Influence of hydrocolloids (galactomannan and xanthan gum) on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of gluten-free cakes based on fava beans (Phaseolus lunatus).

Most gluten-free bakery formulations have starch sources of low nutritional value. The objective of this work was to use fava beans (Phaseolus lunatus) for the production of gluten-free sponge cakes, in addition to evaluating the effects of the partial substitution of fava bean flour by galactomannan and xanthan gum, isolated or mixed at 0.5 and 1.0% proportions, compared with a commercial reference. The properties such as viscosity, specific gravity and microscopy of the air bubbles were evaluated in the raw cakes, while the cooked cakes were analyzed according to physicochemical (chemical composition, specific volume, texture and color) and sensorial properties. Hydrocolloids increased the viscosity, specific gravity, and incorporation of air into the batters. Xanthan gum increased the cakes' firmness after cooking; in what concerns color parameters, hydrocolloids did not interfere. Cakes based on fava beans had better sensory acceptance with or without the presence of hydrocolloids and presented higher levels of moisture, proteins, lipids and ashes when compared to the commercial reference, proving to be an excellent food option without gluten and high nutritional value.

Comprehensive evolutionary and phylogenetic analysis of Hepacivirus N (HNV).

Hepaciviruses (HVs) have been detected in several domestic and wild animals and present high genetic diversity. The actual classification divides the genus Hepacivirus into 14 species (A-N), according to their phylogenetic relationships, including the bovine hepacivirus [Hepacivirus N (HNV)]. In this study, we confirmed HNV circulation in Brazil and sequenced the whole genome of two strains. Based on the current classification of HCV, which is divided into genotypes and subtypes, we analysed all available bovine hepacivirus sequences in the GenBank database and proposed an HNV classification. All of the sequences were grouped into a single genotype, putatively named 'genotype 1'. This genotype can be clearly divided into four subtypes: A and D containing sequences from Germany and Brazil, respectively, and B and C containing Ghanaian sequences. In addition, the NS3-coding region was used to estimate the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of each subtype, using a Bayesian approach and a relaxed molecular clock model. The analyses indicated a common origin of the virus circulating in Germany and Brazil. Ghanaian sequences seemed to have an older TMRCA, indicating a long time of circulation of these viruses in the African continent.

HoBi-like is the most prevalent ruminant pestivirus in Northeastern Brazil.

The ruminant pestiviral species BVDV-1, BVDV-2 and BDV, along with the putative species HoBi-like, may cause substantial economic losses in cattle, sheep and goats. Brazil's large size, variable biomes and wide range of ruminant animal production within different geographic regions suggest that the presence and prevalence of ruminant pestivirus may differ by regions within Brazil. This study investigated the genetic diversity of ruminant pestiviruses and determined the frequency of active infections within two states of the Northeast Region of Brazil, Maranhão and Rio Grande do Norte. Serum samples from 16,621 cattle and 2,672 small ruminants from 569 different herds residing in this region were tested by RT-PCR followed by DNA sequencing. Seventeen positive cattle were detected (0.1%) from fifteen different herds (2.64%). All isolates were classified as HoBi-like pestiviruses based on phylogenetic analysis. All small ruminant samples tested negative. The findings presented herein suggest that the Northeast Region of Brazil has a uniquely high prevalence of HoBi-like viruses. The increasing reports of HoBi-like viruses detected in cattle in the field suggest that natural infection with these viruses may be more widespread than previously thought. The identification of HoBi-like viruses as the most prevalent type of ruminant pestivirus circulating in the Northeast Region of Brazil indicates the need for both continued monitoring and determination of the extent of economic losses associated with HoBi-like virus infections. In addition, it must be taken into account in the choice of diagnostic tests and in vaccine formulations.

Prognostic factors for surgically resected squamous cell carcinoma of the lower oral cavity.

AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of clinical variables on survival rates in patients with squamous cell carcinomas in the lower oral cavity. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients who exhibited a histological diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lower oral cavity, who underwent surgery. Data on clinical, histological, and treatment variables were collected to assess the effect of these variables on global survival and disease-free curves. RESULTS: We studied 117 patients, 86 (73.5%) males and 31 (26.5%) females, who underwent surgery between January 2005 and June 2009. The overall survival rate was 74.4% after two years, and the disease-free rate was 67.5%. Midline invasion by the primary tumor negatively impacted overall survival (P=0.02) and disease-free survival (P=0.01). The disease-free survival rate of patients with histologically confirmed neck metastases was 76.8% versus 59% for patients without metastases (P=0.01). Disease-free survival of patients with one affected lymph node was 89.5%, and 45.2% for more than one affected lymph node (P<0.01). Patients who ended radiotherapy in less than 60 days exhibited a disease-free rate of 59.0%, and patients whose treatment lasted more than 60 days exhibited a rate of 77.1% (P=0.06). CONCLUSION: In our study, primary tumor invasion of the midline, the presence of more than one affected lymph node as confirmed by histology, the delaying radiotherapy for more than 56 days and radiotherapy that lasted longer than 60 days worsen patient prognosis.

Does early oral feeding increase the likelihood of salivary fistula after total laryngectomy?

Objective: This study compared the incidence of salivary fistula between groups with an early or late reintroduction of oral feeding, and identified the predictive factors for salivary fistula. Methods: A randomised trial was performed using 89 patients with larynx or hypopharynx cancer, assigned to 2 groups (early or late). In the early group, oral feeding was started 24 hours after total laryngectomy or total pharyngolaryngectomy, and in the late group, it was started from post-operative day 7 onwards. The occurrence of salivary fistula was evaluated in relation to the following variables: early or late oral feeding, nutritional status, cancer stage, surgery performed, and type of neck dissection. Results: The incidence of salivary fistula was 27.3 per cent (n = 12) in the early group and 13.3 per cent (n = 6) in the late group (p = 0.10). The following variables were not statistically significant: nutritional status (p = 0.45); tumour location (p = 0.37); type of surgery (p = 0.91) and type of neck dissection (p = 0.62). A significant difference (p = 0.02) between the free margins and invasive carcinoma was observed. Conclusion: The early reintroduction of oral feeding in total laryngectomised patients did not increase the incidence of salivary fistula.

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul / Epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Foram definidos três estratos (regiões): Pantanal-corte, Planalto-corte e Planalto-leite, este último subdividido em Bolsão, Campo Grande e Dourados. Em cada estrato foram amostradas aleatoriamente propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido, de forma aleatória, um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 14.849 animais, provenientes de 1.004 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico para verificar suas características e também para detectar transtornos reprodutivos que poderiam estar associados à infecção brucélica. O teste utilizado foi o do antígeno acidificado tamponado. O rebanho foi considerado positivo se pelo menos um animal foi reagente à prova sorológica. Para o Estado, a prevalência de focos foi de 41,5 por cento [36,5-44,7 por cento]. As prevalências de focos e de animais infectados por estrato foram, respectivamente, de: 59,0 por cento [52,8-64,9 por cento] e 12,6 por cento [9,1-17,2 por cento] para o estrato Pantanal-corte, e 40,6 por cento [35,8-45,5 por cento] e 4,5 por cento [2,1-9,0 por cento] para Planalto-corte. No estrato Planalto-leite, a prevalência de focos foi de 33,1 por cento [28,4-38,1 por cento]. Os fatores de risco (odds ratios, OR) associados à condição de foco foram: ter ≥500 vacas (OR = 2,46 [1,81-3,34]), ocorrência de bezerros fracos (OR = 1,20 [0,87-1,65]) e uso da inseminação artificial (OR = 0,71 [0,50-1,01]).

A study to characterize the epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul was carried out. The State was divided in three regions: beef cattle Pantanal, beef cattle Plateau, and dairy cattle Plateau. Herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals were sampled in each of these herds. A total of 14,849 serum samples from 1,004 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire focused on herd traits as well as clinical signs that could be associated with the brucellosis infection. The serum samples were tested for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal test. The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive. The prevalence of infected herds in the State was 41.5 percent [36.5-44.7 percent]. The prevalence of infected herds in the regions were, respectively: 40.6 percent [35.8-45.5 percent] for beef cattle Plateau, 59.0 percent [52.8-64.9 percent] for beef cattle Pantanal, and 33.1 percent [28.4-38.1 percent] for dairy cattle Plateau. The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection were: herd size larger than 500 cows (OR = 2.46 [1.81-3.34]), birth of weak calf (OR = 1.20 [0.87-1.65]), and use of artificial insemination (OR = 0.71 [0.50-1.01]).

Análise prospectiva de 1495 varicectomias pela técnica de micro-puncturas com agulhas hipodérmicas / Prospective study of 1495 operations for varicose veins using the micropuncture technique with hypodermic needles

Fazemos uma análise prospectiva de 1.495 pacientes operados pela técnica de micro-puncturas para varicectomia, de agosto de 1991 à fevereiro de 1996. As idades variaram de 12 à 78 anos, com 90,2 'por cento' do sexo feminino e 9,8 'por cento' do sexo masculino. Incluímos no estudo todos os pacientes que procuraram tratamento não somente por razöes estéticas, mas também com algum sinal ou sintoma da insuficiência venosa crônica. Analisamos o aspecto cosmético final, as vantagens e as complicaçöes obtidas. Esta técnica demosntrou um excelente resultado estético, com muito baixa morbidade, mortalidade nula e rápida recuperação dos pacientes para suas atividades diárias.

Los circuitos de comercialización bovina como elementos de intervención sanitaria

Se definen y evalúan los circuitos de comercialización bovina (CCB) como método para entender e intervir epidemiológicamente en el espacio agropecuario. Cada CCB se define como aquel espacio geopolítico integrado por agentes que mantienen entre sí relaciones de compra y venta de animales durante un período de tiempo determinado. Considerando el municipio como unidad primaria de análisis, los CCB pueden ser identificados a partir del estudio de la dinámica del tránsito bovino, la intensidad y el predominio de la entrada y salida de animales en cada uno de ellos. Se presenta el caso de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, donde se verifica, para el año 1989, la existencia de tres circuitos (Noroeste, Noreste y Sur) y 19 municipios de enlace. Esta constatación indica transformaciones en la distribución de los sistemas de producción bovina del estado y sugiere la necesidad de recaracterizar los ecosistemas de fiebre aftosa para la región. Se concluye que el tránsito de animales debe ser considerado como un indicador directo en el análisis del riesgo de transmisión de enfermedades, especialmente, en el caso de la fiebre aftosa.

The bovine commercialization circuits (CCB) are defined and assessed as a method to understand and epidemiologically intervene in the agricultural and livestock-producing space. Each CCB is defined as that geopolitical space containing agents that maintain mutual relationships of buying and selling animals during a determined period of time. Considering the municipality as the primary unit of analysis, the CCBs may be identified from a study of the dynamics of bovine animal transit, the intensity and predominance of animal entry and exit in each one of them. The case of Brazil's state of Mato Grosso do Sul is examined for the year 1989, yielding the existence of three circuits (Northwest, Northeast and South) and 19 linking municipalities. The results indicate transformations in the distribution of the state's bovine production systems and suggests the need to redefine the foot-amd-mouth disease ecosystems in the region. It is conclued that animal transit should be considered as a direct indicator in the analysis of the risk of disease transmission, especially in the case of foot-and-mouth disease.