Study of inorganic elements in different organs and tissues of Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) from Brazil.

Multielement concentrations (P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Rh) and total mercury (T-Hg) were analyzed in different organs and tissues of Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis). Samples of 27 T. inunguis specimens, maintained in the collection of the Amazonian Center for the Research and Preservation of Aquatic Mammals, were used, situated in an area highly impacted by gold mining in the northern region of the Brazilian Amazon. Samples of aquatic plants used as food by the animals were also analyzed. The elements S, Cl, K, Cr, and Mn accumulated mainly in the musculature, while Fe and Cu were more concentrated in the liver. Trace elements, such as rubidium (Rb) and rhodium (Rh), not previously reported in the organs of animals of the family Trichechidae, were also identified. The averages for T-Hg in the skin, muscle, encephalon, liver, kidney, and lung samples were, respectively, 0.1540 ± 0.1332, 0.0593 ± 0.1044, 0.0517 ± 0.0467, 0.0486 ± 0.0543, 0.0237 ± 0.0336, and 0.0013 ± 0.0032 µg.g-1. The values obtained for the vibrissae samples were below the limit of quantification, which allows for the conclusion that this tissue cannot be used as a contamination marker. It was observed that even when kept in a conservation breeding site, these animals were exposed to non-essential trace elements. Differences in the accumulation of elements were observed between the different organs and tissues analyzed. The presence of contaminants in animals that live in a preservation center, even at low levels, deserves attention.

Irradiation of reduced-sodium uncooked lamb sausage: antimicrobial efficacy and physicochemical impact.

Excess sodium in food is associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases. Faced with this reality, consumers are becoming aware of the importance of eating foods with reduced sodium content. This work assesses the effects of partial replacement of NaCl by KCl on the microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of uncooked lamb sausage treated with different doses of gamma radiation. Analyses of thermotolerant coliforms, sulfite-reducing Clostridium, Salmonella sp., protein, moisture, ash, lipids, pH, water activity, and color were performed. The results showed that the formulations with reduced sodium content did not differ significantly concerning microbial growth and met the identity and quality standards considering its physicochemical characteristics. Also, irradiation is efficient as a microbiological control method, and the ± 3-kGy dose was the most effective to eliminate pathogenic bacteria present in the sausage formulation prepared with reduced sodium content, inducing less intense changes in physicochemical parameters.

Seasonal variation in trace and minor elements in Brazilian honey by total reflection X-ray fluorescence.

Honey is used as an alternative medicine and is a constituent of a healthy diet worldwide. Its composition is associated with botanical origin and, to some extent, geographical origin because soil and climate characteristics determine the melliferous flora. Also, the elements content in honey samples could give an indication of environmental pollution or geographical origin. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate seasonal patterns of essential elements of Brazilian honey. Honey was collected during spring, summer, autumn, and winter for 2 years to quantify K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, and Sr using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF). Our results indicate no seasonal differences in concentration of Cr, Ni, Se, and Ti, although there were significant seasonal patterns in the composition of essential elements in honey, with higher concentrations of minor and trace elements, especially K and Ca of samples collected in spring and summer.

Determination of trace elements in honey from different regions in Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil) by total reflection X-ray fluorescence.

Trace and minor elements in Brazilian honey were analyzed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Up to 12 elements (K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, and Sr) were detected in 160 samples of honey from 4 regions of Rio de Janeiro State (Barra Mansa, Teresópolis, northern and southern Nova Friburgo). The results showed the samples from Teresópolis had higher rates of essential and nonessential elements than samples from the other regions, except for Ni. K and Ca were the most abundant elements in all samples, in the range of 116.5 to 987.0 µg g(-1) . Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, and Sr were identified in small concentrations (0.01 to 12.08 µg g(-1) ) in all samples, indicating a low level of contamination in all the regions.

Effect of gamma radiation on lipids by the TBARS and NMR

The aim of this work was to study the effect of gamma radiation on lipids by TBARS and NMR. The samples of raw whole milk were subjected to gamma radiation from Co60 in doses of 1, 2 and 3 kGy and the production of rancidity was studied through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Thiobarbituric Acid Test (2-TBARS). The TBARS values increased according to the intensity of the radiation dose applied at the samples, demonstrating correlation between the radiation dose and the production of lipid oxidation. This was confirmed by NMR with the formation of peaks of aldehydes and ketones that were small and similar in the doses of 1 and 2 kGy. In the dose of 3 kGy, the total degradation of milk fat was observed. A correlation between the NMR and 2-TBA was detected.

Distribution of calcium, iron, copper, and zinc in two portions of placenta of teenager and adult women.

The placenta is fundamental for fetal development. The aim of this study was to determine Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn content in the fetal and maternal portions of the placentas of teenage and adult women. Measurement of the minerals was conducted using Synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence. Forty samples from the fetal portion of teenagers and adults and 40 samples from the maternal portion of teenagers and adults were analyzed. There were significant differences in the Ca and Cu concentrations of the placenta's maternal portion when compared to the fetal portion, for both teenagers and adults. There were differences in Fe and Zn concentrations only when comparing the maternal portion of placenta with the fetal portion of the adults. These results suggest important differences in mineral content based on the placental portion. No significant difference was observed between the minerals studied of the maternal portion of teenagers and adults; however, in the fetal portion, mineral concentrations were greater in adults than in teenagers. Therefore, the mineral concentration of the fetal portion of the placenta is influenced by the mother's age. If there is mineral's competition between the mother and fetus during pregnancy in adolescence due to the importance of these minerals in growth and development, then the mechanism and reason for it should be elucidated in future research. In addition, we believe that further research should be carried out on transporters of these minerals in the same portions of the placentas analyzed by our group, in teenagers and adults.

Maternal-fetal distribution of calcium, iron, copper, and zinc in pregnant teenagers and adults.

Adolescence is marked by intensive growth and development. When pregnancy occurs during this period of the mother's growth, there is an increase in her nutritional needs. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of calcium, iron, copper, and zinc in maternal plasma, the placenta, and in the cord plasma of pregnant teenagers and adults. A total of 80 sets of maternal plasma, placentas, and cord plasma (40 from teenagers and 40 from adults) were analyzed using synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence. The levels of calcium, copper, and zinc in the maternal and cord plasma from teenagers were not significantly different than those from adults. Iron levels in the teenagers maternal and cord plasma were higher than in the adults. All of the minerals analyzed were present at higher levels in the placentas from adults than those from teenagers. However, the low quantities of placental calcium, iron, copper, and zinc in the teenagers do not compromise the levels of these minerals in the cord plasma. Future research regarding the placental transport of these minerals is recommended to investigate the efficiency of mechanisms of transfer of these minerals in pregnant teenagers.

Avaliação bacteriológica de carne de javali submetida à irradiação gama durante sua validade comercial / Bacteriological evaluation of boar meat subjected to gamma irradiation during their commercial validity

Um dos processos relativamente modernos usados na conservação da carne é a irradiação gama com redução significativa de micro-organismos deteriorantes e patogênicos. A carne de javali é considerada não convencional, com preço elevado e, por isso, demanda menor que a oferta, a qual está em crescimento. As amostras foram obtidas de seis carcaças de javalis (Sus scrofa) machos, abatidos de acordo com as normas humanitárias, em um matadouro frigorífico sob regime do Serviço de Inspeção Federal – S.I.F. As paletas com osso foram congeladas a -18ºC, serradas transversalmente, embaladas a vácuo e submetidas à irradiação gama (2 e 4 KGy)em uma planta industrial e estocadas durante 450 dias. Neste período, foram realizadas análises de pH e bacteriológicas: contagem global em placas e enumeração de enterococos iniciadas nos dias 2, 180, 360 e 450 de estocagem a - 18ºC. Com o tratamento estatístico, nas amostras não irradiadas houve maior crescimento de bactérias heterotrófilas aeróbias psicrotrófilas e o processo de irradiação das amostras tornou a carne mais segura, visto não ter sido evidenciado crescimento. Quanto à enumeração de Enterococcus spp.; houve maior crescimento nas amostras irradiadas, o que indicaria uma possível seleção da microbiota. Durante os 450 dias de estocagem a – 18ºC, as amostras controle e irradiadas se encontraram viáveis para consumo.

Irradiação gama para eliminação de bactérias do gênero Listeria presentes naturalmente em carne bovina moída / Gamma irradiation to eliminate bacteria like Listeria naturally present in bovine meat

Três grupos de carne bovina moída, com 10 subamostras cada um, foram submetidos ao processo irradiação gama (Cobalto-60), nas doses de 4,0; 5,7 e 7,0 kGy, para a verificação da eficácia da irradiação na eliminação de Listeria spp. presentes naturalmente neste alimento. Realizou-se a enumeração de Listeria spp. em agar MOX e o diagnóstico presuntivo do gênero. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, as três doses de irradiação utilizadas nesta pesquisa não foram suficientes na eliminação de todas as Listerias spp. presentes na carne bovina, mas reduziram consideravelmente o número destas bactérias, podendo ser utilizado como um método eficaz na elaboração de seguros ao consumidor.

Caracterização físico-química e sensorial de mel de abelhas de floradas silvestres irradiado / Physico-chemical and sensory honey of wild flowers spent

Amostras de mel puro de floradas silvestres, de mesma origem, foram irradiadas em Irradiador Gamma Cell, 220, Nordion, no LIN/COPPE/URFJ, com fonte gama de 60°C. O mel foi distribuído em potes de polietileno, de 400 g e irradiado com as doses de 5KGy, 10 KGy, 15 KGy e 25 KGy, à temperatura de 20°C, RJ.C. Potes de mel não-irradiados foram separados para controle. As amostras foram submetidas às análises físico-químicas de: acidez livre, açúcares redutores, coloração, índice de HMF, insolúveis, Ph, sacarose aparente, umidade, odor e atividade diastásica, recomendadas pela SND/Ministério da Agricultura (LA-NARA), conforme as normas do CAC e AOAC. Os resultados mostraram que mesmo para a dose mais elevada (25 KGy), as alterações foram muito pequenas. Apenas a coloração foi mais alterada, mudando para um âmbar ligeiramente mais claro. Na análise sensorial usou-se a escala hedônica de 7 pontos, com participação de 30 consumidores escolhidos aleatoriamente. A análise estatística dos resultados foi feita pela Análise de Variança (ANOVA) e o Teste de Tukey ao nível de 1 por cento, para as preferências entre os atributos dos grupos. As diferentes doses de radiação não produziram diferenças significativas no aroma e no sabor, mas apenas na cor. Comparando com a amostra não-irradiada, as irradiadas diferiram 0,05 por cento na cor, 0,2 por cento no sabor e 0,02 por cento no aroma.

Caracterização sensorial e análise bacteriológica do peixe-sapo (Lophius gastrophysus) refrigerado e irradiado / Sensorial characterization and bacteriological analysis of the peixe-sapo (Lophius gastrophysus) chilled and irradiated

As amostras de filé de peixe-sapo (Lophius gastrophysus) receberam doses de 3, 5, e 7kGy de radiação gama. A contagem de bactérias heterotróficas aeróbicas psicotróficas foi realizada em diferentes tempos de estocagem à temperatura de 0°C, juntamente com a amostra controle. Também foi analisado o perfil sensorial de sabor e aroma, além da avaliação da preferência quanto à cor. Dentre as amostras irradiadas, a que obteve melhor qualidade, quanto aos atributos e às amplitudes de sabor e aroma, foi a amostra irradiada a 5kGy. As amostras controle, 3, e 5kGy não diferiram significativamente entre si, sendo consideradas como as mais preferidas quanto à cor, sugerindo uma aparência de maior frescor, quando comparadas com a amostra 7kGy. Sugere-se a dosagem de radiação gama de 5kGy como a mais eficiente na manutenção da qualidade bacteriológica e sensorial em filé de peixe-sapo refrigerado.

The samples of the fillets of peixe-sapo (Lophius gastrophysus) received 3, 5 and 7kGy gamma irradiation. The count of psicotrophic aerobic heterotrophic bacteria was accomplished in different times of store to the temperature of 0°C, together with the sample control the sensory profile of the was analyzed. Also flavor and aroma besides the evaluation of the preference with relationship to color. Among the irradiated samples the on that obtained better quality, as attributes and flavor widths and aroma, it was the sample radiated to the 5kGy. The samples control, 3, and 5kGy didn't differ significantly each other being considered as the most favorite with relationship to the color, suggesting an appearance of larger coolness when compared with 7kGy sample. Dosage of radiation is suggested it gamma of the most efficient 5kGy as in the maintenance of the bacteriological and sensory quality in fillet of cooled peixe-sapo.

Associação entre concentrações séricas de minerais, índices antropométricos e ocorrência de diarréia entre crianças de baixa renda da região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro / Association among serum concentration of minerals, anthropometric indices and diarrhea in low-income children in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a associação entre concentrações séricas de ferro, zinco e cobre, perfil nutricional e ocorrência de diarréia entre crianças residentes em uma comunidade de baixa renda no município de Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, que avaliou 104 crianças, na faixa etária de 1 a 5 anos, selecionadas entre os meses de abril a dezembro de 2004, pelo projeto Vila Rosário. Avaliou-se o perfil socioeconômico das famílias e de saúde das crianças, incluindo a ocorrência de diarréia. A avaliação nutricional incluiu peso, estatura/comprimento, índices peso-para-idade e estatura-para-idade, expressos em escores-Z e classificação do estado nutricional segundo estes índices. As concentrações séricas de zinco, ferro e cobre foram determinados em uma sub-amostra (n=59) a partir da técnica de florescência de raios x por reflexão total com radiação síncroton. RESULTADOS: As crianças residiam em domicílios caracterizados por condições sanitárias insatisfatórias, com famílias numerosas e com baixo poder aquisitivo. A prevalência de diarréia no último mês foi de 55,7 por cento. Cerca de 28,4 por cento das crianças apresentaram déficit ponderal e 4,9 por cento delas déficit estatural. A deficiência de ferro, zinco e cobre encontrada na amostra foi de, respectivamente, 13 por cento, 7,5 por cento e 8,9 por cento. Não foi observada associação significante entre os indicadores do perfil nutricional e os valores séricos dos minerais. As crianças com relato de diarréia apresentaram valores séricos médios de minerais inferiores aos daquelas sem relato, sendo significante para os valores de zinco. CONCLUSÃO: As crianças com episódios de diarréia podem apresentar comprometimento das concentrações séricas de zinco.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association among blood serum concentrations of iron, zinc, copper, nutritional status and occurrence of diarrhea in children from a low-income community in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that evaluated 104 children aging from 1 to 5 years, selected in the months of April and December 2004, by the project Vila Rosário. The socioeconomic profile of the families and health of the children were assessed, including the occurrence of diarrhea. Nutritional assessment included weight, height/length, weight-for-age and height-for-age indices expressed in Z-scores and classification of the nutritional status based on these indices. Serum concentrations of zinc, iron and copper were determined in a sub-sample (n=59) by synchrotron total reflection x-ray fluorescence. RESULTS: The children lived in crowded households with unsatisfactory sanitary conditions and were from low-income families. The prevalence of diarrhea in the last moth was 55.7 percent; 28.4 percent of the children were underweight and 4.9 percent were stunted. Iron, zinc and copper deficiencies in the sample were 13.0 percent, 7.5 percent and 8.9 percent respectively. There was no significant association between nutritional indicators and serum concentration of the minerals. Blood serum levels of zinc in children without diarrhea were significantly higher than among those with diarrhea. CONCLUSION: Episodes of diarrhea can compromise blood serum levels of zinc in children.

Enumeração de Enterococcus e sua identificação presuntiva em mexilhões [Perna perna (Linnaeus, 1758)] irradiados com doses de 3, 5 e 7 kGy / Enumeration of Enterococcus and its presumptive identification in bivalvia [Leg leg (Linnaeus, 1758)] radiated with doses of 3, 5 and 7 kGy

Os mexilhões, por apresentarem pequeno prazo de vida comercial e possuírem intensa microbiota no seu trato intestinal, devem ser processados tecnologicamente para que tenham sua comercialização ampliada, não determinar Enfermidades Transmitidas por Alimentos (ETA) aos ingestores e impedir perdas econômicas. Um dos processos de conservação usados para atender a estes propósitos é a irradiação de alimentos, que vem sendo bastante estudada nos últimos 50 anos como uma opção para reduzir as perdas entre o produtor e o consumidor e, também, para redução das ETA. Foram analisadas amostras mexilhão pré-cozido, congelado e embalado, divididas em quatro grupos: um grupo de amostra controle (testemunha), e três grupos de amostras irradiadas com doses de 3, 5 e 7kGy, respectivamente. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a ocorrência de Enterococcus, que são indicadores de contaminação fecal e podem resistir ao processo de irradiação. Os resultados indicaram para Enterococcus, que a amostra testemunha diferiu significativamente (p<0,05) das amostras irradiadas com doses de 3, 5 e 7 kGy, as quais não diferiram entre si (p<0,05).

The effect of in vitro gamma radiation on Anisakis sp. larvae collected from th pink cusk-el, Genypterus brasiliensis Regan, 1903

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estudar o impacto da radiação gama in vitro sobre as larvas de anisaquídeos coletadas do congro-rosa, Genypterus brasiliensis verificando a utilidade deste processamento tecnológico como controle para evitar a anisaquiose humana. Os parasitos foram irradiados com dosagens de 1, 3 e 6 kGy, mantidos em solução fisiológica 0,65% deNaCI e armazenados sob refrigeração a temperaturas entre 5°C a 8°C. A mais efetiva dosagem usada foi a de 6 kGy, na qual as larvas desses nematóides sobreviveram por um período máximo de 14 dias