An industrialized diet as a determinant of methylation in the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene promoter.

Background: Dietary composition can modify gene expression, favoring the development of chronic diseases via epigenetic mechanisms. Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and NR3C1 gene methylation in users of the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS). Methods: We recruited 250 adult volunteers and evaluated their socioeconomic status, psychosocial characteristics, lifestyle, and anthropometrics. Peripheral blood was collected and evaluated for cortisol levels, glycemia, lipid profile, and insulin resistance; methylation of CpGs 40-47 of the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene was also measured. Factors associated with degree of methylation were evaluated using generalized linear models (p < 0.05). Lifestyle variables and health variables were included as confounding factors. Results: The findings of our cross-sectional study indicated an association between NR3C1 DNA methylation and intake of processed foods. We also observed relevant associations of average NR3C1 DNA across the segment analyzed, methylation in component 1 (40-43), and methylation in component 2 (44-47) with a pattern of consumption of industrialized products in relation to BMI, serum cortisol levels, and lipid profile. These results may indicate a relationship between methylation and metabolic changes related to the stress response. Conclusion: These findings suggest an association of methylation and metabolic alterations with stress response. In addition, the present study highlights the significant role of diet quality as a stress-inducing factor that influences NR3C1 methylation. This relationship is further linked to changes in psychosocial factors, lifestyle choices, and cardiometabolic variables, including glucose levels, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia.

Metal concentrations in the whole blood of farmers in southeast Brazil.

In this study, we measured Ni, Co, Cd, and Pb concentrations in the whole blood of farmers from southeast Brazil to address the factors influencing human exposure in this population. The factors included smoking, alcohol consumption, aging, body composition, gender, and feeding preferences, which were measured through carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition. We also calculated and compared the reference values (RVs) of the measured elements to evaluate ongoing exposure levels. We observed the influence of lifestyle habits on metal exposure; Cd levels were statistically higher in smokers, and alcohol consumption affected only Pb concentrations, with an association also observed with the frequency of alcohol ingestion. The metal levels were positively associated with both isotope values, indicating that feeding may be the dominant source of these elements in this population. We also observed the effect of endogenous sources measured through age, as increased Pb concentrations in both genders and higher Cd levels in older women, which is related to bone, kidney, and liver accumulation. The body mass index was negatively associated with Ni, Co, and Cd in women and positively in men. The negative associations may indicate that body fat may act as a reservoir for metals, reducing their availability in the blood in individuals with higher body mass and possibly influencing the assessment of exposure levels. The evaluated population presented elevated RVs for all elements: Ni 36, Co 3.3, Cd 16, and Pb 149 µg L-1. These values point to higher exposure in this population compared to other studies in Brazil and worldwide. These results emphasize an urgent need for monitoring programs for toxic substances in Brazil and evaluating possible health effects, given the ongoing environmental exposure associated with endogenous exposure and lifestyle habits that promote higher metal levels in this population.

Psychotropic drug use and suggestive depression symptoms associated with NR3C1 DNA methylation / Uso de drogas psicotrópicas e sintomas sugestivos de depressão associados à metilação do DNA do NR3C1

Introduction: Psychiatric disorders have become a global problem that leads millions of people to use psychotropic medications, especially benzodiazepines. The effects of these substances are widely known regarding tolerance and chemical dependence, however, from epigenetics perspective, there are still little known.Objective: To evaluate the association between psychotropic drug use, NR3C1 gene methylation and its relation with symptoms suggestive of depression in adult individuals assisted in the public health system.Methods: 385 adult volunteers (20-59 years) users of the Brazilian Unified Health System were recruited to evaluate socioeconomic, health, lifestyle conditions in a cross sectional study. BDI-II evaluated symptoms suggestive of depression and pyrosequencing evaluated NR3C1 DNA methylation. Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression model with robust variance (p < 0.05) evaluated the association between psychotropic drug use and NR3C1 gene methylation.Results: Specific depressive symptoms such as irritability, insomnia and fatigability were associated with psychotropic drug use. Symptoms of past failure, indecision and loss of appetite were associated with hypermethylation patterns in CpGs 40 to 47 of NR3C1 gene. Moreover, psychotropic drug use is associated with 50% reduction in NR3C1 gene methylation, through model adjusted with socioeconomic, health and lifestyle confounding variables.Conclusions: Psychotropic drug use and depressive symptoms was associated with changes in NR3C1 DNA methylation. In this context, epigenetic modification resulting from psychotropic drug use and depressive symptoms could be considered, mainly in population studies with epigenetic evaluation, where these factors may be influencing the findings of future studies.

Introdução: os distúrbios psiquiátricos tornaram-se um problema global que leva milhões de pessoas ao uso de medicamentos psicotrópicos. Os efeitos dessas substâncias são amplamente conhecidos quanto à tolerância e dependência química, porém, do ponto de vista epigenético, ainda são pouco conhecidos.Objetivos: avaliar a associação entre o uso de drogas psicotrópicas, metilação do gene NR3C1 e sua relação com sintomas sugestivos de depressão em indivíduos entre 20 a 59 anos usuários da rede pública de saúde.Método: 385 voluntários de 20-59 anos, usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro foram recrutados para avaliação das condições socioeconômicas, de saúde e de estilo de vida em estudo transversal. O BDI-II avaliou sintomas sugestivos de depressão e o pirosequenciamento avaliou a metilação do DNA de NR3C1. Modelo de regressão de Poisson bivariado e multivariado com variância robusta (p < 0,05) avaliou a associação entre o uso de drogas psicotrópicas e metilação do gene NR3C1.Resultados: sintomas depressivos específicos como irritabilidade, insônia e fadiga foram associados ao uso de medicamentos psicotrópicos. Sintomas de fracasso passado, indecisão e perda de apetite foram associados a padrões de hipermetilação nos CpGs 40 a 47 do gene NR3C1. Além disso, o uso de psicofármacos está associado à redução de 50% na metilação do gene NR3C1, por meio de modelo ajustado com variáveis de confusão socioeconômicas, de saúde e estilo de vida.Conclusão: o uso de drogas psicotrópicas e sintomas específicos depressivos foram associados a alterações na metilação do DNA de NR3C1.

Profile of natural Trypanosoma cruzi infection among dogs from rural areas of southern Espírito Santo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection via oral transmission has a habitual character in its primitive endemic cycle. Recent findings revealed the first death by oral transmission of T. cruzi in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, in 2012, which was recorded in the rural area of Guarapari. This study evaluated the characteristics related to the occurrence of natural T. cruzi infection among dogs from the rural areas of Alegre and Iconha, municipalities of Espírito Santo. METHODS: Logistic regression analysis of factors contributing to serological detection of T. cruzi in dogs was performed in environments where Espírito Santo's Department of Health Surveillance had previously notified triatomines positive for Trypanosoma spp. from 2014 to 2017. RESULTS: A total of 36 dogs were analyzed, of which 10 (27.77%) tested positive, one was borderline (2.79%), and 25 tested negative (69.44%) for T. cruzi infection. São Caetano, a district from the Iconha municipality, presented a 25 times greater chance for the detection of positive tests (OR:25; 95% CI; 2.37->100). Dogs with updated mandatory vaccination presented with a lower risk of positive serodiagnosis (OR:0.12; 95% CI: 0.02-0.63). CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight for the first time the occurrence of natural T. cruzi canine infection, detected in the municipality of Iconha, mainly among dogs with un-updated mandatory vaccines in the district of São Caetano.

Epigenetic alteration of BDNF gene, social and health status as predictors of food and nutrition insecurity among familiar coffee farmers / Alteração epigenética no gene BDNF, status social e de saúde como preditores da insegurança alimentar e nutricional em cafeicultores familiares

ntroduction: state of Food and Nutritional Security (FNS) is one that should guarantee the right of permanent access to quality food and in sufficient quantity without prejudicing access to other basic rights. In Brazil, rural family farming establishments represent 84.4% of total agricultural establishments and contribute to more than 70% of all food consumed by Brazilians. In this context, the production of the coffee commodity stands out. However, despite being food producers, they do not earn a good income. Slow economic activity can lead to loss of wages and income, illness, as well as food insecurity (FNiS). In addition, the molecular effects of FNiS are poorly studied, especially epigenetic.Objective: the objective of the present study is to analyze the association between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) DNA methylation and socio demographic, lifestyle, and epigenetic factors, among coffee farmers in the Caparaó zone, in Espirito Santo, Southeast Brazil.Methods: the study was carried out in 22 randomly selected coffee producing communities in Zona Caparaó, an area that produces coffee of recognized quality. A total of 570 coffee farming households, 18 to 60 years of age, were included in the study by answering a questionnaire about socioeconomic characteristics, land use and ownership, behavior, health, and working conditions. FNiS evaluation was carried out using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. BDNF exon I methylation was examined by methylation-specific PCR. Body mass index and biochemical analyses were performed. Logistic regression models were used to verify factors associated with FNiS (p<0.05). Data were analyzed using the Stata® statistical software package version 14.Results: the FNiS prevalence found was 23.68%. In multivariable logistic regression, the occurrence of FNiS was associated with hypermethylation of exon I of the BDNF promoter exon I [ORa = 5.03 (95% (1.98, 12.82)] when compared to the unmethylated gene. Moreover, FNiS was associated with excessive workload [ORa = 3.36 (1.23, 9.22)], possession of less land (hectares) [ORa = 0.77 (0.67, 0.90)] and greater number symptoms and / or illnesses in real life [ORa = 1.12 (1.04.1.20)].Conclusion: there is a high prevalence of Food Insecurity in the studied region. This phenomenon was associated with epigenetic factors (BDNF methylation), excessive workload, small land ownership and a greater number of diseases / symptoms. Food insecurity is a psychosocial stressor that can lead to epigenetic changes in the BDNF gene, responsible for regulating cognitive functions, neuronal survival and involved in the genesis of psychiatric diseases.

Introdução: o Estado de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SAN) é aquele que deve garantir o direito de acesso permanente à alimentação de qualidade e em quantidade suficiente sem prejudicar o acesso a outros direitos básicos. No Brasil, os estabelecimentos de agricultura familiar rural representam 84,4% do total de estabelecimentos agropecuários e contribuem com mais de 70% de todos os alimentos consumidos pelos brasileiros. Nesse contexto, destaca-se a produção da commodity café. No entanto, apesar de serem produtores de alimentos, não auferem bons rendimentos. A lenta atividade econômica pode levar à perda de salários e renda, doenças e insegurança alimentar (INSAN). Além disso, os efeitos moleculares da INSAN são pouco estudados, sobretudo epigenéticos.Objetivos: o objetivo do presente estudo é analisar a associação entre a metilação do promotor do BDNF e a INSAN e a associação da INSAN com fatores sociodemográficos, de estilo de vida e epigenéticos, em cafeicultores da zona do Caparaó, no Espírito Santo, Sudeste do Brasil.Método: o estudo foi realizado em 22 comunidades cafeeiras selecionadas aleatoriamente na Zona do Caparaó, área que produz café de reconhecida qualidade. Um total de 570 famílias de cafeicultores, entre 18 a 60 anos, foram incluídos no estudo e responderam a um questionário sobre características socioeconômicas, uso e posse da terra, hábitos de vida, saúde e condições de trabalho. A avaliação da INSAN foi realizada por meio da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. A metilação do éxon I do BDNF foi examinada por PCR específica para metilação. Índice de massa corporal e análises bioquímicas foram realizadas. Modelos de regressão logística foram utilizados para verificar os fatores associados à INSAN (p<0,05). Os dados foram analisados usando o software estatístico Stata® versão 14.Resultados: a prevalência de INSAN encontrada foi de 23,68%. Na regressão logística multivariada, a ocorrência de INSAN foi associada a hipermetilação do éxon I do promotor do gene BDNF [ORa = 5,03 (95% (1,98, 12,82)] quando comparado ao gene não metilado. Além disso, a INSAN foi associada a carga de trabalho excessiva [ORa = 3,36 (1,23, 9,22)], posse de menos hectares de terra [ORa = 0,77 (0,67, 0,90)] e maior número de sintomas e/ou doenças da vida real [ORa = 1,12 (1.04.1.20)].Conclusão: o estudo mostrou uma alta prevalência de Insegurança Alimentar na região analisada. Esse fenômeno foi associado a fatores epigenéticos (metilação do gene BDNF), carga horária excessiva, pequena propriedade de terra e maior número de doenças/sintomas. A INSAN pode ser um estressor capaz de promover alterações epigenéticas no gene BDNF, importante gene regulador da cognição, crescimento e sobrevivência neuronal e envolvido com doenças psiquiátricas.

Profile of natural Trypanosoma cruzi infection among dogs from rural areas of southern Espírito Santo, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: The emergence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection via oral transmission has a habitual character in its primitive endemic cycle. Recent findings revealed the first death by oral transmission of T. cruzi in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, in 2012, which was recorded in the rural area of Guarapari. This study evaluated the characteristics related to the occurrence of natural T. cruzi infection among dogs from the rural areas of Alegre and Iconha, municipalities of Espírito Santo. Methods: Logistic regression analysis of factors contributing to serological detection of T. cruzi in dogs was performed in environments where Espírito Santo's Department of Health Surveillance had previously notified triatomines positive for Trypanosoma spp. from 2014 to 2017. Results: A total of 36 dogs were analyzed, of which 10 (27.77%) tested positive, one was borderline (2.79%), and 25 tested negative (69.44%) for T. cruzi infection. São Caetano, a district from the Iconha municipality, presented a 25 times greater chance for the detection of positive tests (OR:25; 95% CI; 2.37->100). Dogs with updated mandatory vaccination presented with a lower risk of positive serodiagnosis (OR:0.12; 95% CI: 0.02-0.63). Conclusions: Our results highlight for the first time the occurrence of natural T. cruzi canine infection, detected in the municipality of Iconha, mainly among dogs with un-updated mandatory vaccines in the district of São Caetano.

Food and nutritional insecurity is associated with depressive symptoms mediated by NR3C1 gene promoter 1F methylation.

The aim of this study was to investigate socioeconomic stressors predictive of depressive symptoms and possible epigenetic changes in the glucocorticoid receptor - NR3C1-1F - an encoding gene involved in depressive symptoms. A total of 321 adult volunteers from southeastern Brazil were recruited to evaluate depressive symptoms, socio-demographic and economic factors, including food and nutritional security (FNS) or insecurity (FNiS) status, and NR3C1-1F region methylation by pyrosequencing. Depressive symptom determinants were investigated using a Poisson regression model with robust variance. Mann-Whitney tests and structural mediation equation models were used to evaluate the relationship between NR3C1 DNA methylation, FNiS, and depressive symptoms. Multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance adjusted for sex and FNiS and NR3C1-1F region methylation predicted risk factors for depressive symptoms. Mediation analysis revealed that NR3C1-1F region methylation mediated the relationship between FNiS exposure and depressive symptoms as an outcome, and depressive volunteers and FNiS individuals exhibited a significant increase in NR3C1 methylation when compared to healthy individuals and FNS volunteers, respectively. Therefore, we suggest that stress caused by FNiS may lead to depressive symptoms and that NR3C1-1F DNA methylation can act as a mediator of both FNiS and depressive symptoms.

Alcohol consumption, depression, overweight and cortisol levels as determining factors for NR3C1 gene methylation.

The NR3C1 glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene is a component of the stress response system, which can be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. NR3C1 methylation has been associated with trauma and mental issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and personality disorders. Previous studies have reported that stressful events are involved in NR3C1 gene methylation, suggesting that its regulation under environmental effects is complex. The present study aimed to analyze associations involving stressors such as socioeconomic status, health conditions, and lifestyle in relation to NR3C1 methylation in adults. This study included 386 individual users of the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS), and evaluated socioeconomic and health conditions, body mass index, cortisol levels, and lifestyle. Data were correlated with NR3C1 methylation, determined using DNA pyrosequencing. The results showed that alcohol consumption, overweight, and high cortisol levels were related to NR3C1 demethylation, while depression was related to its methylation. Habits, lifestyle, and health status may influence NR3C1 gene regulation via methylation, revealing the complexity of environmental impacts on NR3C1 methylation.

Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms Among Rural Residents from Remote Areas.

This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for depressive symptoms among rural residents in Brazil. A representative sample of two hundred eighty-eight volunteers aged from 18 to 65 years was included and determining factors for high BDI-II score were investigated through a multivariate logistic model. Sadness, loss of pleasure, crying, worthlessness and loss of interest in sex are more likely to be observed in females, and risk factors to this high depression score among rural residents were shown to be: female gender, tobacco use, pesticide application, poor self-perceived health and presence of chronic disease. These data contribute to the knowledge of factors determining depressive symptoms among rural residents and may help to expand health policies to improve quality of rural life on these communities and others with similar characteristics.

Impacto de uma alimentação rica em açúcar e das condições socioeconômicas na experiência da cárie em crianças e adultos jovens / Impact of a high-sugar diet and socioeconomic conditions on caries experience in children and young adults

Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre a prevalência de cárie dentária em relação a frequência de consumo de alimentos ricos em açúcar, condições socioeconômicas e escolaridade dos pais de crianças e adultos jovens. Material e Métodos: Aplicou-se questionários socioeconômicos com pais e/ou responsáveis de 36 crianças e adolescentes na faixa etária entre 7 e 20 anos de um clube do Município de Alegre - ES. A cárie dentária foi avaliada através do Índice de Dentes Cariados, Perdidos e Obturados (CPO-D) e a placa bacteriana por meio do Índice de Higiene Oral Simplificado (IOHS). Posteriormente, realizaram-se palestras e atividades educativas de higiene bucal e de educação nutricional. Reavaliou-se então índice de placa bacteriana duas semanas após a intervenção. Para avaliação estatística usou-se regressão logística para testar associações e teste t pareado para índice de placa bacteriana. Resultados: Do total de crianças avaliadas, 67% apresentou história pregressa e atual de cárie, na qual a mediana do CPO-D encontrado foi de 2. Para a avaliação do índice de placa bacteriana, observou-se que a intervenção apresentou efetividade (p<0,05) uma vez que IHOS inicial foi de 1,98 e o final foi de 1,43. Conclusão: Foi encontrada alta prevalência de COP-D polarizado na amostra avaliada, e também detectado que as ações de educação em saúde foram efetivas na redução de placa bacteriana

Objective: to evaluate the association between the prevalence of dental caries, sugary food intake and socioeconomic conditions of children and young adults. Material and methods: socioeconomic questionnaires were applied to parents and/or guardians of 36 children and adolescents attending a soccer club in the city of Alegre ­ ES, Brazil, aged between 7 and 20 years. To assess food intake, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was applied. Tooth decay was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) and plaque through the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). Subsequently, lectures and oral hygiene and nutritional education activities were held. The plaque index was then reevaluated two weeks after the intervention. The presence of caries was expressed using relative frequency. In order to evaluate the factors associated with dental caries, a logistic regression model was used (p <0.05), and to evaluate the effect of the intervention, the paired t-test was used to compare the plaque index. Results: 67% out of the assessed children had past and current history of decay, with a median DMFT of 2. Among the variables assessed 'family income', 'parents' educational level' and 'consumption of high-sugar foods' no statistically significant association (p <0.05) with the presence of dental caries was observed. To evaluate the bacterial plaque index, it was observed that the intervention was effective (p <0.05) with an initial OHI-S of 1.98 and final of 1.43. Conclusion: a high prevalence of polarized DMFT was found in the sample. The health education actions were effective in reducing plaque. Almost all of the sample was found to have the habit of consuming sugary food four or more times a week. No significant associations were found between dental caries and the variables analyzed.

Psychosocial stress and central adiposity: A Brazilian study with a representative sample of the public health system users.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between indicators of psychosocial stress and central adiposity in adult users of the Unified Health System (SUS) from Southeast of Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 384 adults (20 to 59 years old) from the city of Alegre, Southeastern Brazil. The simple random sample represented the population using the public health system of the municipality. The prevalence of obesity was based on the Body Mass Index, and central adiposity (dependent variable) was measured by waist circumference in centimeters. The independent variables were the following indicators of psychosocial stress: food and nutrition insecurity (yes/no), serum cortisol (µg/dL), symptoms suggestive of depression using the Beck Depression Inventory-II ≥ 17 (yes/no), and altered blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mmHg (yes/no). Univariate linear regression was performed between central adiposity and each stress indicator, and later the models were adjusted for socioeconomic, health, and lifestyle variables. All analyses were made separately by rural and urban location. RESULTS: The prevalence of weight excess, by the classification of the Body Mass Index ≥ 25.0 kg/m2, was 68.3% and, by waist circumference, 71.5% of individuals presented an increased risk for metabolic complications related to central adiposity. Mean waist circumference scores for the rural and urban population were 89.3 ± 12.7 cm and 92.9 ± 14.7 cm, respectively (p = 0.012). Indicators of stress that were associated with central adiposity were: cortisol in the rural population (ß = -0.60; 95% CI = -1.09;-0.11) and altered blood pressure in the urban population (ß = 6.66; 95% CI = 2.14;11.18). This occurred both in the raw analysis and in the models adjusted for confounding factors. CONCLUSION: Central adiposity was inversely associated with cortisol in the rural population and directly associated with higher arterial blood pressure in the urban population, suggesting a local influence on how individuals react to stress.

Pesticide exposure, tobacco use, poor self-perceived health and presence of chronic disease are determinants of depressive symptoms among coffee growers from Southeast Brazil.

The lifestyle and other factors associated with the appearance of several health conditions that affect quality of life in rural zone is an issue that has been increasingly explored. Brazil is the largest coffee-producing nation in the world and has been a considerable consumer of pesticides since 2008. The aim of the present study was to investigate factors that could be contributing to the appearance of depressive symptoms in rural workers. Two hundred twenty male volunteers from nine cities in Southeast Brazil completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) questionnaire about depressive symptoms and provided other information about socio-demographic characteristics and additional confounding factors. The adjusted multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that pesticide exposure, tobacco use, poor self-perceived health and the presence of chronic disease contribute as risk factors for the appearance of depressive symptoms at a level above ups and downs considered normal in the BDI-II. This survey contributes to the search for solutions to improve quality of life and mental health in the rural living to the extent that social determinants of depression are being investigated.

Utilização de ingredientes sucedâneos ao trigo na elaboração de bolos sem glúten / Substitutes ingredients of wheat for making gluten-free cakes

Apesar do aumento da oferta de produtos sem glúten, observa-se ainda a limitação de opções no mercado de panificados. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as características físico-químicas e sensoriais de bolos formulados com farinhas substitutivas ao trigo. Duas formulações contendo farinhas mistas substitutivas ao trigo (amaranto, quinoa, soja e fécula de mandioca) e uma controle (contendo trigo) foram analisadas quanto às medições e composição centesimal. Coliformes totais, pH e acidez total titulável (ATT) foram determinados no 1° e 4° dias de armazenamento. Aceitação e preferência foram avaliadas por meio de testes sensoriais. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, seguida de testes paramétricos e não-paramétricos a 5% de probabilidade. Os bolos apresentaram características físicas de medições similares à formulação controle. A formulação com maior teor de soja apresentou maior teor de lipídios quando comparada com o controle. Os bolos com farinhas mistas obtiveram aceitação e preferência semelhantes entre si, porém inferiores à amostra controle. As amostras mantiveram-se estáveis quanto ao pH e ATT durante os quatro dias de armazenamento, não havendo crescimento de coliformes totais. Conclui-se que há viabilidade na formulação destes produtos com boa aceitação e valor nutricional agregado.

Despite the increase in the supply of gluten-free products, an option limitation in the bread-making market is still observed. The objective of this study was to determine the physicochemical and sensorial characteristics of the cakes formulated with the wheat substitute flours. Two formulations containing mixed wheat substitutes (amaranth, quinoa, soybean and cassava starch) and a control sample (containing wheat) were analyzed on the measurements and proximate composition. Total coliforms, pH and titratable total acidity (TTA) were determined at the 1st and 4th days of storage. Acceptance and preference were assessed by means of sensory tests. The data were evaluated by the variance analysis,followed by parametric and non-parametric tests at 5% probability. The cakes presented physical characteristics of measurements similar to the control formulation. The formulation containing the highest soybean contents showed the major lipid contents when compared to the control. The mixed-flour cakes had similar acceptance and preference, but lower than the control sample. The samples pH and TTA were stable during the four days of storage, and no growth of total coliforms occurred. Therefore, it is viable the formulation of these products with good acceptance and nutritional value.

Utilização de ingredientes sucedâneos ao trigo na elaboração de bolos sem glúten / Substitutes ingredients of wheat for making gluten-free cakes

Apesar do aumento da oferta de produtos sem glúten, observa-se ainda a limitação de opções no mercado de panificados. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as características físico-químicas e sensoriais de bolos formulados com farinhas substitutivas ao trigo. Duas formulações contendo farinhas mistas substitutivas ao trigo (amaranto, quinoa, soja e fécula de mandioca) e uma controle (contendo trigo) foram analisadas quanto às medições e composição centesimal. Coliformes totais, pH e acidez total titulável (ATT) foram determinados no 1° e 4° dias de armazenamento. Aceitação e preferência foram avaliadas por meio de testes sensoriais. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, seguida de testes paramétricos e não-paramétricos a 5% de probabilidade. Os bolos apresentaram características físicas de medições similares à formulação controle. A formulação com maior teor de soja apresentou maior teor de lipídios quando comparada com o controle. Os bolos com farinhas mistas obtiveram aceitação e preferência semelhantes entre si, porém inferiores à amostra controle. As amostras mantiveram-se estáveis quanto ao pH e ATT durante os quatro dias de armazenamento, não havendo crescimento de coliformes totais. Conclui-se que há viabilidade na formulação destes produtos com boa aceitação e valor nutricional agregado.

Despite the increase in the supply of gluten-free products, an option limitation in the bread-making market is still observed. The objective of this study was to determine the physicochemical and sensorial characteristics of the cakes formulated with the wheat substitute flours. Two formulations containing mixed wheat substitutes (amaranth, quinoa, soybean and cassava starch) and a control sample (containing wheat) were analyzed on the measurementsand proximate composition. Total coliforms, pH and titratable total acidity (TTA) were determined at the 1st and 4th days of storage. Acceptance and preference were assessed by means of sensory tests. The data were evaluated by the variance analysis, followed by parametric and non-parametric tests at 5% probability. The cakes presented physical characteristics of measurements similar to the control formulation. The formulation containing the highest soybean contents showed the major lipid contents when compared to the control. The mixedflour cakes had similar acceptance and preference, but lower than the control sample. The samples pH and TTA were stable during the four days of storage, and no growth of total coliforms occurred. Therefore, it is viable the formulation of these products with good acceptance andnutritional value.

Avaliação das boas práticas de manipulação no fluxograma operacional de preparações cárneas servidas em uma unidade de alimentação e nutrição / Evaluation of good manufacturing practices in an operational flow chart of meat preparations served in a food and nutrition unit

O mercado da alimentação coletiva cresceu nas últimas décadas, influenciado pelas diversas mudanças ocorridas na sociedade. Ao mesmo tempo em que houve o crescimento da utilização dos serviços de alimentação coletiva, verificou-se aumento na ocorrência de doenças de origem alimentar, influenciado por práticas inadequadas de manipulação. Deste modo, o objetivo deste estudo foide avaliar as boas práticas de manipulação relacionadas ao fluxograma operacional de preparações cárneas servidas em uma Unidade de Alimentação e Nutrição. Como instrumento de avaliação foi utilizada uma lista de verificação (check-list), baseada na legislação vigente. Além disso, foram aferidas as temperaturas durante a distribuição de 12 preparações cárneas servidas como prato principal. A média de adequações evidenciadas por meio da aplicação da lista de verificação foi igual a 46 %, sendo a maior parte das inadequações encontradas nas instalações da unidade. Em relação à distribuição, verificou-se que o balcão térmico da unidade não era capaz de manter os alimentos em temperatura segura para o consumo. Entretanto, as preparações não foram expostas por tempo prolongado. Percebe-se a necessidade da implantação de ações corretivas a fim de minimizar os possíveis riscos encontrados na unidade avaliada.

The collective food market has grown in recent decades, influenced by the various changes occurred in the society. While the use of collective food service has been expanded, an increase in the occurrence of food-borne diseases has noticed, derived from the inappropriate handling practices. The present study aimed at evaluating the good handling practices, in particular on the hygienic sanitary conditions of the operational flow chart for preparing meat served in a food and nutrition unit. For evaluating the hygienic sanitary conditions in this unit, a check-list based on the current legislation was applied for six times. Also, the temperatures were measured during the distribution of 12 meat preparations which were served as main course. By applying the check-list, the adequacy of this unit was 46 %, and the majority of the inadequacies were found in the restaurant facilities. Regarding the distribution process, the thermal counter of the unit showed inability in keeping the foods at a safe temperature to be consumed; nevertheless these foods were not exposed for a long time. It is important to point out that the corrective actions should be implemented to minimize the potential hazards found in the evaluated unit.