The Spirit of Cachaça Production: An Umbrella Review of Processes, Flavour, Contaminants and Quality Improvement.

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the production, classification, and quality control of cachaça, a traditional Brazilian sugarcane spirit with significant cultural importance. It explores the fermentation and distillation of sugarcane juice, the ageing process in wooden containers, and the regulatory aspects of cachaça labelling. It emphasises the role of quality control in maintaining the spirit's integrity, focusing on monitoring copper levels in distillation stills. Ethyl carbamate (EC), a potential carcinogen found in cachaça, is investigated, with the study illuminating factors influencing its formation and prevalence and the importance of its vigilant monitoring for ensuring safety and quality. It also underscores the control of multiple parameters in producing high-quality cachaça, including raw material selection, yeast strains, acidity, and contaminants. Further, the impact of ageing, wood cask type, and yeast strains on cachaça quality is examined, along with potential uses of vinasse, a cachaça by-product, in yeast cell biomass production and fertigation. A deeper understanding of the (bio)chemical and microbiological reactions involved in cachaça production is essential to facilitate quality control and standardisation of sensory descriptors, promoting global acceptance of cachaça. Continued research will address safety concerns, improve quality, and support the long-term sustainability and success of the cachaça industry.

Metagenomic analyses of plant virus sequences in sewage water for plant viruses monitoring.

Frequent monitoring of emerging viruses of agricultural crops is one of the most important missions for plant virologists. A fast and precise identification of potential harmful viruses may prevent the occurrence of serious epidemics. Nowadays, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies became an accessible and powerful tool for this purpose. The major discussion of this strategy resides in the process of sample collection, which is usually laborious, costly and nonrepresentative. In this study, we assessed the use of sewage water samples for monitoring the widespread, numerous, and stable plant viruses using HTS analysis and RT-qPCR. Plant viruses belonged to 12 virus families were found, from which Virgaviridae, Solemoviridae, Tymoviridae, Alphaflexiviridae, Betaflexiviridae, Closteroviridae and Secoviridae were the most abundant ones with more than 20 species. Additionally, we detected one quarantine virus in Brazil and a new tobamovirus species. To assess the importance of the processed foods as virus release origins to sewage, we selected two viruses, the tobamovirus pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) and the carlavirus garlic common latent virus (GarCLV), to detect in processed food materials by RT-qPCR. PMMoV was detected in large amount in pepper-based processed foods and in sewage samples, while GarCLV was less frequent in dried and fresh garlic samples, and in the sewage samples. This suggested a high correlation of virus abundance in sewage and processed food sources. The potential use of sewage for a virus survey is discussed in this study. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40858-023-00575-8.

Correlation of the presence of acrolein with higher alcohols, glycerol, and acidity in cachaças.

Acrolein is a toxic aldehyde that can be present in various beverages, such as cachaça and other distilled spirits from sugarcane. The objective of this work was to detect and quantify acrolein in samples of cachaça produced by different processes in all regions of Brazil and to evaluate the possible routes of formation of this contaminant from the correlation with other secondary compounds present in the beverage using principal component analysis. Approximately 27.0% of the samples analyzed were outside the limit established by Brazilian legislation for this contaminant, with an average acrolein concentration of 14.01 mg 100 mL-1 anhydrous alcohol (aa). In the other samples, the average concentration was 0.97 mg 100 mL-1 aa. After selecting the variables that most closely correlated with the presence of acrolein in beverages, a positive correlation was found with the presence of butan-2-ol, propan-1-ol and volatile acids, and a slight correlation with the presence of phenolic compounds. Therefore, the presence of acrolein in cachaça can be associated with contamination of the fermentation must by bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, as a result of the chemical degradation and enzymatic conversion of the glycerol produced during fermentation.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cachaças packed in bottles of polyethylene terephthalate.

Cachaça is a beverage of great cultural and economic importance for Brazil. It is made up of several substances that are responsible for the flavor of the beverage. Countless substances of a toxic nature can also be present, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These contaminants are commonly found in beverages and food. They have been studied because their toxicity is related to their mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, and they pose a risk to human health. The PAHs can be formed in cachaça during different stages of processing. In this work, the presence of PAHs (naphthalene, acenaphene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, acephenylene, and benzo[a]pyrene) was investigated during the storage of the beverage in plastic containers. Thus, samples from five producers of cachaça in the state of Minas Gerais were stored for up to 8 months in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging from three different manufacturers. Samples stored for 4 and 8 months were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and 10 PAHs (naphthalene, acenaphene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, acephenylene, and benzo[a]pyrene) were identified and quantified. An increase in PAH concentration in cachaça samples with the storage time in plastic containers was observed. The three different packages contributed to the contamination of the cachaça samples with different PAHs. The highest concentration (approximately 11.0 µg L-1 ) of fluorene was observed in sample A from the three packages and during the two storage times. Thus, it can be inferred that the storage of cachaça in bottles of PET is inadequate for maintaining the quality of the beverage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Therefore, it can be inferred from the results of the analysis that PET packages are sources of PAHs, and the storage time in these packages contributed to the increase in the concentration of these contaminants in the beverage. These results suggest that a review of the legislation regarding the use of PET packaging for beverage storage is necessary, as these compounds are carcinogenic.

Identification of volatile compounds, quantification of glycerol and trace elements in distilled spirits produced in Mozambique.

Distilled spirits, in addition to satisfying the legal requirements with respect to its composition, must possess a sensorial quality capable of satisfying its consumers. The present work describes the analysis of volatile compounds, trace elements and glycerol in thirteen samples of Mozambican spirits collected in different regions of the country. Extraction of volatile components was a accomplished using the headspace SPME technique, the quantification of glycerol was achieved by UV/Vis spectroscopy and the determination of trace elements by atomic absorption spectrometry. Of the 35 volatile compounds identified, 19 were esters, of which ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl nonanoate, ethyl decanoate, ethyl laurate, ethyl hexadecanoate, ethyl tetradecanoate, ethyl benzenepropanoate, 3-methylbutyl acetate and isoamyl alcohol were the predominant compounds found in the different samples, contributing to the characteristics and aroma of the beverages. As for glycerol, concentrations below 5 mg L-1 were observed in all the samples studied. The samples were found to be contaminated by metals such as copper, lead and zinc. In addition, the results provided information on the quality of Mozambican spirits regarding some aspects related to the determination of metals and glycerol. This information might stimulate producers to be more attentive to the conditions of production and the risks involved in achieving good quality spirits.

Volatile compounds and quality analysis in commercial medicinal plants of Camellia sinensis / Caracterização dos compostos voláteis e análise da qualidade de plantas medicinais comerciais de Camellia sinensis

ABSTRACT: The interest in the use of green tea (Camellia sinensis) (L.) Kuntze (Theaceae) products have increased in the last few years due to its medicinal properties. In the present study, we proposed that headspace solid phase microextraction, in combination with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometric could be an efficient method to assess the volatile compounds and to ensure the quality control of C. sinensis. We have also compared the anatomical leaf of different commercial green tea samples, analyzed the information in their labels and determined the presence of foreign materials, moisture content, total ashes and microorganisms. Among the 30 analyzed samples, six were identified as C. sinensis according to the anatomical study; 83.4% were not in accordance with the specified limits for foreign matter and 6.6% for moisture content. All samples presented total ashes in accordance with the current legislation. The analysis indicated the presence of several different volatile organic compounds, being terpenes, hydrocarbons and alcohols the major ones. Microbiological analysis showed that 13.3% and 16.6% of the samples exceeded the limits for counts of molds and yeasts, and for mesophilic bacteria, respectively. 73.3% presented E. coli above the established sanitary limits.

RESUMO: O interesse no chá verde comercial (Camellia sinensis) (L.) Kuntze (Theaceae) tem aumentado nos últimos anos devido suas propriedades medicinais. No presente estudo utilizamos a microextração em fase sólida, em combinação com a cromatografia gasosa acoplada com espectrometria de massas, como um eficiente método de caracterização de compostos voláteis e efetuamos o controle de qualidade de C. sinensis. Comparamos também a anatomia das folhas de diferentes amostras comerciais de chá verde, as informações de seus rótulos e determinamos a presença de matérias estranhas, de microrganismos, o teor de umidade e de cinzas totais. Entre as trinta amostras analisadas, seis foram identificadas como C. sinensis de acordo com o estudo anatômico; 83,4% não estavam de acordo com os limites especificados para matérias estranhas e 6,6% para o teor de umidade. Todas as amostras apresentaram cinzas totais de acordo com a legislação vigente. As análises evidenciaram diversos compostos orgânicos voláteis distintos, sendo majoritários terpenos, hidrocarbonetos e álcoois. As análises microbiológicas mostraram que 13,3 e 16,6% das amostras excedeu os limites de contagem para bolores e leveduras, e para bactérias mesófilas, respectivamente. Por fim, 73,3% das amostras apresentou Escherichia coli acima dos limites sanitários estabelecidos.

Comunidades científicas locais e impacto das pesquisas na sociedade: sinergia entre egressos da pós-graduação e protagonistas sociais / Local scientific communities and the impact of research results in society: synergies between masters and PHD’s and social actors / Comunidades científicas locales e impacto de las investigaciones en la sociedad: sinergias entre egresados de posgrado y protagonistas sociales

A partir de resultados de pesquisas realizadas na última década, no contexto da pós-graduação stricto sensu, discute-se o impacto da formação pós-graduada e seus limites. Acúmulo recente de trabalhos críticos ao produtivismo acadêmico leva a refletir sobre o papel dos egressos da pós-graduação na sociedade. A expansão dos cursos de pós-graduação resultou em que muitos mestres e doutores exercem atividades distintas da docência superior, para a qual, até meados da década de 1990, tais cursos se destinavam. Nesses outros espaços não é possível reproduzir o que se aprendeu no curso. Como empregar os resultados de pesquisa em espaços laborais? A pergunta não costuma ser discutida durante a formação. Historicamente deposita-se na ciência esperanças de melhorias para a vida; porém, qual o impacto efetivo das pesquisas/publicações. O emprego de resultados de pesquisa no mundo do trabalho e nas comunidades requer processos que não foram aprendidos na pós-graduação; nela se aprende investigar sob orientação, produzir tese ou dissertação, produzir e publicar artigos, participar de eventos científicos. Se o egresso publicou em periódicos “Qualis” (de preferência internacionais e em inglês) cumpriu com as expectativas dos órgãos avaliadores/financiadores da pós-graduação. E a contribuição com a sociedade? Que benefícios têm as comunidades/regiões com a instalação em seus territórios de profissionais que aprenderam a pesquisar? Busca-se evidenciar neste trabalho a relevância de fomentar comunidades científicas locais, que criem sinergia entre egressos da pós-graduação e outros protagonistas sociais, instalados num determinado território, para impactar o desenvolvimento econômico e social.(AU)

Based on results of research carried out in the last decade, in the context of Postgraduate courses (Masters and PHD). We discuss the impact of postgraduate training and its limits. Recent critical works to academic productivity leads to reflect on the role of the researchers and the impact of their work in society. The expansion of the Brazilian’s system resulted in many masters and doctors performing spaces that are not higher education system, for which was oriented that training until the mid-1990s. In these other spaces it is not possible to reproduce what was learned in the course. How to employ search results in several workspaces, out of universities? The problem is not enough discussed, during training. Historically, many hopes of humanity have been expected from science, for improvements in social-well-being. The use of research results in the work posts requires processes that have not been learned in the courses; learns are about investigate under guidance, producing thesis or dissertation, papers and scientific congress. If juniors masters and PHDs publishes in excellent journals (preferably international, in English) they satisfy expectations of evaluating/funding organisms. What about contribution to society? What benefits have communities that keeps professionals that are able to research? This article seeks to explain the relevance of promoting local scientific communities, which may create synergy between professionals capable of research and other social actors installed in territory, to impact economic and social development.(AU)

A partir de resultados de investigaciones realizadas en la última década en el contexto de Posgrado brasileño (PG), discutimos el impacto de este nivel de formación y sus límites. Recientes trabajos críticos al productivismo académico llevan a reflexionar sobre el papel de los egresados de PG en la sociedad. La expansión del sistema resultó en que muchos mestres y doctores actúen en actividades fuera de la universidad. Hasta mitad de los 1990, el PG calificaba profesores para la universidad. En otros espacios laborales no es posible reproducir lo que se aprendió en el curso de PG. Como utilizar los resultados de las investigaciones en los demás espacios sociales es una pregunta que prácticamente no se presenta durante la formación. Se ha depositado en la ciencia esperanzas de una vida mejor; pero, cual ha sido el impacto efectivo de las publicaciones? La aplicación de resultados de investigación en el mundo del trabajo requiere más que publicaciones, procesos que no se aprendieron en el PG; en este se aprende a investigar con orientación, a producir tesis, publicar artículos, participar en eventos científicos. Si el egresado publica en periódicos prestigiosos, en inglés, cumplió con las expectativas de los órganos evaluadores de PG. Y como se colabora con la sociedad? Que beneficios tienen las comunidades con la presencia de profesionales que pesquisan? Intentamos evidenciar la relevancia en fomentar comunidades científicas locales, que creen sinergias entre los egresados de PG y otros protagonistas sociales del territorio, para impactar el desarrollo económico y social.(AU)

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry characterization of musts and alembic Brazilian cachaças using selected yeast strains.

The choice of fermentation system during cachaça production can greatly influence the chemical composition of the beverage. In this work, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were selected based on fermentative properties and used as starters to produce alembic cachaça. In distillery scale production, the selected yeast strains exhibited greater adaptiblity to the fermentation environment and hence remained predominant throughout the process. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the negative ion mode revealed that most of the compounds present in the must are different from those formed in the distillate for both cachaças obtained from spontaneous and selected strains. However, beverages produced using selected strains showed greater similarity in chemical profiles than those produced from spontaneous strain fermentation. Moreover, a smaller number of ions were detected in beverages produced by selected strain than from spontaneous strain fermentation. Our results indicate that the selected S. cerevisiae strains evaluated are able to produce cachaças less subject to variation in chemical composition. This could potentially improve brand consistency and thus commercial viability, particularly in the international market.

Contamination of cachaça by PAHs from storage containers.

Cachaça is a distiled beverage obtained from the fermentation of sugar cane syrup that, depending on the production procedures, may be susceptible to contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds present carcinogenic and/or mutagenic properties and offer a risk to human health. Sixteen PAHs were determined in cachaças that had been stored in glass bottles and in polyethylene tank by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The quantification of the PAHs utilised an internal standard. The limits of detection and quantification varied from 0.05 to 0.10µgL(-)(1) and 0.20 to 0.30µgL(-)(1), respectively. A total PAH concentration of 51.57µgL(-)(1) was found in the beverages that were stored in the tank, while the concentration in the cachaça stored in glass jugs was 6.07µgL(-)(1). These results indicate that the polyethylene tank is a source for PAHs in cachaça.

Determination of ethyl carbamate in cachaça produced from copper stills by HPLC.

Ethyl carbamate (EC) is a common substance in fermented foods and drinks, and its quantification is important because of its carcinogenic nature and its usually presence in alcoholic beverages. The present work involved the development and validation of an analytical method for the evaluation of EC in cachaça by HPLC-FLD after previous derivatization with xanthydrol. The method presented a mean recovery of 94.88%, an intra-day precision of 4.19% (30.0 µgL(-1)) and 3.32% (75.0 µgL(-1)), a coefficient of determination (r(2)) equal to 0.9985, and limits of detection and quantification equal to 6.39 and 21.32 µgL(-1), respectively. The results show that the analytical method is accurate, reproducible and linear over the concentration range from 5.0 to 160 µg of EC per litre. The method was applied to the analysis of EC in cachaça, the analyses being rapid and efficient.

Correlação entre a incompetência esfincteriana anal e a prática de sexo anal em homossexuais do sexo masculino / Correlation between anal sphincter incompetence and anal sex practice in male homosexual

INTRODUÇÃO: a incontinência anal (IA) é uma disfunção de origem multifatorial com impacto significativo na qualidade de vida do indivíduo. Dentre as diversas etiologias para IA encontra-se a traumática, provocada pela penetração de objetos no canal anal. A inclusão do ânus na atividade sexual, já vem sendo descrita, principalmente entre homossexuais do sexo masculino. A partir desta premissa, questionou-se nesta pesquisa a possibilidade da penetração do pênis no ânus se enquadrar como etiologia traumática da incontinência anal. OBJETIVO: verificar a possível correlação entre a incontinência anal e a prática de sexo anal utilizando variáveis como idade, tempo de prática e a freqüência semanal de sexo anal. Métodos: 100 homossexuais masculinos passivos responderam um questionário elaborado pelas pesquisadoras e um Índice de Incontinência Anal. RESULTADOS: a incontinência anal estava presente em 62 por cento, sendo que a perda de gases foi considerada a mais significativa. Contudo, as correlações propostas não se apresentaram estatisticamente significantes. CONCLUSÃO: a maioria dos homossexuais apresentou algum grau de incontinência anal, provavelmente em decorrência da prática do sexo anal.

INTRODUCTION: the anal incontinence (AI) is a disfunction of multifactorial origin with significant impact in thequality of life of the individual. Amongst the diverse etiologies for AI meets it traumatic, provoked for the object penetration inthe anal canal. The inclusion of the anus in the sexual activity, already comes being described, mainly between homosexuals ofthe masculine sex. From this premise, the possibility of the penetration of the penis in the anus was questioned in this researchif to fit as traumatic etiology of the anal incontinence. OBJECTIVE: to verify the possible correlation between changeable the analincontinence and the practical one of anal sex being used as age, practical time of and the weekly frequency of anal sex. Methods:100 passive masculine homosexuals had answered a questionnaire elaborated for the researchers and an Index of Anal Incontinence. RESULTS: the anal incontinence was present in 62 percent, being that the loss of gases was considered most significant. However, thecorrelations proposals had not been presented statistical significant. CONCLUSION: the majority of the homosexuals presentedsome degree of anal incontinence, probably in result of the practical one of the anal sex.

Utilización de la bupivacaína como agente anestésico en la artroscopia de la rodilla

Introducción: La artroscopia de la rodilla es un proceder que se realiza frecuentemente en la actualidad con fines diagnósticos y terapéuticos, a pacientes portadores de enfermedades como sinovitis crónica, lesiones de menisco, adherencias, entre otros. Un considerable número de estos pacientes son atendidos en consulta de ortopedia, donde se valora la necesidad o no de su realización. Es un proceder relativamente corto y con pocos riesgos cuando se realiza con la técnica adecuada. Objetivo: Demostrar el uso de la bupivacaína al 0,25 porciento intraarticular en la artroscopia de la rodilla. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo realizado en el Hospital "Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima" de Cienfuegos en el período comprendido entre septiembre 02 y febrero del 03 a un grupo de 20 pacientes atendidos inicialmente por el Servicio de Ortopedia y luego por Anestesiología, decidiéndose en conjunto el proceder terapéutico. Se inyectó bupivacaína en el espacio intraarticular, a 0,25 porciento con epinefrina 0,1 ml al 0,1 porciento, en un volumen de 20 ml, distribuidos en 4 portales a raz¢n de 5 ml en cada uno. A nivel del portal donde se introdujo el artroscopio, se aplicó 5 mil. de bupivacaína al 0,25 porciento Resultados: Las edades de los pacientes oscilaron entre 30 y 61 años con una media de 44,6 años y desviación estándar de 12.6 años. Fue posible la introducción y la realización de los procedimientos a través de la artroscopia en todos los pacientes. Conclusión: La bupivaca¡na result¢ un agente anest‚sico local muy favorecedor, por su inicio de acción lento y una duración prolongada, la intensidad y duración del bloqueo sensorial superior a las del bloqueo motor

Consumo de medicamentos e adesäo às prescriçöes: objeto e problema da epidemiologia / Medicine consumption and compliance: object and problem of

Do ponto de vista epidemiológico, o consumo de medicamentos apresenta um complexo processo de múltiplas determinaçöes. Estudá-lo implica compreender sua transcendência às necessidades coletivas, expressäo dos diferentes quadros nosológicos. Ele envolve aspectos simbólicos que o tornam um bom modelo para abordagens transdisciplinares. Neste artigo utilizamos o näo cumprimento dos esquemas terapêuticos como um modelo, procurando uma construçäo teórica para o fenômeno como um importante objeto e problema da Epidemiologia. Usamos para isso referenciais tradicionais da Sociedade e da Antropologia, e referenciais da Psicologia, pouco explorados pela ciência epidemiológica. O artigo tem por objetivo dar suporte teórico para a combinaçäo de métodos qualitativos e quantitativos, uma opçäo com a qual a Epidemiologia pode desenvolver uma compreensäo maior de seu objeto, mais próxima da realidade que interpreta.

O processo de persuasao e o comportamento de persuadir

Uma visao geral e explanatoria do tema persuasao e apresentada, com enfase na descricao de aspectos relacionados a atuacao persuasiva do terapeuta. Essa atuacao, centrada no comportamento do cliente, implica a adocao, por parte do terapeuta, de comportamentos que possam produzir condicoes para a aquisicao e manutencao das habilidades necessarias ao bom funcionamento do cliente, em suas varias insercoes de vida pessoal e social.