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The uses of natural compounds, such as essential oils (EOs), are limited due to their instability to light, oxygen and temperature, factors that affect their application. Therefore, improving stability becomes necessary. The objective of this study was to prepare inclusion complexes of Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) using physical mixing (PM), kneading (KN) and co-precipitation (CP) methods and to evaluate the efficiency of the complexes and their physicochemical properties using ATR-FTIR, FT-Raman, DSC and TG. The study also assessed cytotoxicity against human colorectal and cervical cancer cells and antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides. The complexation efficiency results presented significant evidence of LCEO:β-CD inclusion complex formation, with KN (83%) and CP (73%) being the best methods used in this study. All tested LCEO:β-CD inclusion complexes exhibited toxicity to HT-29 cells. Although the cytotoxic effect was less pronounced in HeLa tumor cells, LCEO-KN was more active against Hela than non-tumor cells. LCEO-KN and LCEO-CP inclusion complexes were efficient against both toxigenic fungi, A. flavus and F. verticillioides. Therefore, the molecular inclusion of LCEO into β-CD was successful, as well as the preliminary biological results, evidencing that the β-CD inclusion process may be a viable alternative to facilitate and increase future applications of this EO as therapeutic medication, food additive and natural antifungal agent.

An essential oil complex (EOP) of Cymbopogon martinii with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was evaluated as a strategy to stabilize the essential oil of Palmarosa and increase its bioactivity. The complexation methods used were co-precipitation and kneading, and, for comparison, physical mixing was carried out. To confirm the molecular inclusion, techniques were combined for the characterization of the inclusion complex, such as Fourier Transformer Raman Spectroscopy (FT-Raman), Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), which suggested the formation of the EOP-β-CD complex with complexation efficiency through the co-precipitation and kneading methods of 77.68% and 47.74%, respectively. Stability of the free and complexed EOP in relation to major compounds (linalool, geraniol, geranyl acetate and caryophyllene) during 14 days of storage was analyzed through Headspace Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry. Geraniol showed stability over the period of evaluation and increased availability when complexed by the Co-precipitation and kneading complex. Furthermore, the antifungal and antitumor activity of the EOP-β-CD complex was evaluated, showing reduced mycelial growth against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides strains compared to the free EOP (percentage of inhibition to toxigenic fungi A. flavus EOP-KM: 29.41%; EOP-CP and EOP-PM: 24.37 and 14.28%, respectively, and, the free EOP with 11.76%). In addition, an interesting activity against tumor cells (HeLa and HT-29) was observed against the tested complexes, which emphasizes the importance of the biotechnological use of β-CD for the stability of natural compounds.

This study aimed to investigate a miniaturized extraction methodology with analysis by GC-MS for simultaneous detection and quantification of cocaine (COC), benzoylecgonine (BZE) and cocaethylene (CE) in hair to monitor drug addicts. The process was done following the international guide of the Scientific Task Force on Forensic Toxicology. After sample extraction, derivatizing solution was added, clean-up was done by the Hollow Fiber Liquid Phase Microextraction (HF-LPME) and adapted to use the ultrasonic bath, a simple and easy-to-handle device. Isobutylchloroformate was first used as derivatization reagent to convert benzoylecgonine to isobutylbenzoylecgonine. Analytes quantification occurred within a linear range of 0.1 to 20 ng mg-1 for COC and 0.05 to 5 ng mg-1 for BZE and CE, with a correlation coefficient of r > 0.99. Limits of detection were 0.05; 0.03 and 0.03 ng mg-1, whereas limits of quantification were 0.1; 0.05 and 0.05 ng mg-1 for COC; BZE and CE, respectively. There was no matrix effect interference. Intra and inter-day precision and accuracy were acceptable according to international guidelines. The analytical method HF-LPME-GC-MS was successfully applied to 14 hair samples from patients admitted in drugs detoxification programs. All samples resulted positive for cocaine (0.80-> 20 ng mg-1) and benzoylecgonine (0.20-> 5 ng mg-1), 11 samples were positive for cocaethylene (0.10-> 0.60 ng mg-1).

Abstract The present study describes a method for simultaneous analysis of cocaine, benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene in urine samples. After solid phase extraction, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry was used for identification and quantification. The calibration curves were linear at 20 - 3000 ng/mL, r2 0.9997 for benzoylecgonine, 15 - 2000 ng/mL, r2 0.9985 and r2 0.9993 for cocaine and cocaethylene, respectively. Accuracy values: cocaine: 93,5 - 102,1%; benzoylecgonine: 97,5 - 104,8%; cocaethylene: 90,6 - 101,5%. Precision values: cocaine: C.V 5,4 - 14,6%; benzoylecgonine: C.V 7,8 - 12,3%; cocaethylene: C.V 5,9 - 12,3%. Detection and quantification limit values: cocaine and cocaethylene:10 ng/mL and 15 ng/mL, respectivalty; benzoylecgonine:15 ng/mL and 20 ng/mL, respectivaley. Recovery values: cocaine: 78,0 - 85,8%; benzoylecgonine: 74,0 - 79,8%; cocaethylene: 83,0 - 91,5%. The method described is advantageous compared to others, as it simultaneously detects the major analytes found in urine samples due to cocaine use and has been successfully validated.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the initial microbial load, temperature and contact time on the biofilm formation of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris on stainless steel and natural food-grade rubber using orange juice as culture medium. The low initial load of A. acidoterrestris (2 log CFU/mL) led to biofilm formation on the stainless steel surface after 48 h of contact at 28 ºC and after 24 h at 45 ºC, and on natural food-grade rubber surface after 48 h of contact at both temperatures. The high initial microbial load (5 log CFU/mL) led to biofilm formation on stainless steel after 4 h of contact at 28 °C and 45 °C, while biofilm was formed on natural food-grade rubber after 8 h of contact at 28 °C and 4 h at 45 °C. The microbial load also affected the presence of spores in biofilm, which was observed on both surfaces only at high initial loads of A. acidoterrestris.

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in dairy cattle without complying with the waiting period results in residual contamination, whose effective control in produced milk requires validated methods toensure analytical results. The aim of this study was to optimize and validate the HPLC-UV/VIS method at 365 nm for analyzingthe tetracycline in pasteurized cow milk in accordance with the European Community (2002/657/EC). Spiked milk with analytes (oxytetracycline, tetracycline, doxycycline, and chlortetracycline) was submitted to deproteinization and cleaning by a C18 solid-phase column and analyzed by HPLC using a gradient system with 0.01 mol L?1 oxalic acid-acetonitrile-triethylamine (90:9.9:0.1) and acetonitrile on a reverse phase (C18) column. Accuracy and precision were assessed by adding analytes to levels of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 times the permissible maximum limit allowed in Brazil. The method presented selectivity with a decision limit (CC?) and detection capability (CC?) ranging from 114.2 to 143.7 and from 129.3 to 188.7 µg kg?1, respectively. The recovery of tetracyclines was higher than 82.5% with a precision of 7.1%, demonstrating theefficiency in determining tetracycline residues in cow milk.

ABSTRACT The present study evaluated the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of carvacrol against Salmonella Typhimurium. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined and the time-kill curve and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to evaluate antibacterial activity. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated by quantifying total biomass using crystal violet assay, and metabolic activity was determined using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. The action of carvacrol against preformed biofilm on polypropylene and stainless steel was also evaluated by colony counting and SEM. The MIC and MBC was 312 µg mL-1. Carvacrol at MIC and 2 x MIC eliminated cells after 6 and 1 h of treatment, respectively, as exhibited in the time-kill curve. The greatest reduction in biofilm biomass and metabolic activity was 1,719 OD550 and 0,089 OD550 respectively, both at 4 x MIC of carvacrol. In carvacrol treated biofilms of S. Typhimurium on polypropylene, a reduction of 5.12 log was observed with 4 x MIC, while on stainless steel, carvacrol at 4 x MIC reduced bacterial counts by 5 log. The results showed that carvacrol exhibits antibacterial activity and can be used as an alternative for the control of S. Typhimurium biofilms.

ABSTRACT: Peanuts are a nutritious food consumed worldwide. Some species of the genus Aspergillus, producers of aflatoxins, colonize peanuts. Human exposure to aflatoxins occurs by ingesting contaminated foods. The objective of this paper was to assess the occurrence and dietary exposure of the population to aflatoxins in peanuts commercially available in Maringa, Brazil, from May 2013 to April 2017. A total of 104 peanut samples were evaluated by thin-layer chromatography and confirmed by derivatization with trifluoroacetic acid. The contamination rate detected was 24.0% in average concentration of 13.4µg/kg. Twenty positive samples (19.2%) exceeded the maximum level permitted in Brazil for the sum of four aflatoxins. Estimated probable daily intake was 1,28 µg/kg body weight/day, exceeding the Provisional Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake (0.001μg/kg body weight/day). According to the high levels of aflatoxins found in peanuts, there is need for further monitoring the presence of aflatoxins in peanuts in natura to reduce the levels of contamination.

A controlled cross-sectional study of family growers of fruit and vegetables was conducted between October 2009 and October 2010 to characterize the use of pesticides, establish the socio-demographic profile, and analyze cholinesterase activity in small-scale agricultural workers in Southern Brazil. Data was collected for 173 workers and 179 controls. A structured questionnaire was applied collecting socio-demographic information and determining knowledge and work practices in relation to pesticide use. The benchmarks for total cholinesterase (ChEs) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) were obtained from the average enzymatic activity of the occupationally unexposed group (control). The mean age of the exposed population was 40.0 ± 11.2 years. The symptoms differed significantly (p30%) of ChEs activity, whereas no workers showed high inhibition (>50%) of BuChE. Potential factors involved include gender, education, pesticide orientation, exposure, and hygiene measures.

The objective of this study was evaluate the presence of AFM1 in 82 samples of pasteurized bovine milk commercialized in 11 municipalities in the State of Parana, Brazil, from March 2010 to May 2011. Analytical methodology used was the enzyme immunoassay to determine qualitatively the presence of AFM1 (detection limit = 0.05 ?g.kg-1). AFM1 was not detected in any sample. The results were satisfactory. However, there is need for monitoring by government agencies, in order to provide safety, quality and integrity for human health.

Aflatoxins are carcinogens produced by Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius. In the present study, peanut samples were collected at different phenological stages of the plant during the 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 seasons and from stored peanuts harvested in 2007/2008. The mycoflora and aflatoxins in the peanuts were evaluated. The results showed the presence of Fusarium spp., Macrophomina spp., Trichoderma spp., Aspergillus spp. and Cladosporium spp. during the period of peanut maturation (39.8, 17.9, 8.2, 2.7 and 1.7%, respectively) and storage (49.8, 27.8, 12.5, 8.8 and 1.0%, respectively). However, aflatoxins were not detected in the samples. Of the 25 Aspergillus spp. isolates, 24 (96%) were producers of aflatoxin B1 (96%), 10 (40%) of aflatoxin B2, 17 (68%) of aflatoxin G1, and 10 (40%) of aflatoxin G2. The isolation of Aspergillus spp. during storage was not influenced by the temperature, relative humidity or water activity (p > 0.05). The detection of aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus spp. in the samples analysed at different phenological stages, aerial gynophore, pod filling (seeds), mature fruits (pod), and dry fruits (harvest), indicates the importance of good agricultural practices from the cultivation to storage of peanuts in southern Brazil.

In order to evaluate the occupational exposure of dental professionals to metallic mercury in dental offices of a public primary health care in the city of Maringá, Brazil, samples of blood and urine were collected from 149 dental professionals (group exposed), and 51 healthy adults similar for age and gender of the exposed group (control group) in September and October, 2008. Urinary mercury was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, urea and creatinine in blood and urine by UV/VIS spectrophotometry and analysis of physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the urine by reactive bands. The program ‘Statistic��� version 7.1 and the software R version 2.6.2 were used for the statistical calculations. Urinary mercury was 2.08  2.11 µg g-1 creatinine in workers exposed to mercury and 0.36  0.62 µg g-1 creatinine in the control group (p < 0.05). Urinary levels of mercury were below the maximum allowed by the biological index established in Brazil (35 µg g-1 creatinine); 11% of these professionals (n = 16) had mercury levels above the reference value (5.0 µg g-1 creatinine), whereas the maximum value found was 13 µg g-1 creatinine. The dental professionals of public primary health care in the city of Maringa was exposed to metallic mercury at levels 5.8 times higher than the non-exposed subjects.Para avaliar a exposição ocupacional dos profissionais de odontologia ao mercúrio metálico nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) de Maringá, Brasil, foram coletadas amostras de sangue e urina de 149 profissionais de odontologia (grupo exposto) e de 51 adultos saudáveis similares em relação à idade e ao gênero do grupo exposto (grupo controle), no período de setembro e outubro de 2008. Foi determinado o mercúrio urinário por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica, a uréia e creatinina no sangue por espectrofotometria UV/VIS, e análise dos aspectos físicos, químicos e microbiológicos da urina por fitas reativas. Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o programa Statistic versão 7.1 e o R versão 2.6.2. O mercúrio urinário foi 2,08 ± 2,11 µg g-1 de creatinina nos profissionais expostos ao mercúrio e 0,36 ± 0,62 µg g-1 de creatinina no grupo controle (p < 0,05). Os níveis de mercúrio urinário detectados estavam abaixo do Índice Biológico Máximo Permitido estabelecido no Brasil (35 µg g-1 de creatinina), 11% destes profissionais (n=16) apresentaram níveis de mercúrio urinário acima do valor de referência (5 µg g-1 de creatinina), sendo que o valor máximo encontrado foi 13 µg g-1 de creatinina. Os profissionais de odontologia das UBS de Maringá estavam expostos ao mercúrio metálico em níveis 5,8 vezes maior que a população controle.

Exposure to aflatoxins (AFs) in the diet may favour the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the acute exacerbation of hepatitis in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers. Measurement of biomarkers such as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), in urine allows for the assessment of populations exposed to aflatoxins. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in the urine of HBV carrier and non-carrier patients. One group included 43 randomly selected HBV carriers treated at two hospitals in the city of Maringa, Brazil, from March to June 2008. Control group consisted of 29 healthy adult volunteers with anti-HBs positive and HBsAg negative test results. Detection of AFM1 was performed by fluorescence using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and post-column derivation with the Kobra Cell®. Of the 72 samples analysed, 05/29 (17.2%) AFM1 positive samples were from HBV non-carriers, and 16/43 (37.2%) of samples were from chronic HBV carriers. This study showed AFM1 in the urine of the two surveyed population. However, there is evidence that the chronic HBV carriers have a higher risk of developing HCC due to additive interaction between AFs and HBV.A exposição às aflatoxinas (AFs) na dieta é um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento do carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) e a exacerbação da hepatite aguda em indivíduos portadores do vírus da hepatite B (VHB). O uso de biomarcadores, como a aflatoxina M1 (AFM1) na urina, produto de biotransformação da aflatoxina B1 (AFB1), permite avaliar se a população está exposta às AFs. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar ocorrência de AFM1 na urina de portadores e não portadores crônicos do VHB. Foi selecionado um grupo, de forma aleatória, representado por 43 portadores do VHB atendidos em dois hospitais da cidade de Maringá, Brasil, no período de Março a Junho/2008. O grupo controle foi composto por 29 voluntários adultos saudáveis anti-HBs positivo e HBsAg negativo. A determinação de AFM1 foi realizada por meio de detecção por fluorescência em sistema de cromatografia a líquido de alta eficiência com derivação pós-coluna utilizando Kobra Cell®. Das 72 amostras analisadas, 05/29 (17,2%) foram positivas para AFM1 em indivíduos não portadores do VHB, e 16/43 (37,2%) de pacientes portadores do VHB. Este estudo demonstrou a ocorrência de AFM1 na urina dos dois grupos estudados. Entretanto, há evidências de que os portadores do VHB possuam alto risco no desenvolvimento do CHC devido ao efeito aditivo pela interação entre aflatoxinas e VHB.

INTRODUÇÃO: A obesidade na adolescência é um fator preditivo da obesidade no adulto. A prevalência em crianças e adolescentes tem aumentado na maior parte dos países e tem-se traduzido em um dos mais significativos problemas nutricionais da atualidade. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo teve por objetivo verificar os perfis antropométrico, lipídico e glicêmico em adolescentes de baixo nível socioeconômico de uma instituição filantrópica no noroeste do Paraná. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: A população estudada foi composta por 92 adolescentes, com idade entre 10 e 17 anos. Foi utilizado o índice de massa corporal (IMC) para verificar o estado nutricional dos adolescentes, considerando normal 24,9 kg/m² e sobrepeso > 25 kg/m². A razão cintura-quadril (RCQ) foi mensurada por meio do quociente da cintura pelo quadril, e as concentrações de glicose, triglicerídeos, colesterol total, frações HDL-C, LDL-C e VLDL-C foram determinadas segundo o método enzimático colorimétrico. RESULTADOS: Encontraram-se 9,79% de sobrepeso nos adolescentes e 9,78% de RCQ e colesterol inadequados para a idade. Baixa correlação foi encontrada entre IMC e sobrepeso, glicemia, hipercolesterolemia, hipertrigliceridemia, LDL-C, VLDL-C e HDL-C, enquanto idade (razão de chance [RC] = 49,16) e RCQ (RC = 13,99) apresentaram correlação significativa (p < 0,05) com IMC. CONCLUSÃO: O resultado demonstra a necessidade de políticas públicas de saúde no âmbito escolar como fator preventivo da obesidade e seus fatores de risco.INTRODUCTION: Obesity in adolescence is a predictive factor of obesity in adulthood. The prevalence in children and adolescents has increased in most countries and has become one of the most significant nutritional problems nowadays. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at verifying the anthropometric, lipid and glycemic profiles in lower class adolescents from a philanthropic institution located in the Northeast of Paraná State. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The studied population consisted of 92 adolescents, from 10 to 17 years of age. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to verify their nutritional status, considering < 24.9 kg/m² normal and > 25 kg/m² overweight. The waist-to-hip measurement was calculated through waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and glucose concentrations, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c and VLDL-c fractions were determined through enzymatic methods. RESULTS: 9.79% were overweight and 9.78% of WHR and cholesterol levels were inadequate to the age group. BMI (overweight), blood glucose, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, LDL-c, VLDL-c and HDL-c showed low correlation, whereas age (OR = 49.16) and WHR (OR = 13.99) showed significant correlation p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: The result evidenced the necessity of health public policies in educational scope in order to prevent obesity and its risks factors in adolescence.

This work had as objectives the study of the physical and mechanical characteristics of maize kernels in relation to the contamination by Fusarium sp and by zearalenone in twenty landraces of maize from the southern region of Brazil. From the analyzed samples, 60 % has been considered to have a hard endosperm type and 40 % an intermediary one. A correlation between the physical and mechanical variables was observed as an indication that the higher is the proportion of hard endosperm, more dense will be the kernel and more force for its rupture will be necessary. The level of contamination by Fusarium sp was between 5.5 and 24.75% among the analyzed grains, correlating positively with the flotation index, indicating that the landraces of maize with a softer endosperm can present a higher contamination by this genus. The presence of zearalenone was verified in 75 % of the samples, in concentrations varying from 50 to 640 µg kg-1.Este trabalho teve por objetivos verificar as características físicas, mecânicas, contaminação por Fusarium sp e por zearalenona e suas relações, em vinte variedades crioulas de milho da região sul do Brasil. Verificou-se que das amostras analisadas, 60% foram consideradas como possuidoras de endosperma do tipo duro e 40% com endosperma do tipo intermediário. As variáveis físicas e mecânicas se correlacionaram, indicando que quanto maior a proporção de endosperma vítreo, mais denso e maior a força necessária até a ruptura do grão. A contaminação por Fusarium sp esteve entre 5,5% e 24,75% nos grãos analisados, correlacionando-se positivamente com o índice de flotação, indicando que as variedades crioulas de milho com uma maior proporção de endosperma macio podem apresentar uma maior contaminação por Fusarium sp, sugerindo-se a utilização de variedades crioulas com a textura do endosperma predominantemente vítrea. A presença de zearalenona foi verificada em 75% das amostras, em concentrações que variaram de 50 a 640 µg kg-1.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo averiguar a atividade enzimática da N-acetil-β-D-glicosaminidase (NAG) como possível biomarcador precoce de disfunção renal para a exposição ocupacional ao chumbo inorgânico. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foi selecionado um grupo de 30 pessoas do sexo masculino expostas ao chumbo inorgânico em uma fábrica de baterias localizada no estado do Paraná. Fizeram parte do grupo os funcionários que mostraram valores de chumbo sanguíneo inferiores a 40 mg/dl. O grupo controle foi representado por 15 adultos saudáveis com similaridade em relação à idade e ao gênero do grupo exposto. Foram determinados os níveis de plumbemia, do ácido d-aminolevulínico urinário e a atividade da NAG urinária. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Foi evidenciado que a atividade urinária da NAG foi significativamente maior (p < 0,05; teste U de Mann-Whitney) no grupo exposto ao chumbo inorgânico quando comparado ao grupo controle, e houve uma correlação negativa com significância (p < 0,05; correlação de Spearman Rank Order) entre o indicador biológico de exposição plúmbica e a atividade urinária da NAG. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados demonstraram que o aumento da atividade urinária da NAG pode ser utilizado como um biomarcador precoce da exposição ao chumbo inorgânico.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the enzymatic activity of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) as a possible early biomarker of renal dysfunction due to occupational exposure to inorganic lead. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected a group of 30 males that had been exposed to inorganic lead in a battery factory in the state of Paraná. This group comprised those employees whose blood lead levels were below 40 mg/dl. The control group consisted of 15 healthy adults of similar age and gender compared with the exposed group. Blood lead concentrations, d-aminolevulinic acid levels and urinary NAG activity were measured. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: It was shown that urinary NAG activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05, U test of Mann-Whitney) in the exposed group in comparison to the control group, and there was a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05, Spearman Rank Order correlation) between the biological indicator of lead exposure and urinary NAG activity. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the increase of urinary NAG activity may be used as an early biomarker of the exposure to inorganic lead.

A podridão ácida é uma patologia das videiras, de alta freqüência nos períodos quentes e chuvosos, em conseqüência do desenvolvimento de fungos e bactérias em seus frutos. Um dos gêneros de fungos responsáveis por esta doença é o Penicillium spp., que poderá levar à produção de micotoxinas, como a patulina. Neste trabalho, foi realizada uma investigação sobre a podridão ácida e a ocorrência de patulina em uvas Itália (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Rubi) cultivadas no município de Marialva, Brasil. Foram avaliados os seguintes tratamentos: (I) testemunha sem sintomas de podridão ácida; (II) amostras com sintomas, sem a remoção das bagas infectadas; (III) amostras com sintomas, com a remoção das bagas infectadas, (IV) amostras com sintomas da doença, com a remoção das bagas infectadas e desinfecção com hipoclorito. A cromatografia em camada delgada foi utilizada para a determinação de patulina. Nas amostras analisadas, não foi detectada contaminação por esta micotoxina.Sour rout is a pathology of bunch grapes occurring in hot and rainy periods. Several fungi and bacteria are associated with this disease, including Penicilium spp. In the present study it was carried out an investigation to determine the incidence of sour rout and patulin in grapes (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Rubi) cultivated in Marialva, Brazil. The treatments studied were the following: (I) samples without symptoms of sour rout, (II) samples with symptoms and without cleaning stage, (III) samples with symptoms and with cleaning stage and (IV) samples with symptoms, cleaning stage and washing with hypochlorite. The thin-layer chromatography was utilized to determine the presence and quantification of patulin. Patulin was not detected in any samples.

A Região Sul do Brasil é grande produtora de maçã, sendo 80% destinada ao consumo in natura. As micotoxinas são metabólitos secundários de fungos presentes na cadeia alimentar como contaminantes, causando diversos efeitos toxicológicos e imunológicos. Considerando que a patulina seja uma micotoxina produzida por Penicillium expansum, principal contaminante da maçã propôs-se investigar a ação de extratos aquoso e oleoso de Nim (Azadirachta indica) em maçã artificialmente contaminada. Foram testados dois tipos de extratos: o extrato aquoso obtido de maceração de folhas de Nim nas concentrações de 5, 10, 20 e 30%, e o extrato oleoso comercial (DalNeem®), obtido de sementes de Nim, nas concentrações de 0,125, 0,25, 0,5, 1, 2 e 5%. Os extratos aquosos não alteram a produção da patulina em maçãs contaminadas artificialmente por P. expansum, mas o extrato oleoso obtido das sementes da planta diminuiu acentuadamente a produção de patulina, inclusive em concentrações inferiores a 0,5%.The South region of Brazil is a major apple producer, where 80% is destined to the "in natura" consumption. The mycotoxins are fungal secondary metabolites present as contaminants in the food chain, causing several toxicological and immunological effect. Patulin is a mycotoxin mainly produced by Penicillium expansum and well known as the main contaminant in apples. Due to this contamination, the aim of this work was to access the effect of Neem extract (Azadirachta indica) on artificially contaminated apples. Two types of Neem extracts were tested: the aqueous extracts of Neem leafs at 5, 10, 20 and 30% concentrations, and commercial seed oil of Neem (DalNeem®) at 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 5% in water. Although the addition of Neem aqueous extracts in artificially contaminated apples with P. expansum was unable to affect the patulin production, the Neem seed oil extract at concentrations as lower as 0.5%, caused a pronounced diminution over patulin production.

Atualmente, as micotoxinas representam um risco de contaminação ambiental, acarretando sérios prejuízos à saúde humana. Essas toxinas podem estar presentes em diferentes tipos de alimentos, que constituem a principal fonte de exposição para o homem. As exposições podem ser monitoradas através do uso de biomarcadores, que elucidam a relação causa/efeito e dose/efeito na avaliação de risco à saúde para fins de diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial. Realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica do período de 1981-2005, no MEDLINE, sobre utilização e propostas de biomarcadores para a exposição a aflatoxinas, fumonisinas, desoxinivalenol e ocratoxina A. Os possíveis biomarcadores para avaliar a exposição humana às aflatoxinas foram os metabólitos urinários de aflatoxina B1, como aflatoxina M1, aflatoxina P1, aflatoxina Q1, aflatoxina livre em soro ou plasma, os adutos de AFB-N7-guanina, os adutos de albumina ou mutação no gene supressor de tumor p53, presentes em fluidos biológicos. Para as fumonisinas, os biomarcadores foram os níveis de fumonisina B1 e fumonisina B2 livres, ou de esfinganina e esfingosina em sangue e urina. O desoxinivalenol tem como biomarcadores de exposição os produtos de seu metabolismo e adutos macromoleculares (proteína/DNA) presentes nos fluidos biológicos. Para a exposição à ocratoxina A (OA) os biomarcadores se restringem à quantificação da própria toxina nos fluidos biológicos. A avaliação da exposição às micotoxinas constitui um importante aspecto para a saúde pública, tendo em vista a possibilidade de prevenir ou minimizar a incidência de doenças decorrentes da sua interação com o organismo.Currently, mycotoxins represent a risk of environmental contamination, causing serious damages to human health. Those toxins can be found in different kinds of foods, and they constitute the main source of human exposure. The evaluation of such exposures can be monitored through the use of biomarkers, which elucidates the cause/effect and dose/effect relation in the evaluation of health risks for clinical and laboratory diagnostic purposes. The MEDLINE review about the use of biomarkers for assessment of aflatoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin A was carried out from 1981 to 2005. The biomarkers for assessment of human exposure to aflatoxins were the urinary metabolites of aflatoxin B1: aflatoxin M1, aflatoxin P1, aflatoxin Q1, the free aflatoxin in serum or plasma, the AFB-N7-guanine adducts and the albumin adducts or mutation in the tumour suppressor gene p53 present in human biological fluids. As far as fumonisins are concerned, levels of free fumonisin B1 and fumonisin B2, or levels of sphinganine and sphingosin, were quantified in blood and urine. As exposure biomarkers, deoxynivalenol has its own metabolism products and adducts (protein/DNA) present in human fluids. As to ochratoxin A exposure, we measure it in biological fluids, once it enables us to prevent or minimize the incidence of deaths or illnesses provoked by chemical exposure.

A presença de resíduos de cloranfenicol no leite pode causar efeitos tóxicos na população exposta. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a ocorrência de cloranfenicol em amostras de leite comercializadas no Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Foram analisadas 151amostras de leite pasteurizado B e C de 61 marcas diferentes, comercializadas em 35 municípios. Os resíduos de cloranfenicol foram analisados por ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). Foram detectados resíduos de cloranfenicol em quatro (2,6%) das amostras analisadas, sendo duas amostras de leite tipo B e duas do tipo C. Esses dados demonstram que esse antimicrobiano continua sendo utilizado em animais destinados ao consumo humano ou há presença de contaminantes ambientais. Portanto, há necessidade de programas de monitoramento de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários em alimentos para garantir sua qualidade e, conseqüentemente, proteção à saúde humana.The presence of chloramphenicol residues in milk can cause toxiceffects on the exposed population. The aim of this work was to investigate the occurrence of chloramphenicol in milk samples commercialized in the state of Paraná, Brazil. 151 pasteurized milk samples, type B and C of 61 different marks, commercialized in 35 cities were analyzed. Chloramphenicol residues were examined by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Chloramphenicol residues were detected in four (2.6%) out of the milk samples analyzed, being two samples of type B and two of type C. These data show that either this antibiotic is still being used in animals destined to human consumption or there is environmental contamination. Thus, monitoring programs are needed to verify veterinary drug residues in food to certify its quality and, consequently, protection of human health.

Patulin is a secondary metabolite produced by different species of fungi, being Penicillium expansum the most important species. Patulin is a mycotoxin that has been found mainly in mature apples used in the production of concentrated apple juice, but it can also be in other fruits, vegetables and nutritious products. Experiments carried out with laboratory animals have demonstrated that this mycotoxin produces several harmful effects, including mutagenicity, teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, immunosuppression and acute intoxications characterized by pulmonary oedema, hemorrhages, damages in the capillaries of liver, spleen and kidneys, as well as cerebral oedema. This revision article approaches physicochemical properties and toxicological aspects of the patulin, as well as its occurrence and strategies to prevent its presence in apple juices.A patulina é um metabólito secundário produzido por diferentes gêneros e espécies de fungos. Penicillium expansum é certamente a espécie mais importante. É uma micotoxina encontrada principalmente em maçãs maduras utilizadas na produção de suco de maçã concentrado, mas também pode estar presente em outras frutas, vegetais e produtos alimentícios. Experimentos em animais de laboratório demonstraram que esta micotoxina produz diversos efeitos nocivos, incluindo mutagenicidade, teratogenicidade, carcinogenicidade, imunossupressão e intoxicações agudas caracterizadas por edema pulmonar, hemorragias, danos nos capilares hepáticos, do baço e rins, bem como edema cerebral. O presente artigo de revisão aborda aspectos físico-químicos e toxicológicos da patulina, bem como a sua ocorrência e estratégias para prevenir a sua presença em sucos de maçã.

The essential oil from Curcuma longa L. was analysed by GC/MS. The major components of the oil were ar-turmerone (33.2%), α-turmerone (23.5%) and β-turmerone (22.7%). The antifungal activities of the oil were studied with regard to Aspergillus flavus growth inhibition and altered morphology, as preliminary studies indicated that the essential oil from C. longa inhibited Aspergillus flavus Link aflatoxin production. The concentration of essential oil in the culture media ranged from 0.01% to 5.0% v/v, and the concentration of curcumin was 0.01–0.5% v/v. The effects on sporulation, spore viability, and fungal morphology were determined. The essential oil exhibited stronger antifungal activity than curcumin on A. flavus. The essential oil reduced the fungal growth in a concentration-dependent manner. A. flavus growth rate was reduced by C. longa essential oil at 0.10%, and this inhibition effect was more efficient in concentrations above 0.50%. Germination and sporulation were 100% inhibited in 0.5% oil. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of A. flavus exposed to oil showed damage to hyphae membranes and conidiophores. Because the fungus is a plant pathogen and aflatoxin producer, C. longa essential oil may be used in the management of host plants.

The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate mycotoxins in samples of maize and poultry feed produced in Brazil. A multimycotoxin method based on HPLC-MS/MS was applied to investigate the occurrence of toxical fungal metabolites in 119 samples collected from poultry feed factory integrated poultry farms: maize grain (74), poultry feed (36), and feed factory residue (9). Twenty of 101 fungal metabolites investigated were detected and quantified in the samples: aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, fumonisins B1, B2, and B3, hydrolyzed fumonisin B1, zearalenone, agroclavine, chanoclavine, deoxynivalenol, and nivalenol, and enniatin A, A1, B, B1, beauvericin, kojic acid, and moniliformin. Most samples were contaminated with more than one mycotoxin. All samples were contaminated with fumonisins, with medians values of 1,840 μg/kg, 239 μg/kg, and 23,676 μg/kg for maize, feed, and factory residue samples, respectively. Surprisingly, beauvericin was detected in more than 90% of samples. The median contaminations of aflatoxin and trichothecenes were low, near LOD values. The factory residue presented highest contamination levels for all mycotoxins. This is the first study dealing with agroclavine, chanoclavine, enniatin A, A1, B, B1, beauvericin, and kojic acid contamination of maize and poultry feeds from Brazil.

In order to evaluate the occupational exposure of dental professionals to metallic mercury in dental offices of a public primary health care in the city of Maringá, Brazil, samples of blood and urine were collected from 149 dental professionals (group exposed), and 51 healthy adults similar for age and gender of the exposed group (control group) in September and October, 2008. Urinary mercury was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, urea and creatinine in blood and urine by UV/VIS spectrophotometry and analysis of physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the urine by reactive bands. The program ‘Statistic’ version 7.1 and the software R version 2.6.2 were used for the statistical calculations. Urinary mercury was 2.08 ± 2.11 µg g-1 creatinine in workers exposed to mercury and 0.36 ± 0.62 µg g-1 creatinine in the control group (p < 0.05). Urinary levels of mercury were below the maximum allowed by the biological index established in Brazil (35 µg g-1 creatinine); 11% of these professionals (n = 16) had mercury levels above the reference value (5.0 µg g-1 creatinine), whereas the maximum value found was 13 µg g-1 creatinine. The dental professionals of public primary health care in the city of Maringa was exposed to metallic mercury at levels 5.8 times higher than the non-exposed subjects.

A determinação de álcool no sangue foi avaliada através da comparação de duas técnicas analíticas, o método de atenuação de energia radiante (AER) e o método titulométrico (TIT). A sensibilidade do AER foi de 0,4g/L e por TIT de 0,1g/L. A curva padrão de etanol foi linear até 2,5g/L e 4,0g/L para os métodos AER e TIT, respectivamente. O coeficiente de variação intra-série foi de 1,5% a 3,9% e de 0,6% a 3,2%, sendo que o coeficiente de variação inter-série foi de 2,5% a 12,8% e de 0% a 3,3% para os métodos AER e TIT, respectivamente. Os testes de recuperação apresentaram os seguintes resultados, 105% para o método AER e 88% para o método TIT. Em 70 amostras estudadas, o coeficiente de correlação (r) foi de 0,9681 e o resultado do teste-t de Student foi de -1,294, demonstrando que os métodos se correlacionam bem.

Os impactos de origem ambiental e ocupacional, relacionados ao uso de praguicidas, têm como alvo imediato a saúde coletiva, pois os resíduos liberados do ambiente ou remanescentes nas culturas estão sendo progressivamente transferidos para a água, para os alimentos e para o homem. Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar a utilização de praguicidas por trabalhadores do setor agrícola, atendidos no Ambulatório de Toxicologia e Saúde do Trabalhador do Centro de Controle de Intoxicações de Maringá (CCI-Maringá), a fim de avaliar os impactos sobre o ambiente e a saúde dessa população. Durante o período de 2002 a 2003, foi realizado um estudo descritivo retrospectivo em vinte e cinco pacientes atendidos devido à intoxicação por praguicidas. Os resultados demonstraram que os praguicidas representam um importante risco à saúde da população estudada e ao meio ambiente.

A presença de resíduos de cloranfenicol no leite pode causar efeitos tóxicos na população exposta. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a ocorrência de cloranfenicol em amostras de leite comercializadas no Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Foram analisadas 151 amostras de leite pasteurizado B e C de 61 marcas diferentes, comercializadas em 35 municípios. Os resíduos de cloranfenicol foram analisados por ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). Foram detectados resíduos de cloranfenicol em quatro (2,6%) das amostras analisadas, sendo duas amostras de leite tipo B e duas do tipo C. Esses dados demonstram que esse antimicrobiano continua sendo utilizado em animais destinados ao consumo humano ou há presença de contaminantes ambientais. Portanto, há necessidade de programas de monitoramento de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários em alimentos para garantir sua qualidade e, conseqüentemente, proteção à saúde humana.A presença de resíduos de cloranfenicol no leite pode causar efeitos tóxicos na população exposta. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a ocorrência de cloranfenicol em amostras de leite comercializadas no Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Foram analisadas 151 amostras de leite pasteurizado B e C de 61 marcas diferentes, comercializadas em 35 municípios. Os resíduos de cloranfenicol foram analisados por ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). Foram detectados resíduos de cloranfenicol em quatro (2,6%) das amostras analisadas, sendo duas amostras de leite tipo B e duas do tipo C. Esses dados demonstram que esse antimicrobiano continua sendo utilizado em animais destinados ao consumo humano ou há presença de contaminantes ambientais. Portanto, há necessidade de programas de monitoramento de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários em alimentos para garantir sua qualidade e, conseqüentemente, proteção à saúde humana.