First inventory of the sandfly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Introduction: This study aimed to inventory the phlebotomine sandfly fauna present in the urban area of Juiz de Fora, with an emphasis on the genus Lutzomyia. Methods: Capture was performed from March to September 2012, using HP light traps placed at peridomestic sites, in a municipal kennel and a forest biome. Results: A total of 133 specimens were captured, representing eight species of the genus Lutzomyia. Lutzomyia pascalei was the most prevalent species. Conclusions: This research provides an inventory and description of the spatial locations of the phlebotomine sandfly fauna of Juiz de Fora.

Evaluation of the Chagas Disease Control Program in Açucena Municipality, Rio Doce Valley, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Introduction Açucena Municipality, Rio Doce Valley, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil temporarily (2001-2005) interrupted epidemiological surveillance for Chagas disease. The objective of this work was to evaluate the Chagas Disease Control Program (CDCP) in Açucena and to offer suggestions for improving local epidemiological surveillance. Methods This study was conducted in three phases: I) a serological investigation of schoolchildren aged 5 to 15 years using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test performed on blood collected on filter paper followed by ELISA, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and indirect hemaglutination (IHA) on venous blood for borderline cases and those in the gray zone of reactivity; II) vector evaluation using the data obtained by local health agents during 2006-2010; and III) examination by ELISA, IIF and IHA of serum samples from the inhabitants of houses where infected Triatoma vitticeps was found and evaluation of their knowledge about Chagas disease. Results Five individuals had inconclusive results in the ELISA screening but were seronegative for Chagas disease. The triatomine evaluation revealed the presence of three species: Triatoma vitticeps, Panstrongylus megistus and Panstrongylus diasi. Triatoma vitticeps was the most prevalent and widespread, with a higher (67%) index of Trypanosoma cruzi flagellates and evidence of colonization. Most of the inhabitants of the infested houses recognized triatomines and had basic knowledge about Chagas disease. Conclusions Although T. vitticeps is not clearly associated with Chagas disease transmission, these results highlight the importance of maintaining CDCP in endemic areas and the need for greater emphasis on epidemiological surveillance, especially in areas with important vectorial changes or that have been modified by human intervention.

Association between the degree of physical impairment from leprosy and dependence in activities of daily living among the elderly in a health unit in the State of Minas Gerais

Introduction In addition to the common alterations and diseases inherent in the aging process, elderly persons with a history of leprosy are particularly vulnerable to dependence because of disease-related impairments. Objective determine whether physical impairment from leprosy is associated with dependence among the elderly. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study of elderly individuals with a history of leprosy and no signs of cognitive impairment was conducted using a database from a former leprosy colony-hospital. The patients were evaluated for dependence in the basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), respectively) and subjected to standard leprosy physical disability grading. Subsequently, descriptive and univariate analyses were conducted, the latter using Pearson's chi-squared test. Results A total of 186 elderly persons were included in the study. Of these individuals, 53.8% were women, 49.5% were older than 75 years of age, 93% had four or less years of formal education, 24.2% lived in an institution for the long-term care of the elderly (ILTC), and 18.3% had lower limb amputations. Among those evaluated, 79.8% had visible physical impairments from leprosy (grade 2), 83.3% were independent in BADL, and 10.2% were independent in IADL. There was a higher impairment grade among those patients who were IADL dependent (p=0.038). Conclusion s: The leprosy physical impairment grade is associated with dependence for IADL, creating the need for greater social support and systematic monitoring by a multidisciplinary team. The results highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy to prevent physical impairment and dependence in later years.

Deltamethrin pyrethroid susceptibility characterization of Triatoma sordida Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) populations in the Northern Region of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Introduction Triatoma sordida is the most captured Triatomine species in the Brazilian artificial environment. In 2008, the discovery of three Triatomine populations with altered susceptibilities to deltamethrin highlighted the importance of investigating the genetic potential for resistance in triatomines. The purpose of this study was to characterize the susceptibility to deltamethrin of peridomestic T. sordida populations in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods A susceptibility reference lineage derived from Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil was used. Serial dilutions of deltamethrin were prepared and applied to the dorsal abdomen of first instar nymphs. The control group received only pure acetone. Mortality was evaluated after 72h. Qualitative tests assessed mortality in response to a diagnostic dose of 1xLD99 of the susceptibility reference lineage. Results Susceptibility profile characterization of T. sordida populations revealed resistance ratios (RR50s) ranging from 0.42 to 3.94. The percentage mortality in response to the diagnostic dose varied from 70% to 100%. A comparison of the results obtained in the quantitative and qualitative assays demonstrated a lack of correspondence for some populations. Conclusions We demonstrated that only T. sordida populations that present a RR50>1.0 have altered susceptibility, and the execution of simultaneous field and laboratory tests is required to understand the actual effect of vector control. A possible cause of the observed resistance ratios might be the continuous use of pyrethroids in Brazil since the 1980s.

Species of the subfamily Triatominae Jeannel, 1919 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) present in the Collection of Chagas Disease Vectors (FIOCRUZ-COLVEC), State of Minas Gerais

Introduction Biological collections are depositories of information on different species and contribute to the knowledge, protection, conservation and maintenance of biodiversity. Methods A list of triatomine species currently included in the Collection of Chagas Disease Vectors (FIOCRUZ-COLVEC) was prepared from the database made available by the Reference Center on Environmental Information. Results COLVEC curatorship houses 4,778 specimens of triatomines, of which 811 come from other American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, the United States of America, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela) and 3,967 are autochthonous from Brazil. Altogether, 56 species of Chagas disease vectors are represented in the COLVEC: two species of the Tribe Cavernicolini Usinger, 1944; fifteen species of the tribe Rhodniini Pinto, 1926, of which 12 are of the genus Rhodnius and 3 are of the genus Psamolestes; and 39 species of the tribe Triatomini Jeannel, 1919, represented by the genus Dipetalogaster, two species of the genus Eratyrus, two of the genus Meccus, seven of the genus Panstrongylus and 27 of the genus Triatoma. Conclusions This list provides important data on the diversity of triatomines currently included in COLVEC, including the expanded area of Panstrongylus lutzi occurrence in the municipalities Pirapora and Januária, State of Minas Gerais. The maintenance and expansion of the collection ensures the preservation of biodiversity and further studies.

Could hantavirus circulation superpose areas of highly endemic vaccinia virus outbreaks? A retrospective seroepidemiological study in State of Minas Gerais

Introduction Hantavirus infections have been described in several regions in Brazil through seroepidemiological studies. Usually, populations are associated with rural and wild environment mainly due to close contact to species of Sigmodontinae rodents, considered hantavirus reservoirs. Methods A retrospective serosurvey was conducted to access the hantavirus seroprevalence in people living in regions affected by bovine vaccinia outbreaks. Results Sera from 53 patients were analyzed and none of them presented anti-hantavirus IgG antibodies. Conclusions This study presents an opportunity to analyze seronegativity despite close and recurrent contact with known hantavirus reservoirs. Aspects of hantavirus and bovine vaccinia emergence are also discussed.

Variability of susceptibility to deltamethrin in peridomestic Triatoma sordida from Triângulo Mineiro, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

AbstractINTRODUCTION:Despite chemical and physical vector control strategies, persistent infestations of Triatoma sordida have been reported in a large part of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and the cause for this is little investigated. We aimed to characterize the deltamethrin toxicological profile in peridomestic T. sordidapopulations from Triângulo Mineiro area of Minas Gerais.METHODS:Susceptibility to deltamethrin was assessed in seventeen peridomestic T. sordida populations. Serial dilutions of deltamethrin in acetone (0.2µL) were topically applied on the first instar nymphs (F1; five days old; fasting weight, 1.2 ± 0.2mg). Dose response results were analyzed using Probit software, and the lethal doses, slope and resistance ratios were determined. Qualitative tests were also performed.RESULTS:The deltamethrin susceptibility profile of T. sordida populations revealed resistance ratios ranging from 0.84 to 2.8. The percentage mortality in response to a diagnostic dose was 100.0% in all populations.CONCLUSIONS:From our results, the lack of resistance to insecticides but persistent T. sordida infestations in the Triângulo Mineiro area may be because of: 1) environmental degradation facilitating dispersion of T. sordida , allowing colonization in artificial ecotopes; 2) operational failures; and 3) complexity of the peridomicile in the study area.These variables are being investigated.

Prevalence of systemic hypertension in students aged 7 to 14 years in the municipality of Barbacena, in the State of Minas Gerais, in 1999

OBJECTIVE: To detect the prevalence of systemic hypertension in children and to establish the relation between blood pressure levels and sex, age, ethnicity, weight, and height. METHODS: The prevalence of systemic hypertension and its relation to sex, age, ethnicity, weight, and height were studied in 611 students aged 7 to 14 years out of 19.928 students classified according to age, ethnicity, and sex, who underwent anthropometric evaluation and blood pressure measurement. Hypertensive individuals were considered those whose blood pressure level was > the 95th percentile for age and sex, confirmed on 3 examinations. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 16.6% in the first evaluation, and 4.6% and 2.5% in the subsequent evaluations. The mean blood pressure levels increased with age. Weight was important, not only to determine blood pressure in healthy children, but also to determine systemic hypertension in children, which was not observed with height despite the different studies. The prevalence of systemic hypertension in the different ethnic groups and the mean blood pressure levels according to sex were similar. CONCLUSION: In addition to routine physical examinations, age, weight, and appropriate cuff size should be considered when assessing blood pressure in children to prevent hypertension, morbidity and mortality, and to avoid placing a financial burden on health care providers.

Factores condicionantes de la mortalidad pre-reproductiva en poblaciones semiaisladas de la Provincia de Córdoba

Uno de los parámetros más representativos de la eficiencia biológica de una población es el número de hijos por familia que sobrevive hasta la edad reproductora. Su contraparte, la mortalidad pre-reproductiva, determinará los genes que no podrán estar representados en la generación siguiente. Además de las condiciones higiénico-dietéticas y de salubridad como principales factores que influencian en la mortalidad pre reproductiva, y con mayor énfasis la mortalidad infantil, se ha demostrado un marcado condicionamiento sobre ésta de otros factores relacionados con la herencia y la estructura matrimonial y familiar que caracterizan a la población cuya mortalidad se investiga. Son ellos el tamaño de la familia, el rango u orden de nacimiento del niño, el estatus jurídico (legítimo/ilegítimo), el sexo, la edad de la madre al casamiento y al nacimiento del niño, la edad del padre, la procedencia de los progenitores, su grado de consanguinidad y el de la población en general. La consideración de estas dos últimas variables es especialmente importante cuando se analiza el comportamiento demográfico de poblaciones aisladas o semiaisladas. El presente proyecto tiene como objetivos: 1) Investigar los patrones de mortalidad pre-reproductiva en dos poblaciones semiaisladas de la provincia de Córdoba, departamento Pocho y Minas; 2) Analizar la relación de esta mortalidad con otros indicadores demográficos relacionados con la estructura familiar y la estructura genética de la población. El material utilizado consistirá en las actas de registro de hechos vitales, (matrimonios, nacimientos y defunciones) acaecidos durante los 35 años de historia reproductiva (finalizando en 1991) de todos los matrimonios efectuados en los años 1955, 1956 y 1957 en los departamentos mencionados. Se investigará la mortalidad infantil y la mortalidad hasta los 15 años diferencialmente por unidad geográfica (pedanía), utilizando la constitución de familias, análisis genealógico y técnicas demográficas ad-hoc. (...)

Influencia del nitruro de aluminio (AlN) en la microestructura y textura cristalográfica de laminaciones de uso eléctrico

El presente estudio se orienta a materiales de aplicación en la fabricación de motores y transformadores de potencias medias a bajas (laminaciones), abordando en el mismo los aspectos inherentes a la etapa de recocido descarburante realizado por el usuario. Dicho tratamiento térmico permite modificar el contenido de carbono original alcanzando niveles muy bajos (< 0,005%C). Además, se debe aumentar el tamaño de grano a valores óptimos para conseguir las mejores propiedades magnéticas: bajas pérdidas y alta permeabilidad. Este crecimiento de grano está fuertemente influido por las características morfológicas y por la cantidad de partículas de segunda fase precipitadas, de las cuales el nitruro de aluminio (AlN) es el principal inhibidor de crecimiento. Su control o la predicción de su influencia es el objetivo de los usuarios de laminaciones, para obtener un tamaño de grano adecuado. En consecuencia, este trabajo propone un estudio exhaustivo del comportamiento del AlN en el anclaje del borde de grano y en la formación de la textura cristalográfica, y la posibilidad de modelizar matemáticamente su influencia. El objetivo general de este trabajo es el estudio integral de la optimización del tratamiento térmico de los aceros eléctricos, para su aplicación por parte de las empresas usuarias de dichos materiales. Como objetivo específico, en este trabajo se propone la observación microscópica con microscopía de transmisión, de las partículas de NAl en aceros de bajo carbono de uso eléctrico, para inferir sobre su influencia en el crecimiento controlado del tamaño de grano y en la formación de textura. Se propone, además, intentar la modelización del anclaje de grano que producen los nitruros de aluminio.

El paludismo en Córdoba desde la segunda mitad del siglo XIX hasta la primera mitad del XX. The paludism in Córdoba from the second half of XIXth century to the first half of XXth century.

A pesar de que en los últimos años los estudios sobre historia y sociología de la Salud y la Enfermedad han experimentado un salto cualitativo, se ha soslayado sistemáticamente el análisis del paludismo y los complejos entramados de poder que subyacen a su presencia en los Departamentos del Noroeste y -en menor medida- en los del Oeste de la provincia de Córdoba. Nos referimos específicamente a la presencia de la endemia en los departamentos de Cruz del Eje, San Javier, San Alberto, Minas y Pocho. Con el propósito de redimensionar un comportamiento endemoepidémico que en esas localidades de Córdoba se remontó -según exploraciones provisionales- a mediados del siglo XIX, se construyen problemáticas que cobran sentido al ingresar en el terreno de los proyectos político-estatales nacionales, provinciales y de las mismas localidades afectadas, y, en lo que refiere a la articulación de las respuestas sanitarias frente a una enfermedad de profundas connotaciones ligadas al desarrollo socioeconómico y político de las regiones en estudio. En ese sentido en una primera instancia se articulará un análisis demográfico de la presencia y distribucion de la enfermedad a partir del trabajo con datos de corte estadistíco, elaborando mapas, cuadros y gráficos de morbimortalidad. Convergentemente se realizará un análisis hermenéutico de fuentes históricas del período en estudio. A grandes rasgos se considera que en relación al impacto del paludismo en bastas zonas del interior de la provincia de Córdoba y en cuanto a la acción sanitaria de los aparatos de poder estatal, desde mediados del siglo XIX, hasta la importante reducción de casos nuevos de paludismo a mediados del XX, pueden determinarse dos etapas sucesivas: Una primera se podría datar desde mediados del siglo XIX hasta mediados de la década de 1930, en la que actúa un Estado Nacional liberal que se desentendía de los problemas sanitarios de la regiones dejando esa función en manos de las provincias afectadas. Un segundo momento, aunque delimitado provisionalmente entre mediados de la década del 30' y mediados de la década del 50', se halla complejizado en su definición al combinarse en él procesos políticos particulares de la esfera nacional y de la provincial. Por un lado, en el plano nacional se ha observado desde la historiografía del período que, a partir de la década del 40' comienza a manifestarse una acción estatal nacional progresivamente centralizada y dispuesta a combatir la enfermedad con instituciones que podían llegar a todos los sectores sociales y a todas las regiones geográficas, aunque en menor medida a las zonas extra-pampeanas.Paralelamente, al considerar esos años en la esfera provincial se debe analizar el impacto de las formulaciones e intervenciones del radicalismo sabattinista como matriz política contraria al gobierno conservador nacional y promotor de un nuevo modelo de Estado en el que ocuparían un lugar privilegiado las políticas orientadas a la "cuestión social" y a la Salud en particular. Por otro lado, cobra significación una cuestión poco reconocida en los estudios en materia de politica sanitaria: los planes del peronismo combinaron una política centralizada en materia de dirección con una descentralización en el área de la ejecución.Finalmente dentro de este complejo marco político sanitario, se debe atender a lo largo de las dos etapas delimitadas, al universo de las iniciativas articuladas desde las autoridades de las localidades afectadas por el paludismo, así como, a las iniciativas civiles ya sea de vecinos, Sociedades de Beneficencia y asociadas a la Iglesia Católica.De acuerdo a la perspectiva asumida se propone recuperar una significativa problemática de marginalidad socioeconómica de las regiones, procurando reconstruir el impacto sociodemográfico del paludismo en el Noroeste y Oeste de la provincia de Córdoba ingresando al analisis histórico de las construcciones del poder público y privado en ese contexto local.

Estructuras porosas de Titanio-Hidroxiapatita para aplicaciones en implantología

La necesidad de nuevos materiales para ser usados en implantes óseos, con mayor biocompatibilidad y características de oseointegración, hace que la investigación se dirija hacia el uso de diferentes materiales, combinados adecuadamente. Tal es el caso de los implantes de titanio (Ti) recubiertos con hidroxiapatita (HAP). El primero, le brinda al implante sus características mecánicas mientras que la HAP, al ser un cerámico bioactivo, le provee sus excelentes características químicas en la superficie de reacción con el tejido. El problema es que se ha demostrado que hay una incompatibilidad mecánica entre el Ti y la HAP, al poseer propiedades muy distintas. Una solución sería la incorporación de la HAP como parte del implante de titanio, generando un material compuesto o composite de Ti-HAP. La pulvimetalurgia permite, en principio, realizar esta mezcla de materiales, con el agregado beneficioso de porosidad debida al proceso de sinterización involucrado. Este trabajo, como primera parte de un proyecto mayor, se propone utilizar las técnicas pulvimetalúrgicas para obtener un composite poroso de Ti-HAP, para su futura aplicación como material de implante óseo.

New species of Thaumastus from Lagoa Santa region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Bulimuloidea)

A new species of Thaumastus (Thaumastus) Martens, 1860, from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, is described and illustrated, based on the morphology of the shell, jaw, radula and soft parts.

Diversity of social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) in Cerrado biome of the southern of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

An inventory of social wasps in Cerrado biome of the southern of the state of Minas Gerais was performed. A comparison between field and Riparian Forest areas was made in relation to species richness; correlations between diversity, sample methods and environmental factors were conducted. A total of 32 species was registered and Polybia fastidiosuscula de Saussure, 1854 was the most abundant species. The higher richness was in the Cerrado Field, as well as the highest diversity index. The temperature and rainfall had significant correlation with species richness and a significant variation in richness between dry and wet seasons was observed. Polybia fastidiosuscula was more abundant in the Riparian Forest during the dry season and in the Cerrado Field during wet season. The study area showed a great diversity of social wasps, with record both widely distributed species such as rare species, which indicates the quality and potential area for future studies.