Fungal contamination and determination of fumonisins and aflatoxins in commercial feeds intended for ornamental birds in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The purposes of this study were to determine the distribution of total mycobiota, to determine the occurrence of Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp. and to detect and quantify fumonisin B1 and aflatoxin B1 in birds' feedstuffs. Sixty samples from different commercial feeds were collected. Analysis of the total mycobiota was performed and total fungal counts were expressed as CFU g(-1). The isolation frequency (%) and relative density (%) of fungal genera and species were determined. Mycotoxins determination was carried out using commercial ELISA kits. The 48% of standard, 31% of premium and only 9% of super premium feed samples were found above of recommended limit (1 × 10(4) CFU g(-1)). Aspergillus (82%), Cladosporium (50%) and Penicillium (42%) were the most frequently isolated genera. Aspergillus niger aggregate (35%), Aspergillus fumigatus (28%) and Aspergillus flavus (18%) had the highest relative densities. Contamination with fumonisins was detected in 95% of total samples with levels from 0·92 to 6·68 µg g(-1), and the aflatoxins contamination was found in 40% of total samples with levels between 1·2 and 9·02 µg kg(-1). Feed samples contaminated with fumonisins and aflatoxins are potentially toxic to birds.

Ochratoxin A in serum of swine from different Brazilian states.

The aims of the current study were to monitor the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in the serum of slaughtered swine and to investigate its distribution in 4 major geographical regions of Brazil. A total of 400 samples of serum were collected from 4 major states of Brazil (100 samples each). Ochratoxin A concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. In Santa Catarina State, 60% of the samples had OTA concentrations ranging from 4.01 to 75.4 mg/l. In Mato Grosso State, 75% of the samples had OTA concentrations ranging from 0.17 to 46.79 mg/l. Bahia State samples had OTA concentrations ranging from 2.72 to 4.13 mg/l in 36% of the samples, whereas 68% of the samples from Rio de Janeiro State had OTA concentrations ranging from 0.16 to 115 mg/l. Only Santa Catarina State and Rio de Janeiro State had serum samples that exceeded 75 mg/l OTA in 20% and 2% of the samples, respectively. A direct relationship between the higher concentrations of OTA in serum from the States of Santa Catarina and Rio de Janeiro and the highest concentrations of OTA in food intended for animal consumption in the same 2 Brazilian states was found in the present study. Ochratoxin A distribution in foodstuffs is very heterogeneous, and an alternative method by which to monitor the presence of OTA in feed includes analyzing swine serum samples, which reflect the toxin content of the ingested feed. This strategy could prevent the occurrence of ochratoxicosis in animal production, reduce economic losses, and minimize hazards to human health.

Potential aflatoxin and ochratoxin a production by Aspergillus species in poultry feed processing.

Poultry feeds are prone to fungal growth and mycotoxin production during processing. The identification of biota with the ability to produce mycotoxins is essential. The aims of this study were (1) to monitor the mycobiota counts at different stages of poultry feed processing; (2) to determine the occurrence of Aspergillus species; (3) to evaluate the natural incidence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A. The ability of Aspergillus spp. and its teleomorphs isolated here to produce these toxins was also investigated. Samples (144) were collected at random from a factory in Brazil. The occurrence of Aspergillus and Eurotium species was demonstrated on DRBC and DG18 media and the production of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A and their natural incidence were determined by TLC and HPLC methods. A. flavus and E. chevalieri were the most prevalent species isolated. Fungal contamination was not found after the pelleting process, though Aspergillus and Eurotium species were recovered from trough samples. High levels of aflatoxin and ochratoxin A producers were found at all stages of poultry feed processing. Also, high natural contamination with aflatoxins and ochratoxin A was found in the samples. Contact of feed with remainder poultry feed could lead to fungal contamination, so the risk of aflatoxin and/or ochratoxin A contamination of feed must be taken into account.

Theory and practice in the context of health promotion program evaluation.

Evaluation of health promotion (HP) actions is a major challenge, generating inquiries and reflections that can contribute on the effectiveness of the actions themselves. With the aim on fostering exchange on monitoring and evaluation experiences related to the implementation of healthy settings, the 1 st Brazilian Seminar on Health Promotion Effectiveness was launched in 2005. The program included round table and workshops known as Working Groups (WG) in Brazil. The criteria used to constitute the workshops focused settings as spaces of circulation and living as an intrinsic connection to lifestyles and conditions, as well as to social and/or environmental risk factors associated with groups living in these settings day after day. Focusing on evaluation as an activity that generates knowledge, this article highlights and stimulates the discussion about some major issues arising from the theoretical-methodological approach and the discussions developed in the workshops. The debates carried out during the Seminar illustrated the different perceptions and views of the social players involved in implementation and evaluation of H P practices, disclosing a multiplicity of meanings. It became clear that procedures are needed to document a future maturation of concepts and methods, in combination with further in-depth theoretical discussion.

Analyzing the outcomes of health promotion practices.

This article focuses on health promotion (HP) outcomes, illustrated through evaluation of case studies and identification of strategies which have contributed to their success and sustainability. Evaluation research and practice in three distinct sceneries are discussed: (i) institutional and governmental agencies; (ii) communities in the "Manguinhos Complex" and Nova Iguaqu Municipality, and (iii) building of potentially healthy municipality networks. The effectiveness of a social program in a health promotion perspective was based in the "School for Parents" program, undertaken by the First Court of Childhood and Youth of Rio de Janeiro, between 2001 and 2004. The analysis was grounded in the monitoring of 48 parents in charge of children under 18, who were victims of abuse, violence or negligence, and social exclusion, most of all. The study's objectives were: illustrating the evidence of effectiveness of health promotion, discussing the concept of HP effectiveness under macro unfavorable conditions, and identifying strategies that foster sustainability of results. Institutional resources included a multi-professional staff, multidisciplinary approaches, participatory workshops, family case management, partnership with public and private institutions, and volunteer and civil society sponsorship of the families. Evaluation was based on social impact indicators, and psychosocial and contextual determinants. Evaluation methods included program monitoring and quantitative-qualitative methods, through a longitudinal evaluation of 3 years, including one year post program. The evaluation showed highly favorable results concerning "family integration', "quality of family relations" and "human rights mobilization". Unsatisfactory results such as "lack of access to formal employment" are likely related to structural factors and the need for new public policies in areas such as education, professional training, housing, and access to formal employment. The training process of social actors in environmental management and housing, supported by the Public Health Technology Development Project of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, was employed as a tool of environmental education and healthy housing. The purpose of this study was to construct an integrated and participatory model of environment management. The methodology included training, research and evaluation of participants, from 21 to 50 years of age, who participated in building Thematic Learning Books and Community Guides about water quality monitoring. Participants'evaluations emphasized the training process, encouraging them to become multiplier agents of environmental education in their communities and to continue learning how to bring together sectors for problems solving. The Potentially Healthy Districts' Network (RMPS) aimed at increasing knowledge and building capacity to develop actions which originate from each of the local units, based on their characteristics and practices. Developed by the Preventive and Social Department of Campinas State University with PAHO/WHO and the Society Special Research Institute (IPES), RMPS's mission was to cooperate in the construction of healthy public policies in a participatory and articulated way through different municipal representatives. The network offered tools to municipal administrations to develop integrated projects that brought together government, managers, technicians, academy and organizations for the construction of public policies aimed at health promotion and quality of life. The methodology is based in the construction of knowledge and action networks by social actors, stimulating trans-sectorial and inter-district actions. The outcome evaluation is based on case studies, focus groups, oral stories, documents and image analyses.

Dimensões dos direitos fundamentais no Plano Nacional de Políticas para Mulheres / Dimensions of fundamental rights in the National Plan of Policies for Women

Objective: to analyze the proposals of actions of the three versions of the National Plan of Policies for Women (PNPM, in Portuguese) as contributions to the development of the human rights of women in Brazil, especially the right to health. Methodology: theoretical and documentary research on the historical advancement of women's rights as dimensions of rights, in aspects related to the attention of the State in public health promotion policies. The documentary revision was adopted as a technical procedure of indirect observation through official documents, using as sources of secondary data the texts of the three versions of the National Plan of Policies for Women, available in official sites of the Brazilian government. Results: PNPM brings the narrative of the search for innovations and advances in women's rights, but the proposed actions focus more on traditional practices for reproductive health. Conclusions: Despite some limitations, the strategies and actions of the plans can contribute to develop aspects of citizenship and rights that aim to increase social experience and equity, reduce vulnerabilities and improve the quality of life. (AU).

Objetivo: analisar os resultados da auditoria em saúde na área de órteses, próteses e materiais especiais (OPM) e cirurgias múltiplas e sequenciais (CMS), realizada pela Secretaria Estadual de Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul (SES/RS). Metodologia: estudo quantitativo descritivo, baseado em dados secundários da SES/RS, na área de OPM e CMS, referente ao período da prática de auditoria de pós-pagamento, de março de 2013 a janeiro de 2017, utilizando a abordagem estudo de caso. Resultados: foram analisadas 1.004 observações concluídas para o período; o número de processos administrativos com solicitação de devolução de recursos financeiros não teve uma tendência na série histórica analisada, resultado influenciado pela presença de processos administrativos não conclusos, em especial a partir de 2014, relativos à execução da auditoria ou até mesmo a judicialização do assunto pelas instituições auditadas. Quanto ao valor financeiro solicitado para devolução dos processos analisados, foi maior em 2014, decrescendo em 2015 e diminuiu consideravelmente nos anos 2016 e 2017. Considerando as 30 regiões de saúde do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, três instituições hospitalares tiveram destaque, a primeira com 43 processos administrativos com solicitação de devolução de recursos financeiros; a segunda com 30; e a terceira com 28. Conclusão: as ações em saúde, nessa área, podem ser qualificadas por meio de atenção especial para as regiões de saúde e instituições hospitalares que mais reincidem e tem grandes volumes financeiros glosados. (AU).

Objetivo: analizar las propuestas de acciones de las tres versiones del Plan Nacional de Políticas para las Mujeres (PNPM) como contribuciones al desarrollo de los derechos humanos de las mujeres en Brasil, especialmente el derecho a la salud. Metodología: investigación teórica y documental sobre el avance histórico de los derechos de las mujeres como dimensiones de los derechos, en aspectos relacionados con la atención del Estado en las políticas de promoción de la salud pública. La revisión documental se adoptó como un procedimiento técnico de observación indirecta a través de documentos oficiales, utilizando como fuentes de datos secundarios los textos de las tres versiones del Plan Nacional de Políticas para la Mujer, disponibles en los sitios oficiales del gobierno brasileño. Resultados: PNPM trae la descripción de la búsqueda de innovaciones y avances en los derechos de las mujeres, pero las acciones propuestas se centran más en las prácticas tradicionales de salud reproductiva. Conclusiones: A pesar de algunas limitaciones, las estrategias y acciones de los planes pueden contribuir a desarrollar aspectos de ciudadanía y derechos que tienen como objetivo aumentar la experiencia social y la equidad, reducir las vulnerabilidades y mejorar la calidad de vida. (AU).

A promoção da saúde no ensino profissional: desafios na Saúde e a necessidade de alcançar outros setores / Health promotion in professional education: challenges in Health and the need to achieve in other sectors

Resumo O artigo discute a natureza dinâmica e complexa da promoção da saúde, o que requer formação profissional que facilite formular e colocar em prática seus princípios teóricos e metodológicos mediante contínua reflexão sobre as contradições dos contextos e a necessidade de enfrentamento dos desafios e expectativas das comunidades nos territórios. Considera também outro desafio que se coloca no trabalho em saúde, que é a mediação/ação intersetorial para implementação do seu conceito ampliado. Assim, demanda uma formação baseada em competências, o que significa um conjunto de atitudes e saberes para viabilizar a capacidade de agir em determinada situação. Apresenta duas experiências de ensino desenvolvidas no Brasil que tem contribuído na formação profissional em saúde, na perspectiva da promoção: a do Programa de Pós-graduação stricto sensu, em Promoção de Saúde da Universidade de Franca e a do Programa de Pós-graduação lato sensu da ENSP/Fiocruz. Em ambas, o uso de metodologias problematizadoras instrumentalizam a construção de capacidades, possibilitando que a teoria se aproxime da prática e proporcione uma formação crítica e reflexiva com rigor científico e relevância temática.

Abstract This article discusses the dynamic and complex nature of health promotion that requires training to facilitate, formulate, and put into practice its theoretical and methodological principles through continuous reflection on the contradictions of the contexts, and the need to face the challenges and expectations of communities in the region it serves. It also considers another challenge facing the health work, which is the mediation/intersectoral action for implementation of the expanded concept of health. Thus, a demand for competency based education, which means a set of attitudes and knowledge that enable the ability to act in a given situation. A discussion on two teaching experiences developed in Brazil that has contributed to the training of health from the perspective of health promotion: the Graduate Program in the strict sense, in Health Promotion at the University of Franca and the Graduate Program broad sense of the ENSP/Fiocruz will be discussed. In both cases, the use of problem-solving methodologies as a tool for capacity building, enabling theory to approach practice and provide critical and reflective training with scientific rigor and thematic relevance.

Staging and survival of rectal cancer in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: In the county of Vila Nova de Gaia (northern Portugal) in the period of 2004-2006, there were an average of 35 new cases of colorectal cancer per 100,000 population, which constitutes one of the highest rates in the world. The latest research has shown that there are many differences between colon and rectal cancers, thereby justifying an independent approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study pertained to the period 1995-2004, by using the census of 1991 and 2001 for calculating specific rates. The 399 diagnosed cases of rectal cancer were drawn from a specialized and active cancer registry, oncological registry of Gaia. Overall survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the curves were compared using a Log Rank test. The effect of topography and histological type on survival was obtained by controlling the stage disease, using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: There was a slight predominance of males, with a ratio between sexes of 1 : 3. The 50% overall survival rate after 5 years increased over time. The localization of the tumour and the histological type, after adjusting by stage, were not significant factors in the prognosis. CONCLUSION: Our study shows an increase in the number of cases over time, particularly in elderly women. The cumulative risk of having rectal cancer remains unchanged from 1981 to 2004. Unlike other studies, an increase in early lesions was not observed.

[Health practices in the reorientation of primary care in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, from the perspective of users and health professionals]. / Práticas em saúde no contexto de reorientação da atenção primária no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, na visão das usuárias e dos profissionais de saúde.

This evaluative study focused on expansion of the Family Health Strategy in large cities in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The study analyzed the functionality of health care modalities, performance, and supply of comprehensive care itself and its link to services at other levels. The thrust of the analysis was comprehensiveness of care in the daily routine of health services, with a focus on childbearing-age women, and with pregnancy as the tracer condition. The results emerged from an analysis of focus groups with health care users and health professionals, based on: characterization of key actors; their perceptions concerning health, healthcare model, and organization of primary care services and practices. The groups suggested that the actors perceive health as identified with social determinants. Access to services and actions was differentiated in the family health unit by enrollment of the clientele and active search, and the study showed the lack of a structured network. The study indicates that work processes contemplating the social determination of health and its intersectorality can lead to expanded access to comprehensive care for childbearing-age women.

Práticas em saúde no contexto de reorientação da atenção primária no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, na visão das usuárias e dos profissionais de saúde / Health practices in the reorientation of primary care in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, from the perspective of users and health professionals

This evaluative study focused on expansion of the Family Health Strategy in large cities in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The study analyzed the functionality of health care modalities, performance, and supply of comprehensive care itself and its link to services at other levels. The thrust of the analysis was comprehensiveness of care in the daily routine of health services, with a focus on childbearing-age women, and with pregnancy as the tracer condition. The results emerged from an analysis of focus groups with health care users and health professionals, based on: characterization of key actors; their perceptions concerning health, healthcare model, and organization of primary care services and practices. The groups suggested that the actors perceive health as identified with social determinants. Access to services and actions was differentiated in the family health unit by enrollment of the clientele and active search, and the study showed the lack of a structured network. The study indicates that work processes contemplating the social determination of health and its intersectorality can lead to expanded access to comprehensive care for childbearing-age women.

Estudo avaliativo sobre a expansão da Estratégia Saúde da Família em grandes centros urbanos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, analisando funcionamento das modalidades de atenção, desempenho e oferta de atenção integral em si e em sua articulação com serviços de outro nível. O eixo de análise foi a integralidade do cuidado no cotidiano dos serviços, com foco nas mulheres em idade reprodutiva, tendo a gestação como condição traçadora. Os resultados decorreram de análise permitida pela realização de grupos focais com usuárias e profissionais de saúde, tendo-se em conta: caracterização dos atores; suas percepções sobre saúde, modelo de atenção, forma de organização dos serviços e práticas da atenção primária à saúde. Esses grupos sugeriram que os atores envolvidos percebem a saúde identificada em seus determinantes sociais. O acesso ao serviço e às ações se diferenciou na unidade de saúde da família pela adscrição da clientela e busca ativa, observando-se inexistência de uma rede estruturada. O estudo indica que processos de trabalho que contemplem a determinação social da saúde e a intersetorialidade conduziriam à ampliação do acesso e do cuidado integral da saúde da mulher na fase reprodutiva.

Mycological survey for potential aflatoxin and ochratoxin producers and their toxicological properties in harvested Brazilian black pepper.

A mycological survey was carried out on 115 samples of whole dried black pepper seeds, from two main production regions of Brazil (Pará and Espírito Santo). A high incidence of contamination was verified in both regions when 99.1% of the samples showed filamentous fungi contamination. A total of 497 species of nine different genera were isolated (Aspergillus, Eurotium, Rhizopus, Penicillium, Curvularia, Cladosporium, Absidia, Emericella and Paecilomyces). The genus Aspergillus was the predominant (53.5%) followed by species from the Eurotium genus (24.5%). Eurotium chevalieri (16.4%) was the most predominant species followed by A. flavus (14.6%) present on 55 samples of black pepper (47.8%) analysed. Twenty-five samples (21.7%) were contaminated with aflatoxigenic strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus. In relation to the types of aflatoxins produced by mycotoxigenic strains, it was observed that 25 strains (44.6%) of 56 isolated of A. flavus produced aflatoxins. From 12 samples, A. ochraceus species were isolated in low frequency (3.5%). Two strains of A. ochraceus from 16 isolated were producers of ochratoxin A. With respect to the aflatoxins and ochratoxin A natural contamination, none of the samples presented detectable levels of these mycotoxins using thin-layer chromatographic analysis.

Potential ochratoxin A producers from wine grapes in Argentina and Brazil.

The aim was to identify the normal mycoflora in wine grapes from Argentina and Brazil. We collected 50 grapes samples from Malbec and Chardonnay varieties in each country during the 1997-98 harvest. Yeasts were a major component of the fungal population, and the most frequent genera of filamentous fungi isolated were: Aspergillus, Penicillium and Botrytis. Other genera identified (in decreasing order) were: Phythophthora, Moniliella, Alternaria and Cladosporium. From grapes, the mean frequency of filamentous fungi ranged from 1.3 x 10(4) to 5.4 x 10(6) CFU g(-1). We isolated 48 Aspergillus niger strains from Argentinian grape, of which eight could produce ochratoxin A. Sixteen of 53 A. niger strains from Brazilian grapes produced ochratoxin A. The results indicate that similar mycobiota were isolated from Argentinian and Brazilian wine grapes and there could be ochratoxin A production in this substrate.