Abstract One of the appeals of the rising organic market is the guarantee of offering healthier foods with less impact on the environment, from a more sustainable production method. Dairy market is one of the most popular in the sector but studies on organic dairy products safety are still scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of organic and conventional Minas Frescal cheese samples, and the antimicrobial sensitivity of isolated strains of Escherichia coli and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus to different antimicrobials. Listeria spp. and Salmonella spp. was not detected in any of the samples analyzed. Regarding coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, 70% showed higher counts than that is established by Brazilian legislation, but with no significant difference between the systems. In the determination of the Most Probable Number of E. coli was observed significant difference between the systems, with a higher contamination index in cheeses derived from the organic system. All strains isolated showed 100% resistance to β-lactams and both in the conventional and organic systems were observed multiple resistance characteristics. Considering the similarity of the results obtained, it is necessary to analyze other parameters such as production system, herd health and good manufacturing practices to compare deeply both systems.

Medicinal products based on the Cannabis sativa plant are available in Brazil, among them, drug, cannabis products, individual import products, and those provided by patient associations. Despite this, there is no monograph for the evaluation of cannabinoids in Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (BP) or other compendia accepted. Therefore, this work aimed to develop a quick and easy method to quantify cannabinoids in authorized products for medicinal purposes. The method was developed by HPLC-UV, gradient elution composed of formic acid in acetonitrile and water, the flow rate of 0.6 mL min-1 and 220 nm detection. It was possible to resolve the peaks of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiolic acid and cannabinol and to quantify CBD (105.35%; 104.07%) and THC (106.62%). The developed method was applied to two products and met the established requirements of precision, accuracy, linearity, and selectivity. This procedure has been tested on four cannabis-based products to attest to its effectiveness. Considering the importance of establishing minimum quality requirements for medicinal products and considering the available products in Brazil, it was found that it is important to evaluate the implementation of other products in the method developed for future validation and later inclusion in the BP.

Abstract Bivalve molluscs are important fishing resources for human consumption around the world. However, for safe consumption, good hygiene conditions must be ensured throughout the production chain. Eating bivalve molluscs, particularly raw, can pose a significant health risk to consumers because they can act as vectors of infectious pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of mussels from Niterói, RJ and the use of cooking to ensure food safety, as well as assessing the susceptibility of Escherichia coli and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus strains to different antimicrobials. Therefore, microbiological analyzes were performed on mussels Perna perna before and after thermal processing, the impact of cooking on the microorganisms was verified. Cooking the mussels in water at 95°C for 1 (one) minute reduced product contamination. The use of the time x temperature binomial was sufficient to reduce pathogenic microorganisms to acceptable levels according to Brazilian legislation, although the pathogens were only completely eliminated after five minutes. The bacteria investigated had a high antibiotic resistance index: 66% of E. coli strains and 34.78% of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus strains were found to be resistant to multiple drugs.

Abstract The spittlebugs Mahanarva spectabilis economically challenges cattle production of neotropical regions, due to its voracious feeding on tropical grasses. Here, we evaluated biochemical responses of the interaction between M. spectabilis and the widely cultivated tropical grasses Brachiaria spp. (i.e., brizantha and decumbens) and elephant grasses (cvs. Roxo de Botucatu and Pioneiro), regarding lipoxygenases, protease inhibitors, phytohormones, and proteolytic activities in the midgut of M. spectabilis. The M. spectabilis-infested grasses increased lipoxygenases activity, except for cv. Pioneiro. The levels of the phytohormones jasmonic and abscisic acids were similarly low in all genotypes and increased under herbivory. Furthermore, salicylic acid concentration was constitutively higher in Brachiaria sp., increasing only in spittlebug-infested B. decumbens. M. spectabilis infestations did not induce increases of protease inhibitors in any forage grass type. The trypsin activity remained unaltered, and the total proteolytic activity increased only in B. decumbens-fed insects. Our findings revealed that most forage grasses exposed to spittlebugs activate the lipoxygenases pathway, resulting in increased abscisic and jasmonic acids. However, greater amounts of these hormones do not induce protease inhibitory activity in response to spittlebug attack. This knowledge certainly helps to guide future projects aiming at reducing the impact of spittlebugs on forage production.

Resumo Introdução e objetivo: A incorporação de própolis em dentifrícios visa ajudar a controlar e prevenir patologias bucais de maneira mais eficaz, através da eliminação de patógenos presentes no biofilme. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre a eficácia antimicrobiana de diferentes produtos no mercado de microrganismos para essas patologias. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ação antimicrobiana de três dentifrícios contendo própolis em patógenos orais. Material e métodos: O método de difusão em ágar foi utilizado para analisar três dentífricos à base de própolis, incluindo: Noplak Max®, Protta® e Forever Bright®. Um creme dental não própolis (Malvatrikids®) foi usado como controle negativo. Os controles positivos foram 0,2% de clorexidina diluída para 30% para corresponder à concentração de clorexidina de um dos dentifrícios avaliados e 11% de extrato de própolis (Apis Flora®). Para a determinação da atividade antimicrobiana, foram utilizadas as linhagens Fusobacterium nucleatum e Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus e Candida albicans. Resultados: Dos dentifrícios testados, Protta® e Forever Bright® apresentaram ação inibitória contra S. mutans, E. faecalis e microorganismos de C. albicans. O creme dental Noplak® apresentou baixa atividade antimicrobiana, limitada a S. mutans e E. faecalis. Quando houve efeito antimicrobiano, os diâmetros dos halos de inibição de crescimento variaram de 9 a 28,83 mm. Conclusão: O uso de um dentifrício contendo própolis para eventual uso como complemento terapêutico em odontologia é totalmente justificado, considerando as atividades farmacológicas.

Abstract Introduction and objective: The incorporation of propolis in dentifrices aims to more effectively assist the control and prevention of oral pathologies through the elimination of pathogens present in the biofilm. However, little is known about the antimicrobial efficacy of different products on the market for microorganisms for these conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial action of three propolis-containing dentifrices on oral pathogens. Material and methods: The agar diffusion method was used to analyze three propolis-based dentifrices, including: Noplak Max®, Protta® and Forever Bright®. A non-propolis dentifrice (Malvatrikids®) was employed as a negative control. Positive controls were 0.2% chlorhexidine, further diluted 30% to match the chlorhexidine concentration of one of the evaluated dentifrices and 11% propolis extract (Apis Flora®). For the determination of antimicrobial activity the strains of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans were used. Results: Of the tested dentifrices, Protta® and Forever Bright® showed inhibitory action against S. mutans, E. faecalis and C. albicans microorganisms. Noplak® dentifrice showed low antimicrobial activity, being limited to S. mutans and E. faecalis. When there was an antimicrobial effect, the diameter of the growth inhibition halos ranged from 9mm to 28.83mm. Conclusion: The use of a propolis-containing dentifrice for eventual use as a therapeutic adjunct in dentistry is fully justified, considering the pharmacological activities.

Resumen Introducción y objetivo: La incorporación de propóleos en los dentífricos tiene como objetivo ayudar de manera más efectiva al control y la prevención de patologías orales a través de la eliminación de los patógenos presentes en la biopelícula. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre la eficacia antimicrobiana de diferentes productos en el mercado de microorganismos para estas patologías. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la acción antimicrobiana de tres dentífricos que contienen propóleos sobre los patógenos orales. Material y métodos: Se utilizó el método de difusión en agar para analizar tres dentífricos basados en propóleos, que incluyen: Noplak Max®, Protta® y Forever Bright®. Se utilizó un dentífrico sin propóleos (Malvatrikids®) como control negativo. Los controles positivos fueron 0,2% de clorhexidina diluida adicionalmente al 30% para igualar la concentración de clorhexidina de uno de los dentífricos evaluados, y el extracto de propóleos (Apis Flora®) al 11%. Para la determinación de la actividad antimicrobiana se utilizaron las cepas de Fusobacterium nucleatum y Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus y Candida albicans. Resultados: De los dentífricos probados, Protta® y Forever Bright® mostraron acción inhibitoria contra S. mutans, E. faecalis y microorganismos de C. albicans. El dentífrico Nopla k® mostró baja actividad antimicrobiana, limitándose a S. mutans y E. faecalis. Cuando hubo un efecto antimicrobiano, los diámetros de los halos de inhibición del crecimiento variaron de 9mm a 28,83mm. Conclusión: El uso de un dentífrico que contiene propóleos para su uso eventual como complemento terapéutico en odontología está justificado, considerando las actividades farmacológicas.

Abstract In this work were developed and evaluated new antimicrobial films of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) additivated with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) and clove essential oil (CEO). The PHB/PEG/CEO films were prepared using the solution casting technique. The CEO concentrations varied between 0.0 and 15% (w/w), related to the total mass (1.4 g), without considering the solvent used. The CG-MS analysis showed that the major component of the CEO was eugenol (72.96%). The antimicrobial activity from the CEO was evaluated against three bacteria (E. coli, E. aerogenes and S. aureus). The migration of CEO in the films occurred with all tested simulants. Thermal analysis has shown that the addition of 15% w/w of the CEO causes the biggest changes in the chemical structure of the material, resulting in less energy during film processing. The mechanical data demonstrated that the addition of 15% w/w of the CEO results in more flexible films.

Abstract Copolymers based on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) are considered attractive as sorbents because the epoxy groups can be easily converted into other groups. Studies involving the influence of the synthesis parameters on the morphological characteristics of these copolymers are scarce. This work investigates the synthesis of copolymers of poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) with different porosity degrees obtained by varying the synthesis parameters. GMA-EGDMA copolymers were synthesized by suspension polymerization employing varied conditions and characterized by measuring apparent density, surface area and pore volume distribution, optical and scanning electron microcopies, FT-IR, thermogravimetry and titration of epoxide rings. The copolymer with highest surface area and pore volume (260.4 m2/g and 0.5 cm3/g) was prepared employing cyclohexane as diluent, 80% EGDMA in monomeric composition and 100% of dilution degree. There was a relation between the epoxide content of the copolymers determined by titration and the residue content formed in the first decomposition stage.

Abstract Hepatopulmonary hydatidosis in young children is a rare and atypical presentation of Echinococcus granulosus infection. We report the first case of cystic echinococcosis caused by a microvariant of E. granulosus sensu stricto. Chemotherapy and systemic corticoids were administered before curative surgery was performed. Recurrence was not observed for more than 24 months of follow-up.

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals, which present unique photophysical properties, enabling their application as new fluorescent platforms for biomedical sciences. Colloidal QDs are end-capped with organic or inorganic compounds, not only to prevent their agglomeration but also to provide reaction sites for the attachment of targeting (bio)molecules, nanoparticles or other interfaces, for specific biological purposes. The (bio)conjugation can involve non-covalent or covalent interactions, which can be accomplished through different strategies. The final assembly needs to maintain its chemical and optical stability and biochemical functionality. Although a relative good comprehension of the experimental procedures has been established, the bioconjugation process is still a challenge. The present manuscript aims to review the main (bio)conjugation strategies successfully applied to QDs, describing the steps necessary to prepare stable targeting fluorescent nanoplatforms, as well as some usual methods used to evaluate and optimize this process.

Abstract Objective: to describe the characteristics of food consumption and energy intake of women with central obesity of socioeconomic classes A/B vs C/D/E. Methodology: a cross-sectional study in which a structured questionnaire was answered containing data on socioeconomics and physical activities. Weight and waist circumference (WC) were measured and the 24-hour recall was assessed (24hR) in relation to food consumption. Biochemical exams were analyzed. The dietary analysis was performed on the Nutwin software and statistical analysis on the SPSS 23.0. Results: there were 89 women assessed in each group and no significant differences were observed in relation to age, with averages of 51.2 ± 12.2 years vs 49 ± 14.4 years for classes C/D/E vs A/B, respectively. A sedentary lifestyle was predominant for class C/D/E 82 (92.13%) vs 22 (24.71%) (p < 0.001).Significant differences were observed between the groups for variables of hypertriglyceridemia (p < 0.001), predominant in the C/D/E socioeconomic group, and HDL-C (p < 0.001), predominant in the A/B socioeconomic group. Total energy consumption of women from class C/D/E vs A/B presented mean values of 1,528.72 kcal (1,128.8-1,697.3) vs 2,267.48 kcal (1,670.3-2,625.84), respectively. Significant differences were observed in the consumption of fiber between groups C/D/E vs A/B (p < 0.001), with less consumption in class C/D/E. With reference to income and schooling levels, we observed heterogeneity in the results and emphasize the marked contrast between low and high income that could influence the choice of food, contributing in the lower income to monotonous diets, less energy consumption and, furthermore, low quality in the ingested food. Conclusion: in this study, all of the women presented metabolic profiles in different manners among the groups and, also, women of class C/D/E, who presented insufficient fiber consumption, directly contributing to this condition of obesity, also presented worse lipid (total cholesterol and triglycerides) and glycemic profiles.

Resumen Objetivo: describir las características del consumo alimentario e ingestión energética de mujeres con obesidad central de clase socioeconómica A/B vs C/D/E. Metodología: estudio transversal en el que respondieron a un cuestionario estructurado que contenía datos socioeconómicos y actividad física. Se evaluaron el peso, circunferencia de la cintura (CC) y se hizo un recordatorio de 24 horas (R24h) en relación al consumo alimentario y los exámenes bioquímicos. Los análisis dietéticos se realizaron en el software Nutwin y los análisis estadísticos en el SPSS 23.0. Resultados: se valoraron 89 mujeres en cada grupo y no se observó diferencia significativa para la edad, con una media de 51,2 ± 12,2 años frente a 49 ± 14,4 años clase C/D/E vs A/B, respectivamente. El sedentarismo fue predominante en la clase C/D/E 82 (92,13%) vs 22 (24,71%), (p < 0,001). Se observaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos para las variables de hipertrigliceridemia (p < 0,001), predominantes en el grupo de clase socioeconómico C/D/E y HDL-C (p < 0,001), predominante en el grupo de clase socioeconómico A/B. El consumo energético total de las mujeres de clase C/D/E vs A / B, presentó medianas de 1528,72 kcal (1128,8-1697,3) frente a 2267,48 kcal (1670,3-2625,84), respectivamente. Se observó una diferencia significativa del consumo de fibra entre los grupos C/D/E vs A/B (p < 0,001), siendo el consumo menor en la clase C / D / E. En lo que se refiere a la renta y escolaridad, observamos la heterogeneidad de los resultados y destacamos el marcado contraste entre la baja y elevada renta lo que podría influir en la elección de los alimentos, contribuyendo en la menor renta para la monotonía alimentaria, menor consumo energético y, además, baja calidad de los alimentos ingeridos. Conclusión: en este estudio, todas las mujeres presentaron perfiles metabólicos de maneras distintas entre los grupos. Las mujeres de la clase C/D/E, presentaron consumo insuficiente de fibra, lo que ciertamente contribuyó al cuadro de obesidad encontrado y paralelamente presentan peor perfil lipídico (colesterol total y triglicéridos) y glucémico.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Human leptospirosis (HL) in the Federal District (DF), Brazil, is endemic and requires studies to characterize the socio-epidemiological profile of the vulnerable population. METHODS: Seventy-nine autochthonous cases of HL between 2011-2015 were analyzed based on the databases of the Epidemiological and Environmental Health Surveillance Department, DF. RESULTS: The male population aged 31-45 years represented 86% of the leptospirosis cases; most belonged to the social classes D and E. CONCLUSIONS: In the DF, preventive measures should be concentrated on economically active male adults of social classes C, D, and E with the aim of promoting health.

Resumo O presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar a frequência das espécies de Eimeria spp. em bovinos holandeses (bovinos de leite) e Nelore (bovinos de corte) em 12 propriedades no Estado de Goiás. Foi avaliado um total de 2.601 animais, e em cada propriedade, os bovinos foram divididos nas seguintes categorias conforme a idade: até 3 meses, 4 a 8 meses, 9 a 16 meses e vacas. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas diretamente da ampola retal dos animais. Com base nos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que em holandeses e Nelores, o maior número de bovinos infectados por Eimeria spp. foi observado do 1º ao 16º e do 1º ao 8º meses de idade, respectivamente. Não houve nenhum caso de eimeriose clínica durante a pesquisa. Doze e nove espécies de Eimeria foram diagnosticadas em holandeses e Nelores, respectivamente. As duas espécies mais frequentes foram Eimeria bovis e Eimeria zuernii, entretanto, E. zuernii foi mais prevalente em animais até os 3 meses de idade, enquanto que E. bovis foi a mais frequente nas demais categorias de bovinos, a partir dos 4 meses de idade. Futuros estudos relacionados à epidemiologia e/ou de sazonalidade da infecção por espécies Eimeria spp., em bovinos desde o seu nascimento, são necessários, a fim de melhor entender a dinâmica de ocorrência de E. zuernii e E. bovis principalmente em bezerros com até 3 meses de idade.

Abstract This study aimed to identify the frequency of occurrence of Eimeria species in Holstein (taurine dairy cattle) and Nelore (zebu beef cattle) on 12 farms in the state of Goiás, Brazil. A total of 2,601 animals were evaluated, and the cattle were divided into the following age-group categories: up to three months old, four to eight months old, nine to 16 months old and cows. Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of all animals. None of the cattle presented any clinical signs of eimeriosis during the survey. From the results obtained, it could be concluded that higher rates of infection by Eimeria spp. were observed in Holstein cattle between the 1st and 16 th months of age and in Nelore cattle between the 1st and 8th months of age. Twelve and nine Eimeria species were diagnosed in Holstein and Nelore cattle, respectively. However, Eimeria zuernii was more prevalent in animals up to three months old, while Eimeria bovis was more common in the remaining categories (cattle aged four months and over). Future studies on the epidemiology and/or seasonality of infection by Eimeria species in cattle, from birth onwards, are needed in order to better understand the dynamics of E. zuernii and E. bovis occurrences, especially in cattle under three months of age.

This study aimed to estimate the frequency, associated factors, and molecular characterisation of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii, andEntamoeba hartmanni infections. We performed a survey (n = 213 subjects) to obtain parasitological, sanitation, and sociodemographic data. Faecal samples were processed through flotation and centrifugation methods.E. histolytica, E. dispar, E. moshkovskii, and E. hartmanni were identified by nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The overall prevalence of infection was 22/213 (10.3%). The infection rate among subjects who drink rainwater collected from roofs in tanks was higher than the rate in subjects who drink desalinated water pumped from wells; similarly, the infection rate among subjects who practice open defecation was significantly higher than that of subjects with latrines. Out of the 22 samples positive for morphologically indistinguishableEntamoeba species, the differentiation by PCR was successful for 21. The species distribution was as follows: 57.1% to E. dispar, 23.8% to E. histolytica, 14.3% toE. histolytica and E. dispar, and 4.8% E. dispar and E. hartmanni. These data suggest a high prevalence of asymptomatic infection by the group of morphologically indistinguishable Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskiicomplex and E. hartmanni species. In this context of water scarcity, the sanitary and socioenvironmental characteristics of the region appear to favour transmission.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a fauna parasitária de 79 Geophagus brasiliensis (acarás) proveniente do Estuário da Lagoa dos Patos (31°57’S e 52°06’W), Rio Grande do Sul, no período de Maio e Junho de 2011 a 2012. Todos os hospedeiros analisados estavam infectados com pelo menos uma espécie de parasito. Um total de onze metazoários foi identificado em 459 espécimes coletados. O trematoda Austrodiplostomum compactum (34,2%) e os ergasilídeos Ergasilus lizae (32,9%) e Gauchergasilus lizae (32,9%) foram às espécies mais prevalentes. Os trematodeos Thometrema overstreeti e Posthodiplostomum sp. apresentaram uma prevalência significativamente maior nos peixes acima de 20 cm. O gênero sexual dos hospedeiros não apresentou influência sobre a prevalência e a abundância parasitária. Geophagus brasiliensis é registrado como um novo hospedeiro para os trematódeos Lobatostoma sp., Homalometron pseudopallidum e Thometrema overstreeti, para os ergasilídeos Ergasilus lizae e Gauchergasilus euripedesi e para o argulídeo Argulus spinolosus. O crustáceo E. lizae é registrado pela primeira vez no Rio Grande do Sul.

Abstract This study has evaluated the parasitic fauna of 79 pearl cichlids (Geophagus brasiliensis) from the estuary of Patos Lagoon (31° 57' S and 52° 06' W), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, during the months of May and June in 2011 and 2012. All the hosts analyzed were infected with at least one species of parasite. A total of eleven metazoa were identified in 459 specimens collected. The trematode Austrodiplostomum compactum (34.2%) and ergasilids Ergasilus lizae (32.9%) and Gauchergasilus lizae (32.9%) were the most prevalent species. The trematodes Thometrema overstreeti and Posthodiplostomum sp. had significantly higher prevalence in fish longer than 20 cm. The sex of the host had no effect on parasite prevalence and abundance. Pearl cichlids are registered as a new host for the trematodes Lobatostoma sp., Homalometron pseudopallidum and Thometrema overstreeti, for the ergasilids Ergasilus lizae and Gauchergasilus euripedesi and for the argulid Argulus spinolosus. The crustacean E. lizae is recorded in Rio Grande do Sul for the first time.

Neste estudo, buscou-se identificar os agentes etiológicos de origem parasitária em cistos nas vísceras de suínos oriundos sa região centro/norte do sEstado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Cinquenta e oito cistos foram encontrados durante a inspeção veterinária em fígados de suínos abatidos entre janeiro de 2008 a 2012. As amostras foram submetidas às análises macroscópicas e moleculares. Reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), sequenciamento de DNA e alinhamento das sequências no BLAST (bases de dados do GenBank) foram utilizados na caracterização molecular das amostras. Das amostras analisadas, 10,3% (6/58) foram positivas para Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato e 56,9% (33/58) para Cysticercus tenuicollis. Evidenciou-se a ocorrência de larvas de E. granulosus sensu lato e Taenia hydatigena em rebanhos suínos na região centro/norte do RS. A presença de ambos os agentes é relevante devido às perdas econômicas para a indústria de carnes. Além disso, destaca-se que E. granulosus sensu lato possui importância zoonótica e pode contaminar os rebanhos suínos no sul do Brasil.

This study aimed to identify the parasitical etiologic agents of visceral cysts in pigs from the central/northern region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Fifty-eight cysts were found in livers during veterinary inspection of swine slaughtered from January 2008 to 2012. Collected samples were submitted to macroscopic and molecular analyzes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing and BLAST alignment of sequences was used to molecular characterization of the samples. By PCR 10.3% (6/58) of tested samples were positive for Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and 56.9% (33/58) for Cysticercus tenuicollis. In this study, it was verified the occurrence of larval forms of E. granulosus sensu lato and Taenia hydatigena in pig herds from the central/northern region of Rio Grande do Sul State. The presence of both parasites is relevant due to the economic losses for the meat industry. Additionally, E. granulosus sensulato has zoonotic importance and may be infecting pig herds in southern Brazil.