Contaminação ambiental por ovos de Toxocara sp. no município de Ribeirão Preto, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Toxocariasis is a zoonosis mainly caused by Toxocara canis, an intestinal nematode of dogs. Man acquires the infection through accidental ingestion of viable eggs, and the toxocariasis clinical manifestations may vary from an asymptomatic infection up to the Visceral Larva Migrans syndrome. Seventy eight public squares of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, including Bonfim Paulista district were visited aiming to evaluate the soil contamination by Toxocara eggs. The squares were divided in five different areas corresponding to the Sanitary Districts of the city. From May to December 2003, soil samples weighting about 250 g each were collected from five distinct sites of each public square. The laboratorial analysis was done by centrifugal-flotation techniques in magnesium sulphate solutions with 5% of potassium iodide (d = 1.33) and zinc sulphate (d = 1.20), and by the sedimentation- flotation in conic chalices with zinc sulphate (d = 1.20). Toxocara sp. eggs were found on 16 (20.5%) squares, with the lowest prevalence (12%) at the central area. From these results, it is expected that the legal authority will adopt protection measures for the city public areas, reducing thus the contamination risk by Toxocara sp. eggs.A toxocaríase é uma zoonose causada principalmente pelo Toxocara canis, nematóide intestinal de cães. O homem adquire a infecção através da ingestão acidental de ovos viáveis, sendo que as manifestações clínicas da toxocaríase podem variar desde uma infecção assintomática à síndrome da Larva Migrans Visceral. Com o objetivo de avaliar a contaminação do solo por ovos de Toxocara sp, foram visitadas 78 praças públicas de Ribeirão Preto, incluindo o distrito de Bonfim Paulista. As praças foram distribuídas em cinco áreas diferentes correspondentes as mesmas dos Distritos Sanitários do município. Entre maio a dezembro de 2003 foram coletadas de cinco pontos de cada praça amostras de solo de aproximadamente 250 gramas. A análise laboratorial foi realizada pelas técnicas da centrífugo-flutuação em soluções de sulfato de magnésio com 5% de iodeto de potássio (d = 1.33) e de sulfato de zinco (d = 1.20) e da flotação-sedimentação em cálice cônico com sulfato de zinco (d = 1.20). Foram encontrados ovos de Toxocara sp. em 16 (20,5%) praças, sendo que a região central apresentou a mais baixa prevalência (12,0%). Espera-se que a partir destes resultados as autoridades competentes adotem medidas de proteção das áreas públicas do município, reduzindo o risco da contaminação por ovos de Toxocara sp

Wood powders of different botanical origin as an alternative to barrel aging for red wine

AbstractWood powders are produced in large quantity as by-product of barrel, staves and chips industry. Differently from larger particles (chips), the use of wood powders in winemaking is not admitted (Regulation (CE) n. 934/2019); however, it could represent a cheap and sustainable alternative for the accelerated aging of red wine. To evaluate their potential use in winemaking, a comparative study on the use of wood powders from oak, chestnut and acacia wood for the accelerated aging of red wine (cv. Aglianico) was conducted. This alternative aging was compared to the aging in wood barrels from the same botanical species. The wine aged in contact with powders underwent a quicker evolution of polyphenolic fraction. After 15 days of contact, the loss of total anthocyanins was higher than that observed after 6 months of aging in barrels (from 4 to 14% with respect to the corresponding kind of barrel). The amount of polymeric pigments tannins–anthocyanins–tannins in wines aged in contact with powders was higher respect to the wines aged in barrels (from 7 to 21% with respect to the corresponding kind of barrel), while the greatest loss of total tannins was detected in the oak barrels (28% less with respect to the control). There were several differences in wine phenolic acids due to wood botanical origin, with the clearest differences being between oak and the alternative wood species (chestnut and acacia). Also, there was a significant botanical effect on sensory profiles. Indeed, both among barrels and among powders, oak wood was the one that gave the strongest wood odor character. However, all the treatments with wood powders (oak, acacia and chestnut) preserved the fruity character of wine, conferring in the meanwhile non-dominant woody notes

Enteroparasitosis in food handlers in the city of Ribeirão Preto - SP, Brazil, 2000

INTRODUÇÃO: A segurança alimentar vêm adquirindo mundialmente uma importância crescente. As doenças transmitidas por alimentos (DTAS) têm impactos na saúde pública e socioeconômicos, acarretando custos hospitalares em tratamentos e internações. As pessoas envolvidas na produção de alimentos podem ser portadoras de enteroparasitos e vir a contaminar os alimentos, provocando surtos de origem alimentar. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a presença de enteroparasitoses em manipuladores de alimentos do município de Ribeirão Preto, SP, propondo medidas que assegurem a qualidade sanitária dos alimentos. MÉTODOS: Entre julho a dezembro de 2000, 429 manipuladores de alimentos (248 mulheres e 181 homens), com idades entre 16 e 77 anos, foram submetidos ao exame coproparasitológico por ocasião da obtenção ou renovação da carteira de saúde. As amostras de fezes foram examinadas pelos métodos de Kato e da sedimentação espontânea. A pesquisa de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp foi realizada em 7,0% das amostras de fezes diarréicas através da técnica de concentração pelo formol-éter. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas enteroparasitoses em 33,1% dos manipuladores, incluindo 20,0% de casos de poliparasitismo. Prevalências mais altas de infecções ocorreram entre os indivíduos envolvidos com atividades de manipulação direta dos alimentos (68%). CONCLUSÕES: Considerando os resultados obtidos, são necessários a educação sanitária e o treinamento dos manipuladores bem como a implementação da metodologia da Análise dos Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (APPCC) em todas as etapas da cadeia de produção dos alimentos, para garantir produtos alimentícios seguros aos consumidores.INTRODUCTION: Food safety has become increasingly importance worldwide. Food borne diseases have impacts on public health and socioeconomic factors, accounting for hospital costs in treatments and hospitalizations. People involved in food production can be carriers of enteroparasites and contaminate food, causing food borne diseases OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of enteroparasites in food handlers in Ribeirão Preto, SP, proposing measures to ensure the sanitary quality of food. METHODS: From July to December 2000, 429 food handlers (248 women and 181 men), aged between 16 and 77 years, underwent coproparasitological analysis as a mandatory professional requirement. Fecal samples were analyzed by the Kato's and spontaneous sedimentation methods. Cryptosporidium spp oocysts were investigated in 7.0% of diarrheic fecal samples using the formalin-ether concentration technique. RESULTS: The results showed enteroparasitosis in 33.1% of food handlers, including 20.0% cases of multiple parasitic infections. A higher prevalence of infections (68.0%) was detected among the individuals involved in direct food handling activities. CONCLUSIONS: Considering these results, it is necessary to provide sanitary education and training to food handlers, and to implement the method of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) in all stages of the food chain so as to ensure food safety for consumers

RAAS Inhibitor Prescription and Hyperkalemia Event in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Hyperkalemia is common in patients treated with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASis), and it represents the main cause of the large gap reported between guideline recommendations and real-world practice in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a CKD-population-based restrospective study to determine the prevalence of patients with CKD treated with RAASis, incidence of hyperkalemia in patients with CKD treated with RAASis, and proportion of patients with RAASi medication change after experiencing incident hyperkalemia. Among 809 patients with CKD analyzed, 556 (68.7%) were treated with RAASis, and RAASi prescription was greater in stages 2–4 of CKD. Hyperkalemia occurred in 9.2% of RAASi-treated patients, and the adjusted rate of hyperkalemia among patients with stage 4–5 CKD was 3-fold higher compared with patients with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). RAASi treatment was discontinued in 55.3% of the patients after hyperkalemia event (74.2% discontinued therapy, 3.2% received a reduced dose, and 22.6% reduced the number of RAASi drugs). This study shows that the incidence of hyperkalemia is frequently observed in patients with CKD patients with RAASis, and that rates increase with deteriorating levels of kidney function from stages 1 to 3. RAASi medication change following an episode of hyperkalemia occurred in almost half of the patients after experiencing hyperkalemia

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and coronary artery disease

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is defined as a chronic fibrosing interstitial disease of unknown cause, limited to the lungs, and associated with the histopathologic and/or radiologic pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP); it generally progresses into respiratory failure and death. Although progression of the disease is the most common cause of death, there are increasing reports of its association with other pathologies has been reported: e.g., IPF patients seem more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, other pathologies might also influence the natural course. In this paper, we describe a case of IPF and coronary artery disease (CAD). We emphasize the importance of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) as a useful procedure to monitor disease progression in IPF patients. We also stress the importance of a careful analysis of variables measured for an accurate interpretation of the clinical picture and an improvement of the clinical management of patients. Moreover, we suggest that a careful assessment of CPET parameters may additionally help in the early detection of high cardiovascular ischemic risk

The influence of propofol, remifentanil and lidocaine on the tone of human bronchial smooth muscle.

Bronchoscopy is generally a safe procedure, but the induction of anaesthesia can induce bronchospasm. Consequently we investigated the influence of propofol, remifentanil and lidocaine on the tone of the human bronchial smooth muscle. Materials and methods: The influence of propofol, remifentanil and lidocaine on the contractile response of human bronchial smooth muscle to electrical field stimulation (EFS) has been evaluated. The role of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves and of inducible nitric oxide synthase has also been assessed. Furthermore, the interaction between these three dugs has been measured by Bliss Independence (BI) theory. Statistical significance (P < 0.05) was assessed by Student's t test or ANOVA. Results: Propofol (1.3 μg ml-1) and lidocaine (1 mg ml-1) reduced the baseline tone of bronchial rings (-14.45 ± 4.53% and -33.40 ± 1.07%, respectively, P < 0.05), whereas remifentanil had not such effect. Aminoguanidine prevented the relaxant effect of propofol. Propofol did not alter the bronchial contractile response to EFS following 30 min of treatment, whereas remifentanil enhanced the bronchial tension (133.83 ± 9.38%, control 101.93 ± 6.82%, P < 0.05 P < 0.05) and lidocaine completely abolished the contractility at 1 mg ml-1 (P < 0.05). The desensitization of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves normalized the hyperresponsiveness induced by remifentanil (-26.77 ± 1.68%, P < 0.05). Significant BI antagonism (P < 0.001) was detected for propofol and lidocaine on the bronchial hyperresponsiveness induced by remifentanil. Conclusion: Propofol and remifentanil may be used safely for bronchoscopy, although remifentanil should be associated with propofol or lidocaine to prevent the potential opioid-mediated bronchospasm

Anti-inflammatory effect of simvastatin in an experimental model of spinal cord trauma: involvement of PPAR-α

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Statins such as simvastatin are inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase used in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. In addition to their cholesterol-lowering activities, statins exert pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects, which might contribute to their beneficial effects on lipid-unrelated inflammatory diseases. Recently it has been demonstrated that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α mediates anti-inflammatory effects of simvastatin in vivo models of acute inflammation. Moreover, previous results suggest that PPAR-α plays a role in control of secondary inflammatory process associated with spinal cord injury (SCI).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>With the aim to characterize the role of PPAR-α in simvastatin activity, we tested the efficacy of simvastatin (10 mg/kg dissolved in saline i.p. 1 h and 6 h after the trauma) in an experimental model of SCI induced in mice by extradural compression of the spinal cord (T6-T7 level) using an aneurysm clip with a closing force of 24 g via a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy, and comparing mice lacking PPAR-α (PPAR-α KO) with wild type (WT) mice. In order to elucidate whether the effects of simvastatin are due to activation of the PPAR-α, we also investigated the effect of a PPAR-α antagonist, GW6471 (1 mg/kg administered i.p. 30 min prior treatment with simvastatin) on the protective effects of on simvastatin.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Results indicate that simvastatin activity is weakened in PPAR-α KO mice, as compared to WT controls. In particular, simvastatin was less effective in PPAR-α KO, compared to WT mice, as evaluated by inhibition of the degree of spinal cord inflammation, neutrophil infiltration, nitrotyrosine formation, pro-inflammmatory cytokine expression, nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation, inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and apoptosis. In addition we demonstrated that GW6471 significantly antagonized the effect of the statin and thus abolished the protective effect.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study indicates that PPAR-α can contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of simvastatin in SCI.</p

Residual effect of two sewage sludges from a phytoremediation test with thistle on camelina (Camelina sativa (l.) Crantz) in Madrid

Se realizó un ensayo de campo con camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz para estudiar su comportamiento en rotación de cultivo con un ensayo de fitorremediación con cardo (Cynara cardunculus L.), en un suelo representativo de un agroecosistema semiárido. El diseño experimental constó de parcelas sembradas con Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz, aprovechando la fertilización residual de enmiendas con dosis de lodo secado térmicamente (ST50) y (ST100) y de lodo compostado con resto de poda (CP50) y (CP100) comparados con un suelo control (T), en rotación de cultivo con un ensayo de fitorremediación con cardo. En términos generales, la fertilización residual con el lodo secado térmicamente (ST50) mejora la respuesta del cultivo, aumentando los valores de producción respecto del control y de la fertilización residual con lodo compostado con resto de poda. También con el efecto residual del lodo secado térmicamente (ST50) se consigue un aprovechamiento más eficaz del nitrógeno aplicado (proteína) y un mayor contenido en grasa. Respecto de las propiedades físico-químicas del suelo los resultados obtenidos muestran que los suelos fertilizados con lodos experimentaron un incremento de pH, materia orgánica, P, K, Ca, Mg y Na. La concentración de micronutrientes Cu, Zn y Ni y metales pesados Cr, Cd y Pb aumentó respecto del testigo, pero no hubo riesgos de contaminación.A field trial with Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz was performed to study their behavior following a residual of previous crop fertilization in a representative soil of a semiarid agroecosystem. The experimental design consisted of plots sown with Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz in crop rotation with Cynara cardunculus L. and using their residual fertilizer amendments (ST50) and (ST100) thermally-dried sewage sludge and (CP50) and (CP100) composted sewage sludge with pruning waste, which were compared with a control soil (control). Overall, fertilization thermally-dried sewage sludge (ST50) improved crop response, increasing production values compared to control and fertilization with composted sewage sludge with pruning waste. Moreover, with the residual effect of the thermally-dried sewage sludge (ST50) a more efficient utilization of the applied nitrogen (protein) is achieved, as well as a higher fat content. Regarding the physicochemical properties of soil, the results show that the soil fertilized with sludge had an increase of pH, organic matter, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na. The concentration of micronutrients Cu, Zn and Ni and heavy metals Cr, Cd and Pb increase over the control, but there was no risk of contamination.Fil: Delgado, Maria del Mar.Fil: Lobo, Carmen.Fil: Plaza, Antonio.Fil: Capuano, Aníbal.Fil: Hernando, Gonzalo.Fil: Prieto, Javier.Fil: Miralles de Imperial, Rosario.Fil: Valero Martín, José