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The bacteria Aeromonas sp. are naturally reported in aquatic ecosystems and possess pathogenic potential, being considered as emerging pathogens in humans and animals. They also cause considerable losses in fish farming and, through water, can contaminate numerous foods. This study quantified and analyzed the antimicrobial resistance profile of Aeromonas sp. in fish. A total of 72 samples of two fish varieties (leather fish, Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum x Leiarius marmoratus and round fish, Colossoma macropomum x Piaractus mesopotamicus and Colossoma macropomum x Piaractus brachypomus) were purchased from two types of sources (fresh and frozen) and three commercial establishments (supermarket, market, and fishmonger). The 55 isolated Aeromonas cultures were evaluated for their antimicrobial resistance profile by the disc diffusion method. Upon quantification, the count of Aeromonas sp. ranged from 4.22 to 6.00 Log CFU/g; ten different species, including A. eucrenophila, A. hydrophila, A. caviae, A. media, A. jandaei, A. veronii bv. sobria, A. trota, A. schubertii, A. veronii bv. veronii, and A. shigelloides, were identified. Among the 55 isolates, 64.45% showed resistance to Ampicillin-sulbactam, and 75% were sensitive to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. It was concluded that 100% of the evaluated samples were contaminated by Aeromonas sp., which may present a risk to consumer health since bacteria can be etiological agents of Foodborne Diseases. The antimicrobial resistance profile showed resistance to ampicillin and multi-resistance to different classes of antimicrobials, demonstrating problems with choosing an antimicrobial for treatment of any disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Listeria monocytogenes is of notable concern to the food industry, due to its ubiquitous nature and ability to grow in adverse conditions. This study aimed to determine the genotypic profile of L. monocytogenes strains isolated from refrigerated chickens marketed in the southern part of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The strains of L. monocytogenes isolated were characterized by serotyping and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Three different serotypes (1/2a, 1/2b and 4e) were evaluated by PFGE, and the macrorestriction patterns utilizing enzymes AscI and ApaI, revealed five different pulsotypes. The presence of such varied genotypic profiles demonstrates the prevalence of L. monocytogenes contamination of chicken processing environments, which combined with ineffective cleaning procedures, allowing the survival, adaptation and proliferation of these pathogens, not only in the processing environment, but also in local grocery stores.

Contamination of medicinal plants with heavy metals as Pb and Cd can affect the growth and the essential oil production of the plants and represent a risk to those who consume as medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of absorption and localization of Pb and Cd on growth, ultrastructural aspects of leaves and essential oil yield and composition of Mentha arvensis, applied on the soil with increasing concentrations (8, 16, 32, 64 and 128mg kg-1). There was a differential absorption of Pb and Cd by M. arvensis mainly concentrated in the roots. Pb was found in small amounts in the leaves while Cd largely exceeded the safety limit without symptoms of toxicity. The ultrastructural analysis revealed the metal accumulation on vesicles surrounding the mitochondria and the presence of electron dense deposits surrounding the mitochondria, nucleus and chloroplasts. Little changes caused by Pb and Cd application were not enough to affect the growth and essential oil yield and composition of M. arvensis

Listeria monocytogenes is a relevant foodborne pathogen in public health, responsible for outbreaks of listeriosis often associated to the consumption of ready to eat meat, dairy and fishery products. Listeriosis is a serious disease that can lead to death and mainly affect children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. In pregnant women causes abortion or neonatal listeriosis. In Brazil, ready to eat food are appreciated and increasingly consumed by the population. Furthermore, products such as sausages, bologna, hams and cheeses have characteristics such as pH, Aw and sodium chloride content that favor the development of L. monocytogenes during their shelf life. The purpose of this paper was to present an overview of L. monocytogenes contamination in different meat, dairy and fishery products that are ready for consumption and thereby support the adoption of strategies to mitigate this risk, contributing to achieve the appropriate level protection for the consumers and thus strengthen Brazil's food safety system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Os metais traço apresentam grande toxicidade quando presentes em teores elevados nos organismos humano e animal. No ambiente aquático, alguns elementos formam compostos orgânicos que bioacumulam nos tecidos de organismos vivos. Os moluscos bivalves se destacam, pois possuem grande participação na dinâmica de contaminantes metálicos no ambiente marinho devido à capacidade de concentrá-los em níveis mais elevados que na água. Os mexilhões são moluscos bivalves que constituem bons indicadores de biodisponibilidade de metais, sendo amplamente utilizados como biomonitores em ecossistemas aquáticos. No Brasil, a espécie de mexilhão Perna perna é o mais cultivado devido à importância na alimentação de grande parte da população das regiões costeiras. Portanto, o consumo de mexilhões pode representar um risco à saúde humana quando proveniente de locais contaminados com metais traço, o que reforça a importância de se conhecer os teores desses elementos nos ambientes que fornecem alimento ao Homem. Devido à constante busca pela qualidade ambiental associada à utilização do mexilhão P. perna como biomonitor e como alimento, é importante conhecer o panorama de contaminação do território nacional a fim de auxiliar na prevenção de intoxicação por metais traço pelo consumo desse molusco por grande parte da população brasileira.Trace elements are considered toxic in high levels for human and animal organisms. In aquatic environment, some elements can form organic compounds and tend to bioaccumulate in organisms tissues. Bivalve mollusks participate on the metallic contaminants dynamics in aquatic environment due to capacity in concentrate trace elements in their soft tissues in higher levels than in water. Mussels are mollusks widely used as bioindicators of trace metal pollution in coastal areas because they can accumulate various elements as filter-feeders. In Brazil, Perna perna is one of the most commonly consumed bivalve mollusks and the most cultivated in coast regions. Therefore, the consumption of mussels may be a potential risk for human health, which enhances the importance to know trace metal levels in environment that provides food to humans. Due to constantly search for environmental quality and the use of mussels as food and often employed to monitor metal pollution in sea, it is of great interest and importance an overview of metallic contamination in national territory to assist in prevention of intoxication by trace elements.

Campilobacteriose é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial, com repercussões importantes na saúde pública e um grande impacto socioeconômico. As rotas de transmissão ao homem das espécies de Campylobacter são o contato direto com animais portadores, água ou alimentos contaminados e é mais comumente associado ao consumo de carne de frango. O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar e enumerar Campylobacter spp. por um método rápido (SimPlate®) e pelo método convencional (plaqueamento direto em ágar mCCD), determinando a frequência e o nível de contaminação em 75 amostras de carcaças de frangos (25 Pré-chiller e 25 Pós-chiller obtidos em abatedouros sob inspeção federal no Estado de Minas Gerais e 25 amostras congeladas, coletadas no comércio verejista). As amostras avaliadas, independentemente do método utilizado, apresentaram Campylobacter spp. em 56,0% das carcaças antes do chiller e 44,0% após o chiller. A contagem das amostras congeladas se apresentou abaixo do limite de detecção do método. Das 75 amostras testadas, 34,7% foram positivas para Campylobacter spp. Das amostras positivas, 38,5% foram identificadas como C. jejuni e, entre estas, o maior número de C. jejuni foi obtido nas carcaças de frango antes do chiller (42,9%), seguido de carcaça de frango após o chiller (36,4%). O estudo mostrou que a detecção e enumeração é variável, embora em nenhuma das amostras destinadas ao comércio foram obtidas contagens acima da dose infectante estabelecida. O uso do SimPlate® foi adequado e equivalente ao plaqueamento direto em ágar mCCD e apresentou uma melhor taxa de recuperação de células de Campylobacter spp.Campylobacteriosis is a worldwide distribution zoonosis, with significant repercussions on public health and with a high socioeconomic impact. Routes of transmission of Campylobacter species to man are direct contact with carrier animals, contaminated water or food and it is most commonly associated with consumption of chicken meat. The objective of this study was to detect and enumerate the Campylobacter spp. by a rapid method (SimPlate®) and and conventional method (direct plating on mCCDA) and determine frequency and level of contamination in 75 broiler carcasses (25 pre-chill; 25 post-chill at establishments under federal inspection in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil and 25 frozen broiler carcass samples taken from the retail trade). Evaluated samples, regardless of the technique used, detected the presence of Campylobacter spp. in 56.0% before the chiller and 44.0% after the chiller. Counts of the frozen samples were below the detection limit of the method. Of the 75 samples tested, 34.7% were positive for Campylobacter spp. and that, 38.5% were identified as C. jejuni. Among them, the largest number of C. jejuni obtained was from the carcass of the chicken before the chiller (42.9%), followed by chicken carcass after the chiller (36.4%). The study showed that the detection and enumeration is variable, although in none of the samples intended for trade has been obtained scores above the infective dose. The use of SimPlate® technique was appropriate and equivalent to direct plating on agar mCCD and showed a better recovery rate cells of Campylobacter spp..

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de dois planos de amostragem para análise de fumonisinas (B1+B2) em 11 lotes de milho. Empregaram-se o plano de amostragem manual em grãos inteiros, através do calador graneleiro e o plano de Amostragem Automático em Fluxo Contínuo em grãos moídos (AAFC). Para a comparação dos dois planos de amostragem, foram utilizadas duas medidas de dispersão: a variância e o coeficiente de variação. Em cada plano de amostragem, foram determinadas as variâncias associadas às três etapas do procedimento de detecção das fumonisinas (amostragem, preparação da amostra e análise) e os coeficientes de variação total. A correlação entre as médias de concentrações de fumonisinas e as variâncias de cada etapa do procedimento de detecção foi avaliada para cada plano amostral através da análise de regressão. Na AAFC de milho moído para análise de fumonisinas, obtiveram-se resultados inferiores (PThe aim of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of two sampling plans for fumonisins (B1+B2) analysis in 11 lots of maize. For sample collection the two systems used were a manual system in whole grains, using sampling spear, and an automatic system in milled grains, using the continuous flow sampling system (CFSS). For comparison purpose, two dispersion measurements were used: variance and coefficient of variation. For each sampling plan the variance associated to the three steps of fumonisins quantification (sampling, sample preparation, and analysis), and the total coefficient of variation were determined. The correlation between the average fumonisins concentration and the variances for each phase of the detection procedure was evaluated for each sampling plan using analysis of regression. At the automatic sampling plan in milled grains for fumonisins analysis in maize both sampling variance (0.0226mg kg-1)² and total coefficient of variation (6.37%) were lower (P

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro establishment of 'Xavante' blackberry under different conditions of plant luminosity and concentrations of salts of MS medium. The maintenance of 'Xavante' blackberry plants in the absence of light, with the use of MS medium with salt concentrations of 75% and 100% reduce bacterial contamination and the percentage of explants oxidized and provide the highest percentage of surviving and established explants. The 50% salt dilution in MS medium is not recommended when plants are subjected to the absence of light due to the high percentage of oxidized explants and consequently lower survival and establishment.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram detectar, por PCR, genes codificadores de enterotoxinas estafilocócicas, pertencentes ao cluster egc (genes seg, sei, selm, seln e selo) em Staphylococcus aureus isolados em diferentes alimentos de origem animal, e relacionar sua presença com a fonte de isolamento. Quarenta e uma cepas de S. aureus de diferentes origens (carne de frango, leite cru, embutidos cárneos e queijo) foram avaliadas por PCR, por meio da amplificação de um fragmento de 3375pb (denominado egc parcial), que foi utilizado como marcador da presença do cluster, e fragmentos de cada um dos genes pertencentes ao cluster egc. Há presença de genes do cluster egc em isolados de S. aureus isoladas em alimentos de origem animal; entretanto, diferentes genótipos puderam ser observados em função da fonte de isolamento. A ocorrência de S. aureus isolados em carne de frango que possuíam todos os genes do cluster foi elevada; no entanto, nos isolados oriundos dos demais alimentos, essa ocorrência foi reduzida.The aim of this study was to detect, through PCR usage, the genes which encodes staphylococcal enterotoxins and which belongs to egc cluster (seg, sei, selm, seln and selo) in S. aureus isolated from different foods of animal origin and correlate their presence with the strain origin. Forty-one strains of S. aureus from different sources (chicken meat, raw milk, sausage meat and cheese) were evaluated through PCR by amplifying a fragment of 3375bp (called partial egc), which was used as a marker for the presence of cluster, and fragments of individual genes belonging to egc cluster. There is presence of the egc cluster in strains of S. aureus isolated from foods of animal origin, however, different genotypes could be observed depending on the isolation source. The occurrence of strains isolated from chicken meat that had all the genes of the cluster was high; however, in the strains isolated from the other foods, such occurrence has been reduced.

Os agrotóxicos aplicados em lavouras de arroz irrigado podem ser transportados aos mananciais hídricos. A determinação da extensão dessa contaminação é importante para alertar a sociedade e seus governantes para esse problema. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi monitorar a ocorrência de agrotóxicos em águas superficiais de sete regiões do sul do Brasil associadas ao cultivo de arroz irrigado em três épocas, na safra 2007/2008. As amostras de águas superficiais foram coletadas em três locais por região, totalizando 21 locais. Os agrotóxicos avaliados foram: clomazone, quinclorac, penoxsulam, imazethapyr, imazapic, carbofuran, 3-hydroxy-carbofuran, fipronil e tebuconazole. As amostras foram analisadas por LC-MS/MS. Imazethapyr, carbofuran e fipronil foram detectados em todas as regiões estudadas. Foi detectado maior número de agrotóxicos nas regiões da Depressão Central e Planície Costeira Externa à Lagoa dos Patos, com detecção de oito agrotóxicos, dos nove estudados. A Região Sul apresentou a menor contaminação, com a detecção de apenas quatro agrotóxicos. Todas as amostras em todas as épocas continham ao menos um agrotóxico.Pesticides applied in paddy rice can be transported to water bodies. The determination of the contamination extent is very important to alert the society and the politicians about the contamination issue. The objective of this study was to monitor pesticides in surface water in seven regions of south Brazil associated with the rice cropping in three different moments of the 2007/2008 growing season. Surface water samples were collected at three locations per region, with a total of 21 locations. The pesticides evaluated were: clomazone, quinclorac, penoxsulam, imazethapyr, imazapic, carbofuran, 3-hydroxy-carbofuran, fipronil and tebuconazole. The samples were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Imazethapyr, carbofuran and fipronil were detected in all regions studied. A higher number of pesticides were detected in the 'Depressão Central' and in the 'Planície Costeira Externa à Lagoa dos Patos' regions, with eight pesticides. The 'Região Sul' had the lowest contamination, with detection of only four pesticides in surface water. All samples in all season contained at least one pesticide.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o suprimento hídrico fornecido por diferentes substratos alternativos e analisar sua eficiência na sanidade e na germinação in vitro de sementes de Pinus taeda L. Sementes foram inoculadas em papel filtro, algodão hidrófilo e meio ágar-água. Foi avaliada a absorção de água pelas sementes por três, seis, nove, 24, 48 e 72 horas. Posteriormente, aos 21 dias de cultivo, foi determinada a contaminação por microrganismos. A absorção de água, com base no aumento percentual que ocorreu na massa das sementes, foi superior em papel filtro e algodão hidrófilo. Os melhores percentuais de germinação foram obtidos com papel filtro e ágar-água. Contudo, este último apresentou as maiores taxas de contaminação. Devido à perda de água no substrato papel filtro no decorrer do tempo, recomenda-se o uso de algodão hidrófilo em função dos baixos índices de contaminação observados.The aim of this study was to assess the water supply provided by different alternative substrates as well as to analyze its efficiency in the sanity and in the in vitro germination of Pinus taeda L. seeds. The seeds were inoculated in filter paper, hydrophile cotton and agar-water medium. Water absorption by seeds was assessed for 3, 6, 9, 24, 48 and 72h and, later, at 21 days of cultivation and contamination by microorganisms was determined. Water absorption, based on the percentage increase which occurred in the weight of seeds, was higher in filter paper and hydrophile cotton. The best germination rates were obtained with filter paper and agar-water. However, agar-water presented the highest contamination rates. Due to water loss in the substrate filter-paper during cultivation, it is suggested the use of cotton because of the low contamination rates observed.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro establishment of 'Xavante' blackberry under different conditions of plant luminosity and concentrations of salts of MS medium. The maintenance of 'Xavante' blackberry plants in the absence of light, with the use of MS medium with salt concentrations of 75% and 100% reduce bacterial contamination and the percentage of explants oxidized and provide the highest percentage of surviving and established explants. The 50% salt dilution in MS medium is not recommended when plants are subjected to the absence of light due to the high percentage of oxidized explants and consequently lower survival and establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is of notable concern to the food industry, due to its ubiquitous nature and ability to grow in adverse conditions. This study aimed to determine the genotypic profile of L. monocytogenes strains isolated from refrigerated chickens marketed in the southern part of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The strains of L. monocytogenes isolated were characterized by serotyping and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Three different serotypes (1/2a, 1/2b and 4e) were evaluated by PFGE, and the macrorestriction patterns utilizing enzymes AscI and ApaI, revealed five different pulsotypes. The presence of such varied genotypic profiles demonstrates the prevalence of L. monocytogenes contamination of chicken processing environments, which combined with ineffective cleaning procedures, allowing the survival, adaptation and proliferation of these pathogens, not only in the processing environment, but also in local grocery stores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Os compostos organoclorados são pesticidas que foram usados na agricultura, no controle de vetores biológicos e de ectoparasitas do gado. Atualmente seu uso está proibido no Brasil, exceto para o controle de vetores biológicos em casos de epidemia. No entanto, resíduos desses compostos ainda são encontrados no meio ambiente e nos alimentos. Por esse motivo, avaliou-se a presença de organoclorados em queijos produzidos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil), bem como os níveis desses compostos em queijos dos tipos "colonial" e industrializado. A gordura das amostras foi extraída pela adição de sulfato de sódio seguida por uma lavagem com éter de petróleo. Os pesticidas foram purificados a partir da gordura em uma coluna contendo florisil e eluída com hexano. O extrato obtido foi utilizado para as análises cromatográficas (cromatografia gasosa com captura de elétrons). Os compostos alfa-HCH, HCB, lindano, aldrin, o,p-DDD e p,p-DDD foram identificados em 100% das amostras; o,p-DDE em 88,9% e o,p-DDT em 94,4%. p,p-DDD foi o pesticida detectado na maior concentração (11,5ng g-1 de gordura), seguido pelo aldrin (8,7ng g-1 de gordura). Os níveis de alfa-HCH, aldrin e DDT total foram maiores que o limite máximo de resíduos em 2, 8 e 1 amostra de queijo, respectivamente. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nos níveis de organoclorados entre as amostras de queijo "colonial" e industrializado, ou entre amostras de queijos produzidos em três regiões do Estado.

Com o objetivo de conhecer a qualidade, com destaque para os níveis de cobre, foram analisadas 25 amostras de cachaça artesanal, produzidas e comercializadas em 17 municípios pertencentes às microrregiões Ijuí, Cruz Alta, Santa Rosa e Três Passos, que integram o noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil e, compararam-se os valores encontrados, com aqueles estabelecidos pela Legislação. Para as análises, procedeu-se a avaliação dos aspectos gerais das amostras através de observações visuais e olfativas, conforme as recomendações do Ministério da Agricultura para análise de bebidas alcoólicas destiladas. O teor alcoólico foi determinado utilizando-se método densimétrico e os teores de cobre foram determinados através de espectrofotometria de absorção atômica (EAA). Aplicou-se os testes de ANOVA e Tukey. Foram constatados, a partir da análise dos aspectos gerais, que 72% das amostras apresentaram anormalidades de limpidez. Verificou-se que a Microrregião Três Passos apresentou 42,86% de suas amostras fora dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação para o teor alcoólico, entretanto os valores médios deste mesmo parâmetro, para todas as amostras das quatro microrregiões, situaram-se dentro do que estabelece a legislação. Quanto aos níveis de cobre, a maior concentração média foi observada na Microrregião Três Passos (10,22mg L-1) enquanto que na Microrregião Cruz Alta foram observados os menores níveis médios deste metal (2,95mg L-1). Apenas as microrregiões Ijuí e Três Passos apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas (P

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a contaminação e o potencial para síntese de aflatoxinas pelos isolados do grupo Aspergillus flavus em grãos armazenados de amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L.), que foram produzidos com distintos procedimentos de calagem, de colheita e de secagem. Para isto, foram avaliadas doze amostras de grãos de amendoim, cv. Botutatu, provenientes de plantas cultivadas em área que recebeu ou não a aplicação de calcário, colhidas aos 104, 114 e 124 dias após a semeadura e secas em condições ambientais e em estufa. Aos 12 e 18 meses de armazenamento, os grãos foram tratados com hipoclorito de sódio e incubados em BDA, a 20°C, por cinco dias. As espécies do grupo Aspergillus flavus foram identificadas após incubação em meio ADM. Posteriormente, o potencial toxígeno foi avaliado pelo método da cromatografia de camada delgada. A análise da freqüência de fungos revelou que os grãos de amendoim armazenados estavam contaminados por Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. e Fusarium spp. Os grãos de amendoim, provenientes da colheita antecipada, apresentaram maior contaminação pelo grupo Aspergillus flavus, sendo menor a proporção destes com potencial toxígeno.The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the storage on the potential of aflatoxin production by isolates from Aspergillus flavus group in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). These kernels were obtained from a field experiment with two areas (with or without lime), three times of harvest (104, 114 and 124 days after planting) and two types of dryer conditions (ambient and chamber with forced air). After 12 and 18 months of storage, the kernels were treated with sodium hypochloride and incubated in a PDA at 20°C during five days. The isolates from Aspergillus flavus group were identified after incubation in ADM culture medium. The toxigenic potential was analyzed by thin layer chromatography. The genera detected were Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium. The kernels from the first harvest, showed higher contamination by the Aspergillus flavus group, but the small proportion with toxigen potential.

Aflatoxina M1 é um dos metabólitos tóxico da aflatoxina B1, excretada pelo leite de animais que ingerem alimentos contaminados. O presente trabalho descreve o caso de uma fazenda produtora de leite na região de Itú, São Paulo, onde os animais foram alimentados com farelo de algodão naturalmente contaminado com as aflatoxinas. As aflatoxinas B1, B2, G1 e G2 foram identificadas por CCD e quantificadas por fotodensitometria nas concentrações de 43,5; 15,2; 9,1 e 8,6ng.g-1 respectivamente. O leite destes animais foi analisado por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE), e a aflatoxina M1 foi identificada e quantificada (0,64ng.mL-1). As concentrações encontradas para as aflatoxinas no farelo de algodão e no leite estão acima dos valores permitidos pela legislação brasileira, representando um risco à saúde pública.

Através de métodos bacteriológicos convencionais, avaliou-se a contaminação por Clostridium perfringens na ração e água utilizadas na alimentação e dessedentação de frangos de corte em diferentes regiões avícolas do interior paulista. C. perfringens esteve presente em 42 e 30% das amostras de ração e águas analisadas, respectivamente. As médias das contagens foram 6,7 x 10-2UFC mL para as amostras de água e 3,69 x 10-2UFC g para as de rações. As altas freqüências e contagens de C. perfringens verificadas nas rações e nas águas podem estar associadas à falta de higiene geral na manipulação e armazenamento dos mesmos. Sugere-se o monitoramento periódico da presença de C. perfringens nestas fontes, com a finalidade de evitar tal patógeno, em vista que o mesmo pode causar um surto de enterite necrótica levando, assim a grandes prejuízos na produção avícola.Through conventional bacteriological methods, the contamination by Clostridium perfringens was evaluated in the ration and water used in the feeding of poultry chickens from different region of the interior from São Paulo. C. perfringens was present in 42 and 30% of the ration samples and waters analyzed respectively. The averages of the countings were 6.7 x 10-2CFU mL for the samples of water and 3.69 x 10-2CFU g for rations. The high frequencies and countings of C. perfringens verified in the rations and in the waters may be associated to the lack of general hygiene in the manipulation and storage of the same ones. These suggests a periodic monitoration of the presence of C. perfringens in these sources, with the purpose of avoiding such pathogen, in view that this organism can provoke an outbreak of necrotic enteritis, and cause great damages in the poultry production.

Contamination of medicinal plants with heavy metals as Pb and Cd can affect the growth and the essential oil production of the plants and represent a risk to those who consume as medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of absorption and localization of Pb and Cd on growth, ultrastructural aspects of leaves and essential oil yield and composition of Mentha arvensis, applied on the soil with increasing concentrations (8, 16, 32, 64 and 128mg kg-1). There was a differential absorption of Pb and Cd by M. arvensis mainly concentrated in the roots. Pb was found in small amounts in the leaves while Cd largely exceeded the safety limit without symptoms of toxicity. The ultrastructural analysis revealed the metal accumulation on vesicles surrounding the mitochondria and the presence of electron dense deposits surrounding the mitochondria, nucleus and chloroplasts. Little changes caused by Pb and Cd application were not enough to affect the growth and essential oil yield and composition of M. arvensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar dois protocolos de desinfestação na micropropagação em três cultivares de bananeira. Utilizaram-se mudas das cultivares de bananeira Prata Anã, FHIA 18 e SH3640. Os protocolos 1 e 2 de desinfestação (Des. 1 e Des. 2) foram realizados utilizando-se os seguintes produtos: solução fungicida de Derosol, álcool comercial, solução de hipoclorito de sódio e de hipoclorito de cálcio e tween 20, apresentando variações na concentração dos produtos em cada um dos protocolos. As avaliações para a porcentagem de contaminação foram realizadas diariamente por meio do número total de tubos contaminados e não contaminados. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, em um sistema fatorial. As contaminações que ocorreram foram causadas exclusivamente por bactérias. Independentemente do tratamento utilizado, os índices de contaminação foram superiores a 29% para as três cultivares testadas. Estes resultados indicam a necessidade de adequar novas metodologias de assepsias de explantes de bananeira.

Trace elements are considered toxic in high levels for human and animal organisms. In aquatic environment, some elements can form organic compounds and tend to bioaccumulate in organisms tissues. Bivalve mollusks participate on the metallic contaminants dynamics in aquatic environment due to capacity in concentrate trace elements in their soft tissues in higher levels than in water. Mussels are mollusks widely used as bioindicators of trace metal pollution in coastal areas because they can accumulate various elements as filter-feeders. In Brazil, Perna perna is one of the most commonly consumed bivalve mollusks and the most cultivated in coast regions. Therefore, the consumption of mussels may be a potential risk for human health, which enhances the importance to know trace metal levels in environment that provides food to humans. Due to constantly search for environmental quality and the use of mussels as food and often employed to monitor metal pollution in sea, it is of great interest and importance an overview of metallic contamination in national territory to assist in prevention of intoxication by trace elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of two sampling plans for fumonisins (B1+B2) analysis in 11 lots of maize. For sample collection the two systems used were a manual system in whole grains, using sampling spear. and an automatic system in milled grains, using the continuous flow sampling system (CFSS). For comparison purpose, two dispersion measurements were used: variance and coefficient of variation. For each sampling plan the variance associated to the three steps of fumonisins quantification (sampling, sample preparation, and analysis), and the total coefficient of variation were determined. The correlation between the average fumonisins concentration and the variances for each phase of the detection procedure was evaluated for each sampling plan using analysis of regression. At the automatic sampling plan in milled grains for fumonisins analysis in maize both sampling variance (0.0226mg kg-1)2 and total coefficient of variation (6.37%) were lower (P<0.01) than in the manual sampling plan in whole grains whit (0.0685mg kg-1)2 of variance and 8.94% of coefficient of variation, showing so better efficiency for fumonisin detection on maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacteriosis is a worldwide distribution zoonosis, with significant repercussions on public health and with a high socioeconomic impact. Routes of transmission of Campylobacter species to man are direct contact with carrier animals, contaminated water or food and it is most commonly associated with consumption of chicken meat. The objective of this study was to detect and enumerate the Campylobacter spp. by a rapid method (SimPlate®) and and conventional method (direct plating on mCCDA) and determine frequency and level of contamination in 75 broiler carcasses (25 pre-chill; 25 postchill at establishments under federal inspection in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil and 25 frozen broiler carcass samples taken from the retail trade). Evaluated samples, regardless of the technique used, detected the presence of Campylobacter spp. in 56.0% before the chiller and 44.0% after the chiller. Counts of the frozen samples were below the detection limit of the method. Of the 75 samples tested, 34.7% were positive for Campylobacter spp. and that, 38.5% were identified as C. jejuni. Among them, the largest number of C. jejuni obtained was from the carcass of the chicken before the chiller (42.9%), followed by chicken carcass after the chiller (36.4%). The study showed that the detection and enumeration is variable, although in none of the samples intended for trade has been obtained scores above the infective dose. The use of SimPlate® technique was appropriate and equivalent to direct plating on agar mCCD and showed a better recovery rate cells of Campylobacter spp.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides applied in paddy rice can be transported to water bodies. The determination of the contamination extent is very important to alert the society and the politicians about the contamination issue. The objective of this study was to monitor pesticides in surface water in seven regions of south Brazil associated with the rice cropping in three different moments of the 2007/2008 growing season. Surface water samples were collected at three locations per region, with a total of 21 locations. The pesticides evaluated were: clomazone, quinclorac, penoxsulam, imazethapyr, imazapic, carbofuran, 3-hydroxy-carbofuran, fipronil and tebuconazole. The samples were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Imazethapyr, carbofuran and fipronil were detected in all regions studied. A higher number of pesticides were detected in the 'Depressão Central' and in the 'Planície Costeira Externa à Lagoa dos Patos' regions, with eight pesticides. The 'Região Sul' had the lowest contamination, with detection of only four pesticides in surface water. All samples in all season contained at least one pesticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the water supply provided by different alternative substrates as well as to analyze its efficiency in the sanity and in the in vitro germination of Pinus taeda L. seeds. The seeds were inoculated in filter paper, hydrophile cotton and agar-water medium. Water absorption by seeds was assessed for 3, 6, 9, 24, 48 and 72h and, later, at 21 days of cultivation and contamination by microorganisms was determined. Water absorption, based on the percentage increase which occurred in the weight of seeds, was higher in filter paper and hydrophile cotton. The best germination rates were obtained with filter paper and agar-water. However, agarwater presented the highest contamination rates. Due to water loss in the substrate filter-paper during cultivation, it is suggested the use of cotton because of the low contamination rates observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through conventional bacteriological methods, the contamination by Clostridium perfringens was evaluated in the ration and water used in the feeding of poultry chickens from different region of the interior from São Paulo. C. perfringens was present in 42 and 30% of the ration samples and waters analyzed respectively. The averages of the countings were 6.7 x 10-2CFU mL for the samples of water and 3.69 x 10-2CFU g for rations. The high frequencies and countings of C. perfringens verified in the rations and in the waters may be associated to the lack of general hygiene in the manipulation and storage of the same ones. These suggests a periodic monitoration of the presence of C. perfringens in these sources, with the purpose of avoiding such pathogen, in view that this organism can provoke an outbreak of necrotic enteritis, and cause great damages in the poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Seed size and its physiology are a barrier for the exchange of coconut genetics resources and the tissue culture techniques can assist the germplasm bank enrichment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of transport and storage procedures of zygotic embryos to promote the exchange of coconut accessions. Mature zygotic embryo from Cameroon red dwarf (CRD), Malayan yellow dwarf (MYD) and Malayan red dwarf (MRD) were used. The following treatments were evaluated: T1-storage of endosperm disc in plastic bags at 10±2°C for 5 days; T2 - 8 days; T3 - 12 days; T4 - embryo excised and inoculated in micro tube with Y3 culture medium with no sucrose for 2 days and T5 - five embryos inoculated in Y3 culture medium without sucrose in Petri dish for 2 days. T5 treatment resulted in low bacterial contamination.

ABSTRACT: Listeria monocytogenes is a relevant foodborne pathogen in public health, responsible for outbreaks of listeriosis often associated to the consumption of ready to eat meat, dairy and fishery products. Listeriosis is a serious disease that can lead to death and mainly affect children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. In pregnant women causes abortion or neonatal listeriosis. In Brazil, ready to eat food are appreciated and increasingly consumed by the population. Furthermore, products such as sausages, bologna, hams and cheeses have characteristics such as pH, Aw and sodium chloride content that favor the development of L. monocytogenes during their shelf life. The purpose of this paper was to present an overview of L. monocytogenes contamination in different meat, dairy and fishery products that are ready for consumption and thereby support the adoption of strategies to mitigate this risk, contributing to achieve the appropriate level protection for the consumers and thus strengthen Brazil's food safety system.

ABSTRACT: Herbicides used in the Clearfield® rice (Oryza sativa L.) production system have a potential for leaching. This can result in contamination of underground water resources and cause injury to not tolerant crops that are sown in a succession and/or crop rotation. The objective of this study was to determine the leaching potential and the residual activity of the herbicides used in the Clearfield® rice system. The experiment was conducted over a period of two years and consisted of conducting a field test to be followed by two bioassays with a year of difference between their implementation. Initially an experiment was conducted in lowland area where it was planted the cultivar of rice ‘PUITA INTA CL’. Approximately one and two years thereafter, soil samples from each plot were collected at intervals of 5cm to a depth of 30cm (B factor) for the bioassay to evaluate persistence of herbicides. Factor A was composed of mixtures formulated of imazethapyr + imazapic (75 + 25g a.i. L-1), imazapyr + imazapic (525 + 175g a.i. kg-1) in two doses, imazethapyr (100g a.i. L-1) and treatment control without application. Basing on results, it was concluded that the mixtures imazethapyr + imazapic, imazapyr + imazapic and imazethapyr leached into the soil, reaching depths of up to 25cm in lowland soil. Imidazolinone herbicides used today in the irrigated rice Clearfield® system are persistent in soil, and their phytotoxic activity can be observed up to two years after application.