This study aims to assess the microbiological parameters and the chemical composition of 21 samples of stingless bee pollen (Melipona mandacaia) from two regions of Bahia, Brazil (João Dourado and Uibaí), with particular emphasis on the nutritional value, total phenols and flavonoids and fatty acids composition. Regarding the microbiological quality, the studied microorganisms (moulds and yeasts, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp., psychrotrophic and sulfite-reducing Clostridia) were absent in all samples. On the other hand, the values obtained for the aerobic mesophilic microorganism ranged from 11.0 ± 1.0 to 1.32 ± 1.2 cfu·g −1 (JD samples) and from 282 ± 3.82 to 688 ± 10.1 cfu·g −1 (U samples). The nutritional parameters (moisture, ash, water activity, pH, total acidity, protein, fiber, total phenolic, flavonoids and reducing sugars) were within the stipulated by law, except for pH and moisture content, which presented superior and OPEN ACCESSMolecules 2015, 20 12526 inferior values, respectively. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (54.1%) were significantly higher than saturated (42.18%) and monounsaturated (3.71%). It was found that the bee pollen is safe from the microbiological point of view and has a good nutritional quality. The influence of the geographical origin on the assessed parameters was evident, especially concerning the fatty acid profile.

Objective: To evaluate respiratory muscle strength and hand strength in patients on a liver transplant waiting list and to associate these with mortality. Methods: one hundred and thirty-two patients who underwent routine physical therapy evaluation while waiting for liver transplantation were studied retrospectively. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), and upper-limb strength was evaluated by dynamometry. The patients were divided into two groups: group A, consisting of 51 patients (14 females, 50.1±12.3 years) who died while on the waiting list; and group B, consisting of 81 patients (31 females, 45.0±3.8 years) who survived until the time of liver transplant. Student's t test was used with a 5% significance level. Results: The mean MIP values for groups A and B were 65.7±28.0 and 77.5±33.8mmHg (p=0.04), respectively, and the mean MEP values were 72.9±32.9 and 84.4±33.1mmHg (p=0.07), respectively. The mean values for left-hand strength in groups A and B were 18.5±8.1 and 21.5±10.5kgf (p=0.08), and the mean values for right-hand strength were 20.2±9.7 and 23.5±12.5kgf (p=0.10), respectively. Conclusions: MIP was lower in the patients who died while waiting for liver transplantation. In the same group, it was observed that the MEP values and right and left-hand strength were numerically lower, although they did not reach statistically significant differences.Key words: liver transplantation; respiratory muscles; mortality; hand strength; physical therapy. ResumoObjetivo: Avaliar a força de músculos respiratórios e de mão em pacientes na lista de espera para o transplante de fígado e associá- Palavras-chave: transplante de fígado; músculos respiratórios; mortalidade; força da mão; fisioterapia.

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Mead is an alcoholic beverage, resulting from the fermentation of honey and water, although it is an old drink, some fermentation products are still unknown. Biogenic amines have driven research on food and beverages due to their toxicity and capacity to cause damage to the human health. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of biogenic amines in mead from honey of two species of social bees, using different fining agents (bentonite, banana peel flour, and passion fruit peel flour) and storage in oak barrel for 120 days. We observed the presence of three biogenic amines for each type of mead. Putrescine was reported only in samples of mead of Apis mellifera. Tryptamine and histamine were not detected, while tyramine was observed in the mead samples of honey from Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides. Samples clarified with fruit peels increased the number of amines. In the analysis of the histamine, used as standard, obtained limits of detection and quantification of 2.47 mg/L and of 7.48 mg/L, respectively. In this study, the amines observed remained below the limit of detection, and did not pose a risk to consumers. The finings used demonstrated a profile similar to the control mead, and its use was satisfactory.

RESUMO O girassol (Helianthus annuus L.) é uma espécie de polinização cruzada, cujos principais polinizadores são as abelhas. Este trabalho teve por objetivo obter informações sobre a diversidade de abelhas visitantes nos capítulos de INTRODUÇÃOO girassol (Helianthus annuus L.) é uma planta dicotiledônea anual, cujo arranjo floral permite que seja beneficiado quando é visitado por abelhas coletoras de néctar. Isso ocorre porque a sua inflorescência constitui-se em um capítulo cujas flores abrem em seqüência de fora para dentro, ao longo de vários dias (McGREG0R, 1976).As flores passam primeiro por uma fase masculina, na qual o pólen é liberado, e logo em seguida por uma fase feminina, quando se tornam receptivos os estigmas. Dessa forma, as abelhas que coletam pólen limitam suas visitas às flores em fase masculina, enquanto que as abelhas coletoras de néctar visitam todas as flores da inflorescência, efetuando a polinização cruzada (FREE, 1993).As flores de girassol são uma boa fonte de néctar às abelhas (SCHINOHARA et al., 1987). O néctar produzido pelas flores do girassol pode ser um aspecto importante na estratégia de atração e manutenção de polinizadores em áreas cultivadas, assim como pode contribuir para o aumento da produção de mel explorado por apicultores e meliponicultores.Estudos sobre a influência de visitas de abelhas nas inflorescências dessa planta indicam que estas são extremamente importantes na polinização,

This study compared the nutraceutical potential of Apis mellifera and Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides honeys from the semiarid region of Bahia, Brazil, using microbiological, melissopalynological, and physicochemical techniques. Total phenols and flavonoids and the antioxidant activity were also determined. All samples had good microbiological quality and safety with an absence of coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus coagulase positive and Clostridium sulphite reducing spores. Were identified 41 pollen types belonging to 23 botanical families. Myrtaceae, Anacardiaceae, and Sapindaceae were the predominant pollen types in A. mellifera honey, while honey Malvaceae was the most representative in the M. q. anthidioides. Regarding the physicochemical parameters evaluated, 75% complied with the standards established by the Brazilian and European quality legislation. The honey samples of A. mellifera had higher values of phenolic compounds and flavonoids (260.0 to 341.51 mgGAE.kg À1 and from 114.44 to 216.29 mgQE.kg À1 , respectively). The samples from M. q. anthidioides presented higher antioxidant activity. The honeys of A. mellifera and M. q. anthidioides from the semiarid regions presented distinct botanical compositions, suggesting that both species use different plant sources, which possibly influenced the parameters related to honey quality as well as the content of phenolic compounds.

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