Genome assembly and variant analysis of two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from stingless bee pollen.

Products from stingless bees are rich reservoirs of microbial diversity, including yeasts with fermentative potential. Previously, two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, JP14 and IP9, were isolated from Jataí (Tetragonisca angustula) and Iraí (Nannotrigona testaceicornis) bees, respectively, aiming at mead production. Both strains presented great osmotic and sulfite tolerance, and ethanol production, although they have a high free amino nitrogen demand. Herein, their genomes were sequenced, assembled, and annotated, and the variants were compared to the S. cerevisiae S288c reference strain. The final assembly of IP9 and JP14 presented high N50 and BUSCO scores, and more than 6430 protein-coding genes. Additionally, nQuire predicted the ploidy of IP9 as diploid, but the results were not enough to determine the ploidy of JP14. The mitochondrial genomes of IP9 and JP14 presented the same gene content as S288c but the genes were rearranged and fragmented in different patterns. Meanwhile, the genes with mutations of high impact (e.g., indels, gain of stop codon) for both yeasts were enriched for transmembrane transport, electron transfer, oxidoreductase, heme binding, fructose, mannose, and glucose transport, activities related to the respiratory chain and sugar metabolism. The IP9 strain presented copy number gains in genes related to sugar transport and cell morphogenesis; in JP14, genes were enriched for disaccharide metabolism and transport, response to reactive oxygen species, and polyamine transport. On the other hand, IP9 presented copy number losses related to disaccharide, thiamine, and aldehyde metabolism, while JP14 presented depletions related to disaccharide, oligosaccharide, asparagine, and aspartate metabolism. Notably, both strains presented a killer toxin gene, annotated from the assembling of unmapped reads, representing a potential mechanism for the control of other microorganisms population in the environment. Therefore, the annotated genomes of JP14 and IP9 presented a high selective pressure for sugar and nitrogen metabolism and stress response, consistent with their isolation source and fermentative properties.

Determination of Lead in Bee Products by Solid Surface Fluorescence Using Complexation and Coacervation at Room Temperature Processes. An Environmental Friendly Methodology.

An accurate, economic and green methodology for Pb(II) monitoring in bee products is proposed. Complexed metal traces were preconcentrated on Nylon membranes using the coacervation phenomenon based on room temperature reaction between the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide and the bile salt sodium cholate. The increase in solid surface fluorescence signal of dyes 8-hydroxyquinoleine and o-phenanthroline due to Pb(II) presence was used for the metal quantification. Experimental variables that influence on preconcentration step and fluorimetric sensitivity were optimized using uni-varied assays. Pb(II) concentration was determined on membranes by solid surface fluorescence at λem = 470 nm (λexc = 445 nm), using a solid sample holder. The calibration at optimal experimental conditions showed a LOD of 4.2 × 10-4 mg Kg-1 with a linear range of 1.28 × 10-3 mg Kg-1 to 8.73 mg Kg-1 and was successfully applied to Pb(II) quantification in different bee products produced in central west region of Argentina. The proposed methodology was applied to all samples after appropriate dilution. Accuracy methodology was evaluated by comparison of the obtained results with those found by ICP-MS, with percentage relative error under 8%. The precision was better than 0.0344 CV for Pb(II) determination.

Potential application of bee products in food industry: An exploratory review.

Over the past eight years, bee products such as wax, honey, propolis, and pollen have generated intense curiosity about their potential food uses; to explore these possibilities, this review examines the nutritional benefits and notable characteristics of each product related to the food industry. While all offer distinct advantages, there are challenges to overcome, including the risk of honey contamination. Indeed, honey has excellent potential as a healthier alternative to sugar, while propolis's remarkable antibacterial and antioxidant properties can be enhanced through microencapsulation. Pollen is a versatile food with multiple applications in various products. In addition, the addition of beeswax to oleogels and its use as a coating demonstrate significant improvements in the quality and preservation of environmentally sustainable foods over time. This study demonstrates that bee products and apitherapy are essential for sustainable future food and innovative medical treatments.

Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Jandaíra Stingless Bee Products (Melipona subnitida, Ducke, 1911): A Brief Review.

Melipona subnitida (Ducke, 1911), a species of stingless bee, popularly known as Jandaíra, has a wide distribution in the Brazilian Northeast region, being an important pollinator of the Caatinga biome. This bee produces products such as honey, geopropolis, pollen (saburá) and wax that are traditionally used for therapeutic purposes and some studies report the biological properties, as well as its chemical composition. This review aimed to select, analyze and gather data published in the literature focusing on the chemical profile and bioactivities described for M. subnitida products. Data collection was carried out through the Capes Journal Portal platform, using the following databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Original articles published in English and Portuguese were included, with no time limitation. The chemical composition of M. subnitida products has been investigated through chromatographic analysis, demonstrating the presence of a variety of phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and phenylpropanoids, among other classes of secondary metabolites. These products also have several biological activities, including antioxidant, healing, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antidyslipidemic, antiobesity, antifungal, antibacterial and prebiotic. Among the biological activities reported, the antioxidant activity was the most investigated. These data show that products derived from the stingless bee M. subnitida have promising bioactive compounds. This review provides useful information about the bioactivities and chemical profile of Melipona subnitida bee products, and a direction for future research, which should focus on understanding the mechanisms of action associated with the already elucidated pharmacological activities, as well as the bioactive properties of the main isolate's constituents identified in the chemical composition of these products.

Floral Visitation, Phytochemical and Biological Activities of Bioproducts from Tetragonisca angustula (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini): A Review.

Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille, 1811) is an indigenous neotropical stingless bee, popularly known as "Jataí", with a wide distribution in the Brazilian territory. T. angustula produces other derivatives such as propolis, geopropolis, fermented (saburá pollen), cerumen and resins, which are important in folk medicine. In this review, the objective was to gather research on the main plant species visited by T. angustula, as well as studies that verified the chemical composition and biological properties of T. angustula bioproducts. The bibliographic review was performed by searching the Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases for publications from 2003 to February 2023. We found 78 studies that analyzed the interactions between T. angustula and floral species, with species from the botanical families Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Bignoniaceae, Solanaceae, Myrtaceae and Lamiaceae being the most reported as the main food sources for this species. The presence of compounds belonging to the class of flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids and alkaloids has been identified by studying the chemical composition of honey, propolis, geopropolis and fermented pollen (saburá) in 21 studies. The data collected in the literature emphasize that these T. angustula products have remarkable biological properties, especially their antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

Anti-Inflammatory and Histological Analysis of Skin Wound Healing through Topical Application of Mexican Propolis.

Skin wound healing is a complex biochemical process of tissue repair and remodeling in response to injury. Currently, the drugs used to improve the healing process are inaccessible to the population, are costly, and have side effects, making the search for new treatment alternatives necessary. Propolis is a natural product produced by bees that is widely recognized and used in folk medicine for its multiple biomedical activities. However, therapeutic information regarding Mexican propolis is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing effect of the Chihuahua ethanolic extract of propolis (ChEEP). Macroscopic and histological analyses were performed using a mouse wound-healing model. The topic acute toxicity assay showed that propolis at 10% w/v had no toxic effects. ChEEP has antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Moreover, it exhibited good anti-inflammatory activity evaluated through mouse ear edema induced by 12-O-tetradeca-noylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). A full-thickness incision lesion was created in mice and treated topically with 10% ChEEP. At Day 14 post-treatment, it was observed that propolis increased wound contraction and reduced healing time and wound length; furthermore, propolis increased the tensile strength of the wound, as determined with the tensiometric method, and promoted the formation of type I collagen at the site of injury, as evaluated with Herovici stain. These findings suggest that the topical administration of ChEEP can improve skin wound healing, probably due to the synergistic effect of its components, mainly polyphenols, in different steps of the wound-healing process. It should be noted this is the first time that the wound-healing activity of a Mexican propolis has been evaluated.

Lipidomic analysis of geopropolis of Brazilian stingless bees by LC-HRMS.

Stingless bees (Meliponini) represent over than 500 species, found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. They produce geopropolis, a resinous natural product containing bioactive compounds, which is commonly used in folk medicine. In the current study, LC-HRMS and bioinformatic tools were used to carry out for the first time the lipidomic analysis of geopropolis from indigenous Brazilian stingless bees. As a result, 61 compounds of several lipid classes were identified with elevated degree of confidence. Then, we demonstrated that lipids in geopropolis are not restricted to waxes and fatty acids; but fatty amides and amines, phenolic lipids, resorcinols, retinoids, abietanoids, diterpenoids, pentacyclic triterpenoids, prostaglandins, retinoids, and steroids were found. In addition, multivariate analysis, based on the lipidomic profile of extracts, reinforces the assumption that the species of stingless bees, as well as the geographical origin are relevant factors to affect geopropolis composition once that the lipidic profile allowed the discrimination of geopropolis in groups related to the geographical origin, bee specie or bee genus. The lipidic profile also suggest a selective forage habits of T. angustula, which seems to collect resins from more specific vegetal sources regardless geographic origin, while other stingless bees, such as M. marginata and M. quadrifasciata, are less selective and may adapt to collect resins from a wider variety of plants.

Histological, Immunohistochemical and Antioxidant Analysis of Skin Wound Healing Influenced by the Topical Application of Brazilian Red Propolis.

Skin wound healing is a complex process that requires the mutual work of cellular and molecular agents to promote tissue restoration. In order to improve such a process, especially in cases of impaired healing (e.g., diabetic ulcer, chronic wounds), there is a search for substances with healing properties and low toxicity: two features that some natural products-such as the bee product named propolis-exhibit. Propolis is a resinous substance obtained from plant resins and exudates with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral activities, among other biological ones. Based on the previously reported healing actions of different types of propolis, the Brazilian red propolis (BRP) was tested for this matter. A skin wound excision model in male Wistar rats was performed using two topical formulations with 1% red propolis as treatments: hydroalcoholic extract and Paste. Macroscopical, histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed, revealing that red propolis enhanced wound contraction, epithelialization, reduced crust formation, and modulated the distribution of healing associated factors, mainly collagen I, collagen III, MMP-9, TGF-ß3 and VEGF. Biochemical analysis with the antioxidants SOD, MPO, GSH and GR showed that propolis acts similarly to the positive control, collagenase, increasing these molecules' activity. These results suggest that BRP promotes enhanced wound healing by modulating growth factors and antioxidant molecules related to cutaneous wound healing.

Spectroscopy NIR and MIR toward predicting simultaneous phenolic contents and antioxidant in red propolis by multivariate analysis.

Conventional methods for determining phenolics and their bioactive properties are expensive, time-consuming, and laborious. This hinders the quality control of red propolis, recognized for having different types of phenolic constituents with different bioactive properties, for example, its antioxidant properties. In this sense, we present a new application of near and medium infrared spectroscopy to predict phenolic constituents, total flavonoids, gallic acid, kaempferol, pyrocatechin, quercetin, and different antioxidant tests (DPPH radical, reducing power and protection of the ß-carotene: linoleic acid system) of red propolis using chemometry. The optimized models showed good predictive capacity with a minimum correlation coefficient of 0.70, low associated error, and figures of merit that indicate the good predictive capacity in the validation of the models. These data show infrared spectroscopy as efficient to simultaneously predict nine quality analyzes of red propolis quickly and simply. This also avoids tedious procedures for traditional chromatographic and spectrophotometric tests.

Use of Stingless Bee Propolis and Geopropolis against Cancer-A Literature Review of Preclinical Studies.

Cancer is one of the major maladies affecting humankind and remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The investigation of the biological activities of stingless bee products, especially propolis and geopropolis, has revealed promising therapeutic properties, especially in the research on new antineoplastic agents. This literature review of preclinical trials, involving biological assays of antitumor activity and identification of the chemical composition of propolis and geopropolis of stingless bee species, describes the cytotoxicity in tumor lineages (breast, lung, ovarian, liver, mouth, pharynx, larynx, colon, stomach, colorectal, cervix, kidney, prostate, melanoma, human glioblastoma, canine osteosarcoma, erythroleukemia, human chronic myelocytic leukemia, and human promyelocytic leukemia) of propolis and geopropolis of 33 species of stingless bees. The chemical composition of propolis and geopropolis was identified, indicating that these belong to the chemical classes of phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, benzophenones, anthraquinones, alkaloids, terpenes, steroids, saponins, fatty acids, and carbohydrates and are possibly responsible for the cytotoxicity in tumor cells. Apoptosis was one of the main mechanisms of cytotoxicity of extracts and substances isolated from stingless bee products. Although the results found are encouraging, other preclinical studies and clinical trials are essential for the discovery of new anticancer agents.

The influence of collection methods and pluviometry on bee pollen productivity in the Caatinga / Influência do método de coleta e da pluviometria na produtividade de pólen apícola na Caatinga

In order to maximize bee pollen collection in the hives, management of colonies of Africanized bees (Apis mellifera L.) must respect harvest intensity and the species biological aspects and implement innovations that optimize production. Accordingly, this study set out to compare the bee pollen productivity between two different pollen trap models and the productivity in the use of one or two pollen traps in the hive. The following treatments were applied: a front-mounted trap fitted at the hive entrance, a top-mounted pollen trap above the hive, and two one front-mounted and one top-mounted pollen traps on the same hive. All of the colonies were subjected to all of the treatments to circumvent the colonys effect on productivity results. The front-mounted pollen trap indicated the highest bee pollen productivity, and the colonies only needed one pollen trap to demonstrate productive potential in the Caatinga.(AU)

O manejo aplicado em colônias de abelhas africanizadas (Apis mellifera L.) para maximizar a coleta de pólen apícola nas colmeias, deve prezar pela intensidade da colheita, respeitar os aspectos biológicos da espécie e implantar inovações que otimizem esta produção. Para otimizar a colheita deste produto apícola, objetivou-se com este trabalho comparar a produtividade de pólen apícola obtida por dois modelos de coletores, bem como a produtividade utilizando-se quantidades diferentes (um ou dois) de coletores na colmeia. Os tratamentos aplicados foram os seguintes: um coletor frontal localizado no alvado da colmeia; um coletor tipo melgueira localizada acima do ninho; dois coletores concomitantemente, sendo um coletor frontal e um coletor tipo melgueira. Todas as colônias passaram por todos os tratamentos para evitar o efeito da colônia sobre os resultados de produtividade. O coletor de pólen tipo frontal foi o mais indicado para a maior produtividade de pólen apícola e as colônias necessitaram somente de um coletor de pólen para expressarem o potencial de produção na Caatinga.(AU)

The influence of collection methods and pluviometry on bee pollen productivity in the Caatinga / Influência do método de coleta e da pluviometria na produtividade de pólen apícola na Caatinga

In order to maximize bee pollen collection in the hives, management of colonies of Africanized bees (Apis mellifera L.) must respect harvest intensity and the species biological aspects and implement innovations that optimize production. Accordingly, this study set out to compare the bee pollen productivity between two different pollen trap models and the productivity in the use of one or two pollen traps in the hive. The following treatments were applied: a front-mounted trap fitted at the hive entrance, a top-mounted pollen trap above the hive, and two one front-mounted and one top-mounted pollen traps on the same hive. All of the colonies were subjected to all of the treatments to circumvent the colonys effect on productivity results. The front-mounted pollen trap indicated the highest bee pollen productivity, and the colonies only needed one pollen trap to demonstrate productive potential in the Caatinga.

O manejo aplicado em colônias de abelhas africanizadas (Apis mellifera L.) para maximizar a coleta de pólen apícola nas colmeias, deve prezar pela intensidade da colheita, respeitar os aspectos biológicos da espécie e implantar inovações que otimizem esta produção. Para otimizar a colheita deste produto apícola, objetivou-se com este trabalho comparar a produtividade de pólen apícola obtida por dois modelos de coletores, bem como a produtividade utilizando-se quantidades diferentes (um ou dois) de coletores na colmeia. Os tratamentos aplicados foram os seguintes: um coletor frontal localizado no alvado da colmeia; um coletor tipo melgueira localizada acima do ninho; dois coletores concomitantemente, sendo um coletor frontal e um coletor tipo melgueira. Todas as colônias passaram por todos os tratamentos para evitar o efeito da colônia sobre os resultados de produtividade. O coletor de pólen tipo frontal foi o mais indicado para a maior produtividade de pólen apícola e as colônias necessitaram somente de um coletor de pólen para expressarem o potencial de produção na Caatinga.

Potentialities of the Colombian propolis in pharmaceutics and cosmetics: A standpoint from the quality control / Potencialidad de los propóleos colombianos en farmacia y cosmética: un punto de vista desde el control de calidad

SUMMARY Propolis is a hive product made by bees from vegetable exudates that are mixed with their secretions. The value of this material is established in terms of the content of biologically active molecules, that analytically is represented by parameters such as ethanol-soluble compounds (resins), oxidation index, phenolic compounds and total content of flavonoids. On the contrary, if propolis has a high percentage of waxes, mechanic impurities or heavy metals, it is classified as a sub-standard beekeeping product. On this basis, this research work illustrates the use of quality control as a strategy to identify the possible application of two samples of Colombian propolis for developing innovative pharmaceutic and cosmetic formulations. The results evidence that the investigated samples are low-quality propolis because of their high waxes content. However, far from being a disadvantage, these waxes could generate added value when they are incorporated, for example, in products requiring lipid components as nano and microparticulate systems or nanofibrous composite scaffolds and films.

RESUMEN El propóleos es un producto de las colmenas elaborado a partir de la mezcla de exudados vegetales con las secreciones de las abejas. La calidad de este material es definida en términos del contenido de moléculas bioactivas, que analíticamente es reportado como compuestos solubles en etanol (resinas), índice de oxidación, compuestos fenólicos y contenido total de flavonoides. De otro lado, el propóleos es clasificado como un material subestándar si presenta un elevado contenido de ceras, impurezas mecánicas o metales pesados. Sobre esta base, la presente investigación reporta el control de calidad para dos muestras de propóleos colombiano y a partir de los resultados obtenidos, se proponen posibles aplicaciones en el desarrollo de productos farmacéuticos y cosméticos innovadores. Los resultados evidencian que las muestras investigadas son clasificadas como de baja calidad debido a su elevado contenido de ceras. Sin embargo, esta aparente desventaja puede generar valor agregado cuando el propóleos se emplea, por ejemplo, en la preparación de sistemas nano y microparticulados y nanofibras para películas y soportes tisulares.

Antibacterial activity of Aroeira honeys produced in Minas-Gerais against bacteria of clinical importance / Atividade antibacteriana de méis de Aroeira produzidos em Minas-Gerais frente a bactérias de importância clínica

The biological activity of honey has been the subject of great scientific investigation. Bee products are widely used in folk medicine to treat human diseases due to their antibacterial and inhibitory potential action on different human pathogens. Ten honey samples produced by Apis mellifera in the northern of Minas Gerais state were tested against pathogenic microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus TSST (clinical isolated) and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli ATCC 43895 for determination of their minimum inhibitory concentrations. The microdilution technique in broth Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB) was used in four concentrations (25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125%). There was a reduction of bacterial growth for the two target species at all concentrations tested. The optimal concentration for inhibition of S. aureus and E. coli were 3.125% (w/v). Therefore, the antibacterial activity of the tested samples evidences the potential of Aroeira honey produced in the north of Minas Gerais for therapeutic use, thus contributing to the aggregation value and commercialization of this type of honey.

A atividade biológica do mel tem sido objeto de relevante investigação científica. Produtos apícolas são amplamente utilizados na medicina popular para tratar doenças humanas por causa de sua potencial ação antibacteriana e inibitória a diferentes patógenos humanos. Dez amostras de mel produzidas por Apis mellifera, no norte do Estado de Minas Gerais, foram testadas contra os micro-organismos patogênicos Staphylococcus aureus TSST (isolado clínico) e Escherichia coli enterohemorrágica ATCC 43895 para determinação de suas concentrações inibitórias mínimas. A técnica de microdiluição em caldo Mueller-Hinton (CMH) foi utilizada em quatro concentrações (25, 12,5, 6,25 e 3,125%). Houve uma redução do crescimento bacteriano para as duas espécies alvo em todas as concentrações testadas. A concentração ótima para a inibição de S. aureus e E. coli foi de 3,125% (p/v). Portanto, a atividade antibacteriana das amostras testadas evidencia o potencial do mel de Aroeira produzido no norte de Minas Gerais para uso terapêutico, contribuindo para a agregação de valor e comercialização deste tipo de mel.

Antibacterial activity of Aroeira honeys produced in Minas-Gerais against bacteria of clinical importance / Atividade antibacteriana de méis de Aroeira produzidos em Minas-Gerais frente a bactérias de importância clínica

The biological activity of honey has been the subject of great scientific investigation. Bee products are widely used in folk medicine to treat human diseases due to their antibacterial and inhibitory potential action on different human pathogens. Ten honey samples produced by Apis mellifera in the northern of Minas Gerais state were tested against pathogenic microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus TSST (clinical isolated) and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli ATCC 43895 for determination of their minimum inhibitory concentrations. The microdilution technique in broth Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB) was used in four concentrations (25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125%). There was a reduction of bacterial growth for the two target species at all concentrations tested. The optimal concentration for inhibition of S. aureus and E. coli were 3.125% (w/v). Therefore, the antibacterial activity of the tested samples evidences the potential of Aroeira honey produced in the north of Minas Gerais for therapeutic use, thus contributing to the aggregation value and commercialization of this type of honey.(AU)

A atividade biológica do mel tem sido objeto de relevante investigação científica. Produtos apícolas são amplamente utilizados na medicina popular para tratar doenças humanas por causa de sua potencial ação antibacteriana e inibitória a diferentes patógenos humanos. Dez amostras de mel produzidas por Apis mellifera, no norte do Estado de Minas Gerais, foram testadas contra os micro-organismos patogênicos Staphylococcus aureus TSST (isolado clínico) e Escherichia coli enterohemorrágica ATCC 43895 para determinação de suas concentrações inibitórias mínimas. A técnica de microdiluição em caldo Mueller-Hinton (CMH) foi utilizada em quatro concentrações (25, 12,5, 6,25 e 3,125%). Houve uma redução do crescimento bacteriano para as duas espécies alvo em todas as concentrações testadas. A concentração ótima para a inibição de S. aureus e E. coli foi de 3,125% (p/v). Portanto, a atividade antibacteriana das amostras testadas evidencia o potencial do mel de Aroeira produzido no norte de Minas Gerais para uso terapêutico, contribuindo para a agregação de valor e comercialização deste tipo de mel.(AU)

Mycotoxicological and palynological profiles of commercial brands of dried bee pollen

Abstract Pollen is used in the human diet as a food supplement because of its high nutritional value; however, this product is prone to fungal contamination that could potentially generate toxins that are harmful to human health. This study aimed to verify the floral diversity of commercial brands of bee pollen and their mycotoxicological safety for human consumption. A total of 27 bee pollen samples were analyzed; these samples represented commercial brands, either showing an inspection seal or not, marketed in the State of Rio de Janeiro. The analyzed parameters included floral diversity through palynological analysis, water activity, fungal counts, identification and toxigenic profiles. The palynological analysis identified nine plant families, of which the Asteraceae was predominant. Analysis of hygienic quality based on fungal load showed that 92% of samples were reproved according to the commercial, sanitary, and food safety quality indicators. Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium were the most common genera. Toxigenic evaluation showed that 25% of the A. flavus strains produced aflatoxins. The high rate of contamination of products bearing an inspection seal emphasizes the need to monitor the entire procedure of bee pollen production, as well as to revise the current legislation to ensure safe commercialization of this product.

Mycotoxicological and palynological profiles of commercial brands of dried bee pollen

Abstract Pollen is used in the human diet as a food supplement because of its high nutritional value; however, this product is prone to fungal contamination that could potentially generate toxins that are harmful to human health. This study aimed to verify the floral diversity of commercial brands of bee pollen and their mycotoxicological safety for human consumption. A total of 27 bee pollen samples were analyzed; these samples represented commercial brands, either showing an inspection seal or not, marketed in the State of Rio de Janeiro. The analyzed parameters included floral diversity through palynological analysis, water activity, fungal counts, identification and toxigenic profiles. The palynological analysis identified nine plant families, of which the Asteraceae was predominant. Analysis of hygienic quality based on fungal load showed that 92% of samples were reproved according to the commercial, sanitary, and food safety quality indicators. Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium were the most common genera. Toxigenic evaluation showed that 25% of the A. flavus strains produced aflatoxins. The high rate of contamination of products bearing an inspection seal emphasizes the need to monitor the entire procedure of bee pollen production, as well as to revise the current legislation to ensure safe commercialization of this product.(AU)

Estudo físico-químico e microbiológico do mel de Apis mellifera comercializados no estado da Paraíba / Physical and chemical study and honey microbiological quality Apis mellifera sold in the State of Paraiba

Com o objetivo de contribuir para a caracterização da qualidade do mel comercializado no estadoda Paraíba foram avaliadas 40 amostras de mel, adquiridas no comércio formal e informal, por meio de análisesfísico–químicas, microbiológicas e microbiota fúngica. Os resultados físico-químicos foram comparados com oslimites estabelecidos pela Instrução Normativa n° 11 de 20 de outubro de 2000. Os resultados demonstraram quea maioria dos valores médios para cada parâmetro físico-químico estava fora dos limites estabelecidos pelalegislação vigente. Apenas 2 amostras apresentaram resultados concordantes com a legislação. Quanto à análisede fungos, 29 amostras apresentaram valores acima do máximo estabelecido pela regulamentação técnica paraalimentos quanto a contagem de colônias de fungos, sendo consideradas impróprias para o consumo humano deacordo com os padrões exigidos pelo Regulamento Técnico para Fixação e Identidade e Qualidade do Mel. Asinconformidades verificadas são decorrentes de possíveis adulterações ou contaminações durante o processo,desde a retirada do mel até sua embalagem. Medidas de boas práticas de fabricação devem ser adotadas paraevitar altos índices de contaminação e assim prejudicar a qualidade do mel

With the purpose to contribute to the state of Paraíba honey marketed quality characterization,40 honey samples, acquired in the commerce formal and informal commerce, through analyses physicalchemical,microbiological and fungi microbiot. The physical-chemical results were compared with theestablished limits by the Normative Instruction n° 11 of 20 October, 2000. The results demonstrated that most ofthe medium values for each physical-chemical parameter was out of the established limits for the effectivelegislation. As the analysis of fungi, 29 samples presented values above the established maximum for thetechnical regulation for victuals as the count of fungi colonies, being considered inappropriate for the humanconsumption in agreement with the patterns demanded by the Technical Regulation for Fixation and Identity andQuality of the Honey. Were verified possible adulterations or contaminations during the process, of the retreat ofthe honey for your packing. Measures of good production practices should be adopted to avoid high indexes ofcontamination and like this to harm the quality of the honey

Estudo físico-químico e microbiológico do mel de Apis mellifera comercializados no estado da Paraíba / Physical and chemical study and honey microbiological quality Apis mellifera sold in the State of Paraiba

Com o objetivo de contribuir para a caracterização da qualidade do mel comercializado no estadoda Paraíba foram avaliadas 40 amostras de mel, adquiridas no comércio formal e informal, por meio de análisesfísico–químicas, microbiológicas e microbiota fúngica. Os resultados físico-químicos foram comparados com oslimites estabelecidos pela Instrução Normativa n° 11 de 20 de outubro de 2000. Os resultados demonstraram quea maioria dos valores médios para cada parâmetro físico-químico estava fora dos limites estabelecidos pelalegislação vigente. Apenas 2 amostras apresentaram resultados concordantes com a legislação. Quanto à análisede fungos, 29 amostras apresentaram valores acima do máximo estabelecido pela regulamentação técnica paraalimentos quanto a contagem de colônias de fungos, sendo consideradas impróprias para o consumo humano deacordo com os padrões exigidos pelo Regulamento Técnico para Fixação e Identidade e Qualidade do Mel. Asinconformidades verificadas são decorrentes de possíveis adulterações ou contaminações durante o processo,desde a retirada do mel até sua embalagem. Medidas de boas práticas de fabricação devem ser adotadas paraevitar altos índices de contaminação e assim prejudicar a qualidade do mel(AU)

With the purpose to contribute to the state of Paraíba honey marketed quality characterization,40 honey samples, acquired in the commerce formal and informal commerce, through analyses physicalchemical,microbiological and fungi microbiot. The physical-chemical results were compared with theestablished limits by the Normative Instruction n° 11 of 20 October, 2000. The results demonstrated that most ofthe medium values for each physical-chemical parameter was out of the established limits for the effectivelegislation. As the analysis of fungi, 29 samples presented values above the established maximum for thetechnical regulation for victuals as the count of fungi colonies, being considered inappropriate for the humanconsumption in agreement with the patterns demanded by the Technical Regulation for Fixation and Identity andQuality of the Honey. Were verified possible adulterations or contaminations during the process, of the retreat ofthe honey for your packing. Measures of good production practices should be adopted to avoid high indexes ofcontamination and like this to harm the quality of the honey(AU)

Effect of bee pollen on the immunity and tibia characteristics in broilers

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of bee pollen (BP) levels on the IgG and IgM titers, weight of lymphoid organs, and on the tibia morphometric measures and mineralization in broilers at 21 and 42 days of age. Four hundred birds were used in an entirely randomized design with four treatments (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% of BP feed inclusion) and five replicates. At 21 and 42 days of rearing, blood samples were collected for IgG and IgM analysis, as well as lymphoid organs (bursa, thymus and spleen) and the tibiae. There was no effect (p>0.05) of the BP inclusion on IgG titers, bursa and spleen weights, tibia morphometric measures and mineralization at 21 and 42 days, IgM titer at 42 days or thymus weight at 21 days. However, IgM titers at 21 days and the thymus weight at 42 days linearly increased with BP dietary inclusion. It was concluded that up to 1.5% BP can be included in broiler feeds until 21 days of age to enhance bird immunity.(AU)