The action of extracts from the stem, leaves, and fruit of Jatropha gossypiifolia on Biomphalaria glabrata was studied by analyzing survival, feeding capacity and oviposition ability. The extracts were obtained by macerating the plant parts in 92% ethanol, which were then evaporated until a dry residue was obtained and phytochemically studied. The molluscicidal activity on B. glabrata was investigated using the procedures recommended by WHO (1965). The amount of food ingested and oviposition were measured during each experiment. The extract of leaves from J. gossypiifolia was shown to be a strong molluscicidal agent, causing 100% mortality of B. glabrata, even in the lowest concentration tested, of 25 ppm. Regarding the fruit extract, there was variation in the mortality, depending on the concentration used (100, 75, 50 and 25 ppm). The snails that were in contact with the fruit extract had significant reduction in feeding and number of embryos in comparison to the control. The stem extract did not present molluscicidal activity nor had any influence on the feeding and oviposition abilities of B. glabrata, in the concentrations tested. In conclusion, the extracts of leaves and fruits of J. gossypiifolia investigated in this work show molluscicidal effect and may be sources of useful compounds for the schistosomiasis control.

Schistosomiasis is a disease of global extent reaching populations in social vulnerability. One of the control measures of this parasitosis is the use of molluscicidal substances that can fight snails of the genus Biomphalaria, intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni. The aim of this work was to study the toxic activity of three mangrove species (Avicennia schaueriana Stapf. & Leech, ex Moldenke, 1939, Laguncularia racemosa (L.) CF Gaertn, 1807 and Rhizophora mangle L. 1753) on the biological activities of snails Biomphalaria glabrata. Hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared from the stem and leaves of each of the three plant species to which mollusks were exposed. The phytochemical analysis of plants showed the presence of important metabolites in the leaves and stems of L. racemosa and R. mangle, such as tannins and saponins, but the absence of these metabolites in A. schaueriana. Leaf and stem extracts of the three plant species showed low molluscicidal activity, not reaching the standards determined by the World Health Organization (WHO, 1983). L. racemosa and R. mangle has interfered with motility, feeding and oviposition of snails, unlike the extracts of A. schaueriana, which had no effect on these activities.

Successive aqueous (10 ºC, 25 ºC and 80 ºC) and alkaline (1M NaOH; 25 ºC) extractions of milled Parkinsonia aculeata endosperms gave rise to four galactomannan fractions. These extractions furnished viscous galactomannans with Man:Gal ratios ranging from 3.1:1; 3.7:1; 4.9:1 and 6.1:1 (P1, P2, P3 and P4, respectively). Fraction P1 was used for structural studies by using methylation analysis, periodate oxidation and 13C-NMR. It showed a linear backbone of beta(1->4) linked D-mannose units, to which single alpha(1->6)-linked D-galactose are attached. This galactomannan has Mw 775700 g/mol and intrinsic viscosity of 558 mL/g. The four fractions and the crude endosperm were treated with epichlorydrin and used as matrix for affinity chromatography. All columns tested showed ability to bind lectin samples. The efficiency is related to the degree and pattern of substitution of galactosyl units on the D-mannan backbone

The honey from Tiúba bees (Melipona fasciculata) is commercially important in the Brazilian state of Maranhão. However, the absence of any specific legislation for this kind of honey is an obstacle to its increased production and commercialization. Determining the microbiological and physical-chemical characteristics of different Tiúba honey can inform the elaboration of specific legislation. Thus, honey samples from two Water Catchment Areas in Maranhão (Munim and Pericumã, sample size 20 for each) were collected and submitted for microbiological analysis (total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, molds and yeasts, Clostridium sulfite reducers and Salmonella sp.) and physical-chemical analysis (moisture content, reducing and non-reducing sugars, insoluble and soluble solids, ash content, acidity and pH). Most of honeys sampled were suitable for human consumption, except for one sample from Pericumã. Honeys from the two water catchment areas presented differences in some physicochemical characteristics, which can be attributed to the botanic, soil and climatic diversity of the two areas. Still, these Tiúba honey samples did not fall within the Brazilian legislation for Apis mellifera honey for some of the physical-chemical characteristics, and so is not properly regulated, thus reinforcing the need for specific legislation for this type of honey.

A esquistossomose mansônica é uma parasitose causada pelo Schistosoma mansoni que tem como hospedeiro intermediário caramujos do gênero Biomphalaria. Como forma de fornecer o conhecimento sobre a existência desses caramujos para a comunidade da Vila Embratel, este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar as espécies de planorbídeos, bem como verificar a contaminação por S. mansoni. Os caramujos foram coletados mensalmente na Vila Embratel em dois criadouros. Estes foram identificados por dissecação e analisados com o auxílio de uma lupa estereoscópica para verificar a contaminação por S. mansoni. Foram capturados 634 caramujos do gênero Biomphalaria, sendo que 621 espécimes são B. straminea e apenas 13 espécimes são B. glabrata. Foram detectados 6 planorbídeos contaminados pelo parasito da esquistossomose. Verificou-se que não houve uma correlação entre a precipitação pluviométrica acumulada e a abundância de caramujos (r= -0,1126; e o valor de p= 0,8874). Constatou-se que existe uma correlação negativa com o índice de positividade para S. mansoni com a temperatura máxima (r= -0, 2378; e o valor de p= 0,7622). Infere-se que este bairro apresenta uma infraestrutura inadequada e caramujos transmissores da esquistossomose, fatores estes essenciais para a propagação desta doença.Palavras-chave: Doença. Caramujo. Esquistossomose MALACOLOGICAL SURVEY TO IDENTIFY THE EXPANSION CELL OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN VILA EMBRATEL, A NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF SÃO LUÍS - MARANHÃOAbstract: Schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma mansoni whose intermediate host snails of the genus Biomphalaria. As a way to provide knowledge about the existence of these snails to the community of Vila Embratel, this study aimed to identify the species of snails, as well as detect contamination by S. mansoni. The snails were collected monthly in the Vila Embratel in two nurseries. These were identified by dissection and analyzed with the aid of a stereomicroscope to check for contamination by S. mansoni. Were captured 634 snails of the genus Biomphalaria, and 621 specimens are B. straminea and only 13 specimens are B. glabrata. Was detected 6 snails contaminated by schistosomiasis parasite. It was found that there was a correlation between the cumulative rainfall and abundance of snails (r= -0,1126; and the value of p= 0,8874). It was found that there is a negative correlation with the rate of positivity for S. mansoni with the maximum temperature (r= -0, 2378; and the value of p= 0,7622). It is inferred that this neighborhood has a inadequate infrastructure and snails transmitting schistosomiasis, these essential factors for the spread of this disease.Keywords: Disease. Snail. SchistosomiasisENCUESTA MALACOLÓGICA PARA IDENTIFICAR LA EXPANSIÓN DE LAS CÉLULAS DE LA ESQUISTOSOMIASIS EN VILA EMBRATEL, UN BARRIO EN LAS AFUERAS DE SÃO LUÍS DO MARANHÃOResumen: La Esquistosomiasis mansoni es uma parasitosis causada pelo parásito Schistosoma mansoni que tiene como anfitrión intermedio caracoles del género Biomphalaria. Como una manera de proporcionar conocimiento sobre la existencia de estos caracoles a la comunidad de Vila Embratel, este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar las especies de caracoles, así como detectar la contaminación por S. mansoni. Los caracoles fueron recolectados mensualmente en la Vila Embratel en dos viveros. Estos se identificaron mediante disección y se analizaron con la ayuda de un estereomicroscopio para comprobar la contaminación por S. mansoni. Fueron capturados 634 caracoles del género Biomphalaria, y 621 especímenes son B. straminea y sólo 13 son B. glabrata. Fue detectaron 6 caracoles infectados por el parásito esquistosomiasis.Se dedució que no existe una correlación entre la precipitación acumulada y la abundancia de caracoles (r= -0,1126; y el valor de p= 0,8874). Fué encontrado que existe una correlación negativa con la tasa de positividad para S. mansoni con la temperatura máxima (r= -0, 2378; y el valor de p= 0,7622). Se infiere que este barrio cuenta con una infraestructura inadecuada y caracoles transmisores de la esquistosomiasis, que son factores esenciales para la propagación de esta enfermedad.Palabras clave: Enfermedad. Caracoles. Esquistosomiasis

Resumo: O mel é um alimento muito apreciado e de excelente valor nutritivo, constituído por uma mistura complexa de carboidratos, enzimas, aminoácidos, ácidos, minerais, substâncias aromáticas, vitaminas, pigmentos, cera e grãos de pólen. O produto pode apresentar alterações devido a formas inadequadas de armazenamento e conservação. Tais procedimentos ocasionam sua deterioração, comprometendo seriamente o alimento. Quando os méis de abelha são submetidos a condições de temperatura e luminosidade intensa podem sofrer algumas modificações nas suas propriedades físico-químicas. A proposta deste trabalho é verificar a presença e o grau de deterioração dos méis de abelha comercializados em São Luís do Maranhão. Foram realizadas as análises físico-químicas: umidade, acidez, atividade diastásica e hidroximetilfurfural em 30 amostras de méis de Apis mellifera e os valores foram analisados segundo a Instrução Normativa n.º 11 de 2000 do MAPA. As amostras em estudo apresentaram valores fora dos padrões estabelecidos pela legislação, em relação à determinação de atividade diastásica e teor de hidroximetilfurfural, parâmetros físico-químicos que fornecem indicações sobre o grau de conservação e superaquecimento, o que indica que as amostras apresentaram deterioração. Palavras-chave: Mel. Apis mellifera. Deterioração. Abstract:Honey is a very appreciated food and has excellent nutritional value, constituted by a mixture of a complex carbohydrates, enzymes, amino acids, minerals, flavorings, vitamins, pigments, waxes and pollen. The product may undergo changes due to inadequate forms of storage and conservation. These procedures may cause their deterioration, severely compromising the food. When the honeys of bee are submitted to conditions of temperature and intense light may undergo some modifications in their physicochemical properties. The purpose of this study is to verify the presence and degree of deterioration of honeys of bee commercialized in São Luis do Maranhão. Physico-chemical analyses were done: moisture, acidity, diastase activity and hydroxymethylfurfural in 30 honey samples of Apis mellifera and the values were analyzed according to Normative Instruction No. 11 of 2000 of MAPA. The samples studied showed values outside the standards established by legislation in relation to the determination of diastase activity and hydroxymethylfurfural content, physico-chemical parameters that provide indications about the degree of conservation and overheating, which indicates that the samples showed deterioration. Keywords: Honey. Apis mellifera. Deterioration.Resumen: La miel es un alimento muy popular y el valor nutritivo excelente, compuesto de una mezcla de hidratos de carbono complejos, enzimas, aminoácidos, minerales, vitaminas, aromatizantes, colorantes, ceras y polen. El producto puede sufrir cambios debido a métodos inadecuados de almacenamiento y conservación. Estos procedimientos causan su deterioro, comprometiendo severamente los alimentos Cuando las abejas están sujetas a condiciones de temperatura y luz in...

BACKGROUND Honey from Tiúba stingless bees (Melipona fasciculata) produced in three different ecosystems in Brazil (Cerrado, Litoral and Baixada), as well as a sample of honey from Apis mellifera bees from the Baixada region for comparison, were evaluated regarding viscosity, color, sensory profile and sensory acceptance. RESULTS The honey from Tiúba was less viscous, with a darker color and lower purity of the color (chroma) in relation to honey from Apis mellifera. The sensory profile firmly differentiates the honeys. The Apis honey was mainly described as opaque, viscous and adhesive. Tiúba honey from the Cerrado region stood out as semi‐bright, acid taste, alcoholic, propolis, bitter taste and spicy. Tiúba honey from the Litoral region was characterized by its yellow color, woody odor and medicine flavor. The Tiúba honey from the Baixada region was described as gold colored, fluid and citric. The Tiúba honey from the Cerrado region had similar sensory acceptance to the Apis honey, probably because it was specifically characterized through attributes of odor and flavor. On the contrary, the Tiúba honey from the Litoral and from the Baixada regions was less well accepted. CONCLUSION The honeys are different regarding their physical and sensory properties, differences that result from the bee species and from the geographical origin of the honey. This study could contribute to the creation of a standard identity and specific quality for Melipona fasciculata honey, also contributing to its production and commercialization not only in Brazil, but also internationally. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry

BackgroundTo evaluate total and specific E immunoglobulin (IgE) antibody concentrations in underage subjects with respiratory allergic diseases.MethodsThis study was a transversal-type study in 100 underage subjects between 4 and 14 years old, with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Total and specific IgE were quantified for airborne fungi in the city of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Five distinct regions—North, South, Center, East and West—were selected so fungi could be collected monthly for 1 year. Twenty genera were identified. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Neurospora were selected for the preparation of sensitizing antigens from ELISA dishes. IgE total concentrations were estimated using the same method.ResultsIgE total serum concentration was increased in 97 % of the atopic subjects: 75 % of the subjects presented increased IgE anti-Aspergillus concentrations, 87 % presented IgE anti-Penicillium, 45 % presented IgE anti-Fusarium, and 46 % presented IgE anti-Neurospora.ConclusionsAtopic subjects presented simultaneous IgE total and specific elevations for the tested fungi, possibly due to polysensitization caused by the presence of fungi in all of the areas all year. However, determining the clinical significance of the results was not yet possible because most of the data were isolated variables.