Publications by authors named "Elaine Melo"

Article Synopsis
  • Pantanal, a unique biome in Brazil, is rich in diverse plant and animal species, including native rice varieties Oryza latifolia and Oryza rufipogon, which are significant due to increased rice consumption worldwide, particularly in Asia and Africa.
  • The average rice consumption is about 160 g/day, but it poses health risks due to potential ingestion of harmful substances like toxic metals.
  • This study analyzed seven types of Brazilian rice for essential and toxic elements; findings indicated that chromium levels were highest in native species, and all varieties had risks associated with inorganic arsenic, highlighting the need for further research on contamination and its health implications.
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The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of metal(loid)s in lubricating eye drops used in the treatment of dry eye disease. The concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Pb, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, V, and Zn were determined in 19 eye drop samples using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values for the quantified elements ranged from 0.

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This dataset describes the analysis of aflatoxins, macroelement and microelement concentration, oxidative stability and fatty acid profile of infant formula milk powder. Gas chromatography (CG) was used to identity 14 fatty acid methyl esters in in five samples of oils. The Racimat 893 method (induction times), Thermogravimetry (TG), Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to estimate the oxidative stability of oils.

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The consumption of regular vegetable oils has been linked to energy acquisition, nutritional benefits, health improvement, and the regulation of metabolic diseases. This study evaluated fatty acids composition, physicochemical, thermal, oxidative, and optical properties, and quantified trace elements in the sunflower oil extracted by a domestic cold-press machine. The oil presented linoleic (54.

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The Aquidauana River is one of the most important rivers in the Pantanal region, Brazil. However, its waters have been contaminated by nearby anthropogenic activities, threatening native fish species. In this study, our objectives were: 1) to determine the concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in water and sediment samples from the Aquidauana River and to assess the risks posed to aquatic biota; 2) to quantify the concentration of these elements in muscle and liver tissue samples from four native fish species; 3) to evaluate the potential bioaccumulation of inorganic elements in the muscles and liver; and 4) to investigate genotoxicity biomarkers and their association with the inorganic element concentrations present in the muscle tissue.

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The presence of heavy metals in the environment is increasing, which can be a danger to public health. Fish exposed to contaminated environments tend to have higher concentrations of some metals in their tissues. Monitoring these elements remains urgent as it is a matter of global concern.

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The objective of the present study was to investigate metal(loid)s in soils, in the trunk xylem sap and in the leaves of the plant located near the highway with high vehicle traffic in agricultural regions and near landfills, and to assess the transfer of metal(loid)s from soil to plant and possible health risk assessment. Trunk xylem sap, leaves and soil samples were collected at three sites near the highway. The analysis of trace elements was carried out using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES).

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The present study estimated the human health risk assessment and daily intake of heavy metals and metalloids in herbal medicines used to treat anxiety in Brazil. Six different brands of herbal medicines were purchased in the city of Campo Grande/MS, Brazil: Pasalix, Calman, Serenus, Maracugina, Prakalmar and Calmasyn. In total, eight elements including As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Pb were analyzed using optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP OES).

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This study evaluates the elemental content in 4 types of canned tuna fish groups, each with 4 brands that are commercialized for human consumption in Brazil. The results are based on trace elements in canned tuna fish quantified by ICP OES and a comparison to limit levels set by the FAO/WHO. We also checked the carcinogenic risk (CR), non-carcinogenic risk (Hazard Index (HI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ)), and pollution index (PI) for the studied canned tuna samples.

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Oral health problems may occur as a result of the ingestion of acid drinks. The objective of this in vitro study was to quantify and screen the concentration of potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), barium (Ba), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and vanadium (V) released from bovine incisors during an erosive challenge at different times of exposure when immersed in Coca-Cola™, orange juice, and grape juice. A total of 240 samples of bovine incisor teeth were used for the erosive challenge and allocated in groups.

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Article Synopsis
  • This study investigates heavy metal and metalloid levels in fruit pulp from an area with high vehicle traffic and intensive farming to assess health risks for human consumption.
  • Ripe fruits were collected from three locations (roadside, bush, and farm-margin), and elements like K, Pb, Se, and others were quantified using advanced chemical techniques.
  • The findings showed that concentrations of harmful elements like arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) exceeded safety standards, with farm-margin samples having the highest levels, suggesting significant cancer risks with daily consumption.
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Article Synopsis
  • Information on medicinal plants for diabetes treatment is limited, prompting a study to analyze the levels of macroelements and microelements in three plant species and their teas.
  • The analyses revealed high concentrations of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) in dry samples, with several other elements present above WHO's permissible levels.
  • Despite the risk assessments showing plant teas to be safe for consumption (HQ < 1), caution is advised for diabetics using these plants, especially in capsule or concentrated forms, due to potential health risks.
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The safety of food is a matter of global concern today. Continuous monitoring of canned tuna and canned sardines quality is essential regarding metal, nonmetal, and metalloid content. In this article, we present the data on the elemental content obtained in canned tuna and canned sardines by using inductively coupled plasma optical spectrometry (ICP OES), as well as the data on Pollution Index (PI) and Health Risk Index (HRI).

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Article Synopsis
  • * It found that while some metals like Al, Cr, Cu, and Fe were lower in raw meats compared to other countries, levels of As, Mg, V, and Zn were higher than documented values, especially in meats roasted with wood.
  • * Although most metal exposure from roasted meats is deemed minimal, As levels in certain samples exceeded safety standards, suggesting potential long-term health risks from high consumption.
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Corona virus disease (COVID-19) presents a serious threat to global health. A historical timeline of early molecular diagnostics from government alert (January 22) (D) was presented. After in silico analysis, Brazilian Army Institute of Biology (IBEx-RJ) tested samples in house using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (fast mode) based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations.

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Scabies is an ectoparasitosis caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, characterized clinically by pruritic lesions in typical locations; the crusted form is a rare manifestation. The diagnosis is usually established based on the clinical picture, but dermoscopy can be an important complementary method, as it allows the observation of a brownish triangular structure with a hang-glider appearance.

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Chromoblastomycosis is a subcutaneous mycosis with chronic evolution that mainly affects the lower limbs and, less frequently, the auricles. Clinically, it presents with papillary verrucous, nodular, and/or tumoral lesions, whether isolated or infiltrated, forming plaques and, sometimes, atrophic in some areas. Histopathologically, it is characterized by a dermal granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by the presence of fumagoid bodies in anatomopathological or direct mycological exams.

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Fruits and byproducts are valuable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds, which are associated with a decreased risk of developing several diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and Alzheimer's. The fruits of canjiqueira () are already exploited as a food resource, while the seeds are discarded. This study aimed at showing the potential of the whole fruit of canjiqueira.

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Secondary osteoma cutis is a phenomenon that may occur in several conditions. When it occurs in a melanocytic nevus it is named osteonevus of Nanta, an event considered uncommon and characterized by the presence of bone formation adjacent or interposed with melanocytic cells. There are reports of its occurrence in various melanocytic lesions, being more frequently associated with intradermal nevus.

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Article Synopsis
  • A study measured levels of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Na, Zn, and Pb) in the medicinal plants , (L.) Hitchc. using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES), primarily used in Brazil for appetite suppression and as a diuretic. !* -
  • The results indicated that while most metals were below the oral concentration limits set by the United States Pharmacopoeia, lead (Pb) exceeded recommended levels, and concerns were raised over cadmium (Cd) in decoctions made from the plants. !* -
  • Given the potential toxicity and the high hazard index for the decoctions, the study calls for increased research and
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Article Synopsis
  • Interest in edible oil extraction is increasing due to its impact on the nutritional quality of the oil, with cold pressing being a chemical-free and environmentally friendly method.
  • Babassu oil, significant in Brazil for its health benefits, has been studied less, but its nutrient profile, primarily saturated fatty acids, indicates favorable health indices for consumption.
  • Analysis shows babassu oil extracted via cold pressing is stable against oxidation and has mineral content below harmful levels, confirming its quality and safety.
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Hayne belongs to the family () and presents the popular name of jatobá. It is a tree that demonstrates medicinal purposes and represents a food source in Brazil. The potential contribution of each species to recommended nutrient intakes (DRI) and Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) for children and adults were calculated.

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The recombinant protein MSP5 has been established as an important antigen for serological diagnosis of Anaplasma marginale by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, due to the high cost of specialized equipment, this technique is not accessible to all laboratories, especially in developing countries in areas where the disease is endemic. The present study describes the standardization of a latex agglutination test (LAT) to detect antibodies against A.

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Bovine tuberculosis is an important infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis, which is responsible for considerable economic losses. This disease constitutes a serious public health problem. Control programs in most countries, including Brazil, are based on the identification and slaughter of infected animals, as defined by the skin tuberculin test, which has its constraints.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The paper investigates the presence of antibodies to Anaplasma sp. in goats and sheep in Pernambuco State, Brazil, using a specific testing method.
  • - A total of 243 goat and 68 sheep blood samples were analyzed, revealing antibody frequencies of 11.93% in goats and 16.17% in sheep.
  • - The authors discuss the significance of these findings in understanding the prevalence of Anaplasma infections in the region.
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