Yeast Cell Wall Compounds on The Formation of Fermentation Products and Fecal Microbiota in Cats: An In Vivo and In Vitro Approach.

The effects of yeast cell wall compounds (YCWs) being added to cat food on hindgut fermentation metabolites and fecal microbiota were assessed in in vivo Experiment 1 (Exp. 1) and in vitro Experiments 2 and 3 (Exp. 2 and 3). In Exp. 1, the cats' diets were supplemented with two dietary concentrations (46.2 and 92.4 ppm) of YCWs (YCW-15 and YCW-30, respectively), and a negative control diet with no compound in three groups (six cats per group) was used to assess the fecal score, pH, digestibility, fermentation products, and microbiota. In Exp. 2, feces from the cats that were not supplemented with YCWs (control) were used as an inoculum. A blend of pectin, amino acids, and cellulose was used as a substrate, and the YCW compound was added at two levels (5 and 10 mg). In Exp. 3, feces from cats fed YCWs were used as an inoculum to test three different substrates (pectin, amino acids, and cellulose). In Exp. 2 and 3, the gas production, pH, and fermentation products (ammonia, SCFAs, and BCFAs) were assessed. YCW-30 resulted in a higher digestibility coefficient of the crude protein, organic matter (OM) (p < 0.05), and energy of the diet (p < 0.10). Regarding the fermentation products, YCW-15 showed a trend toward higher concentrations of propionate, acetate, lactate, ammonia, isobutyrate, and valerate, while YCW-30 showed a trend (p < 0.10) toward higher levels of butyrate and pH values. The bacteroidia class and the genus Prevotella were increased by using YCW-30 and the control. At the gender level, decreased (p < 0.01) Megasphaera was observed with YCW inclusion. The microbiota differed (p < 0.01) among the groups in their Shannon indexes. For beta diversity, YCW-30 showed higher indexes (p = 0.008) than the control. The microbiota metabolic profile differed in the pathway CENTFERM-PWY; it was more expressed in YCW-30 compared to the control. In Exp. 2, the YCWs showed a higher ratio (p = 0.006) of the fermentation products in the treatments with additives with a trend towards a high dose of the additive (10 mg). In Exp. 3, the effects of the substrates (p < 0.001), but not of the YCWs, on the fermentation products were observed, perhaps due to the low dietary concentrations we used. However, the marked responses of the fermentation products to the substrates validated the methodology. We could conclude that the YCWs, even at low dietary concentrations, affected fecal SCFA production, reduced the fecal pH, and modulated the fecal microbiota in the cats. These responses were more pronounced under in vitro conditions.

Fatores relacionados ao acolhimento com classificação de risco a idosos em unidades de pronto atendimento / Factors related to supportive reception with risk classification of the elderly in emergency facilities / Factores relacionados con la acogida de ancianos con clasificación de riesgo en unidades de atención de emergencia

Objetivo: analisar o acolhimento com classificação de risco a idosos em unidades de pronto atendimento em um munícipio de médio porte do Sul do país. Método: Estudo transversal e exploratório de abordagem quantitativa. Os dados foram obtidos em prontuários de idosos atendidos em duas unidades de pronto atendimento. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de janeiro a março de 2016. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados utilizando o programa R e o teste Qui-quadrado. Resultados: Foram identificados 2.927 idosos atendidos nesses serviços, a maioria mulheres (55,7%), entre 60 e 69 anos (48,7%), o dia da semana com maior número de atendimento foram as segundas-feiras (18,0%), com destaque para a classificação verde (81,6%). Conclusão: Evidenciou-se alta procura de idosos jovens, sobretudo por condições sensíveis à atenção primária à saúde.

Objective: to examine supportive reception with risk classification for the elderly in emergency facilities in a medium-sized municipality in southern Brazil. Method: in this exploratory, cross-sectional, quantitative study, data were collected, from January to March 2016, from medical records of older adults treated at two emergency facilities. Descriptive analysis of the data used the R program and the Chi-square test. Results: 2,927 elderly people were treated at these services, most of them women (55.7%), between 60 and 69 years old (48.7%), most often on Mondays (18.0%), and classified green (81.6%). Conclusion: high demand was found from younger elderly, mainly for conditions amenable to primary health care.

Objetivo: analizar la acogida de ancianos, con clasificación de riesgo, en unidades de atención de emergencia de un municipio mediano del sur del país. Método: estudio transversal y exploratorio con enfoque cuantitativo. Los datos se obtuvieron de los registros médicos de los ancianos atendidos en dos unidades de atención de emergencia. La recolección de datos tuvo lugar de enero a marzo de 2016. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos utilizando el programa R y la prueba de Chi-cuadrado. Resultados: se identificó que 2.927 ancianos fueron asistidos en estos servicios, la mayoría mujeres (55,7%), entre 60 y 69 años (48,7%), los días de la semana con la mayor cantidad de atención fueron los lunes (18,0%), con énfasis en la clasificación verde (81,6%). Conclusión: se evidenció una gran demanda en cuanto a ancianos más jóvenes, principalmente debido a condiciones sensibles a la atención primaria de salud.

Growth Curve and Energy Intake in Male and Female Cats.

The aim of this study were (1) to characterize the growth curve in male and female cats, (2) to associate the growth and metabolizable energy intake (MEI) as an indirect measurement of the energy requirements, and (3) to determine the short-term effects of neutering on energy intake to maintain the bodyweight in young adult cats. Eighteen 5-months-old mixed breed cats were used in this study (males, n = 7 and BW = 2.2 ± 0.21 kg; females, n = 11 and BW = 2.0 ± 0.16 kg). The cats were fed to supply their metabolizable energy requirement for growth, adjusting the amounts to maintain an ideal body condition score. The animals were weighed every 15 days for 10 months (from 5 to 15 months old). At 12 months old, the cats were gonadectomized and the MEI was recorded for 3 months, up to 15 months old. Second-order, Gaussian, and spherical models were fitted to growth data. Male cats had higher energy intake for growth (MEI = 176.27-0.037t, R2 = 0.79) than females (MEI = 166.86-0.044t, R2 = 0.62), where t is the age in months. Male cats also reached mature weight later than female cats (16 and 13 months old, respectively). Neutering reduced the energy requirements of male (intact - 116.43 kcal/kg0.67; gonadectomized - 98.65 kcal/kg0.67; P < .01) and female cats (intact - 98.65 kcal/kg0.67; gonadectomized - 76.16 kcal/kg0.67; P < .01) on average 17.6%. This study suggests that in cats, males and females present different energy requirements since the early growth phases and, this difference remains after neutering in young adults. Female cats reach adult weight earlier than males.

Machine learning in classification and identification of nonconventional vegetables.

Vegetables are important in economic, social, and nutritional matters in both the Brazilian and international scenes. Hence, some researches have been carried out in order to encourage the production and consumption of different species such as nonconventional vegetables. These vegetables have an added value because of their nutritional quality and nostalgic appeal due to the reintroduction of these species. For this reason, this article proposes the use of the machine learning technique in the construction of models for supervised classification and identification in an experiment with five leafy special of nonconventional vegetables (Tropaeolum majus, Rumex acetosa, Stachys byzantina, Lactuca cf. indica e Pereskia aculeata) assessing the characteristics of the macro and micro nutrients. In order to evaluate the classifiers' performance, the cross-validation procedure via Monte Carlo simulation was considered to confirm the model. In ten replications, the success and error rates were obtained, considering the false positive and false negative rates, sensibility, and accuracy of the classification method. Thus, it was concluded that the use of machine learning is viable because it allows the classification and identification of nonconventional vegetables using few nutritional attributes and obtaining a success rate of over 89% in most of the classifiers tested.

Knowledge and perceptions about generic drugs by users of PSF in triple borders / Conhecimento e uso de medicamentos genéricos por usuários do sistema único de saúde brasileiro em região de tríplice fronteira

Abstract Background The Brazilian Ministry of Health, by the National Policy on Medication, Ordinance 3916 from October 30th 1998, reinforces the Law of Generics of February 1999 (Law No. 9787 from February 10th, 1999, aiming, among other things, to reduce the prices and make access to medications easier for population). Objective The main objective was to identify the level of knowledge of the population regarding generic drugs. Method Descriptive, quantitative study, with 520 users interviewed in four health care units that implemented the Brazilian Family Health Program. Such units represent four health districts in Foz do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil. Results Most of the interviewed know and/or have heard about generic drugs. For many people, the generic drug represents only a more affordable type of medication. Conclusion The need for health education to clarify the population's questions was found, so they could identify and acquire their medication safely and with confidence.

Resumo Introdução O Ministério da Saúde, pela Política Nacional de Medicamentos, Portaria no 3.916, de 30 de outubro de 1998, reforça a Lei de Genéricos de fevereiro de 1999 (Lei no 9.787, de 10 de fevereiro de 1999, visando, entre outras coisas, reduzir os preços e facilitar o acesso aos medicamentos para a população). Objetivo Identificar o nível de conhecimento da população em relação aos medicamentos genéricos. Método Estudo descritivo, quantitativo, com 520 usuários entrevistados em quatro unidades de saúde que implementaram o Programa Saúde da Família e que representam quatro distritos sanitários de saúde em Foz do Iguaçu (PR), Brasil. Resultados A maioria dos entrevistados conhece e/ou já ouviu falar do genérico. Para muitas pessoas, o medicamento genérico representa apenas um tipo de medicamento mais acessível. Conclusão Achados indicam a necessidade de educação em saúde para esclarecer a população, para que possam identificar e adquirir seus medicamentos com segurança e confiança.

Suprahyoid Muscle Activity in Patients with Chagasic Megaesophagus.

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the activity of the suprahyoid musculature during swallowing and to correlate the findings with the degree of megaesophagus, oral and pharyngeal videofluoroscopy and esophageal manometry in patients with achalasia caused by Chagas' disease. Twenty-nine patients with positive serology for Trypanosoma cruzi and dysphagia (Chagas' disease group) and 29 individuals matched by sex and age (control group) participated in the study. Surface electromyography of the suprahyoid musculature and videofluoroscopy during swallowing of paste and liquid consistencies were performed. Canonical correlation analysis of the MANOVA test results showed that the Chagas' disease group had lower electromyographic activity when compared with controls. Overlapping circles of radiological findings were found for megaesophagus. The Spearman test showed a positive correlation between the electromyographic activity in the maximum voluntary isometric contraction and the time of pharyngeal transit for both liquid (p = 0.014) and paste (p = 0.047). The logistic regression test showed no association between electromyographic activity of the suprahyoid muscles and esophageal manometry results (p > 0.05). In conclusion, individuals with chagasic megaesophagus have reduced electromyographic activity of the suprahyoid muscles during swallowing, in addition to a greater recruitment of the suprahyoid musculature with increased pharyngeal transit time.

Effectiveness of Therapy on Post-Extubation Dysphagia: Clinical and Electromyographic Findings.

INTRODUCTION: Patients who require prolonged endotracheal intubation (>48 hours) are at risk of dysphagia. Speech-language pathologists should perform swallowing exercises after extubation due to the high probability of developing aspiration pneumonia. There are no studies describing the use of swallowing techniques employed in post-extubation therapy aided by surface electromyography. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of swallowing function therapy in extubated patients after prolonged orotracheal intubation by means of clinical and electromyographic evaluation. METHODS: A total of 15 patients were enrolled in this study (average age 48.6 ± 16.5 years). The study was carried out in three phases: (1) Clinical and electromyographic evaluation using the Dysphagia Risk Assessment Protocol following dysphagia scores criteria, and the measurement of the suprahyoid muscles amplitude (µV) expressed by root mean square (RMS), respectively; (2) swallowing rehabilitation program; and (3) reevaluation of patients after therapy. The Wilcoxon paired test assuming a significance level of 5% was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: By means of the swallowing scale, it was verified that patients suffered from severe oropharyngeal dysphagia at the first evaluation (80%), but the rehabilitation therapy reduced clinical signs, persistent only in one patient (6.7%) post-therapy, thus, improving swallowing. Significant differences, pre- and post-therapy, for suprahyoid muscles during maximal voluntary isometric contractions of right (P = .0067) and left (P = .0215), saliva swallowing by right (P = .0413) and left (P = .0151), and liquid swallowing by right (P = .0479) and left (P = .0215) sides, were found, as shown by electromyography. CONCLUSIONS: Swallowing exercises carried out by extubated patients after prolonged orotracheal intubation increased neuromuscular recruitment of suprahyoid muscles involved with swallowing and reduced dysphagia levels.

Effect of vegetation on cutaneous leishmaniasis in Paraná, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in the state of Paraná, Brazil. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at analysing the influence of the remaining native vegetation on the prevalence of CL in Paraná. METHODS: Global testing was used for spatial autocorrelation along with simultaneous autoregressive model (SAR). The regression was based on the CL coefficient (cases/100,000 inhabitants) as a function of the percentage of natural vegetation cover, altitude, total number of cases, and spatial density (SD) per km2; the location data of the Paraná state municipalities and the detection coefficient (DC) (cases/100,000 inhabitants) of autochthonous cases of CL were obtained from the SINAN in 2012 and 2016. Data on the remaining forests were collected from the Fundação SOS Mata Atlântica and Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais. FINDINGS: The spatial regression of DC revealed statistical significance for SD (Z = 24.1359, p < 0.05, 2012-2013; Z = 24.0817, p < 0.05, 2013-2014; Z = 33.4824, p < 0.05, 2014-2015; and Z = 27.1515, p < 0.05, 2015-2016. CONCLUSIONS: CL cases are reported in areas with native vegetation, such as in riparian forests. However, vegetation is not the only variable that influences the incidence of CL.

Epidemiological and clinical profile of patients with Chagas disease in the Central-North area of Paraná, Southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Profiles of patients with Chagas disease in Paraná were studied. METHODS: A descriptive, questionnaire-based study was performed. RESULTS: Of 270 participants, 64% were female, 60% were aged ≥65 years, 91% were infected via vector transmission, and 44% were infected in Paraná. Indeterminate (30%), cardiac (36%), cardiodigestive (20%) and digestive (14%) forms were found. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were older than 65 years of age, retired, female, living in the urban area of Maringá, and infected by vector transmission in childhood in Paraná presented cardiac and digestive signs and did not receive etiological treatment when first diagnosed.

Epidemiological and clinical profile of patients with Chagas disease in the Central-North area of Paraná, Southern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION Profiles of patients with Chagas disease in Paraná were studied. METHODS A descriptive, questionnaire-based study was performed. RESULTS Of 270 participants, 64% were female, 60% were aged ≥65 years, 91% were infected via vector transmission, and 44% were infected in Paraná. Indeterminate (30%), cardiac (36%), cardiodigestive (20%) and digestive (14%) forms were found. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were older than 65 years of age, retired, female, living in the urban area of Maringá, and infected by vector transmission in childhood in Paraná presented cardiac and digestive signs and did not receive etiological treatment when first diagnosed.

Effect of vegetation on cutaneous leishmaniasis in Paraná, Brazil

BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in the state of Paraná, Brazil. OBJECTIVE This study aimed at analysing the influence of the remaining native vegetation on the prevalence of CL in Paraná. METHODS Global testing was used for spatial autocorrelation along with simultaneous autoregressive model (SAR). The regression was based on the CL coefficient (cases/100,000 inhabitants) as a function of the percentage of natural vegetation cover, altitude, total number of cases, and spatial density (SD) per km2; the location data of the Paraná state municipalities and the detection coefficient (DC) (cases/100,000 inhabitants) of autochthonous cases of CL were obtained from the SINAN in 2012 and 2016. Data on the remaining forests were collected from the Fundação SOS Mata Atlântica and Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais. FINDINGS The spatial regression of DC revealed statistical significance for SD (Z = 24.1359, p < 0.05, 2012-2013; Z = 24.0817, p < 0.05, 2013-2014; Z = 33.4824, p < 0.05, 2014-2015; and Z = 27.1515, p < 0.05, 2015-2016. CONCLUSIONS CL cases are reported in areas with native vegetation, such as in riparian forests. However, vegetation is not the only variable that influences the incidence of CL.

Spatial distribution of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the state of Paraná, Brazil.

The geographic distribution of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) makes it a disease of major clinical importance in Brazil, where it is endemic in the state of Paraná. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of CL in Paraná between 2001 and 2015, based on data from the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Information System for Notifiable Diseases) regarding autochthonous CL cases. Spatial autocorrelation was performed using Moran's Global Index and the Local Indicator of Spatial Association (LISA). The construction of maps was based on categories of association (high-high, low-low, high-low, and low-high). A total of 4,557 autochthonous cases of CL were registered in the state of Paraná, with an annual average of 303.8 (± 135.2) and a detection coefficient of 2.91. No correlation was found between global indices and their respective significance in 2001 (I = -0.456, p = 0.676), but evidence of spatial autocorrelation was found in other years (p< 0.05). In the construction and analysis of the cluster maps, areas with a high-high positive association were found in the Ivaí-Pirapó, Tibagi, Cinzas-Laranjinha, and Ribeira areas. The state of Paraná should keep a constant surveillance over CL due to the prominent presence of socioeconomic and environmental factors such as the favorable circumstances for the vectors present in peri-urban and agriculture áreas.

Tendência da mortalidade por acidentes de transporte terrestre em idosos no brasil / Trend in mortality of elderly by land transport accidents in brazil / Tendencia de la mortalidad por accidentes de transporte terrestre de ancianos en brasil

objetivo foi analisar a tendência da mortalidade por acidentes de transporte terrestre em idosos brasileiros no período de 1996 a 2013. Estudo ecológico, de séries temporais com dados secundários captados pelo Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade, em abril de 2015, referentes aos óbitos por acidentes de transporte. Houve 88.273 óbitos por acidentes de transporte terrestre no período estudado entre idosos brasileiros. Todas as regiões apresentaram crescente tendência de mortalidade por acidentes de transporte, tendo o Nordeste a maior tendência, seguida do Sul, Norte, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste. Os resultados apontam a importância da vigilância de acidentes de transporte no apoio à implementação de políticas efetivas na promoção da saúde, prevenção e redução destes eventos (AU).

The present study aimed to analyze the trend in mortality by land transport accidents among Brazilian elderly individuals, from 1996 to 2013. Ecological, time-series study with secondary data collected by the Mortality Information System in April, 2015 concerning deaths by transport accidents. There were 88,273 deaths of elderly individuals caused by land transport accidents in Brazil, in the study period. All Brazilian regions showed a rising trend in mortality by transport accidents, which were more significant in the Northeastern region, followed by the Southern, Northern, Southeastern and Central-Western regions. These findings reveal the importance of surveillance of transport accidents, to support the implementation of effective health promotion policies, prevention and reduction of these events (AU).

El objetivo fue analizar la tendencia de la mortalidad por accidentes de transporte terrestre en ancianos brasileños en el período de 1996 a 2013. Estudio ecológico de series temporales, con datos secundarios obtenidos a través del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad, en abril de 2015, referentes a los decesos por accidentes de transporte. Hubo 88.273 decesos por accidentes de transporte en el período estudiado entre ancianos brasileños. Todas las regiones mostraron creciente tendencia de mortalidad por accidentes de transporte, resultando que el Noreste mostraba tendencia mayor, seguido del Sur, Norte, Sudeste y Centro Oeste. Los resultados expresan la importancia de la vigilancia de accidentes de transporte en el apoyo a la implementación de políticas efectivas de promoción de salud, prevención y reducción de estos eventos (AU).

Probability of occurrence of the Brazilian spotted fever in northeast of Paraná state, Brazil.

Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a fatal zoonosis because of the difficulties in its early diagnosis and treatment. Occurrences of BSF in the northeast of the state of Paraná prompted investigation of areas at risk of this rickettsiosis in the municipalities of Japira, Jaboti, Pinhalão and Tomazina. To determine the areas at risk, 592 serum samples from dogs and 230 from equids were analyzed by means of the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for Rickettsia rickettsii and R. parkeri . In addition, risk probability maps were drawn up using the kriging indicator technique. Among the samples tested, 5.3% (43/822) indicated presence of antibodies reactive to at least one of the two Rickettsia species tested: 7.8% of the equids (18/230) and 4.2% of the dogs (25/592) were positive. Geostatistical analysis showed that the average seropositivity rate was 5 to 6%. Although the average seropositivity rates observed among these dogs and equids were lower than those reported from endemic areas of Brazil, the biotic components (etiological agent, vector and reservoirs) and environmental aspects of BSF epidemiology were present in these municipalities.

Probability of occurrence of the Brazilian spotted fever in northeast of Paraná state, Brazil / Probabilidade de ocorrência de febre maculosa brasileira no norte pioneiro do estado do Paraná, Brasil

Abstract Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a fatal zoonosis because of the difficulties in its early diagnosis and treatment. Occurrences of BSF in the northeast of the state of Paraná prompted investigation of areas at risk of this rickettsiosis in the municipalities of Japira, Jaboti, Pinhalão and Tomazina. To determine the areas at risk, 592 serum samples from dogs and 230 from equids were analyzed by means of the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for Rickettsia rickettsii and R. parkeri . In addition, risk probability maps were drawn up using the kriging indicator technique. Among the samples tested, 5.3% (43/822) indicated presence of antibodies reactive to at least one of the two Rickettsia species tested: 7.8% of the equids (18/230) and 4.2% of the dogs (25/592) were positive. Geostatistical analysis showed that the average seropositivity rate was 5 to 6%. Although the average seropositivity rates observed among these dogs and equids were lower than those reported from endemic areas of Brazil, the biotic components (etiological agent, vector and reservoirs) and environmental aspects of BSF epidemiology were present in these municipalities.

Resumo A febre maculosa brasileira (FMB) é uma zoonose fatal devido às dificuldades para diagnosticá-la e tratá-la precocemente. A ocorrência de casos de FMB no Estado do Paraná suscitou a investigação de áreas de risco desta rickettsiose nos municípios de Japira, Jaboti, Pinhalão e Tomazina, na mesorregião norte pioneiro do Paraná. Para determinar as áreas de risco foram analisadas amostras de soro de 592 cães e 230 equídeos submetidos à reação de imunofluorescência indireta para Rickettsia rickettsii e R. parkeri. Além disto, foram construídos mapas de probabilidade de risco pela técnica de krigagem indicatriz. Das amostras testadas 5,3% (43/822) continham anticorpos para pelo menos uma das duas rickettsias testadas. Os equídeos apresentaram uma positividade de 7,8% (18/230) e os cães de 4,2% (25/592). A análise geoestatística mostrou que a soropositividade média é de 5 a 6%. Embora as soropositividade médias de cães e equídeos constatadas tenham sido menores do que as relatadas em áreas endêmicas do território brasileiro, os componentes bióticos (agente etiológico, vetor e reservatórios) e ambientais da epidemiologia da FMB se fazem presentes nos municípios referidos.

Spatial distribution of intestinal parasitic infections in a Kaingáng indigenous village from Southern Brazil.

The spatial distribution of enteroparasitosis in an indigenous village from Paraná was evaluated to identify areas of risk for these infections. A cross-sectional study (from November 2010 to June 2011) was performed using Three Faecal Test(®) and Kato & Katz method and a questionnaire on housing and hygiene conditions was administered. Local geostatistical analyses were performed to determine the spatial distribution of intestinal parasitic infections. The overall prevalence of enteroparasites was 67.2 % (457/680), and the most prevalent taxa were Ascaris lumbricoides (48.8 %) and Trichuris trichiura (44.7 %). The prevalence of heavy infection by soil-transmitted helminths was 3.6 % and the families lived in houses with an average of 5.1 residents and < 2 bedrooms per household. The average number of species per individual present spatial heterogeneity with the highest values (≥0.8) in areas with high clustering of residences. The visualization of the spatial distribution of intestinal parasites in this indigenous village is an important contribution to determining health risk areas and planning decisions and services.

Sensibilidade de bactérias patogênicas em alimentos a óleos essenciais de plantas medicinais e condimentares / Sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria in food to essential oils of medicinal and spice plants

Os óleos essenciais (OEs), também chamados de óleos voláteis ou etéreos, são produtos do metabólismo secundário dos vegetais. Tanto os óleos como os seus componentes são utilizados como produtos nas indústrias de alimentos, pois possuem comprovada atividade antimicrobiana. As Concentrações Mínimas Inibitórias (CMI) desses óleos para diversas bactérias devem ser determinadas. As CMI variam de acordo com o óleo utilizado, dos compostos majoritários e da fisiologia da bactéria em estudo. Neste trabalho, os OEs das plantas Melaleuca alternifolia, Cinnamomum zeylanicum e Cymbopogon martini foram testados quanto à atividade antimicrobiana (através da CMI) contra as bactérias patogênicas Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureus. Neste estudo, verificamos que E. coli e S. aureus foram sensíveis aos três OEs em todas as concentrações. Os resultados in vitro sugerem que os três OEs possuem potencial para utilização, como uma alternativa aos antimicrobianos e conservantes sintéticos.

Spatial distribution and enteroparasite contamination in peridomiciliar soil and water in the Apucaraninha Indigenous Land, southern Brazil.

The prevalence and distribution of soil and water samples contaminated with enteroparasites of humans and animals with zoonotic potential (EHAZP) in Apucaraninha Indigenous Land (AIL), southern Brazil, was evaluated. An environmental survey was conducted to evaluate the presence of parasitic forms in peridomiciliary soil and associated variables. Soil samples were collected from 40/293 domiciles (10 domiciles per season), from November 2010 to June 2011, and evaluated by modified methods of Faust et al. and Lutz. Analyses of water from seven consumption sites were also performed. The overall prevalence of soil samples contaminated by EHAZP was 23.8 %. The most prevalent parasitic forms were cyst of Entamoeba spp. and eggs of Ascaris spp. The highest prevalence of contaminated soil samples was observed in winter (31 %). The probability map obtained with geostatistical analyses showed an average of 47 % soil contamination at a distance of approximately 140 m. The parasitological analysis of water did not detect Giardia spp. or Cryptosporidium spp. and showed that all collection points were within the standards of the Brazilian law. However, the microbiological analysis showed the presence of Escherichia coli in 6/7 sampled points. Despite the low level of contamination by EHAZP in peridomiciliar soil and the absence of pathogenic protozoa in water, the AIL soil and water (due to the presence of fecal coliforms) are potential sources of infection for the population, indicating the need for improvements in sanitation and water treatment, in addition periodic treatment of the population with antiparasitic.