Risk evaluation of occupational exposure of southern Brazilian flower farmers to pesticides potentially leading to cholinesterase inhibition and metals exposure.

This work presents a frequency matched observational study comparing flower farmers exposed to pesticides and unexposed individuals as controls. All subjects were interviewed before plasma and urine collection. Manganese and Zinc were measured in theses samples by using dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Cholinesterase activity was analyzed through spectrophotometry by using a modified version of the Ellman method. Seventy-eight percent of subjects reported occupational contact with pesticides, from which 37% reported exposure for over 9 years. Flower farms farmers had increased odds of having headache and irritability, respectively, by factors of 6.2 and 2.4 than the control subjects. While the odds of exposed subjects to have insomnia was smaller than control subjects by a factor of 0.34. Exposure to pesticides had a significant effect regarding the plasmatic plasma and urinary manganese levels and whole blood cholinesterase activity (p < 0.05). High levels of plasma and urinary manganese, as well as cholinesterase inhibition in whole blood, were evident in the flower farmers who participated in the study.

Prevalência e características do consumo de álcool entre universitários / Prevalence and characteristics of alcohol consumption among university students

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi conhecer o consumo de álcool entre estudantes de uma universidade no sul do Brasil. Realizou-se estudo transversal, quantitativo, com acadêmicos de Biomedicina (n=134) por meio do instrumento Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, versão traduzida. Utilizou-se teste estatístico para verificar associação entre variáveis categóricas. Houve predomínio de mulheres, de 18 a 21 anos. Verificou-se início precoce de consumo de álcool, anterior à chegada à universidade, vinculado a festas e companhia de amigos. Após ingressar no curso, 41,04% disseram ter aumentado a ingestão (p=0,0001). Quanto ao risco, 72,38% foram classificados como consumidores de baixo risco, 19,39% como de risco, 5,98% de alto risco e 2,25% dependentes. Ser acadêmico da área da saúde e conhecer os prejuízos associados ao consumo do álcool não favorece a adoção de um estilo de vida saudável. Evidencia-se que o uso de álcool não é exclusivamente influenciado pelo conhecimento dos riscos.

This research aimed to know about alcohol consumption among students at a university in southern Brazil. A cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out with Biomedicine students (n = 134) using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, translated version. Statistical tests were used to verify the association between categorical variables. There was a predominance of women, aged 18 to 21 years. There was an early onset of alcohol consumption, prior to arrival at the university, linked to parties and the company of friends. After entering the course, 41.04% said they had increased their intake (p = 0.0001). As for risk, 72.38% were classified as low risk consumers, 19.39% as risk consumers, 5.98% high risk and 2.25% dependent. Being a health academic and knowing the losses associated with alcohol consumption does not favor the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. It is evident that the use of alcohol is not exclusively influenced by the knowledge of the risks.

Elemental plasma content and urinary excretion in vineyard farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides in southern Brazil.

This is a cross-sectional study with data and biological material collection from vineyard farmers in southern Brazil. An interview was carried out through a questionnaire developed according to the reference guide of the state government. Plasma and urine samples were screened for Aluminum, Chromium, Manganese, Copper, Nickel, Cobalt, Zinc, Arsenic, Selenium, Cadmium, Antimony, Barium, Mercury, Lead and Uranium, with a technique for fast determination of these elemental contents in biological material utilizing dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis was used to identify associations between these elemental contents in biological samples and the information obtained from the interviews. The farmers showed some trace elements in plasma and urine at a higher concentration than unexposed populations from other studies. This study highlights recent findings of trace elements in biological material and their association with characteristics of pesticide use. In addition, it also contributes to the gap in the literature regarding trace elements content in plasma and urine of workers exposed to pesticides.

Occurrence, exposure evaluation and risk assessment in child population for aflatoxin M1 in dairy products in Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the risk concerning child population's health because of the occurrence of AFM1 in UHT milk, powdered milk (PM) and infant formulae (IF). Determination of AFM1 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). AFM1 ranged from 150 to 1020 ng/kg, and all the positive samples exceeded the limits stablished by European Community. The EDI for AFM1 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 AFM1 exposure (0.0015 a 0.0045) was higher than the limit of 0.001 case/100,000. MOE values for AFM1 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 AFM1 in dairy products.

Antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity of rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) against Aspergillus flavus.

The increased risk to health by diverse pathologies, such as cancer, liver diseases, and endocrine alterations, caused by chemical residues in food, has led to the search for sustainable agricultural management alternatives, such as the use of essential oils for the development of natural and eco-friendly fungicides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil (REO) against Aspergillus flavus Link. REO was obtained by hydrodistillation and its major components were identified as 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol, 52.2%), camphor (15.2%) and α-pinene (12.4%) by GC/MS and NMR. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were both 500 µg/mL. REO reduced the mycelial growth of A. flavus at a concentration of 250 µg/mL (15.3%). The results obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated a reduction in the size of conidiophores and in the thickness of hyphae in A. flavus caused by treatment with REO (250 µg/mL). The production of ergosterol and the biomass of mycelium were both reduced as the REO treatment concentration increased. The production of aflatoxins B1 and B2 was inhibited after treatment with 250 µg/mL REO, a concentration below the MIC/MFC, indicating that the antiaflatoxigenic effect of REO is independent of its antifungal effect and is likely due to its direct action upon toxin biosynthesis. The data demonstrated that REO may be used as an alternative to synthetic fungicides.

Validation of a method for simultaneous analysis of cocaine, benzoylecognine and cocaethylene in urine using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

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.

Antifungal activity and inhibition of aflatoxins production by Zingiber officinale Roscoe essential oil against Aspergillus flavus in stored maize grains / Atividade antifúngica e inibição da produção de aflatoxinas pelo óleo essencial de Zingiber officinale Roscoe contra Aspergillus flavus em grãos de milho armazenados

ABSTRACT: Essential oils are possible alternatives to the use of synthetic pesticides for control of fungal contamination. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oil (GEO) is known for having antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic properties, but its use as a fumigant in situ has not been studied yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate GEO's effects upon Aspergillus flavus as a fumigant agent in stored maize grains. The main compounds reported in GEO were α-zingiberene (23.85%) and geranial (14.16%), characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The GEO was used as a fumigant in irradiated maize grains in concentrations ranging from 5 to 50 µg/g and the resulting effects were compared to a synthetic antifungal agent (carbendazim and thiram), an antifungal traditionally used for seed treatment. The antifungal efficacy of GEO against A. flavus has been proven in a dose-dependent manner through in situ (maize grains) test. The GEO inhibited aflatoxin production at concentrations 25 and 50 µg/g and controlled fungal growth. Therefore, GEO can be used as an effective and non-toxic alternative to conventional treatments in stored maize grains for the natural control of A. flavus.

RESUMO: Os óleos essenciais são possíveis alternativas ao uso de praguicidas sintéticos no controle da contaminação por fungos. O óleo essencial de gengibre (Zingiber officinale - OEG) é conhecido por possuir propriedades antifúngicas e antiaflatoxigênicas, mas seu uso como fumigante in situ ainda não foi estudado. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do OEG sobre Aspergillus flavus como agente fumigante em grãos de milho armazenados. Os principais compostos encontrados no OEG foram α-zingibereno (23,85%) e geranial (14,16%), caracterizados por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas e ressonância magnética nuclear. O OEG foi utilizado como fumigante em grãos de milho irradiados em concentrações variando de 5 a 50 µg/g e os efeitos resultantes foram comparados a um agente antifúngico sintético (carbendazim e tiram), antifúngico tradicionalmente usado para o tratamento de sementes. A eficácia antifúngica do OEG contra A. flavus foi comprovada de maneira dependente da dose através do teste in situ (grãos de milho). O OEG inibiu a produção de aflatoxina nas concentrações 25 e 50 µg/g e controlou o crescimento de fungos. Portanto, o OEG pode ser usado como uma alternativa eficaz e não tóxica aos tratamentos convencionais em grãos de milho armazenados para o controle natural de A. flavus.

Effect of Zingiber officinale Roscoe essential oil in fungus control and deoxynivalenol production of Fusarium graminearum Schwabe in vitro.

Members of the Fusarium genus are capable of contaminating agricultural commodities, compromising the quality of maize and other grains, which leads to severe quality and yield losses. Contamination with mycotoxins is also a concern. Essential oils are possible alternatives to the use of synthetic pesticides for control of fungal contamination, as many have antifungal and anti-mycotoxigenic properties and are innocuous to human health. They also do not cause any sort of microbial resistance and do not promote environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal and anti-mycotoxigenic effects of Zingiber officinale Roscoe essential oil (GEO) upon Fusarium graminearum Schwabe in vitro. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC/MS. Antifungal and anti-mycotoxigenic activities were assessed by HPLC/UV by quantifying ergosterol and deoxynivalenol (DON), respectively. Results indicated that GEO inhibited ergosterol production at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL and DON production at a concentration of 500 µg/mL, evidencing that the anti-mycotoxigenic effect is independent of the antifungal effect due to its probable direct action upon toxin biosynthesis.

Antifungal activity and inhibition of fumonisin production by Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil in Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg.

The chemical composition of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil (REO) was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The main compounds of the REO were 1.8 cineole (52.2%), camphor (15.2%) and α-pinene (12.4%). The mycelial growth of Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg was reduced significantly by 150 µg/mL of REO. Significant microscopic morphological changes were visualised, such as the rupture of the cell wall and the leakage of cytoplasm at 300 µg/mL of REO. At lower concentrations of REO, the effects on the production of ergosterol and the biomass of mycelium varied, as did the effects on the production of fumonisins, but at ≥300 µg/mL of REO, these processes were significantly inhibited, showing the effectiveness of the REO as an antifungal agent. The results suggested that the REO acts against F. verticillioides by disrupting the cell wall and causing the loss of cellular components, subsequently inhibiting the production of fumonisins and ergosterol.

Pesticide use and cholinesterase inhibition in small-scale agricultural workers in southern Brazil

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 (p<0.05) between the exposed and unexposed populations. Forty (23.1%) workers showed symptoms associated with exposure to pesticides. The average value of enzymatic activity in the occupationally unexposed group for ChEs was 6.3 μmol/mL/min among males and 5.6 μmol/mL/min among females while for BuChE was 2.4 μmol/mL/min among males and 2.0 μmol/mL/min among females. Eight (4.6%) workers had high inhibition (>30%) of ChEs activity, whereas no workers showed high inhibition (>50%) of BuChE. Potential factors involved include gender, education, pesticide orientation, exposure, and hygiene measures.

Realizou-se um estudo transversal controlado, com hortifruticultores, durante o período de outubro de 2009 a outubro de 2010, a fim de caracterizar o uso de praguicidas, estabelecer o perfil sócio demográfico e analisar a atividade das colinesterases em trabalhadores rurais do sul do Brasil. Os dados foram obtidos de 173 trabalhadores e 179 controles. Um formulário estruturado foi aplicado obtendo informações sócio demográficas, conhecimento e práticas de trabalho relacionadas com o uso de praguicidas. Os valores de referência para colinesterases totais (ChEs) e butirilcolinesterase (BuChE) foram obtidos a partir da média da atividade enzimática do grupo controle. A idade média da população exposta foi de 40,0±11,2 anos. Os sinais/sintomas foram significativamente diferentes (p<0,05) entre a população exposta e não exposta. Quarenta trabalhadores (23,1%) apresentaram sinais/sintomas relacionados com a exposição aos praguicidas. O valor médio do grupo controle foi de 6,3 μmol/mL/min para o gênero masculino e 5,6 μmol/mL/min para o gênero feminino na ChEs; 2,4 μmol/mL/min para o gênero masculino e 2,0 μmol/mL/min para o gênero feminino na BuChE. Do total de trabalhadores (n=173), 08 (4,6%) apresentaram inibição elevada (>30%) das atividades das ChEs, e para BuChE nenhum trabalhador apresentou alta inibição (>50%). Dentre os fatores que poderiam estar envolvidos destacam-se o gênero, escolaridade, orientação para trabalhar com praguicidas, exposição e medidas de higiene.

The inhibitory effects of Curcuma longa L. essential oil and curcumin on Aspergillus flavus link growth and morphology.

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 ß -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.

Effect of Zingiber officinale essential oil on Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisin production.

The antifungal activity of ginger essential oil (GEO; Zingiber officinale Roscoe) was evaluated against Fusarium verticillioides (Saccardo) Nirenberg. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of GEO was determined by micro-broth dilution. The effects of GEO on fumonisin and ergosterol production were evaluated at concentrations of 500-5000 µg/mL in liquid medium with a 5mm diameter mycelial disc of F. verticillioides. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that the predominant components of GEO were α-zingiberene (23.9%) and citral (21.7%). GEO exhibited inhibitory activity, with a MIC of 2500 µg/mL, and 4000 and 5000 µg/mL reduced ergosterol biosynthesis by 57% and 100%, respectively. The inhibitory effect on fumonisin B1 (FB1) and fumonisin B2 (FB2) production was significant at GEO concentrations of 4000 and 2000 µg/mL, respectively. Thus, the inhibition of fungal biomass and fumonisin production was dependent on the concentration of GEO. These results suggest that GEO was able to control the growth of F. verticillioides and subsequent fumonisin production.

Inhibitory effect of the essential oil of Curcuma longa L. and curcumin on aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus Link.

Aflatoxins are highly toxic, mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic mycotoxins. Consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated food and commodities poses serious hazards to the health of humans and animals. Turmeric, Curcuma longa L., is a native plant of Southeast Asia and has antimicrobial, antioxidant and antifungal properties. This paper reports the antiaflatoxigenic activities of the essential oil of C. longa and curcumin. The medium tests were prepared with the oil of C. longa, and the curcumin standard at concentrations varied from 0.01% to 5.0%. All doses of the essential oil of the plant and the curcumin standard interfered with mycotoxin production. Both the essential oil and curcumin significantly inhibited the production of aflatoxins; the 0.5% level had a greater than 96% inhibitory effect. The levels of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) production were 1.0 and 42.7 µg/mL, respectively, for the samples treated with the essential oil of C. longa L. and curcumin at a concentration of 0.5%.

Validação do método titulométrico para determinação de etanol em sangue utilizando ácido nítrico 54 e ácido sulfúrico concentrado / Validation of chemical titration for blood-alcohol determination using nitric acid 54 and concentrated sulfuric acid

A causa da maioria dos acidentes automobilisticos tern sido há muito associada ao consumo de álcool e, visando diminuir esses acidentes, os países tem estabelecido limites de alcoolemia para os condutores. A determinação da alcoolemia tem se tornado importante para fins de aprendizagem, clínico-legais, administrativos, e particularmente no cumprimento da lei, com aplicação específica nas violações automobilísticas, podendo subsequentemente assumir relevância forense como evidência de intoxicação. A quantificação sanguínea de etanol por titulometria é bastante utilizada, fornecendo boa correlação linear, sensibilidade, precisão, exatidão, baixo custo e relativa facilidade de execução. Devido à proibição da venda de ácido nítrico concentrado pela Polícia Federal, Polfcia Civil e Exército Brasileiro, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar as características de desempenho do método utilizando outros reagentes em substituição ao ácido nítrico concentrado, com isso garantindo a eficiência na quantificação do etanol em sangue. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos com ácido nítrico 54%, necessitando apenas de ajustes em relação aos volumes utilizados na técnica original. A solução sulfocrômica mostrou-se de difícil manipulação em função de sua viscosidade. Os resultados demonstraram que o método modificado apresentou linearidade, precisão e exatidão, de acordo com a resolução especificada pela ANVISA, Agência Brasileira Regulatória.

All over the world, the main cause of traffic accidents has been associated to alcohol use. In many countries, laws have been introduced to control drink-driving, reducing accidents. Accurate blood-alcohol determination has become increasingly important for learning, clinical, forensic and administrative purposes. It is required in law enforcement, with specific application to automobile traffic violations. Blood ethanol determinations carried out for diagnostic purposes can subsequently assume forensic relevance as evidence of intoxication. Blood-alcohol determinations by chemical titration has been used for many years, it supplies good linear correlation, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, low cost and relative easiness of execution. Due to sale prohibition of concentrated nitric acid by Federal Policy, Civil Policy and Brazilian Army is the aim of this work to carry through assays with other reagents in substitution to that one, to evaluate its performance characteristics and to guarantee its efficiency. The best ones resulted had been gotten with nitric acid 54%, needing only volumes adjustments beside original technique. Chromic acid solution prepared with concentrated sulfuric acid had viscosity of difficult manipulation. Based on the results, the method presented good linear correlation, was accurate and precise according to specific resolution from ANVISA, the Brazilian Regulatory Agency.