BACKGROUND Culex quinquefasciatus, a cosmopolitan, domestic, and highly anthropophilic mosquito, is a vector of pathogenic arboviruses such as West Nile virus and Rift Valley virus, as well as lymphatic filariasis. The current knowledge on its reproductive physiology regarding vitellogenin expression in different tissues is still limited. OBJECTIVES In this study, we analysed the transcriptional profiles of vitellogenin genes in the fat body and ovaries of C. quinquefasciatus females during the first gonotrophic cycle. METHODS C. quinquefasciatus ovaries and/or fat bodies were dissected in different times during the first gonotrophic cycle and total RNA was extracted and used for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, quantitative real time-PCR, and in situ hybridisation. FINDINGS We confirmed the classical descriptions of the vitellogenic process in mosquitoes by verifying that vitellogenin genes are transcribed in the fat bodies of C. quinquefasciatus females. Using RNA in situ hybridisation approach, we showed that vitellogenin genes are also transcribed in developing ovaries, specifically by the follicle cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This is the first time that vitellogenin transcripts are observed in mosquito ovaries. Studies to determine if Vg transcripts are translated into proteins and their contribution to the reproductive success of the mosquito need to be further investigated. cosmopolitan domestic filariasis limited study C andor or reaction timePCR, timePCR PCR, PCR time-PCR approach cells investigated

In this study, aluminum alloy 7075 (AA7075) nanopowders were prepared by High-Energy Ball Milling (HEBM) in a bath of isopropyl alcohol. The process was investigated in different milling times and silicon carbides (SiC) reinforcement percentual. The effects of these parameters on the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Laser Diffraction (LD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The XRD analyses showed that as the grinding time increases, the micro deformation also increases, while the crystallite and particle size decrease until a constant value at 480 min. If the percentual of SiC reinforcement increases until 5 percent, there is a minimum change in the results compared to AA 7075 milling 480 min with no reinforcement. On the other hand, when the AA7075 was milled for 480 min and reinforced by 10 percent SiC, the best structural refinement result was achieved.

In this work, composite powders of aluminum alloy 7075 (AA7075) reinforced by 2 weight percent of nanosized particles of silicon carbide (SiC), titanium nitride (TiN), and zinc oxide (ZnO) were produced in a bath of isopropyl alcohol by high energy ball milling during 480 min at 25 ºC, 900 rpm, and Balls-to-Powder Weight Ratio (BPR) of 20:1. The techniques of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Laser Diffraction Method (LDM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and microanalysis of Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the powders as received and processed. Then, the composites were hot extruded and characterized by XRD, SEM, and microhardness Vickers (HV). The milling process reduces the crystallite and particle size to around 30 nm and 10 µm, respectively. After extrusion, a fine microstructure and good consolidation were found for all bars, except for AA7075 as received. The ranging microhardness values were from 97 HV to 121 HV.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of xylitol varnishes in the inhibition of enamel demineralization in vitro. Material and Methods: Bovine enamel blocks (n=120) were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 30), and the surface hardness (SH) was measured at baseline. The blocks were treated with the following varnishes: 20% xylitol, 20% xylitol plus F (5% NaF), Duraphat™ (5% NaF, positive control), and placebo (no-F/xylitol, negative control). The varnishes were applied and removed after 6 h of immersion in artificial saliva. The blocks were subjected to pH cycles (demineralization and remineralization for 2 and 22h/day, respectively, for 8 days). Surface and cross-sectional hardnesses were measured to calculate the percentage of SH loss (%SHL) and the integrated loss of the subsurface hardness (ΔKHN). Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey’s tests (p<0.05). Results: %SHL was significantly decreased by 20% xylitol plus F, Duraphat™, and 20% xylitol varnishes compared to placebo. The use of 20% xylitol plus F varnish led to a significantly lower percentage of SH loss compared to the use of 20% xylitol varnish without F. However, the experimental and commercial varnishes led to significantly lower subsurface demineralization compared to placebo and did not differ from each other. Conclusion: Xylitol varnishes, especially when combined with F, effectively prevent enamel demineralization.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores relacionados à ansiedade e ao efeito do treinamento baseado em simulação (TBS) na ansiedade, autoconfiança e satisfação do estudante em relação ao aprendizado do exame pélvico e de mamas. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal com alunos do quarto ano de medicina da Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, utilizando questionário autorrespondido com 12 itens em escala tipo Likert sobre a ansiedade em relação ao exame ginecológico, pré e pós-TBS. Após o treinamento, avaliou-se também o grau de autoconfiança e satisfação com o processo de aprendizado. Resultados: Foram incluídos 80 alunos com média etária de 24,1 ± 4,2 anos, dos quais 62,5% eram mulheres. Na avaliação pré-treinamento, a ansiedade dos alunos em relação ao exame pélvico foi maior do que a ansiedade em relação ao exame das mamas (2,4 ± 1,0 versus 1,7 ± 0,8, respectivamente; p < 0,001). O principal motivo de ansiedade em relação tanto ao exame pélvico quanto ao de mamas foi o receio de machucar a paciente. O TBS reduziu significativamente a ansiedade dos alunos (2,0 ± 0,8 versus 1,5 ± 0,5, respectivamente; p < 0,001). A satisfação e autoconfiança dos estudantes foram elevadas (6,8 ± 0,3 e 6,0 ± 0,9, respectivamente), sem diferença entre gêneros. Conclusão: O uso de TBS no ensino de exame pélvico e mamário resultou em uma diminuição na ansiedade e elevada autoconfiança em um grupo de estudantes de medicina, de ambos os gêneros, e bons níveis de satisfação em relação ao treinamento.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate factors associated with anxiety and the effect of simulation-based training (SBT) on student anxiety, self-confidence and learning satisfaction in relation to pelvic and breast examination. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted with 4th year medical students at the Universidade José do Rosário Vellano. A 12-item, self-report questionnaire on student anxiety at performing gynecological examinations was applied before and after SBT, with answers being given on a Likert-type scale. After training, the self-confidence levels and satisfaction of the students related to the learning process were also evaluated. Results: Eighty students with a mean age of 24.1 ± 4.2 years were included in the study. Of these, 62.5% were women. Pre-SBT evaluation showed that students were more anxious at performing a pelvic examination than a breast examination (2.4 ± 1.0 versus 1.7 ± 0.8, respectively; p < 0.001). The primary reason for anxiety regarding both pelvic and breast examination was fear of hurting the patient. SBT significantly reduced student anxiety (2.0 ± 0.8 versus 1.5 ± 0.5, respectively; p < 0.001). The satisfaction and self-confidence of the students were found to be high (6.8 ± 0.3 and 6.0 ± 0.9, respectively), with no difference between genders. Conclusion: The use of SBT in teaching students to perform pelvic and breast examinations resulted in reduced anxiety and increased self-confidence in a group of medical students of both genders, with high levels of satisfaction in relation to the training.

Resumo A pandemia da “novel coronavirus disease” 2019 (COVID-19), infecção causada pelo coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SARS-CoV-2), tem descortinado uma realidade até então oculta: a vulnerabilidade da população residente em instituições de longa permanência para idosos (ILPI). Diversas publicações científicas têm revelado a concentração de até 60% dos óbitos atribuídos à COVID-19 em tais instituições. A maioria dos residentes em ILPI reúnem os principais fatores de risco para morbimortalidade pela COVID-19, o que torna imprescindível a definição de ações voltadas à prevenção da transmissibilidade do SARS-CoV-2 neste ambiente, além das medidas usuais de distanciamento social e isolamento dos portadores da doença. Propõem-se, no presente artigo, estratégias de rastreamento da infecção em residentes e trabalhadores de ILPI por meio de testes laboratoriais disponíveis no Brasil. A identificação precoce de indivíduos portadores do SARS-CoV-2 com possibilidades de transmissão ativa e continuada do vírus permite a adoção de medidas que interrompam o ciclo de transmissão local da infecção.

Abstract An infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has unveiled a hitherto hidden reality: the vulnerability of the population living in long-term care facilities for the elderly (LTCF). To date, several scientific publications have revealed a concentration of up to 60% of deaths attributed to COVID-19 in such institutions. Most LTFC residents share the primary risk factors currently associated with increased morbimortality due to the COVID-19 infection. It is crucial to define actions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread in this environment, besides the usual measures of social distancing and isolation of the carriers of this disease. This paper proposes strategies for the investigation of this infection in LTCF residents and workers using laboratory tests available in Brazil. The early identification of individuals with SARS-CoV-2, who may actively and continuously spread the virus, allows adopting measures aimed at interrupting the local transmission cycle of this infection.

Resumo A pandemia da “novel coronavirus disease” 2019 (COVID-19), infecção causada pelo coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SARS-CoV-2), tem descortinado uma realidade até então oculta: a vulnerabilidade da população residente em instituições de longa permanência para idosos (ILPI). Diversas publicações científicas têm revelado a concentração de até 60% dos óbitos atribuídos à COVID-19 em tais instituições. A maioria dos residentes em ILPI reúnem os principais fatores de risco para morbimortalidade pela COVID-19, o que torna imprescindível a definição de ações voltadas à prevenção da transmissibilidade do SARS-CoV-2 neste ambiente, além das medidas usuais de distanciamento social e isolamento dos portadores da doença. Propõem-se, no presente artigo, estratégias de rastreamento da infecção em residentes e trabalhadores de ILPI por meio de testes laboratoriais disponíveis no Brasil. A identificação precoce de indivíduos portadores do SARS-CoV-2 com possibilidades de transmissão ativa e continuada do vírus permite a adoção de medidas que interrompam o ciclo de transmissão local da infecção.

Abstract An infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has unveiled a hitherto hidden reality: the vulnerability of the population living in long-term care facilities for the elderly (LTCF). To date, several scientific publications have revealed a concentration of up to 60% of deaths attributed to COVID-19 in such institutions. Most LTFC residents share the primary risk factors currently associated with increased morbimortality due to the COVID-19 infection. It is crucial to define actions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread in this environment, besides the usual measures of social distancing and isolation of the carriers of this disease. This paper proposes strategies for the investigation of this infection in LTCF residents and workers using laboratory tests available in Brazil. The early identification of individuals with SARS-CoV-2, who may actively and continuously spread the virus, allows adopting measures aimed at interrupting the local transmission cycle of this infection.

RESUMO A aplicação de água residuária de suinocultura (ARS) em solos agrícolas pode gerar impactos na comunidade microbiana do solo, quando realizada em longo prazo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar possíveis alterações na comunidade bacteriana do solo após oito anos de aplicação contínua de água residuária de suinocultura. As doses de água residuária (0; 100; 200 e 300 m3 ha-1 ), aplicadas desde o início do experimento, foram combinadas com a presença ou a ausência de adubação recomendada. No solo, foram feitas três coletas em cada parcela para a determinação da respiração basal, biomassa microbiana e quociente metabólico, análise de DGGE, correlação entre as condições químicas do solo e a atividade microbiana na comunidade bacteriana do solo. Alterações significativas na estrutura da comunidade microbiana do solo, com a aplicação de água residuária de suinocultura, foram observadas. Doses maiores de ARS (200 e 300 m3 ha-1) influenciaram de forma significativa (p<0,05) e privilegiaram a permanência de alguns grupos específicos de bactérias.

ABSTRACT Swine wastewater (SW) application in agricultural soils may affect its microbial community in a long term. The objective of this study was to evaluate prospective changes in soil bacterial community after eight years continuous application of swine wastewater. The wastewater doses tested were 0; 100; 200 and 300 m3 ha-1, being applied from the beginning of the experiment and with or without recommended fertilization. Three soil samples were taken from each plot for determinations of basal respiration, microbial biomass and metabolic quotient. We also performed DGGE analysis and made a correlation between soil chemical conditions and microbial activity. Microbial community underwent significant structural changes from swine wastewater applications. Higher SW doses (200 and 300 m3 ha-1) influenced significantly (p <0.05) and benefitted certain bacteria groups.

As alterações neurocognitivas associadas ao HIV (HAND) são relativamente frequentes entre pacientes infectados pelo HIV, porém são subdiagnosticadas. Avaliação de HAND na prática clínica diária é desafiador e diferentes ferramentas têm sido propostas. Objetivo : Avaliar fatores de risco e comparar diferentes ferramentas de rastreamento de alterações neurocognitivas em pacientes infectados pelo HIV. Métodos : Pacientes infectados pelo HIV foram avaliados usando a Escala Internacional de Demência pelo HIV (IHDS), Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e um questionário de autopercepção neurocognitiva recomendado pela Sociedade Clínica Europeia de AIDS. Dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais foram obtidos por revisão de prontuário e entrevista com o paciente. Resultados : Entre os 63 pacientes incluídos no estudo, um baixo desempenho no IHDS foi observado em 54,0% e o escore no IHDS esteve inversamente associado à idade (OR 0,13; IC95% [0,02-0,67]). Em relação à autopercepção cognitiva, 63,5% dos pacientes não relataram nenhum prejuízo nos três domínios avaliados pelo instrumento. Nenhum paciente apresentou escore no MEEM abaixo do ponto de corte ajustado para escolaridade. Conclusão : Escores no IHDS sugestivos de HAND foram observados em mais da metade dos pacientes e valores mais baixos foram encontrados entre pacientes mais velhos. Houve pouca concordância entre os diferentes métodos de avaliação, sugerindo que o MEEM é inadequado para avaliação de HAND e o questionário de auto-avaliação tem uma baixa sensibilidade, não parecendo ser útil como ferramenta de triagem.

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is relatively frequent among HIV-infected patients and is often underdiagnosed. Assessment of HAND in daily clinical practice is challenging and different tools have been proposed. Objective : To evaluate risk factors and compare different screening tools for neurocognitive impairment in HIV-infected patients. Methods : HIV-infected patients were evaluated using the International HIV-Dementia Scale (IHDS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a neurocognitive self-perception questionnaire recommended by the European AIDS Clinical Society. Sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data were obtained through chart review and patient interview. Results : Among the 63 patients included, low performance on the IHDS was observed in 54.0% and IHDS score was inversely associated with age (OR 0.13; 95%CI [0.02-0.67]). Regarding cognitive self-perception, 63.5% of patients reported no impairment on the three domains covered by the questionnaire. Among those patients self-reporting no problems, 42.1% had low performance on the IHDS. None of the patients scored below the education-adjusted cut-off on the MMSE. Conclusion : IHDS scores suggestive of HAND were observed in more than half of the patients and lower scores were found among older patients. There was low agreement between the different tools, suggesting that the MMSE may be inadequate for assessing HAND. The self-assessment questionnaire had low sensitivity and might not be useful as a screening tool.

Objetivou-se, com a presente pesquisa, conhecer a diversidade de espécies de crisopídeos (Chrysopidae) em cultivos de tomateiro estaqueado localizados nos municípios de Cambuci e Seropédica, no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Ovos de crisopídeos foram coletados manualmente, e os adultos do predador, com o uso de aspirador bucal em lavoura comercial, em Cambuci, e em lavoura experimental, em Seropédica. Em Seropédica foram obtidas quatro espécies de crisopídeos: Ceraeochrysa cincta (Schneider, 1851), Ceraeochrysa sp1., Chrysopodes elongatus (Freitas; Penny, 2001) e Chrysopodes sp1. e em Cambuci, duas espécies: Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) e Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen, 1861).

This research aimed to investigate the diversity of species of lacewings (Chrysopidae) associated to trellised tomato crops in the counties of Cambuci and Seropédica, in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Eggs and adults of chrysopids were collected, manually and by oral suction device, respectively, in Cambuci (commercial farming) and Seropédica (experimental farming). Four species were obtained: Ceraeochrysa cincta (Schneider, 1851), Ceraeochrysa sp1., Chrysopodes elongatus (Freitas; Penny, 2001) and Chrysopodes sp1. in the experimental farming in Seropédica, while in the commercial farming in Cambuci only two species were found: Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) and Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen, 1861).

O presente estudo foi conduzido para verificar o perfil de resistência de diferentes sorotipos de Salmonella spp. isolados em aviários de frango de corte frente a agentes antimicrobianos. Foram processados 342 suabes de arrasto provenientes de granjas avícolas do oeste do Paraná, no período de janeiro de 2010 a janeiro de 2011, sendo isoladas 39 amostras de Salmonella spp. Os sorotipos mais frequentes foram: S. Heidelberg, S. Mbandaka, S. Newport, S. Schwarzengrund, S. Enteritidis, S. Livingstone, S. Orion, S. Give e S. Infantis. A determinação do perfil de resistência para os 19 sorotipos de Salmonella identificados foi realizada em relação a 12 antimicrobianos comerciais. Os resultados indicam que 51% dos sorotipos de Salmonella apresentaram resistência a um ou mais antimicrobianos, com 12 diferentes padrões de resistência. O maior percentual de resistência foi verificado à tetraciclina (30,8%), e o menor à gentamicina e cloranfenicol (2,6%). Os níveis de resistência indicam que os antimicrobianos devem ser utilizados nos aviários de forma mais prudente, buscando, assim, minimizar a disseminação de cepas resistentes.

Te present study was carried to verify the resistance profile of different Salmonella spp. serotypes isolated from a poultry broiler house against antimicrobial agents. Tree-hundred and forty two drag swabs from poultry farms in western Paraná were processed in the period from January 2010 to January 2011, and 39 Salmonella spp. Strains were isolated. The serovars were mostly: S. Heidelberg, S. Mbandaka, S. Newport, S. Schwarzengrund, S. Enteritidis, S. Livingstone, S. Orion, S. Give and S. Infantis. The determination of the resistance profile to the 19 identified Salmonella serotypes was evaluated against 12 antimicrobial commercials. The results indicate that 51% of Salmonella serotypes showed resistance to on or more antimicrobials, with 12 different resistance patterns. The highest percentage of resistance was related to tetracycline (30,8%) and the lowest one to gentamicin and chloramphenicol (2,6%). The resistance levels indicate that antimicrobials should be used on poultry farms more carefuly, thus seeking to minimize the spread of resistant strains.

IntroductionThe prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and dissatisfaction with sexual life (DSL) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (CHC) was jointly investigated via a thorough psychopathological analysis, which included dimensions such as fatigue, impulsiveness, psychiatric comorbidity, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.MethodsMale and female CHC patients from an outpatient referral center were assessed using the Brief Fatigue Inventory, the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Structured psychiatric interviews were performed according to the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. SD was assessed based on specific items in the BDI (item 21) and the HAM-A (item 12). DSL was assessed based on a specific question in the WHOQOL-BREF (item 21). Multivariate analysis was performed according to an ordinal linear regression model in which SD and DSL were considered as outcome variables.ResultsSD was reported by 60 (57.1%) of the patients according to the results of the BDI and by 54 (51.4%) of the patients according to the results of the HAM-A. SD was associated with older age, female gender, viral genotype 2 or 3, interferon-α use, impulsiveness, depressive symptoms, antidepressant and benzodiazepine use, and lower HRQL. DSL was reported by 34 (32.4%) of the patients and was associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, antidepressant use, and lower HRQL.ConclusionsThe prevalence of SD and DSL in CHC patients was high and was associated with factors, such as depressive symptoms and antidepressant use. Screening and managing these conditions represent significant steps toward improving medical assistance and the HRQL of CHC patients.

Vários estudos estão sendo conduzidos para a descoberta de novos agentes antimicrobianos provenientes de plantas, para que possam ser utilizados em produtos farmacêuticos, cosméticos e na indústria alimentícia. A ausência de padronização de métodos utilizados para a avaliação de extratos vegetais com potencial antimicrobiano dificulta a comparação de resultados. Considerando a necessidade de estabelecer um método com resultados consistentes para avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos vegetais, este trabalho propôs-se a avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana e determinar a concentração mínima inibitória de extratos de plantas da família Myrtaceae sobre diferentes micro-organismos, utilizando três métodos para avaliação de antimicrobianos. Os métodos empregados foram microdiluição em caldo e difusão em ágar por disco e poço. Foram avaliados os extratos de Psidium guajava, Myrciaria cauliflora e Syzygium cumini sobre bactérias Gram-positivas, negativas e levedura. Em geral, a inibição promovida pelos extratos no teste de difusão em ágar por poço foi maior do que os valores obtidos por disco, independentemente do extrato vegetal testado. Contudo, a atividade inibitória de todos os micro-organismos só pôde ser determinada com o método de microdiluição em caldo, que também apresentou os resultados mais reprodutíveis, e mostrou-se o mais econômico e confiável para se avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de extratos vegetais quando comparado aos outros métodos

Several studies have been conducted to discover new antimicrobial agents from plants to be used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and in the food industry. The lack of standardized methods for the evaluation of plant extracts with antimicrobial potential complicates the comparison of results. Taking into consideration the need to establish a method with consistent results to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of extracts of some plants from the Myrtaceae family on different micro-organisms based on a comparative assay with three methods that are commonly used for the assess antimicrobials. The methods used were broth microdilution, and agar diffusion by disc and well. The evaluated extracts were those of Psidium guajava, Myrciaria cauliflora, and Syzygium cumini for Gram-positive and negative bacteria and yeast. In general, inhibition extracts promoted by the agar diffusion test by well was higher than the values obtained by disc, regardless of the plant extracts tested. However, the inhibitory activity of all micro-organisms was only possible to be determined with the microdilution broth method, which also presented the more reproducible results, and proved to be the most economic and reliable way to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts in contrast with other methods

A fabricação de linguiça do tipo frescal requer uma série de etapas de manipulação, o que eleva as possibilidades de contaminação por diversas espécies de micro-organismos patogênicos ou deterioradores. Isso pode comprometer a qualidade microbiológica do produto final e veicular enfermidades a partir de seu consumo. No período de abril a setembro de 2009, foi avaliada a qualidade microbiológica de 40 amostras de linguiça tipo frescal produzidas artesanalmente e inspecionadas pelo Serviço de Inspeção Estadual e Federal nos municípios de Cascavel e Toledo (PR), através da quantificação de coliformes termotolerantes, contagem de Staphylococcus spp., bactérias mesófilas aeróbias estritas e facultativas viáveis, pesquisa de Salmonellaspp., Campylobacter spp., Bacillus cereus, Clostridium sulfito-redutores e bolores e leveduras. Os resultados revelaram que 55% das amostras analisadas de linguiça tipo frescal inspecionadas e artesanais apresentaram-se fora dos parâmetros estabelecidos pela Resolução RDC nº 12, de 2 de janeiro de 2001, da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa), em pelo menos um dos grupos de micro-organismos estudados. Portanto, pode-se dizer que a linguiça tipo frescal comercializada no oeste do Paraná pode oferecer riscos à saúde da população.

The manufacture of fresh pork sausage requires a series of manipulation steps, which increases the chances of contamination by several species of micro-organisms, be them pathogenic or deteriorating. This may compromise the microbiological quality of the final product and transmit diseases with consumption. In the period from April to September 2009, the microbiological quality of 40 samples of fresh handmade sausage inspected by the Inspection State and Federal Service in the cities of Cascavel and Toledo (PR) was assessed, through the quantification of thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus spp., viable facultative and strict mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Salmonella spp., Campylobacterspp., Bacillus cereus, Clostridium sulfite reducers, molds and yeasts. The results revealed that 55% of the analyzed samples of fresh handmade and inspected sausages were not in accordance with the parameters established by Resolution RDC Nº 12, of January 2nd, 2001, from ANVISA, in at least one of the studied groups of micro-organisms. Therefore, we can say the sausages sold in western regions, may present a risk to public health.

Neste estudo, foi avaliada a qualidade da água do Rio Cascavel, município de Cascavel, Paraná, utilizando indicadores microbiológicos, físicos e químicos de poluição e a suscetibilidade/resistência das cepas de Escherichia coli isoladas aos antimicrobianos comerciais. As amostragens de água foram realizadas entre julho-2010 e junho-2011, em três pontos: a) próximo à nascente; b) área urbana; c) área rural. As amostras foram analisadas quanto às variáveis físicas, químicas e microbiológicas: temperatura, pH, cor, turbidez, condutividade elétrica, nitrogênio total e fósforo total, coliformes totais (CT), coliformes termotolerantes (CTe) e Escherichia coli. Foram realizados, também, testes de resistência a nove antimicrobianos comerciais. As variáveis estudadas indicaram que a água do Rio Cascavel apresenta-se em desacordo com a resolução 357/2005 do CONAMA (classe I), classificando-se como regular no índice de qualidade de água. As variáveis físicas, químicas e a precipitação não influenciaram no crescimento de CT e CTe, sendo maiores as contagens de E. coli na área urbana. Os maiores perfis de resistência das cepas de E. coli, isoladas das águas do Rio Cascavel, foram encontrados no ponto 2, área urbana, como provável consequência da influência humana sobre a qualidade da água.

In this article it was evaluated the quality of water in the Cascavel river, in the city of Cascavel - Paraná using microbiological indicators, physical and chemical pollution and susceptibility / resistance in strains of Escherichia coli isolated antimicrobial trade. The water sampling was conducted between 2010-July and 2011-June at three points: a) near the source, b) urban area, c) rural area. The samples were analyzed for physical, chemical and microbiological variables: temperature, pH, color, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen and total phosphorus, total coliforms (CT), fecal coliform (CTe) and Escherichia coli. Tests were also performed to nine antimicrobial commercial resistances. The variables studied indicated that the Cascavel river water was presented at disagreement with the resolution 357/2005 CONAMA (class I), ranking in the index as regular water quality. The physical, chemical and rainfall did not affect the growth of CT and CTe, with higher counts of E. coli in the urban area. The greatest resistance profiles of the strains of E. coli isolated from Cascavel river water was found in section 2, the urban area as a probable consequence of human influence on water quality.