Ministry of Agriculture

About: Ministry of Agriculture is a government organization based out in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Chemistry & Salmonella. The organization has 1153 authors who have published 1189 publications receiving 14442 citations.

First Draft Genome for a Burkholderia mallei Isolate Originating from a Glanderous Mule from Brazil.

Abstract: Burkholderia mallei is the etiological agent of glanders. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Burkholderia mallei strain 16-2438_BM#8 that was isolated from a mule found dead in Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. It is the first available genomic sequence from a strain isolated on the American continent.

Arsenic Speciation in Fish and Rice by HPLC-ICP-MS Using Salt Gradient Elution

Abstract: This paper presents arsenic speciation studies by high-performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (HPLC-ICP-MS) using a chromatography column containing a strong anion exchange stationary phase (Agilent Bio SAX G3154A/101) for determination of arsenobetaine (AsB), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), AsIII, monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and AsV. The best separation was achieved in 15 min, using a 4 min isocratic step with 1 mM (NH4)2HPO4 pH 10.2, followed by a 2 min salt gradient from 1 to 10 mM, which was kept for 4 min. Compared to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) method for rice using the PRP-X-100 column, the Bio SAX method was quicker, provided at least equal separation of AsB from the next peak, and led to more symmetrical peaks. The linearity between 0.5 and 60 µg L-1 was shown. The method was tested with 10 µg L-1 fortified rice and fish samples extracted in ultrasound using methanol/water 1:1, and recoveries between 40 and 90% were obtained.

Situação epidemiológica da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em equídeos na microrregião do Brejo Paraibano

Abstract: The objective of the study was to characterize the epidemiological situation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in equids from Brejo Paraibano microregion, Northeastern Brazil. Antibodies against T. gondii were investigated in samples of 257 equids (204 horses, 46 mules and seven donkeys) in 26 properties. For serological diagnosis was used the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) and a cut-off of 1:64. The number of foci was found to be 46.1%. In the samples analyzed, the overall prevalence was 7.8% (C.I. 4.8-8.8). The prevalence was 8.3% (C.I. 4.9-13.0) for horses, 2.2% (C.I. 0.1-11.5) for mules and 28.6% (C.I. 3.771.0) among donkeys. Logistic regression of the variables showed that the water source was a risk factor, because in those properties that supplied running water to the animals the risk of infection was 4.4 times higher than in those properties which provided standing water (OR 4.4; C.I. 1.0-19.0). This is the first report of the presence of antibodies against T. gondii in equids in this micro-region of Paraiba State. To reduce the risk of infection in these species, good quality water should be given to the animals, as well as access of cats to water sources and facilities where animals are kept must be avoided.