Abstract Studies that focus on the microbiological composition of water treatment plants (WTP) sludge, as well as its pathogenicity, are extremely necessary, especially with regard to environmental regulations, where the microbiological characterization of WTP waste can encourage new policies related to its management. In Brazil, few studies address WTP sludge, which, in general, is classified as non-hazardous and non-inert waste, with the microbiological characterization of this material being little explored. This case study performed the microbiological characterization of sludge samples from two WTPs located in the state of São Paulo, before and after the centrifugation process. The determination of microbial density and morphology, Gram staining, and the identification of the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms were performed with samples produced in two different years, in WTPs that used different coagulants (liquid aluminum sulfate or polyaluminum chloride and ferric chloride). Results were evaluated along with the physicochemical analysis of the composition of this waste. The presence of microalgae and protozoa in non-centrifuged WTP sludge and the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms in WTP sludge before and after centrifugation are among the main results of this study.

Resumo Estudos que tenham como foco a composição microbiológica do lodo de Estação de Tratamento de Água (ETA), bem como sua patogenicidade, são extremamente necessários, principalmente em relação às regulamentações ambientais, onde a caracterização microbiológica dos resíduos de ETAs podem incentivar novas políticas relacionadas ao seu gerenciamento. No Brasil, poucos estudos abordam o lodo de ETA, que, em geral, é classificado como resíduo não perigoso e não inerte, sendo pouco explorada a caracterização microbiológica desse material. Nesse sentido, este estudo teve como objetivo, realizar a caracterização microbiológica de amostras de lodo de duas ETAs localizadas no estado de São Paulo, antes e após o processo de centrifugação. A determinação da densidade e morfologia microbiana, coloração de Gram e a identificação da presença de coliformes totais e termotolerantes foram realizadas com amostras produzidas em dois anos distintos, em ETAs que utilizaram diferentes coagulantes (cloreto férrico e sulfato e alumínio). Os resultados foram avaliados juntamente com a análise físico-química da composição deste resíduo. A presença de microalgas e protozoários no lodo não centrifugado da ETA e a presença de coliformes totais e termotolerantes no lodo da ETA antes e após a centrifugação estão entre os principais resultados deste estudo.

ABSTRACT The goal of this paper is to describe an archaeological burial site with commingled skeletal remains, named Cañada Seca-1 (MNI= 24), located in the Atuel River valley and dating from ca.1500yearsBP. This isperformedby integrating well-known and recently developed lines of inquiry.Based on this record, we discuss interpretations related to cultigen presence and its implicationsin human subsistence and mobility, in an area traditionally characterized as the pre-Hispanicagricultural limit, ca. 2200 years BP. Results show that the individuals did not developed a farmingstrategy, although maize seems to have been part of their diet. In turn, the new information aboutmortuary behavior in the Atuel River valley provides new insights regarding mobility, as well asthe use of utilitarian (lithics) and nonutilitarian (lithic and malacological ornaments) technologythat went beyond these peoples' life into their death.

RESUMEN Este trabajo tiene como objetivo caracterizar el sitio Cañada Seca-1, un entierro múltiple (NMI=24) localizado en el valle del Atuel y fechado en ca. 1500 años AP, a través de la integración de diferentes líneas de evidencia. A partir de este registro se discuten las interpretacionesen torno a la presencia de cultígenos y sus implicancias para la subsistencia humana en unárea caracterizada tradicionalmente como el límite de la dispersión agrícola sudamericana,ca. 2200 años AP. Los resultados destacan que los individuos inhumados en el sitio no habríandesarrollado una estrategia fundamentalmente agrícola, aunque el maíz formó parte de su dieta.Además, la nueva información sobre los comportamientos mortuorios en la zona del valle delAtuel, ofrece evidencias tanto sobre movilidad como sobre el uso de tecnologías utilitarias (líti-cas) y no utilitarias (ornamentos líticos y malacológicos) que trascendieron la vida cotidiana ylos acompañaron en la muerte.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender melhor de que forma a terapia com antipsicóticos injetáveis de ação prolongada (IAP) é percebida pelos pacientes. Métodos: Uma pesquisa por estudos qualitativos foi conduzida em PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO e PsyArticles, resultando em 11 estudos adequados para desenvolver uma revisão de estudos qualitativos. A abordagem escolhida foi a metaetnografia, seguindo as recomendações da diretriz ENTREQ. Conceitos-chave comuns aos diferentes estudos foram extrapolados e analisados de forma sistemática e comparativa. Resultados: Alguns problemas recorrentes foram associados aos IAPs, como medo de coerção, medo de agulhas e falta de conhecimento sobre a terapia com medicação depot. Esses tópicos se conectam uns aos outros: os pacientes mais preocupados com as desvantagens dos IAPs são os menos informados a seu respeito ou aqueles que passaram por coação e traumas durante a hospitalização. Por outro lado, os pacientes que já receberam IAPs e aqueles que apresentam boa relação terapêutica com seus prestadores de assistência médica demonstraram satisfação com essa forma de tratamento e sua continuidade. Conclusão: Os antipsicóticos injetáveis de ação prolongada são um instrumento para a gestão de transtornos mentais e uma alternativa viável à medicação oral. Pacientes demonstram curiosidade em relação a esse método de administração, mas a falta de conhecimento é um fator comumente encontrado. A tomada de decisão compartilhada sobre o uso de antipsicóticos IAPs requer que os pacientes recebam informações precisas e apoio em suas decisões em relação à medicação.

ABSTRACT Objective: To gain a better understanding of how long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) therapy is perceived by patients. Methods: A search for qualitative studies has been carried out on PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO and PsycArticles, yielding 11 studies suitable for a review of qualitative studies. The reporting approach chosen was meta-ethnography, following the ENTREQ statement recommendations. Key concepts common to the different studies were extrapolated and then analysed in a systematic and comparative way. Results: Some recurrent issues were associated with LAIs, such as fear of coercion, fear of needles and lack of knowledge about depot therapy. These topics are linked to each other and the patients most concerned about the disadvantages of LAIs are those who are less informed about them, or who have experienced coercion and trauma during hospitalisation. On the other hand, patients who had already received LAIs, and those who had a good therapeutic relationship with their healthcare providers expressed satisfaction with this form of treatment and its continuation. Conclusion: Long-acting injectable antipsychotics are a tool in the management of mental disorders, and a viable alternative to oral medication. Patients show curiosity towards this method of administration, but lack of knowledge is a common finding. Shared decision making about the use of LAIs antipsychotics requires that patients receive accurate information and support for their decision regarding medication.

Abstract The present paper attempt to improve the knowledge of human biogeography in arid environments and, understand the phases of settlement in relation to human demographic trajectories. In this framework, new archaeological information of the El Corcovo area is presented, located in Monte Surmendocino / Nordpatagónico. The field-works that contemplated transects, archaeological excavation of a site and the surveying of rock art of three others are detailed. The results indicate the beginning of occupations around 1900 years 14C AP and a change in the pattern of mobility around 600 years 14C AP. Both situations are consistent with the existing relative chronological estimates for the rock art of the area. Based on a regional demographic model for Monte area, the results show two pulses of increase in the human signal that correspond chronologically with the initial date of occupation estimated for the area and with the date obtained for the proposed change. By associating these pulses with significant falls in the phyto-geographic sector of Patagonia, alternative explanations on population dynamics are postulated.

Resumen El presente trabajo aporta al conocimiento de la biogeografía humana en ambientes áridos y las fases de poblamiento en relación con las trayectorias demográficas humanas. En ese marco, se presenta nueva información arqueológica del área El Corcovo, emplazada en el Monte surmendocino/nordpatagónico. Se detallan los trabajos de campo que contemplaron transectas, excavación arqueológica de un sitio y el relevamiento de arte rupestre de otros tres. Los resultados señalan el inicio de las ocupaciones en torno a 1900 años 14C AP y un cambio en el patrón de movilidad en torno a 600 años 14C AP. Ambas situaciones son consistentes con las estimaciones cronológicas relativas existentes para el arte rupestre del área. Con base en un modelo demográfico regional del Monte, los resultados encuentran dos pulsos de incremento en la señal humana que se corresponden cronológicamente con la fecha inicial de ocupación estimada para el área y con la fecha obtenida para el cambio propuesto. Al asociarse estos pulsos con disminuciones significativas en el sector fitogeográfico de Patagonia se postulan explicaciones alternativas sobre la dinámica poblacional.

Resumo Objetivo: A epilepsia mioclônica juvenil (EMJ) é um dos subtipos da epilepsia generalizada geneticamente determinada que não apresenta alterações na ressonância magnética convencional. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se há alterações metabólicas no tálamo de pacientes com EMJ de fácil controle de uma amostra clinicamente homogênea utilizando espectroscopia de prótons por ressonância magnética (ERM) com tempo de eco curto. Materiais e Métodos: Nós realizamos ERM com voxel único (2 cm × 2 cm × 2 cm) e tempo de eco curto (TE = 35 ms) no tálamo de 21 pacientes com EMJ e 14 controles saudáveis pareados por idade. N-acetil-aspartato (NAA), NAA total, creatina (Cr), colina, mio-inositol (MI) e a soma de glutamato e glutamina foram quantificados em relação ao conteúdo de água interna e as razões dos metabólitos foram calculadas utilizando Cr como referência. Valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado como significante. Resultados: Houve redução estatisticamente significante de MI e MI/Cr no tálamo dos pacientes diagnosticados como EMJ em relação aos controles. Outros metabólitos e suas razões não apresentaram alterações significantes. Conclusão: No tálamo do nosso grupo de 21 pacientes com EMJ foi observada redução de MI e da relação MI/Cr. Não foi observada diferença nos outros metabólitos ou suas relações.

Abstract Objective: Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is a subtype of genetically determined generalized epilepsy that does not present abnormalities on conventional magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of this study was to identify metabolic alterations in the thalamus in a clinically homogeneous sample of patients with easy-to-control JME, using short-echo time proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Materials and Methods: We performed single-voxel (2 cm × 2 cm × 2 cm), short-echo time (TE = 35 ms) proton MRS of the thalamus in 21 patients with JME and in 14 healthy age-matched controls. We quantified N-acetylaspartate (NAA), total NAA, creatine (Cr), choline, and myo-inositol (MI), as well as the sum of glutamate and glutamine signals, all scaled to internal water content, and we calculated metabolite ratios using Cr as a reference. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The MI level and the MI/Cr ratio were significantly lower in the thalami of patients diagnosed with JME than in those of the controls. Other metabolites and their ratios did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion: In our sample of 21 JME patients, we identified lower levels of MI in the thalamus. No significant abnormalities were observed in the concentrations or ratios of other metabolites.

Abstract Dyes are recalcitrant compounds that resist conventional biological treatments. The degradation of three textile dyes (Indigo, RBBR and Sulphur Black), and the dye-containing liquid effluent and solid waste from the Municipal Treatment Station, Americana, São Paulo, Brazil, by the cyanobacteria Anabaena flos-aquae UTCC64, Phormidium autumnale UTEX1580 and Synechococcus sp. PCC7942 was evaluated. The dye degradation efficiency of the cyanobacteria was compared with anaerobic and anaerobic-aerobic systems in terms of discolouration and toxicity evaluations. The discoloration was evaluated by absorption spectroscopy. Toxicity was measured using the organisms Hydra attenuata, the alga Selenastrum capricornutum and lettuce seeds. The three cyanobacteria showed the potential to remediate textile effluent by removing the colour and reducing the toxicity. However, the growth of cyanobacteria on sludge was slow and discoloration was not efficient. The cyanobacteria P. autumnale UTEX1580 was the only strain that completely degraded the indigo dye. An evaluation of the mutagenicity potential was performed by use of the micronucleus assay using Allium sp. No mutagenicity was observed after the treatment. Two metabolites were produced during the degradation, anthranilic acid and isatin, but toxicity did not increase after the treatment. The cyanobacteria showed the ability to degrade the dyes present in a textile effluent; therefore, they can be used in a tertiary treatment of effluents with recalcitrant compounds.

RESUMO No início da graduação, a compreensão sobre saúde e doença do aluno depende de seus conhecimentos e experiências prévias, bem como do grau de contato com a prática médica e a realidade que envolve esse tema. Neste estudo, pretende-se compreender qual é a visão de saúde e doença que permeia a mente dos futuros médicos e traçar que relações são estabelecidas entre a noção de saúde e doença com as experiências pessoais e profissionais do aluno ao longo da graduação. Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo, utilizando-se um questionário psicossocial e entrevista semiestruturada com alunos do primeiro, terceiro e sexto ano de um mesmo ano letivo da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp-EPM). O material foi submetido à análise de conteúdo. As experiências e características pessoais de cada participante, assim como as experiências curriculares e extracurriculares e o currículo oculto influenciam tanto a visão que possuem de saúde e doença quanto a escolha profissional. Nota-se certo esfriamento na relação médico-paciente e uma postura de maior desconfiança em relação aos pacientes ao longo da graduação. Os alunos têm o conhecimento de uma visão mais global e humana dos pacientes, mas não conseguem colocá-la em prática. Observa-se que essa problemática está vinculada ao fato de terem dificuldade de entrar em contato com os aspectos emocionais despertados na relação médico-paciente.

ABSTRACT Medical students’ views on health and illness in the early stages of their degree course depend on their knowledge and past experiences as well as the amount of contact with medical practice and the reality surrounding this issue. The aim of this study was to understand the view of health and illness in the minds of future doctors and to delineate the relationships established between the notion of health and illness, the school curriculum, personal experiences, and the social and professional students’ trajectory throughout the course. A qualitative study was conducted, with a psychosocial questionnaire and semi-structured interviews used on students in the first, third, and sixth year at the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp-EPM) in 2008. The material was subjected to content analysis, identifying the experiences and personal characteristics of each participant, as well their curricular and extracurricular experiences, and determining how the hidden curriculum influences both their views on health and illness as well as their career choice. A certain coldness may be noted in the doctor-patient relationship, as well as a greater distrust of patients. Graduating students demonstrated a need to protect feelings aroused by their experiences of the medical course. It is clear that students are aware of a more global and human view of their patients, however, it seems that they know this merely cognitively and are emotionally unable to put it into practice. This issue may be linked to the fact that they experience difficulties dealing with the emotional aspects of the doctor-patient relationship.

Resumo A criação do Sistema de Avaliação de Desempenho do Rorschach (R-PAS) requer estudos que possibilitem o uso na população brasileira. A qualidade formal (FQ) é uma categoria imprescindível na clínica e na pesquisa. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar variáveis de FQ de protocolos de Rorschach de pacientes psiquiátricos codificados pelo Sistema Compreensivo (SC) e pelo R-PAS. A amostra foi de 206 protocolos de Rorschach de pacientes adultos em tratamento psiquiátrico, que foram avaliados também pela SCID-I e SCID-II. A maioria dos protocolos foi aplicada pelo SC e recodificados de acordo com o R-PAS. O coeficiente kappa foi calculado, e foram comparadas as médias dessas variáveis nos dois sistemas. Os resultados do kappa variaram de concordância quase perfeita até consistência substancial para todas as variáveis, no entanto, as estatísticas descritivas confirmaram que o R-PAS provoca mais codificação de FQ ordinária e, o SC, de FQ menos.

Abstract The creation of the Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS) requires research that allows its use in the Brazilian population. The Formal Quality (FQ) category is essential both for clinic and research. The aim of this study was to compare form quality variables in Rorschach protocols from psychiatric patients and ratings coded in the Comprehensive System (CS) and R-PAS. The sample comprised 206 Rorschach protocols from adult patients in psychiatric treatment, who were also assessed by SCID-I and SCID-II. Most protocols were administered in the CS and recoded according to the R-PAS. The kappa coefficient was calculated, and we compared the means of these variables in both systems. The kappa results varied from almost perfect to substantial consistency for all variables, however, the descriptive statistics confirmed that the R-PAS elicits more FQ Ordinary coding while the CS elicits more FQ minus coding.

Resumen La creación del Sistema de Evaluación del Desempeño de Rorschach (R-PAS) requiere estudios para su uso en la población brasileña. La calidad formal (FQ) es una categoría esencial en la clínica y la investigación. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar variables de FQ de protocolos de Rorschach codificados por el Sistema Comprehensivo y R-PAS. La muestra consistió de 206 protocolos de Rorschach de pacientes adultos en tratamiento psiquiátrico, que también fueron evaluados por la SCID-I y SCID-II. La mayoría de los protocolos fue aplicada en el SC y re-codificados de acuerdo con el R-PAS. Se calculó el coeficiente kappa y se comparó el promedio de estas variables en los dos sistemas. Los resultados de kappa se variaron desde concordancia casi perfecta hasta consistencia considerable para todas las variables, pero las estadísticas descriptivas confirmaron que el R-PAS provoca más codificación de FQ ordinaria y el SC de FQ menos.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de um programa de educação estruturado em grupo, aplicado por enfermeira de cuidados primários a pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2. A amostra contou com 137 pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2, randomizados em dois grupos: intervenção, (curso educativo de cinco semanas e reforços a cada 4 meses, durante um ano) e grupo controle (sem educação estruturada) com avaliação do controle metabólico, peso, pressão arterial, escores de estresse e conhecimento relacionados ao diabetes. Não houve diferenças entre os grupos na HbA1c em 4, 8 ou 12 meses, quando comparado aos valores basais. Foi observado um incremento na HbA1c no grupo controle após ajustes para HbA1c no basal e dose de insulina (p = 0,044 entre grupos). Os escores de conhecimento e estresse relacionados ao diabetes melhoraram após a intervenção. Um programa educacional estruturado ministrado à pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 atendidos em atenção primaria melhorou o conhecimento e estresse associados à doença. Além disso, nossos resultados sugerem uma prevenção de elevação da HbA1c.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a structured group education program administered by a primary care nurse in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The sample included 137 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, randomized into two groups: intervention (5-week educational course and reinforcements every 4 months for one year) and control (with no structured diabetes mellitus education) with an evaluation of metabolic control, weight, blood pressure, distress scores, and knowledge on diabetes. There were no differences between the two groups in HbA1c at 4, 8, or 12 months when compared to baseline values. An increase in HbA1c was observed in the control group after adjusting for baseline HbA1c and insulin dose (p = 0.044 between groups). Knowledge scores and diabetes-related distress improved after the intervention. A structured educational program administered to type 2 diabetes mellitus patients seen at a primary care unit improved the knowledge and distress associated with the disease. The results also suggest the prevention of an increase in HbA1c.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de un programa de educación estructurada en grupo, aplicado por la enfermera de atención primaria para pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2. La muestra incluyó a 137 pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, aleatorizados en dos grupos: intervención (curso de formación de 5 semanas, com refuerzos cada 4 meses durante un año) y el grupo de control (sin educación estructurada) para evaluar el control metabólico, peso, presión arterial, niveles de estrés y conocimientos relacionados con la diabetes. No hubo diferencias entre los grupos en HbA1c en 4, 8 ó 12 meses en comparación con los valores basales. Se observó un aumento de HbA1c en el grupo de control después del ajuste de HbA1c en la línea de base y a la dosis de la insulina (p = 0,044 entre grupos). Las puntuaciones de los conocimientos y del estrés relacionadas con la diabetes mejoraron después de la intervención. Un programa educativo estructurado ofrecido a los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 tratados en la atención primaria mejoró el conocimiento y el estrés asociado con la enfermedad. Por otra parte, nuestros resultados sugieren una prevención elevada de la HbA1c.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de um programa de educação estruturado em grupo, aplicado por enfermeira de cuidados primários a pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2. A amostra contou com 137 pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2, randomizados em dois grupos: intervenção, (curso educativo de cinco semanas e reforços a cada 4 meses, durante um ano) e grupo controle (sem educação estruturada) com avaliação do controle metabólico, peso, pressão arterial, escores de estresse e conhecimento relacionados ao diabetes. Não houve diferenças entre os grupos na HbA1c em 4, 8 ou 12 meses, quando comparado aos valores basais. Foi observado um incremento na HbA1c no grupo controle após ajustes para HbA1c no basal e dose de insulina (p = 0,044 entre grupos). Os escores de conhecimento e estresse relacionados ao diabetes melhoraram após a intervenção. Um programa educacional estruturado ministrado à pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 atendidos em atenção primaria melhorou o conhecimento e estresse associados à doença. Além disso, nossos resultados sugerem uma prevenção de elevação da HbA1c.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a structured group education program administered by a primary care nurse in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The sample included 137 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, randomized into two groups: intervention (5-week educational course and reinforcements every 4 months for one year) and control (with no structured diabetes mellitus education) with an evaluation of metabolic control, weight, blood pressure, distress scores, and knowledge on diabetes. There were no differences between the two groups in HbA1c at 4, 8, or 12 months when compared to baseline values. An increase in HbA1c was observed in the control group after adjusting for baseline HbA1c and insulin dose (p = 0.044 between groups). Knowledge scores and diabetes-related distress improved after the intervention. A structured educational program administered to type 2 diabetes mellitus patients seen at a primary care unit improved the knowledge and distress associated with the disease. The results also suggest the prevention of an increase in HbA1c.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de un programa de educación estructurada en grupo, aplicado por la enfermera de atención primaria para pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2. La muestra incluyó a 137 pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, aleatorizados en dos grupos: intervención (curso de formación de 5 semanas, com refuerzos cada 4 meses durante un año) y el grupo de control (sin educación estructurada) para evaluar el control metabólico, peso, presión arterial, niveles de estrés y conocimientos relacionados con la diabetes. No hubo diferencias entre los grupos en HbA1c en 4, 8 ó 12 meses en comparación con los valores basales. Se observó un aumento de HbA1c en el grupo de control después del ajuste de HbA1c en la línea de base y a la dosis de la insulina (p = 0,044 entre grupos). Las puntuaciones de los conocimientos y del estrés relacionadas con la diabetes mejoraron después de la intervención. Un programa educativo estructurado ofrecido a los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 tratados en la atención primaria mejoró el conocimiento y el estrés asociado con la enfermedad. Por otra parte, nuestros resultados sugieren una prevención elevada de la HbA1c.

AIM: Rotavirus is recognized as the main cause of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years old, representing a considerable public health problem with a great impact on social and public health costs in developed countries. This study aims to assess the frequency and the epidemiological aspect of the hospitalization associated with Rotavirus-gastroenteritis in Lombardy, Northern Italy, from 2005 to 2011. METHODS: The Lombardy Hospital Discharge Database was inquired from the official data of the Italian Ministry of Health and investigated for acute gastroenteritis (ICD9CM code for bacteria, parasitic, viral and undetermined etiologic diarrhea) in primary and secondary diagnosis in children < 5 years, between 2005 and 2011. RESULTS: Out of the 32 944 acute-gastroenteritis hospitalizations reported in Lombardy, the 50.8% was caused by Rotavirus infection; of these, the 65.5% were reported in primary diagnosis. The peak of Rotavirus-gastroenteritis hospitalization was observed in February-March in children < 2 years old, with a cumulative prevalence of 64.5%. Patients admitted to hospital with diarrhea of undetermined etiology (about 14% of overall acute-gastroenteritis) showed epidemiological characteristics similar to the Rotavirus-gastroenteritis, suggesting that the virus infection could also be involved in at least some of these. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that Rotavirus are the most important agents involving in acute gastroenteritis hospitalizations. The use of Hospital Discharge Database had proved to be a simple tool to estimate the burden and to describe the epidemiological characteristics of Rotavirus gastroenteritis and could be used as a surveillance activity before and after the introduction of mass vaccination at national and regional level in Italy.

The halogenated compounds aeruginosin and cyanopeptolin (protease inhibitors) are well documented in several cyanobacteria. In this work, the presence of genetic coding for aeruginosin and cyanopeptolin in Sphaerocavum genus and their characterization by mass spectrometry and potential toxic effects were investigated. Three strains of Sphaerocavum brasiliense (CCIBt 3094, CCIBt 3096 and CCIBt 3316) isolated from different reservoirs in São Paulo State, and one (CCIBt 3179) from Rio Grande do Norte State were selected for this study. Fragments of aerA-aerB and mcnC-mcnE gene regions (aeruginosin and cyanopeptolin, respectively) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Compounds were characterized by mass spectrometry. All the studied strains presented aeruginosin and cyanopeptolin synthetase genes. Mass spectrometry showed the presence of several aeruginosin and cyanopeptolin variants. The Allium test showed that the ethanolic extract promoted toxic and cytotoxic actions in acute and chronic treatments. These naturally occurring protease inhibitors can play an important role in the physiopathology of human diseases.

In Italy, foodborne botulism is a rare disease mainly due to home-preserved food. In the case reported here, clinical diagnosis was performed on the basis of clinical signs and referred consumption of home-preserved turnip tops in oil. Definitive diagnosis was performed by detection of botulinum toxin in sera and neuro-toxigenic organisms in stools and leftover food. This case report highlights the need of a high medical awareness, prompt clinical diagnosis, and synergic collaboration among the health authorities for a correct management of botulism as well as disease containment.