Effect of seasonality and estuarine waters on the phytoplankton of the Guamá River (Belém, Amazon, Brazil).

This study aimed to analyze the application of the Phytoplankton Community Index-PCI and Functional Groups-FG in determining the water quality of the Guamá River (Pará, Amazônia, Brazil). Samplings occurred monthly for analyses of phytoplankton and physical and chemical parameters, for two years, at the station where water was collected for human supply consumption. Seasonality influenced electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, transparency, winds, true color, and N-ammoniacal. The ebb tide showed high turbidity and suspended solids. The density varied seasonally with the highest values occurring in September and December (61.1 ind mL-1 and 60.2 ind mL-1, respectively). Chlorophyll-a was more elevated in December (21.0 ± 4.7 µg L-1) and chlorophyll-c higher in relation to clorophyll- b indicated the dominance of diatoms. Functional Group P prevailed in the study months. Through the PCI índex the waters of Guamá River varied from reasonable to excellent and the TSI ranged from oligo to mesotrophic. The use of Functional Groups proved to be a promising tool in the determination of water quality since it covered the most abundant species in the Environment, but the PCI is not adequate to characterize Amazonian white-waters rivers, which have diatoms as the leading dominant group.

Multivariate optimization of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction using ionic liquid for the analysis of ultraviolet filters in natural waters.

In this work, a vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method, using an ionic liquid as the extracting solvent was developed, for the simultaneous analysis of three UV filters in different water samples. The extracting and dispersive solvents were selected in a univariate way. Then, the parameters such as the volume of the extracting and dispersive solvents, pH and ionic strength were evaluated using a full experimental design 24, followed by Doehlert matrix. The optimized method consisted of 50 µL of extracting solvent (1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate), 700 µL of dispersive solvent (acetonitrile) and pH of 4.5. When combined with high-performance liquid chromatography, the method limit of detection ranged from 0.3 to 0.6 µg L-1, enrichment factors between 81 and 101%, and the relative standard deviation between 5.8 and 10.0%. The developed method demonstrated effectiveness in concentrating UV filters in both river and seawater samples, being a simple and efficient option for this type of analysis.

Evaluation of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Marine Oyster Farming and Microalgae in the Atlantic Amazon Evidences Safety but Highlights Potential Risks of Shellfish Poisoning.

Marine phycotoxins are organic compounds synthesized by some species of microalgae, which accumulate in the tissues of filter-feeder organisms such as bivalve mollusks. These toxins can cause acute intoxication episodes in humans, a severe threat to aquaculture and fisheries. In the State of Pará, Brazil, oyster farming has community, artisanal and sustainable bases, using mangroves as cultivation environment and seed banks. In small-scale production, there are often no established methods of safeguarding the health of consumers elevating the potential risks of shellfish poisoning outbreaks. Our study evaluated the presence of phycotoxins in oysters cultivated in five municipalities in the region of the Atlantic Amazon (Pará, Brazil) assessing the quality of the final product. We further evaluated the microalgae, water quality, and the spatio-temporal variation of physicochemical factors in the same area. Diatoms dominated the microalgae composition, followed by dinoflagellates, some of which are reported to be potentially toxic and producers of paralytic shellfish toxins. For the first time, we describe the occurrence of the potentially toxic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis sp. in the Amazon region. Furthermore, for the first time, toxins were detected in oyster farming in the northeast of the State of Pará, namely GTX2,3, STX, and dc-STX nevertheless, with nontoxic values. The identified toxins represent a potential threat to shellfish consumers.

Investigations on Storage and Oxidative Stability of Biodiesel from Different Feedstocks Using the Rancimat Method, Infrared Spectroscopy, and Chemometry.

Biodiesel can be altered when exposed to air, light, temperature, and humidity. Other factors, such as microbial or inorganic agents, also interfere with the quality of the product. In the present work, the Rancimat method and mid-infrared spectroscopy associated with chemometry, were used to identify the oxidation process of biodiesel from different feedstocks and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of butylated hydroxytoluene. The study was carried out in four steps: preparation of biodiesel samples with and without the antioxidant agent, degradation of the samples under the effect of light and heating at 70 °C, measurements of the induction period, obtention of infrared spectra, and multivariate analysis. The Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy was used in combination with multivariate analysis, using techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). The Rancimat results showed that babassu biodiesel has a higher resistance to oxidative degradation, while chicken biodiesel is the most susceptible to degradation; on the other hand, the antioxidant activity was more effective with chicken biodiesel, demonstrating that the antioxidant effect depends on the feedstock used in the production of biodiesel. The oxidative stability of babassu oil-, corn oil-, and chicken fat-based biodiesels decreased during storage both in the presence of light and at high temperature. Prior to PCA, all spectra were pre-processed with a combination of Savitzky-Golay smoothing filter with a 7-point window, baseline correction, and mean-centered data. The use of mid-infrared spectroscopy associated with PCA revealed the first two components to explain the greater variability of data, representing over 75% of total variation for all analyzed systems. In addition, it was able to separate the biodiesel samples according to the fatty acid profile of its feedstock, as well as the type of degradation to which it was subjected, the same being confirmed by HCA.

Seeds of Cucurbita maxima and Carica papaya are effective for controlling monogeneans in the gills of Leporinus macrocephalus.

This study was carried out to evaluate the anthelminthic efficacy of seeds of Cucurbita maxima and Carica papaya for controlling monogeneans in the gills of Leporinus macrocephalus, besides hepatosomatic and splenosomatic index and condition factor of host. The fish were fed with seeds of C. maxima or C. papaya for seven days, and these treatments did not cause any mortality among them. Jainus leporini, Urocleidoides paradoxus, Urocleidoides eremitus and Tereancistrum parvus were the monogeneans found, and their prevalence in fish fed with seeds of C. papaya was 100%, while in fish fed with C. maxima the prevalence was 42.8%. Fish fed with seeds of C. papaya showed decreased in intensity and abundance of monogeneans, while fish fed with seeds of C. maxima presented decreased in abundance. Feeding of L. macrocephalus with seeds of C. maxima or C. papaya had efficacy of 69.6 and 67.8%, respectively. The hepatosomatic index of fish fed with seeds of C. maxima or C. papaya was not affected by the treatments. However, the splenosomatic index and condition factor of fish fed with C. maxima seeds decreased. Seeds of C. maxima and C. papaya may be used for controlling monogeneans of L. macrocephalus in fish farming.

Seeds of Cucurbita maxima and Carica papaya are effective for controlling monogeneans in the gills of Leporinus macrocephalus / Sementes de Cucurbita maxima e Carica papaya são eficazes no controle de monogenéticos das brânquias de Leporinus macrocephalus

This study was carried out to evaluate the anthelminthic efficacy of seeds of Cucurbita maxima and Carica papaya for controlling monogeneans in the gills of Leporinus macrocephalus, besides hepatosomatic and splenosomatic index and condition factor of host. The fish were fed with seeds of C. maxima or C. papaya for seven days, and these treatments did not cause any mortality among them. Jainus leporini, Urocleidoides paradoxus, Urocleidoides eremitus and Tereancistrum parvus were the monogeneans found, and their prevalence in fish fed with seeds of C. papaya was 100%, while in fish fed with C. maxima the prevalence was 42.8%. Fish fed with seeds of C. papaya showed decreased in intensity and abundance of monogeneans, while fish fed with seeds of C. maxima presented decreased in abundance. Feeding of L. macrocephalus with seeds of C. maxima or C. papaya had efficacy of 69.6 and 67.8%, respectively. The hepatosomatic index of fish fed with seeds of C. maxima or C. papaya was not affected by the treatments. However, the splenosomatic index and condition factor of fish fed with C. maxima seeds decreased. Seeds of C. maxima and C. papaya may be used for controlling monogeneans of L. macrocephalus in fish farming.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou a eficácia antihelmíntica de sementes de Cucurbita maxima e Carica papaya no controle de monogenéticos das brânquias de Leporinus macrocephalus, além do índice hepatossomático e esplenossomático e do fator de condição do hospedeiro. Os peixes foram alimentados com sementes de C. maxima ou C. papaya durante sete dias, e os tratamentos não causaram mortalidade. Monogenéticos Jainus leporini, Urocleidoides paradoxus, Urocleidoides eremitus e Tereancistrum parvus tiveram prevalência de 100% nos peixes alimentados com sementes de C. papaya, enquanto nos peixes alimentados com C. maxima a prevalência foi de 42,8%. Os peixes alimentados com sementes de C. papaya apresentaram diminuição na intensidade média e abundância média de monogenéticos, enquanto os peixes alimentados com sementes de C. maxima apresentaram uma diminuição na abundância média. A alimentação de L. macrocephalus com sementes de C. maxima ou C. papaya teve eficácia de 69,6 e 67,8%, respectivamente. O índice hepatossomático dos peixes alimentados com sementes de C. maxima ou C. papaya não foi afetada pelos tratamentos. No entanto, o índice esplenossomático e o fator de condição dos peixes alimentados com sementes de C. maxima diminuíram. Sementes de C. maxima e C. papaya podem ser usadas no controle de monogenéticos das brânquias de L. macrocephalus em piscicultura.(AU)

Biodiversity and interannual variation of cyanobacteria density in an estuary of the brazilian Amazon.

The influence of environmental variables on planktonic biodiversity is widely known. However, the absence of information about the cyanobacterial community in tropical estuarine regions motivated this work, whose objective was to investigate the spatio-temporal variation of cyanobacterial density related to physicochemical factors in a Brazilian Amazonian estuary. For the qualitative and quantitative study of cyanobacteria and physicochemical variables, samples were collected in April/July/2009 and April/August/2010. We identified 31 species of the orders Chroococcales, Oscillatoriales and Nostocales. Species of the genera Aphanocapsa, Dolichospermum, Komvophoron, Microcystis, Pseudanabaena and Merismopedia were frequent and abundant throughout the study period. Some of the found genera have already been described as potential toxin producers. The dynamics of cyanobacteria were temporal, the highest densities occurred in 2010 (average= 1080.86 ± 702.86 cells.mL-1) mainly influenced by the high values of pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, ammonium nitrogen which led cyanobacteria to present different responses in terms of richness, density and diversity between the years.

Solidified floating organic drop microextraction (SFODME) for the simultaneous analysis of three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in aqueous samples by HPLC.

In this work, a liquid-liquid microextraction methodology using solidified floating organic drop (SFODME) was combined with liquid chromatography and UV/Vis detection to determine non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) naproxen (NPX), diclofenac (DCF), and mefenamic acid (MFN) in tap water, surface water, and seawater samples. Parameters that can influence the efficiency of the process were evaluated, such as the type and volume of the extractor and dispersive solvents, effect of pH, agitation type, and ionic strength. The optimized method showed low detection limits (0.09 to 0.25 µg L-1), satisfactory recovery rates (90 to 116%), and enrichment factors in the range between 149 and 199. SFODME showed simplicity, low cost, speed, and high concentration capacity of the analytes under study. Its use in real samples did not demonstrate a matrix effect that would compromise the effectiveness of the method, being possible to apply it successfully in water samples with different characteristics.

Determination of free- and bound-carbonyl compounds in airborne particles by ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

This study presents the development and application of a new analytical methodology for determination of free- and bound-carbonyl compounds (CC) (as the CC themselves and as the hydroxyalkylsulfonic acids - HASA, respectively) in airborne particles. Free- and bound-CC determination were done through reaction with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH) and analysis by UFLC-MS. The method was successfully validated, showing good figures for linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9937), sensibility (3 fg ˂ LOD ˂ 20 fg for methacrolein and heptanal, respectively) and repeatability (5.9% ˂ RSD ˂ 13%). The proposed method was successfully applied in real samples of inhalable atmospheric particulate matter (PM10) and urban dust certified reference material (SRM 1649 b). The main CC determined in the SRM 1649 b was formaldehyde (75.4 µg g-1 in the free form, and 1898 µg g-1 in the bound form). In addition, for the bound-CC form (HASA), concentrations were determined for acetaldehyde (60.3 µg g-1), acetone (20.5 µg g-1), acrolein (9.15 µg g-1), propionaldehyde (17.1 µg g-1) and valeraldehyde (12.2 µg g-1). For PM10 samples, formaldehyde (148 µg g-1) and acetaldehyde (28.9 µg g-1) were quantified as free aldehydes and as HASA (hydroxymethanelsulfonic acid and hydroxyethanesulfonic acid were 432 µg g-1 and 211 µg g-1, respectively). Other bound-CC were, on average, within 19.2 µg g-1 (acrolein) and 62.1 µg g-1 (valeraldehyde). For all samples, acetone, acrolein, propionaldehyde and valeraldehyde were quantified only as HASA (bound-CC). Therefore, we could identify and quantify six carbonyl compounds using the proposed method. It is worth mentioning the hydrolysis step was crucial for the correct quantification of the HASAs. This was, in turn, what enabled the quantification of a greater number of analytes in the airborne samples. Hence, this procedure was found to be comprehensive, precise, accurate and suitable to be employed for determination of free-CC and HASA (bound-CC) in atmospheric particulate samples.

Enfermeiro do trabalho na prevenção da silicose: uma revisão integrativa / Enfermero de trabajo en prevención de la silicosis: una revisión integradora / Occupational health nurse in the prevention of silicosis: an integrative review

Objective: to investigate the spread of knowledge regarding silicosis and to identify the occupational health nurse course of action to prevent it. Method: It is an integrative review of the literature held in the databases: LILACS, SciELO, BDENF and PubMed. The employed keywords were “silicosis”, “occupational health nursing” and “pneumoconiosis”, published in Portuguese, Spanish and English, in the years of 2004 to 2014. Eight articles met the inclusion criteria were selected and answered the guiding questions. Results:The selected articles seek to deepen the knowledge on silicosis, to estimate its prevalence, to establish the patient’s profile, to describe the major symptoms, to identify the major risk factors associated with the disease and to evaluate the quality of living of those afflicted by it. Conclusion: Silicosis is a public health problem with high prevalence and which requires very specific strategies to its prevention and control, especially those developed in occupational health nursing.

Objetivo: averiguar a divulgação do conhecimento sobre silicose e identificar ações do enfermeiro do trabalho para sua prevenção. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases dedados LILACS, SciELO, BDENF e PubMed, utilizando-se os descritores “silicose”, “enfermagem do trabalho” e “pneumoconiose”, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol, dos anos de 2004 a 2014. Foram selecionados oito artigos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e responderam as questões norteadoras. Resultados: Os artigos selecionados abordam a silicose, estimam sua prevalência, delineiam o perfil dos portadores, descrevem os principais sintomas, identificam fatores de risco associados e avaliam a qualidade de vida dos acometidos. Conclusão: A silicose é um problema de saúde pública com alta prevalência, que necessita de estratégias específicas para seu controle e prevenção, especialmente aquelas desenvolvidas no âmbito da enfermagem do trabalho.

Objetivo: investigar la difusión del conocimiento sobre la silicosis e identificar las acciones del enfermero trabajo para su prevención. Método: Se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura realizada en las bases de dados LILACS, SciELO, BDENF y PubMed utilizando las palabras clave “silicosis”, “enfermería de trabajo” y “neumoconiosis”, en Portugués, Inglés y Español. Fueron seleccionados de los años 2004 a 2014 ocho artículos que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y respondieron a las preguntas de orientación. Resultados: Los artículos seleccionados cubren silicosis, valorar su prevalencia, definir el perfil de los pacientes, describir los síntomas principales, identificar los factores de riesgo asociados y evaluar la calidad de vida de los afectados. Conclusión: La silicosis es un problema de salud pública con una alta prevalencia, que requiere estrategias específicas para su control y prevención, especialmente las desarrolladas en la enfermería de trabajo.

Respect for the Donated Corpse in the View of Dentistry and Medicine Students / Respeto por el Cadáver Donado en la Visión de los Estudiantes de Odontología y Medicina

The teaching of human anatomy in universities in Brazil and around the world is accomplished mainly through the use of donated corpses. However, this methodology is threatened due to the progressive reduction of the number of corpses donated to educational institutions. This research aimed to investigate the ethical profile of undergraduate students of Medicine and Dentistry when working with the corpses during practical classes in anatomy, and to compare the students' knowledge of the law that regulates the donation and use of human cadavers as a means of learning in educational institutions. For this purpose, a sample of 106 students, 63 from the Faculty of Dentistry of Piracicaba - UNICAMP -, and 43 from the Faculty of Medicine of Jundiaí (both in the state of São Paulo, Brazil) filled a questionnaire. The data were statistically analyzed using the chi-square test, and there were virtually no statistically significant difference between the responses of the students of Dentistry and Medicine. Most students did not know the law, and 81 % (Dentistry) and 68 % (Medicine) would not donate their bodies to educational institutions. Although nearly 75 % of students have claimed that teachers emphasized the importance of respect to the donated body, 56 % of future dentists and 46 % of future physicians ensure they have heard some kind of joke about the cadaver during class, although only 4.76 % and 13.95 %, respectively, have confessed to have already presented this inappropriate behavior. Thus, it can be inferred that there is an urgent need for dissemination of the importance of body donation programs, and the teaching of ethical principles concerning to the corpse, to ensure continuity of quality of education offered in biomedical field.

La enseñanza de la anatomía humana en las universidades en Brasil y en el mundo se lleva a cabo principalmente a través del uso de partes de cadáveres. Sin embargo, esta metodología está amenazada debido a la reducción progresiva del número de cadáveres transferidos a las instituciones educativas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar el perfil ético de los estudiantes de odontología y medicina sobre el cuerpo durante las lecciones prácticas de anatomía, y comparar el conocimiento de la ley que regula la donación y utilización de cadáveres humanos como un medio de aprendizaje en las instituciones educativas. Una muestra de 106 estudiantes, 63 del curso de Odontología de la Facultad de Odontología de Piracicaba - UNICAMP - y 43 estudiantes de medicina de la Facultad de Medicina de Jundiaí (ambas ubicadas en São Paulo ­ Brasil), respondió a un cuestionario. Los datos fueron sometidos a un análisis estadístico mediante la prueba de chi-cuadrado. Se observó que no había diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las respuestas. La mayoría de los estudiantes no conocen la ley, y 81 % (Odontología) y 68 % (Medicina) no donarían su cuerpo a las instituciones educativas. Aunque aproximadamente 75 % de los estudiantes afirman que los profesores enfaticen el respeto por el cuerpo, 56 % de los futuros dentistas y 46 % de los futuros médicos aseguran que han escuchado chistes y comentarios desagradables sobre el cuerpo durante las clases, aunque sólo 4,76 % y 13,95 %, respectivamente, han confesado haber cometido tal práctica. Conclusiones: Por lo tanto, se puede inferir que hay una necesidad apremiante para la divulgación de las leyes que rigen la donación de órganos y la conciencia de los cadáveres de donación, así como la enseñanza de los principios éticos de respeto por el cuerpo, para asegurar la continuidad de la calidad de la educación que se ofrece en las ciencias biomédicas.

Qualidade de vida e fatores associados à saúde de idosos diabéticos / Quality of life and factors associated with the health of elderly diabetics / Calidad de vida y factores asociados a la salud de los ancianos diabéticos

Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida de idosos acometidos por diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e identificar os fatores associados. Método: estudo descritivo e transversal realizado com 68 idosos diabéticos do município de Cajazeiras, Paraíba, em 2012. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente através do software IBM SPSS 19.0 e aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, protocolo nº 20111410-045. Resultados: o diabetes exerce um impacto significativo na vida dos idosos mais jovens do sexo feminino, com escolaridade baixa e com menor tempo de diagnóstico da doença. Entre os domínios estudados, a dor apresentou o pior escore, seguido dos aspectos sociais e do estado geral de saúde. Os domínios com maiores valores foram: saúde mental, aspectos emocionais, vitalidade, aspectos físicos e capacidade funcional. Conclusão: embora a maioria dos participantes do estudo tenha manifestado um bom padrão de qualidade de vida, portar diabetes traz especificidades que variam de indivíduo, caracterizando o fenômeno como singular.

Objective: to evaluate the quality of life of elderly people affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus and to identify the associated factors. Methods: this descriptive, cross-sectional study involved 68 elderly diabetics from Cajazeiras, Paraíba State, in 2012, and was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Campina Grande Federal University (N 20111410-045). Data were analyzed statistically using IBM SPSS 19.0 software. Results: diabetes has significant impact on the lives of younger elderly females with less education and more recent diagnosis. Of the domains studied, pain scored worst, followed by social aspects and general health. Domains with higher values were: mental health, emotional aspects, vitality, physical aspects and functional capacity. Conclusion: although most study participants displayed good quality of life, diabetes entails specificities that vary from individual, characterizing the phenomenon as singular.

Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de vida de los pacientes ancianos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e identificar los factores asociados. Método: estudio descriptivo y transversal realizado junto a 68 ancianos diabéticos del municipio de Cajazeiras, Paraíba, en 2012. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente utilizando el software SPSS 19.0 y aprobados por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la Universidad Federal de Campina Grande, Protocolo 20111410-045. Resultados: la diabetes tiene un impacto significativo en la vida de las mujeres mayores más jóvenes con bajo nivel de educación y con un diagnóstico de enfermedad reciente. Entre las áreas de estudio, el dolor tuvo la peor puntuación, seguido por los aspectos sociales y del estado general de la salud. Los dominios con los valores más altos fueron: salud mental, aspectos emocionales, vitalidad, aspectos físicos y capacidad funcional. Conclusión: aunque la mayoría de los participantes del estudio haya declarado tener buena calidad de vida, tener diabetes trae especificidades que varían de un individuo a otro, caracterizando el fenómeno como siendo singular.

A new species of Equinoxiodus (Dipnoi: ?Neoceratodontidae) from the Late Cretaceous of Brazil.

A noteworthy diversity of Dipnoi tooth plates has been collected in the fossiliferous conglomerates of the Alcântara Formation, early Cenomanian (Cretaceous) of Brazil. This sequence was deposited under transitional (estuarine) conditions, gathering reworked dissociated fossils represented by plants, fishes, crocodylomorphs, pterosaurs and dinosaurs. A new species of Dipnoi is reported in this work, Equinoxiodus schultzei sp. nov. whose genus is endemic of northern South America and lived probably in fresh water. The presence of several species of dipnoan in the mid-Cretaceous of north/northeastern Brazil indicates that the environmental conditions were very suitable to this group, confirming the well-marked seasonality of the climate, with frequent prolonged droughts, as interpreted in previous publications. 

Avaliação integrada da qualidade de águas superficiais: grau de trofia e proteção da vida aquática nos rios Anil e Bacanga, São Luís (MA) / Integrated assessment of the surface water quality: trophic state and protection of aquatic life in the Anil and Bacanga rivers, São Luís (MA)

Este trabalho propõe dois índices para avaliação da qualidade das águas superficiais onde predomina o esgoto doméstico ou fonte de poluição similar: o Índice do Estado Trófico (IETp) e o Índice de Proteção à Vida Aquática (IQApva). Ambos foram aplicados nas águas dos rios Anil e Bacanga, localizados na Ilha do Maranhão. Embora a qualidade geral das águas indique presença humana, o Rio Anil destaca-se por seu alto nível trófico e más condições para a vida aquática. Os resultados da aplicação desses índices permitem, de modo simples, avaliar o estado de degradação do corpo aquático. Por estarem ligados diretamente às condições de saneamento básico, esses índices constituem ferramenta gerencial importante para os agentes governamentais e não governamentais.

This work proposes two indexes to assess the quality of surface waters where domestic sewage or similar pollution source prevails: the Trophic State Index (IETP) and the index for protection of aquatic life (IQApva). Both were applied to Anil and Bacanga rivers located on Maranhão Island. Although the general quality of the water indicates human presence, the Anil River stands out by its high trophic level and poor conditions for aquatic life. The results of applying these indexes allow easily assess of the degradation state of the ecosystem. By being connected directly to basic sanitation, these indices are an important management tool for governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.

Eating habits: knowledge of pregnant teenagers assisted in primary care / Hábitos alimentares: conhecimento de adolescentes grávidas atendidas na atenção básica / Hábitos de alimentación: el conocimiento de adolescentes embarazadas atendidas en la atención primaria

Objetivo: compreender os hábitos alimentares de adolescentes grávidas atendidas na atenção básica. Método: estudo exploratório com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa, realizado nas Unidades Saúde da Família, Cajazeiras-PB, com 24 adolescentes grávidas. Em dezembro de 2010, por meio de entrevistas com roteiro semi-estruturado, foi realizada a coleta de dados, cuja análise foi subsidiada pela análise temática (Bardin, 2009). Resultados: evidenciou que as gestantes adolescentes apresentaram certa deficiência nutricional, atribuída ao baixo nível educacional, ao estado de desenvolvimento e à indisponibilidade financeira. Conclusão: o estudo confirma a necessidade de uma assistência pré-natal diferenciada às adolescentes grávidas, por atravessarem duas fases de desenvolvimento, simultaneamente, sugerindo mudanças vigentes na sua saúde, sendo necessárias medidas de cuidado efetivas e eficazes, a fim de prevenir riscos à saúde e à vida, promover e manter a saúde e bem-estar do binômio mãe-filho.

Objective: to understand he eating habits of pregnant teenagers assisted in primary care. Method: this is an exploratory studywithquantitative and qualitative approach, conducted in the Family Health Units, Cajazeiras-Paraiba, with 24 pregnant teens. In December 2010, through interviews with semi-structured script was conducted the data collection, which, for processing, was used thematic analysis (Bardin, 2009).Results: the study evidenced that pregnant teenagers showed some nutritional deficiency, given to the low level of education, the state of development and to financial unavailability. Conclusion: the study confirms the need for a differentiated prenatal care to pregnant teenagers, by crossing two phases of development, simultaneously, suggesting valid changes in their health, being necessary effective and efficient care provisions, in order to prevent health and life risks, promote and maintain health and well-being of both mother and child.

Objetivo: comprender los hábitos de alimentación de las adolescentes embarazadas atendidas en la atención básica. Método: estudio exploratorio con abordajecuantitativo y cualitativo, realizado en las Unidades de Salud de la Familia, Cajazeiras-Paraíba, con 24 adolescentes embarazadas. En diciembre de 2010, por medio de entrevistas con guión semi-estructurado, fue realizada la recolecta de datos, cuyo análisis fue subsidiada por el análisis temático (Bardin, 2009). Resultados:evidenció que las adolescentes embarazadas presentaron cierta deficiencia nutricional, atribuida al bajo nivel educacional, al estado de desarrollo y a la indisponibilidad financiera. Conclusión: El estudio confirma la necesidad de una asistencia pre-natal diferenciada a las adolescentes embarazadas, por atravesar dos fases de desarrollo, simultáneamente, sugiriendo cambios vigentes en su salud, siendo necesarias medidas de cuidado efectivas y eficaces, a fin de prevenir riesgos a la salud y a la vida, promover y mantener la salud y solaz del binomio madre-hijo.

Eficiência técnica da agropecuária nas microrregiões brasileiras e seus determinantes / Technical efficiency of agriculture in the regions of Brazil and its determinants

Este estudo pretende mensurar os escores de eficiência técnica da atividade agropecuária nas microrregiões brasileiras e verificar seus determinantes. Para atender esses objetivos, empregaram-se os modelos de análise envoltória dos dados (DEA) e de regressão quantílica. Os dados foram obtidos do Censo Agropecuário (2006), publicado pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Os resultados do modelo DEA indicaram que a maioria das microrregiões brasileiras apresentou baixa eficiência técnica na produção. Quanto ao modelo de regressões quantílicas, verifica-se que assistência técnica, adubação, crédito concedido e mão de obra familiar constituem fatores relevantes na explicação das diferenças de eficiência técnica das microrregiões brasileiras em todos os quantis estimados.

This study intends to measure the scores of technical efficiency of agriculture and cattle raising activity in the 556 Brazilian microregions and to check their determinants. In order to achieve these goals, the data envelopment analysis models (DEA) and the quantile regression were used. The data were obtained from the Agricultural and Cattle raising Census (2006) published by the Brazilian Geography and Statistics Institute - IBGE. The results of the DEA model indicated low technical efficiency in production. So far as the quantile regression model is concerned, one can observe that technical assistance, fertilization, granted credit and family labor constitute relevant factors in accounting for the differences of technical efficiency of Brazilian microregions in all amounts estimated.

Eficiência técnica da agropecuária nas microrregiões brasileiras e seus determinantes

This study intends to measure the scores of technical efficiency of agriculture and cattle raising activity in the 556 Brazilian microregions and to check their determinants. In order to achieve these goals, the data envelopment analysis models (DEA) and the quantile regression were used. The data were obtained from the Agricultural and Cattle raising Census (2006) published by the Brazilian Geography and Statistics Institute - IBGE. The results of the DEA model indicated low technical efficiency in production. So far as the quantile regression model is concerned, one can observe that technical assistance, fertilization, granted credit and family labor constitute relevant factors in accounting for the differences of technical efficiency of Brazilian microregions in all amounts estimated.

Este estudo pretende mensurar os escores de eficiência técnica da atividade agropecuária nas microrregiões brasileiras e verificar seus determinantes. Para atender esses objetivos, empregaram-se os modelos de análise envoltória dos dados (DEA) e de regressão quantílica. Os dados foram obtidos do Censo Agropecuário (2006), publicado pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Os resultados do modelo DEA indicaram que a maioria das microrregiões brasileiras apresentou baixa eficiência técnica na produção. Quanto ao modelo de regressões quantílicas, verifica-se que assistência técnica, adubação, crédito concedido e mão de obra familiar constituem fatores relevantes na explicação das diferenças de eficiência técnica das microrregiões brasileiras em todos os quantis estimados.

Eficiência técnica da agropecuária nas microrregiões brasileiras e seus determinantes

This study intends to measure the scores of technical efficiency of agriculture and cattle raising activity in the 556 Brazilian microregions and to check their determinants. In order to achieve these goals, the data envelopment analysis models (DEA) and the quantile regression were used. The data were obtained from the Agricultural and Cattle raising Census (2006) published by the Brazilian Geography and Statistics Institute - IBGE. The results of the DEA model indicated low technical efficiency in production. So far as the quantile regression model is concerned, one can observe that technical assistance, fertilization, granted credit and family labor constitute relevant factors in accounting for the differences of technical efficiency of Brazilian microregions in all amounts estimated.

Este estudo pretende mensurar os escores de eficiência técnica da atividade agropecuária nas microrregiões brasileiras e verificar seus determinantes. Para atender esses objetivos, empregaram-se os modelos de análise envoltória dos dados (DEA) e de regressão quantílica. Os dados foram obtidos do Censo Agropecuário (2006), publicado pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Os resultados do modelo DEA indicaram que a maioria das microrregiões brasileiras apresentou baixa eficiência técnica na produção. Quanto ao modelo de regressões quantílicas, verifica-se que assistência técnica, adubação, crédito concedido e mão de obra familiar constituem fatores relevantes na explicação das diferenças de eficiência técnica das microrregiões brasileiras em todos os quantis estimados.

Eficiência técnica da agropecuária nas microrregiões brasileiras e seus determinantes

This study intends to measure the scores of technical efficiency of agriculture and cattle raising activity in the 556 Brazilian microregions and to check their determinants. In order to achieve these goals, the data envelopment analysis models (DEA) and the quantile regression were used. The data were obtained from the Agricultural and Cattle raising Census (2006) published by the Brazilian Geography and Statistics Institute - IBGE. The results of the DEA model indicated low technical efficiency in production. So far as the quantile regression model is concerned, one can observe that technical assistance, fertilization, granted credit and family labor constitute relevant factors in accounting for the differences of technical efficiency of Brazilian microregions in all amounts estimated.

Este estudo pretende mensurar os escores de eficiência técnica da atividade agropecuária nas microrregiões brasileiras e verificar seus determinantes. Para atender esses objetivos, empregaram-se os modelos de análise envoltória dos dados (DEA) e de regressão quantílica. Os dados foram obtidos do Censo Agropecuário (2006), publicado pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Os resultados do modelo DEA indicaram que a maioria das microrregiões brasileiras apresentou baixa eficiência técnica na produção. Quanto ao modelo de regressões quantílicas, verifica-se que assistência técnica, adubação, crédito concedido e mão de obra familiar constituem fatores relevantes na explicação das diferenças de eficiência técnica das microrregiões brasileiras em todos os quantis estimados.

Migratory and carnivorous birds in Brazil: reservoirs for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species?

In order to investigate new hosts for Anaplasmataceae agents in Brazil, we collected blood samples from 21 wild birds. Using molecular techniques, we detected the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and an Ehrlichia species closely related to Ehrlichia canis in carnivorous avian blood samples. In addition, an Ehrlichia species closely related to an Ehrlichia species found in wild felines in Brazil was also detected in a goose blood sample. Wild birds may play a role as carriers of Anaplasmataceae agents in Brazil.