Survey of aflatoxin M1 in cheese from the North-east region of Sao Paulo, Brazil

In the present study, 24 samples of Minas Frescal cheese and 24 samples of Minas Padrao cheese produced in the North-east region of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, were analysed for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) between March and August 2008. AFM1 was detected in 13 (27.1%) samples at concentrations ranging from 0.037 to 0.313 ng g-1. The mean concentrations of AFM1 in positive samples of Minas Frescal and Minas Padrao cheese were 0.142 +/- 0.118 and 0.118 +/- 0.054 ng g-1, respectively. It is concluded that the incidence of AFM1 in Minas cheese may contribute to an increase in the overall ingestion of aflatoxins in the diet, hence indicating the need for the adoption of a tolerance limit for AFM1 in cheese in Brazil.

Incidence of Listeria monocytogenes in Cheese Manufacturing Plants from the Northeast Region of Sao Paulo, Brazil

The incidence of Listeria monocytogenes in three cheese manufacturing plants from the northeastern region of Sao Paulo, Brazil, was evaluated from October 2008 to September 2009. L. monocytogenes was found in samples from two plants, at percentages of 13.3% (n = 128) and 9.6% (n = 114). Samples of raw and pasteurized milk, water, and Minas Frescal cheese were negative for L. monocyto genes, although the pathogen was isolated from the surface of Prato cheese and in brine from one of the plants evaluated. L. monocytogenes was also isolated from different sites of the facilities, mainly in non food contact surfaces such as drains, floors, and platforms. Serotype 4b was the most predominant in the plants studied. The results of this study indicate the need for control strategies to prevent the dispersion of L. monocytogenes in the environment of cheese manufacturing plants.

The intracratonic Caraibas-Itacarambi earthquake of December 09, 2007 (4.9 m(b)), Minas Gerais State, Brazil

On December 9, 2007, a 4.9 m(b) earthquake occurred in the middle of the Sao Francisco Craton, in a region with no known previous activity larger than 4 m(b). This event reached intensity VII MM (Modified Mercalli) causing the first fatal victim in Brazil. The activity had started in May 25, 2007 with a 3.5 magnitude event and continued for several months, motivating the deployment of a local 6-station network. A three week seismic quiescence was observed before the mainshock. Initial absolute hypocenters were calculated with best fitting velocity models and then relative locations were determined with hypoDD. The aftershock distribution indicates a 3 km long rupture for the mainshock. The fault plane solution, based on P-wave polarities and hypocentral trend, indicates a reverse faulting mechanism on a N30 degrees E striking plane dipping about 40 degrees to the SE. The rupture depth extends from about 0.3 to 1.2 km only. Despite the shallow depth of the mainshock, no surface feature could be correlated with the fault plane. Aeromagnetic data in the epicentral area show short-wavelength lineaments trending NNE-SSW to NE-SW which we interpret as faults and fractures in the craton basement beneath the surface limestone layer. We propose that the Caraibas-Itacarambi seismicity is probably associated with reactivation of these basement fractures and faults under the present E-W compressional stress field in this region of the South American Plate. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Paepalanthus hirtellus, a new species of Paepalanthus subsection Actinocephaloides (Eriocaulaceae) from Minas Gerais, Brazil

In this article we describe and illustrate the new species Paepalanthus hirtellus (Eriocaulaceae, Paepalanthoideae). The species is, as far as known, restricted to Pico do Itambe State Park, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Paepalanthus hirtellus occurs on the campos rupestres of the Espinhaco Range. We compare it with P. lombensis and P. chrysophorus, the two morphologically most similar species. We provide additional comments on the morphological variability, habitat, geographic distribution and we provide its conservation status.

Two new species of Actinocephalus (Eriocaulaceae) from Minas Gerais, Brazil

We describe and illustrate two new species, Actinocephalus delicatus and A. giuliettiae (Eriocaulaceae, Paepalanthoideae), from the Espinhaco Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and compare them with the morphologically most similar species. Diagnostic characters, morphological variation, geographic distribution, habitat and conservation status, as well as line drawings, photos and a distribution map are provided for both species.

Stigmatic surface in the Vochysiaceae: reproductive and taxonomic implications

(Stigmatic surface, reproductive biology and taxonomy of the Vochysiaceae). The Vochysiaceae are Neotropical trees and shrubs, common in the savanna areas in Central Brazil (Cerrados). The family has been traditionally divided into two tribes: Erismeae, with three genera, and Vochysieae, with five genera. We investigated the stigmatic surface of six Vochysiaceae species, belonging to four genera of Vochysieae: Vochysia, Salvertia, Callisthene and Qualea. Flowers and buds at different developmental stages were collected. Morphological features were observed on fresh material and stigmatic receptivity was inferred based on esterasic activity. Pistils were fixed and embedded in paraplast and sectioned on a rotary microtome; the sections were stained before histological analysis. Stigmas of open flowers were also observed by scanning electron microscopy. Stigmas of all species were wet and showed esterasic activity at pre-anthesis and anthesis stages. Stigmatic surface was continuous with transmitting tissue of glandular nature. Vochysia and Salvertia stigmatic surfaces were formed by multicelular uniseriate hairs, and species of the remaining genera showed papillate surface. The exudate over mature stigmas in all species flowed without rupture of stigmatic Surface and pollen tubes grew down between hairs or papillae. Differences on the stigmatic surface agreed with a phylogenetic reconstruction that separated two clades and indicated that Vochysieae is not monophyletic. Stigmatic features could not be associated with pollination and breeding systems.

Minasia ramosa (Asteraceae: Vernonieae), a new species from the Serra do Cabral, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Minasia ramosa, a new species from Brazil, is here described and illustrated. The species is endemic to the campos rupestres of the Serra do Cabral, a western extension of the Espinhaco Range in Minas Gerais. Minasia ramosa is characterized by its narrow ensiform leaves, paniculate inflorescence and totally setuliferous cypselae. The affinities of this species are discussed.

A new species of Vriesea Lindl. (Bromeliaceae, Tillandsioideae) from Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

A new species of Vriesea Lindl. belonging to section Xiphion (E. Morren) E. Morren ex Mez. - V. sanfranciscana Versieux & Wand.- is described and illustrated. The species is only known to occur in the Serra da Canastra National Park, located in the southwestern Minas Gerais, Brazil, and is morphologically related to V. atropurpurea Silveira from serra do Cipo, Espinhaco range.

An illustrated checklist of Bromeliaceae from Parque Estadual do Rio Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with notes on phytogeography and one new species of Cryptanthus

A checklist of the 14 genera and 34 species of Bromeliaceae from the Parque Estadual do Rio Preto in Sao Goncalo do Rio Preto municipality, Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil, is presented. The Tillandsioideae was the most diverse subfamily and was found to be concentrated in rocky field areas. Bromelioideae is also a species rich subfamily, but its taxa have shown a preference to forested areas and savannas at lower altitudes. Pitcairnioideae is highlighted by its level of endemism, but has only four species. Cryptanthus micrus, a new species found in this area is described and illustrated. Our cluster analysis indicated that the Rio Preto State Park has a Bromeliaceae flora more similar to that from Pico do Itambe and Grao Mogol State Parks. Taxa like Dyckia glandulosa, Orthophytum itambense and Vriesea medusa, which were previously considered to be endemic to Pico do Itambe, now have their area of occurrence extended to Rio Preto. These new occurrences highlight the importance to create a corridor joining these neighboring reserves to connect populations of narrowly ranged or rare species. In this work we present pictures of 19 species in their habitats within the park, and we hope that these illustrations will help in the identification and conservation of these taxa.

A new species of Croton section Cleodora (Euphorbiaceae s.s.) from Minas Gerais, Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Rankamaite from the Urubu pegmatite, Itinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Crystal chemistry and Rietveld refinement

A new occurrence of rankamaite is here described at the Urubu pegmatite, Itinga municipality, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The mineral forms cream-white botryoidal aggregates of acicular to fibrous crystals, intimately associated with simpsonite, thoreaulite, cassiterite, quartz, elbaite, albite, and muscovite. The average of six chemical analyses obtained by electron microprobe is (range in parentheses, wt%): Na(2)O 2.08 (1.95-2.13), K(2)O 2.61 (2.52-2.74), Al(2)O(3) 1.96 (1.89-2.00), Fe(2)O(3) 0.01 (0.00-0.03), TiO(2) 0.02 (0.00-0.06), Ta(2)O(5) 81.04 (79.12-85.18), Nb(2)O(5) 9.49 (8.58-9.86), total 97.21 (95.95-101.50). The chemical formula derived from this analysis is (Na(1.55)K(1.28))(Sigma 2.83)(Ta(8.45)Nb(1.64)Al(0.89)Fe(0.01)(3+)Ti(0.01))(Sigma 11.00)[O(25.02)(OH)(5.98)](Sigma 31.00). Rankamaite is an orthorhombic ""tungsten bronze"" (OTB), crystallizing in the space group Cmmm. Its unit-cell parameters refined from X-ray diffraction powder data are: a = 17.224(3), b = 17.687(3), c = 3.9361(7) angstrom, V = 1199.1(3) angstrom(3), Z = 2. Rietveld refinement of the powder data was undertaken using the structure of LaTa(5)O(14) as a starting model for the rankamaite structure. The structural formula obtained with the Rietveld analyses is: (Na(2.21)K(1.26))Sigma(3.37)(Ta(9.12)NB(1.30) Al(0.59))(Sigma 11.00)[O(26.29)(OH)(4.71)](Sigma 31.00). The tantalum atoms are coordinated by six and seven oxygen atoms in the form of distorted TaO(6) octahedra and TaO(2) pentagonal bipyramids, respectively. Every pentagonal bipyramid shares edges with four octahedra, thus forming Ta(5)O(14) units. The potassium atom is in an 11-fold coordination, whereas one sodium atom is in a 10-fold and the other is in a 12-fold coordination. Raman and infrared spectroscopy were used to investigate the room-temperature spectra of rankamaite.

Mineralogical and microthermometric studies and structural aspects of imperial topaz mineralization in Antonio Pereira, Ouro Preto District (Minas Gerais) - Brazil

The occurrences of imperial topaz in the Antonio Pereira mine, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, are associated with the metamorphic carbonate rocks of the Minas Supergroup. The crystals have densities varying from 3.46 to 3.58. The parameters of the unitary cells obtained were: 4.658 to 4.663 angstrom (ao), 8.823 to 8.832 angstrom (b(o)), 8.382 to 8.389 angstrom (c(o)), and 344.65 to 345.46 angstrom 3 (V). The refraction indices presented the following variations: 1.622 to 1.630 (nX), 1.624 to 1.632 (nY), 1.633 to 1.640 (nZ), and 0.008 to 0.011 (B). These properties are coherent with the low fluorine contents obtained (16,48%/17,05wt%). Infrared spectroscopy and microthermometry showed that the fluid inclusions, which represent the mineralizing fluids, are formed by H(2)O (with Ca(2+), Mg(2+) and Na(+)), and CO(2) +/- CH(4). The minimal trapping T-P conditions of 290/320 degrees C and 2,349/2,497bar were obtained for the primary fluid inclusions. The pseudo-secondary fluid inclusions were trapped at conditions of lower temperatures and variable pressures, during the deformation process under local alternating states of stress. The microthermometric studies, the structural analysis and the fluorine contents suggest that the mineralized veins were formed from hydrothermal fluids originated during the Brasiliano tectono-metamorphic event.

THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF A MICROLITE-GROUP MINERAL WITH A FORMULA NEAR NaCaTa(2)O(6)F FROM THE MORRO REDONDO MINE, CORONEL MURTA, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

We present electron-microprobe and single-crystal X-ray-diffraction data for a microlite-group mineral with a formula near NaCaTa(2)O(6)F from the Morro Redondo mine, Coronel Murta, Minas Gerais, Brazil. On the basis of these data, the formula is A(Na(0.88)Ca(0.88)Pb(0.02)square(0.22))(Sigma 2.00) (B)(Ta(1.70)Nb(0.14)Si(0.12)As(0.04))(Sigma 2.00) (X)[(O(5.75)(OH)(0.25)](Sigma 6.00) (Y)(F(0.73)square(0.27))(Sigma 1.00). According to the new nomenclature for the pyrochlore-supergroup minerals, it is intermediate between fluornatromicrolite and "" fluorcalciomicrolite"". The crystal structure, F (d3) over barm, a = 10.4396(12) angstrom, has been refined to an R(1) value of 0.0258 (wR(2) = 0.0715) for 107 reflections (MoK alpha radiation). There is a scarcity of crystal-chemical data for pyrochlore-supergroup minerals in the literature. A compilation of these data is presented here.

Total Trans Fatty Acid Analysis in Spreadable Cheese by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis

An alternative method for determination of total trans fatty acids expressed as elaidic acid by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) under indirect UV detection at 224 nm within an analysis time of 7.5 min was developed. The optimized running electrolyte includes 15.0 mmol L(-1) KH(2)PO(4)/Na(2)HPO(4) buffer (pH similar to 7.0), 4.0 mmol L(-1) SDBS, 8.0 mmol L(-1) Brij35, 45%v/v ACN, 8% methanol, and 1.5% v/v n-octanol. Baseline separation of the critical pair C18-9cis/C18:1-9t: with a resolution higher than 1.5 was achieved using C15:0 as the internal standard. The optimum capillary electrophoresis (CE) conditions for the background electrolyte were established with the aid of Raman spectroscopy and experiments of a 3(2) factorial design. After response factor (R(F)) calculations, the CE method was applied to total trans fatty acid (TTFA) analysis in a hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF) sample, and compared with the American Oil Chemists` Society (AOCS) official method by gas chromatography (GC). The methods were compared with an independent sample t test, and no significant difference was found between CE and GC methods within the 95% confidence interval for six genuine replicates of TTFA analysis (p-value > 0.05). The CE method was applied to TTFA analysis in a spreadable cheese sample. Satisfactory results were obtained, indicating that the optimized methodology can be used for trans fatty acid determination for these samples.