Abstract This work takes walking as a form of mobility in an urban center and develops a methodology for determining more accessible routes for pedestrians who arrive at urban bus terminals and wish to reach points of interest. The proposal objective is to offer better routes, for a social class coming from peripheral neighborhoods, with access to essential services. The proposal was applied to the central region of Campinas-SP, characterized by commercial and service activities, served by two important urban public terminals. In determining the best walking route, three macros indicator were used: Environment indicator, representing physical characteristics of the walking environment; Comfort indicator, represented by visual attractiveness and local comfort; and Safety indicator representing public and personal security. Using the PROMETHEE multicriteria method, the best routes connecting points of Origin (Urban Terminal) to points of Destination in the urban center of Campinas were defined. The implementation of these routes by local government will provide the urban center with walking space that meets the interests of the citizen in three aspects: the environment, comfort, and safety. interest neighborhoods services CampinasSP, CampinasSP SP, SP Campinas-SP activities route used environment comfort security method Urban Terminal defined aspects safety

Resumo Este trabalho toma a caminhada como forma de mobilidade em um centro urbano e desenvolve uma metodologia para a determinação de rotas mais acessíveis aos pedestres que chegando aos terminais rodoviários urbanos desejem atingir pontos de interesse. Pretende-se com esta proposição oferecer melhores trajetos, para uma classe social vinda de bairros periféricos, de aceso a serviços essenciais. A proposta foi aplicada à região central de Campinas-SP, caracterizada por atividades comerciais e de prestação de serviços, atendida por dois importantes terminais públicos urbanos. Na determinação da melhor rota para caminhada foram utilizados três macros indicadores: Indicador de ambiente, representando características físicas do ambiente da caminhada; Indicador conforto, representado pela atratividade visual e conforto local; e Indicador segurança, representando a segurança pública e pessoal. A partir do método multicritério PROMETHEE, foram definidas as melhores rotas que conectam pontos de Origem (Terminal Urbano) a pontos de Destino no centro urbano de Campinas. A implantação destas rotas pelo poder público dotará o centro urbano de espaço para caminhada que atenda aos interesses do cidadão em três aspectos o ambiente, o conforto e a segurança. interesse Pretendese Pretende se trajetos periféricos essenciais CampinasSP, CampinasSP Campinas SP, SP Campinas-SP indicadores local pessoal PROMETHEE Terminal Urbano

Resumen Introducción. La técnica de Kato Katz es el método recomendado para realizar el recuento de huevos en materia fecal y determinar la intensidad parasitaria por helmintos. La calidad de los resultados se ve afectada por la tardanza en el procesamiento de la muestra, por lo que se requiere de preservantes que faciliten la lectura posterior a las 24 horas de recolección de la muestra. Objetivo. Demostrar validez de la solución con acetato de sodio-ácido acético-formalina (SAF) como preservante de huevos de Necator americanus por medio del estudio de un caso clinico. Materiales y métodos. Descripción de caso clínico con diagnóstico de parásitos intestinales por coprológico, intensidad de la infección por la técnica de Kato Katz, evaluación de la presencia de huevos N. americanus por la técnica de Kato Katz durante 10 meses en muestra preservada en SAF y determinación de especie de Uncinaria sp. por qPCR. Resultados. Los huevos de N. americanus se conservan de manera adecuada en morfología durante los primeros cinco meses. Conclusiones. A fin de ejecutar la técnica de Kato Katz, la fijación con SAF demostró ser adecuada para el mantenimiento de la intensidad parasitaria y morfología de los huevos de N. americanus en un período de hasta cinco meses.

Abstract Introduction: The Kato Katz technique is the recommended method for fecal egg counts and determining the intensity of parasitic helminths. The quality of the results is affected by the delay in the analysis of the sample. Therefore, fixatives are necessary to make the reading easier 24 hours after sample collection. Objective: To prove the usefulness of sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin (SAF) solution as a fixative for Necator americanus eggs by means of a clinical case study. Materials and methods: Clinical case description and intestinal parasites diagnosis by direct stool microscopic analysis and parasite infection intensity by means of the Kato Katz technique. N. americanus eggs were detected by Kato Katz method for 10 months on a SAF-fixed stool sample. Identification of Uncinaria sp. by qPCR. Results: N. americanus eggs are adequately preserved in SAF during the first five months. Conclusions: SAF fixative is suitable for Kato Katz method and proved to be capable of maintaining parasite intensity and N. americanus egg morphology over a period of up to five months.

RESUMODentre os métodos projetivos de avaliação psicológica, a relevância do Rorschach destaca-se na investigação da personalidade, embora sem referenciais normativos na Escola de Paris para adolescentes no Brasil. Esse estudo atende a essa lacuna, construindo padrões normativos do Rorschach (Escola de Paris) para essa faixa etária, analisando-se especificidades da produção associadas a sexo, idade e origem escolar. O Rorschach foi administrado individualmente a 180 estudantes de 15-17 anos de idade, com sinais de desenvolvimento típico, examinando-se descritiva e inferencialmente dados de 54 variáveis do método. Os principais resultados médios foram: (a) produtividade: R = 17,7; (b) modos de percepção: G = 35,0%, D = 33,4%, Dd = 30,3% e Dbl = 1,1%; (c) determinantes e índices formais: F% = 54,5%, F+% = 55,6% e F+ext% = 57,3%; (d) conteúdos predominantes: A% = 51,0% e H% = 20,9%; (e) Ban = 17,0%. Foi possível identificar especificidades de produção em função de sexo, idade e origem escolar, embasando análise e interpretação das variáveis do Rorschach em adolescentes do Brasil no contexto contemporâneo.

ABSTRACTAmong the projective methods of psychological assessment, the relevance of the Rorschach method stands out in the investigation of personality, albeit without normative references in the Parisian School for adolescents in Brazil. This study addresses this gap by developing normative standards of the Rorschach method (Parisian School) for this age group, evaluating specificities of production associated with sex, age and school system. The Rorschach tests were individually administered to 180 students aged from 15 to 17 years old, with typical signs of development. Data considering the 54 Rorschach's variables were descriptively and inferentially examined. The main average results were: (a) productivity: R = 17.7; (b) modes of apperception: G = 35.0%, D = 33.4%, Dd = 30.3% and Dd = 1.1%; (c) determinants and formal indexes: F% = 54.5%, F+% = 55.6% and F+ext% = 57.3%; (d) predominant content: A% = 51.0% and H% = 20.9%; (e) Ban = 17.0%. Specificities of production according to sex, age and school system were identified, which supports the analysis and interpretation of Rorschach's variables with contemporary Brazilian adolescents.

RESUMENEntre los métodos proyectivos de evaluación psicológica, la relevancia del Método de Rorschach se destaca en la investigación de la personalidad, aunque la ausencia de normas para la Escuela de Paris para adolescentes en Brasil. Este estudio desarrolló normas del Rorschach para este grupo de edad y evaluó la producción asociada con el sexo, la edad y la escuela. Fueron evaluados individualmente por Rorschach (Escuela de Paris) 180 estudiantes de 15-17 años de edad, con signos típicos de desarrollo, examinando descriptivo y por inferencia de datos 54 variables del método. Los principales resultados medios fueron: (a) rendimiento: R = 17,7; (b) modos de percepción: G = 35,0%, D = 33,4%, Dd = 30,3%, Dbl = 1,1%; (c) determinantes y índices formales: F% = 54,5%, F+% = 55,6%, F+ext% = 57,3%; (d) el contenido predominante: A% = 51,0%, H% = 20,9%; (e) Banalidades = 17,0%. Fueran encontrados patrones específicos de respuesta como una función de el sexo, la edad y la escuela y, a partir de los resultados, es posible el interpretación de Rorschach en adolescentes en Brasil en el contexto contemporáneo.

INTRODUÇÃO: O clareamento dental representa uma manobra conservadora na recuperação estética de dentes com alterações cromáticas. Contudo, os tratamentos clareadores são passíveis de causar efeitos adversos, quando não bem planejados e executados. OBJETIVO: Este estudo avaliou a influência do gel clareador no aumento da temperatura intra-câmara pulpar através da técnica de clareamento dental fotoativado realizado em consultório. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Um incisivo central superior humano foi seccionado na porção radicular 3 mm abaixo da junção cemento-esmalte. O canal radicular foi alargado para permitir a introdução do sensor do termômetro na câmara pulpar, a qual foi preenchida com pasta térmica, favorecendo a transferência de calor das paredes dentárias para o sensor do termômetro digital com termopar tipo K (MT- 401A) durante o clareamento. Três agentes clareadores fotossensíveis (peróxido de hidrogênio a 35%) foram utilizados, sendo: Whiteness HP (FGM), Whiteness HP Maxx (FGM) e Lase Peroxide Sensy (DMC). Um aparelho fotopolimerizador de led (Flash Lite - Discus Dental) foi empregado para a ativação dos géis clareadores. Seis ciclos de clareamento foram realizados para cada grupo testado. Os resultados foram submetidos à ANOVA de um critério e ao teste t (LSD) (α<0,05). RESULTADO: A menor média de variação de temperatura (ºC) foi observada com o Lase Peroxide Sensy (0,20), enquanto que a maior com o Whiteness HP (1,50). CONCLUSÃO: Os géis clareadores Whiteness HP e Whiteness HP Maxx interferiram significativamente no aumento da temperatura intra-câmara pulpar durante o clareamento, sendo esta variação dependente do tipo de gel clareador empregado.

INTRODUCTION: Dental bleaching is a conservative method for the aesthetic restoration of stained teeth. However, whitening treatments are likely to cause adverse effects when not well planned and executed. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the influence of whitening gel on temperature rise in the pulp chamber, using the in-office photoactivated dental bleaching technique. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The root portion of an upper central human incisor was sectioned 3mm below the cemento-enamel junction. The root canal was enlarged to permit the insertion of the K-type thermocouple sensor (MT-401) into the pulp chamber, which was filled with thermal paste to facilitate the transfer of heat during bleaching. Three photosensitive whitening agents (35% hydrogen peroxide) were used: Whiteness HP (FGM), Whiteness HP Maxx (FGM) and Lase Peroxide Sensy (DMC). An LED photocuring light (Flash Lite - Discus Dental) was used to activate the whitening gels. Six bleaching cycles were performed on each group tested. The results were submitted to one-way ANOVA and LSD t-test (α<0.05). RESULT: The lowest mean temperature variation (ºC) was detected for Lase Peroxide Sensy (0.20), while the highest was recorded for Whiteness HP (1.50). CONCLUSION: The Whiteness HP and Whiteness HP Maxx whitening gels significantly affected the temperature rise in the pulp chamber during bleaching, and this variation was dependent on the type of whitening gel used.

Introducción. Las geohelmintiasis son un problema de salud pública en países en vía de desarrollo. Los estudios de diagnóstico a nivel individual, así como los estudios de población, deben incorporar evaluaciones de su validez y fiabilidad. Objetivo. Comparar el examen directo, el método de Ritchie-Frick modificado, el de Kato-Katz brasilero y el de Kato-Katz de la OMS, para el diagnóstico de geohelmintos. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de fiabilidad de pruebas diagnósticas. La misma muestra de materia fecal fue analizada por el mismo observador, empleando cuatro pruebas. Se recolectaron 204 muestras, de las cuales se analizaron 194 que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Los observadores no conocían la identidad de los participantes, ni el resultado en las otras pruebas. Para el análisis se tomó como método de referencia, la prueba de Kato-Katz de la OMS. Para evaluar la fiabilidad se emplearon el porcentaje de concordancia, el porcentaje de concordancia positiva, la prueba estadística kappa y el coeficiente de correlación intraclase. Resultados. Se encontró un buen desempeño de la prueba brasilera de Kato-Katz, con alta sensibilidad y especificidad para Trichuris trichiura y Uncinaria sp., 0,97 y 0,96 respectivamente, en ambos valores, y alta especificidad y moderada sensibilidad para Ascaris lumbricoides (0,95 y 0,79), y un desempeño entre moderado y pobre para la prueba de Ritchie-Frick y el examen directo. Las diferencias fueron mayores para Uncinaria sp. y T. trichiura , que para A. lumbricoides. Conclusión. La prueba brasilera de Kato-Katz podría ser implementada, pero se necesitan más estudios para considerar la relación de su capacidad operativa con su factibilidad, disponibilidad y costo.

Introduction. Soil-transmitted helminth infections are considered a public health problem in developing countries. The diagnostic tests, both for individual parient diagnosis as for population studies should be evaluated in terms of validity and reliability. Objective. To compare the direct examination, the modified Ritchie-Frick method, a Kato-Katz designed by a Brazilian group and one designed by the WHO, for the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminthes. Materials and methods. A diagnostic test reliability study was performed. The same stool sample was analyzed by the same observer using four diagnostic tests. 204 samples were obtained, 194 of those fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The observers did not know the participants' identity neither the other tests results. For the analysis the Kato-Katz (WHO) was considered as the gold standard. For the reliability assessment percent agreement, positive percent agreement, Kappa statistic, and intraclass correlation were performed. Results. The Brazilian Kato-Katz showed a good performance with high sensitivity and specificity for T. trichiura and Hookworm with values of 0.97 and 0.96 respectively, and a high specificity with mild sensitivity for A. lumbricoides (0.95 and 0.79) meanwhile the direct examination and the Ritche-Frick method showed a performance between mild and poor. The differences were higher for hookworm and Trichiuris trichiura than for Ascaris lumbricoides. Conclusion. The Brazilian Kato Katz test could be implemented, but further studies are needed to correlate its operative capacity with its feasibility, availability and cost.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da instilação intrapulmonar de Benzo[a]pireno na apoptose pulmonar de ratos Wistar. MÉTODOS: Rattus norvegicus albinus, linhagem Wistar machos foram submetidos à instilação intra-pulmonar da diluição em álcool 70% de Benzo[a]pireno (B[a]P). Foram formados três grupos experimentais com 08 animais cada: Grupo Controle (álcool 70%); Grupo B[a]P 40 mg/kg; e Grupo B[a]P 80mg/kg, submetidos a eutanásia 16 e 18 semanas após o procedimento experimental. As secções pulmonares foram processadas pelo método TUNEL e submetidas à análise histomorfométrica para quantificação do número de células apoptóticas. RESULTADOS: Após 16 semanas, a média do número de células apoptóticas do grupo controle (19,3±3,2) mostrou-se maior que o grupo 40mg/Kg (11,8±1,9; p<0,01) e 80mh/Kg (7,0±1,4; p<0,01). Diferença significante foi também observada entre os grupos 40mg/Kg e 80mg/Kg (p<0,05). Após 18 semanas, a média do número de células apoptóticas do grupo controle (18,0±2,2) mostrou-se maior que o grupo 40mg/Kg (8,8±1,7; p<0,01) e 80mh/Kg (5,5±1,3; p<0,01). Não foi observada diferença significante entre os grupos 40 e 80mg/Kg (ns). CONCLUSÃO: A instilação intrapulmonar de Benzo[a]pireno induziu diminuição significativa da atividade apoptótica em tecido pulmonar.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of pulmonary instillation of Benzo[a]pyrene in lung apoptosis of Wistar rats. METHODS: Male Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar lineage was carried through an intra-pulmonary instillation of the Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) dilution in alcohol 70%. Three experimental groups had been formed with 08 animals each: Control Group (Alcohol 70%); B[a]P Group 40 mg/kg; e B[a]P Group 80mg/kg, submitted to euthanasia 16 and 18 weeks after the experimental procedure. The pulmonary sections had been processed by TUNEL method and submitted to the histomorphometric analysis to quantify the apoptotic cell number. RESULTS: After 16 weeks, mean of apoptotic cells number in control group (19,3±3,2) was greater than 40mg/Kg group (11,8±1,9; p<0,01) and 80mg/Kg group (7,0±1,4; p<0,01). Significant difference also observed between 40mg/Kg and 80mg/Kg (p<0,05). After 18 weeks, mean of apoptotic cells number in control group (18,0±2,2) was greater than 40mg/Kg group (8,8±1,7; p<0,01) and 80mg/Kg group (5,5±1,3; p<0,01). Significant difference wasn't observed between 40mg/Kg and 80mg/Kg (ns). CONCLUSION: Intra-pulmonary instillation of Benzo[a]pyrene induces significant decrease of apoptotic activity in lung tissue.

Las parasitosis intestinales son enfermedades desasistidas de los países en vías de desarrollo, en comunidades sub-urbanas, rurales, marginales e indígenas, desfavorecidas por la atención médica calificada. En Venezuela se estima una prevalencia de 7 % para Hymenolepis nana. El presente estudio epidemiológico de prevalencia en el sector Fray Ignacio Álvarez, Escuque-Trujillo, fue diseñado para determinar la ocurrencia las parasitosis intestinales, de Hymenolepis nana, correlacionar las variables epidemiológicas (Graffar-Méndez Castellano) con las parasitosis intestinales y evaluar la confiabilidad del método de Kato Katz, utilizando como método gold standard el Formol-Tritón-Éter (FTE), en el hallazgo de Hymenolepis nana. Se encuestaron a 319 personas y se realizaron 224 Kato Katz y 224 Formol-Tritón-Éter. Las condiciones higiénico-sanitarias y los síntomas gastrointestinales compatibles con himenolepiosis fueron frecuentes en la comunidad, pero sólo 2,2 % (5/224) fueron positivos por formol-tritón-éter. El 50,2 %, de los individuos encuestados se encuentran en pobreza relativa. El riesgo de prevalencia a estar infectado por cualquier parásito, se relacionó con el estrato socioeconómico IV y V (riesgo de prevalencia=11,03; 95 %; P= 0,012), con el mayor índice de Graffar (riesgo de prevalencia=21,04; 95 %; P= 0,000) y con la menor instrucción de la madre (riesgo de prevalencia=26,32; 95 %; P=0,012). El Método Graffar-Méndez Castellano es confiable para estimar la probabilidad de los individuos de estar infectados con parasitosis intestinales; por el contrario, el método de Kato-Katz no es confiable para la determinación de Himenolepis nana ni de otros céstodes, por lo que en estudios de prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales debe emplearse otras técnicas coprológicas de concentración.

The intestinal parasitosis are neglected diseases of developing countries in sub-urban, rural, indigenous and marginalized communities, disadvantaged by qualified medical care. In Venezuela is estimated a 7 % of prevalence for Hymenolepis nana. This epidemiological study of prevalence in the Fray Ignacio Alvarez sector, Escuque-Trujillo, was designed to determine the occurrence of intestinal parasitosis, of Hymenolepis nana, correlate epidemiological variables (Graffar Mendez Castellanos) with the I intestinal parasitosis and assess the reliability Kato Katz method, using as the gold standard method Formol-Triton-ether, in finding Hymenolepis nana. It were surveyed 319 people and conducted 224 Kato Katz and 224 Formol-Triton-ether. The sanitary-hygienic conditions and gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with himenolepiosis were common in the community, but only 2.2 % (5 / 224) were positive for Formol-Triton-ether. The 50.2 % of individuals surveyed were in relative poverty. The prevalence of risk to be infected by any parasite was related to IV and V socioeconomic status (prevalence of risk = 11.03, 95 %, P = 0.012), with the highest rate of Graffar (prevalence of risk = 21.04, 95 %, P = 0.000) and with the least education of the mother (prevalence of risk = 26.32, 95 %, P = 0012). The Graffar Méndez Castellanos method is reliable to estimate the probability of being infected individuals with intestinal parasitosis; by contrast, Kato-Katz method is unreliable for determining neither Himenolepis nana nor other Cestoda and consequently for prevalence studies of intestinal parasite diseases must be employed other coprology concentration techniques.

INTRODUÇÃO: A segurança alimentar vêm adquirindo mundialmente uma importância crescente. As doenças transmitidas por alimentos (DTAS) têm impactos na saúde pública e socioeconômicos, acarretando custos hospitalares em tratamentos e internações. As pessoas envolvidas na produção de alimentos podem ser portadoras de enteroparasitos e vir a contaminar os alimentos, provocando surtos de origem alimentar. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a presença de enteroparasitoses em manipuladores de alimentos do município de Ribeirão Preto, SP, propondo medidas que assegurem a qualidade sanitária dos alimentos. MÉTODOS: Entre julho a dezembro de 2000, 429 manipuladores de alimentos (248 mulheres e 181 homens), com idades entre 16 e 77 anos, foram submetidos ao exame coproparasitológico por ocasião da obtenção ou renovação da carteira de saúde. As amostras de fezes foram examinadas pelos métodos de Kato e da sedimentação espontânea. A pesquisa de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp foi realizada em 7,0% das amostras de fezes diarréicas através da técnica de concentração pelo formol-éter. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas enteroparasitoses em 33,1% dos manipuladores, incluindo 20,0% de casos de poliparasitismo. Prevalências mais altas de infecções ocorreram entre os indivíduos envolvidos com atividades de manipulação direta dos alimentos (68%). CONCLUSÕES: Considerando os resultados obtidos, são necessários a educação sanitária e o treinamento dos manipuladores bem como a implementação da metodologia da Análise dos Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (APPCC) em todas as etapas da cadeia de produção dos alimentos, para garantir produtos alimentícios seguros aos consumidores.

INTRODUCTION: Food safety has become increasingly importance worldwide. Food borne diseases have impacts on public health and socioeconomic factors, accounting for hospital costs in treatments and hospitalizations. People involved in food production can be carriers of enteroparasites and contaminate food, causing food borne diseases OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of enteroparasites in food handlers in Ribeirão Preto, SP, proposing measures to ensure the sanitary quality of food. METHODS: From July to December 2000, 429 food handlers (248 women and 181 men), aged between 16 and 77 years, underwent coproparasitological analysis as a mandatory professional requirement. Fecal samples were analyzed by the Kato's and spontaneous sedimentation methods. Cryptosporidium spp oocysts were investigated in 7.0% of diarrheic fecal samples using the formalin-ether concentration technique. RESULTS: The results showed enteroparasitosis in 33.1% of food handlers, including 20.0% cases of multiple parasitic infections. A higher prevalence of infections (68.0%) was detected among the individuals involved in direct food handling activities. CONCLUSIONS: Considering these results, it is necessary to provide sanitary education and training to food handlers, and to implement the method of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) in all stages of the food chain so as to ensure food safety for consumers.

INTRODUÇÃO: A segurança alimentar vêm adquirindo mundialmente uma importância crescente. As doenças transmitidas por alimentos (DTAS) têm impactos na saúde pública e socioeconômicos, acarretando custos hospitalares em tratamentos e internações. As pessoas envolvidas na produção de alimentos podem ser portadoras de enteroparasitos e vir a contaminar os alimentos, provocando surtos de origem alimentar. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a presença de enteroparasitoses em manipuladores de alimentos do município de Ribeirão Preto, SP, propondo medidas que assegurem a qualidade sanitária dos alimentos. MÉTODOS: Entre julho a dezembro de 2000, 429 manipuladores de alimentos (248 mulheres e 181 homens), com idades entre 16 e 77 anos, foram submetidos ao exame coproparasitológico por ocasião da obtenção ou renovação da carteira de saúde. As amostras de fezes foram examinadas pelos métodos de Kato e da sedimentação espontânea. A pesquisa de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp foi realizada em 7,0% das amostras de fezes diarréicas através da técnica de concentração pelo formol-éter. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas enteroparasitoses em 33,1% dos manipuladores, incluindo 20,0% de casos de poliparasitismo. Prevalências mais altas de infecções ocorreram entre os indivíduos envolvidos com atividades de manipulação direta dos alimentos (68%). CONCLUSÕES: Considerando os resultados obtidos, são necessários a educação sanitária e o treinamento dos manipuladores bem como a implementação da metodologia da Análise dos Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (APPCC) em todas as etapas da cadeia de produção dos alimentos, para garantir produtos alimentícios seguros aos consumidores.

INTRODUCTION: Food safety has become increasingly importance worldwide. Food borne diseases have impacts on public health and socioeconomic factors, accounting for hospital costs in treatments and hospitalizations. People involved in food production can be carriers of enteroparasites and contaminate food, causing food borne diseases OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of enteroparasites in food handlers in Ribeirão Preto, SP, proposing measures to ensure the sanitary quality of food. METHODS: From July to December 2000, 429 food handlers (248 women and 181 men), aged between 16 and 77 years, underwent coproparasitological analysis as a mandatory professional requirement. Fecal samples were analyzed by the Kato's and spontaneous sedimentation methods. Cryptosporidium spp oocysts were investigated in 7.0% of diarrheic fecal samples using the formalin-ether concentration technique. RESULTS: The results showed enteroparasitosis in 33.1% of food handlers, including 20.0% cases of multiple parasitic infections. A higher prevalence of infections (68.0%) was detected among the individuals involved in direct food handling activities. CONCLUSIONS: Considering these results, it is necessary to provide sanitary education and training to food handlers, and to implement the method of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) in all stages of the food chain so as to ensure food safety for consumers.

Parasitic infestations affect mainly infantile population of low economic resources. In order to assess this evidence, pathological antecedents of diarrhea, superior and inferior respiratory infection and measles were evaluated in 257 apparently healthy children (boys and girls) aged 2-18 from the South of Valencia city, Edo. Carabobo 250 feces samples were examinationed by fresh and Kato method. The Anthropometric nutritional status was determined by combination of indicators (corporal dimension, corporal composition) and mixed indicators. Sociodemográfic evaluation was performed by method of Graffar-Méndez. Frecuency distribution and Chi² association was measure, with a significance value of p < 0,05. It was found 49.6% of parasitic infestation with predominance of socioeconomic strata IV and V Monoparasitism and protozoa infestation were highly prevalent. Superior respiratory infection was the most frequent antecedent. A statistically significant association between diarrhea antecedents and parasite infestation, therewas more specifically between antecedent of acute diarrhea and infestación by Giardia lamblia or Trichuris trichiura. A statistically significant association was found among undernourishment, parasitism and antecedent of diarrhea, but it could not be demonstrated when discrimination by type of parasite and degree of undernourishment. Deleterious effect of parasitic infestation on the nutritional status; was found diarrhea antecedents can lead to the diagnosis, important cause of infantile morbidity in communities in poverty situation.

Las parasitosis afectan principalmente a la población infantil de bajos recursos económicos. A fin de establecer estas asociaciones se evaluaron los antecedentes patológicos previos al estudio (diarrea, infección respiratoria superior e inferior y sarampión) en 257 niños y niñas aparentemente sanos entre 2-18 años de edad, del Sur de Valencia, Edo. Carabobo. 250 muestras de heces fueron sometidas a examen al fresco y Kato. Se determinó el estado nutricional antropométrico utilizando combinación de indicadores (dimensión corporal, composición corporal) e indicadores mixtos y por el método de Graffar-Méndez Castellano se identificó la condición socioeconómica. El análisis estadístico comprendió distribución de frecuencias y Chi2 como medida de asociación; nivel de significancia de p < 0,05. Se encontró 49,6% de niños parasitados, predominio de estratos socioeconómicos IV y V y de monoparasitismo por protozoarios. El antecedente patológico más prevalente fue infección respiratoria superior. Existió una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre antecedente de diarrea y presencia de parásitos, más específicamente entre antecedente de diarrea aguda e infestación por Giardia lamblia y Trichuris trichiura. La asociación significativa encontrada entre desnutrición, parasitosis y antecedentes de diarrea, no pudo ser demostrada cuando se discriminó por tipo de parásito y grado de desnutrición. Se evidenció un efecto deletéreo de las parasitosis sobre el estado nutricional. Los antecedentes de diarrea pueden orientar hacia el diagnóstico de parasitosis, causa importante de morbilidad infantil en comunidades en situación de pobreza.

Condiciones de vida deficientes, contaminación fecal de agua, de alimentos y del suelo favorecen la transmisión de parásitos intestinales. Para establecer asociación entre pobreza e infestación parasitaria se evaluaron aspectos socio-sanitarios (composición familiar, estrato social, vivienda), ambientales (agua, excretas) y coproparasitológicos (examen directo y kato) en 257 sujetos (2 a 18 años), de Valencia Estado Carabobo. Se encontró: Predominio de escolares en estrato IV, de estructura monofamiliar y de 5 personas por grupo; 48,2% de infestación, alta prevalencia en escolares (mono (57,3%) y poliparasitismo (52,6%). Los protozoarios fueron más prevalentes en el estrato IV (63,9%) y los helmintos en el estrato V (64,3%). No se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre estrato socioeconómico por el método de Graffar- Méndez Castellano y parasitosis, pero sí entre parasitosis y ausencia de cloacas, agua no tratada, baño intradomiciliario, ausencia de piso y número de personas por familia. Predominio de protozoarios en familias de hasta 5 personas (56,6%) y helmintos en familias con mas de de cinco personas (78,6%). Asociación significativa entre Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba coli y Ascaris lumbricoides y familias de más de 5 personas. Hubo estrecha aociación entre parasitosis y condiciones socio-sanitarias, ambientales y conductuales, lo que favorece la morbilidad en este grupo poblacional, perpetuando el ciclo de pobreza e infestación parasitaria.

Poor living conditions, fecal contamination of food, water and soil are factors that contribute to intestinal parasites transmission. In order to stablish association between poverty and parasitary infectation, socio-sanitary (family structure, social stratum, housing), environmental (water and excreta disposition) and coproparasitological (direct and kato examination) aspects were evaluated, in 257 subjects (2-18 years old), from Valencia, Carabobo State. Findings were: High prevalence of school children, of stratum IV, of monofamiliar structure, with five persons per group. Parasite infestation was found in 48.2% of children, more prevalent in school children, with mono (53.7%) and poliparasitism (52.6%). Protozoa forms were more prevalent in stratum IV (63.9%) and helminthes forms in stratum V (64.3%). There was not statistically significant association between socioeconomic strata assessed by Graffar-Méndez Castellano method and parasitic infestation, but between parasitic infestation and sociosanitary conditions (absence of sewers, non-treated water, intradomiciliary bath, absence of floor and number of people by family), statistically significant association was present. Predominance of protozoa in subjects from small families groups (less than five persons) was 56.6% while in children from large families groups (higher than five persons), prevalence of helminthes was 78.6%. Significant association was found between Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba coli and Ascaris lumbricoides and large families groups. It is concluded that a strong and significant association was found between parasite infestations and socio-sanitary, environmental and cultural conditions, situation that favours a high morbidity rate, which perpetuates the interactions cycle of poverty and parasite infestations.

Para determinar la prevalencia de parásitos intestinales en gestantes con edades comprendidas entre 14 y 43 años de la Maternidad Dr. Armando Castillo Plaza del Municipio Maracaibo, Venezuela; se analizaron 120 muestras fecales, a las cuales se les practicó métodos coproparasitológicos mediante examen al fresco con SSF y coloraciones temporales de lugol y nair, técnicas de concentración de formol - éter, coloración de Kinyoun para el diagnóstico de coccidios intestinales y técnica de recuento de huevos (Kato-Katz) para determinar la severidad de las Geohelmintiasis. Se encontró una prevalencia de infestación parasitaria en un 65,9% y el grupo etario más afectado fue el de 23 a 31 años (48,1%). Las principales especies parasitarias encontradas fueron B. hominis (48,3%), E. nana (25%), E. coli, complejo E. histolytica/E. dispar (13,3%), T. trichiura (4,2%). A. lumbricoides (3,3%), S. stercoralis (1,6%), Ancylostomideos y Taenia sp. (0,8%). No se detectó la presencia de coccidios intestinales. El análisis estadístico de Ji cuadrado (X²) no mostró significancia entre las variables parasitismo - edad gestacional, parasitismo -grupo etario, parasitismo - anemia. La población de gestantes estudiadas es susceptible a las infestaciones por parasitosis intestinales.

For to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in pregnant women between 14 and 43 years old at Dr Armando Castillo Plaza maternity center in Maracaibo Municipality. 120 stool samples were obtained and analyzed by copro-parasitical methods such as fresh test with saline solution and lugol, and concentration techniques with formaldehyde - eter (Ritchie); Kinyoun coloration for the diagnosis of intestinal coccidios. Kato Katz method was performed demonstrating the geohelminthiasis severity. Parasite infestation prevalence was found in 65.9% and the most affected age group was the one between 23 and 31 years (48.1 %), with protozoal predominance (86%) over helminth (14%). The principal parasitical species found were B. hominis (48.3%), E. nana (25%), E. coli, E. histolytica / E. dispar complex (13.3%), T. trichiura (4.2%), A. lumbricoides (3.3%), S. stercoralis (1.6%), Ancylostomideos, Taenia sp. (0.8%). No intestinal coccidios were found in any of the analysis did not demostrate any significance between the variables parasitism - group by age, parasitism - pregnancy state and parasitism - anemia. The studied pregnant population is susceptible to be infested by intestinal parasites.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the validity of a recently developed rapid test - a colloidal dye immunofiltration assay (CDIFA) - used by health workers in field settings to identify villagers infected with Schistosoma japonicum. METHODS: Health workers in the field used CDIFA to test samples from 1553 villagers in two areas of low endemicity and an area where S. japonicum was not endemic in Anhui, China. All the samples were then tested in the laboratory by laboratory staff using a standard parasitological method (Kato-Katz), an indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA), and CDIFA. The results of CDIFA performed by health workers were compared with those obtained by Kato-Katz and IHA. FINDINGS: Concordance between the results of CDIFA performed in field settings and in the laboratory was high (kappa index, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.97). When Kato-Katz was used as the reference test, the overall sensitivity and specificity of CDIFA were 98.5% and 83.6%, respectively in the two villages in areas of low endemicity, while the specificity was 99.8% in the non-endemic village. Compared with IHA, the overall specificity and sensitivity of CDIFA were greater than 99% and 96%, respectively. With the combination of Kato-Katz and IHA as the reference standard, CDIFA had a sensitivity of 95.8% and a specificity of 99.5%, and an accuracy of 98.6% in the two areas of low endemicity. CONCLUSION: CDIFA is a specific, sensitive, and reliable test that can be used for rapid screening for schistosomiasis by health workers in field settings.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la validez de una prueba rápida desarrollada recientemente -prueba de inmunofiltración con colorante coloidal (PICC)- y empleada por agentes de salud sobre el terreno para identificar a los lugareños infectados por Schistosoma japonicum. MÉTODOS: Agentes de salud sobre el terreno utilizaron la PICC para analizar muestras de 1553 lugareños en dos zonas de baja endemicidad y una zona sin S. japonicum endémica de Anhui, China. Todas las muestras fueron analizadas en el laboratorio por personal técnico utilizando un método parasitológico estándar (Kato-Katz), una prueba de hemaglutinación indirecta (IHA) y la PICC. Los resultados de la PICC llevada a cabo por los agentes de salud fueron comparados con los obtenidos mediante las técnicas de Kato-Katz e IHA. RESULTADOS: Se observó una elevada concordancia entre los resultados de la PICC aplicada sobre el terreno y la practicada en el laboratorio (índice kappa = 0,95; intervalo de confianza del 95% = 0,93-0,97). Cuando se utilizó el método Kato-Katz como prueba de referencia, la sensibilidad y la especificidad generales de la PICC fueron de un 98,5% y un 83,6%, respectivamente, en las dos aldeas de las zonas de endemicidad baja, mientras que la especificidad fue del 99,8% en la aldea sin endemicidad. En comparación con la IHA, la especificidad y la sensibilidad generales de la PICC superaron el 99% y el 96%, respectivamente. Utilizando la combinación de Kato-Katz e IHA como referencia, la PICC presentó una sensibilidad del 95,8% y una especificidad del 99,5%, con una precisión del 98,6%, en las dos zonas de endemicidad baja. CONCLUSIÓN: La PICC constituye una prueba específica, sensible y fiable, que se presta a ser utilizada por los agentes de salud sobre el terreno para el cribado rápido de la esquistosomiasis.

OBJECTIF: Déterminer la validité d'un test diagnostique rapide (CDIFA) récemment mis au point, faisant appel à un colorant colloïdal et à la technique d'immunofiltration et destiné au dépistage sur le terrain par des agents de santé de Schistosoma japonicum chez les villageois. MÉTHODES: Des agents de santé présents sur le terrain ont appliqué le test CDIFA à des prélèvements effectués sur 1553 villageois provenant de deux zones de faible endémicité de la schistosomiase sino-japonaise et d'une zone où cette maladie n'est pas endémique, appartenant à la province d'Anhui, en Chine. Tous ces prélèvements ont ensuite été analysés en laboratoire par du personnel spécialisé utilisant une technique de diagnostic parasitologique classique (technique de Kato), la technique d'hémagglutination indirecte (IHA) et le test CDIFA. Les résultats des tests CDIFA effectués par les agents de santé ont été comparés à ceux obtenus par la technique de Kato et par hémagglutination indirecte. RÉSULTATS: Le taux de concordance entre les résultats des tests CDIFA effectués sur le terrain et en laboratoire est élevé (indice kappa : 0,95, intervalle de confiance à 95 % : 0,93- 0,97). Si l'on utilise la technique Kato comme référence, on parvient à une sensibilité et à une spécificité globales pour le test CDIFA de 98,5 % et de 83,6 % respectivement dans les deux villages situés en zones de faible endémicité, ainsi qu'à une spécificité de 99,8 % dans le village exempt de schistosomiase sino-japonaise à l'état endémique. Par comparaison avec la technique d'hémagglutination indirecte (IHA), la spécificité et la sensibilité globales du test CDIFA sont respectivement supérieures à 99 et 96 %. Si l'on se réfère à une combinaison de la technique KATO et de la technique d'hémagglutination indirecte, on obtient pour le test CDIFA une sensibilité de 95,8 % et une spécificité de 99,5 %, ainsi qu'une précision de 98,6 % dans les deux zones d'endémicité. CONCLUSION: Le test CDIFA offre une méthode spécifique, sensible et fiable permettant le dépistage rapide sur le terrain de la schistosomiase par les agents de santé.

En 1997 los adultos mayores de 60 años representaron el 7,1 % de la población de Costa Rica. En el pasado la mayoría de los estudios en parásitos intestinales realizados en Costa Rica se centraron en población pediátrica o general; en este estudio se investiga el parasitismo intestinal en esa población geriátrica. Las muestras de heces de 151 pacientes mayores de 60 años atendidos en el Hospital Nacional de Geriatría y Gerontología Dr. Raúl Blanco Cervantes fueron analizados mediante examen directo, con los métodos de Kato y Baermann y tinción de Ziehl-Neelsen en frío y Giemsa. Se encontraron 8 muestras positivas por Giardia y 8 por Cryptosporidium, para una prevalencia del 5,3%. También se encontró microsporidios (2,6%) y Entamoeba histolytical dispar (2%) y protozoarios comensales como Endolimax nana (5,3%) y Entamoeba coli (4%). El único helminto encontrado fue Strongyloides stercoralis (2%). Cuarenta pacientes exhibieron al menos un parásito, incluyendo protozoos o heimitos intestinales, lo que representa una prevalencia del 26,5%. La encuesta parasitológica de 1996 realizada en Costa Rica mostró una prevalencia del 21%. En el presente trabajo la prevalencia fue del 26,5%, incluyendo un 5,3% de casos de Cryptosporidium, 2,6% con microsporidios y 2% con Strongyloides stercoralis, parásitos no investigados en la encuesta nacional. El hallazgo de S stercoralis en población geriátrica es notable pues este parásito se relaciona con infecciones crónicas, a veces con décadas de evolución. Por lo tanto, es importante la inclusión del método de Baermann en los estudios coproparasitológicos, y especialmente cuanto se trate de adultos mayores.

In 1997 people older than 60 years represented the 7,1% of the Costa Rican population. In the past the majority of survey studies on intestinal parasites centered in pediatric or general populations. We have conducted a survey of the previously overlooked elderly population. Fecal samples from 151 elderly patients (older than 60 years) from the outpatient clinics of the Raúl Blanco Cervantes Hospital were analyzed by means of direct smears, Kato and Baermann methods, cool Ziel-Neelsen and Giemsa stains. We found 8 samples positive for Giardia, 8 positive for Cryptosporidium, representing a prevalence of 5,3%, respectively. We also found microsporidia (2,6%) and Entamoeba histolytical dispar (2%). Forty patients had at least one parasite, including intestinal protozoa or helmints, showing a prevalence of 26,5%. The last national survey of intestinal parasites realizard in Costa Rica in 1996 showed a prevalence of 21%. Ih this study we show a prevalence of 26,5%, including 5,3% of cases of Cryptosporidium, 2,6% of microsporidium, and 2% of S. stercoralls. These parasites were not investigated in the National survey. In older patients, the presence of S. stercoralls is noteworthy, since it is related to chronic infection, sometimes spanning several decades. Thus, we recomended the application of the more sensitive Baermann method in coproparasitologic studies, means in elderly oppulations.

Intestinal parasitism is a significant problem for world health. An epidemiological and descriptive study was conducted among food handlers at the main centers of elaboration in the city of Santa Clara, Villa Clara province, during 1998. The pathogenic enteroparasites found by order of frequency were Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba hitolytica, which were detected by using Ritchie's and direct method for such parasites. The Katokatz's technique was more efficient for the diagnosis of geohelminth. It was underlined the function of the medical team at the working centers.

El parasitismo intestinal representa un significativo problema en la salud mundial. Se realiza un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo en manipuladores de alimentos de los principales centros de elaboración de la ciudad de Santa Clara, provincia Villa Clara, durante 1998. Los enteroparásitos patógenos encontrados por orden de frecuencia fueron la Giardia lamblia y la Entamoeba hitolytica; detectados por método directo y de ritchie para dichos parásitos. La técnica de kato katz fue más eficaz para el diagnóstico de los geohelmintos. Se resalta la función del personal médico en centros de trabajo.