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Pest insects are one of the major factors affecting the productivity of sugarcane, and especially those associated with the soil, which damage the crop if not controlled. There is little information on the insect associated with the soil in the sugarcane crop in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. This study evaluated the occurrence, abundance and population variation of soil-associated insects in sugarcane crops in four counties in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul during a period from September 2009 to August 2010. For the capture of insects, deep in the soil trenches were (50 x 50 x 30 width x length x depth). It was observed that county of Maracaju has a high incidence of soil insects in sugarcane crop. Specimens of the family Scarabaeidae are abundant in sugarcane fields of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, being Liogenys suturalis the predominant species. Soil insects of the Chrysomelidae family were found with greater abundance in Dourados and Naviraí while Noctuidae, represented only by the Hyponeuma taltula, occurred mainly in Dourados. Insects of the family Termitidae occur in sugarcane fields in the counties of Maracaju and Naviraí but not in Nova Alvorada do Sul and Dourados. Sphenophorus levis and Metamasius hemipterus were alsoreported in the sugarcane fields from Maracaju, being the occurrence these species the first record in the Mato Grosso do Sul State. The determined occurrence of different soil insects in the sugarcane fields may help in their management in the four counties studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first record of Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch, 1792), Common Snook, in the Patos Lagoon estuary (32°S), Brazil. Two specimens were caught in April and May 2021 as bycatch in the fyke nets fishery for shrimp. Centropomus undecimalis was previously known to occur south to 29° S. We hypothesize that the intensification of the warm Brazilian Current has being promoted an expansion southward of this fish species along the Brazilian coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 135 samples of cocoa beans collected in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest regions of Brazil were analysed to evaluate the possible co-occurrence of 34 mycotoxins. The results indicate that 42% of the cocoa samples exhibited quantifiable levels for 11 mycotoxins: aflatoxins (AFs) B1, B2 and G1; ochratoxin A; citrinin; cyclopiazonic acid; tenuazonic acid; paxilline; sterigmatocystin; zearalenone and fumonisin B2. Of the samples, 18% exhibited the co-occurrence of up to six mycotoxins. No toxins belonging to the groups of trichothecenes or ergot alkaloids were detected. Contingency analysis of the incidence of mycotoxins did not show significant differences between the two regions evaluated. Seven samples were contaminated with AFs, while only one contained ochratoxin A above 10 μg kg−1. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by proficiency testing for ochratoxin A, where satisfactory Z-scores were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal tourism is a significant part of the contemporary tourism, which is growing more and more due to the increasing world population with recreational needs. A part of the coastal tourism refers to using the coastal seawater for recreational activities, such as bathing. The bathing water quality is important for tourist fluxes and maintaining it at high standards is a challenge because of the today's accelerated changes of the natural environment. Using the bibliometric tools biblioshiny and VOSviewer, the main research themes and keywords of some specific research studies (from Web of Science Core Collection) are presented in a graphic form by using a tree map, a production and collaboration map, a three-field plot and a co-occurrence network map. Some of the common words in the selected scientific literature are: "economy", "management", "improvement", "recreational activities", "wastewater", "sewage", "contamination", "pollution", "Escherichia coli", "enterococci", "model". Frequently mentioned places are Brazil and Adriatic Sea. An upgraded management of the coastal areas is needed for a sustainable tourism in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Açaí palm anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum chrysophilum is reported for the first time in Brazil. The etiological agent was identified by a combination of morphological and molecular approaches. Cultural morphological of the identified causal agent were consistent and resembled those described for C. chrysophilum. Pathogenicity was confirmed and Koch's postulates fulfilled for a selected isolate from Belém, Pará, Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to evaluate the occurrence of C lostridium difficile in commercial raw meat and meat products commercialized in Brazil, and to determine the pathogenic potential and antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. After selective enrichment, the isolation of C. difficile involved plating with and without an alcohol shock treatment onto C. difficile moxalactam agar (CDMNA). The toxigenic profile was determined through PCR for detection of tcdA, tcdB, cdtA and cdtB genes and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for toxin A/B. C. difficile was isolated from 8.9% (17 out of 192) of analyzed samples. Plating without alcohol treatment (sensitivity of 88.23%) was more efficient than with alcohol treatment (sensitivity of 29.41%) in C. difficile isolation. The profile A + B+CDT- was observed in 35.0% (28/80) of the isolates. The A/B toxin was tested in 44 isolates and 15.9% of them were positive. Resistance to clindamycin, ceftizoxime tetracycline, metronidazole, vancomycin, and ceftriaxone were observed among isolates. Multi-drug resistance was detected in 36.4% (8/22) of the isolates evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium present in several environments able to survive and proliferate in food processing plants, contaminating products that when ingested can lead to listeriosis. Worldwide, the bacterium has been isolated from foods of animal and plant origin and its occurrence in ready-to-eat foods is a challenge for food processing establishments. Serotypes 1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, and 4b related to 95% of listeriosis cases have been detected in different foods and presented resistance to common antibiotics such as tetracycline and penicillin. The analysis and dissemination of the presence of L. monocytogenes in different foods are essential to anchor control and prevention measures. In Brazil, despite the lack of official data on contamination by L. monocytogenes, some studies have reported the presence of bacteria in various foods and food processing environments. Thus, this review focuses on presenting the main characteristics of the L. monocytogenes, resistance to antimicrobial agents, and occurrence in several foods and countries from 2010 to 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in house dust samples from six regions across four continents. PFASs were detected in all indoor dust samples, with total median concentrations ranging from 17.3 to 197 ng/g. Among the thirty-one PFAS analytes, eight compounds, including emerging PFASs, exhibited high detection frequencies in house dust from all six locations. The levels of PFASs varied by region, with higher concentrations found in Adelaide (Australia), Tianjin (China), and Carbondale (United States, U.S.). Moreover, PFAS composition profiles also differed among regions. Dust from Australia and the U.S. contained high levels of 6:2 fluorotelomer phosphate ester (6:2 diPAP), while perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were predominant in other regions. Furthermore, our results indicate that socioeconomic factors impact PFAS levels. The assessment of human exposure through dust ingestion and dermal contact indicates that toddlers may experience higher exposure levels than adults. However, the hazard quotients of PFASs for both toddlers and adults were below one, indicating significant health risks are unlikely. Our study highlights the widespread occurrence of PFASs in global indoor dust and the need for continued monitoring and regulation of these chemicals., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Copyright of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica is the property of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The rough‐toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) is a poorly known species along its distribution especially in the Southern Hemisphere where data on habitat use and population parameters are scarce. Boat‐based surveys were conducted from 2009 to 2017 in a shallow water environment in southeastern Brazil. During focal‐group observations, S. bredanensis was more commonly found in mean depths of 22 m with varying group size and composition. Generalized additive models showed that group size was influenced by environmental variables such as sea surface and bottom temperatures, depth, and season. Photo‐identification effort allowed us to catalogue 173 well‐distinct marked individuals. Estimates of population parameters showed high and constant survival (Φ = 0.99) corroborating site fidelity but time varying capture probabilities (p =.03–.71). An open population model also indicated a small abundance estimate (Nt = 218) of S. bredanensis in the study area, improving knowledge for this species in shallow water environments of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intake of illicit drugs should be expressed not merely for the reason of the public health aspects but also in an environmental context concerning the contamination of surface waters. Wastewater-based epidemiology consists in acquiring relevant information about the standard of living and in population health status athwart the investigation of wastewater samples collected at the influent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). This method has been applied to the examination on samples from 4 WWTPs situated in Rio de Janeiro Municipality, Brazil, to investigate the presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites. These included cocaine (COC), benzoylecgonine (BE, cocaine metabolite), amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (METH), and 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH, THC metabolite). Concentrations of COC and its main metabolite BE ranged from 201.3 to 2751.5 ng/L and from 630.7 to 5849.2 ng/L, respectively. Amphetamine-like stimulants ranged from 21.7 to 110.0 ng/L for AMP, and from 55.3 ng/L to 477.4 ng/L for METH. THC-COOH ranged from 188.8 to 940.2ng/L. The concentrations found, besides being noteworthy to public health, may likely have important repercussion influence at the functioning of the environment. It is important to detach that COC and amphetamines (including metabolites as well) have potent pharmacological activities and their incidence as multifarious assortments in the ecosystem must hurt aquatic organisms and, consequently, in human health. However, unfortunately, there is no current regulation demanding the determination of the occurrence of these pollutants at the environment. In conclusion, investigates on the spreading configuration of these illicit drugs and their potentially harmful impact on our environment needs immediate attention and regulatory limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papaya anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum truncatum is reported for the first time in Brazil. The etiological agent was identified by a combination of morphological and molecular approaches. Pathogenicity was confirmed and Koch's postulates fulfilled for a selected isolate from Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of aflatoxins M 1 (AFLAM 1 ) and B 1 (AFLAB 1 ) was evaluated in 112 milk samples (whole, skimmed, semi-skimmed—liquids and powders), collected at a local commercial establishment in southern Brazil and Assomada City, Cape Verde. AFLAM 1 and AFLAB 1 were determined by using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. For the 62 milk samples from 41 supermarkets in the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, 68% were contaminated by AFLAM 1 (range, 40–3670 ng L −1 ) and 16% were contaminated by AFLAB 1 (range, 40–600 ng L −1 ), with contamination found only in liquid milk. Among the 50 samples from Assomada City, AFLAM 1 was detected in 76% of the samples (range, 32–2896 ng L −1 ), at values below the current Brazilian legislation for the maximum permitted level in milk powder (5000 ng L −1 ) but higher than that recommended by the European Commission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The woodwasp Sirex noctilio (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) is one of the main pests of Pinus plantations in South America. The aim of this study is to report the occurrence of S. noctilio in Pinus taeda in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. The surveys were carried out in the arboretum of Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA) da Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), campus Botucatu, SP where six species of Pinus are distributed in blocks of 100 trees. Resin beads were observed on the trunks and stems of Pinus species. In post-flight evaluation it was reported that 8.77% of P. taeda trees showed symptoms of oviposition by S. noctilio. A female S. noctilio was found performing oviposition. Sirex noctilio is present in Botucatu, increasing the geographical distribution of the pest in São Paulo State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate spatiotemporal patterns in the distribution and relative abundance of blue sharks and their relationship with environmental variables and oceanographic processes in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. We modeled data on catch records from the Brazilian pelagic tuna longline fleet using generalized additive models (GAMs). The distribution of Prionace glauca was influenced by salinity, chlorophyll-a and temperature. Our models showed that both the catch per unit of fishing effort (CPUE) and the probability of presence increased mainly between March and August. The CPUE was also influenced by ocean depth and sea surface height, and the probability of occurrence by ocean fronts and slope. The highest CPUE values and probability of occurrence of blue sharks tended to occur mainly in parts of the continental slope off Brazil and at the Rio Grande Rise, characterized by the presence of seamounts. Such hotspots for P. glauca could potentially be considered in fisheries management plans. • - Oceanographic processes can influence the distribution of Prionace glauca. • - Areas of greatest importance for blue sharks occur on the continental slope and in the Rio Grande Rise. • - Hotspots for Prionace glauca could be considered in fisheries management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bush dog (Speothos venaticus) is a small Neotropical canid. Although its distribution covers the entire Amazon basin, the occurrence of bush dogs in vast areas of the Amazon remains hypothetical. The records of bush dogs presented in this study reduce a large gap in the known distribution of the species in Central Amazonia and include the 1st documentation of the species from forest seasonally flooded by black water (Igapó). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, changes in human behavior and new technologies have introduced thousands of new compounds into the environment called "contaminants of emerging concern" (CEC). These compounds have been detected in different environmental compartments such as soil, surface water, air, and groundwater. The presence of these contaminants in groundwater may pose risks to human health when used as potable water. In some urban areas in Brazil, groundwater is normally consumed without previous treatment. This study aimed to use statistical analysis by self-organizing maps (SOM) to evaluate the trends of CEC in urban groundwater systems. A total of 23 CEC compounds including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and hormones were determined in groundwater samples using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The CEC most frequently detected were atrazine and degradation products, fipronil, simazine, tebuconazole, hexazinone, and caffeine in concentrations up to 300 ng L−1. All studied compounds were detected in groundwater at least in one sample. Patterns in the data through SOM have shown a strong positive correlation between atrazine, hexazinone, simazine, tebuthiuron, 2-hydroxyatrazine, and 17β-estradiol. The hormones estrone and testosterone also show a positive correlation due to their similar chemical properties. On the other hand, caffeine was detected in 90% of the samples, likely due to a population habit of taking daily a hot drink made of yerba mate associated with low rates of treated domestic sewage in the study area. [Display omitted] • Occurrence of 23 contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in groundwaters was investigated. • Caffeine, atrazine, fipronil, simazine, tebuconazole were the most detected CEC. • All 23 CEC compounds studied were detected in at least one groundwater sample. • Self-organizing maps showed three main groups of association for the CEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 232 samples of corn commercialised in Santa Catarina state, Southern Brazil (temperate zone climate), were evaluated from 2007 to 2012 for fumonisins (FBs: FB1 and FB2). Before performing this study, a FBs method with liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection (ex. 335; em. 440 nm) was validated first. FB1s were detected in 46.6% (108 samples), with values ranging from 66 to 7832 ng kg-1 for FB1| and 110 to 1201 ng kg-1 for FB2. The number of contaminated corn samples for FB1; and FB2 varied and often presented contamination of FB1| only. Per year of analysis, the numbers were: n = 22/8(FB1,/FB2), 44/5(FB1,/FB2), 25/12(FB1,/FB2), 4(FB1), 6(FB1,) and 7(FB1,) in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. The contamination percentage was 42.3/15.4, 59.5/6.8, 43.8/21.1, 36.4, 35.3 and 33.3%, respectively, during these years. Consumers can be exposed to these mycotoxins and their health can be at risk through the consumption of contaminated corn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper analyzes the most representative approaches of enunciation in language studies in Brazil, aiming at evaluating the role of linguistic forms in the constitution of theoretical models in this context. The concept of linguistic form from an enunciative approach is then discussed, with the objective of understanding syntactic places in Portuguese. Aspects of qualification of linguistic forms and their consequences in the identity of syntactic places, which do not occur with lexical occupation, are approached. In this perspective, the concept of occurrence is fundamental, and it is based on it that the relationship between linguistic form and meaning is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribeirão das Pedras, a 10-km-long stream from the source to mouth, is part of a predominantly urban catchment located in Campinas metropolitan area in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and it is also surrounded by sugarcane farms. Monthly sampling of 31 selected emerging contaminants (ECs) was conducted for 1 year (October 2018 to October 2019) in five points, including the spring, agricultural, and urban areas, to assess the dynamics and impact of ECs on the stream. The ECs were quantified using LC-MS/MS analysis. Out of the 31 ECs monitored in this study, 13 were detected in the Ribeirão das Pedras catchment, which were mainly pesticides and caffeine. Eight ECs (hexazinone, malathion, desethylatrazine (DEA), desisopropylatrazine (DIA), fipronil, ametryn, 2-hidroxyatrazine, and diuron) were detected with risk quotients higher than 1, indicating some level of environmental concern. Statistical analyses showed that caffeine, hexazinone, atrazine, DEA, and DIA were the most statistically important contaminants in temporal analysis, with caffeine concentrations varying randomly. Hexazinone, atrazine, DIA, and DEA concentrations increased from November 2018 to January 2019, and atrazine, hexazinone, and DEA concentrations increased from June 2019 to September 2019. Spatial analysis indicates that the spring of Ribeirão das Pedras is the only statistically different sampling point, with lower concentrations of EC. Points 3 and 5, both located in urban areas next to the stream's mouth, differ from each other due to the possible dilution of caffeine downstream of point 3 and domestic sewage discharge upstream of point 5., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

The goal of this study was to survey the thrips (Thysanoptera) fauna that attack mango trees in the "semiárido" of Pernambuco. During one year, three commercial orchards of the `Tommy Atkins' variety were visited. Weekly evaluations were carried out in 75 plants in the vegetative and reproductive stages, totaling 10.704 leaf samples and 390 panicle samples. The adult specimens were sorted using stereomicroscope at the Embrapa Semiárido lab, Petrolina, PE, and sent to the Lavras Federal University, MG, for identification. The species Frankliniella garden iae Moulton and Frankliniella brevicaulis Hood, family Thripidae, represented 77% and 23% of all collected thrips, respecticely. This is the first report of these two species occurring in association with mango trees in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present knowledge of pinnipeds' distribution is principally based on the location of breeding colonies. Several species of pinnipeds have shown the ability to undertake long travels to different and unusual locations, where they are frequently interpreted as vagrants. A total of seven species of pinnipeds are known to occur along the Brazilian coast: four belong to the family Otariidae and three to the family Phocidae. From 1954 to 2008 a total of 54 records of pinnipeds were reviewed for the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, ten of them were new records, representing 18.2% of the total. The most common species registered in the study area was Arctocephalus tropicalis (49.1%; N = 27) followed by Mirounga leonina (20%; N = 11). The other species recorded were Lobodon carcinophaga, Otaria flavescens, Arctocephalus australis and Hydrurga leptonyx. From 51 pinniped specimens with information on periods of occurrence, 76.5% (N = 39) were reported during winter, and the other 12 specimens were equally distributed over the three other seasons. Most sub-Antarctic fur seals (88%) and southern elephant seals (83%) were males. The majority of the species were classified as sexually immature. The seasonal pattern of the pinnipeds found on the coast of Rio de Janeiro State is related to the intensive northward flow of the Malvinas/Falkland Current during winter. In addition, the potential to swim long distances together with the lack of physical barriers in the marine environment could help the dispersion of the seals to distant regions far from their traditional breeding or feeding regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciência Animal Brasileira is the property of Universidade Federal de Goias, Escola de Veterinaria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the present study was to determine aflatoxin levels in peanut products traded in the Northeast region of São Paulo, Brazil. To this end, 240 samples of peanut products traded in the cities of Araras, Leme, Pirassununga and Porto Ferreira were collected from June 2006 to May 2007. The samples were analyzed for aflatoxins (AF) B1, B2, G1 and G2 by high performance liquid chromatography. Results showed 44.2% samples positive for AF at levels of 0.5 to 103.8 μg·kg-1. Nine of the positive samples (3.7% of the analysed samples) had total aflatoxin concentrations (B1+B2+G1+G2) higher than the limit established by Brazilian regulations (20 μg·kg-1). Based on the above data, the probable mean daily intake (PDIM) of aflatoxins from peanut products in the Northeast region of Sαo Paulo was estimated to be 0.23 ng kg b.w. day-1. Although this PDIM value was relatively low, results indicate that aflatoxin contamination of peanut products may be a public health concern in Brazil, when considering the potential exposure of highly susceptible consumers. For example, it should be emphasized that children are potentially exposed to aflatoxins, since they consume large quantities of peanut candies, and these products had the highest number of samples positive for AFB1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by several Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochlamys species. Patulin is a highly toxic compound which has shown to be mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic in experiments with animals. It has often been found in apples and apple products. Patulin is easily transferred into apple juice during processing due to its high solubility in water. This mycotoxin is very stable to heat in acidic medium as in apple juice. Thus, patulin content of apple juice is an indicator of the quality of the apples used to juice production. Many methods have been developed for the patulin determination mainly based on liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and use of HPLC for detection. It is important to show the need of legislation that imposes patulin limits in foods in Brazil. The objectives of this review are to describe the main patulin characteristics, occurrence, toxicological aspects, methods developed for patulin detection and control during the stages of apple and juice production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of aflatoxins (AF) B1, B2, G1, G2 and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) in feeds, and AFM1 and CPA in milk was determined in dairy farms located in the northeastern region of Sao Paulo state, Brazil, between October 2005 and February 2006. AF and CPA determinations were performed by HPLC. AFB1 was found in 42% of feed at levels of 1.0-26.4 µg kg-1 (mean: 7.1 ± 7.2 µg kg-1). The concentrations of AFM1 in raw milk varied between 0.010 and 0.645 µg l-1 (mean: 0.104 ± 0.138 µg l-1). Only one sample was above the tolerance limit adopted in Brazil (0.50 µg l-1) for AFM1 in milk. Regarding CPA in feed, six (12%) samples showed concentrations of 12.5-153.3 µg kg-1 (mean: 57.6 ± 48.7 µg kg-1). CPA was detected in only three milk samples (6%) at levels of 6.4, 8.8 and 9.1 µg l-1. Concentrations of aflatoxins and CPA in feed and milk were relatively low, although the high frequency of both mycotoxins indicates the necessity to continuously monitor dairy farms to prevent contamination of feed ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia sp. are currently recognised as the main enteric pathogens with potential zoonotic transmission risk. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of these parasites in horses stabled in the Santa Maria Jockey Club between May 19 and June 30, 2007. Fecal samples from 64 horses were collected directly from the animals' rectal ampoule. The 64 fecal samples were processed using modified Faust's method through the centrifugation-floatation technique, and were then later visualized under optical microscope for detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and Giardia sp. cysts. The results showed the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in 75% (48/64) of the samples. Giardia sp. cysts were not found in the fecal samples analysed. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in foals below two years of age was 83.3% (15/18); 71% (22/31) in young foals aged between three and five years of age, and 80% (12/15) in adult horses. These results show that Cryptosporidium spp. is widely disseminated in this population, and it can represent an important source of infection for the population in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The backyard poultry are not included in the biosecurity system applied in commercial flocks in Brazil. To investigate the presence of antibodies to specific viral pathogens in this population, blood samples were collected from 867 non-vaccinated birds, from 60 flocks in 22 counties of the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The samples were tested to detect antibodies against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), avian reovirus (ARV) and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), through the virus neutralization test. Antibodies to IBV were detected in 65% (564/867), against ARV in 21.6% (187/867), and against IBDV in 80.2% (695/867) of the samples. All the flocks had chickens positive to IBV and IBDV antibodies, and 88.3% of them harbored antibodies to ARV. The results show the presence of these viruses in backyard poultry from the central region of the State. It also indicates the need for additional studies aimed to evaluate the real importance of these infections for this type of flocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In what is a first for the world, leaf spot disease of sweet potato, caused by Boeremia exigua, is reported in Brazil. Identity of the fungus was confirmed by a combination of molecular and morphological data. Koch's postulates were fulfilled with a selected isolate of the fungus obtained from Santa Maria do Jetibá, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin M 1 (AFM 1 ) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) were determined in 48 samples of grade A–C and ultra-high-temperature (UHT)-treated fluid commercial milk from São Paulo, Brazil, from July to December 2004. AFM 1 and CPA determinations were carried out by HPLC. Results showed 37 (77.1%) positive samples for AFM 1 at levels of 0.011–0.251?µg?l –1 milk, which were below the tolerance limit for AFM 1 in milk as adopted by Brazilian regulations. Mean levels of AFM 1 in grades A–C and UHT milk were 0.060?±?0.080, 0.056?±?0.063, 0.064?±?0.041 and 0.075?±?0.048?µg?l –1 , respectively. CPA was detected in two samples (4.2%) of grade A milk at levels of 6.4 and 9.7?µg?l –1 . This is the first report of the occurrence of CPA in milk in Brazil. It was concluded that the incidence of AFM 1 in milk traded in São Paulo is low, but the simultaneous occurrence of CPA, even at low levels, warrants concern about AFM 1 in milk and milk products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Bacillus has been isolated from a wide range of environments and comprises species with biotechnological applications, such as bioinseticides, biofungicides, and biofertilizers. This study investigated the endophytic occurrence and diversity of Bacilli in the apoplastic fluid of sugarcane cultivated in Brazil. Their biocontrol activity against fungi and their plant growth promotion (PGP) potential in sugarcane mini-set plants were also evaluated. Forty-two Bacillus colonies were isolated from the apoplastic fluid of one-year-old commercial sugarcane varieties and analyzed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. The ability to produce indols and siderophores and to solubilize phosphate and zinc were evaluated in vitro , along with their cellulose and protease activity and, antagonistic activity against sugarcane phytopatogenic fungi. The PGP potential was determined using strains which were inoculated in sugarcane mini-set plants grown in sterile substrate and later in unsterilized soil pots. The 16S rRNA analyses demonstrated high bacterial diversity with the majority closely related to B. megaterium followed by B. aryabhattai and B. cereus. B. pumilus , B. velezensis , B. safensis , B. flexus and Paenibacillus taichungensis species were also identified. Most strains were able to produce indol, solubilize zinc oxide and presented cellulase activity, while phosphate solubilization and siderophore production was observed in only few strains. The strains LMC21, LMC44 and LMC48 presented high biocontrol activity against the sugarcane fungi Colletotrichum falcatum. The spore formation was observed for strains grown for 8 days in the HCT medium but not in presence of sugarcane juice. Some strains also accumulated higher biomass in sugarcane (sterile conditions) and a mixture of three Bacillus strains performed better in the soil-pot inoculation experiment. These findings show for the first time that many Bacillus species are present in the apoplastic fluid of sugarcane grown in Brazil and indicate that some strains have PGP and biocontrol potential for application as biofertilizer in sugarcane plants. • Apoplast fluid of sugarcane plants as ecological niche for Bacillus species. • Bacillus species presented high biological activity against sugarcane fungi Colletotrichum falcatum. • A Bacillu s inoculant consortium stimulates growth of sugarcane plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the risk concerning child population's health because of the occurrence of AFM 1 in UHT milk, powdered milk (PM) and infant formulae (IF). Determination of AFM 1 was performed in 60 samples and evaluation of the mycotoxin exposure was carried out through the determination of the estimated daily intake (EDI), whereas risk characterization was evaluated with the calculation of the risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and the Margin of Exposure (MOE). AFM 1 ranged from 150 to 1020 ng/kg, and all the positive samples exceeded the limits stablished by European Community. The EDI for AFM 1 ranged according to the age group of the population studied (0–5 years old) from 0.828 to 2.523, 0–2.113 and 0.029–0.833 ng/kg b. w./day in UHT, PM and IF, respectively. The number of HCC cases associated with AFM 1 exposure (0.0015 a 0.0045) was higher than the limit of 0.001 case/100,000. MOE values for AFM 1 were 728 to 239, considerably below the security margin of 10,000. These results point to a potential risk to the health of Brazilian child population exposed to AFM 1 in dairy products. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to conduct a first evaluation on the co-occurrence of aflatoxins (AF) M 1 , B 1 , B 2 , G 1 and G 2 ; fumonisins (F) B 1 and B 2 ; deoxynivalenol (DON); de-epoxydeoxinivalenol (DOM-1); ochratoxin A (OTA); zearalenone (ZEN); α-zearalenol (α-ZEL); and β-zearalenol (β-ZEL) in 68 samples of fluid milk consumed in Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil. The probable daily intake (PDI) was also calculated for each mycotoxin evaluated. Mycotoxins were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Sixty-two (91.2%) samples contained at least one type of mycotoxin. AFM 1 was found in 6 samples (8.8%), and none of them presented concentrations above the Brazilian maximum permitted level in milk (500 ng/L). Low levels of non-regulated mycotoxins DOM-1, OTA, FB 1 , FB 2 , α-ZEL and β-ZEL were found in 6 (8.8%), 17 (25%), 10 (14.7%), 3 (4.4%), 39 (57.4%) and 28 (41.2%) samples of milk, respectively. None of the PDIs calculated for the quantified mycotoxins were above recommended values, indicating low exposure through milk consumption in the area studied. However, 21 samples (30.9%) contained 2-4 types of mycotoxins, which warrants concern about the potential adverse effects of mycotoxin mixtures in milks.

Highlights from the article: In April 2018, symptoms of leaf spots were observed on I G. jamesonii i "Comum" in commercial fields of cut flower in Frederico Westphalen, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Leaf lesion samples were surface sterilized and placed on potato dextrose agar.

A limited survey was conducted to assess the co-occurrence of aflatoxins (AF) B 1 , B 2 , G 1 , and G 2 ; fumonisins (FB) B 1 and B 2 ; ochratoxin A (OTA); zearalenone (ZEN); and deoxynivalenol (DON) in maize food (N = 26) and animal feed (N = 45) collected from 21 small-scale farms from the states of São Paulo (SP) and Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil. Samples evaluated were maize meal and maize flour for human consumption available in the farm households, and maize-based feed intended for broiler chicks, laying hens, and dairy cows. Analyses of mycotoxins were performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The median levels of mycotoxins found in maize food were 2.5 μg/kg (total AF), 120 μg/kg (total FB), 13 μg/kg (ZEN), and 57 μg/kg (DON). All values were below the Brazilian tolerance limits, except for total FB in one sample of maize flour. In feed samples, median levels of total AF, total FB, ZEN, and DON were 100 μg/kg, 680 μg/kg, 160 μg/kg, and 200 μg/kg, respectively. The co-occurrence of two or more mycotoxins was confirmed in 35% and 51% of maize food and feed, respectively. Results indicate a low human exposure to mycotoxins in the small-scale farms evaluated and a higher exposure of farm animals to mycotoxins in the feed.

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This paper reports the first well-documented specimen of the goblin shark, Mitsukurina owstoni in the south-western Atlantic, based on a mature male measuring 3152 mm total length, caught on 27 November 2008 off the Rio de Janeiro coast, south-east Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluated the occurrence and removal efficiency of four estrogenic hormones in five biological wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), located in the State of Ceará, Brazil. The five WWTPs comprised: two systems consisted of one facultative pond followed by two maturation ponds, one facultative pond, one activated sludge (AS) system followed by a chlorination step, and one upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor followed by a chlorination step. Estrogen occurrence showed a wide variation among the analyzed influent and effluent samples. Estrone (E1) showed the highest occurrence in the influent (76%), whereas both 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) presented a 52% occurrence, and the compound 17β-estradiol 17-acetate (E2-17A), a 32% one. The occurrence in the effluent samples was 48% for E1, 28% for E2, 12% for E2-17A, and 40% for EE2. The highest concentrations of E1 and EE2 hormones in the influent were 3050 and 3180 ng L(-1), respectively, whereas E2 and E2-17A had maximum concentrations of 776 and 2300 ng L(-1), respectively. The lowest efficiencies for the removal of estrogenic hormones were found in WWTP consisted of waste stabilization ponds, ranging from 54 to 79.9%. The high-rate systems (AS and UASB), which have chlorination as post-treatment, presented removal efficiencies of approximately 95%., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)