Different Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella spp. Serovars Isolated from Slaughter Calves in Southern Brazil.

Bovines are carriers of Salmonella spp., a relevant foodborne pathogen, acting as contamination sources in slaughterhouses. Calves are prone to infection, and antimicrobial resistance may occur in such bacteria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and virulence determinants of Salmonella spp. recovered from calves in the Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Eighty-five calves' carcasses were evaluated (leather and veal meat). Thirteen Salmonella spp. isolates (8%) from 11 animals (13%) were obtained only from leather, indicating that contamination occurred before slaughter and that the meat was safe regarding this aspect. The serotypes S. Minnesota, S. Abony, S. Cerro, and S. Gafsa were identified, and all isolates were multidrug-resistant. The isolates had at least 19 virulence-related genes, and the blaOXA-48 resistance gene was detected in three (23%). The data suggest that treating infections caused by these bacteria may be difficult in animals from these farms and can also be an extended human health problem.

Advanced Liver Fibrosis Is Independently Associated with Palmitic Acid and Insulin Levels in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Changes in lipid metabolism occur during the development and progression non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the fatty acid (FA) profile in red blood cells (RBC) from patients with liver fibrosis remains unexplored. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid profile in RBC, dietary lipid intake and insulin resistance indicators in patients with NAFLD, according to the degree of hepatic fibrosis. Using elastography, patients were classified with (n = 52) and without (n = 37) advanced liver fibrosis. The fatty acid profile in RBC was analyzed using gas chromatography and the lipid intake was evaluated through a 24-h dietary recall. Subjects with advanced liver fibrosis had higher levels of palmitic, stearic and oleic acid and total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and insulin (p < 0.05), and lower levels of elongase very long chain fatty acids protein-6 and the delta-5-desaturase enzymatic activity (p < 0.05). These results suggest a lack of regulation of enzymes related to FA metabolism in patients with advanced fibrosis.

Use of Table Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners in Brazil: National Dietary Survey 2008-2009.

The study aimed to describe the use of table sugar and artificial sweeteners (AS) in Brazil. A representative sample (n = 32,749) of individuals aged > 10 years was examined from the Brazilian National Dietary Survey (2008-2009). Participants reported whether they use table sugar, AS, both, or none as sweeteners for their foods and beverages. Energy intake and the contribution of selected food groups to energy intake were evaluated according to the type of sweetener reported. Sample weights and design effects were considered in the analysis. The majority of the population (85.7%) used sugar to sweeten foods and beverages, 7.6% used AS, and 5.1% utilized both products. The use of AS was more frequent among the elderly (20%), women (10% versus 5.5%), overweight individuals (10% versus 6%), those who live in urban areas (8.5% versus 3%), and those who belong to the highest income quartile (14% versus 1.6%), compared with men, normal weight individuals, those who live in rural areas, and those who belong to the first income quartile, respectively. Overall, the mean daily energy intake of individuals using only sugar was approximately 16% higher than those who used AS exclusively. The contribution of staple foods to daily energy intake was higher in individuals who used sugar than those who used AS.