Vanderly Janeiro

AFLATOXINAS EM PRODUTOS À BASE DE MILHO COMERCIALIZADOS NO BRASIL E RISCOS PARA A SAÚDE HUMANA

Aflatoxins are secondary toxic mold metabolites produced by Aspergillus. The techniques of immunoassay (ELISA) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) were used for the determination of total aflatoxins in foodstuffs produced with maize and commercialized in Brazil, between April 2003 and March 2004. One hundred and twenty-three samples of foodstuffs produced with maize were analized. Seven of which were positive in TLC and 16 in ELISA. The average of total aflatoxin found in samples using TLC was 0.62 µg/kg (µg.kg-1), while using ELISA was 0.78 µg/kg (µg.kg-1). The results presented significant differences between ELISA and TLC (T=12, p=0.0469). The data demonstrate low occurence of aflatoxins in the maize products analysed. Despite this, Average Probable Daily Intake (APDI) of AFB1 was above Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI), indicating a risk of liver carcinogenicity for Brazilian population due to the consumption of maize products. The ELISA method revealed to be simple, fast, and uses less organic solvent, however, it presented positive and negative presumptive results, what makes necessary the confirmation of the mycotoxins identity by TLC.

Prevalence and geographical distribution of bovine eurytrematosis in cattle slaughtered in northern Paraná, Brazil

A retrospective study of cattle slaughtered in northern Parana during 2000 was performed to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of bovine eurytrematosis (BE), as identified by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF). The cattle was from different regions of the State of Parana; all regions had cattle parasitized by Eurytrema spp. BE was identified in 12.1% (12,534/103,411) of the total number of cattle inspected. Prevalence of animals parasitized by Eurytrema spp varied from 8.3% (Region G, Sao Joao do Caiua, 1,069/12,914) to 40.5% (Region R, Ponta Grossa, 225/555). BE was more prevalent during the month of March (1.6) and markedly reduced during May (-2). A possible seasonal predominance of BE was identified: comparatively fewer cases occurred from April to August, while there was a peak from December to March. The study indicates that bovine eurytrematosis is hypoendemic and occurs in almost all geographical regions of the State of Parana. The prevalence within this State is variable and may be directly related to factors of the biological cycle of the trematode, particularities of each region, and environmental conditions.

Adult carbohydrate feeding affects reproduction of Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Reproduction of most insects depend on nutrients accumulated during the larval stage, but many lepidopteran species will also depend on nutrients obtained at the adult stage. Feeding at the adult stage allows the intake of carbohydrate and amino acid rich solutions, which may have an effect on the species reproduction and population growth. The objectives of the current study were to characterize the effects of sugar consumption by adults of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), on its reproduction. To initially test the food intake by adults, a 10% honey solution or water (control), both containing a liquid dye were offered to adult insects 24 h after emergence, and the presence of the dye was observed by analysis of their digestive system. The effects of adult feeding on a 10% honey solution on the reproductive performance of P. operculella were evaluated by assessing the oviposition rate, fecundity and fertility. Adult feeding was proved by the presence of the dye within the digestive system of adults of P. operculella. Although the oviposition rate and fertility were not affected by adult feeding, female fecundity was higher in honey-fed females as compared to the water-fed females.

Prevalence of non-adherence to antihypertensive pharmacotherapy and associated factors

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of non-adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment and its association with factors bio-socio-economic and welfare. METHOD It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, performed with 422 hypertensive individuals. Data were collected through home interviews, conducted between December 2011 and March 2012. RESULTS The results showed that the respondents were mostly female, married, elderly, low income and little time of diagnosis. Were considered non adherent to medication 42.65% of participants. Non-Caucasian hypertensive patients, with fewer than eight years of schooling, who did not regularly attend doctors appointments, took more than two anti-hypertensive medications and did not have private health insurance, showed higher likelihood of not complying with the drug treatment. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that hypertensive patients with unfavorable socioeconomic characteristics and difficulty of access to the service require different interventions in order to encourage them to adhere to medication treatment.

Prevalência de não adesão à farmacoterapia anti-hipertensiva e fatores associados

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of non-adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment and its association with factors bio-socio-economic and welfare. METHOD It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, performed with 422 hypertensive individuals. Data were collected through home interviews, conducted between December 2011 and March 2012. RESULTS The results showed that the respondents were mostly female, married, elderly, low income and little time of diagnosis. Were considered non adherent to medication 42.65% of participants. Non-Caucasian hypertensive patients, with fewer than eight years of schooling, who did not regularly attend doctors appointments, took more than two anti-hypertensive medications and did not have private health insurance, showed higher likelihood of not complying with the drug treatment. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that hypertensive patients with unfavorable socioeconomic characteristics and difficulty of access to the service require different interventions in order to encourage them to adhere to medication treatment.

Biologia de Dichomeris famulata Meyrick, 1914 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) em milho

The caterpillar Dichomeris famulata Meyrick, 1914 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a new pest of corn ear in Brazil, and its study is important in seed fields. The aim of this was to study the biology of this pest under laboratory conditions (25±2°C, 65±10% of RH and 14-hours of photophase). The biological cycle (egg-adult) was of 35.2 days. The incubation period was of 4.1 days. The average larval development time was of 21.1 days, and 5 instars were observed. The pupal period was of 8.4 days and the pupae weight was of 12.4 and 11.3 mg for males and females, respectively. The females laid an average of 118 eggs with a pre-oviposition period of 10.7 days and an oviposition time of 14.0 days. The mean longevity of males and females was of 37.02 and 44.16 days, respectively, and sex ratio was of 0.48. The caterpillars damage the silks and grains at the milk stage through little entry orifices, damaging the endosperm and, more importantly, the embryo, reducing the seed germination. These results can support the establishment of strategies to manage this new corn ear pest, especially in seed fields.