Quality Standards in Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Can Deep Sedation Influence It?

Introduction: According to the guideline published by ESGE/UEG, a high-quality esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) implies the application of some criteria that enable better healthcare outcomes. Although intra-procedural performance measures are dependent on patient factors, there is no reference to sedation practices in the guideline mentioned above. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether deep sedation influences EGD performance measures established by ESGE/UEG. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, with a prospective enrollment, that considered for inclusion consecutive patients referred for EGD. Two questionnaires were used to assess performance measures and patient satisfaction after EGD. Results: Sedation had a statistically significant impact on most quality indicators, including complete examination (77.2% without sedation vs. 97.8% with sedation), inspection time (6.17 ± 3.45 vs. 8.39 ± 2.67 min), photodocumentation (78% vs. 97.8%), biopsies (39.3% vs. 60.7%), and patient satisfaction (5.42 ± 2.93 vs. 9.1 ± 1.19). The main reason for an incomplete procedure was patient intolerance (82.6%). Discussion: Deep sedation of patients submitted to EGD proved to be a determinant in the applicability of the ESGE/UEG quality indicators. Patient intolerance was eliminated in the group with sedation, enhancing procedure completeness, adequate pathology identification, management, and consequently, the effectiveness of the exam. Conclusion: Sedation administration should be considered in patients undergoing EGD since it ensures a high-quality procedure.

Introdução: Uma endoscopia digestiva alta (EDA) de qualidade proporciona melhores resultados em termos de saúde e implica a aplicação dos critérios descritos pelas recomendações da ESGE/UEG. Embora os critérios perprocedimento sejam dependentes da colaboração e tolerância do doente, não está explicito o papel da anestesia. Objetivos: Este estudo pretende avaliar se o recurso a anestesia influencia o cumprimento dos critérios de qualidade para a EDA publicados pela ESGE/UEG. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal, com recrutamento prospetivo, que incluiu pacientes consecutivamente encaminhados para realização de EDA. Foram utilizados 2 questionários para avaliar medidas de desempenho e satisfação dos pacientes após realização de EDA. Resultados: A anestesia teve um impacto estatisticamente significativo na maioria dos indicadores de qualidade: exame completo (77,2% sem anestesia vs. 97,8% com anestesia); tempo de inspeção (6,17 ± 3,45 vs. 8,39 ± 2,67 minutos); fotodocumentação (78% vs. 97,8%); biópsias (39,3% vs. 60,7%); satisfação do paciente (5,42 ± 2,93 vs. 9,1 ± 1,19). O principal motivo para um procedimento incompleto foi a intolerância do paciente (82,6%). Discussão: A sedação profunda dos doentes submetidos a EDA provou ser determinante na aplicabilidade dos critérios de qualidade da ESGE/UEG. Eliminando por completo a intolerância por parte do doente, proporcionou a realização de exames completos, com correta identificação e gestão de patologias, potenciando assim a efetividade do exame. Conclusão: A administração de anestesia deve ser ponderada, sempre que possível, nos doentes submetidos a EDA, visto que permite garantir a alta qualidade do procedimento.

Characterization of Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Cheeses Added with Bovine Colostrum.

The objective of this study was to develop fresh and matured cheeses with different bovine colostrum levels, aiming to promote the consumption of dairy products with the addition of colostrum. Four different cheese formulations were produced with a mixture of 0:100, 15:85, 20:80, and 25:75, bovine colostrum:milk (v:v), and aged for 0, 10, 20, and 40 days. Milk, colostrum, and fresh and matured cheeses were submitted to physicochemical characterization. Moreover, microbiological quality, yield, texture profile, color, and sensory acceptance of cheese samples were evaluated. Colostrum supplementation favored low acidity, high moisture, a pH range of 5.0-6.2, and water activity of 0.94-99. Sensory attributes and overall evaluation of all cheese formulations achieved an Acceptability Index above 70, indicating good acceptability. Since cheese with colostrum presented the potential to be used as human food, assessing the presence of colostrum bioactive components in those dairy products is a promising goal for further research.

Genotyping-by-sequencing reveals a high number and quality of single nucleotide polymorphisms in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) from the Peruvian Andes.

Guinea pigs are a major source of animal protein for Peruvian Andean families. Despite the economic and cultural relevance of guinea pigs, their genomic characterization has been scarcely addressed. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) has emerged as an affordable alternative to genotyping of livestock and native animals. Here, we report the use of GBS for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery of traditionally raised guinea pigs from six regions of the Peruvian Andes and one group of breeding animals. The paired-end (2 × 150 bp) sequencing of 40 guinea pig DNA samples generated a mean of 6.4 million high-quality sequencing reads per sample. We obtained an average sequencing depth of 10× with an 88.5% mapping rate to the Cavia porcellus reference genome. A total of 279 965 SNPs (102 SNPs/Mbp) were identified after variant calling and quality filtering. Based on this SNP set, we assessed the genetic diversity and distance within our selected guinea pig populations. An overall average minor allele frequency of 0.13, an observed heterozygosity of 0.31, an expected heterozygosity of 0.35, and an F-value of 0.1 were obtained, while the SNP-based neighbor-joining tree suggests a closer genetic relationship between individuals from geographically close locations. We showed that GBS is a cost-effective tool for SNP discovery and genetic characterization of Peruvian guinea pig populations. Therefore, it may be considered as a suitable and affordable tool for genomic characterization of poorly studied native animal species.

Role of Intestinal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Postsurgical Recurrence in Crohn's Disease: Correlation with Endoscopic Findings.

Introduction: Endoscopy remains the exam of choice in the evaluation of activity in Crohn's disease (CD) after surgery (ACD-AS). However, intestinal ultrasound (IUS) may represent a noninvasive alternative. The objective of this study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of this modality compared to endoscopy. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, comprising a period of 14 months, carried out in patients with established CD and ileocecal resection due to the disease. IUS (HI-VISION Avius®, Tokyo, Japan) was performed with linear probe B-mode/Doppler prior to ileocolonoscopy. IUS and ileocolonoscopy were performed on the same day by 2 specialists in Gastroenterology dedicated to ultrasound and inflammatory bowel disease, in a double-blind mode. Collected demographic and clinical data (Harvey-Bradshaw Index [HBI]; remission ≤4), serological/fecal inflammatory parameters (leukocytes [4-10 × 109 cells/L], C-reactive protein [≤0.5 mg/dL], and fecal calprotectin [<50 mg/kg]), endoscopy (Rutgeerts score: remission 3 mm and/or Limberg score >1) was abnormal in 61.5% (n = 24) of the cases. Endoscopic remission (Rutgeerts score

Introdução: A endoscopia permanece o exame de eleição na avaliação da atividade da Doença de Crohn (DC) póscirurgia (ADC-PC). No entanto, a ecografia dirigida à parede digestiva (Eco-PD) pode representar uma alternativa não-invasiva. O objetivo do trabalho é determinar a acurácia diagnóstica e concordância desta modalidade comparativamente à endoscopia. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal, compreendendo um período de 14 meses, efetuado a doentes com DC estabelecida e resseção ileocecal pela doença. Realizada Eco-PD (HI-VISION Avius®, Tokyo, Japan) com sonda linear em modo-B/Doppler previamente à ileocolonoscopia. A Eco-PD e ileocolonoscopia foram realizadas no mesmo dia por 2 especialistas dedicados a ecografia e doença inflamatória intestinal, de forma duplamente cega. Recolhidos dados demográficos, clínicos (índice Harvey-Bradshaw [HBI; remissão: ≤4]), parâmetros inflamatórios serológicos/fecais (leucócitos [4 < N < 10 × 109 células/L], proteína C reativa [≤0,5 mg/dL], calprotectina fecal [N <50 mg/kg]), endoscópicos (score Rutgeerts: remissão < i2) e ecográficos (espessamento [N ≤ 3mm] e vascularização da parede digestiva pelo score semi-quantitativo de Limberg [ausente = 0; escassa = 1; moderada = 2; marcada = 3]). Resultados: Incluídos 39 doentes (sexo feminino: 64,1%, idade média: 43,5 ± 15,3 anos). Seguimento mediano pós-cirurgia de 9 anos (IQR 9). Classificação Montreal: L1 61,5% (n = 24), L3 38,5% (n = 15), B1 e B2 28,2% (n = 11) e B3 43,6% (n = 17).A maioria estava em remissão clínica (87,2%; n = 34) com HBI médio de 2,1 ± 2,2. Vinte e dois doentes (56,4%) tinham marcadores inflamatórios dentro de parâmetros normais. A Eco-PD (espessamento parede intestinal >3 mm e/ou Limberg >1) foi anormal em 61,5% (n = 24). Remissão endoscópica (Rutgeerts < i2) em 53,8% (n = 21). Comparativamente à endoscopia, a Eco-PD (AUROC 0,75; p = 0,007) mostrou acuidade diagnóstica superior aos parâmetros inflamatórios (AUROC 0,66; p = 0,083) e clínica (AUROC 0,64; p = 0,139). A ecografia mostrou uma moderada concordância com a endoscopia (ĸ = 0,5; p = 0,001), superior aos parâmetros inflamatórios (ĸ = 0,33, p = 0,041) ou clínica (ĸ = 0,29, p = 0,01). Conclusões: A avaliação ecográfica da parede digestiva é uma técnica não invasiva que mostrou uma boa acuidade diagnóstica e uma concordância moderada com a endoscopia, superior à clínica e parâmetros inflamatórios serológicos/fecais.

Nutritional and physicochemical quality of formulations based on colostrum and bovine whey.

The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional quality of bovine colostrum and whey mixtures. Five whey with bovine colostrum formulations were prepared (90:10; 80:20; 70:30; 60:40 and 50:50 whey:colostrum v:v) to be subjected to low-temperature pasteurization (63°C to 65°C for 30 minutes) and freeze-drying. The samples underwent chemical composition characterization, fatty acid profile analysis, determination of contamination by Enterobacteriaceae, pH, and Dornic acidity measurements before and after vat pasteurization. The amount of protein, fat, total solids, defatted dry extract, Brix and density increased as the bovine colostrum concentration increased. The level of saturated fatty acids and the thrombogenicity and atherogenicity indices reduced, while unsaturated fatty acids increased as the level of added bovine colostrum increased. The low-temperature pasteurization of the formulations was possible and effective, eliminating contamination by Enterobacteriaceae in the samples. Mixing bovine colostrum and whey reduced the colostrum viscosity, allowing a successful pasteurization procedure. Due to colostrum composition, the formulations yielded a higher nutritional value when compared to whey alone. The parameters applied in the formulation of mixtures of bovine colostrum and whey resulted in valuable ingredients for preparing novel dairy products.

Evaluating the presence of Mycoplasma hyorhinis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Helicobacter pylori in biopsies of patients with gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and has been associated with infections that may promote tumour progression. Accordingly, we analysed the presence of Mollicutes, Mycoplasma hyorhinis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Helicobacter pylori in gastric cancer tissues and evaluated their correlation with clinicopathological factors. METHODS: Using a commercial kit, DNA were extracted from 120 gastric samples embedded in paraffin: 80 from patients with gastric cancer and 40 from cancer free patients, dating from 2006 to 2016. Mollicutes and H. pylori were detected by PCR; F. nucleatum and M. hyorhinis were detected by qPCR, together with immunohistochemistry for the latter bacteria. RESULTS: Mollicutes were detected in the case and control groups (12% and 2.5%) and correlated with the papillary histologic pattern (P = 0.003), likely due to cell transformation promoted by Mollicutes. M. hyorhinis was detected in the case and control group but was not considered a cancer risk factor. H. pylori was detected at higher loads in the case compared to the control group (8% and 22%, P = 0.008) and correlated with metastasis (P = 0.024), lymphatic invasion (P = 0.033), tumour of diffused type (P = 0.028), and histopathological grading G1/G2 (P = 0.008). F. nucleatum was the most abundant bacteria in the case group, but was also detected in the control group (26% and 2.5%). It increased the cancer risk factor (P = 0.045, OR = 10.562, CI95% = 1.057-105.521), and correlated with old age (P = 0.030) and tumour size (P = 0.053). Bacterial abundance was significantly different between groups (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings could improve the control and promote our understanding of opportunistic bacteria and their relevance to malignant phenotypes.

Persistent Peristomal Leakage from Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Successfully Treated with Argon Plasma Coagulation.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe and effective technique and its use is widely spread. Peristomal leakage may occur within the first few days after gastrostomy tube placement and also in the mature gastrostomy tract. The initial treatment involves conservative measures. If the leakage does not resolve, different endoscopic interventions could be necessary with consequent impairing of enteral nutrition and, in some cases, the need of creating a new gastro-cutaneous fistula. CASE REPORT: We present 4 consecutive cases complicated with late peristomal leakage and medical treatment failure. These patients underwent upper digestive endoscopy, and circumferential fulguration of the mucosa surrounding the tube with pulsed argon plasma coagulation (APC) at 50 W and 1 L/min flow rate was performed. Additional long through-the-scope clips were applied in 2 cases, since the inner orifice remained enlarged, in order to obtain a better closure. Complete leakage and skin changes resolution occurred between 2 and 6 weeks after the procedure (mean 3.5 weeks). The overall mean follow-up was 19 months after the endoscopic procedure (maximum 30 months, minimum 10 months). There was no recurrence of leakage. CONCLUSION: The use of APC alone or combined with long through-the-scope clips in large internal stoma orifice resolved persistent leakage from percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in all 4 presented cases without complications. In our case series, this technique appeared to be an effective, safe, and relatively low-cost alternative to the treatment of persistent peristomal leakage of the mature gastrostomy tract.

INTRODUÇÃO: A gastrostomia percutânea endoscópica é uma técnica amplamente usada sendo eficaz e segura. O extravasamento persistente é uma complicação possível do procedimento podendo ocorrer precocemente ou apresentar-se de forma tardia. O tratamento inicial passa por medidas conservadoras. Se o extravasamento persistir apesar das mesmas, várias intervenções endoscópicas podem ser necessárias com interrupção subsequente da nutrição entérica e nalguns casos pode ser mesmo necessário a criação de uma nova fístula gastro cutânea. APRESENTAÇÃO DOS CASOS: Relato de quatro casos consecutivos complicados com extravasamento persistente tardio e com falência ao tratamento conservador. A todos os doentes foi realizada uma endoscopia digestiva alta com fulguração circunferencial com coagulação árgon-plasma (APC) a 50 Watts e fluxo 1L/min. Adicionalmente, em dois casos por presença de orifício interno de grandes dimensões foram aplicados clips longos de modo a obter melhor aproximação dos bordos. Foi conseguida resolução completa do extravasamento e consequentemente das alterações cutâneas em 2 a 6 semanas (média 3,5 semanas). O seguimento após o procedimento foi de 19 meses (máximo 30 meses, mínimo 10 meses). Não se verificaram recorrências do extravasamento. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de APC isoladamente ou em combinação com clips longos nos casos de orifício interno de grandes dimensões resolveu o extravasamento persistente após PEG nos quatro doentes sem registo de complicações. Na nossa série, esta técnica parece ser uma alternativa efetiva, segura e de relativo baixo custo para o tratamento do extravasamento persistente tardio.

Mast Cells and Proteins Related to Myofibroblast Differentiation (PAR-2, IL-6, and TGFß1) in Salivary Cancers: A Preliminary Study.

Salivary gland neoplasms represent an important group of cancers in the head and neck and myoepithelial cells play a key role on the development these tumors. This study evaluated the distribution of mast cells and related proteins (PAR-2, TGFß1, IL-6) to the myofibroblastic differentiation in malignant tumors of salivary glands with and without myoepithelial differentiation. Immunohistochemical assessement for tryptase mast cells, SMA, PAR-2, TGFß1, IL-6 was performed in 10 cases of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, 14 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and 10 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma. When the density of mast cells were compared between tumors, their density was significantly higher in MEC (P=0.08). Tumors with high expression of PAR-2 (79.4%) exhibited a high density of mast cells. Myofibroblasts were more frequent in malignant tumors with low expression (<50%) of cell masts. Individual analysis of the tumors showed no significant difference between the expression of PAR-2, IL-6, TGFß1, and myofibroblasts. When the density of mast cells, myofibroblasts and the expression of PAR-2 protein, IL-6, and TGFß1 were compared, it was no statistically significant difference between tumors with and without myoepithelial differentiation. The results of present study suggest a possible participation of mast cells and especially of PAR-2 in the development and progression of malignant salivary cancers, regardless of myoepithelial content.

Pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery with arterio-duodenal fistulization secondary to acute pancreatitis: an unusual endoscopic diagnosis

No disponible

Pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery with arterio-duodenal fistulization secondary to acute pancreatitis: an unusual endoscopic diagnosis.

Not applicable.

Endoscopic extraction of a retained Kehr's T-tube fragment.

A 55-year-old male underwent a liver transplantation due to alcoholic cirrhosis. Three years later, a re-transplantation was performed due to refractory biliary strictures related to ischemic cholangiopathy.

Chemical composition and lipid profile of mare colostrum and milk of the quarter horse breed.

The objective of this study was to characterize the chemical composition and lipid profile of colostrum and milk of purebred Quarter Horse mares. Thirty-four (34) purebred mares were selected, which were then separated into groups according to age, birth order and lactation stage. Colostrum samples were collected in the first six hours after delivery and milk samples from the 7th postpartum day, with intervals of 14 days until the end of lactation. The samples were refrigerated and sent to the Milk Laboratory of the University (Laboleite-UFRN), where they were analyzed for chemical composition. Colostrum was assessed by refractometry. The lipid profile was determined by gas chromatography through a separation of methyl esters. The data were tabulated and subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance by the F-Test, and the groups were compared by the Tukey test using a significance level of 5%. There was high protein content and reduced lactose content for the colostrum of the Quarter Horse mares, differing from other breeds. The milk composition was not influenced by the mares' age. However, variations in the lactation stage and in the birth order of the Quarter Horse mares altered the milk's chemical composition. There is variation in the lipid composition of milk according to the lactation stage, without changing the characteristic profile of the mares' milk or diminishing the nutritional quality of the lipid fraction.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Llamas (Lama glama) from the Camelid Germplasm Bank-Quimsachata.

Llamas (Lama glama) are invaluable resources of Peru. Despite their importance, their population is decreasing. The Camelid Germplasm Bank-Quimsachata was created as a guardian of this South American camelid (SAC) species and established a bank of llamas from their two types, Ch'aku and Q'ara. However, these populations need to present high genetic diversity to be considered suitable conservation stocks. Thus, in the present study, 13 microsatellites specific for the SAC were used to assess the current genetic variability and differentiation of the llama population from the Bank. The global population showed high genetic diversity with a total of 157 different alleles, with an average of 12.08 alleles per microsatellite, an expected and observed heterozygosity of 0.758 and 0.707, respectively, and an average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.723. Although considered as two different breeds and managed separately, the genetic differentiation between Ch'aku and Q'ara was low (FST = 0.01). Accordingly, the gene flow value was high (Nm = 30.5). Overall, our results indicate the existence of high genetic variation among individuals, and thus, this llama population could be considered a suitable genetic stock for their conservation and for sustainability programs. Additionally, the 13 microsatellites can be used to study other Peruvian llama populations and monitor the genetic variability of llamas from the Camelid Germplasm Bank-Quimsachata.

Enterotoxin-encoding genes in Staphylococcus aureus from buffalo milk / Genes codificadores de enterotoxinas em Staphylococcus aureus no leite de búfalas

This paper investigated the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus and the detection of enterotoxin-encoding genes of these strains in milk collected from 30 Murrah buffaloes used to produce dairy products in Brazil. A total of 68 strains of Staphylococcus aureus were found as identified by conventional laboratory tests, and thus screened for sea, seb, sec, sed, see, seg, seh and sei enterotoxin-encoding genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twelve strains containing enterotoxin-amplified genes were found, with higher expression for the sei and seh genes. These results can be attributed to animal health and inadequate cleaning of the equipment, indicating the need for better quality control in animal production and health lines. The results of this study with the presence of pathogens and their enterotoxigenic potential indicate a source of food poisoning, as well as being a pioneering study in the detection of new enterotoxins for buffalo milk.(AU)

Este estudo investigou a ocorrência de isolados de Staphylococcus aureus e a detecção de genes que codificam a enterotoxigenicidade dessas cepas em leite de búfala utilizado na produção de laticínios no Brasil. As amostras foram coletados em 30 búfalos da raça Murrah, identificado por testes laboratoriais convencionais, foram identificados um total de 68 cepas de S. aureus e rastreados para os genes que codificam a enterotoxina sea, seb, sec, sed, see, seg, seh and sei por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Doze cepas contendo genes da enterotoxina foram amplificadas, com maior expressão para os genes sei e seh. Esses resultados podem ser atribuídos à saúde animal e à higiene inadequada do equipamento, indicando a necessidade de melhor controle de qualidade nas linhas de produção e saúde animal. Os resultados desta pesquisa, com a presença de patógenos e seu potencial enterotoxigênico, indicam uma fonte de intoxicação alimentar, além de ser uma pesquisa pioneira na detecção de novas enterotoxinas para o leite de búfala.(AU)

Trans-chalcone activity against Trichophyton rubrum relies on an interplay between signaling pathways related to cell wall integrity and fatty acid metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Trichophyton rubrum is the main etiological agent of skin and nail infections worldwide. Because of its keratinolytic activity and anthropophilic nature, infection models based on the addition of protein substrates have been employed to assess transcriptional profiles and to elucidate aspects related to host-pathogen interactions. Chalcones are widespread compounds with pronounced activity against dermatophytes. The toxicity of trans-chalcone towards T. rubrum is not fully understood but seems to rely on diverse cellular targets. Within this context, a better understanding of the mode of action of trans-chalcone may help identify new strategies of antifungal therapy and reveal new chemotherapeutic targets. This work aimed to assess the transcriptional profile of T. rubrum grown on different protein sources (keratin or elastin) to mimic natural infection sites and exposed to trans-chalcone in order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the antifungal activity of trans-chalcone. RESULTS: Overall, the use of different protein sources caused only slight differences in the transcriptional profile of T. rubrum. The main differences were the modulation of proteases and lipases in gene categories when T. rubrum was grown on keratin and elastin, respectively. In addition, some genes encoding heat shock proteins were up-regulated during the growth of T. rubrum on keratin. The transcriptional profile of T. rubrum exposed to trans-chalcone included four main categories: fatty acid and lipid metabolism, overall stress response, cell wall integrity pathway, and alternative energy metabolism. Consistently, T. rubrum Mapk was strongly activated during the first hours of trans-chalcone exposure. Noteworthy, trans-chalcone inhibited genes involved in keratin degradation. The results also showed effects of trans-chalcone on fatty acid synthesis and metabolic pathways involved in acetyl-CoA supply. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the mode of action of trans-chalcone is related to pronounced changes in fungal metabolism, including an imbalance between fatty acid synthesis and degradation that interferes with cell membrane and cell wall integrity. In addition, this compound exerts activity against important virulence factors. Taken together, trans-chalcone acts on targets related to dermatophyte physiology and the infection process.

Central de abastecimento do Rio Grande do Norte: perfil e percepções dos consumidores / Rio Grande do Norte trade center: profile and consumer perceptions

A CEASA/RN é uma importante unidade que manipula, armazena e distribui alimentos para o comércio atacadista e varejista do Rio Grande do Norte, gerando diversos empregos e abastecendo grande parte do comércio hortifrutigranjeiro do Estado. Desse modo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a percepção de consumidores sobre diferentes pontos relacionados à comercialização dos produtos na CEASA. O trabalho foi realizado por meio da aplicação de questionário avaliativo a 295 clientes da CEASA/ RN. As variáveis analisadas foram submetidas ao teste de qui-quadrado (x²), ao nível de 5% de significância. Os resultados apontaram que o principal destino dos produtos adquiridos na CEASA/RN é de 53% para a comercialização e de 47% para o consumo próprio. O preço é a principal motivação dos clientes ao escolher a CEASA/RN como local para compra de hortifrutigranjeiros (73%). Observou-se que, quanto maior a escolaridade e a renda, mais rigorosos os clientes tendem a ser ao avaliar os aspectos relacionados à segurança dos alimentos. Dos entrevistados, 52% e 34% consideraram ruim a higiene do ambiente e dos permissionários, respectivamente. Além disso, nos itens organização, higiene e qualidade dos produtos e serviços prestados, itens avaliados em conjunto, 59% dos entrevistados também classificaram a CEASA como ruim. Conclui-se que a CEASA é um importante ponto de comércio de hortifrutigranjeiros e, portanto, precisa de melhorias em diversos itens higienicossanitários.(AU)

CEASA / RN is an important unit that handles, stores and distributes food for the wholesale and retail trade of Rio Grande do Norte, generating many jobs and supplying much of the state's horticultural trade. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the perception of consumers on different points related to the commercialization of the products in CEASA. The work was carried out through the application of an evaluation questionnaire to 295 CEASA / RN clients. The analyzed variables were submitted to the chi-square test (x²), at the 5% level of significance. The results indicated that the main destination of products purchased at CEASA / RN is 53% for commercialization and 47% for own consumption. Price is the main motivation of customers when choosing CEASA / RN as the place to purchase horticultural crops (73%).It was observed that the higher the schooling and income, the more rigorous the clients tend to be when assessing aspects related to food safety. Of those interviewed, 52% and 34% considered bad environmental hygiene and permit holders, respectively. In addition, in the items organization, hygiene and quality of products and services provided, items evaluated together, 59% of respondents also rated CEASA as bad. It is concluded that CEASA is an important point of trade in horticultural crops and, therefore, needs improvements in several hygiene-sanitary items.

Avaliação das condições físicas e sanitárias das fazendas de produção de leite caprino na área rural da região metropolitana de Natal, RN / Evaluation of the physical and sanitary conditions of goat milk farms in the rural area of the metropolitan region of Natal, RN

[{"text": "A caprinocultura leiteira no Nordeste é uma atividade que tem grande\r\ncontribuição para a agricultura familiar. Diante desse cenário esta pesquisa\r\nobjetivou realizar uma avaliação das fazendas de leite caprino na área rural\r\nda região metropolitana de Natal-RN, visando verificar as condições do setor,\r\npropondo apoio para uma melhor qualidade do leite. Inicialmente foram\r\nrealizadas reuniões com os produtores para esclarecimento sobre o projeto\r\ne adesão voluntária dos mesmos. O trabalho teve a aplicação de um questionário\r\nsocioeconômico, abordando variáveis relativas à propriedade e de um\r\nchecklist para verificação do processo de ordenha do leite caprino.Das 14\r\npropriedades visitadas, 36% tem de 5 a 10 anos de atividade, metade dos proprietários\r\npossui ensino superior completo e 72% deles utilizam apenas mão\r\nde obra contratada. Em relação à ordenha, 15% não higienizam os tetos dos\r\nanimais antes da mesma, 86% não realizam o pré-dipping e nenhum deles\r\ntem os funcionários capacitados. Observou-se que ações simples e de baixo\r\ncusto como a lavagem dos tetos dos\r\nanimais e a higiene correta do local\r\nde ordenha e dos ordenhadores são\r\nfatores que precisam ser trabalhados\r\ncom os produtores para melhorar a\r\nqualidade do leite produzido. Durante\r\nas visitas algumas orientações\r\nforam dadas aos produtores e posteriormente\r\nforam entregues relatórios\r\ncom sugestões de melhorias\r\nnas propriedades. A pesquisa conclui\r\nque os produtores de leite caprino na\r\nárea rural da região metropolitana\r\nde Natal-RN necessitam de melhorias\r\nem suas fazendas leiteiras e que\r\nprecisam de apoio e orientações de\r\ndiferentes instituições para ampliar\r\nconhecimentos e aumentar a qualidade\r\ndo leite caprino.(AU)", "_i": "pt"}]