An Investigation on the Ecology of Triatoma vitticeps (Stal, 1859) and its Possible Role in the Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, in the Locality of Triunfo, Santa Maria Madalena Municipal District, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

From January 1989 to April 1995, 465 specimens of Triatoma vitticeps were collected in the locality of Triunfo, 2nd District of Santa Maria Madalena municipal district, State of Rio de Janeiro. The bugs were found indoors by local residents with predominance of adults. The flight activity was high in hot months when the incidence in the domicile also increased. Two hundred and two bugs (111 alive and 91 dead) were examined for Trypanosoma cruzi infection. This was detected in 31 of the dead bugs (34%) and 88 (79%) of the live bugs examined. With a view to investigate the possible vertebrate hosts of the T. cruzi isolates, the blood of 122 mammals was examined through Giemsa-stained smears, hemocultures and xenodiagnosis. T. cruzi was detected in three specimens of Didelphis marsupialis and T. (M.) theileri was detected in one specimen of Bos taurus. The parasites were isolated from triatomine feces, xenoculture and hemoculture. No evidence of human infection was detected in 58 inhabitants examined, as evaluated by indirect imunofluorescence technique using T. cruzi epimastigotes as antigens. These results show that T. vitticeps is still a sylvatic species although nymphs have been found inside the domicile. Thus, an epidemiological vigilance is necessary to know the behaviour of this species following the continuous modifications promoted by the presence of man.

Studies on populations of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in Brazil

Studies were performed on five Brazilian populations of Lutzomyia longipalpis: Salvaterra (PA), S��o Jos�� do Ribamar (MA), Canind�� (CE), Natal (RN) and Gruta da Lapinha, Lagoa Santa (MG). No morphological differences were observed that could distinguish between these populations. Homogeneity tests showed that the allopatric populations display a certain heterogeneity and that the sympatric populations, with different patterns of spots, are homogeneous. The Student-Newman-Keuls test, represented by Euler-Venn diagrams, showed a disjunction between the populations from the north/northeast and the one from Gruta da Lapinha. Genetic distances between the four populations (excluding the Canind�� population) were within the range of intrapopulational differences. The Gruta da Lapinha population displayed a heterozygotic deficiency that could be a consequence of high levels of inbreeding due to cryptic habits of living in a small cave. These results do not favor the hypothesis of a L. longipalpis species complex in Brazil, and the species should be considered high polymorphic.

Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Didelphis marsupialis in Santa Catarina and Arvoredo Islands, southern Brazil

Between 1984 and 1993 the prevalence of the Trypanosoma cruzi infection in opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) was studied in Santa Catarina and Arvoredo Islands, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The association of the triatomine bug Panstrongylus megistus with opossums nests and the infection rate of these triatomines by T. cruzi was also studied. Thirteen different locations were studied in Santa Catarina Island (SCI), in which 137 D. marsupialis were collected. Sixty two opossums were collected at the Arvoredo Island (AI), located 12 miles north from SCI. All captured animals were submitted to parasitological examinations that revealed the presence of T. cruzi in 21.9% of the opossums captured in SCI and 45.2% among opossums captured in the AI. The presence of P. megistus was detected in most of the D. marsupialis nests collected in the SCI, however, in the non-inhabited AI only eight triatomines were collected during the whole study. The presence of T. cruzi-infected D. marsupialis associated with P. megistus in human dwellings in the SCI, and the high infection rate of D. marsupilais by T. cruzi in the absence of a high vector density are discussed.

Paleoparasitological results for rodent coprolites from Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

The aim of this study was to examine the parasite remains present in rodent coprolites collected from the archaeological site Alero Destacamento Guardaparque (ADG) located in the Perito Moreno National Park (Santa Cruz Province, 47��57'S 72��05'W). Forty-eight coprolites were obtained from the layers 7, 6 and 5 of ADG, dated at 6,700 �� 70, 4,900 �� 70 and 3,440 �� 70 years BP, respectively. The faecal samples were processed and examined using paleoparasitological procedures. A total of 582 eggs of parasites were found in 47 coprolites. Samples were positive for eggs of Trichuris sp. (Nematoda: Trichuridae), Calodium sp., Eucoleus sp., Echinocoleus sp. and an unidentified capillariid (Nematoda: Capillariidae) and for eggs of Monoecocestus (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae). Quantitative differences among layer for both coprolites and parasites were recorded. In this study, the specific filiations of parasites, their zoonotic importance, the rodent identity, on the basis of previous zooarchaeological knowledge, and the environmental conditions during the Holocene in the area are discussed.

Paleoparasitologic, paleogenetic and paleobotanic analysis of XVIII century coprolites from the church La Concepci��n in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

We present the results of a paleoparasitologic, paleogenetic and paleobotanic analysis of coprolites recovered during the excavation of the church La Concepci��n in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Coprolites (n = 4) were rehydrated and a multidisciplinary analysis was conducted. The paleobotanic analysis showed numerous silicates, seeds and fruits of the family Moraceae. In the paleoparasitologic study, Ascaris sp. eggs (n = 344) were identified. The paleogenetic results confirmed the Ascaris sp. infection as well as the European origin of human remains. These findings contribute to our knowledge of ancient helminthes infections and are the first paleoparasitological record of Ascaris sp. infection in Spain.

Spotted fever group Rickettsia infecting ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

During 2006-2008, a total of 260 adult ticks were collected from domestic and wild animals in different regions of the state of Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil, including areas where human cases of Brazilian spotted fever have been reported. Collected ticks belonging to nine species (Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma cajennense, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma tigrinum, Dermacentor nitens, Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus) were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for rickettsial infection. Overall, eight (3.1%) ticks were found to be infected with Rickettsia species. After sequencing the PCR products, we determined that the sequences generated from three A. aureolatum, one A. ovale and one R. sanguineus from the municipality of Blumenau, one A. ovale from the municipality of ��guas Mornas and one A. ovale from the municipality of Urussanga were identical to the corresponding partial rickettsial ompA gene sequence of Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest. The sequence generated from one A. longirostre from Blumenau was 100% identical to the corresponding partial rickettsial ompA gene sequence of Rickettsia amblyommii strain AL. Because R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest was recently shown to have caused two cases of human spotted fever in other states of Brazil, the role of this rickettsial agent as a possible etiological agent of spotted fever in SC is discussed.

Biological, biochemical and molecular features of Trypanosoma cruzi strains isolated from patients infected through oral transmission during a 2005 outbreak in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil: its correspondence with the new T. cruzi Taxonomy Consensus (2009)

We examined strains of Trypanosoma cruzi isolated from patients with acute Chagas disease that had been acquired by oral transmission in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil (2005) and two isolates that had been obtained from a marsupial (Didelphis aurita) and a vector (Triatoma tibiamaculata). These strains were characterised through their biological behaviour and isoenzymic profiles and genotyped according to the new Taxonomy Consensus (2009) based on the discrete typing unities, that is, T. cruzi genotypes I-VI. All strains exhibited the biological behaviour of biodeme type II. In six isolates, late peaks of parasitaemia, beyond the 20th day, suggested a double infection with biodemes II + III. Isoenzymes revealed Z2 or mixed Z1 and Z2 profiles. Genotyping was performed using three polymorphic genes (cytochrome oxidase II, spliced leader intergenic region and 24Sα rRNA) and the restriction fragment length polymorphism of the kDNA minicircles. Based on these markers, all but four isolates were characterised as T. cruzi II genotypes. Four mixed populations were identified: SC90, SC93 and SC97 (T. cruzi I + T. cruzi II) and SC95 (T. cruzi I + T. cruzi VI). Comparison of the results obtained by different methods was essential for the correct identification of the mixed populations and major lineages involved indicating that characterisation by different methods can provide new insights into the relationship between phenotypic and genotypic aspects of parasite behaviour.

Serological detection of St. Louis encephalitis virus and West Nile virus in equines from Santa Fe, Argentina

St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) present ecological and antigenic similarities and are responsible for serious human diseases. In addition, WNV is a significant pathogen in terms of equine health. The purpose of our study was to analyse the seroprevalence of SLEV and WNV in equine sera collected in Santa Fe Province, Argentina. The seroprevalence determined using the plaque reduction neutralisation test was 12.2% for SLEV, 16.2% for WNV and 48.6% for a combination of both viruses. These results provide evidence of the co-circulation of SLEV and WNV in equines in Santa Fe.

Ciclo de vida organizacional pautado no modelo de Lester, Parnell e Carraher (2003) e na l��gica fuzzy: classifica����o de empresas de um segmento industrial de Santa Catarina

Neste estudo, objetiva-se identificar os est��gios do ciclo de vida organizacional pautados no modelo de Lester, Parnell e Carraher (2003) das empresas do segmento industrial de m��quinas, aparelhos e materiais el��tricos do estado de Santa Catarina. Pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa, foi realizada por meio de levantamento com aplica����o de question��rio aos gestores das empresas. A popula����o constituiu-se das 264 empresas desse segmento econ��mico, listadas na Secretaria da Fazenda do Estado de Santa Catarina, e a amostra n��o aleat��ria das 40 empresas que responderam a pesquisa. As vari��veis de identifica����o dos est��gios de ciclo de vida utilizadas no question��rio foram extra��das de Lester, Parnell e Carraher (2003). Os dados da pesquisa foram submetidos �� t��cnica estat��stica denominada l��gica fuzzy. Os resultados da pesquisa demonstraram que 57,5% das empresas foram classificadas no est��gio do nascimento, 15% do, 7,5% da Maturidade, 10% do rejuvenescimento e 10% do decl��nio. Concluiu-se que determinados est��gios do ciclo de vida organizacional est��o pr��ximos uns dos outros e que n��o se pode perceber claramente uma progress��o determinista nas fases do ciclo de vida, como uma sequ��ncia ��nica, definitiva e irrevers��vel, no sentido tradicional biol��gico.

Proceso de enfermer��a: ��qu�� significa para las enfermeras de Santa Cruz (Bolivia)?

Las enfermeras bolivianas no han incorporado definitivamente el m��todo cient��fico y las taxonom��as a los cuidados. Este estudio cualitativo pretende comprender el significado atribuido al proceso de enfermer��a por docentes y profesionales del Departamento de Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia). Recolecci��n de datos mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas y observaci��n participante. An��lisis bajo el marco te��rico y metodol��gico del Interaccionismo Simb��lico y la Teor��a Fundamentada, usando el software ATLAS.ti.6.0. De los datos emergieron los siguientes temas: dificultades de implantaci��n del proceso de enfermer��a; d��ficit de formaci��n e iniciativa profesional; posici��n de dominio del m��dico; carencia de registros; escaso apoyo institucional. Ventajas de implementaci��n: unificar criterios, lenguaje y facilitar el rol propio de enfermer��a. Se concluye en que las enfermeras depositan sus expectativas profesionales y de mejora de los cuidados en la implementaci��n del Proceso de Enfermer��a y los Planes de Cuidados, un giro cultural que involucra a docentes, auxiliares y gestores.

Estrat��gias de enfrentamento da incontin��ncia urin��ria por mulheres

Este artigo �� parte de uma pesquisa qualitativa mais abrangente que utilizou como referencial te��rico-metodol��gico a Grounded Theory e o Interacionismo Simb��lico, resultando no modelo te��rico denominado Entre o sofrimento e a esperan��a: a reabilita����o da incontin��ncia urin��ria como componente interveniente. Com a inten����o de comunicar todo o conhecimento produzido, apresenta-se parte desse modelo, referente ao processo de enfrentamento da incontin��ncia urin��ria por mulheres sem perspectivas de acesso ao tratamento cir��rgico, ap��s falha dos procedimentos conservadores. Ao inter-relacionar os componentes (categorias e subcategorias) relativos �� experi��ncia dessas mulheres, buscando compar��-los e analis��-los para compreender a intera����o entre eles, notou-se vulnerabilidade moral e psicossocial no movimento da experi��ncia do grupo, suscetibilizando-o a riscos �� sa��de e ao comprometimento da qualidade de vida. Pesquisas s��o necess��rias para aprofundar a compreens��o de experi��ncias em que haja barreira ao tratamento cir��rgico por descr��dito do profissional m��dico sobre sua efetividade.

Maternal mortality from hemorrhage in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Hemorrhage represents a set of causes that focuses on women during the pregnancy and puerperal period, and that, with improper attention, results in death. The authors aimed to analyze maternal deaths related to hemorrhage that occurred in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The data were obtained from the Mortality Information System and Live Births Information System from the Brazilian Ministry of Health. This was a descriptive study, in which 491 maternal deaths that occurred in the period 1997-2010 were analyzed. Of these, 61 were related to hemorrhage, corresponding to 12.42%; postpartum hemorrhage was the most prevalent cause, with 26 deaths, followed by placental abruption with 15, representing 67.21% of the cases. The maternal mortality from hemorrhage is a public health problem in the state of Santa Catarina, due to its high prevalence and the fact that its underlying causes are preventable.

Flutua����o populacional de Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera, Tephritidae) na Regi��o Oeste de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Fruit flies are the major pests in fruit orchards and require a frequent insecticide aplication control, which increases production cost and chemical residues in fruits. Adults of Anastrepha fraterculus were sampled from twelve peach, plum, orange, tangerine and acid lime orchards in four counties in the Western Region of Santa Catarina. Modified McPhail plastic traps, baited with glucose 10%, were used to collect the flies from October 1998 to September 2000. Trap monitoring, bait replacement and fruit flies sorting by species and sex were done weekly. A total of 4,164 specimens of A. fraterculus was collected and highest population was registered in the county of Chapec�� (64,8% of all sampled flies). Adults were collected all year long, with the highest population peaks occurring from December and January, although the fluctuation was different for each fruit species due to their particular phenology and in different years. Positive correlation among temperature, atmospheric humidity and population levels of adults of A. fraterculus was observed. According to the degree days obtained for each year, 4851.9, 4632.9 and 4983.7, respectively in 1998, 1999 and 2000, it was established that A. fraterculus could present an average of 11.2 generations a year.

Descri����o da f��mea de Paracentronodus nevesi Barreira & Sakakibara (Hemiptera, Membracidae)

Um exemplar f��mea de Paracentronodus nevesi Barreira & Sakakibara, 2001, de S��o Jos�� dos Cordeiros, regi��o de semi-��rido (Caatinga), do Estado da Para��ba, �� descrito e ilustrado. At�� o presente, apenas o macho era conhecido.