Occurrence of fumonisins in maize imported into Iran during 2001-2002

ArticleFumonisins, fungal toxins found primarily in maize and produced by various Fusarium species, have been shown to cause a variety of significant adverse health effects in livestock and experimental animals, and are probable human carcinogens. Thirty-three maize samples were collected at ports from bulk shipments, which were imported into Iran from six countries during 2001-2002, and analysed by HPLC for the most abundant of the naturally occurring fumonisin analogues, namely fumonisins B1 (FB1), B2 (FB2) and B3 (FB3). Of the 33 samples, 21 (64%) were found to contain FB1 (58-512 μg/kg) at levels above 10 μg/kg. The frequency of FB1 found in maize samples imported from Uruguay and Canada was 75%, followed by China and Argentina (67%), USA (60%), and Brazil (50%). The average FB1 level was 266 and 169 μg/kg for positive and all samples, respectively. Medians were 250 and 146 μg/kg for positive and all samples, respectively. FB2 levels ranged from not detected (<10 μg/kg) to 53 μg/kg, whereas no sample had an FB3 level above the detection level (10 μg/kg). This is the first report of fumonisin contamination of imported maize in Iran. Although, the level of all detected fumonisins were below the Iranian and FDA tolerance levels for foods and feeds, It is necessary to maintain the strict rules to ensure continued safety of imported maize

Lasers and Lights for Onychomycosis

In the armamentarium of available treatment strategies for onychomycosis, lasers are a relatively new approach for this difficult-to-treat disorder. Although initial studies evaluating lasers for onychomycosis appeared nearly 30 years ago with the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser (Apfelberg et al., J Am Podiatry Assoc 74(10):509–513, 1984), clinical use has not gained popularity until recent years. Currently, several laser modalities are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the temporary increase of clear nail growth in patients with onychomycosis (Ledon et al., Laser Med Sci 29:823–829, 2014). These include the 532, 630–680, 1,064 and 1,320 nm Neodynium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers, as well as the 870/930 nm combination and 980 nm diode lasers. This chapter will provide a succinct approach to treatment of oncyhomycosis with lasers or light therapy, as well as short background on each of the laser modalities being studied for this indication

Fungal agents in different anatomical sites in Public Health Services in Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: A contribution to the regional epidemiological profile of the most common fungal agents in Public Health Services in Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, including university hospitals and polyclinics. METHODS: Clinical specimens (n = 1,496) from 1,078 patients were collected, submitted to direct mycological exam (potash or stick tape method) and cultured in specific mediums. Dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic agents were identified according to micromorphology (Ridell technique). RESULTS: The majority of the 1,496 specimens were skin (n = 985) and nail exams (n = 472). Of the 800 positive cultures, 246 (30.8%) corresponded to dermatophytes and 336 (42%) to yeasts of the genus Candida, 190 (23.7%) to other yeasts, 27 (3.4%) to non-dermatophytic filamentous fungi and one (0.1%) the agent of subcutaneous mycosis. Lesions considered primary occurred in greater numbers (59.5%) than recurrent lesions (37.4%), with a greater concentration of positivity occurring on the arms and legs. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities, allergies and diabetes mellitus were conditions associated with greater positivity in direct mycological exams and cultures. Positive culture was considered a definitive diagnosis of fungal infection and confirmed 47.8% of diagnostic hypotheses