected (P = 0.09) for feed efficiency, which was greater (P < 0.02) in NAR bulls vs. CON and VRM, and similar (P = 0.36) between NAR and LAS bulls. From day 112 to 140, bulls receiving NAR were heavier (P < 0.03) vs. CON, LAS, and VRM bulls, but no differences were observed (P > 0.51) between CON, LAS, and VRM bulls. Collectively, ruminal fermentation profile and intake were impacted by NAR supplementation, which partially contributed to the enhanced performance of Nellore bulls receiving a forage-based diet.

Feed additives are nutritional tools that benefit dietary digestibility and nutrient utilization, alter ruminal fermentation routes, and improve cattle growth and efficiency, thus increasing productivity and profitability in beef cattle systems. Nonetheless, most of the current research focuses on supplementing feed additives in high-concentrate diets. Leaving a significant gap in understanding the influence of feed additives in cattle consuming forage-based diets, especially molecules capable of altering the fermentation process and, consequently, beef cattle performance. Therefore, this experiment aimed to evaluate the impacts of supplementing narasin (NAR), lasalocid (LAS), or virginiamycin (VRM) on rumen fermentation parameters, apparent nutrient digestibility, feed intake, and performance of Bos indicus Nellore cattle consuming a forage-based diet. Including commercially available feed additives into forage-based diets did not impact nutrient intake and digestibility of nutrients. The inclusion of NAR affected ruminal fermentation parameters toward propionate production, positively contributing to animal performance. Ruminal fermentation characteristics and animal growth were not impacted by dietary LAS and VRM, which could be attributed to the dose used in the current experiment, despite the manufacturer's recommendation. This research provides insights into NAR as an important feed additive for forage-based beef cattle diets.

Effects of supplementation with narasin, salinomycin, or flavomycin on performance and ruminal fermentation characteristics of Bos indicus Nellore cattle fed with forage-based diets.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inclusion of narasin, salinomycin, or flavomycin for 140 d on ruminal fermentation parameters, apparent nutrient digestibility, and performance of Nellore cattle offered a forage-based diet. In experiment 1, 32 rumen-cannulated Bos indicus Nellore steers [initial body weight (BW) = 220 ± 12.6 kg] were assigned to individual pens in a randomized complete block design according to their initial shrunk BW. Within block, animals were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: (1) forage-based diet without feed additives (CON; n = 8), (2) CON diet plus 13 ppm of narasin (NAR; n = 8), (3) CON diet plus 20 ppm of salinomycin (SAL; n = 8), or (4) CON diet plus 3 ppm of flavomycin (FLA; n = 8). The experimental period lasted 140 d and was divided into 5 periods of 28 d each. The inclusion of feed additives did not impact (P ≥ 0.17) dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient intake, and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients. Nonetheless, steers fed NAR had lower (P < 0.01) molar proportion of acetate compared with CON, SAL, and FLA steers, whereas ruminal acetate tended to be greater (P < 0.09) for SAL vs. CON and FLA, but did not differ (P = 0.68) between CON vs. FLA steers. Ruminal propionate was the highest (P < 0.01) for steers fed NAR and did not differ (P > 0.20) between CON, SAL, and FLA. Consequently, NAR steers had the lowest (P < 0.01) Ac:Pr ratio, whereas Ac:Pr did not differ (P > 0.18) among CON, SAL, and FLA. Total volatile fatty acids were greater (P < 0.04) for NAR and CON vs. SAL and FLA, but did not differ (P > 0.67) among NAR vs. CON and SAL vs. FLA. In experiment 2, 164 Nellore bulls (initial shrunk BW = 299 ± 2.5 kg) were assigned to feedlot pens for 140 d in a randomized complete block design. Within block (n = 10), animals were randomly assigned to the same treatments used in experiment 1. Average daily gain was greater (P < 0.01) in NAR vs. CON, SAL, and FLA bulls, and did not differ (P > 0.12) between CON, SAL, and FLA bulls. Bulls fed NAR had greater (P < 0.02) DMI (as kg/d or % BW) and final shrunk BW compared with CON, SAL, and FLA bulls, whereas DMI and final shrunk BW did not differ (P > 0.26) between CON, SAL, and FLA bulls. Feed efficiency, however, was not impacted (P = 0.51) by any feed additives used herein. Collectively, narasin was the only feed additive that benefited performance and ruminal fermentation of Nellore animals fed a forage-based diet.

Brazilian red pepper leaves essential oil (Schinus terebinthifolius) in diets for feedlot lambs / Óleo essencial das folhas de aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) em dietas para cordeiros confinados

Essential oil (EO) from Brazilian red pepper leaves contains antimicrobial compounds that control Gram-positive bacteria in the rumen content, improving the efficiency of ruminal fermentation. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of the Brazilian red pepper leaves EO (Schinus terebinthifolius) as a substitute for monensin on performance, occurrence of coccidiosis by Eimeria ssp., carcass characteristics and meat composition of feedlot lambs. Forty-four lambs, 16 males (12 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês and 4 Santa Inês) and 28 females (16 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês and 12 Santa Inês), with 21.4 ± 1.05 kg of initial body weight (BW), were used in a randomized complete block design. The experiment lasted 56 days, divided into 2 periods of 28 days each. The treatments were defined by the inclusion of 8 ppm of monensin (MON), and the doses 0.14% (14EO), 0.28% (28EO) and 0.42% (42EO) of red pepper leaves essential oil (EO). At the end of 56 days, 32 lambs were slaughtered for the measurement of carcass parameters and meat composition. There was no interaction among treatments and periods for average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (FE) and oocyst of Eimeria ssp. in feces. The treatments did not affect the ADG, DMI and FE; however, the monensin inclusion decreased the oocyst of Eimeria ssp. (P = 0.01). There was a tendency (P = 0.06) of increase in hot carcass yield for lambs fed 28EO compared to 14EO. In addition, the cold carcass yield was higher (P = 0.02) in the animals fed 28EO and 42EO. The subcutaneous fat thickness was not affected by the experimental diets; however, there was a tendency for lambs from 28EO and 42EO treatments to present higher body wall thickness (P = 0.07) and Longissimus muscle area (P = 0.07) when compared to MON. The higher doses of red pepper leaves EO increased the percentage of crude protein (P < 0.01) and mineral matter (P = 0.02) in the chemical composition of meat. Although the performance of lambs did not change, the inclusion of 0.28 and 0.42% red pepper leaves EO improve the carcass characteristics and change the meat composition, demonstrating the potential of the use of this additive in confined lamb diets. However, the monensin has greater potential to control coccidiosis in feedlot lambs compared with red pepper leaves EO.(AU)

O óleo essencial das folhas da aroeira possui compostos antimicrobianos que controlam a população de bactérias gram-positivas presentes no conteúdo ruminal, melhorando a eficiência do processo de fermentação. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar os efeitos do óleo essencial das folhas da aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) em substituição a monensina sobre o desempenho, ocorrência de coccidiose por Eimeria ssp., características de carcaça e da carne de cordeiros confinados. Quarenta e quatro cordeiros, 16 machos (12 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês e 4 Santa Inês) e 28 fêmeas (16 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês e 12 Santa Inês), com 21,4 ± 1,05 kg de peso inicial, foram utilizados em delineamento de blocos completos ao acaso. O experimento teve duração de 56 dias, divididos em 2 períodos de 28 dias cada. Os tratamentos foram definidos pela inclusão de 8 ppm de monensina sódica (MON) e as doses 0,14% (14OE), 0,28% (28OE) e 0,42% (42OE) do óleo essencial (OE) das folhas da aroeira. Ao final dos 56 dias, 32 animais foram abatidos para a mensuração dos parâmetros de carcaça e análise química da carne. Não houve interação entre tratamento e período experimental para ganho médio diário (GMD), consumo de matéria seca (CMS), eficiência alimentar (EA) e ocorrência de coccidiose. Não houve efeito das dietas experimentais sobre GMD, CMS e EA, entretanto, a inclusão de monensina reduziu o número de oocistos de Eimeria ssp. (P = 0,01). Houve tendência de aumento no rendimento de carcaça quente (P = 0,06) para os cordeiros alimentados com 28OE comparados com o tratamento 14OE. Além disso, o rendimento de carcaça fria foi maior (P = 0,02) para os animais alimentados com 28OE e 42OE. A espessura de gordura subcutânea não foi afetada pelas dietas experimentais, entretanto, houve tendência dos cordeiros dos tratamentos 28OE e 42OE apresentarem maior espessura de parede corporal (P = 0,07) e área de olho de lombo (P = 0,07) quando comparados a MON. As maiores doses de OE das folhas de aroeira aumentaram a porcentagem de proteína bruta (P < 0,01) e matéria mineral (P = 0,02) na composição química da carne dos cordeiros. Apesar de não alterar o desempenho dos cordeiros, a inclusão de 0,28 e 0,42% de OE das folhas de aroeira foi capaz de alterar as características de carcaça e composição química da carne, demonstrando o potencial de utilização desse aditivo em dietas para cordeiros confinados. Entretanto, a monensina possui maior capacidade de controlar a coccidiose em cordeiros confinados quando comparado ao OE das folhas da aroeira.(AU)

Brazilian red pepper fruit essential oil (Schinus terebinthifolius) may replace monensin in high concentrate diets for feedlot lambs / Óleo essencial dos frutos de aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) pode substituir a monensina em dietas com elevado teor de concentrado para cordeiros confinados

Essential oil (EO) from Brazilian red pepper fruit contains compounds with antimicrobial activity, and could be possible substitutes for the antibiotics commonly used in ruminant nutrition. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of the Brazilian red pepper fruit EO (Schinus terebinthifolius) as a substitute for monensin on performance, carcass characteristics and meat of lambs fed high concentrate diets. Forty-eight lambs were used, 24 males (20 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês and 4 Santa Inês) and 24 females (24 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês), with 21.54 ± 0.88 kg of initial body weight (BW) and 78 ± 2.4 days of age, in a randomized complete block design. The experiment lasted 56 days, divided into 2 periods of 28 days each. The treatments were defined by the inclusion in diets of 8 ppm of monensin (MON), and the doses 0.14% (14EO), 0.28% (28EO) and 0.42% (42EO) of red pepper fruit EO. The additives were included in a base diet with a 10:90 of forage to concentrate ratio. At the end of 56 days, 32 animals were slaughtered for the measurement of carcass parameters and meat composition. There was no interaction among treatments and periods for average daily gain (P = 0.08), DM intake (P = 0.36), feed efficiency (P = 0.24) and oocyst of Eimeria ssp. in feces (P = 0.46). The treatments did not affect (P > 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI) and feed efficiency. Lambs fed diets containing monensin had less (P < 0.01) oocyst/g compared with the diet 14EO. There was no effect of diets on carcass characteristics. The treatments with higher doses of the Brazilian red pepper fruit EO had reduced mineral content of meat compared to monensin. The red pepper fruit EO demonstrated the potential to replace monensin in feedlot lambs fed high concentrate diets, maintaining performance and carcass characteristics. However, the monensin has greater capacity to control coccidiosis in feedlot lambs.

Os óleos essenciais (OE) dos frutos de aroeira possuem compostos com atividade antimicrobiana, sendo possíveis substitutos aos antibióticos comumente utilizados na nutrição de ruminantes. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar os efeitos da inclusão do óleo essencial de aroeira fruta (Schinus terebinthifolius) como substituto da monensina sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça e da carne de cordeiros alimentados com dietas contendo elevado teor de concentrado. Foram utilizados 48 cordeiros, 24 machos (20 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês e 4 Santa Inês) e 24 fêmeas (24 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês), com peso inicial de 21,54 ± 0,88 kg e 78 ± 2,4 dias de idade, em delineamento de blocos completos casualizados. O experimento teve duração de 56 dias, divididos em 2 períodos de 28 dias cada. Os tratamentos foram definidos pela inclusão na dieta de 8 ppm de monensina sódica (MON) e as doses de 0,14% (14EO), 0,28% (28EO) e 0,42% (42EO) de óleo essencial dos frutos da aroeira. As dietas experimentais foram compostas por 10% de volumoso e 90% de concentrado. Ao final dos 56 dias, 32 animais foram abatidos para a mensuração dos parâmetros de carcaça e análise química da carne. Não houve interação entre tratamento e período para o ganho médio diário (P = 0,08), consumo de MS (P = 0,36), eficiência alimentar (P = 0,24) e contagem de oocistos de Eimeria ssp. (P = 0,46). Não houve efeito (P > 0,05) dos tratamentos no ganho de peso médio diário (GMD), consumo de matéria seca (CMS) e eficiência alimentar (EA). Cordeiros alimentados com dietas contendo monensina tiveram menor (P < 0,01) contagem de oocistos/g de fezes comparado com a dieta 14OE. Não houve efeito das dietas sobre as características de carcaça. A inclusão de 0,28 e 0,42% de OE de aroeira fruto reduziram a concentração de matéria mineral da carne dos cordeiros comparados ao tratamento MON. O OE dos frutos da aroeira demonstrou capacidade de substituir a monensina, apresentando resultados similares com relação ao desempenho e características de carcaça. Entretanto, a monensina apresentou maior capacidade no controle de coccidiose

Microwave drying remediation of petroleum-contaminated drill cuttings.

The oil reservoir drilling phase generates contaminated cuttings with oil formation itself. These cuttings must be subjected to a decontamination process before being disposed of in the environment. Several technologies are cited in literature for the remediation of soil contaminated with oil or diesel, but none have been reported to remedy drill cuttings contaminated with oil from reservoir. The reservoir drill cuttings are a problem because its discharge is not allowed. The drying technology using microwave has shown promise in the decontamination of cuttings with non-aqueous base drilling fluid, conciliating good robustness and high removal efficiency. Considering the aspects mentioned previously, the application of heating and drying technology using microwave in the remediation of oil contaminated cuttings from well drill was studied. The influence of temperature, specific energy and initial content of water in the drying operation of the reservoir cuttings and of the drilling cuttings artificially contaminated with oil were analyzed. The results showed an influence of temperature in the drying of the cuttings, being necessary to reach the boiling temperature of heavier hydrocarbons to reach an efficient removal in the operation. The specific energy has a strong influence, reaching a total decontamination using 2.67 kWh/kg. The initial water content was effective in removing oil, reducing the residual level of oil with the increase of initial content of water. It also modifies the temperature profiles of the kinetic-warming of the contaminated cuttings. Both the technology and the equipment used proved effective for obtaining total decontamination of oil from the cuttings.

Mucoadhesive Properties of Thiolated Pectin-Based Pellets Prepared by Extrusion-Spheronization Technique.

The aim of this study was to develop mucoadhesive pellets on a thiolated pectin base using the extrusion-spheronization technique. Thiolation of pectin was performed by esterification with thioglycolic acid. The molecular weight and thiol group content of the pectins were determined. Pellets containing pectin, microcrystalline cellulose, and ketoprofen were prepared and their mucoadhesive properties were evaluated through a wash-off test using porcine intestinal mucosa. The in vitro ketoprofen release was also evaluated. Thiolated pectin presented a thiol group content of 0.69 mmol/g. Thiolation caused a 13% increase in polymer molecular weight. Pellets containing thiolated pectin were still adhering to the intestinal mucosa after 480 min and showed a more gradual release of ketoprofen. Conversely, pellets prepared with nonthiolated pectin showed rapid disintegration and detached after only 15 min. It can be concluded that thiolated pectin-based pellets can be considered a potential platform for the development of mucoadhesive drug delivery systems for the oral route.

Política de saúde indígena no Brasil: reflexões sobre o processo de implementação do Subsistema de Atenção à Saúde Indígena / Indian health policy in Brazil: reflections on the process of implementation of the subsystem the Indigenous Healthcare

No Brasil, tradicionalmente, a assistência à saúde à população indígena era realizada pela igreja católica, por meio dos missionários. A primeira atuação do Estado no campo da saúde indígena foi no início do século passado, quando se constituiu um aparelho estatal para cuidar desses povos. A partir de então, fora se constituindo um sistema de saúde baseado num modelo de ações esporádicas, emergenciais, ineficientes e de baixa cobertura. Com a Constituição Federal, e a criação do Sistema Único de Saúde, ambos em 1988, foi reconhecido o direito dos povos indígenas a um tratamento à saúde diferenciado. A criação do Subsistema de Atenção à Saúde Indígena, por meio da Lei Arouca, em 1999, pretendeu adequar os serviços e ações de saúde às necessidades de saúde da população indígena, respeitando as especificidades étnicas e culturais. A Fundação Nacional de Saúde recebeu a missão de estruturar uma rede de serviços básicos de saúde por meio da implantação de 34 Distritos Sanitários Especiais Indígenas. Nesse contexto, esse estudo objetiva discutir a atuação do Estado no campo das políticas de saúde indígena, a partir da primeira década do século XX; apresentar o processo de implementação do subsistema, de 1999 a 2010; e analisar os resultados da política de saúde indígena. Para tanto, optou-se por um estudo qualitativo-descritivo no formato de ensaio. O ensaio é um estudo conceitual, teórico, discursivo e concludente, que consiste em uma exposição lógica e reflexiva e em argumentação rigorosa. Observou-se que, após doze anos de implementação, ainda que enfrentando dificuldades nos campos da gestão e financiamento, o subsistema foi capaz de constituir uma rede ampla de serviços de atenção primária à saúde nas terras indígenas, ampliando o acesso da população indígena aos serviços terapêuticos, de promoção e prevenção à saúde, antes inacessíveis. No entanto, os esforços empreendidos não foram suficientes para vencer as dificuldades de oferecer serviços regulares, sistemáticos, diferenciados e integrais ao universo complexo e dinâmico dos povos indígenas. A efetivação da descentralização e autonomia dos distritos, bem como a regulamentação sobre as relações interfederativas (estados e municípios) ainda se configuram como desafios importantes. Há, também, necessidade de se rediscutir e aprimorar o modelo de atenção integral à saúde, fortalecer os mecanismos de gestão de pessoas e de controle social, além de reorganizar o modelo de financiamento do setor.

Biology of Trypanosoma cruzi: An update / Biología del Trypanosoma cruzi: Actualización

Chagas disease, an illness caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is clinically and epidemiologically important in Latin America, and particularly in Brazil. This article presents the main biological characteristics of Trypanosoma cruzi, emphasizing ultrastructural, morphological, evolutionary, transcriptomic, and proteomic aspects. With this purpose a literature review was conducted, which allowed for the construction of different sections of the text. The efforts to expand the knowledge of this protist biology may bring positive implications for the understanding of the pathogenesis, control, and above all, treatment of patients affected by this disease.

A moléstia de Chagas, enfermidade causada pelo protozoário Trypanosoma cruzi, apresenta grande relevância clínica e epidemiológica na America Latina, com destaque para o Brasil. Neste artigo serão apresentadas as principais características biológicas do Trypanosoma cruzi, enfatizando-se os aspectos ultra-estruturais, morfológicos, evolutivos, transcriptômicos e proteômicos. Para tanto, foi realizada revisão da literatura, a qual subsidiou a construção de diferentes seções do texto. As investidas para ampliar o conhecimento acerca da biologia do protista poderão trazer implicações positivas para a compreensão da patogênese, do controle e, sobretudo, do tratamento dos pacientes portadores da moléstia.

Avaliação da sensibilidade de antimicrobianos a cepas de enterobacteriaceae isoladas de amostras de alface (Lactuca sativa) comercializada na cidade de São Luís-MA / Antimicrobial senstivity evaluation to enterobacteriaceae strains isolated from lettuce (Lactuca sativa) samples commercilized in São Luís-MA(Brazil

Objetivou-se verificar a sensibilidade de cepas de Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumonias e Enterobacter aerogenes, isoladas de alface (Lactuca sativa), comercializada na cidade de São Luís-MA(Brasil), frente a vários antimicrobianos. As 41 amostras coletadas en cinco feiras de produtos hortifrtigranjeiros foram submetidas ao método rápido API-20E (bio-Mérieux) e ao teste de sensibilidade e antimicrobianos (método de Kirby-Bauer). Os antibióticos testados foram: cefalotina (CFL, 20 ug), ampicilina (AMP, 10 ug), gentamicina (GEN,10 ug), cloranfenicol (CLO, 30 ug), tretaciclina (TET, 30 UG), Cefoxitina (CFO, 30 UG), cefotaxina (CTX, 30 ug), e ácido pipemídico (PIP, 30 UG). Os resultados evidenciaram que, excetuando-se a cefotaxima, todas as cepas foram resistentes aos antbióticos testados. Constatou-se ainda que a Klebsiella pneumoniae, cepa mais resistente aos antimicrobianos, apresentou multirresistência a CFL, AMP, GEM, CLO, TET, CFO e PIP. Os achados permitem concluirque as alfaces comercializadas em feiras da cidade de São Luíz devem ser consumidas com cautela, considerando a potencialidade de contaminação por cepas de enterobactérias multirresistentes a antimicrobianos. Sugere-se assim, cuidadosa desifecção dessas hortaliças como medida de segurança alimentar

Incidência de Escherichia coli e Salmonella em alface (Lactuca sativa) / Incidence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

As bactérias Salmonella e Escherichia coli têm sido responsáveis por surtos de doenças transmitidas por alimentos em diversos países. As hortaliças, em especial as alfaces (Lactuca sativa), estão entre os alimentos mais implicados. Durante os meses de agosto a outubro de 2002, foram coletadas e analisadas 42 amostras de alface comercializadas em quatro feiras livres e em um mercado do município de São Luís, MA. As amostras foram submetidas a análises microbiológicas, seguindo as metodologias descritas no APHA (1984) e API-20E, bioMérieux. Os resultados constataram a ausência de Salmonella e a presença de Escherichia coli em 29 amostras. Considerando-se que este tipo de hortaliça é consumido “in natura”, a presença desta bactéria pode favorecer a ocorrência de toxinoses alimentares.

Avaliação da qualidade de café (torrado e moído) consumido na cidade de São Luís - MA / Evaluation of coffee (roasted and ground) for consumption in São Luís - MA

Analisaram três marcas de café (torrado e moído) de diferentes lotes, coletadas em pontos comerciais da cidade de São Luís-MA, no decorrer do mês de março de 2001. Nas análises realizadas foram feitas as determinações microbiológicas, bromatológicas, microscópicas e metrológicas. Em conformidade com a Portaria nº01/87 da Divisão Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária de Alimentos (para as análises microbiológicas), Resolução nº 12/78 da Comissão Nacional de Normas e Padrões para Alimentos (para as análises bromatológicas, e microscópicas) e Portaria INMETRO nº 210/92 (para análise metrológica), todas as amostras encontram-se dentro dos padrões exigidos para o consumo.

Novos paradigmas e saúde / New paradigms and health

Procura situar os estudos epistemológicos do campo da saúde dentro de uma história da filosofia e da racionalidade experimental. Através da apresentação de um novo paradigma científico, ontológico e epistemológico - paradigmas quântico e espinosiano, paradigmas da não-separabilidade, da continuidade do descontínuo-, isto é, de uma nova relação entre natureza e cultura, e por conseguinte de uma nova concepção do ser humano, da ciência e da razão, procura propor uma redefinição dos conceitos de vida e de morte, de saúde e de doença