SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Introduction: The detection of methanol in alcoholic beverages represents a critical public health issue, particularly in light of the recent outbreak of poisonings in Brazil, which registered 58 confirmed cases and 15 deaths through October 2025. Methanol's toxicity, with an estimated lethal dose ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 g/kg, requires reliable analytical methods for health surveillance. Brazilian legislation establishes a maximum limit of 20 mg/100 mL of anhydrous alcohol; however, the need for accessible screening methods in field settings remains an important challenge. Objective: To critically compare three analytical methods for methanol determination: classical qualitative methods (Lucas Test and dichromate/Schiff), Brazilian colorimetric method, and gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID), evaluating their performance and applicability in resource-limited contexts. Methods: Theoretical-comparative approach through critical analysis of specialized literature and normative technical documentation. Methods were evaluated according to: operational principle, sensitivity (LOD/LOQ), selectivity, operational complexity, analysis time, and practical applicability. Results: The Lucas Test is not applicable for methanol detection. Colorimetric methods showed moderate sensitivity (LOD ~20-160 mg/100 mL), a 10-30-minute execution time, low operational complexity, and excellent portability. The Brazilian method presented chemical equivalence with international standards, differing only in the type of reading performed. GC-FID has shown superior sensitivity (LOD ≤ 1 mg/100 mL) and high specificity, but it requires extended time (~45-60 minutes), complex laboratory infrastructure, and specialized operators. Sugars interfere with colorimetric methods. Conclusions: The methods are complementary within a hierarchical system. Colorimetric methods enable rapid field screening, while GC-FID serves as the confirmatory method for forensic analyses. We recommend implementing integrated protocols that combine in situ colorimetric screening with GC-FID confirmation in accredited laboratories for effective health surveillance.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common type of pathogen that causes Urinary tract infection disease. It can be presented as a pathogenic or non-pathogenic strain and found not only in the animal but also in the human intestine. This bacterium can cause opportunistic infection when the human host comprised of thalassemia patients or changes the healthy hemostatic flora. This study aimed to analyze the presence of bacteria in thalassemia patients with urinary tract infection. A total of 303 samples were collected during the period from August 2019 to January 2020 from thalassemia patients who suffered from urinary tract infection. The results showed that there were 6.9% of patients infected with E. coli, 2.6% of patients were infected with S. aureus, 0.7% with both Proteus and Klebsiella, while 89.1% of patients had a negative sample for bacteria. Also, the incidence of urinary tract infections in females is higher than in males. Besides, its occurrence in rural areas is higher than in city residents. Moreover, among 16 antibiotics tested to sensitize bacteria to antibiotics, Imipenem showed 100% efficacy on all isolated bacteria. In contrast, Netilmicin showed 80.1% efficacy, Gentamycin 80.1%, and Amikacin 76.2%. Ampicillin, Aztreonam, Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid, Tetracycline, and Ticarcillin-Clavulanic Acid, did not show any effectiveness toward the bacteria while other antibiotics showed different activities. Furthermore, the isolated microbes from thalassemia patients were the highest resistance to antibiotics in comparison with other studies, and this antibiotic-resistant may be due to the weakening of the patient's immune status and frequent blood taking and the antibodies it contains.

Background: The interview was conducted with Professor Paulo Wilton da Luz Câmara, who serves as an associate professor at the University of Vassouras, general coordinator of postgraduate lato sensu programs, and deputy coordinator of the Master's in Environmental Sciences. The Professor has extensive academic and corporate experience. Objectives: The main objectives were to understand the importance of corporate experience in the role of a professor and researcher, discuss the evolution of public entrepreneurship policies in Brazil, understand the role of incubators, explore research on renewable energies in the defense sector, and learn about planned innovations for postgraduate programs. Methods: The interview was conducted in a semi-structured format with open-ended questions. The audio was transcribed for subsequent analysis and content structuring. Results: Corporate experience significantly influences academic performance. There has been relative improvement in public entrepreneurship policies, but the involved bodies lack specific knowledge. Incubators are necessary tools to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. The main challenges in renewable energy research for defense are awareness and organizational policy. Planned innovations for postgraduate programs include connecting education levels, shared management, and an open committee. Discussion: The Professor highlights the importance of practical corporate experience in enriching academic performance, noting advances in entrepreneurship policies while emphasizing the need for more specific knowledge. Incubators are seen as essential to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. In the field of renewable energy applied to defense, challenges are related to awareness and organizational policy. Conclusion: The interview underscores the relevance of practical corporate experience in enriching academic performance and the need to improve entrepreneurship policies. Incubators are fundamental to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Research on renewable energies in defense faces challenges of awareness and organizational policy. Planned innovations for postgraduate programs aim for greater integration and participation.