Influência da aplicação de irradiação por feixe de elétrons na qualidade microbiológica de filés de corvina (Micropogonias furnieri) refrigerados / Influence of irradiation application for electron beam on the microbiological quality of chilled croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) fillets

A adequada manipulação do pescado desde sua captura até seu processamento tecnológico, além da manutenção das condições higiênico-sanitárias, o que inclui a qualidade da água utilizada na cadeia, influencia na carga microbiana inicial apresentada. A fim de retardar o processo de deterioração, diminuir as perdas e os riscos iminentes à saúde coletiva, como a propagação de agentes etiológicos de doenças alimentares, são empregados diferentes métodos de conservação. Os feixes de elétrons são utilizados em vários países e levam à destruição dos microrganismos por alterações em suas estruturas, as quais ocorrem pela remoção de elétrons de seus átomos. Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, contribuir para a avaliação da eficiência da irradiação por feixe de elétrons na qualidade microbiológica de filés de corvina (M. furnieri) refrigerados, desembarcados no município de Niterói - RJ, Brasil. Foram realizadas contagem de bactérias heterotróficas aeróbias mesófilas, de bactérias heterotróficas aeróbias psicrotróficas e enumeração de Enterococcus spp. e, posteriormente, comparadas as amostras do grupo controle com as dos grupos irradiados a doses de 0,7 e 1,0kGy. Os peixes inteiros foram adquiridos no cais de Itaipu, filetados no mercado, embalados a vácuo e mantidos a ±4°C. Embora não tenha sido encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os três grupos (P>0,05) em nenhuma das análises, concluiu-se que o processamento utilizado foi eficaz na redução do crescimento das três bactérias pesquisadas no dia zero de ambos os grupos irradiados.

The proper handling of fish from capture to technological processing, as well as maintenance of sanitary conditions and the quality of water, can influence the initial microbial load presented. In order to slow down the deterioration process, the reduction of losses and eminent risk to public health as the spread of etiological agents of foodborne illness are different methods used for storage. Electron beams are used in several countries and lead to the destruction of microorganisms by changes in their structures, which occur by removing electrons from their atoms. The objective in the present study contributes to the evaluation of electron beam irradiation efficiency in microbiological quality of chilled croaker fillets (M. furnieri), landed in Niterói - RJ, Brazil. Were performed Bacteria Count Heterotrophic aerobic mesophilic, psychrotrophic bacteria Heterotrophic Aerobic and enumeration of Enterococcus spp. and subsequently compared to the control group of samples with the groups irradiated at doses of 0.7 and 1.0kGy. Whole fish were purchased from the Itaipu pier, threaded on the market, vacuum packed and kept at ±4°C. Although there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups (P>0.05) in any of the analyzes, it was concluded that the application of this technology was effective in reducing the growth of the three bacteria surveyed on day zero of both irradiated groups.

[Empirical bayesian model applied to the spatial analysis of leprosy occurrence]. / Aplicação de modelo bayesiano empírico na análise espacial da ocorrência de hanseníase.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the spatial distribution of leprosy, identify areas of potential case underreporting or high transmission risk, and to assess the ecological association of leprosy distribution with multibacillary cases. METHODS: This study was carried out in 94 neighborhoods of Recife, Brazil. Data was obtained from the Ministry of Health's Disease Reporting System. An ecological approach with the empirical Bayesian method was applied for local rate flattening, using data from a neighborhood matrix. RESULTS: The mean annual occurrence was 17.3% of new cases in individuals under the age of 15 (28.3% corresponded to multibacillary forms), revealing an intense disease transmission. The spatial distribution of leprosy indicated three areas where there was a concentration of high detection rates and low-income neighborhoods. CONCLUSIONS: The Bayesian method allowed to reassess epidemiological indicators based on data from neighboring spatial units. This enabled to identify areas that should be prioritized in municipal control programs, either because of underreporting of cases or the higher number of occurrences related to multibacillary forms in individuals under 15.

[Infant mortality in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: risk areas and distance traveled by patients to get to health care facilities]. / Mortalidade infantil no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: áreas de risco e trajetória dos pacientes até os serviços de saúde.

The infant mortality rate has been considered a summary of the quality of life and level of development of a given population. However, this indicator is very sensitive to such simple measures as oral rehydration therapy, vaccination, and continuation of breast-feeding. Given that such health activities have become more widespread, an infant mortality rate may no longer reflect a particular development model. With the aim of broadening the discussion regarding infant mortality, this study analyzed the 153 neighborhoods of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our objective was to identify areas with more risk, and the priority groups for interventions to decrease infant mortality. We analyzed neonatal and postneonatal mortality in each neighborhood. We also identified the children's home neighborhood and the location of their deaths and related these results to the socioeconomic classification of the corresponding neighborhoods. In relation to the average infant mortality rate for the city, we could not make statistically significant comparisons for some neighborhoods due to their small number of births. One-third of the infant deaths could have been prevented with early diagnosis and treatment. Only 15% of the deaths were considered unavoidable. Both neonatal mortality and postneonatal mortality were geographically dispersed, with no direct association with the socioeconomic profile of the neighborhoods. An analysis of the children's place of residence and the location of their deaths showed flows of patients from poor areas to more affluent city areas with better health services. This pattern highlights the effect of access to quality medical care on infant mortality.