Abstract Introduction: artisanal fishing and shellfish gathering are considered special activities under the Brazilian general social security system for the purposes of social security benefits. Objective: to describe the access to social security benefits for a traditional fishing quilombola community in northeastern Brazil, whose main occupational activity is shellfish extraction and processing. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in a community from Ilha da Maré, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Results: 213 fishermen (76.5% female) participated in the study, of which 62.9% did not receive social benefits. Although most participants undergoing an exhausting working hours (90.9%), with exposure to chemicals (83.9%), noise (69.9%) and solar radiation (88.2%), the majority of them do not earn an income that guarantees their family’s subsistence (79.6%). Conclusion: there is an important deficit in social security benefits access for a traditional quilombola population that meets the criteria for special insurance. Legislation must be adapted to ensure fairer access to social benefits for this population.

Resumo Introdução: a pesca artesanal e a mariscagem são consideradas atividades especiais, para fins de benefícios, no âmbito do Regime Geral de Previdência Social do Brasil. Objetivo: descrever o acesso aos benefícios previdenciários por uma população quilombola tradicional pesqueira no Nordeste do Brasil, cuja principal atividade ocupacional é a extração e beneficiamento de mariscos. Métodos: estudo transversal, descritivo, em uma comunidade da Ilha da Maré, em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas, utilizando questionários padronizados. Resultados: participaram 213 pescadores artesanais e marisqueiras, 76,5% do sexo feminino. Dentre os participantes, 62,9% não recebem nenhum tipo de benefício previdenciário. Apesar de se submeter a uma jornada de trabalho exaustiva (90,9%), com exposição a substâncias químicas (83,9%), ruído (69,9%) e radiação solar (88,2%), a maioria não obtém rendimentos que garantam a subsistência familiar (79,6%). Conclusão: há um importante déficit no recebimento de benefícios previdenciários em uma população quilombola tradicional que atende aos critérios de segurados especiais. Sugere-se adequação da legislação, de forma que o acesso aos benefícios se torne mais justo para as comunidades tradicionais.

BACKGROUND Leishmania parasites carry a double-stranded RNA virus (Leishmania RNA virus - LRV) that has been divided in LRV1 and LRV2. OBJECTIVES Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis clinical isolates were assessed in order to determine LRV presence. METHODS Two-round polymerase chain reaction (PCR and nested PCR) was performed to detect LRV1 or LRV2 in L. (V.) braziliensis clinical isolates (n = 12). FINDINGS LRV1 was detected in three clinical isolates which was phylogenetically related to other sequences reported from other American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) endemic areas of Brazil. Patients infected with L. (V.) braziliensis LRV-negative showed only cutaneous lesions while LRV-positive reported different manifestations. MAIN CONCLUSION Data presented here show for the first time that LRV1 is circulating in L. (V.) braziliensis clinical isolates from Rio de Janeiro State in Brazil.

RESUMO A presença da residência em saúde no território pode contribuir para decolonizar a Academia? Este artigo visa refletir sobre a possibilidade de decolonização dos processos de construção do conhecimento nas instituições de ensino, pesquisa e extensão por meio da presença de um Programa de Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde da Família com ênfase em Saúde da População do Campo no território. Trata-se de um relato de experiência, com base epistemológica das teorias pós-coloniais e decoloniais, em especial, a Pedagogia do Território. O estudo refere-se à intersecção da formação interdisciplinar e multiprofissional na ótica da relação território e saúde a partir da realidade da comunidade quilombola de Estivas, localizada na zona rural do município de Garanhuns, região agreste de Pernambuco. Conclui-se que a residência multiprofissional como instituidora de espaços coletivos possibilita um novo olhar para o território, a comunidade e o profissional da saúde, a fim de desenvolver suas ações pautadas na interdisciplinaridade e na educação popular como uma práxis. Permite ainda compreender outros modos de produzir saúde, estimulando não só a transformação na comunidade e do profissional de saúde, mas sobretudo da sociedade, sendo, portanto, um espaço potente no contributo para a decolonização da Academia.

ABSTRACT Can the presence of health residency in the territory be a way to decolonize the academy? This article addresses the possibility of decolonizing the academy through a multiprofessional family health residency program focused on rural health in the region. This is an experiential report whose epistemological basis is postcolonial and decolonial theories, especially the pedagogy of the territory, and includes elements of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary training, the territory and health, the relationship between the territory and the health of the rural population in the Quilombola community of Estivas, in the rural region of Garanhuns, Pernambuco. The conclusion is that the multiprofessional residency, as an institute of collective spaces, allows a new look at the territory, the community and health professionals to develop their actions based on interdisciplinarity, popular education and continuous training as a practice to understand other ways of producing health and stimulate change not only in the community and health professionals, but especially in society, making an important contribution to the decolonization of the academy.

RESUMO A presença da residência em saúde no território pode contribuir para decolonizar a Academia? Este artigo visa refletir sobre a possibilidade de decolonização dos processos de construção do conhecimento nas instituições de ensino, pesquisa e extensão por meio da presença de um Programa de Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde da Família com ênfase em Saúde da População do Campo no território. Trata-se de um relato de experiência, com base epistemológica das teorias pós-coloniais e decoloniais, em especial, a Pedagogia do Território. O estudo refere-se à intersecção da formação interdisciplinar e multiprofissional na ótica da relação território e saúde a partir da realidade da comunidade quilombola de Estivas, localizada na zona rural do município de Garanhuns, região agreste de Pernambuco. Conclui-se que a residência multiprofissional como instituidora de espaços coletivos possibilita um novo olhar para o território, a comunidade e o profissional da saúde, a fim de desenvolver suas ações pautadas na interdisciplinaridade e na educação popular como uma práxis. Permite ainda compreender outros modos de produzir saúde, estimulando não só a transformação na comunidade e do profissional de saúde, mas sobretudo da sociedade, sendo, portanto, um espaço potente no contributo para a decolonização da Academia. Academia ensino Tratase Trata se experiência póscoloniais pós coloniais decoloniais especial Território referese refere Estivas Garanhuns Pernambuco Concluise Conclui práxis sociedade sendo portanto

ABSTRACT Can the presence of health residency in the territory be a way to decolonize the academy? This article addresses the possibility of decolonizing the academy through a multiprofessional family health residency program focused on rural health in the region. This is an experiential report whose epistemological basis is postcolonial and decolonial theories, especially the pedagogy of the territory, and includes elements of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary training, the territory and health, the relationship between the territory and the health of the rural population in the Quilombola community of Estivas, in the rural region of Garanhuns, Pernambuco. The conclusion is that the multiprofessional residency, as an institute of collective spaces, allows a new look at the territory, the community and health professionals to develop their actions based on interdisciplinarity, popular education and continuous training as a practice to understand other ways of producing health and stimulate change not only in the community and health professionals, but especially in society, making an important contribution to the decolonization of the academy. theories Estivas Garanhuns Pernambuco spaces interdisciplinarity society

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as possibilidades tecnológicas de produção de extrudidos à base de farinha de castanha. Usou-se uma extrusora de parafuso único. Numa primeira etapa (teste A), testaram-se diferentes proporções de mistura de farinha de castanha e de milho, e, nas diferentes misturas foram ensaiados o teor de humidade e a temperatura de processamento. Avaliaram-se os produtos extrudidos quanto à taxa de expansão, quanto ao perfil de viscosidades obtido com o amilógrafo e quanto à textura estimada pelos parâmetros força e energia de rutura recorrendo a um texturómetro. Numa segunda etapa (teste B), fixou-se a composição de 100% de farinha de castanha, e testou-se a velocidade do parafuso. Os extrudidos obtidos foram avaliados como foi referido anteriormente. O delineamento experimental considerou assim três fatores (X1- humidade inicial das misturas, X2- temperatura de processamento e X3- incorporação de farinha de castanha no teste A ou velocidade do parafuso no teste B), com cinco níveis por fator e seis repetições para o ponto central. A farinha de castanha crua apresentou uma temperatura de gelatinização relativamente baixa (59 °C) e originou pastas de viscosidade elevada. O seu amido apresentou uma concentração de amilose de 43%, caracterizando-se por uma relação amilose/amilopectina de 0,75, a qual é superior à da maioria dos amidos dos cereais. O comportamento amilográfico das misturas e as características de textura dos extrudidos mostraram que a farinha de castanha tem potencial para ser utilizada como ingrediente na formulação de alimentos cozidos extrudidos. A análise sensorial revelou significativa aceitabilidade pelos elementos do painel para produtos processados a baixa humidade e temperatura intermédia.

Abstract The objective of this work was to study the technological possibilities of producing extrudates based on chestnut flour. A single screw extruder was used. In a first step (test A), different mix ratios of chestnut and corn flours were analysed. The moisture content and the processing temperature were tested in the different mixtures. The extruded products were evaluated for the expansion rate, the viscosity profile obtained with amilograph and the texture estimated by the parameters breaking strength and energy using a texturometer. In a second step (test B), the composition of 100% chestnut flour was fixed and the screw speed was tested. The obtained extrudates were evaluated as previously mentioned. The experimental design thus considered three factors (X1- moisture content of the mixtures, X2- processing temperature and X3 - incorporation of chestnut flour in test A or screw speed in test B), with five levels per factor and six repetitions for the central point. Raw chestnut flour had a relatively low gelatinization temperature (59 °C) and gave pastes with high viscosity. Its starch had an amylose content of 43%, characterized by an amylose / amylopectin ratio of 0.75, which is higher than most of the cereal starches. The amylographic behavior of the mixtures and the texture characteristics of the extrudates showed that chestnut flour has potential to be used as an ingredient in the formulation of extruded cooked foods. Sensory analysis revealed significant acceptability by the panel elements for products processed at low moisture content and intermediate temperature.

Abstract Our objective was to investigate whether the pulp and paper mill industry effluent could affect the testis and Sertoli cells in a fast exposure period. For this, the present study was carried out in immature rats at 10-day-old. Testis treated in vitro with 4% effluent for 1 h presented changes in energy metabolism in terms of a decrease in lactate content and glucose uptake. Elevation in GSH content, as an antioxidant defense mechanism, was also detected. Sertoli cells treated with 4% effluent for 1 hour showed alterations in the mitochondrial metabolism that favor the decoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and the generation of oxygen reactive species and also a time and concentration-dependent delay secretion of acidic vesicles. Our results showed that pollutants present in the pulp and paper mill effluents, in a short time of exposure, are capable of inducing alterations in important metabolic functions in the testis and in Sertoli cells that are crucial for the correct progression of spermatogenesis and fertility.

RESUMO: A Leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença zoonótica com reservatório canino na América do Sul. Cães oriundos de área endemica brasileira, naturalmente infectados por Leishmania infantum, apresentando doença clínica severa (CS) ou doença branda ou ausente (BA) foram avaliados. Carga parasitária, histopatologia e expressão de mRNA de citocinas e iNOS foram analisados em baço e fígado, buscando determinar possíveis marcadores de susceptibilidade ou resistência à doença. Como principais resultados, tanto cães CS como BA apresentaram alta carga parsitária. IFN-γ foi a citocina mais expressiva em ambos os órgãos, sendo IL-6 e IL-4 também detectadas em baço e fígado e IL-10 em fígado. No tecido hepático foram encontradas as maiores medianas de IFN-γ e IL-10, sendo o fígado o principal órgão produtor de citocinas, com IL-10 sugerindo acompanhamento regulatório. Granulomas foram detectados em ambos os órgãos. Quando de sua ausência no baço, essa foi associada à elevação dos níveis de IL-6, salientando o papel anti-inflamatório dessa citocina. Alterações microscópicas foram principalmente caracterizadas por extensiva desorganização de polpa branca, com a resposta esplência sendo sugerida como subotimizada. Carga parasitária, dano tecidual e resposta immune variaram mesmo em cães com quadros clínicos similares, não sendo, portanto, a análise clínica um bom parâmetro para avaliação de susceptibilidade animal à LV.

ABSTRACT: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic disease with a canine urban reservoir in South America. Dogs from an endemic area within Brazil, which were naturally infected with Leishmania infantum, and those presenting severe clinical (SC), mild, or no clinical (MNC) disease, were evaluated. Parasite load, histopathology, and cytokine and iNOS mRNA expressions were assessed in the spleen and liver in order to determine the potential markers for disease susceptibility or resistance. As a result, dogs with both SC and MNC had high parasite loads; IFN-γ was the most expressive cytokine in both organs, along with IL-6 and IL-4 being detected in the spleen and liver, and IL-10 only in liver. The hepatic tissue presented higher medians for IFN-γ and IL-10, and was the main organ to produce cytokines with hepatic IL-10 suggesting a regulatory follow up. Granulomas were detected in both organs; however, when absent in spleen, they were associated with elevated IL-6 levels, thus highlighting the anti-inflammatory role of IL-6. Microscopic lesions in the spleen were predominantly characterized by an extensively disorganized white pulp and splenic response was suggested as sub optimized. Parasite load, tissue damage, and immunological response may vary in the dogs with similar clinical symptoms, which may not be a good parameter for assessing the animal’s susceptibility to VL.

ABSTRACT Due to the important ecological role of Nymphalidae as consumers of fermented fruits, excrement, exudates of decomposed plants and animals, as well as bioindicators of environmental quality that attract the interest of the general public, this study aimed to characterize the fauna of frugivorous butterflies at the Serra Azul State Park - PESA (Mato Grosso, Brazil) with regards to composition, taxonomic richness and spatial distribution. Collections were carried out in 2014 from six 250 m plots in a RAPELD module (5x5 km). We defined five sampling points in each plot and placed a Van Someren-Rydon trap (VSR), with a bait made from banana fermented in cane juice, positioned 1 m above the ground for 24 hours. We collected 204 specimens of Nymphalidae from five subfamilies, 22 genera, and 40 species. Satyrinae was the most abundant and species-rich subfamily. The community structure varied spatially, with the gallery forest presenting the greatest richness, diversity, and equitability, while ‘cerrado ralo’ presented higher abundance and less diversity and equitability. Therefore, according to the pattern of abundance in the PESA, species were best adapted to the log series model. Yphthimoides renata (Stoll, 1780) (Satyrinae), Hamadryas feronia (Linnaeus, 1758), and Callicore sorana (Godart, 1824) (Biblidinae) were the most abundant species, 19 species were singletons, and eight were doubletons. Richness estimators showed that 63% of all species were sampled. Our results indicate that the frugivorous butterfly community is structured according to phytophysiognomies, and the dominance of species that are tolerant to disturbances indicates landscape fragmentation within the PESA, which interferes with species substitution pattern and their abundances in different environments of the park.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Favorable responses in American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) patients to treatment with 5 mg Sbv/kg/day meglumine antimoniate (MA) has been reported in Rio de Janeiro, but little is known regarding the therapeutic response to low doses in patients from other locations. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted to compare the therapeutic response to 5 mg Sbv/kg/day MA treatment among 36 patients who acquired ATL in Brazilian states other than Rio de Janeiro (OS group) and 72 patients from Rio de Janeiro (RJ group). RESULTS: One course of 5 mg Sbv/kg/day MA cured 72.8% of 81 cutaneous (CL) and 66.6% of 27 mucosal (ML) leishmaniasis-infected patients: 70% in the CL/RJ group, 81% in the CL/OS group, 50% in the ML/RJ group, and 80% in the ML/OS group. After up to two additional treatment courses at the same dose, 88.9% and 85.2% of the CL and ML patients were cured, respectively. Adverse events were observed in 40% of patients in the CL/RJ group, 57% of the CL/OS group, 58% of the ML/RJ group, and 80% of the ML/OS group. No significant differences were observed in the cure rates or adverse effects between the RJ and OS groups. No patients required permanent discontinuation of treatment due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ATL acquired in both RJ and OS may respond to low-dose MA. While high-dose MA should remain the standard treatment for ATL, low-dose MA might be preferred when toxicity is a primary concern.

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou a prevalência de sintomas osteomusculares, nível de estresse e qualidade de vida de professores do ensino básico. A amostra foi composta de 298 professores (265 mulheres e 33 homens) da educação infantil e fundamental do município de Caçador, Santa Catarina. Foram avaliados sintomas osteomusculares (Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares), nível de estresse (Questionário dos Sintomas de Estresse de Lipp) e a qualidade de vida (Questionário WHOQOL-bref). Apresentaram sintomas osteomusculares 48% dos professores e 65% se afastaram das atividades diárias. Manifestaram algum nível de estresse 42% dos professores, principalmente na fase de resistência (73%) e quase-exaustão (19%). Os sintomas psicológicos predominaram sobre os físicos (p<0,05). Os escores médios dos domínios Físico (57,1) e Meio Ambiente (58,2) foram significativamente menores (p<0,001) que os domínios Psicológico (63,8) e Relações Sociais (71,2). O escore da qualidade de vida geral de 62,6 pontos classificou os professores como satisfeitos com a sua qualidade de vida. Em conclusão, a alta prevalência de sintomas osteomusculares e de estresse não altera a qualidade de vida de professores do ensino básico.

ABSTRACT This study assessed the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, level of stress and quality of life of basic education teachers. The sample was composed of 298 teachers (265 women and 33 men) of early childhood and elementary education from Caçador, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Musculoskeletal symptoms (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), level of stress (Lipp’s Stress Symptoms Inventory) and quality of life (WHOQOL-bref Questionnaire) were evaluated. Forty-eight percent (48%) of the teachers presented musculoskeletal symptoms and 65% were absent from daily activities. Forty-two percent (42%) of the teachers presented some level of stress, mainly at the stage of resistance (73%) and near exhaustion (19%). Psychological symptoms predominated over physical symptoms (p<0.05). The average scores of the Physical (57.1) and Environmental (58.2) domains were significantly lower (p<0.001) than Psychological (63.8) and Social Relations domains (71.2). The score of 62.6 regarding the general quality of life qualified teachers as satisfied with their quality of life. In conclusion, the high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and stress does not alter the quality of life of basic education teachers.

RESUMEN Este estudio evaluó la prevalencia de los síntomas osteomusculares, el nivel de estrés y la calidad de vida de profesores de la enseñanza básica. La muestra fue compuesta de 298 profesores (265 mujeres y 33 hombres) de la educación infantil y primaria del municipio de Caçador, Santa Catarina. Fueron evaluados los síntomas osteomusculares (Cuestionario Nórdico de Síntomas Osteomusculares), el nivel de estrés (Cuestionario de los Síntomas de Estrese de Lipp) y la calidad de vida (Cuestionario WHOQOL-bref). Presentaron síntomas osteomusculares el 48% de los profesores y el 65% se alejaron de las actividades diarias. Manifestaron algún nivel de estrés el 42% de los profesores, principalmente en la etapa de resistencia (el 73%) y casi-agotamiento (el 19%). Los síntomas psicológicos predominaron sobre los físicos (p < 0,05). Los puntajes promedios de los dominios Físico (57,1) y Medioambiente (58,2) fueron significativamente menores (p < 0,001) que los dominios Psicológico (63,8) y Relaciones Sociales (71,2). El puntaje de la calidad de vida general de 62,6 puntos clasificó a los profesores como satisfechos con su calidad de vida. En conclusión, la alta prevalencia de los síntomas osteomusculares y de estrés no altera la calidad de vida de los profesores de la enseñanza básica.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To determine the circulation of Rickettsia in the years 2010 and 2011 in border locations in four regions ofPeru and their clinical epidemiological and molecular characteristics. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Tumbes, Tacna, Madre de Dios, and Loreto. Whole blood samples were obtained from participants for culture and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) testing. The DNA taken from leukocytes and ectoparasite cultures was used, and those genes detected for Rickettsia that were successfully amplified were sequenced and analyzed. Results. A total of 33.8% of those surveyed carried Rickettsia antibodies (21.7% in Loreto, 33.0% in Madre de Dios, 48.2% in Tacna, and 33.3% in Tumbes). Seropositivity was confirmed with IIF in over 40% of isolates. Molecular tests showed the presence of Rickettsia felis in Ctenocephalides felis of dogs and cats in Tacna and a recently reported species for Latin America, Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis, in fleas of cats and dogs in Loreto, Madre de Dios, and Tacna. Of the population studied, 81.4% reported a history of contact with ectoparasites, 22.6% were asymptomatic, and 27.8% lived in earthen-floored homes without water or drainage. Conclusions. Serological and molecular evidence confirms the circulation of Rickettsia in the border locations studied, with predisposing epidemiological factors. Tests confirm the presence of two species, Rickettsia felis and Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis, which represent a potential threat to the health of the inhabitants.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar circulación de rickettsias durante los años 2010 al 2011 en localidades fronterizas de cuatroregiones del Perú, y sus características clínicas epidemiológicas y moleculares. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal realizado en Tumbes, Tacna, Madre de Dios y Loreto. Se obtuvo datos clínicos epidemiológicos y muestras de sangre total para cultivo y para ensayo de inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI). Fue utilizado ADN extraído de cultivos de leucocitos y de ectoparásitos, aquellos genes específicos para rickettsias que amplificaron exitosamente fueron secuenciados y analizados. Resultados. El 33,8% de los encuestados portaba anticuerpos a rickettsias; en Loreto 21,7%, en Madre de Dios 33,0%, en Tacna 48,2% y en Tumbes 33,3%, encontrándose seropositividad en más del 40% de aislamientos confirmados por IFI. Las pruebas moleculares evidenciaron la presencia de Rickettsia felis en Ctenocephalides felis de perros y gatos de Tacna y una especie recientemente reportada para Latinoamérica: Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis en pulgas Ctenocephalides felis de gatos y perros de Loreto y Madre de Dios. De la población estudiada, el 81,4% informó antecedentes de contacto con ectoparásitos, el 22,6% eran asintomáticos y el 27,8% habitaban viviendas sin agua ni desagüe, con piso de tierra. Conclusiones. Evidencias serológicas y moleculares confirman la circulación de rickettsias en las localidades fronterizas estudiadas, con predisponentes epidemiológicos, demostrándose presencia de dos especies: Rickettsia felis y Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis, las que representarían una amenaza potencial para la salud de los pobladores.

Objectives. To determine the circulation of Rickettsia in the years 2010 and 2011 in border locations in four regions ofPeru and their clinical epidemiological and molecular characteristics. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Tumbes, Tacna, Madre de Dios, and Loreto. Whole blood samples were obtained from participants for culture and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) testing. The DNA taken from leukocytes and ectoparasite cultures was used, and those genes detected for Rickettsia that were successfully amplified were sequenced and analyzed. Results. A total of 33.8% of those surveyed carried Rickettsia antibodies (21.7% in Loreto, 33.0% in Madre de Dios, 48.2% in Tacna, and 33.3% in Tumbes). Seropositivity was confirmed with IIF in over 40% of isolates. Molecular tests showed the presence of Rickettsia felis in Ctenocephalides felis of dogs and cats in Tacna and a recently reported species for Latin America, Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis, in fleas of cats and dogs in Loreto, Madre de Dios, and Tacna. Of the population studied, 81.4% reported a history of contact with ectoparasites, 22.6% were asymptomatic, and 27.8% lived in earthen-floored homes without water or drainage. Conclusions. Serological and molecular evidence confirms the circulation of Rickettsia in the border locations studied, with predisposing epidemiological factors. Tests confirm the presence of two species, Rickettsia felis and Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis, which represent a potential threat to the health of the inhabitants.

Objetivos. Determinar circulación de rickettsias durante los años 2010 al 2011 en localidades fronterizas de cuatroregiones del Perú, y sus características clínicas epidemiológicas y moleculares. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal realizado en Tumbes, Tacna, Madre de Dios y Loreto. Se obtuvo datos clínicos epidemiológicos y muestras de sangre total para cultivo y para ensayo de inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI). Fue utilizado ADN extraído de cultivos de leucocitos y de ectoparásitos, aquellos genes específicos para rickettsias que amplificaron exitosamente fueron secuenciados y analizados. Resultados. El 33,8% de los encuestados portaba anticuerpos a rickettsias; en Loreto 21,7%, en Madre de Dios 33,0%, en Tacna 48,2% y en Tumbes 33,3%, encontrándose seropositividad en más del 40% de aislamientos confirmados por IFI. Las pruebas moleculares evidenciaron la presencia de Rickettsia felis en Ctenocephalides felis de perros y gatos de Tacna y una especie recientemente reportada para Latinoamérica: Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis en pulgas Ctenocephalides felis de gatos y perros de Loreto y Madre de Dios. De la población estudiada, el 81,4% informó antecedentes de contacto con ectoparásitos, el 22,6% eran asintomáticos y el 27,8% habitaban viviendas sin agua ni desagüe, con piso de tierra. Conclusiones. Evidencias serológicas y moleculares confirman la circulación de rickettsias en las localidades fronterizas estudiadas, con predisponentes epidemiológicos, demostrándose presencia de dos especies: Rickettsia felis y Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis, las que representarían una amenaza potencial para la salud de los pobladores.

ABSTRACT Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition that is frequent in patients living in tropical areas exposed to leishmaniasis. RA therapy involves immunosuppressant drugs such as methotrexate (MTX), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and prednisone. We report an unusual presentation of cutaneous (CL) or mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (ML) in RA patients from an endemic area of leishmaniasis. A 51-year-old woman noted a cutaneous ulcer on her left ankle during MTX and prednisone RA therapy. Initially diagnosed as a venous stasis ulcer, the aspirate of the injury revealed the presence of Leishmania DNA. A 73-year-old woman presenting non-ulcerated, infiltrated and painful erythematous nodules inside her nostrils while receiving MTX, anti-TNF mAb, and prednisone for RA, had also the aspirate of injuries showing the presence of Leishmania DNA. Both patients healed after the therapy with liposomal amphotericin. The RA therapy has changed to low-dose prednisone, without further reactivation episodes. Both cases suggest that CL or ML can reactivate after administration of an immunosuppressant for RA treatment. Therefore, immunosuppressive treatments for RA should be carefully prescribed in patients from endemic areas or with a history of CL and ML.

ABSTRACT Background Atypical presentations of cutaneous leishmaniasis include sporotrichoid leishmaniasis (SL), which is clinically described as a primary ulcer combined with lymphangitis and nodules and/or ulcerated lesions along its pathway. Aims To assess the differences between patients with sporotrichoid leishmaniasis and typical cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Methods From January 2004 to December 2010, 23 cases of SL (4.7%) were detected among 494 CL patients diagnosed at a reference center for the disease in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. These 23 cases were compared with the remaining 471 patients presenting CL. Results SL predominated in female patients (60.9%, p = 0.024), with older age (p = 0.032) and with lesions in upper limbs (52.2%, p = 0.028). CL affected more men (64.5%), at younger age, and with a higher number of lesions exclusively in lower limbs (34.8%). Conclusions Differences in clinical and epidemiological presentation were found between SL patients as compared to CL ones, in a region with a known predominance of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. The results are similar to the features of most of the sporotrichosis patients as described in literature, making the differential diagnosis between ATL and sporotrichosis more important in overlapping areas for both diseases, like in Rio de Janeiro State.

An organic-inorganic hybrid adsorbent was prepared and its application for the uptake of CuII ions from aqueous solutions was studied. The polymer network was composed of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS), and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), described as PDMS-net-P(VTMS-co-DMAEMA). The chemical groups, thermal stability and morphology of this hybrid adsorbent were characterized using techniques of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In adsorption studies, saturation of the active sites of the material was observed at pH 5, after 3 days, with each gram of material capable of adsorbing 0.48 mmol of copper(II). The fractionary-order and Sips models provided the best fits to the experimental data in kinetic and equilibrium studies of the adsorption process, respectively. Moreover, an acceptable reusability was found for this cross-linked organic-inorganic hybrid adsorbent after usage-regeneration cycles without significantly losing its original activity.