Bypass gástrico em Y de Roux robótico versus laparoscópico: estudo retrospectivo em único centro / Robotic versus laparoscopic roux-en-y-gastric bypass: a retrospective study in a single center

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is the best treatment option for patients with obesity. As a result of the advancement of technology, the robotic gastric bypass presents promising results, despite its still high costs. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare patients submitted to a robotic versus a laparoscopic gastric bypass at a single center by a single surgeon. METHODS: This retrospective study collected data from the medical records of 221 patients (121 laparoscopic procedures versus 100 with daVinci platform). The variables analyzed were sex, age, body mass index, comorbidities, surgical time, length of stay, and complications. RESULTS: The mean surgical time for patients in the robotic group was shorter (102.41±39.44 min versus 113.86±39.03 min, p=0.018). The length of hospital stay in robotic patients was shorter (34.12±20.59 h versus 34.93±11.74 h, p=0.007). There were no serious complications. CONCLUSIONS: The group submitted to the robotic method had a shorter surgical time and a shorter hospital stay. No difference was found regarding strictures, bleeding, or leakage.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A cirurgia bariátrica é a melhor opção de tratamento para pacientes portadores de obesidade. Em decorrência do avanço da tecnologia, o bypass gástrico robótico apresenta resultados promissores, apesar de seus custos ainda elevados. OBJETIVOS: Comparar pacientes submetidos a bypass gástrico robótico versus laparoscópico em um único centro por um único cirurgião. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo com coleta de dados dos prontuários de 221 pacientes (121 procedimentos laparoscópicos vs 100 com plataforma daVinci). As variáveis analisadas foram sexo, idade, IMC, comorbidades, tempo cirúrgico, tempo de internação e complicações. RESULTADOS: O tempo cirúrgico médio dos pacientes do grupo robótico foi menor (102,41 ± 39,44 min. vs 113,86±39,03 min, p=0,018). O tempo de internação em pacientes robóticos foi menor (34,12±20,59 h vs 34,93±11,74 h, p=0,007). Não houve complicações graves. CONCLUSÕES: O grupo submetido ao método robótico apresentou menor tempo cirúrgico e menor tempo de internação. Nenhuma diferença foi encontrada na amostra em relação a estenoses, sangramento ou vazamento.

Comida de rua: perfil dos manipuladores de alimentos e necessidades de conhecimentos sobre a gestão do negócio e boas práticas de manipulação / Street food: food handlers profile and their needs knowledge about business management and good handling practices

Introdução: O consumo de comida de rua tem aumentado nos últimos anos, transformando este segmento em um importante comércio de alimentos, com geração de emprego e renda. Objetivo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer o perfil socioeconômico e analisar a percepção sobre a gestão do negócio e boas práticas de manipulação dos manipuladores de comida de rua no município de Niterói/RJ, participantes de um curso on-line sobre boas práticas de manipulação no comércio de comida de rua. Método: A metodologia foi aplicada e descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. Foi utilizado questionário on-line, com 56 perguntas, aplicado a 67 participantes do curso. Resultados: 86,4 % eram mulheres; faixa etária predominante entre 27 e 62 anos; renda média de até 3 salários mínimos; 35,8% relataram possuir ensino superior incompleto. Apenas 29,9% possuem registro MEI; 72,7% atuam nesse comércio por escolha; 46,3% fazem controle de estoque e 62,5% fazem controle de caixa; 67,2% possuem cursos na área de alimentação; e 47,8% afirmaram ter experiências anteriores. Conclusão: À medida que se observa a consolidação desse segmento, com um potencial de risco sanitário associado, assim como a insuficiência de trabalhos científicos na área, faz-se necessário ampliar os estudos sobre a formação dos manipuladores.

Introduction: The Consumption of street food has increased in recent years, transforming this segment into an important food trade, with job and income. Objective: This work aimed to know the socioeconomic profile and analyze the perception about business management and good handling practices of street food handlers in the city of Niterói/RJ, participants of an online course on good handling practices in the food trade. Methods: The methodology was applied and descriptive, with a qualitative and quantitative approach. An online questionnaire was used, with 56 questions, applied to 67 course participants. Results: 86.4 % were women; predominant age group between 27 and 62 years; average income of up to 3 minimum wages; 35.8 % reported having incomplete higher education. Only 29.9 % have a MEI record; 72.7 % work in this trade by choice; 46.3 % carry out inventory control and 62.5% carry out cash control; 67.2 % have courses in the field of food; and 47.8 % claimed to have previous experiences.Conclusions:As the consolidation of this segment is observed, with a potential associated health risk, as well as the lack of scientific work in this area, it is necessary to expand studies on the training of handlers.

Detection of Dirofilaria immitis using microscopic, serological and molecular techniques among dogs in Cabo Frio, RJ, Brazil / Detecção de Dirofilaria immitis utilizando técnicas microscópicas, imunológicas e moleculares em cães de Cabo Frio, RJ

Abstract Heartworm disease is a health problem for dogs and cats, especially in tropical and subtropical coastal regions of the world. Some studies have compared the efficacy of the diagnostic techniques used to detect this parasitosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare parasitological optical microscopy (POM), serological and molecular techniques for diagnosing canine heartworm infection. Samples were collected between July 2015 and April 2016 from 103 dogs in Cabo Frio, RJ, Brazil. The wet fresh blood, thick smears, thin smears and modified Knott's test were used to detect microfilariae. ELISA (Snap™ 4Dx ® IDEXX) was used to detect antigens and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect DNA and enable sequencing for species differentiation and confirmation. 19.4% of samples were positive according to microscopy. Through PCR, 15.5% of the total were positive. Using ELISA, the positivity rate was 29.1%. Occult heartworm infection was detected in 11.6% of the samples. ELISA sensitivity was shown to be higher than PCR or microscopy (P = 0.001). Sequencing of samples confirmed the presence of Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum . ELISA was more effective for serological diagnosis canine heartworm and should be used in clinical and epidemiological studies.

Resumo A dirofilariose é um problema de saúde para cães e gatos, especialmente nas regiões costeiras tropicais e subtropicais do mundo. Alguns estudos compararam a eficácia das técnicas de diagnóstico usadas para detectar esta parasitose. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a microscopia óptica (OM), técnicas sorológicas e moleculares para o diagnóstico de infecção por Dirofilaria immitis . Foram coletadas, entre julho de 2015 e abril de 2016, amostras de 103 cães em Cabo Frio, RJ, Brasil. O exame direto, distensão espessa, distensão delgada e o teste de Knott modificado foram usados para detectar microfilárias. O ELISA (Snap ™ 4Dx ® IDEXX) foi usado para detectar antígenos e a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi usada para detectar DNA e o sequenciamento para diferenciação e confirmação de espécie. Das amostras, 19,4% foram positivas de acordo com a microscopia. Por PCR, 15,5% do total foram positivos. Utilizando o ELISA, a taxa de positividade foi de 29,1%. Dirofilariose oculta foi detectada em 11,6% das amostras. A sensibilidade ao ELISA mostrou-se superior à PCR ou microscopia (P = 0,001). O sequenciamento das amostras confirmou a presença de Dirofilaria immitis e Acanthocheilonema reconditum . O ELISA foi mais eficaz no diagnóstico sorológico de dirofilariose canina e deve ser usado em estudos clínicos e epidemiológicos.

Agreement between upper endoscopy and esophagography in the diagnosis of megaesophagus in Chagas disease

Abstract INTRODUCTION The diagnosis and classification of megaesophagus can be challenging in patients with Chagas disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the agreement between upper endoscopies and esophagographies for the diagnosis and classification of megaesophagus in Chagas disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 50 patients with Chagas disease with upper digestive symptoms was undertaken. Esophagography and upper endoscopy exams were performed to compare diagnoses. Statistical analysis included sensitivity and specificity used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of upper endoscopies, and measures of agreement: linearly weighted Kappa (κw) and Cohen`s classical Kappa (κ) coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (46%) were diagnosed with megaesophagus by esophagography. The upper endoscopy sensitivity and specificity for megaesophagus diagnosis were 100% and 33.3%, respectively. Regarding megaesophagus classifications, there was a substantial agreement between the two exams (κw = 0.622; 95% CI: 0.498 to 0.746). Within megaesophagus groups, agreement for group I was slight (κ = 0.096; 95% CI: 0.000 to 0.403); for group II, substantial (κ = 0.703; 95% CI: 0.456 to 0.950); and for groups III and IV, inconclusive (κ = 0.457; 95% CI: 0.000 to 0.967; κ = 0.540; 95% CI: 0.035 to 1.000, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Upper endoscopy has a high sensitivity, but a low specificity to diagnose megaesophagus. Agreement between the two exams varies depending on the megaesophagus grade. Thus, upper endoscopy can be used in the diagnostic workup of a possible Chagas disease megaesophagus, but all identified cases should undergo esophagography.

Comparative study of three xenic media culture for cultivation of Balantidium coli strains / Estudo comparativo entre três meios de cultivo xênicos para o cultivo de cepas de Balantidium coli

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the growth rate of Balantidium coli in three xenic media cultures. Between 2013 and 2015, 10 B. coli isolates obtained from feces of Cynomolgus macaques, and 30 isolates from feces of pigs were studied. An inoculum of 500 trophozoites was transferred to tubes containing LES, TYSGM-9 and Pavlova media. These cultures were evaluated at incubation times of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. In most of strains analyzed wasn't showed significant difference in the growth rate comparing TYSGM-9 and Pavlova media (Wilcoxon p>0.016). In Pavlova medium, the trophozoites showed a maximum growth at 72 hours with significant difference when compared with the times of 24 h and 96 h (Wilcoxon <0.008). In LES, viable trophozoites were observed until 24 hours, with a significant difference (Friedman p<0.05, Wilcoxon p<0.016) in the number of parasite cells compared with Pavlova and TYSGM-9 media cultures. Thus, LES medium seemed to be less adequate than the other media for maintenance of B. coli. Despite the satisfactory results in TYSGM-9, Pavlova medium was considered ideal for the maintenance of this protozoan strain, guaranteeing the viability of the parasite with subculture every three days, presenting lower costs.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a taxa de crescimento de Balantidium coli em três meios de cultura xênicos. Entre 2013 e 2015 foram estudados 10 isolados de B. coli obtidos de Cynomolgus macaques e 30 isolados de suínos. Um inóculo contendo 500 trofozoítos foi transferido para tubos contendo os meios LES, TYSGM-9 e Pavlova. Os cultivos foram avaliados com tempos de incubação de 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas. Na maioria das cepas analisadas não foi observado diferença significativa na taxa de crescimento comparando TYSGM-9 e Pavlova (Wilcoxon p>0,016). Em Pavlova, os trofozoítos apresentaram máximo de crescimento a 72 h com diferença significativa quando se comparou com os tempos de 24 h e 96 h (Wilcoxon <0,008). Em LES observou-se trofozoítos viáveis até 24 horas com diferença significativa (Friedman p<0,05 e Wilcoxon p<0,016), na quantidade de células parasitárias, quando comparado com Pavlova e TYSGM-9. Dessa forma, o meio LES mostrou-se ser menos adequado do que os outros, para a manutenção de B. coli. Apesar do resultado satisfatório em TYSGM-9, Pavlova foi considerado ideal para manutenção do protozoário, por garantir a viabilidade do parasito com subcultivos a cada três dias, além de apresentar menor custo.

Intestinal parasites in children with neurological disorders treated at a rehabilitation institution in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Enteroparasitosis presents high prevalence in developing countries, and is frequent among children, and those with disabilities present even higher susceptibility. The present study evaluated 156 children with neurological disorders to whose parents or guardians an epidemiological questionnaire was applied with a view to identifying risk factors. Stool samples were processed using Ritchie modified by Young, Faust et al., Lutz and Baermann-Moraes techniques. Thirteen samples (8.3%) were positive, being Blastocystis sp. the most frequent parasite (46.2%). Higher positivity was observed for protozoa, especially non-pathogenic. A statistically significant association was only found between the educational level of the mother and positivity for enteroparasites. Among positive children, the habit of placing their hands and objects in their mouths and the consumption of raw vegetables was more frequent. The results show the existence of care and sanitation minimizing the acquisition of intestinal parasite diseases. It is important to alert parents and caregivers about personal hygiene, water and food quality, as well as the environment, considering that transmission of these parasites occurs via the fecal-oral route, in association with multiple factors.

Congenital toxoplasmosis: perception of knowledge and primary prevention measures among healthcare professionals and pregnant women treated in public healthcare facilities / Toxoplasmose congênita: percepção do conhecimento e medidas de prevenção primária entre profissionais de saúde e gestantes atendidas em unidades públicas de saúde

AIMS: To evaluate knowledge about toxoplasmosis among pregnant women and healthcare professionals and to evaluate the knowledge acquired by pregnant women after health education actions. METHODSethods: Five hundred pregnant women and 141 healthcare professionals from health units in Niterói, state of Rio de Janeiro, answered a questionnaire, received information about toxoplasmosis and had access to an interactive educational model and to folders between 2013 and 2016. After 3 months, 145 pregnant women answered the questionnaire once again. RESULTS: Of 500 pregnant women, 226 (45.2%) reported having heard about toxoplasmosis. Among these, 23.5% had obtained information from friends and 19.0% from their doctors. About their exposure to risk factors, 6.8% had had contact with cat feces; 14.0% had had contact with soil without gloves; 23.4% had ingested undercooked meat; and 24.0% had drunk unfiltered water from the public supply system. The questionnaires of 145 pregnant women before and after the educational activities were compared and showed that contact with soil without gloves dropped significantly from 11.0% to 4.8% (p = 0.022) while consumption of unfiltered water fell from 26.9% to 20.0% (p < 0.001). Washing foods (62.1%), washing hands (62.1%) and consumption of well-cooked meat (61.4%) were the most widely cited preventive measures. Many mistakes were reported among healthcare professionals, and one nursing technician and 13 community healthcare agents (9.9%) had not heard about toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of knowledge about toxoplasmosis by most of the interviewed pregnant women, in addition to the misconceptions observed among healthcare professionals, leads to the conclusion that little importance has been given so far to primary prevention of toxoplasmosis during the prenatal period. Also, health professionals' inadequate knowledge could be detrimental to secondary prevention, which consists of early detection and treatment of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. In this study, educational intervention contributed to improving knowledge about the transmission and prevention of toxoplasmosis by pregnant women and, to a lesser extent, to reducing exposure to some risk factors.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o conhecimento da toxoplasmose entre gestantes e profissionais de saúde e avaliar o conhecimento adquirido pelas gestantes após ações de educação em saúde. MÉTODOS: Quinhentas gestantes e 141 profissionais de saúde provenientes de Unidades de Saúde de Niterói-RJ de 2013 a 2016, foram entrevistados por meio de um questionário, receberam informações sobre a toxoplasmose, tiveram acesso a um modelo educativo interativo e folders. Após três meses, 145 gestantes responderam novamente ao questionário. RESULTADOS: Das 500 gestantes, 226 (45,2%) relataram que já tinham ouvido falar sobre toxoplasmose. Destas, 23,5% tiveram informações por amigos e 19,0% pelo médico. Sobre exposição aos fatores de risco, 6,8% relataram contato com fezes de gatos; 14,0% tiveram contato com o solo sem luvas; 23,4% ingeriam carne mal passada; e 24,0% bebiam água de abastecimento público sem filtrar. Ao comparar os questionários de 145 gestantes antes e após atividades educativas, o contato com o solo sem uso de luvas teve redução significativa de 11,0% para 4,8% (p=0,022) e o consumo de água sem filtro reduziu de 26,9% para 20,0% (p=0,001). Foram mais citados como medidas preventivas a lavagem dos alimentos (62,1%), a lavagem das mãos (62,1%) e o consumo de carne bem cozida (61,4%). Dentre os profissionais de saúde, muitos erros foram relatados e um técnico de enfermagem e 13 agentes comunitários de saúde (9,9%) não conheciam a toxoplasmose. CONCLUSÕES: A falta de conhecimento sobre a toxoplasmose pela maioria das gestantes entrevistadas, além de concepções equivocadas por parte dos profissionais de saúde, levam à conclusão de que vem sendo dada pouca importância para a prevenção primária da toxoplasmose durante o período pré-natal. Adicionalmente, algumas falhas no conhecimento dos profissionais podem prejudicar até mesmo a prevenção secundária, que consiste na detecção e tratamento precoce da toxoplasmose na gestação. Neste estudo, a intervenção educacional contribuiu para aumentar o conhecimento sobre a transmissão e a prevenção da toxoplasmose entre as gestantes e, em menor extensão, para reduzir a exposição a alguns fatores de risco.

Enterococcus spp. Resistant to Multiple Antimicrobial Drugs and Determination of Fecal Contamination Levels in Mangrove Oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae)

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine and compare the Most Probable Number (MPN) of Total Coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. and to characterize the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Enterococcus spp. isolated from oysters collected in the Barra de Guaratiba Mangrove, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The enumeration of E. coli has been used to indicate fecal contamination and hygienic-sanitary conditions of bivalve molluscs. Enterococci are capable to transfer several antimicrobial resistance genes to pathogenic bacteria, including those from Gram-negative group. The oysters were bought from local fishermen and a total of 123 individuals were analyzed. The TC, E. coli and Enterococcus spp. MPN mean were 26,300/100 g, 3,260/100 g and 2,820/100 g, respectively. The only correlation found was between TC and E. coli. Two strains of Enterococcus spp. were resistant to three different antimicrobial categories, including a high level resistance to streptomycin. One strain presented intermediate resistance to vancomycin. The E. coli levels exceeded the limits established by international legislation. This microbiological contamination in oysters reflects the water pollution and indicates a probable contamination of other seafood species from this mangrove, which can represent a risk for consumers and a threat to the environment and public health.

Knowledge about parasite infections among pregnant and postpartum women who attended a university hospital in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Parasite infections are frequent in Brazil during pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge about parasite infections among pregnant and post-partum women, attending a public University Hospital in Niteroi, RJ, Brazil. Knowledge was assessed using a standardized interview and questionnaire. A total of 100 interviews were conducted (60 pregnant and 40 post-partum women). Educational achievement did not influence knowledge about parasites. The majority of the women interviewed stated that they habitually always washed hands after using the bathroom and before eating. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was prevalent, but 17% did not wash them before eating and 39% ate raw or undercooked meat. Educational achievement and number of pregnancies did not influence hygiene habits. Neither the late pre-natal care nor the number of pregnancies influenced knowledge about parasites. Also, there was no correlation between the initial date of pre-natal care and the number of correct answers in the questionnaire. Similarly, there was no association between the initial date of pre-natal care and receiving information about parasite infections. 79% of the women interviewed stated that they had never received any information about parasite infection and pregnancy, and the harm it could cause to them and/or their baby. Despite advances in pre-natal care assistance in the last decade, the lack of knowledge among pregnant and post-partum women regarding parasites and risk factors for infection still remains.

Avaliação dos resultados dos cursos de capacitação em bem-estar animal na pendura e na qualidade de carcaça de frangos

Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um estudo comparativo em 15 estabelecimentos de abate de aves com serviço de inspeção federal, nos estados de Santa Catarina e Paraná, antes e após receberem o curso de capacitação do Programa Nacional de Abate Humanitário - Steps da Sociedade Mundial de Proteção Animal (WSPA) em parceria com o Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). Foram avaliados os pontos críticos de bem-estar das aves na etapa de pendura, além de seus efeitos na qualidade da carne. Para análise dos dados colhidos, foi aplicado o teste de Wilcoxon, a fim de verificar diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) entre as avaliações. Foram verificados diversos pontos em não conformidade, como condições das aves na área de pendura e índice de lesões de carcaça. Após ser administrado o curso de capacitação, melhorias foram observadas, principalmente no manejo e no índice de hematomas. Desse modo, pode-se inferir que o curso permitiu grandes avanços nas plantas avaliadas, contudo, há necessidade de se fiscalizar e dar continuidade aos treinamentos por meio da atuação dos multiplicadores formados em cada estabelecimento, em conjunto com um programa de bem-estar animal implantado com metas para alcançar os parâmetros ideais.

This work aimed to conduct a comparative study in 15 slaughterhouses with federal inspection service in Santa Catarina and Paraná states, before and after receiving the training course of the National Humane Slaughter Program - Steps from the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA). The critical points of poultry welfare were evaluated at the shackling stage and their effects on meat quality. For data analysis, Wilcoxon test was applied in order to identify significant differences (p < 0.05) between assessments. Several points in noncompliance were verified, such as conditions of birds during shackling and carcass downgrading rate. After being given the training course, improvements were observed mainly in handling and bruises rates. This way, one can infer that the course has enabled great advances in evaluated plants, however, there is need to inspect and to get on with the training by means of the action of multipliers trained in each plant along with an animal welfare program implemented to achieve the ideal standards.

Atenção em Saúde Bucal no Brasil: uma análise a partir da Avaliação Externa do PMAQ-AB / Dental care in Brazil: an analysis based on PMAQ-AB External Evaluation

Este estudo tem como objetivos identificar as características da oferta de serviços de odontologia acessados pelos usuários e analisar a organização da atenção à saúde bucal das equipes participantes do Programa Nacional do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica quanto aos atributos do acesso de primeiro contato e da integralidade. Utilizaram-se dados secundários da Avaliação Externa relativos aos módulos usuário e profissional. Os resultados indicam que 45,1% dos usuários conseguem marcar consulta com o dentista. A garantia de continuidade de tratamento é menor nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. O acesso e o tempo de espera nas especialidades ainda se constituem em problema da rede de atenção.

This study aims to identify the characteristics of dental service supply accessed by users and to analyze the organization of Oral teams participating in the National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care, as for access and first contact comprehensiveness. Secondary data concerning to External Evaluation were applied in their user and professional component modules. The results indicate that 45.1% of users succeed in making an appointment with the dentist. The ensuring continuity of treatment is lower in the North and Northeast regions. Access and waiting times for specialty still constitute a problem of the care network.

Toxoplasmosis-rllated knowledge among pregnant nd postpartum women attended inn public health units in niterói, rio de janeiro, Braill / Conhecimento sobre toxoplasmose entre gestantes e puérperas atendidas na rede pública de saúde do município de Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The present study conducted a toxoplasmosis-related knowledge level survey with 400 pregnant and puerperal women attended in public health units in the municipality of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. Only 111 (27.8%) women claimed to know about the disease. Most of them (n = 289; 72.2%) had never heard about toxoplasmosis nor knew how to prevent the infection by Toxoplasma gondii. A significant difference (p = 0.013) regarding the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG was observed between women who claimed to know about the disease and those who had never heard about it. These results highlight the importance of a systematic serological screening process for toxoplasmosis, as well as the importance of primary prevention by accurate information during prenatal care, an important Public Health action to be implemented.

Este estudo teve por objetivo realizar um levantamento do conhecimento de 400 gestantes e puérperas atendidas na rede pública de saúde do município de Niterói, Estado do Rio de Janeiro sobre a toxoplasmose. Apenas 111 (27,8%) participantes relataram conhecer a doença. A maioria 289 (72,2%) nunca ouviu falar sobre a toxoplasmose, principalmente sobre as formas de prevenção da infecção pelo Toxoplasma gondii. Foi encontrada diferença significativa entre as pacientes que disseram conhecer a toxoplasmose e aquelas que relataram desconhecer a doença com relação à presença de anticorpos IgG anti- T.gondii (p = 0,013). Estes resultados permitem ressaltar a importância do rastreamento sorológico sistemático na infecção toxoplásmica, bem como a prevenção primária por meio de informações corretas durante o pré-natal, sendo esta uma importante medida de saúde pública a ser implementada.

Prevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant and postpartum women attended at public healthcare facilities in the City of Niterói, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Introduction To determine the prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among pregnant and postpartum women attended within the public healthcare system in Niterói, State of Rio de Janeiro, and to detect possible exposure factors associated with T. gondii infection in this population. Methods IgM and IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies were investigated in 276 pregnant and 124 postpartum women by using the indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT) and immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA) techniques. The participants were selected by convenience sampling. All these 400 patients filled out a free and informed consent statement, answered an epidemiological questionnaire and were informed about the disease. Results Among the 400 samples analyzed, 234 (58.5%) were reactive to IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies, according to the IFAT and/or ELISA assay. One pregnant woman was found to be reactive to IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies, with an intermediate IgG avidity test. Risk factor analysis showed that seropositivity was significantly associated (p<0.05) with age, contact with cats and presence of rodents at home. Through a logistic regression model, these associations were confirmed for age and contact with cats, while education at least of the high school level was found to be a protective factor. Conclusions The prevalence rate of IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies in the City of Niterói was high and the risk factors for infection detected after multivariate analysis were: age over 30 years, contact with cats and education levels lower than university graduate level. .

Avaliação parasitológica da água de abastecimento e do soloperidomiciliar de Aldeias Guarani / Parasitological assessment of the water supply and the domiciliary surrounding area soil in Guarani Villages

As aldeias Guarani de Angra dos Reis e Paraty possuem abastecimento de água constituído por captaçãodas nascentes, tratamento da água com cloro e/ou filtros e reservatórios de armazenamento. O sistema desaneamento é estruturado por módulos sanitários fornecidos pela Funasa. Para investigar a contaminaçãoambiental por protozoários e helmintos, as amostras de água e de solo das aldeias foram avaliadas pormeio de análises parasitológicas. De quatro aldeias, foram coletadas 24 amostras de água nas captaçõescom cartuchos filtrantes, 24 dos reservatórios de água clorada por sifonação e 64 amostras de solo porraspagem superficial no peridomicílio. Todas as amostras foram analisadas pelas técnicas de centrífugosedimentação,centrífugo-flutuação e ensaio imunoenzimático para Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lambliae Entamoeba histolytica, associando-se à pesquisa de larvas de nematódeos no solo. As aldeias de ParatyMirim e Rio Pequeno apresentaram maior positividade para parasitas nas amostras de água, detectandosecistos de amebídeos e Giardia sp., antígenos de G. lamblia, E. histolytica e Cryptosporidium spp. Foramdetectados ovos de Ascaris sp., Trichuris sp., antígenos de Cryptosporidium spp. e E. histolytica nas amostrasde solo da aldeia Sapukai. Esses resultados indicam elevada contaminação ambiental e deficiência notratamento da água que abastece as aldeias Guarani.

Linguiças frescais elaboradas com carne de avestruz: características físico-químicas / Ostrich Brazilian sausage: physicochemical characteristics

A carne de avestruz por apresentar baixos conteúdos de colesterol, gordura intramuscular e altas percentagens de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados ômega-3 é considerada uma carne vermelha saudável e de grande aceitação junto aos consumidores. Considerando que os recortes resultantes da desossa das carcaças de avestruz são partes consideradas menos nobres, desenvolveu-se a produção de três formulações de linguiça frescal tendo como base a carne de avestruz (recortes e aparas), promovendo as análises físico-químicas e colorimétricas com o objetivo caracterizar o perfil físico-químico e colorimétrico dessas diferentes formulações. As três formulações se encontraram dentro dos padrões físico-químicos estipulados pela legislação brasileira (BRASIL, 2000) e não apresentaram diferença significativa entre si, com exceção do teor de cinzas, mais alto nas linguiças mistas. Na análise do teor de pH, observou-se diferença significativa entre os tratamentos, com pH maior nas linguiças puras em relação às mistas. As linguiças puras foram mais escuras e vermelhas que as mistas, sendo que a mista de avestruz, suína e frango foi a mais clara. As linguiças frescais puras ou mistas elaboradas com carne de avestruz são uma opção viável de produção e comercialização, podendo concorrer no mercado com as linguiças tradicionais com perspectiva de êxito.

Ostrich's meat has low contents of colestherol and intramuscular fat and high percentages of poliunsaturated fat acid -3 so it's known as a healthy red meat with consumer great acceptability. Considering that ostrich trim (meat resulting from boning) is considered a less noble part, three formulations of ostrich (trim) Brazilian sausage were produced. Physicochemical analyses and color evaluation (L*, a*, b*) were made to determine formulations' physicochemical characteristics and colorimetric profile. The physicochemical results of all formulations were in accord with the Brazilian legislation pattern's (BRASIL, 2000) and no differences (P>0,05) between formulations have been found except in the ash content, higher in mixed sausages. Differences (P>0,05) have been found also between the pH of the treatments, which increased with the heightening of the percentage of ostrich meat in formulation. The sausages formulated with 100 percent ostrich meat were darker and redder in appearance than the mixed ones. The mixed of ostrich, pork and chicken Brazilian sausage were the lightest. The Brazilian sausages prepared with ostrich meat, pure or mixed, are a viable option for production and sale, and can be placed in the market and compete with the traditional sausages with the prospect of being successful.

O polimorfismo AGT*M235T na disfunção cardíaca de etiologia isquêmica aguda: projeto gisca / AGT*M235T polymorphism in acute ischemic cardiac dysfunction: the gisca project

FUNDAMENTO: O polimorfismo AGT*M235T tem sido associado a elevados níveis séricos de angiotensinogênio (AGT), hipertensão arterial sistêmica e disfunção cardíaca (DC). OBJETIVO: Testar a hipótese de haver associação entre polimorfismo AGT*M235T e o risco de desenvolver disfunção cardíaca (insuficiência cardíaca ou disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda assintomática) pós-síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA), durante o período de internação hospitalar. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 363 pacientes (idade média 62 ± 12 anos), sendo 233 (64 por cento) homens e 130 (36 por cento) mulheres, todos da mesma coorte, internados por SCA. Compararam-se dados clínicos e genéticos dos 117 (32,2 por cento) que evoluíram com disfunção cardíaca (grupo caso) com os dos 246 (67,8 por cento), que não desenvolveram tal condição (grupo controle). O polimorfismo AGT*M235T foi determinado por análise de sequenciamento e estava em equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença significativa na distribuição dos genótipos nas mulheres, com predomínio do genótipo *235MM no grupo controle (p = 0,001) e do alelo *235T no grupo caso. Em ambos os sexos, nos modelos de regressão logística, o diagnóstico de infarto de parede anterior na admissão foi fator de incremento no risco de DC, enquanto angina instável na admissão, ausência do alelo *235T, glicemia < 100 mg/dl, uso de betabloqueador, creatinina sérica < 1,5 mg/dl, faixa de frequência cardíaca > 60 e < 90 bpm e tabagismo atual foram fatores de redução do risco de DC. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo sugere que a ausência do alelo *235T do AGT contribui para a redução do risco de disfunção cardíaca pós-síndrome coronariana aguda.

BACKGROUND: AGT*M235T polymorphism has been associated with high serum angiotensinogen (AGT) levels, systemic hypertension and cardiac dysfunction (CD). OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis of AGT*M235T polymorphism being associated with the risk of developing cardiac dysfunction (heart failure or asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during hospitalization. METHODS: A total of 363 patients (mean age of 62 ± 12 years), of whom 233 (64 percent) were men and 130 (36 percent) were women, all from the same cohort and hospitalized for ACS, were studied. Clinical and genetic data from the 117 (32.2 percent) patients who developed cardiac dysfunction (case group) were compared to those of the 246 (67.8 percent) who did not develop this condition (control group). The AGT*M235T polymorphism was determined by sequence analysis and was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the distribution of genotypes among women, with a predominance of the *235MM genotype in the control group (p = 0.001) and of the *235T allele in the case group. In the logistic regression models, the diagnosis of anterior wall myocardial infarction at admission was related to an increased risk of CD in both genders, whereas unstable angina at admission.; absence of the *235T allele; blood glucose <100 mg/dl; use of betablocker; serum creatinine level < 1.5 mg/dl;heart rate range > 60 and < 90 bpm; and current cigarette smoking were related to a lower risk of CD. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the absence of the AGT *235T allele contributes to a reduced risk of cardiac dysfunction after acute coronary syndrome.