Prevalence of intestinal parasites in preschool children in the region of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Children are an important high-risk group for helminth and protozoa infections. Daycare centers are environments where children have proven to be more susceptible to acquiring intestinal parasites. Thus, the purpose of this study was to verify the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children who attended the two daycare centers maintained by the local government of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from 133 children (73 children at the Public Preschool for Early Childhood Education, PPECE A, and 60 at the PPECE B) following identification according to sex and age and agreement to participate by parents or guardians who signed the free, informed consent form. The samples were examined by the Lutz method. RESULTS: Coproparasitological tests performed on 133 children showed that 29.3% of them were parasitized for enteroparasites or commensals, 6.7% of the children presented polyparasitism. Among the protozoa, Giardia lamblia were the most prevalent and Hymenolepis nana were the most frequent among the helminths. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, analysis of the results showed that intestinal parasites still represent a public health problem, especially among children and in areas where the socioeconomic and educational conditions are less favorable.

Candida spp. isolated from inpatients, the environment, and health practitioners in the pediatric unit at the Universitary Hospital of the Jundiaí Medical College, state of São Paulo, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to isolate and identify Candida spp. from the environment, health practitioners, and patients with the presumptive diagnosis of candidiasis in the Pediatric Unit at the Universitary Hospital of the Jundiaí Medical College, to verify the production of enzymes regarded as virulence factors, and to determine how susceptible the isolated samples from patients with candidiasis are to antifungal agents. METHODS: Between March and November of 2008 a total of 283 samples were taken randomly from the environment and from the hands of health staff, and samples of all the suspected cases of Candida spp. hospital-acquired infection were collected and selected by the Infection Control Committee. The material was processed and the yeast genus Candida was isolated and identified by physiological, microscopic, and macroscopic attributes. RESULTS: The incidence of Candida spp. in the environment and employees was 19.2%. The most frequent species were C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis among the workers, C. guilliermondii and C. tropicalis in the air, C. lusitanae on the contact surfaces, and C. tropicalis and C. guilliermondii in the climate control equipment. The college hospital had 320 admissions, of which 13 (4%) presented Candida spp. infections; three of them died, two being victims of a C. tropicalis infection and the remaining one of C. albicans. All the Candida spp. in the isolates evidenced sensitivity to amphotericin B, nystatin, and fluconazole. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the rate of hospital-acquired infections caused by Candida spp. indicates the need to take larger measures regarding recurrent control of the environment.

Improving tuberculosis control through the partnership between university and the health system

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) control is linked to the availability of qualified methods for microbiological diagnostics; however, microscopy with limited sensitivity is the only method available in many locations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the introduction of culture, drug susceptibility testing (DST), and genotyping in the routine of a Municipal Program of Tuberculosis Control. METHODS: Direct microscopy of sputum and culture in Ogawa-Kudoh were performed on 1,636 samples from 787 patients. DST of positive cultures was performed by resazurin microtiter assay and genotyping by mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number tandem repeat. RESULTS: A total 91 patients with TB were identified. The culture increased case detection by 32% compared with the microscopy; acquired resistance was 3.3% and the genotyping showed high genetic diversity. CONCLUSIONS: Ogawa-Kudoh contributed significantly to the increase in case detection and is suitable for implementation in poor-resource locations. The acquired resistance rate was lower than that reported in a recent Brazilian survey. The high genetic diversity is possibly related to the high TB prevalence in the population, as well as to early detection and suitable treatment of patients. The interaction between research and health care is important for reorienting the practice, transferring technology, and improving TB control.

Development of cognitive abilities of children infected with helminths through health education

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of health education in learning and cognitive development of children infected, previously treated in an endemic area for helminthiasis. METHODS: It is a longitudinal, experimental, with random allocation of participants. The study included 87 children of both sexes enrolled in the school hall of Maranhão, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and divided into two groups: intervention and control. Initially the children were submitted to the parasitological fecal examination for infection diagnosis and, when positive, they were treated. For the data collection, a structured questionnaire and the psychological tests Raven, Wisc-III and DAP III were applied, before and after the educational intervention. For the group comparison, the Mann Whitney test was used, and established significance level of 5%. RESULTS: It was found that previously infected children who received the educational intervention, children showed higher performance than the control group in strutured questionnaire (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is acceptable to suppose the positive influence and the importance in the use of educational interventions in the cognitive recovery and learning of children previously treated with anthelmintics.

CD8+ T cells in situ in different clinical forms of human cutaneous leishmaniasis

Introduction Leishmania braziliensis infection induces a large spectrum of lesions that clinically manifest as nodules or papules that progress to ulcers. Although it is already known that T helper cells predominate in the lesions, cytotoxic T cells have also been reported to be present, and their role in leishmaniasis immunopathogenesis is not well known. This study investigated the amounts of CD8+ and granzyme B+ cells in different clinical forms of human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Methods Forty tissue fragments from early (E-CL) and late CL (L-CL) lesions and from disseminated leishmaniasis (DL) - papules and ulcers - were characterized. The inflamed area per fragment was calculated, and the CD8 and granzyme B expression levels in the infiltrates were quantified by counting positive cells in 15 fields. The localization of CD8 and granzyme B was graded subjectively. Results Inflammation was higher in L-CL and DL ulcers. CD8 expression was increased in late ulcerated lesions compared to recent lesions. The increase in CD8+ cells also correlated with the duration of the lesion. Papules had a higher frequency of granzyme B+ cells than E-CL lesions, although the frequency was similar to those for late and DL ulcers. CD8+ cells were mostly found in the papillary dermis. Conclusions CD8+ T and granzyme B+ cells are present in the inflammatory infiltrates of CL and DL and may participate in the immunopathogenesis of Leishmania infection.

Serological evidence for Saint Louis encephalitis virus in free-ranging New World monkeys and horses within the upper Paraná River basin region, Southern Brazil

Introduction Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) primarily occurs in the Americas and produces disease predominantly in humans. This study investigated the serological presence of SLEV in nonhuman primates and horses from southern Brazil. Methods From June 2004 to December 2005, sera from 133 monkeys (Alouatta caraya, n=43; Sapajus nigritus, n=64; Sapajus cay, n=26) trap-captured at the Paraná River basin region and 23 blood samples from farm horses were obtained and used for the serological detection of a panel of 19 arboviruses. All samples were analyzed in a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay; positive monkey samples were confirmed in a mouse neutralization test (MNT). Additionally, all blood samples were inoculated into C6/36 cell culture for viral isolation. Results Positive seroreactivity was only observed for SLEV. A prevalence of SLEV antibodies in sera was detected in Alouatta caraya (11.6%; 5/43), Sapajus nigritus (12.5%; 8/64), and S. cay (30.8%; 8/26) monkeys with the HI assay. Of the monkeys, 2.3% (1/42) of A. caraya, 6.3% 94/64) of S. nigritus, and 15.4% (4/26) of S. cay were positive for SLEV in the MNT. Additionally, SLEV antibodies were detected by HI in 39.1% (9/23) of the horses evaluated in this study. Arboviruses were not isolated from any blood sample. Conclusions These results confirmed the presence of SLEV in nonhuman primates and horses from southern Brazil. These findings most likely represent the first detection of this virus in nonhuman primates beyond the Amazon region. The detection of SLEV in animals within a geographical region distant from the Amazon basin suggests that there may be widespread and undiagnosed dissemination of this disease in Brazil.

Serological diagnosis of Chagas disease in HIV-infected patients

INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the rate of request for the serological diagnosis of Chagas disease among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients treated at the Specialized Care Service of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used secondary data obtained from the medical records of 252 patients aged between 18 and 75 years. RESULTS: The serological diagnosis of Chagas disease was requested only in 3.2% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate poor adherence to protocols on the part of healthcare professionals, indicating the need to reevaluate the procedures applied to HIV-infected patients from endemic regions for both diseases.

New strategies for active finding of leprosy cases in the Amazonian region

AbstractINTRODUCTION: The use of the Self-Image Form (SIF) expands the identification of active leprosy cases to neighbors of index cases.METHODS: The SIF was used to screen two groups: case (neighbors of index cases of leprosy) and control (individuals residing next to houses without leprosy) group. A specialist investigated suspected leprosy cases for disease confirmation.RESULTS: New cases of leprosy were diagnosed in the case group (n = 7, 8.6%), but not the control group.CONCLUSIONS: The new surveillance strategy is inexpensive, efficient, and feasible within a primary health strategy. Future studies can help improve the use of the SIF.

Malaria epidemiology in the State of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil: a retrospective study with secondary data

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Malaria is not considered endemic in State of Piauí. METHODS Malaria epidemiology was examined using surveillance data. RESULTS: During 2002-2013, of the 484 cases of malaria, 217 were classified as probably acquired in Piauí, most frequently in the Campo Largo, Buriti dos Lopes, and Luzilândia municipalities, and 267 were considered probably imported, from the States of Pará, Maranhão, Amazonas, Roraima, and Rondônia. Probably-imported cases occurred throughout the year, while 80.2% of the probably-acquired cases occurred in April-August, peaking at the end of the rainy season. CONCLUSIONS Malaria surveillance should be intensified. Further ecoepidemiological and entomological studies are needed.

Inoculação das sementes e adubações nitrogenada e molíbdica do feijoeiro-comum, em Rolim de Moura, RO

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho do feijoeiro-comum (Phaseolus vulgaris L) em função da inoculação de sementes com Rhizobium tropici e das adubações nitrogenada e molibdica. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, em arranjo fatorial 2x2x2, constituindo-se das combinações de ausência e presença de inoculação de sementes, da adubação molíbdica e da adubação nitrogenada. A inoculação das sementes foi imediatamente antes da semeadura com inoculante turfoso composto da estirpe CIAT 899 (SEMIA 4077); a adubação nitrogenada foi na semeadura (10 kg.ha-1) e em cobertura (50 kg.ha-1), quando as plantas apresentaram a terceira folha trifoliolada expandida e o molibdênio (Mo) foi aplicado em pulverização foliar na dose de 60 g.ha-1. Não foram observados efeitos dos tratamentos para a massa seca de raízes e o número de vagens por planta. A adubação nitrogenada reduziu a nodulação nos feijoeiros. Todavia, com a adubação nitrogenada foi verificado incremento na altura e na massa seca da parte aérea dos feijoeiros. Grãos de feijão mais pesados foram observados em feijoeiros adubados com N na ausência de Mo. As interações entre adubação nitrogenada e molibdica com inoculação de sementes afetaram, também, o teor de N foliar e o número de grãos por vagem A inoculação de sementes proporcionou nos feijoeiros rendimentos de grãos semelhantes aos fertilizados com N.

Chemical composition of the essential oils from two subspecies of Protium heptaphyllum

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the volatile constituents from resin of Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) Marchand subsp. ulei (Swat) Daly (PHU), and Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) Marchand subsp. heptaphyllum (PHH), Burseraceae were performed using GC-MS and GC-FID. The resins were collected around the city of Cruzeiro do Sul, state of Acre, Brazil. Essential oils from the two subspecies were extracted by hydrodistillation with a yield of 8.6% (PHU) and 11.3% (PHH); the main components were terpinolene (42.31%) and p-cymene (39.93%) for subspecies ulei (PHU) and heptaphyllum (PHH), respectively.

Método QFD como Ferramenta para Desenvolvimento Conceitual de Produtos de Madeiras da Amazônia

O setor moveleiro caracteriza-se como um segmento que oferta produtos de diferentes formas e matérias-primas e estes produtos precisam ter diferenciais para se destacar e atrair o interesse do consumidor. Em Manaus, o comércio de moveis encontra-se num estágio considerado em evolução, podendo notar nos produtos ofertados, a total ausência de características que despertem o interesse de compra nos consumidores. Seguindo este contexto, este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar preferências em termos de produtos de madeiras da Amazônia dos consumidores de três classes econômicas - A1, B2 e C residentes na cidade de Manaus e a aplicação da primeira matriz (casa da qualidade) do método QFD para definição dos conceitos dos produtos identificados como preferidos pelas classes econômicas analisadas. Os resultados revelaram que há pouca variação nas preferências por tipos de produtos por classe econômica, propondo-se conceitualmente que os produtos incorporem os atributos tidos como preferidos por cada uma das classes econômicas analisada. Conclusões importantes: bom acabamento; design - estilo contemporâneo; preferência por madeira maciça e não por painéis (MDF).

Influência da gramatura na resistência da linha de cola aos esforços de cisalhamento em painéis compensados de Copaifera duckei Dawyer e Eperua oleifera Ducke

A madeira por ser um material de origem orgânica responde de várias maneiras aos diversos produtos nela empregados, inclusive a aplicação de cola a qual depende do seu teor de umidade, tendendo a atingir um teor de umidade em equilíbrio dinâmico com a umidade relativa da atmosfera. Atualmente utilizam-se lâminas com teores de umidade entre 5 e 15% de acordo com o tipo de resina utilizada. O presente estudo avaliou o efeito de 04 gramaturas (270; 330; 364 e 390 g/m²) na produção de painéis compensados utilizando as espécies: Copaifera duckei Dawyer e Eperua oleifera Ducke. As espécies utilizadas foram retiradas da área de manejo florestal sustentável da Gethal Indústria de Madeira Compensada Ltda localizada em Manicoré-Am. As lâminas foram produzidas com espessuras de 2,2 mm. As variáveis do ciclo de prensagem foram controladas seguindo as orientações técnicas estabelecidas pelo fabricante da resina. Foi avaliada a resistência da linha de cola, com amostras da capa e do miolo em condições seca e pós-fervura. Para análise estatística foi aplicado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com arranjo em esquema fatorial dos tratamentos. Confrontando os valores médios da tensão de ruptura e a percentagem de falha na madeira obtidos nesta pesquisa, ensaio seco e pós-fervura, com os da literatura, foi verificado que os painéis avaliados atendem aos critérios estabelecidos, podendo ser indicados para uso interior e exterior, pois de acordo com a Norma EN 314-2 (1993) o valor médio da tensão de ruptura em conjunto com a porcentagem de falha na madeira encontram-se em um padrão aceitável de comportamento.