Abstract Objective To explore general practitioner (GP) training, continuing professional development, scope of practice, ethical issues and challenges in the working environment in three European countries. Method Qualitative study of 35 GPs from England, Germany and Spain working in urban primary care practices. Participants were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed by four independent researchers adopting a thematic approach. Results Entrance to and length of GP training differ between the three countries, while continuing professional development is required in all three, although with different characteristics. Key variations in the scope of practice include whether there is a gatekeeping role, whether GPs work in multidisciplinary teams or singlehandedly, the existence of appraisal processes, and the balance between administrative and clinical tasks. However, similar challenges, including the need to adapt to an ageing population, end-of-life care, ethical dilemmas, the impact of austerity measures, limited time for patients and gaps in coordination between primary and secondary care are experienced by GPs in all three countries. Conclusion Primary health care variations have strong historical roots, derived from the different national experiences and the range of clinical services delivered by GPs. There is a need for an accessible source of information for GPs themselves and those responsible for safety and quality standards of the healthcare workforce. This paper maps out the current situation before Brexit is being implemented in the UK which could see many of the current EU arrangements and legislation to assure professional mobility between the UK and the rest of Europe dismantled.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la formación, el desarrollo profesional continuado, el ámbito de práctica, las cuestiones éticas y los retos en el entorno laboral de los médicos de atención primaria en tres países europeos. Método Estudio cualitativo de 35 médicos de atención primaria de Inglaterra, Alemania y España que trabajan en centros urbanos de atención primaria. Se reclutó a los participantes utilizando técnicas de muestreo de oportunidad y con efecto multiplicador. Se registraron, transcribieron y analizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas por cuatro investigadores independientes, quienes adoptaron un enfoque temático. Resultados El acceso y la duración de la formación del médico de atención primaria difieren entre los tres países, mientras que se requiere desarrollo profesional continuado en los tres, aunque con características diferentes. Las variaciones clave en el ámbito de la práctica incluyen la existencia de un papel curativo, si el trabajo de médico de atención primaria se realiza en equipos multidisciplinarios o de manera individual, la existencia de procesos de valoración, y el equilibrio entre las tareas administrativas y clínicas. Sin embargo, los médicos de atención primaria en los tres países se enfrentan a retos similares, que incluyen la necesidad de adaptarse al envejecimiento de la población, la atención al final de la vida, el impacto de las medidas de austeridad, la limitación del tiempo de dedicación al paciente, y las brechas en cuanto a coordinación entre la atención primaria y secundaria. Conclusión Las variaciones de la atención primaria tienen fuertes raíces históricas, que se derivan de las diferentes experiencias nacionales y el rango de los servicios clínicos proporcionados por los médicos de atención primaria. Existe una necesidad de fuentes de información accesibles para dichos médicos, y aquellos responsables de los estándares de seguridad y calidad del personal sanitario. Este trabajo esboza la situación actual que está siendo implementada en el Reino Unido con anterioridad al Brexit, que podría vislumbrar muchos de los acuerdos y legislaciones actuales de la UE para garantizar la movilidad profesional entre el Reino Unido y el resto de la Europa desmantelada.

Abstract Objective To explore general practitioner (GP) training, continuing professional development, scope of practice, ethical issues and challenges in the working environment in three European countries. Method Qualitative study of 35 GPs from England, Germany and Spain working in urban primary care practices. Participants were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed by four independent researchers adopting a thematic approach. Results Entrance to and length of GP training differ between the three countries, while continuing professional development is required in all three, although with different characteristics. Key variations in the scope of practice include whether there is a gatekeeping role, whether GPs work in multidisciplinary teams or singlehandedly, the existence of appraisal processes, and the balance between administrative and clinical tasks. However, similar challenges, including the need to adapt to an ageing population, end-of-life care, ethical dilemmas, the impact of austerity measures, limited time for patients and gaps in coordination between primary and secondary care are experienced by GPs in all three countries. Conclusion Primary health care variations have strong historical roots, derived from the different national experiences and the range of clinical services delivered by GPs. There is a need for an accessible source of information for GPs themselves and those responsible for safety and quality standards of the healthcare workforce. This paper maps out the current situation before Brexit is being implemented in the UK which could see many of the current EU arrangements and legislation to assure professional mobility between the UK and the rest of Europe dismantled.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la formación, el desarrollo profesional continuado, el ámbito de práctica, las cuestiones éticas y los retos en el entorno laboral de los médicos de atención primaria en tres países europeos. Método Estudio cualitativo de 35 médicos de atención primaria de Inglaterra, Alemania y España que trabajan en centros urbanos de atención primaria. Se reclutó a los participantes utilizando técnicas de muestreo de oportunidad y con efecto multiplicador. Se registraron, transcribieron y analizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas por cuatro investigadores independientes, quienes adoptaron un enfoque temático. Resultados El acceso y la duración de la formación del médico de atención primaria difieren entre los tres países, mientras que se requiere desarrollo profesional continuado en los tres, aunque con características diferentes. Las variaciones clave en el ámbito de la práctica incluyen la existencia de un papel curativo, si el trabajo de médico de atención primaria se realiza en equipos multidisciplinarios o de manera individual, la existencia de procesos de valoración, y el equilibrio entre las tareas administrativas y clínicas. Sin embargo, los médicos de atención primaria en los tres países se enfrentan a retos similares, que incluyen la necesidad de adaptarse al envejecimiento de la población, la atención al final de la vida, el impacto de las medidas de austeridad, la limitación del tiempo de dedicación al paciente, y las brechas en cuanto a coordinación entre la atención primaria y secundaria. Conclusión Las variaciones de la atención primaria tienen fuertes raíces históricas, que se derivan de las diferentes experiencias nacionales y el rango de los servicios clínicos proporcionados por los médicos de atención primaria. Existe una necesidad de fuentes de información accesibles para dichos médicos, y aquellos responsables de los estándares de seguridad y calidad del personal sanitario. Este trabajo esboza la situación actual que está siendo implementada en el Reino Unido con anterioridad al Brexit, que podría vislumbrar muchos de los acuerdos y legislaciones actuales de la UE para garantizar la movilidad profesional entre el Reino Unido y el resto de la Europa desmantelada.

Resumo A determinação das características operacionais e de participação social de iniciativas de coleta seletiva no município de Vitória, no Espírito Santo, Brasil, envolveu oito condomínios residenciais verticalizados. Para avaliar o comportamento da geração de resíduos sólidos/recicláveis, foram executadas 16 campanhas durante um mês. Em três delas, foi avaliado o gerenciamento por meio de: checklist das condições operacionais; entrevistas com roteiro semiestruturado; observações e registros de campo; e monitoramento do programa. O resíduo sólido mais representativo foi o papel (46,8%), e o menos observado, o eletroeletrônico (0,6%). Verificou-se alta taxa de rejeitos (18,1%), denotando falhas na segregação. A geração média per capita resultou em 0,07 kg/hab/dia com participação de 25,3% dos moradores, não sendo observada diferença significativa entre as semanas. Observou-se correlação negativa entre geração per capita e número de apartamentos, sugerindo que condomínios com mais residências têm dificuldades de disseminar a coleta seletiva, levando à baixa participação. Infraestrutura, coleta, rotatividade e ações de divulgação são gargalos operacionais.

Abstract The determination of the operational and social characteristics of the selective collection initiatives of Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil, involved eight residential condominiums. To evaluate the behavior of solid/recyclable waste generation, throughout the month, 16 campaigns were carried out. In three of these campaigns, the management was evaluated using: checklist; semi-structured interview; observations; field records and programs monitoring. The most representative in weight was the paper (46.8%) and the most less observed was the electronic (0.6%). There was a high rate of refuse (18.1%), indicating segregation failures. The average per capita generation of dry waste resulted in 0.07 kg/person/day for the participation of 25.3% of residents, and no significant difference was observed between the weeks. There was a negative correlation between the generation and the number of apartments, suggesting that condominiums with more households have difficulties to spread the selective collection, leading to lower participation rates. Infrastructure, collection, turnover, and dissemination actions are operational constraints.

ABSTRACT Seven sites were examined in the Challhuaco-Ñireco system, located in the reserve of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, however part of the catchment is urbanized, being San Carlos de Bariloche (150,000 inhabitants) placed in the lower part of the basin. Physico-chemical variables were measured and benthic macroinvertebrates were collected during three consecutive years at seven sites from the headwater to the river outlet. Sites near the source of the river were characterised by Plecoptera, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera and Diptera, whereas sites close to the river mouth were dominated by Diptera, Oligochaeta and Mollusca. Regarding functional feeding groups, collector-gatherers were dominant at all sites and this pattern was consistent among years. Ordination Analysis (RDA) revealed that species assemblages distribution responded to the climatic and topographic gradient (temperature and elevation), but also were associated with variables related to human impact (conductivity, nitrate and phosphate contents). Species assemblages at headwaters were mostly represented by sensitive insects, whereas tolerant taxa such as Tubificidae, Lumbriculidae, Chironomidae and crustacean Aegla sp. were dominant at urbanised sites. Regarding macroinvertebrate metrics employed, total richness, EPT taxa, Shannon diversity index and Biotic Monitoring Patagonian Stream index resulted fairly consistent and evidenced different levels of disturbances at the stream, meaning that this measures are suitable for evaluation of the status of Patagonian mountain streams.

RESUMEN Siete sitios fueron examinados en el sistema lótico Challhuaco-Ñireco, ubicado dentro del Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi (PNNH), sin embargo parte de esta cuenca está urbanizada ya que atraviesa la ciudad de San Carlos de Bariloche (150,000 habitantes). Se midieron variables físico-químicas y se colectaron los macroinvertebrados bentónicos durante tres años consecutivos en siete sitios desde la cabecera hasta la desembocadura. Plecoptera, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera y Diptera predominaron en los sitios cercanos a la cabecera, mientras que Diptera, Oligochaeta y Mollusca dominaron los sitios más bajos cercanos a la desembocadura. En relación con los grupos funcionales, los colectores-recolectores fueron los dominantes en todos los sitios y este patrón fue consistente durante los tres años de muestreo. El análisis de ordenamiento (RDA) reveló que las distribuciones de los ensambles de especies respondieron al gradiente climático y topográfico (temperatura y elevación), pero también fueron asociados con variables relacionadas al impacto antrópico (conductividad, contenido de nitratos y fosfatos). Los ensambles en cabecera estuvieron representados por insectos sensibles, mientras que los taxones tolerantes como Tubificidae, Lumbriculidae, Chironomidae y el crustáceo Aegla sp. fueron dominantes en los sitios urbanizados. En relación con las métricas analizadas, la Riqueza total, el EPT taxa, la diversidad de Shannon y el índice biótico BMPS evidenciaron diferentes niveles de disturbio en el sistema, demostrando que estas medidas son una excelente herramienta para determinar el estado de los ríos de montaña de la Patagonia.

Solving the Short Term Hydrothermal Coordination Problem considers the resolution of both the Unit Commitment and the Economic Dispatch for thermal and hydraulic units. This problem is solved for several time horizons between a day and a week with a one-hour step. The traditional short-term scheduling problem of hydrothermal units, minimizing fuel cost during a time, does not include concerns due to emission pollution coming from the operation of thermal plants. In this work, environmental constraints are considered. Focusing on avoiding post-dispatch corrections, the transmission network is modeled with a high level of detail considering an AC power fow. These facts lead to a very complex optimization problem which is solved by using a novel decomposition approach based on Generalized Benders Decomposition and traditional, well-known optimization techniques. The approach presented in this work allows the decomposition of the whole problem in a quadratic mixed integer master problem, and in a separable non-linear subproblem. The former defnes the state and the active power dispatched by each unit whereas the latter determines the reactive power to meet the electrical constraints through a modified AC optimal power fow. Diferent variations of the developed methodology were evaluated in order to consider environmental constraints. These approaches were applied to a 9-bus test case and to a 87-bus real system.

A efetividade de programas de coleta seletiva requer necessariamente o envolvimento dos cidadãos. Entrevistas realizadas com diferentes grupos populacionais do município de Vitória (ES), empregando metodologia qualitativa e a estratégia do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo, apontam que a participação voluntária da população nos programas de coleta seletiva é baixa, mas que pode aumentar em longo prazo. A adequação da estrutura operacional implantada para dar suporte ao programa de coleta seletiva e a existência de ações continuadas de divulgação, mobilização e informação são fatores facilitadores. A falta de divulgação dos resultados, a acomodação e o desinteresse da população, o descrédito relativo às ações oriundas do poder público, e a falta de espaço, nas residências para armazenar os resíduos recicláveis, dentre outros, são fatores que dificultam a participação na coleta seletiva.

Selective collection programs effectiveness mandates citizens' involvement. Interviews conducted among different population groups in the municipality of Vitória (ES) - Brazil - by use of qualitative methodology and the Discourse of the Collective Subject strategy point out that population voluntary participation in selective collection programs is low, but can increase in the long run. Adequation of the current operational structure and ongoing awareness, mobilization, and information campaigns are facilitating factors in supporting selective collection programs. Lack of results disclosure, population indifference and lack of action, discredit for governmental actions, and shortage of residential storage areas to accommodate recyclables are obstacles for taking part in selective collection.

Enzymes have been extensively used in organic solvents to catalyze a variety of reactions of biological and industrial significance. In this work, the characteristics of free and immobilized inulinase were investigated in buffered solutions of butyl acetate. The influences of the organic solvent content on the optimal temperature and pH, the stabilities to temperature and pH and the kinetic parameters were systematically evaluated. The results showed that the organic solvent content had no effect on the optimal pH, either in the free or immobilized inulinase. For the immobilized enzyme, the optimal temperatures ranged from 55ºC to 60ºC, depending on the content of butyl acetate. At higher butyl acetate content, the stability of the immobilized enzyme increased for both pH and temperature. The organic solvent showed the tendency to increase the values of the kinetic parameters Km and v max for both free and immobilized inulinase.

The objective of this article was to biologically validate the ¨field method¨ for estradiol fecal extraction in domestic felids by a comparative study of samples obtained in different stages of the estrous cycle. A total at of 40 fecal samples from 7 postpubertal female cats were included. The samples were collected in the estrous (n=22) and interestrous (n=18) stages (defined by behavior and vaginal cytology) during 12 months. The "field extraction method¨ was carried out and then 17ß estradiol was measured by radiommunoassay. Fecal estradiol concentration ranged from de 926 to 33320 pg/g wet weight. Mean ± SEM in estrous and interestrous samples were 11814±2171 pg/g and 3238±474 pg/g (p < 0.01), respectively. Longitudinal observation of estradiol values clearly indicated that peaks coincided with cytological and behavioral estrus.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue validar biológicamente la técnica "a campo" de extracción de estradiol fecal en felinos domésticos mediante un estudio comparativo de muestras tomadas en distintos momentos del ciclo estral. Se utilizaron un total de 40 muestras de materia fecal procedentes de 7 hembras felinas pospúberes. Las muestras fecales fueron recolectadas en la etapa de estro (n=22) e interestro (n=18) definidos por comportamiento y citología vaginal. durante 12 meses. Se realizó el método de extracción "a campo" y el 17ß estradiol fue determinado por radioinmunoensayo. La concentración de estradiol varió de 926 a 33.320 pg/g de materia fecal húmeda. La media ± SEM de las concentraciones de esta hormona en gatas en estro e interestro fueron de 11.814±2.171 pg/g y 3.238±474 pg/g (p < 0.01), respectivamente. La observación longitudinal de los valores de estradiol obtenidos en los animales indicó, claramente, que los picos eran coincidentes con el comportamiento y citología vaginal de estro.

INTRODUÇÃO: Com a evolução tecnológica e o crescimento da cardiologia intervencionista, os níveis de exposição aos raios X dos pacientes e da equipe técnica assim como o número de procedimentos de cateterismo têm aumentado consideravelmente. Isso tem impacto no inerente risco de exposição à radiação ionizante, ainda subestimado por muitos. Os níveis dessa exposição necessitam de mensuração e correção periódicas. Nosso objetivo foi investigar e aferir os níveis de radiação ionizante emitida por equipamentos de cinefluoroscopia. MÉTODOS: Foram realizados ensaios técnicos para avaliar a taxa de kerma no ar de 8 equipamentos de hemodinâmica. RESULTADOS: Apenas 2 (25%) dos 8 equipamentos apresentavam dosimetria dentro dos limites máximos de segurança. A média das doses foi 65% maior nos equipamentos com tecnologia flat detector. Após aplicação da manutenção supervisionada, verificou-se diminuição média de 42% nos valores dosimétricos. Todos os equipamentos foram aprovados nos ensaios de resolução espacial de alto e baixo contrastes, e a qualidade da imagem foi corroborada pela equipe médica. CONCLUSÕES: A maioria dos equipamentos analisados apresentava dosimetria acima dos limites máximos de segurança, particularmente com a tecnologia flat detector. Essas distorções foram corrigidas com medidas de supervisão simples, sem prejuízo à qualidade da imagem. Nossos resultados ressaltam a necessidade de criação de programas institucionais de qualidade visando à manutenção regular dos equipamentos e à incorporação criteriosa de novas tecnologias no intuito de minimizar os potenciais efeitos deletérios da radiação ionizante, promovendo maior segurança e economia.

BACKGROUND: With the technological evolution and expansion of interventional cardiology, the levels of X-ray exposure of patients and technical staff as well as the number of catheterization procedures have increased considerably. This has an impact on the inherent risk of exposure to ionizing radiation which is still underestimated by many. The levels of exposure must be routinely measured and adjusted. Our objective was to investigate and measure ionizing radiation levels emitted by cath lab X-ray equipments. METHODS: Technical tests were conducted to evaluate the air kerma of 8 X-ray equipments. RESULTS: Only 2 (25%) of the 8 equipments had dosimetry within maximum safety levels. The mean dose was 65% higher in devices with the flat detector technology. After supervised maintenance, there was a mean decrease of 42% in dosimetry values. All equipments were approved by the high and low contrast spatial resolution tests, and the image quality was approved by the medical team. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the equipments evaluated had dosimetry levels exceeding the maximum safety levels, especially those with the flat detector technology. These distortions were corrected by simple monitoring measures, without losses in image quality. Our results emphasizes the need to create institutional quality programs, to keep regular equipment maintenance and to exercise discretion in the incorporation of new technologies to minimize the potential effects of the deleterious effects of ionizing radiation, promoting greater safety and economy.

Avaliou-se a técnica de imunofluorescência indireta (IFA) na detecção de anticorpos contra o vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) numa pesquisa epidemiológica do FIV na Argentina. A IFA foi modificada e comparada com duas outras técnicas imunológicas: western blot (WB) e imunocromatografia em camadas (SI) com kit comercial e também com reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR) para detecção do DNA proviral. A IFA mostrou ser um teste com alta sensibilidade e especificidade e poderá ser empregada como ferramenta útil em estudos epidemiológicos. A baixa porcentagem de reatividade não específica pode ser esclarecida com testes mais avançados ou usando métodos alternativos.

This study evaluated an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detect feline immunodeficiency virus infection (FIV) antibody in a comprehensive epidemiological survey of FIV in Argentina. IFA modified in our laboratory, was compared with two other immunoassays, western blot (WB) and a sandwich immunochromatographic commercial kit (SI), and also with a direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method that detects proviral DNA. IFA showed to be a test with high sensitivity and specificity, and could be useful as a diagnostic tool in epidemiological studies. The presence of a low percentage of results with non-specific reactivity in the IFA could be resolved with further testing or use of an alternative method.

A avaliação de projetos de pesquisa em educação ambiental e em saneamento do meio, desenvolvidos em comunidades urbanas e rurais brasileiras, é uma atividade ainda bastante restrita, em que pese sua grande importância acadêmica e prática. Sua relevância é ainda maior quando se trata de pesquisa-ação, em que os pesquisadores desempenham papel ativo na busca de soluções para o equacionamento de problemas encontrados. A possibilidade de tornar disponíveis, às comunidades estudadas, os resultados de investigações, de forma simples e compreensível, pode servir de instrumento para melhor dimensionamento e eficácia de políticas públicas; além disso, fornece respostas aos pesquisadores, que podem embasar suas atuações futuras em realidades semelhantes. O presente artigo baseia-se em avaliação qualitativa e participativa do projeto "Educação ambiental via representações acadêmicas e populares do meio", desenvolvido nos municípios de Espírito Santo do Turvo e Vera Cruz, no oeste do estado de São Paulo, nos anos 1998 a 2001. Concluído o projeto, foram realizadas entrevistas para avaliá-lo com moradores do dois municípios, considerados personagens-chave nas ações locais empreendidas. Empregou-se metodologia qualitativa de pesquisa e roteiro previamente estruturado, com perguntas abertas. Os resultados demonstraram que características locais específicas condicionaram formas peculiares no desenvolvimento do projeto, levando, por conseguinte, a diferenças importantes no tocante à sua ressonância em cada município. Entretanto, de modo diferenciado, o projeto atingiu os objetivos de melhor capacitar os moradores para promover um desenvolvimento sustentável.

Project evaluation on environmental education and sanitation developed in Brazil has been very little used despite its academic and practical importance. Its relevance is even greater for research-action projects where investigators play an active role in search for solutions of the existing problems. Publicizing the research results to studied communities may help them to better plan future actions. This article is based on a qualitative and participatory evaluation of the project "Environmental education through social representations and technical information" developed in two municipalities in the western region of the state of Sao Paulo - Espírito Santo do Turvo and Vera Cruz - during the 1998-2001period. Results indicated that the local aspects contributed for different forms of project development and different evaluations by the studied communities. Nevertheless, in different ways, the project achieved its main objective, which was to prepare the local inhabitants for the promotion of a more sustainable development.

A avaliação de projetos de pesquisa em educação ambiental e em saneamento do meio, desenvolvidos em comunidades urbanas e rurais brasileiras, é uma atividade ainda bastante restrita, em que pese sua grande importância acadêmica e prática. Sua relevância é ainda maior quando se trata de pesquisa-ação, em que os pesquisadores desempenham papel ativo na busca de soluções para o equacionamento de problemas encontrados. A possibilidade de tornar disponíveis, às comunidades estudadas, os resultados de investigações, de forma simples e compreensível, pode servir de instrumento para melhor dimensionamento e eficácia de políticas públicas; além disso, fornece respostas aos pesquisadores, que podem embasar suas atuações futuras em realidades semelhantes. O presente artigo baseia-se em avaliação qualitativa e participativa do projeto "Educação ambiental via representações acadêmicas e populares do meio", desenvolvido nos municípios de Espírito Santo do Turvo e Vera Cruz, no oeste do estado de São Paulo, nos anos 1998 a 2001. Concluído o projeto, foram realizadas entrevistas para avaliá-lo com moradores do dois municípios, considerados personagens-chave nas ações locais empreendidas. Empregou-se metodologia qualitativa de pesquisa e roteiro previamente estruturado, com perguntas abertas. Os resultados demonstraram que características locais específicas condicionaram formas peculiares no desenvolvimento do projeto, levando, por conseguinte, a diferenças importantes no tocante à sua ressonância em cada município. Entretanto, de modo diferenciado, o projeto atingiu os objetivos de melhor capacitar os moradores para promover um desenvolvimento sustentável.

Project evaluation on environmental education and sanitation developed in Brazil has been very little used despite its academic and practical importance. Its relevance is even greater for research-action projects where investigators play an active role in search for solutions of the existing problems. Publicizing the research results to studied communities may help them to better plan future actions. This article is based on a qualitative and participatory evaluation of the project "Environmental education through social representations and technical information" developed in two municipalities in the western region of the state of Sao Paulo - Espírito Santo do Turvo and Vera Cruz - during the 1998-2001period. Results indicated that the local aspects contributed for different forms of project development and different evaluations by the studied communities. Nevertheless, in different ways, the project achieved its main objective, which was to prepare the local inhabitants for the promotion of a more sustainable development.

The aim of this work was to study the prevalence, the pathological findings as well as the etiology of rectal stricture in a farrow-to-finishing farm during two periods, 1996 and 1998-99. In the first period, over 660 necropsied pigs belonged to nursery, grower and fattener categories, monthly median percent was 7.5% with values higher than 10% in the summer months for all categories and in September and December for nursery and grower pigs, respectively. In the second period, 879 pigs were examined and rectal stricture accounted for 10.3% and rectal prolapse for 7.7% with an average age of 164.2±6.1 y 115.8±4.2 days, respectively. Affected pigs showed abdominal distension and poor growth. Gross findings were distended rectum, spiral colon and cecum usually with fibrinous peritonitis and pericarditis. The rectal stricture was found about 2.5 to 5 cm in craneal to the anus with 3 to 8 cm in lengh. Bacteriological studies carried out from selected samples were negative for a common swine gut pathogens. One hundred twenty two samples for aflatoxins and zearalenone and 36 for deoxynivalenol investigation of commodities by a competition ELISA test were performed. There was not a direct correlation between high incidence of rectal stricture and levels of zearalenone, even though on field situation, little is known about what happens when this mycotoxin is fed in low levels along the year, alone or in association with deoxynivalenol. It was concluded that rectal stricture is a condition that affects pig production. Their etiology appears multifactorial and mycotoxins, particularly zearalenone, seem to play an important role as a primary cause of rectal prolapse followed by rectal stricture as a sequel to untreated cases