Neste estudo, a polpa e a amêndoa de frutos de seis espécies de Arecaceae foram submetidos à análise centesimal, determinação da composição de ácidos graxos e análise do teor de carotenoides totais. As espécies com os maiores valores de carboidratos, lipídios e proteínas foram Ptychosperma macarthurii(70,1 g/100 g na amêndoa), Syagrus cearensis(40,6 g/100 g na amêndoa) e S. coronata (20,6 g/100 g na polpa). O teor de cinzas variou de 0,61 a 7,51 g/100 g. Láurico, palmítico e oleico foram os principais ácidos graxos identificados. O teor de carotenoides totais e equivalentes de atividade de retinol foram maiores nas polpas dePinanaga kuhlii (180,3 µg/g) e Acrocomia intumescens(138,0 µg/g). Equivalente de atividade de retinol variou entre as espécies estudadas (456-1515 µg RAE/100 g). Espécies nativas como A. intumescens, S. coronatae S. cearensis são boas fontes de alimentos frescos para as populações carentes que habitam áreas pouco desenvolvidas, como a região semiárida do Brasil. P. macarthurii, uma espécie exótica, é uma excelente fonte de cinzas e carotenoides, demonstrando seu potencial como fonte de alimento e de compostos bioativos. A polpa e a amêndoa de A. intumescens, podem ser uma boa alternativa como matérias-primas para a produção de biodiesel e sabão, respectivamente.

In this study, pulp and kernel of fruits from six Arecaceae species were subjected to proximate analysis, fatty acid composition and total carotenoid content analysis. The species with the highest carbohydrate, lipid and protein values were Ptychosperma macarthurii(70.1 g/100 g in the kernel), Syagrus cearensis(40.6 g/100 g in the kernel), andS. coronata(20.6 g/100 g in the pulp). The ash content ranged from 0.61 to 7.51 g/100 g. Lauric, palmitic, and oleic acids were the major fatty acids identified. The total carotenoid contents and retinol activity equivalents were highest in the Pinanga kuhlii (180.3 µg/g) andAcrocomia intumescens (138.0 µg/g) pulp oils. Retinol activity equivalents varied between the investigated species (456 to 1515 μg RAE/100 g). Native species such as A. intumescens, S. coronata, and S. cearensis are good sources of fresh food for the underserved populations that inhabit poorly developed areas such as the semi-arid region of Brazil. P. macarthurii, an exotic species, is an excellent source of ash and carotenoids, demonstrating its potential both as a food source and as bioactive compounds. Pulp and kernel ofA. intumescens,could be a good alternative feedstock for soap and biodiesel production, respectively.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most commonly-acquired infection in patients in intensive care units. We analyzed epidemiological and microbiological characteristics and the outcome, in a cohort of critically-ill patients with confirmed diagnosis of VAP. All patients who had been on mechanical ventilation (MV) for more than 48 hours were included in our study; material collection for microbiological analysis was done within the first 24 hours after beginning treatment or after changing antibiotics. There were 55/265 (20.7%) VAP cases diagnosed, at a rate of 21.6 episodes per 1,000 days of mechanical ventilation. Mean age of the patients was 66 years, with a mean APACHE II score of 26.7 + 7.0; male patients were more prevalent. The mortality rates in the intensive care unit (ICU) and during the hospital stay were 71% and 80%, respectively. MV duration in patients with VAP was 17 (range 3-43) days and among patients who had not developed VAP, 6 (2-32) days (p < 0.0001). 98.2% of the samples were positive, with a high prevalence of Gram-negative bacteria, mainly Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. Risk factors for death included age, MV duration and surgery. VAP incidence in this sample of critically-ill patients was high, with a high mortality rate. Control and prevention strategies based on continuing education of healthcare workers, developed by a multidisciplinary team, should be encouraged to minimize morbimortality of this infection.