Description of malaria vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) in two agricultural settlements in the Western Brazilian Amazon

The majority of malaria cases in South America occur in rural areas of the Amazon region. Although these areas have a significant impact on malaria cases, few entomological studies have been carried out there. This study aimed to describe entomological parameters in settlements in Rondonia State, Brazil. Collections of anopheles were carried out using the Protected Human Attraction Technique (PHAT). The risk and the potential for malaria transmission were assessed using the human biting rate (HBR), the sporozoite rate (SR) and the entomological inoculation rate (EIR). The results confirmed that Nyssorhynchus darlingi is the predominant species in the two studied locations. Although settlement in the two study sites has occurred at different times, the species richness found was low, showing that environmental changes caused by anthropological actions have probably favor the adaptation of Ny. darlingi species. From the total of 615 anopheline mosquitoes assessed, seven (1.1%) were positive for Plasmodium sp. infections. The EIR revealed that Ny. darlingi contributes to malaria transmission in both locations, as it was responsible for 0.05 infectious bites in humans at night in the old settlement and 0.02 in the recent occupation. In the two study sites, the biting occurred more frequently at dusk. Nyssorhynchus darlingi was prevalent in areas of recent colonization but, even when present in a low density, this species could maintain the transmission of malaria in the older settlement. The entomological information obtained in this study is important and may aid the selection of vector control actions in these locations

Avaliação das Boas Práticas de Fabricação na fabricação de cachaça de alambique de três regiões de Minas Gerais e do Sul Fluminense / Evaluation of Good Manufacturing Practices in the manufacture of still cachaça from three regions of Minas Gerais and Southern Fluminense

Foram avaliadas, por meio de um check list baseado no anexo da Resolução RDC 275 de 21 de outubro de 2002 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, e acrescida de critérios tecnológicos de produção, 27 fábricas de cachaça de alambique. As fábricas situavam-se nas regiões de Salinas, Betim e Arcos em Minas Gerais e na região de Vassouras no estado do Rio de Janeiro. De acordo com o atendimento aos quesitos do check list ligados às condições tecnológicas e de Boas Práticas de Fabricação na produção de cachaça, cada fábrica foi classificada em “ruim”, “regular” ou “bom”. Das 27 fábricas avaliadas apenas duas alcançaram a classificação “bom” e nove foram classificadas como “ruim”. Constatou-se ainda que 59% destas foram classificadas como “regular”. O desempenho das fábricas de cachaça quando observados as condições de Boas Práticas foi de apenas 59,6%. As notas obtidas pelas fábricas de cachaça foram influenciadas pela região geográfica de produção, pela condição fiscal (com ou sem registro) e ainda pela capacidade anual de produção. Os fatores de maior peso na nota das fábricas foram: 1) Tipo e manutenção dos equipamentos e utensílios; 2) qualidade e cuidados com as matérias-primas, ingredientes e insumos; 3) controle do processo produtivo e garantia de qualidade. Os resultados obtidos mostram a necessidade de um programa efetivo de BPF na produção de cachaça de alambique e aplicação de conceitos simples de tecnologia e segurança de fabricação de alimentos e bebidas. O resultado ainda serve de orientação quanto à ações de treinamento de produtores e fiscalização pelos órgãos de regulação e fiscalização

Analysis of pelvic floor musculature function during pregnancy and postpartum: a cohort study

Aim. To compare the measurements of women`s pelvic floor musculature strength (PFMS) during pregnancy and postpartum period. Background. Pregnancy and childbirth can have an influence on the muscles and pelvic floor and can cause morbidities of women`s genito-urinary tract. Design. A prospective cohort study. Methods. There were included 226 primigravidae women, attended by community health services in the city of Itapecerica da Serra, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The participants were followed in four stages: (1) within 12 weeks of pregnancy; (2) between 36-40 weeks of pregnancy; (3) within 48 hours after childbirth; (4) 42-60 days after childbirth. Data were collected from February 2007-August 2008. The pelvic floor musculature strength was evaluated by perineometry and digital vaginal palpation in stages 1, 2 and 4. The final sample included 110 women who completed all four stages of the study. Results. The pelvic floor musculature strength of the women did not change significantly during pregnancy or after delivery (anova: p = 0 center dot 78). In all three examined stages, a low-intensity pelvic floor musculature strength was prevalent (in mmHg: stage 1 = 15 center dot 9; stage 2 = 15 center dot 2, stage 4 = 14 center dot 7), with scores from 0-3 on the Oxford scale. The pelvic floor musculature strength did not differ in relation to maternal age, skin colour, conjugal status, dyspareunia, stool characteristics, type of delivery, or conditions of the perineum. An interaction between maternal nutritional state and newborn`s weight may affect the pelvic floor musculature strength (manova: p = 0 center dot 04). Conclusion. Pregnancy and childbirth did not reduce significantly pelvic floor musculature strength. The perineometry and digital vaginal palpation used to assess the pelvic floor musculature strength were well accepted by the women. Relevance to clinical practice. In clinical practice, digital vaginal palpation is effective for supporting the diagnosis of urinary, intestinal and sexual dysfunctions. Perineometry use is particularly important together with the performance of perineal exercises with biofeedback in the treatment these disorders.State of Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), Sao Paulo (SP), Brazi