Virulence factors of uropathogenic Escherichia coli from a University Hospital in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a ocorrência de fatores de virulência, tais como, a expressão de fímbrias, produção de hemolisina, colicina e aerobactina em 100 cepas de Escherichia coli isoladas de pacientes ambulatoriais e hospitalizados de um hospital universitário de nível de atendimento terciário, entre os meses de julho e agosto de 2000, que apresentavam sinais clínicos e laboratoriais de infecção do trato urinário (ITU). Foram pesquisados os genes pap, afa e sfa responsáveis pela expressão de fímbrias através da técnica de PCR. A freqüência dos fatores de virulência entre as cepas estudadas foi de 96,0%, 76,0% e 24,0% para hemolisina, aerobactina e colicina respectivamente, e a prevalência dos genes para os sistemas de adesinas fimbriais foi de 32,0%, 19,0% e 11,0% para os genes pap, sfa e afa respectivamente. As cepas isoladas dos pacientes ambulatoriais exibiram um número maior de fatores de virulência quando comparadas com aquelas provenientes de indivíduos hospitalizados.

ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDE-RESIDUES IN HUMAN-MILK IN THE RIBEIRAO-PRETO REGION, STATE OF SAO-PAULO, BRAZIL

Thirty-seven samples of human milk (colostrum) from donors living in the Ribeirao Preto region were analyzed to determine the levels of organochlorine pesticide residues. Donors were classified into two groups, i.e., occupationally exposed and non-exposed to pesticides. Other factors such as age, previous lactations, race, smoking habit, occupation, family income and educational level were also considered. Analysis was performed by preliminary lipid extraction followed by fractional partition on a column and finally by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. Lindane was found in 32% of the samples in amounts of less than 0.001 mg/kg; heptachlor was found in 65% of the samples at mean levels of 0.001 mg/kg, i.e., a level five-fold lower than that established by FAO/WHO (1970) for cow's milk. Aldrin and endrin were not detected in any of the samples. Dieldrin was detected in only one sample at a level of 0.038 mg/kg, which is considered high. DDT and DDE amounts are reported as total DDT and at least one of these compounds was present in every sample. Amounts detected in donors occupationally exposed to pesticides ranged from 0.008 to 0.455 mg/kg (mean, 0.149 mg/kg), i.e., three times the limit established by FAO/WHO (1970), while values for donors who had not been exposed ranged from 0.002 to 0.072 mg/kg (mean, 0.025 mg/kg), i.e., half the limit. Considering the level of acceptable daily intake proposed by FAO/WHO (1973), lactents ingested 1% of the acceptable intake of lindane (all donors), 30% of the acceptable intake of heptachlor (all donors), 60% of the acceptable intake of DDT (non-exposed donors), and 3.7 times the acceptable intake of DDT (exposed donors). Comparing the present results with those obtained 10 years ago, the total DDT level in human milk is decreasing in this part of the country. The mean amount of organochlorine residues in non-exposed women's milk was one of the lowest levels among those recorded in the literature. DDT levels of occupationally exposed women's milk were comparable with those reported for developed countries and lower than those detected in Latin American countries. When the results of this survey are considered in relation to the advantages of breast-feeding, the risk-benefit balance is still favorable to breast-feeding. However, given the lack of long-term epidemiological studies, undesirable or harmful long-lasting effects cannot be excluded.

DISTRIBUTION AND SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF RHODOPHYTA IN THE PRETO RIVER BASIN, SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Distribution and seasonal dynamics of freshwater Rhodophyta were investigated in the Preto River basin, located in northwestern São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil. Twenty-two sites were sampled, six monthly during one year, four bimonthly during two years, and 12 twice (hot-rainy and cool-dry seasons) during the study period (May 1989 through March 1991). Red algal representatives were found in 19 sites (86.4%). Four species occurred in the basin with varying frequencies: Batrachospermum delicatulum (54.5%), Compsopogon coeruleus (36.4%), B. bicudoi (13.6%) and B. virgatum (4.5%). In addition, 'Chantransia' stage of the batrachospermalean species was found in 17 sites (77.3%). B. bicudoi, B. virgatum and C. coeruleus occurred only in large stream segments (greater-than-or-equal-to 3-order), generally in the main river, whereas B. delicatulum was more frequent in small streams (less-than-or-equal-to 3-order). The stream variables most closely related to the species distribution in the basin were specific conductance, pH and oxygen. B. bicudoi and B. delicatulum showed a marked seasonality: gametophytes were observed from late fall to early spring, while the 'Chantransia' stage generally occurred throughout the year. C. coeruleus was observed throughout the year in most sites, but the populations were generally more abundant from late fall to early spring. The combination of lower temperature and reduced turbidity resulting in increased illumination to the benthic algae during the dry winter months promotes the gametophytic growth of the batrachospermalean species, whereas current velocity was found to be the most influential stream variable for C. coeruleus. The persistance of the 'Chantransia' stage throughout the year as well as its tolerance to wider environmental conditions are key factors in the efficiency of the batrachospermalean life history strategy in lotic ecosystems.

SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF MACROALGAL COMMUNITIES IN THE PRETO RIVER BASIN, SAO-PAULO, SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Macroalgal seasonality was analyzed in nine stream segments of the Preto River basin: five of these were sampled monthly for one year and four bimonthly during two years. Seasonal variation of macroalgae was correlated with stream variables (temperature, current velocity, specific conductance, turbidity, surface light, pH and oxygen). Multiple linear regression was applied to evaluate the macroalgal seasonal variability determined by a combination of temperature, current velocity and turbidity, the most influential environmental parameters on macroalgal seasonality. Most species revealed a clear seasonal trend, such that late fall through early spring was the period with highest macroalgal abundance in most sites. Temperature, current velocity and turbidity account for 24 to 83 % of macroalgal species number variation and 24 to 79 % of macroalgal abundance in the basin. The results suggest that the seasonal flow determined by the precipitation regime associated with turbidity and temperature were the major factors influencing the seasonal dynamics of macroalgal communities. The highest values of macroalgal species number and abundance were found under cooler temperatures, lower current velocities and lower values of turbidity.

REPRODUCTIVE DYNAMICS of THE MAIN SPECIES of FISH IN THE MUNICIPAL RESERVOIR of SAO JOSE do RIO PRETO

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeito alelopático do extrato aquoso de folhas de girassol sobre a germinação de soja e picão-preto

The aim of this work was to evaluate the allelopathic effect of water extract from sunflower fresh leaves on the germination and initial development of conventional and transgenic soybean cultivars, and of the invasive hairy beggartick (Bidens pilosa L.). Experiments were carried out at Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Parana, in 2007. Fresh leaves from sunflower were ground in a blender at the proportion 200g/1L distilled water, resulting in crude extract (100%), in which pH was measured. Dilutions of 80%, 60%, 40% and 20% were done from the crude extract, and only distilled water was used as control. Statistical analysis (Tukey 5% probability) indicated that only the highest extract concentrations (60%, 80% and 100%) influenced the analyzed parameters for conventional and transgenic soybean. Beggartick seeds, however, had germination percentage completely inhibited when 40% water extract was applied, which indicates that sunflower straw could be used as a natural herbicide. Nevertheless, field studies must be carried out to prove such effect.

Efeito alelopático de extrato aquoso de folhas de Azadirachta indica A. Juss. em alface, soja, milho, feijão e picão-preto

The family Meliaceae has been identified as one of the most promising for biological control, as most species have biologically active compounds. Among the species, the Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is that stands out most for its efficiency and low toxicity, and it is utilized to control insects, fungi and nematodes. The aim of this work was to verify the allelopathic potential of aqueous extract of fresh leaves of Neem on germination of lettuce, soybeans, maize, beans and Bidens pilosa, as a way to control this weed. The extract was obtained by grinding 200g/L of fresh leaves of the Neem (considered extract 100%) and diluting in distilled water at concentrations of 80, 60, 40, and 20%, and a control with only water. The seeds were kept in the germination chamber at a temperature of 25 degrees C, with photoperiod of 12 hours of light. The aqueous extract affected the germination percentage and average length root of lettuce, with values of 1% and 0.1, cm respectively. For the soybeans, the extract influenced negatively the average time of germination and average speed of germination. There was a drastic reduction of the average root length at higher concentration for soybean, corn and beans. For Bidens pilosa all the parameters analyzed were negatively affected, which means sensitivity to the extract. The bioassay performed in the laboratory showed that the aqueous extract of fresh leaves of Azadirachta indica has allelopathic effect on all species.

Condicionamento geologico da agua subterranea em Sao Jose,do Rio Preto, SP.

A study of the geological characteristics of the Buaru Group basaltic substratum and stratigraphical unities was carried out, taking into account the groundwater exploration in S.Jose do Rio Preto area. The presence of the tectonic structures in this substratum exercised a profound influence on the sedimentation of the Bauru Group and on the variations in the hydrological properties of the sediments of the area.-English summary

Virulence factors in Escherichia coli strains isolated from pigs in the Ribeirao Preto region, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Three-hundred faecal swabs were obtained from pigs with diarrhoea in farms located in different areas of the Ribeirao Preto region in the State of Sao Paulo. One-hundred Escherichia coli strains were isolated and tested for production of thermolabile (TL) and thermostable (STRa and STb) enterotoxins, and for the presence of colonization factors F4, F5 and F6. The strains were also tested for sensitivity to 14 antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents. Twenty-four Escherichia coli strains produced enterotoxin STb, 5 produced LT and 3 produced STa. In the mannose-resistant haemagglutination reaction, one strain reacted positively with sheep, chicken, horse and human red blood cells and another reacted positively with guinea pig, sheep, chicken, horse and human red cells. However, both strains were negative for colonization factors F4, F5 and F6 when submitted to the slide agglutination test. All Escherichia coli strains were resistant to at least one antibiotic, the highest percentages being obtained for resistance to penicillin, tetracycline and cephalotin. In addition to the importance of the virulence factors normally encountered in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains from pigs, the present results show the possible existence of new colonization factors other than F4, F5 and F6 participating in E. coli-induced pigs colibacillosis in the Ribeirao Preto region.

Uso de macroalgas para avaliação da Poluição orgânica no Rio Preto, noroeste do estado de São Paulo.

The Preto River, located in the northwest of São Paulo State, receives a total wastewater load of 15.150 kg DBO day-1, from which 13.685 kg DBO day-1 (90.5%) corresponds to domestic sewage, and the city of São José do Rio Preto contributes with 12.400 kg DBO day-1 (90% of domestic sewage). During the period from August 1990 through January 1991, monthly sampling was carried out to evaluate the use of macroalgae as bioindicator of organic pollution. Five sampling sites were established along the main river and the following variables were analised: temperature, conductance, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, BOD, COD, total and fecal coliforms, and composition and abundance of macroalgal communities. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, correlation coefficient, cluster analysis (four different approaches) and converted to biological indices (species deficit, relative pollution, saprobity, diversity and uniformity indices). A wide range in water quality was found (particularly for conductance, oxygen, BOD and COD) among the sampling sites, which were classified into three groups (polluted, moderately polluted and unpolluted/weakly polluted). As regards the occurrence and abundance of macroalgae the Rhodophyta were found only in unpolluted or weakly polluted sites, whereas Cyanophyta occurred mostly under high pollution load; the Chlorophyta species were observed under a wide range of conditions. Among the biological indices, saprobity was the most sensitive and correlated to all water variables and the other indices. Cluster analyses showed that the composition of macroalgal communities was consistent with the levels of organic pollution in the Preto River.

Mortalidade por causas externas no Município de São José do Rio Preto, no período de 1996-1998

Introduction: An epidemiological study of the mortality rates by injuries in São José do Rio Preto, State of São Paulo, Brazil, has been carried out. The period considered is 1996-1998. Objectives: To show injuries mortality rates in São José do Rio Preto-SP in 1996-98. Methods: The study was based on official data from the Mortality Information Service of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and in a survey based on data from medical forensic examiners (IML). Software Epinfo6.0 and Tabwin was utilized for data analises. Results: The results were compared to values obtained in the literature for the other cities of São Paulo and Brazil. In the case of São José do Rio Preto, was observed a decrease in the number of deaths associated with external causes in the period, but particularly in deaths due to traffic accidents with motor vehicles an increase in cases of pedestrians killed by hit-and-run drivers, that is much larger than the corresponding values for Brazil and for the State of São Paulo. The study showed increase in rates of homicides, mainly in the 15 to 39 years age group. Conclusion: This result suggests that is important to start programs to reduce the number of deaths by injuries, as well as the necessity of monitoring locally all these data.

Espécies do gênero Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) em caprinos leitros mantidos em sistema intensivo na região de São Jose do Rio Preto, estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

Were examined 58 dairy goats, 41 kids and 17 adults, Saanen and Alpine breeds, males and females, in intensive system, in the São José do Rio Preto region, São Paulo state, for detection and identification of Eimeria spp. oocysts. The 58 feces samples analyzed by the Centrifugal-flotation technique, were positive for, at least, one Eimeria species. The Eimeria species found in this research were: E. ninakohlyakimovae (77,6%), E. jolchijevi (72,4%), E. alijevi (63,8%), E. christenseni (63,8%), E. arloingi (62,1%), E. caprovina (56,9%), E. hirci (50,0%) and E. caprina (48,3%). It follows that the high rate of the positive animals and the high frequency of the Eimeria species among the animals demonstrated that the disease is common in dairy goats, kids and adults, in intensive system.

Técnica autorradiográfica para investigação geológica - Estudo de caso na área do projeto rio preto

The auto-radiography is a photographic method to registrate in sensitive emulsion the spatial distribution a rays emitted by radioisotopes of a sample or an object. The auto-radiography was applied to detect the presence of radioactive minerals in some samples of schists and gneisses from the Ticunzal Formation, Northeast Goiás State, aiming to implement the use of this technique in LABIDRO - Hydrochemistry and Isotopes Laboratory of the Department of Petrology and Metallogenesis, State University of São Paulo/Campus of Rio Claro.