Genetic population data of 12 STR loci of the PowerPlex (R) Y system in the state of Sao Paulo population (Southeast of Brazil)

Allele frequency distributions and population data for 12 Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) included in the PowerPlex (R) Y Systems (Promega) were obtained for a sample of 200 healthy unrelated males living in S (a) over tildeo Paulo State (Southeast of Brazil). A total of 192 haplotypes were identified, of which 184 were unique and 8 were found in 2 individuals. The average gene diversity of the 12 Y-STR was 0.6746 and the haplotype diversity was 0.9996. Pairwise analysis confirmed that our population is more similar with the Italy, North Portugal and Spain, being more distant of the Japan. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel sequence types (STs) of Staphylococcus aureus isolates causing clinical and subclinical mastitis in flocks of sheep in the northeast of Brazil

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important infectious mastitis causative agents in small ruminants. In order to know the distribution of Staph. aureus strains associated with infectious mastitis in flocks of sheep in the northeast of Brazil and establish whether these clones are related to the strains distributed internationally, this study analysed the genetic diversity of Staph. aureus isolates from cases of clinical and subclinical mastitis in ewes by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). In this research, 135 ewes with mastitis from 31 sheep flocks distributed in 15 districts were examined. Staph. aureus was isolated from sheep milk in 9 (29%) out of 31 herds located in 47% of the districts surveyed. MLST analysis allowed the identification of four STs (ST750, ST1728, ST1729 and ST1730). The last three with their respective novel alleles (g/p-220; pta-182 and yqil-180) were recently reported in the Staph. aureus MLST database (http://www.mlst.net). Each novel allele showed only a nucleotide different from those already described. The occurrence of CC133 (ST750 and ST1729) in this study is in agreement with other reports that only a few clones of Staph. aureus seem to be responsible for most cases of mastitis in dairy farms and that some of these clones may have broad geographic distribution. However, the prevalence of CC5 (ST1728 and ST1730)-an important group related to cases of colonization or infection in humans-differs from previous studies by its widespread occurrence and may suggest human contamination followed by selective pressures of the allelic diversifications presented for these STs.

Etiology of childhood diarrhea in the northeast of Brazil: significant emergent diarrheal pathogens

In a study conducted in Joao Pessoa, northeast of Brazil, 2344 Escherichia coli isolated from 290 infants with diarrhea and 290 healthy matched controls were analyzed for virulence traits. Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) was the most prevalent pathogen associated to acute diarrhea. Based on the results of colony blot hybridization, serotyping, and HEp-2 cell adherence assays, strains were separated in categories as typical enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) (1.7%), atypical EPEC (a-EPEC) (9.3%), EAEC (25%), enterotoxigenic E. coli (10%), and enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) (1.4%). No enterohemorrhagic E. coli strains were isolated. Other enteropathogens were found, including Salmonella (7.9%), Shigella spp. (4.1%), thermophilic Campylobacter spp. (2.4%), Giardia lamblia (9.3%), and Entamoeba histolytica (5.8%). All enteropathogens were associated with diarrhea (P < 0.01). However, the association was lower for EPEC and EIEC (P < 0.03). Different pathogens associated with diarrhea may have been changing in Brazil where EAEC and a-EPEC seem to be the most prevalent pathogens among them. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxin in the Billings Reservoir (Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil)

The Billings Complex and the Guarapiranga System are important strategic reservoirs for the city of Sao Paulo and surrounding areas because the water is used among other things, for the public water supply. They produce 19,000 liters of water per second and Supply water to 5.4 million people. Crude water is transferred from the Taquacetuba branch of the Billings Complex to the Guarapiranga Reservoir to regulate the water level of the reservoir. The objective of this study was to evaluate the water quality in the Taquacetuba branch, focusing on cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins. Surface water samples were collected in February (summer) and July (winter) of 2007. Analyses were conducted of physical, chemical, and biological variables of he water, cyanobacteria richness and density, and the presence of cyanotoxins. The water was classified as eutrophic-hypereutrophic. Cyanobacteria blooms were observed in both collection periods. The cyanobacteria bloom was most significant in July, reflecting lower water transparency and higher levels of total solids, suspended organic matter, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacteria density in the surface water. Low richness and elevated dominance of the cyanobacteria were found in both periods. Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii was dominant in February, with 352 661.0 cel mL(-1), and Microcystis panniformis was dominant in July, with 1 866 725.0 cel mL(-1). Three variants of microcystin were found in February (MC-RR, MC-LR, MC-YR), as well as saxitoxin. The same variants of microcystin were found in July, but no saxitoxin was detected. Anatoxin-a and cylindropermopsin were not detected in either period. These findings are of great concern because the water in the Taquacetuba branch, which is transferred into the Guarapiranga Reservoir, is not treated nor managed. It is recommended that monitoring be intensified and more effective measures be taken by the responsible agencies to prevent the process of eutrophication and the consequent development of the cyanobacteria and their toxins.

Organophosphate and carbamate poisonings in the northwest of Parana state, Brazil from 1994 to 2005: clinical and epidemiological aspects

In the present study, clinical and epidemiological aspects of 529 intoxication cases of organophosphate or carbamate pesticides in the northwest of the state of Parana, Brazil, over a twelve-year period (1994-2005), are presented. One hundred-five of 257 patients (40.8%) who attempted suicide were admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), with an average hospital stay of two days (range 1-40 days). Men corresponded to 56.4% of the cases of suicide attempts and sixteen individuals died. One hundred-forty patients intoxicated due to occupational exposure were all young adults and nine of them were admitted to ICU, with average hospital stays of eight days (range 1-16 days). Of these cases, two patients died. One hundred twenty-four patients intoxicated due to accidental exposure were mainly children and had a hospital average stay of four days. Twenty patients were admitted to the ICU, and one of them died. Overall complications included respiratory failure, convulsions, and aspiration pneumonia. Deliberate ingestion of organophosphates and carbamates Was much more toxic than occupational and accidental exposure. Men aged 15-39 years were the most likely to attempt suicide with these agents and had more prolonged ICU with significant complications and mortality

Generic drugs in Brazil: historical overview and legislation

The Brazilian generic drugs policy was implemented in 1999 with the aim of stimulating competition in the market, improve the quality of drugs and improve the access of the population to drug treatment. The process of implementing this policy allowed the introduction and discussion of concepts that had never before been used in the context of drug registration in Brazil: bioavailability, bioequivalence, pharmaceutical equivalence, generic drugs, biopharmaceutical classification system, biowaiver. The present article provides definitions for these concepts in the context of Brazilian legislation as well as a historical and chronological description of the implementation of the generic drugs policy in Brazil, including a list of current generic drug legislation. This article contributes to the understanding of the Brazilian generic drugs policy and facilitates the search for information concerning the legal requirements for registration of drugs in Brazil.

Identification of Staphylococcus aureus Carrying the mecA Gene in Ready-to-Eat Food Products Sold in Brazil

Since Staphylococcus aureus can cause several types of diseases, the development of antibiotic resistance poses an even greater threat to public health. S. aureus is known to possess the adaptive capability to promptly respond to antibiotics, making it resistant and increasingly difficult to treat; methicillin-resistant strains of S. aureus are a major concern with regard to this species. Previous studies reported the identification of methicillin-resistant S. aureus in food, demonstrating that this can represent a source of S. aureus which may carry the mecA gene. Fifty-seven S. aureus isolates, previously obtained from different types of food, were screened by polymerase chain reaction with specific primers for the mecA gene, which mediates methicillin resistance. Five (9%) isolates showed the presence of mecA gene, demonstrating that food may contain microorganisms possessing resistance genes. This study emphasizes the need to include food as a possible source of S. aureus carrying mecA gene and the need to monitor these products. Moreover, this is the first report of the presence of mecA genes in S. aureus isolated from ready-to-eat food in Brazil and Latin America.

Phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity in pomace from selected red grapes (Vitis vinifera L. and Vitis labrusca L.) widely produced in Brazil

The phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity of pomace from the vinification of grape varieties widely produced in Brazil (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux and Isabel) were investigated with a view to their exploitation as a potential source of natural antioxidants. Cabernet Sauvignon grape pomace was found to have the highest content of total phenolic compounds (74.75 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g), the highest antioxidant activity (determined using the 2,2`-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging methods; 485.42 and 505.52 mu Mol Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)/g, respectively), and the highest reducing power (determined using the FRAP method; 249.46 mu Mol TEAC/g). The Bordeaux variety showed the highest oxidation inhibition power (41.13%), determined using the beta-carotene/linoleic acid method and the highest content of total anthocyanins (HPLC; 29.17 mg/g). Catechin was the most abundant non-anthocyanic compound identified in the grape pomace (150.16 mg/100 g) for all varieties. In this study, pomaces of the red wine vinification of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties showed the highest potential as a source of antioxidant compounds and natural colourants, respectively. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A survey on the sanitary condition of commercial foods of plant origin sold in Brazil

The objective of the study was to evaluate the hygienic conditions and practices of commercial foods of plant origin in establishments and street marketed by street vendors in cities in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Forty different sales points were evaluated (establishments that prepared and sold fruit juices and street vendors that commercialized fresh coconut water, sugarcane juice and orange juice) using a questionnaire with 12 items, divided into three blocks (salesmen/handlers, operations, installations). The results indicated that the activities related to the commerce of fruit beverages in the cities of Sao Goncalo and Rio de Janeiro required the elaboration of a set of actions by the Sanitary Vigilance Agency in order to improve the hygienic and sanitary level and minimize health risk to consumers. Important requirements in the legislation relevant to this type of food are still not followed; adequate packaging and storage of the raw material, obtaining the raw material from registered suppliers, hygiene of the handlers and adequate management of wastes produced during the activities in question are amongst the main items deserving attention. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of exotic fruits and commercial frozen pulps from Brazil

The objective of this work was to characterize exotic fruits (cambuci, araca-boi, camu-camu, jaracatia, araca) and commercial frozen pulps (araca, cambuci, umbu, coquinho, pana, native passion fruit, cagaita) from Brazil in relation to their bioactive compounds contents and antioxidant capacity. Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) presented the highest vitamin C and total phenolics contents (397 and 1797 mg/100 g f.w., respectively) and the highest DPPH(center dot) scavenging capacity. Coquinho (Butia capitata) also showed a significant vitamin C content (43 mg/100 g f.w.). Among the commercial frozen pulps, cagaita presented the higher DPPH scavenging activity and inhibition of beta-carotene bleaching. A good correlation between total phenols and DPPH scavenging activity was found for fruits (r = 0.997) and commercial frozen pulps (r = 0.738). However, no correlation was found for total phenols and inhibition of beta-carotene bleaching. Quercetin and kaempferol derivatives were the main flavonoids present in all samples and cyanidin derivatives were detected only in camu-camu. Camu-camu and araca (Psidium guineensis) showed the highest total ellagic acid contents (48 and 63.5 mg/100 g f.w.). All commercial frozen pulps presented lower contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity than their respective fruits. According to our results, camu-camu and araca might be sources of bioactive compounds.

OCCURRENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSIBILITY PROFILE OF Salmonella spp. ISOLATED FROM PORK MEAT CUTS COMMERCIALIZED IN THE OPEN MARKETS IN PELOTAS, RS (BRAZIL)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of Salmonella spp. in 15 samples of pork meat cuts (T-bone, shank, sausage and ribs) commercialized in open markets of Pelotas (RS, Brazil) and verify the prevalent serovars, and test the isolates profile of sensitivity to several antibiotics of importance in medicine (nalidixic acid, ampicillin, aztreonam, kanamycin, carbenicillin, cephalothin, cefoxitin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, sulfonamide, tetracycline and trimetoprina). Twelve samples (80%) were contaminated by Salmonella enterica, serovars Infantis, Derby, Panama and Typhimurium. All isolates were susceptible to trimetoprin, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and cefoxitin. For the other antibiotics, the pattern of sensitivity varied as serovar. In addition, 39.1% of isolates showed up to be multiresistant.

Toxocariasis/cysticercosis seroprevalence in a long-term rural settlement, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Seroprevalence of Toxocara and Taenia solium and risk factors for infection with these parasites were explored in a long-term rural settlement in Sao Paula state, Brazil. An ELISA for the detection of anti-Toxocara IgG and IgE and anti-T. solium cysticerci was standardized using Toxocara excretory-secretory antigens (TES) obtained from the cultured second-stage larvae of T. canis and by vesicular fluid antigen from Taenia crassiceps cysticerci (VC). For cysticercosis, the reactive ELISA samples were assayed by Western blot using 18 kDa and 14 kDa proteins purified from VF. Out of 182 subjects, 25 (13.7%,) presented anti-Toxocora IgG and it positive correlation between total IgE and the reactive index of specific anti-TES IgE (P=0.0265) was found amongst the subjects found seropositive for anti-Toxocara IgG. In these individuals 38.0%. showed ocular manifestations. The frequency of anti-T. solium cysticerci confirmed by Western blot wits 0.6%, Seropositivity for Toxocara was correlated with low educational levels and the owning of dogs. Embryonated eggs of Toxocara spp. were found in 43.3% of the analysed areas.

Sero-epidemiology of toxocariasis in a rural settlement in Sao Paulo state, Brazil

The seroprevalence of Toxocara canis and risk factors for infection with this parasite were explored in a rural settlement in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Total IgA and IgE levels in 79 subjects were determined by turbidimetry and chemiluminescence, respectively. Total counts of leucocytes and erythrocytes and differential counts of leucocytes were made by flow cytometry. ELISA for the detection of anti-Toxocara IgG, IgA and IgE were standardized using Toxocara excretory-secretory antigens (TES) obtained from the cultured second-stage larvae of T. canis. Seventeen (21.5%) of the subjects were found positive for anti-Toxocara IgG, with no significant differences in such seropositivity with age or gender. Thirty (38%) of the subjects showed eosinophilia and 70 (89%) had elevated levels of total IgE. Among the 17 subjects found seropositive for anti-Toxocara IgG, the percentage of leucocytes represented by eosinophils (P=0.0069) and total levels of IgE (P=0.0452) were positively correlated with the levels of anti-TES IgE. Although anti-TES IgA was detected in 10 (59%) of the subjects, there was no significant correlation between the levels of total IgA and those of Toxocara-specific IgA. Only one of the 17 subjects found positive for anti-Toxocara IgG had attended a secondary school and all but two belonged to households with monthly incomes of < U.S.$100. In the study community at least, seropositivity may be related to poor living standards and lack of basic sanitary conditions. The presence of anti-Toxocara IgE and IgA may facilitate the diagnosis of toxocariasis and may well be useful for monitoring the success of treatment.

Assessment of Ametryn Contamination in River Water, River Sediment, and Mollusk Bivalves in Sao Paulo State, Brazil

Sao Paulo state, Brazil, is one of the main areas of sugar cane agriculture in the world. Herbicides, in particular, ametryn, are extensively used in this extensive area, which implies that this herbicide is present in the environment and can contaminate the surface water by running off. Thereby, residues of ametryn were analyzed in samples of river water an river sediment and in freshwater bivalves obtained from the rivers Sapucai, Pardo and Mogi-Guacu in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Samples were taken in the winter of 2003 and 2004 in two locations in each river. The specimens of freshwater bivalves collected and analyzed were Corbicula fluminea, an exotic species, and Diplodon fontaineanus, a native species. Additionally, the evaluation of the ability of bioconcentration and depuration of ametryn by the freshwater bivalve Corbicula fluminea was also performed. Ametryn concentrations in the samples were measured by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Residues of ametryn in water (50 ng/L) and in freshwater bivalves (2-7 ng/g) were found in the Mogi-Guacu River in 2004, and residues in river sediments were found in all rivers in 2003 and 2004 (0.5-2 ng/g). The observation of the aquatic environment through the analysis of these matrixes, water, sediment, and bivalves, revealed the importance of the river sediment in the accumulation of the herbicide ametryn, which can contaminate the biota.

Microbiological quality of ready-to-eat minimally processed vegetables consumed in Brazil

Minimally processed leafy vegetables are ready-to-eat (RTE) products very attractive to consumers looking for healthy and convenient meals. However, the microbiological safety of these foods is of special concern due to the absence of lethal treatments during processing. In the present study, indicator microorganisms, Listeria spp. and Salmonella spp. were determined for 162 samples of minimally processed leafy vegetables commercialized in Brazil. Psychrotrophic aerobic bacterial populations >5 log CFU/g were found in 96.7% of the samples, while total and thermotolerant coliforms were detected respectively in 132 (81.5%) and 107 (66%) of vegetables analyzed. Escherichia coil was present in 86 (53.1%) samples analyzed and Listeria spp. and Salmonella spp. were detected respectively in 6 (3.7%) and 2 (1.2%) samples. These results indicate the need of implementing quality programs in the production chain of RTE vegetables to improve shelf life and microbiological safety. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.