Development of a multicriteria model for crises in urban water supply and its application to the case of Brasilia, Brazil.

The expansion of urban water supply crisis (UWC) cases, a context characterized by an inadequate ratio between water consumption and supply capacity, has motivated researchers to search for tools to solve the problem. The objective of this study is to develop a multicriteria tool to help select the solution alternative for UWC cases. The tool (called UWC-MCDA) is based on obtaining consensus on various multicriteria methods for selecting alternatives to solve UWC cases. The proposed methodology consists of the following steps: (1) defining the criteria, (2) defining weights, (3) defining the alternative, (4) defining multicriterial decision support methods, (5) coding the UWC solution alternative selection model, (6) evaluation of the model coding, (7) application of the model coding, and (8) sensitivity analysis. The methods PROMETHEE II, TOPSIS, ELECTRE III, and Consensus ranking are used. The case study considered was the Administrative Region of Brasilia, in the Federal District of Brazil. A multicriteria tool to help select the solution alternative for UWC cases was developed in an easy-to-use environment (Visual Basic for Applications, MS Excel). The UWC-MCDA is able to identify and prioritize, among a set of possible alternatives, the most appropriate solution for the case in question. For the case study, the UWC-MCDA indicated the best alternatives for regulating water consumption, strengthening sanitation service operators and good water conservation practices. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:99-113. © 2022 SETAC.

Prevalence of enteroparasites in vegetables marketed in the city of Jaguaré, Espírito Santo, Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective To monitor the frequency of enteroparasites in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and parsley (Petrosolium sativum) samples, marketed in commercial buildings in the municipality of Jaguaré, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Materials and Methods Between August 2016 and July 2017, five different popular commercial buildings (markets, supermarkets and fairs) in the municipality of Jaguaré, considered the main local vegetable suppliers were selected. Throughout the research, 30 vegetable samples were randomly selected for parasitological analysis in 3 replicates for each commercial building under study. The obtained samples were analyzed by the modified spontaneous sedimentation method at the Laboratory of Parasitology and Hematology of Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Results Of the 30 samples analyzed, 83.3% were positive for parasitic contamination and the most common parasites were Hookworm, Balantidium coli, Isospora belli, Ascaris sp. and Entamoeba sp. Conclusions The results indicate a high degree of contamination of the vegetables, probably related to the precariousness of production, transportation and handling, making it necessary to adopt measures that ensure the best quality of food and, consequently, better population health.

RESUMEN Objetivo Monitorear la frecuencia de enteroparásitos en muestras de lechuga (Lactuca sativa) y perejil (Petrosolium sativum), comercializadas en edificios comerciales en el municipio de Jaguaré, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Materiales y Métodos Entre agosto de 2016 y julio de 2017, se seleccionaron cinco diferentes edificios comerciales populares (mercados, supermercados y ferias) en el municipio de Jaguaré, considerados los principales proveedores locales de vegetales. A lo largo de la investigación, se seleccionaron al azar 30 muestras de vegetales para el análisis parasitológico en 3 repeticiones para cada edificio comercial en estudio. Las muestras obtenidas fueron analizadas por el método modificado de sedimentación espontánea en el Laboratorio de Parasitología y Hematología de la Universidade Federal del Espírito Santo. Resultados De las 30 muestras analizadas 83.3% fueron positivas para la contaminación parasitaria y los parásitos más comunes fueron Anquilostoma, Balantidium coli, Isospora belli, Ascaris sp. y Entamoeba sp. Conclusiones Los resultados indican un alto grado de contaminación de las hortalizas, probablemente relacionado con la precariedad de la producción, el transporte y la manipulación, por lo que es necesario adoptar medidas que aseguren la mejor calidad de los alimentos y, en consecuencia, una mejor salud de la población.

Prevalence of enteroparasites in vegetables marketed in the city of Jaguaré, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To monitor the frequency of enteroparasites in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and parsley (Petrosolium sativum) samples, marketed in commercial buildings in the municipality of Jaguaré, Espírito Santo, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2016 and July 2017, five different popular commercial buildings (markets, supermarkets and fairs) in the municipality of Jaguaré, considered the main local vegetable suppliers were selected. Throughout the research, 30 vegetable samples were randomly selected for parasitological analysis in 3 replicates for each commercial building under study. The obtained samples were analyzed by the modified spontaneous sedimentation method at the Laboratory of Parasitology and Hematology of Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. RESULTS: Of the 30 samples analyzed, 83.3% were positive for parasitic contamination and the most common parasites were Hookworm, Balantidium coli, Isospora belli, Ascaris sp. and Entamoeba sp. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a high degree of contamination of the vegetables, probably related to the precariousness of production, transportation and handling, making it necessary to adopt measures that ensure the best quality of food and, consequently, better population health.

Socioeconomic and parasitological aspects in Quilombola communities in two of the oldest municipalities in Brazil / Aspectos socioeconómicos y parasitológicos en comunidades quilombolas en dos de los municipios más antiguos de Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective To carry out a socioeconomic, demographic and parasitological evaluation of quilombola communities in two of the oldest municipalities in Brazil. Material and Methods Between December 2015 and June 2016, of the total of 231 residents of the communities, socioeconomic questionnaires were applied and fecal samples collected from 150 individuals were analyzed by spontaneous sedimentation method and the Kato-Katz method. Results It was observed that 95.3% (n=143) of the interviewees had piped water at their residence, and 76% (n=114) came from wells or springs; 85.3% (n=128) reported that the toilet drain was made in a rudimentary septic tank and 59.3% (n=89) reported having litter buried or burned, showing precarious conditions in basic sanitation. Still on socioeconomic aspects, 80.7% (n=121) of the individuals reported having access to the public health service. Parasitological tests were positive for 48% (n=72) of the analyzed samples, and 25% (n=18) had two or more parasites. The most frequent organism in the study population was the commensal Entamoeba coli (55.6%, n=40), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (19.4%, n=14) and the commensal Endolimax nana (16.7%, n=12). The Poisson regression showed an increase of 1.59 in the prevalence of parasites for individuals who do not have access to the public health service, when compared to those who have access to these services. Conclusions The results indicate the need to implement public health measures in order to reduce, prevent and treat the parasitological condition of the population to obtain better conditions and quality of life.

RESUMEN Objetivo Realizar una evaluación socioeconómica, demográfica y parasitológica de las comunidades quilombolas en dos de los municipios más antiguos de Brasil. Materiales y Métodos Entre diciembre de 2015 y junio de 2016, del total de 231 residentes de las comunidades, se aplicaron cuestionarios socioeconómicos y se analizaron muestras fecales de 150 individuos mediante el método de sedimentación espontánea y el método Kato-Katz. Resultados Se observó que el 95,3% (n=143) de los entrevistados tenían agua entubada en su residencia y el 76% (n=114) provenía de pozos o manantiales; El 85,3% (n=128) informó que el desagüe del inodoro se realizó en un tanque séptico rudimentario y el 59,3% (n=89) informó que tenía basura enterrada o quemada, que mostraba condiciones precarias en el saneamiento básico. Aún en aspectos socioeconómicos, el 80,7% (n=121) de las personas reportaron tener acceso al servicio de salud pública. Las pruebas parasitológicas fueron positivas para el 48% (n=72) de las muestras analizadas, y el 25% (n=18) tenía dos o más parásitos. El organismo más frecuente en la población de estudio fue el comensal Entamoeba coli (55.6%, n=40), seguido de Ascaris lumbricoides (19.4%, n=14) y el comensal Endolimax nana (16.7%, n=12). La regresión de Poisson mostró un aumento de 1,59 en la prevalencia de parásitos para las personas que no tienen acceso al servicio de salud pública, en comparación con aquellos que tienen acceso a estos servicios. Conclusión Los resultados indican la necesidad de implementar medidas de salud pública para reducir, prevenir y tratar la condición parasitológica de la población para obtener mejores condiciones y calidad de vida.

Identification of enteroparasites in recreation areas of elementary schools in Northern Espírito Santo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Since sand is an important child means of contagion by enteroparasites, this study aimed to conduct a parasitological evaluation in recreation areas of elementary schools and early childhood education centers, in São Mateus-ES. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sand samples were collected in seven municipal elementary schools and in a municipal kindergarten and nursery center. For the recovery of helminth eggs and protozoan cysts, flotation and spontaneous sedimentation techniques were used. RESULTS: It was found that 77 % of the analyzed institutions were positive for helminth eggs and larvae. Among the eggs and larvae identified, the main were Ascaris lumbricoides and Toxocara canis. Pearson's chi-square test identified the best results when using the spontaneous sedimentation method. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that individuals, especially children living in poor sanitation conditions, are more prone to enteroparasites, studies point to the need of the application of preventive and health education measures for the population enrolled in municipal schools in São Mateus.

In vitro efficacy of essential oils and extracts of Schinus molle L. against Ctenocephalides felis felis.

Extracts and essential oils from plants are important natural sources of pesticides. These compounds are considered an alternative to control ectoparasites of veterinary importance. Schinus molle, an endemic species of Brazil, produces a high level of essential oil and several other compounds. The aim of this work was to determinate the chemical composition of extracts and essential oils of S. molle and further to evaluate the activity against eggs and adults of Ctenocephalides felis felis, a predominant flea that infests dogs and cats in Brazil. In an in vitro assay, the non-polar (n-hexane) extract showed 100% efficacy (800 µg cm(-2); LD50 = 524·80 µg cm(-2)) at 24 and 48 h. Its major compound was lupenone (50·25%). Essential oils from fruits and leaves were evaluated, and had 100% efficacy against adult fleas at 800 µg cm(-2) (LD50 = 353·95 µg cm(-2)) and at 50 µg cm(-2) (LD50 = 12·02 µg cm(-2)), respectively. On the other hand, the essential oil from fruits and leaves was not active against flea eggs. This is the first study that reports the insecticidal effects of essential oils and extracts obtained from Schinus molle against Ctenocephalides felis felis.

[Aquatic heteroptera from Mariana County, Minas Gerais, Brazil]. / Heterópteros aquáticos oriundos do município de Mariana, MG.

In surveys carried out in lotic and lentic environments in Mariana County, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, 35 genera and 64 species of aquatic and semi-aquatic Heteroptera were recorded, distributed in 13 families. Thirty four species were collected in lentic environments, while in lotic environments 48 species were collected, some of them common to both environments. Nepomorpha presented the greatest number of species (45), markedly for the family Naucoridae, represented by 12 species. Among the 19 Gerromorpha species collected, eight were Veliidae and six were Gerridae.

Effects of amidine derivatives on parasite-macrophage interaction and evaluation of toxicity.

In this work, the effect of amidine derivatives (with bromine and methoxy as substituents) in the "in vitro" parasite-macrophage interaction was evaluated. The potential toxicity was also analyzed. The results show that the methoxy-derivative was able to decrease the percentage of "in vitro" infection, being not hazardous to the host cell. Furthermore, experiments using Balb/c mice showed that this compound was very effective in avoiding infection in these animals. On the other hand, the compound with bromine as substituent was toxic to macrophages and unable to prevent infection in Balb/c mice. Pentamidine isethionate, used as reference drug, was not efficient in both experiments.