Epidemiological Profile of Ophir Loyola Cancer Hospital: A Snapshot of the Incidence of Solid Neoplasms in the Eastern Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Solid neoplasms have a heterogeneous incidence worldwide and in Brazil. Thus, the region delimited by the Legal Amazon has a distinct epidemiological profile. In Pará, Ophir Loyola Cancer Hospital(OLCH) accounts for 71.11% of hospital visits in the state. METHODS: This was an ecological, exploratory, and mixed descriptive studythat investigated the epidemiological profile of patients with cancer treated at OLCH from January to December 2020. Sociodemographic data at admission were the primary variables, which were analyzed according to spatial distribution. RESULTS: In this study, the data of 2952 patients were analyzed, with the majority being between the ages of 50 and 79 years (62.47%), female (59.49%), and diagnosed but without previous treatment (87.30%). The most common cancers were breast (16.50%), cervical (13.40%), stomach (8.98%), and prostate (7.72%). Of the 12 integration regions, Guajará had the highest number of referrals (49.86%), followed by Guamá (12.94%) and Caeté River (8.98%). CONCLUSION: The profile of care at OLCH showed a high incidence of solid malignancies compared to that in other regions of Brazil, indicating environmental and sociocultural influences on the carcinogenic profile present in the eastern Amazon.

Desafios dos laboratórios públicos da área de saúde ambiental para implantação e manutenção dos requisitos de normativas da qualidade para monitoramento da água de consumo humano / Challenges for public laboratories in the environmental health area for implementation and maintenance of quality regulatory requirements for monitoring human consumption water

Resumo Introdução O Ministério da Saúde (MS) é responsável pela vigilância da qualidade da água de consumo humano. A confiabilidade nos resultados do monitoramento de parâmetros analíticos minimiza riscos à saúde pública. Objetivo Retratar aspectos funcionais, a aplicação de ferramentas da qualidade e a aderência dos laboratórios públicos que atuam no monitoramento da água de consumo humano aos requisitos da norma ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17025. Método A pesquisa foi realizada com 30 laboratórios públicos de todas as regiões do país, respondendo a um questionário elaborado com 49 perguntas sobre a formação e capacidade dos profissionais, garantia da validade dos resultados e sobre a determinação de parâmetros da qualidade da água. Resultados Dos 161 profissionais, 46% possuem mais de 10 anos de experiência e 65% têm formação superior. Capacitações específicas foram requeridas por todos. A validação dos métodos analíticos não foi realizada por 59%. Materiais de referência certificados são acessados por 41% e apenas 18% têm facilidade em adquiri-los. A participação em ensaios de proficiência foi reportada por 68% dos laboratórios, mas com poucos parâmetros avaliados e dificuldades em contratar provedores. Conclusão Evidenciou-se a necessidade de ações para fortalecimento da metrologia em laboratórios públicos que atuam na vigilância da qualidade da água.

Abstract Background The Ministry of Health (MS) is responsible for drinking water quality surveillance. Reliability in the results of monitoring analytical parameters minimizes public health risks. Objective To present functionals aspects and the application of quality tools by public laboratories that work to monitor the quality of drinking water. Method A survey was conducted with 30 public laboratories from all regions of the country, answering a questionnaire elaborated with 49 questions about the training and capacity of professionals, guaranteeing the validity of the results and about the determination of basic parameters of water quality. Results Of the 161 professionals, 46% have more than 10 years of experience and 65% have higher education. Specific training was required by everyone. The validation of the analytical methods was not performed by 59%. Reference materials are accessed by 41% and only 18% can acquire them easily. Participation in proficiency tests was reported by 68% of the laboratories, but with few parameters evaluated and difficulties in hiring providers. Conclusion The need for actions to strengthen metrology in public laboratories that work in water quality surveillance was highlighted.

New Insights on the Effect of TNF Alpha Blockade by Gene Silencing in Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

Noise exposure represents the second most common cause of acquired sensorineural hearing loss and we observed that tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) was involved in this context. The effect of Tnfα gene silencing on the expression profile related to the TNFα metabolic pathway in an experimental model of noise-induced hearing loss had not previously been studied. METHODS: Single ears of Wistar rats were pretreated with Tnfα small interfering RNA (siRNA) by trans-tympanic administration 24 h before they were exposed to white noise (120 dBSPL for three hours). After 24 h of noise exposure, we analyzed the electrophysiological threshold and the amplitude of waves I, II, III, and IV in the auditory brain response click. In addition, qRT-PCR was performed to evaluate the TNFα metabolic pathway in the ears submitted or not to gene silencing. RESULTS: Preservation of the electrophysiological threshold and the amplitude of waves was observed in the ears submitted to gene silencing compared to the ears not treated. Increased anti-apoptotic gene expression and decreased pro-apoptotic gene expression were found in the treated ears. CONCLUSION: Our results allow us to suggest that the blockade of TNFα by gene silencing was useful to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

Gastroenteric Viruses Detection in a Drinking Water Distribution-to-Consumption System in a Low-Income Community in Rio de Janeiro.

The availability of drinking water is one of the main determinants of quality of life, disease prevention and the promotion of health. Viruses are important agents of waterborne diseases and have been described as important markers of human faecal contamination. This study aimed to investigate viruses' presence as an indicator of drinking water quality in low-income communities in the Manguinhos area, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Three hundred and four drinking water samples (2L/each) were collected along the drinking water distribution-to-consumption pathway in households, as well as healthcare and school units. Water samples were collected both directly from the water supply prior to distribution and after storage in tanks and filtration units. Using qPCR, viruses were detected 50 times in 45 water samples (15%), 19 of these being human adenovirus, 17 rotavirus A and 14 norovirus GII. Viral loads recovered ranged from 5E+10 to 8.7E+106 genome copies/Liter. Co-detection was observed in five household water samples and there was no difference regarding virus detection across sampling sites. Precarious and inadequate environmental conditions characterized by the lack of local infrastructure regarding basic sanitation and waste collection in the territory, as well as negligent hygiene habits, could explain viral detection in drinking water in regions with a water supply system.

Challenges on Production of a Certified Reference Material of Ochratoxin A in Roasted Coffee: A Brazilian Experience.

Background: Coffee is an important agricultural commodity with technical barriers for exportation because of possible contamination with ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. The maximum limit for OTA in roasted coffee is 5.0 µg/kg in the European Union and 10 µg/kg in Brazil, and the use of certified reference materials (CRM) is required for reliable measurements. Objective: This paper describes the development of a candidate CRM of OTA in roasted coffee following the requirements of ISO 17034 and ISO Guide 35. Methods: A primary method of isotope dilution MS was developed and validated using (13C20)-OTA as internal standard. The sample preparation was based on AOAC Official Methods of AnalysisSM using immunoaffinity column. Results: The linear working range is 2.0-15.0 µg/kg, with recoveries of 92.2-110.8% and relative SDs lower than 12.4%. The method was successfully applied to the feasibility study, which defined the procedure for preparation of a large batch around 5 µg/kg. It was produced by spiking blank roasted coffee with OTA standard, mixing and filling in amber flasks with 50 g of coffee, and storing at -80°C. The homogeneity study showed an acceptable degree of heterogeneity of 1.44%, and the short-term-stability study defined the conditions for transportation as maximum temperature of 50°C up to 28 days. Conclusions: These results show that certification is possible. Highlights: The long-term stability study at -20°C is in progress, and the characterization will be conduzed by a interlaboratory comparison. This material will be an important tool for QC in laboratories.

Multi-omic and physiologic approach to understand Lotus japonicus response upon exposure to 3,4 dimethylpyrazole phosphate nitrification inhibitor.

Nitrogen fertilization is a major force in global greenhouse gases emissions and causes environmental contamination through nitrate leaching. The use of nitrification inhibitors has been proven successful to mitigate these effects. However, there is an increasing concern about the undesired effects that their potential persistence in the soil or accumulation in plants may provoke. In this study, we first exposed Lotus japonicus plants to high amounts of 3,4 dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and 2-(N-3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl) succinic acid isomeric mixture (DMPSA) nitrification inhibitors. Exposure to doses higher than 1 mg·L-1 provoked DMPP accumulation mostly in the aerial part, while DMPSA was only detected from 10 mg·L-1 and nearly no translocation. To evaluate the effect that DMPP accumulation in leaves may provoke on plant performance we combined a transcriptome, proteome, and physiological analysis in plants treated with 10 mg/ L of DMPP. This treatment provoked changes in the expression of 229 genes and 59 proteins. Overall, we evidence that when DMPP accumulates in leaves it induces stress responses, notably provoking changes in cell redox balance, hormone signaling, protein synthesis and turnover and carbon and nitrogen metabolism.

3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate and 2-(N-3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl) succinic acid isomeric mixture nitrification inhibitors: Quantification in plant tissues and toxicity assays.

Nitrification inhibitors are used to maintain ammonium available in the soil for longer periods while reducing nitrate leaching and N2O emission. In this work we evaluated the potential toxicity effects of 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and 2-(N-3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl) succinic acid isomeric mixture (DMPSA) nitrification inhibitors. In order to determine the potential plant capacity to take up and translocate these inhibitors, we grew clover plants in hydroponic conditions and we developed a novel methodology for extracting DMPP and DMPSA that we quantified by HPLC. In addition, we also did toxicity bioassays: seed germination and Vibrio fischeri test. When clover was exposed to high amounts of nitrification inhibitors, plants accumulated DMPP, predominantly in leaves, and also DMPSA that preferentially accumulated in roots. These inhibitors did not provoke phytotoxicity at the equivalent of the maximum amount estimated in agriculture (0.5mg/kg soil). DMPP only provoked detrimental effects in plants at very high dose (100mg/kg soil). Interestingly, DMPSA was innocuous.

Surveillance of Noroviruses in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: Occurrence of New GIV Genotype in Clinical and Wastewater Samples.

Genogroup (G) IV norovirus (NoV) has been described in the literature as infectious agents in humans, although there are few reports regarding the frequency and spread of this virus, resulting in insufficient epidemiological data. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of GIV norovirus in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in order to evaluate frequency, concentration, and genetic diversity using clinical and environmental approaches. For this purpose, 316 stool samples were collected from acute gastroenteritis cases reported over a period of three years. Wastewater samples were also obtained from the main wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located in Rio de Janeiro throughout one year, totalizing 156 samples. All samples were submitted to quantitative analysis by TaqMan™ real-time PCR for GIV norovirus. Three out of 316 clinical samples were positive (0.9%) for GIV, with viral load ranging from 104 to 106 genome copies (CG) per gram. Regarding wastewater samples, GIV were detected in 52% of raw sewage, with viral load ranging from 104 to 106 CG per liter. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of a new GIV genotype in both clinical and environmental samples. To our knowledge, this is the first description of GIV norovirus in clinical samples in Brazil. These results demonstrate the importance of performing laboratory surveillance of clinical and environmental samples, assisting the comprehension of the epidemiology pattern of viruses with neglected diagnosis and indefinite impact in the population.

Complete genome sequence of a new bipartite begomovirus infecting Macroptilium lathyroides in Brazil.

A distinct bipartite begomovirus was isolated in northeastern Brazil infecting Macroptilium lathyroides showing symptoms of yellow mosaic. The complete genome (DNA-A and DNA-B) of the virus was cloned using rolling circle amplification and subsequently sequenced. Clones presented the typical genomic organization of a New World bipartite begomovirus. Based on the current taxonomic criteria established for the genus Begomovirus, the virus corresponds to a new species, showing highest nucleotide identity with other Brazilian begomoviruses that infect leguminous hosts. In phylogenetic analysis the virus clustered with bean golden mosaic virus. Recombination events were not detected. We propose the name Macroptilium common mosaic virus (MacCMV) for the virus reported in this study.

Evaluation of a fungal collection as certified reference material producer and as a biological resource center

Abstract Considering the absence of standards for culture collections and more specifically for biological resource centers in the world, in addition to the absence of certified biological material in Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate a Fungal Collection from Fiocruz, as a producer of certified reference material and as Biological Resource Center (BRC). For this evaluation, a checklist based on the requirements of ABNT ISO GUIA34:2012 correlated with the ABNT NBR ISO/IEC17025:2005, was designed and applied. Complementing the implementation of the checklist, an internal audit was performed. An evaluation of this Collection as a BRC was also conducted following the requirements of the NIT-DICLA-061, the Brazilian internal standard from Inmetro, based on ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17025:2005, ABNT ISO GUIA 34:2012 and OECD Best Practice Guidelines for BRCs. This was the first time that the NIT DICLA-061 was applied in a culture collection during an internal audit. The assessments enabled the proposal for the adequacy of this Collection to assure the implementation of the management system for their future accreditation by Inmetro as a certified reference material producer as well as its future accreditation as a Biological Resource Center according to the NIT-DICLA-061.

Evaluation of a fungal collection as certified reference material producer and as a biological resource center.

Considering the absence of standards for culture collections and more specifically for biological resource centers in the world, in addition to the absence of certified biological material in Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate a Fungal Collection from Fiocruz, as a producer of certified reference material and as Biological Resource Center (BRC). For this evaluation, a checklist based on the requirements of ABNT ISO GUIA34:2012 correlated with the ABNT NBR ISO/IEC17025:2005, was designed and applied. Complementing the implementation of the checklist, an internal audit was performed. An evaluation of this Collection as a BRC was also conducted following the requirements of the NIT-DICLA-061, the Brazilian internal standard from Inmetro, based on ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17025:2005, ABNT ISO GUIA 34:2012 and OECD Best Practice Guidelines for BRCs. This was the first time that the NIT DICLA-061 was applied in a culture collection during an internal audit. The assessments enabled the proposal for the adequacy of this Collection to assure the implementation of the management system for their future accreditation by Inmetro as a certified reference material producer as well as its future accreditation as a Biological Resource Center according to the NIT-DICLA-061.

The influence of different referencing methods on the accuracy of δ(13) C value measurement of ethanol fuel by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE: Brazil is the largest producer of sugar cane bioethanol in the world. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is the technique of choice to certify the origin/raw materials for ethanol production, but the lack of certified reference materials (CRMs) for accurate measurements of δ(13) C values traceable to Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite (VPDB), the international zero point for (13) C/(12) C measurements, certified and compatible with gas chromatography (GC)/IRMS instruments may compromise the accuracy of δ(13) C determinations. METHODS: We evaluated the influence of methods for the calibration and normalization of raw δ(13) C values of ethanol samples. Samples were analyzed by GC/C/IRMS using two different GC columns. Different substances were used as isotopic standards for the working gas calibration. The δ(13) C values obtained with the three methods of normalization were statistically compared with those obtained with elemental analyzer (EA)/IRMS, since the δ(13) C results obtained using EA are traceable to VPDB via the NBS 22 reference material. RESULTS: It was observed that both the isotopic reference material for CO2 calibration and the GC column have a major effect on the δ(13) C measurements, leading to a bias of almost 2-3 ‰ in the δ(13) C values. All three methods of normalization were equivalent in performance, enabling an improvement in the GC/C/IRMS accuracy, compared with the EA/IRMS reference values for the samples. CONCLUSIONS: All the methods of CO2 calibration, chromatography and normalization presented in this work demonstrated several sources of traceability and accuracy loss for the determination of δ(13) C values in ethanol fuel samples by GC/C/IRMS. This work has also shown the importance of using proper CRMs traceable to VPBD that should be compatible and certified using GC/C/IRMS, ideally in a wide range of δ(13) C values. This is important not only for bioethanol fuel samples, but also for many analytes commonly analyzed by IRMS.

Certified reference material of volatile organic compounds for environmental analysis: BTEX in methanol.

The Brazilian Metrology Institute (National Institute of Metrology, Quality, and Technology, Inmetro) has been developing a certified reference material (CRM) of the volatile organic compounds benzene; toluene; ethylbenzene; and ortho, meta, and para-xylenes (BTEX) in methanol, to ensure quality control for environmental-analysis measurements. The objective of this paper is to present the results of certification studies: uncertainty estimates related to characterization, a homogeneity study, and a stability study on a single lot of CRM composed of BTEX in methanol. The method used analysis of variance (ANOVA), a statistical tool, to evaluate the homogeneity and stability of the BTEX CRM, which complies with ISO Guide 30 series. The homogeneity and stability of the BTEX CRM was confirmed for all analytes and their respective properties. All the procedures used in this study complied with ISO GUIDE 34, ISO GUIDE 35, and the guide to the expression of uncertainty of measurement (GUM).

Resposta à Triagem Auditiva em Neonatos do Projeto Canguru Usuários de Medicamentos Ototóxicos / Hearing Screening Response in Neonates of the Kangaroo Project Using Ototoxic Medicines

Avaliar a resposta à triagem auditiva em recémnascidosque participaram do projeto Mãe Canguru eutilizaram medicamentos ototóxico. Material e métodos:Estudo do tipo transversal observacional quantitativo, comamostra de 66 pacientes. Foram incluídos na pesquisa recémnascidosque utilizaram pelo menos um medicamentoototóxico (Gentamicina, Vancomicina, e Furosemida)participantes do Projeto Canguru da Maternidade CândidaVargas em João Pessoa - PB no período de Novembro de2012 a Março de 2013. As variáveis quantitativas foramexpressas em média e desvio-padrão, e as variáveisqualitativas foram expressas por frequências absolutas erelativas. O resultado do teste de EOA e de outras variáveisfoi feito utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado e calculada pelosoftware SPSS versão 21.0. Adotou-se o nível designificância (p) de 5%. Resultados: Dos 66 pacientesincluídos na pesquisa, 45 pacientes (68,2%) utilizaramototóxicos, e 21 (31,8%) não. A Gentamicina foi usada por43 neonatos, a Furosemida por 8 e a Vancomicina por 6.Entre os pacientes que fizeram uso de medicamento ototóxico,95,2% tinham o teste da orelhinha normal e 2 apresentaramresposta ausente (4,8%) (p=0,4). Conclusão: Resultadospositivos e negativos na triagem auditiva foram encontradostanto em recém-nascidos que usaram como naqueles quenão usaram drogas ototóxicas. Não sendo significativo ouso isolado do medicamento nos neonatos que tiveramresposta ausente no teste de EOA...

To evaluate the hearing screening response innewborns who participated in Kangaroo Mother Project andused ototoxic drugs. Material and methods: This is a crosssectional,quantitative study including a sample of 66newborns who made use of at least one ototoxic drug(gentamicin, vancomycin, and furosemide) participating ofthe Kangaroo project at the Candida Vargas Hospital in JoãoPessoa, PB, Brazil, from November 2012 to March 2013.Quantitative variables were expressed as mean and standarddeviation, and qualitative variables were expressed asabsolute and relative frequencies. The correlation betweenthe results of the OAE test and other variables was performedusing the chi-square test and calculated by SPSS softwareversion 21.0, with a significance level (p) of 5%. Results: Ofthe 66 patients included in the study, 45 (68.2%) had usedototoxic drugs and 21 (31.8%) had not. Gentamicin wasused for 43 neonates, furosemide by 8 and vancomycin by6. Among the patients who made use of ototoxic medication,95.2% had normal OAE test and 2 had absent response(4.8%) (p = 0.4). Conclusion: Positive and negative resultsin the hearing screening were found both in newborns whoused or did not use ototoxic drugs. The isolated use of drugby newborns with absent response in the OAE test was notsignificant...

Coriandrum sativum L. (Coriander) essential oil: antifungal activity and mode of action on Candida spp., and molecular targets affected in human whole-genome expression.

Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic fungal infection of the oral cavity with increasingly worldwide prevalence and incidence rates. Novel specifically-targeted strategies to manage this ailment have been proposed using essential oils (EO) known to have antifungal properties. In this study, we aim to investigate the antifungal activity and mode of action of the EO from Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) leaves on Candida spp. In addition, we detected the molecular targets affected in whole-genome expression in human cells. The EO phytochemical profile indicates monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes as major components, which are likely to negatively impact the viability of yeast cells. There seems to be a synergistic activity of the EO chemical compounds as their isolation into fractions led to a decreased antimicrobial effect. C. sativum EO may bind to membrane ergosterol, increasing ionic permeability and causing membrane damage leading to cell death, but it does not act on cell wall biosynthesis-related pathways. This mode of action is illustrated by photomicrographs showing disruption in biofilm integrity caused by the EO at varied concentrations. The EO also inhibited Candida biofilm adherence to a polystyrene substrate at low concentrations, and decreased the proteolytic activity of Candida albicans at minimum inhibitory concentration. Finally, the EO and its selected active fraction had low cytotoxicity on human cells, with putative mechanisms affecting gene expression in pathways involving chemokines and MAP-kinase (proliferation/apoptosis), as well as adhesion proteins. These findings highlight the potential antifungal activity of the EO from C. sativum leaves and suggest avenues for future translational toxicological research.

Comparison of High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detector and with Tandem Mass Spectrometry methods for detection and quantification of Ochratoxin A in green and roasted coffee beans

Two analytical methods for the determination and confirmation of ochratoxin A (OTA) in green and roasted coffee samples were compared. Sample extraction and clean-up were based on liquid-liquid phase extraction and immunoaffinity column. The detection of OTA was carried out with the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined either with fluorescence detection (FLD), or positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS). The results obtained with the LC-ESI-MS/MS were specific and more sensitive, with the advantages in terms of unambiguous analyte identification, when compared with the HPLC-FLD.

Determination of PAHs: a practical example of validation and uncertainty assessment.

The objective of this study was to present a reliable and practical example of method validation and uncertainty assessment with an analytical method for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban dust. The method was gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in combination with isotope dilution principle to achieve better accuracy for the results. The method performance parameters for five PAHs were determined (phenanthrene, fluoranthene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[ghi]perylene); this method was used in the key comparison of CCQM-K50b for PAHs in particulate matter. The limits of detection and quantification were lower than 0.075 and 0.250 µg/g, respectively. The linear correlation coefficients were greater than 0.99. The major uncertainty contributions resulted from the accuracy of each analyzed PAH and the repeatability of the process. Certified reference material (National Institute of Standards and Technology SRM 1649a, urban dust) was used to determine the accuracy and precision of the method. The obtained results were satisfactory and agreed with all evaluated performance parameters.

Perfil epidemiológico da hanseníase no município de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais / Epidemiological profile of leprosy in the municipality of Divinópolis, Minas Gerais

Objetivos: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico da hanseníase em Divinópolis/MG. Método: Trata-se de e studo transversal e descritivo. Os dados foram coletados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, referentes ao período de 2001 a 2010. Resultados: No período em estudo notificou-se 124 casos de hanseníase de residentes do município, a maioria em indivíduos maiores de 15 anos com predomínio das formas multibacilares e grau zero de incapacidade física no diagnóstico. A prevalência oculta da hanseníase no período de 2006 a 2010 foi de 12 casos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a atual organização dos serviços de saúde contribui para a realização do diagnóstico tardio e aponta a necessidade de integrar a atenção primária em saúde na realização das ações de controle da hanseníase.

Objective: to analyze the epidemiological profile of leprosy in Divinópolis/MG. Method: this is cross-sectional and descriptive study. Data were collected in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases, for the period 2001 to 2010. Results: during the period under study has reported 124 cases of leprosy living in the city, mostly in individuals over 15 years with a predominance of multibacillary and zero degree of disability at diagnosis. The hidden prevalence of leprosy in the period 2006 to 2010 was 12 cases. Conclusion: we conclude that the current organization of health services contributes to late diagnosis and highlights the need to integrate primary health care in the conduct of actions to control leprosy.

Objetivo: analizar el perfil epidemiológico de la lepra en Divinópolis/MG. Método: se trata de un estudio transversal y descriptivo. Los datos fueron recogidos en el Sistema de Información de Agravo de Notificación referentes para el período 2001 a 2010. Resultados: durante el período de estudio se notificó 124 casos de lepra residentes en la ciudad, sobre todo en personas mayores de 15 años con un predominio de grado multibacilar y el grado cero de discapacidad física al momento del diagnóstico. La prevalencia oculta de la lepra en el período 2006 a 2010 fue de 12 casos. Conclusión: se concluye que la actual organización de los servicios de salud contribuye a un diagnóstico tardío y destaca la necesidad de integrar la atención primaria de salud en la realización de acciones de control de la lepra.

Caracterização e análise sensorial de biscoitos de polvilho elaborados com diferentes níveis de farelo de mandioca / Characterization and sensory analysis of cassava starch biscuits made with different levels of cassava bagasse

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar as características químicas, cor, volume específico e aceitabilidade, de biscoitos elaborados com diferentes níveis de farelo de mandioca desidratado. Realizou-se previamente a desidratação do farelo de mandioca e, em seguida, elaboraram-se formulações de biscoitos com concentrações de farelo de mandioca de 0 por cento (BP), 2 por cento (BF2), 4 por cento (BF4), 6 por cento (BF6) e 8 por cento (BF8), em substituição à fécula de mandioca. Os dados foram analisados por meio da análise de variância, teste de Tukey, em nível de 5 por cento de significância. O teor de fibra alimentar e os atributos de cor (L*, a* e b*) dos biscoitos aumentaram significativamente com a adição do farelo de mandioca desidratado, o teor de fibra alimentar total variou de 5,47g 100g-1 a 11,40g 100g-1, o de proteínas variou de 6,66g 100g-1 a 7,26g 100g-1. Em 100g de biscoito de polvilho com 8 por cento de farelo de mandioca, encontram-se atendidas 20 por cento, 32 por cento, 26 por cento, 38 por cento, 79 por cento, 16 por cento e 20 por cento da ingestão dietética de referência para o cálcio, cobre, fósforo, magnésio, manganês, potássio e zinco, respectivamente. O volume específico dos biscoitos diminuiu com o aumento de farelo de mandioca. Os biscoitos apresentaram boa aceitabilidade para aparência, sabor e textura. Conclui-se que biscoitos de polvilho elaborados com farelo de mandioca desidratado constituem um produto com bom potencial nutricional e de boa aceitabilidade.

This study evaluated the chemically composition, color, specific volume and acceptability of biscuits made with cassava bagasse dehydrated. Held prior to the dehydration of cassava bagasse, then prepared themselves for producing biscuits with concentrations of cassava bagasse from 0 percent (BP), 2 percent (BF2), 4 percent (BF4) 6 percent (BF6) and 8 percent (BF8), instead of cassava starch. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance, Tukey at 5 percent level of significance. The dietary fiber content and attributes of color (L*, a* b*) the biscuits increased with the addition of cassava bagasse dehydrated, the dietary fiber content ranged from 5.47g 100g-1 to 11.40g 100g-1 and the protein ranged from 6.66g 100g-1 to 7.26g 100g-1. In 100 g of biscuit with 8 percent of cassava bagasse dehydrated are met 20 percent, 32 percent, 26 percent, 38 percent, 79 percent, 16 percent and 20 percent of dietary reference intakes for calcium, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc, respectively. The specific volume of biscuits decreased with the increase of cassava bagasse. The biscuits were good acceptance for appearance, flavor and texture. It is concluded that cassava biscuits made with cassava meal dehydrated form a product with good nutritional potential and good acceptability.

Development studies of captopril certified reference material / Estudos de desenvolvimento de captopril material de referência certificado

This paper describes the studies performed with the candidate Certified Reference Material (CRM) of captopril, the first CRM of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in Brazil, including determination of impurities (organic, inorganic and volatiles), homogeneity testing, short- and long-term stability studies, calculation of captopril content using the mass balance approach, and estimation of the associated measurement uncertainty.

Este artigo descreve os estudos realizados com o candidato a Material de Referência Certificado (MRC) de captopril, primeiro MRC de fármacos no Brasil, incluindo a determinação de impurezas (orgânicas, inorgânicas e voláteis), testes de homogeneidade, testes de estabilidade de curta e longa duração, cálculo do teor de captopril por balanço de massa e estimativa da incerteza de medição associada ao valor certificado.