A "Dirty" Footprint: Macroinvertebrate diversity in Amazonian Anthropic Soils.

Amazonian rainforests, once thought to be pristine wilderness, are increasingly known to have been widely inhabited, modified, and managed prior to European arrival, by human populations with diverse cultural backgrounds. Amazonian Dark Earths (ADEs) are fertile soils found throughout the Amazon Basin, created by pre-Columbian societies with sedentary habits. Much is known about the chemistry of these soils, yet their zoology has been neglected. Hence, we characterized soil fertility, macroinvertebrate communities, and their activity at nine archeological sites in three Amazonian regions in ADEs and adjacent reference soils under native forest (young and old) and agricultural systems. We found 673 morphospecies and, despite similar richness in ADEs (385 spp.) and reference soils (399 spp.), we identified a tenacious pre-Columbian footprint, with 49% of morphospecies found exclusively in ADEs. Termite and total macroinvertebrate abundance were higher in reference soils, while soil fertility and macroinvertebrate activity were higher in the ADEs, and associated with larger earthworm quantities and biomass. We show that ADE habitats have a unique pool of species, but that modern land use of ADEs decreases their populations, diversity, and contributions to soil functioning. These findings support the idea that humans created and sustained high-fertility ecosystems that persist today, altering biodiversity patterns in Amazonia.

Topical Delivery of Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists Prevents and Reverses Peripheral Neuropathy in Female Diabetic Mice.

Muscarinic antagonists promote sensory neurite outgrowth in vitro and prevent and/or reverse multiple indices of peripheral neuropathy in rodent models of diabetes, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and HIV protein-induced neuropathy when delivered systemically. We measured plasma concentrations of the M1 receptor-selective muscarinic antagonist pirenzepine when delivered by subcutaneous injection, oral gavage, or topical application to the skin and investigated efficacy of topically delivered pirenzepine against indices of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic mice. Topical application of 2% pirenzepine to the paw resulted in plasma concentrations 6 hours postdelivery that approximated those previously shown to promote neurite outgrowth in vitro. Topical delivery of pirenzepine to the paw of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes dose-dependently (0.1%-10.0%) prevented tactile allodynia, thermal hypoalgesia, and loss of epidermal nerve fibers in the treated paw and attenuated large fiber motor nerve conduction slowing in the ipsilateral limb. Efficacy against some indices of neuropathy was also noted in the contralateral limb, indicating systemic effects following local treatment. Topical pirenzepine also reversed established paw heat hypoalgesia, whereas withdrawal of treatment resulted in a gradual decline in efficacy over 2-4 weeks. Efficacy of topical pirenzepine was muted when treatment was reduced from 5 to 3 or 1 day/wk. Similar local effects were noted with the nonselective muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine when applied either to the paw or to the eye. Topical delivery of muscarinic antagonists may serve as a practical therapeutic approach to treating diabetic and other peripheral neuropathies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Muscarinic antagonist pirenzepine alleviates diabetic peripheral neuropathy when applied topically in mice.

Rhodococcus equi pVAPN type causing pneumonia in a dog coinfected with canine morbillivirus (distemper virus) and Toxoplasma gondii.

Canine morbillivirus (previously, canine distemper virus, CDV) is a highly contagious infectious disease-causing agent that produces immunosuppressive infections and multiple clinical signs. Canine toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic disease characterized by enteric, pulmonary, and neuromuscular signs that might be confused with CDV-induced infections. Rhodococcus equi is a Gram-positive intracellular facultative bacterium that is also opportunistic in nature, and causes pyogranulomatous infections in humans and multiple host animals, although canine rhodococcosis is rare or unrecognized. The pathogenicity of R. equi is intimately related to the presence of plasmid-encoded virulence-associated proteins (Vap). Three host-adapted virulence plasmid types of R. equi have been recognized: the circular pVAPA and pVAPB are associated with equine and porcine strains, respectively, and the recently detected linear pVAPN virulence plasmid is related to bovine isolates. Nevertheless, data regarding the detection of host-adapted virulence plasmid types of R. equi isolated from companion animals are scarce. This report describes a case of an uncommon coinfection due to R. equi, T. gondii and CDV, which was diagnosed in a pet dog with respiratory distress. In this case, CDV most likely induced immunosuppression, which facilitated opportunistic infections by R. equi and T. gondii. The analysis of the virulence profile of R. equi revealed the novel pVAPN plasmid type, initially related to bovine strains. This is the second report of the bovine-associated pVAPN type in a pet dog, with an unusual coinfection with T. gondii and CDV. These findings represent a public health concern due to the close contact between pet animals and their owners, particularly because the pVAPN plasmid type was recently detected in people with HIV/AIDS from the same geographical region.

Application of artificial neural network for modeling of phenol mineralization by photo-Fenton process using a multi-lamp reactor.

An artificial neural network (ANN) was implemented for modeling phenol mineralization in aqueous solution using the photo-Fenton process. The experiments were conducted in a photochemical multi-lamp reactor equipped with twelve fluorescent black light lamps (40 W each) irradiating UV light. A three-layer neural network was optimized in order to model the behavior of the process. The concentrations of ferrous ions and hydrogen peroxide, and the reaction time were introduced as inputs of the network and the efficiency of phenol mineralization was expressed in terms of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) as an output. Both concentrations of Fe(2+) and H2O2 were shown to be significant parameters on the phenol mineralization process. The ANN model provided the best result through the application of six neurons in the hidden layer, resulting in a high determination coefficient. The ANN model was shown to be efficient in the simulation of phenol mineralization through the photo-Fenton process using a multi-lamp reactor.

Photodegradation of non-ionic surfactant with different ethoxy groups in aqueous effluents by the photo-Fenton process.

The photo-Fenton process was applied to degrade non-ionic surfactants with different numbers of ethoxy groups, seven (E7), ten (E10) and twenty-three (E23). The effects of H2O2 concentration, Fe(II) concentration and number of ethoxy groups on the mineralization of surfactants were investigated. The response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to determine optimal concentrations of Fenton's reagents for each surfactant. The efficiency of the photo-Fenton process reached 95% for all surfactants studied at 45 min in optimal conditions determined in this work. The analysis of results showed that the efficiency depends upon the number of ethoxy groups in the surfactant. The increase in ethoxy groups favoured the mineralization of surfactants. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied, and according to the F-test the models for the mineralization of surfactants were considered significant and predictable. The photo-Fenton process has proven to be feasible for the degradation of ethoxylated surfactants in aqueous solution.

Military Dictatorship and the Faculty of Medicine-USP: the Experimental Medicine Course, 1967-1982. / Ditadura Militar e a Faculdade de Medicina-USP: o Curso Experimental de Medicina, 1967-1982.

This article aimed to historically assess the impact undergone by the Faculty of Medicine-USP when it formally supported the military regime established in Brazil from 1964 onwards and the consequences of this support in its daily life. Another objective was unearthing how this context, lived between persecution, prisons, and torture, also intervened in didactic-pedagogical actions, such as the creation of a new model of medical education in 1967, known as the Experimental Course. This course would be immediately attacked by groups that saw it as a communist stronghold and a threat to the tradition of the so-called "Casa de Arnaldo", resulting in the closure of its activities in 1974.

O objetivo deste artigo é estudar historicamente o impacto sofrido pela Faculdade de Medicina-USP quando ela apoiou formalmente o regime militar que se estabelecia no Brasil a partir de 1964 e os reflexos desse apoio em seu cotidiano. Outro objetivo é apresentar como esse contexto, vivido entre perseguições, prisões e torturas, interveio também em ações de ordem didático-pedagógica, como na criação de um novo modelo de ensino médico no ano de 1967, conhecido como Curso Experimental. Esse curso seria imediatamente atacado por grupos que o viam como um reduto comunista e uma ameaça à tradição da chamada "Casa de Arnaldo", logrando o encerramento de suas atividades no ano de 1974.

[Historical aspects of the institutionalization of adolescent healthcare in the state of São Paulo, 1970-1990]. / Aspectos históricos da institucionalização da atenção à saúde do adolescente no estado de São Paulo, 1970-1990.

The article explores historical aspects of integral healthcare for adolescents in the state of São Paulo, particularly in regard to the implementation of pioneering services and programs. Against the backdrop of Brazil's social and political context during this period, it contextualizes the challenges, clashes, and difficulties that arose within the institutions involved in developing this field, from the perspectives of clinical medicine and of collective health. Grounded on documental material, the study re-examines the construction of groups of expertise and of the field of adolescent health care as part of the dialectical interplay between the construction of a new area of medical practice based on clinical work and a field of knowledge and practices in collective health based on integral health care of an interdisciplinary, inter-sectoral nature.

Microbial Complexity of Oral Cavity of Healthy Dogs Identified by Mass Spectrometry and Next-Generation Sequencing.

The high complexity of the oral microbiota of healthy dogs and the close exposure of humans to companion animals represent a risk of the transmission of potential zoonotic microorganisms to humans, especially through dog bites, including multidrug-resistant ones. Nonetheless, a limited number of comprehensive studies have focused on the diversity of the microorganisms that inhabit the oral cavities of healthy dogs, particularly based on modern molecular techniques. We investigated bacterial and fungal organisms in the oral cavities of 100 healthy dogs based on a combination of conventional and selective microbiological culture, mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and next-generation sequencing. In addition, in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates and mecA resistance gene were assessed. A total of 213 bacteria and 20 fungi were isolated. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (40/100 = 40%), α-hemolytic Streptococcus (37/100 = 37%), and Pasteurella stomatis (22/100 = 22%) were the most prevalent bacteria diagnosed by microbiological culture and MALDI-TOF MS, whereas Aspergillus (10/100 = 10%) was the most common fungi identified. Based on next-generation sequencing of selected 20 sampled dogs, Porphyromonas (32.5%), Moraxella (16.3%), Fusobacterium (12.8%), Conchiformibius (9.5%), Bergeyella (5%), Campylobacter (3.8%), and Capnocytophaga (3.4%) genera were prevalent. A high multidrug resistance rate was observed in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates, particularly to azithromycin (19/19 = 100%), penicillin (15/19 = 78.9%), and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (15/19 = 78.9%). In addition, the mecA resistance gene was detected in 6.1% (3/49) of coagulase-positive staphylococci. Here, we highlight the microbial complexity of the oral mucosa of healthy dogs, including potential zoonotic microorganisms and multidrug-resistant bacteria, contributing with the investigation of the microbiota and antimicrobial resistance patterns of the microorganisms that inhabit the oral cavity of healthy dogs.

Ring Fracture of Brazilian Aortic Valve Bioprostheses Using Non-Compliant High-Pressure Transcatheter Balloon, an Ex Vivo Test.

INTRODUCTION: Aortic valve bioprostheses ring fracture in valve-in-valve procedures has shown low complication rates and presents as an option in the treatment of patients at high risk for conventional surgery, avoiding high transvalvular gradients, which are associated with increased mortality. Some prostheses available in the market cannot be fractured. In an ex vivo test, the possibility of ring fracture of aortic valve bioprostheses produced in Brazil when submitted to radial force application using a high-pressure non-compliant balloon was evaluated. METHODS: One unit of each aortic valve bioprosthesis model, sizes 19 and 21 mm, produced by Brazilian companies (Braile Biomédica, Cardioprótese, and Labcor), was used. In the experiment, a non-compliant high-pressure balloon (Atlas®-Gold), 1 mm larger than the external diameter of the prosthesis, was positioned inside the valve annulus and inflated gradually aiming to fracture the prosthesis. Fracture pressures and photographic and radiological images of the prostheses before and after test were recorded. RESULTS: All prostheses were fractured. In the models with metal ring, the fracture pressures were between 23 and 25 atm. In the other prostheses, the rupture occurred between 10 and 13 atm. No deformations in the structure were observed, which could potentially damage the aortic root. CONCLUSION: All the Brazilian prostheses evaluated were fractured, although the presence of a metal ring in the prosthesis framework increases the pressure required for fracture. The information obtained helps in the planning of valve-in-valve procedures in patients with aortic valve bioprostheses.

[The "Boletim da Clínica Psiquiátrica da FMUPS," 1962-1971: a forgotten publication and portrait of an era]. / O "Boletim da Clínica Psiquiátrica da FMUSP", 1962-1971: publicação esquecida, retrato de uma época.

This article describes the Boletim da Clínica Psiquiátrica da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, which was published from 1962 to 1971. This was the first scientific publication of the Psychiatric Clinic, and was replaced by the Revista de Psiquiatria Clínica, which still exists today. The Boletim is a valuable source for historical research, spanning a decade of Brazilian psychiatry, and contains a variety of content: medication trials, theoretical discussions, current events, and institutional issues related to the development of psychiatry and related areas such as psychology and psychoanalysis, as well as the arrival of medications and the search for standardized diagnoses.

O artigo retrata a história inédita do Boletim da Clínica Psiquiátrica da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , publicado entre 1962 e 1971. Trata-se da primeira publicação científica da Clínica Psiquiátrica, substituída pela Revista de Psiquiatria Clínica , existente até os dias de hoje. O Boletim é uma valiosa fonte de pesquisa histórica, que retrata uma década da psiquiatria brasileira. Seu conteúdo é composto por trabalhos variados: testes de medicação, discussões teóricas, notícias da época e questões institucionais da formação da psiquiatria e de áreas correlatas como a psicologia e a psicanálise. A chegada das medicações, a busca pela padronização dos diagnósticos e textos ensaísticos são parte desse conteúdo.

Bacteriological, cytological, and molecular investigation of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, mycobacteria, and other bacteria in caseous lymphadenitis and healthy lymph nodes of slaughtered sheep.

Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) in sheep is a chronic contagious disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, commonly characterized by abscess formation in peripheral lymph nodes and disseminated infections. Nonetheless, other microorganisms, including with zoonotic relevance, can be isolated from CL-resembling lymph nodes. Currently, mycobacteria have been reported in visceral granulomatous lesions in small ruminants, a fact that poses a public health issue, particularly in slaughtered sheep intended for human consumption. Cytology using fine needle aspiration and microbiological culturing are suitable tests for routine diagnostic, whereas present drawbacks and molecular methods have been confirmatory. Data about the occurrence of mycobacteria in both lymph nodes with aspect of CL and apparently healthy visceral nodes of sheep slaughtered for human consumption are scarce. In this study, 197 visceral lymph nodes of sheep showed lymphadenitis and 202 healthy visceral lymph nodes of slaughtered sheep intended for human consumption were submitted to conventional bacteriological diagnosis, mycobacteria culturing, and cytological evaluation. Compatible Corynebacterium isolates were subjected to multiplex PCR targeting 16S rRNA, rpoB, and pld genes to detect C. pseudotuberculosis. Based on microbiological identification, C. pseudotuberculosis (86/197; 43.7%), streptococci γ-hemolytic (17/197; 8.6%), and Trueperella pyogenes (12/197; 6.1%) were prevalent in lymph nodes with abscesses, as opposed to staphylococci (53/202; 26.2%) in apparently healthy lymph nodes. No mycobacteria were isolated. Cytology identified 49.2% (97/197) Gram-positive pleomorphic organisms (coryneform aspect). Multiplex PCR confirmed genetic material of C. pseudotuberculosis in 74.4% (64/86) of the samples with C. pseudotuberculosis isolation and 66% (64/97) samples with cytological coryneform aspect (κ = 86.78%; 95% CI = 79.87-93.68%). These findings emphasize the prevalence of C. pseudotuberculosis in abscess formation among peripheral lymph nodes of sheep. Other bacteria were also identified in lymph nodes sampled that resembling C. pseudotuberculosis-induced infections that may difficult the diagnosis. Multiplex PCR revealed a valuable assay to detect C. pseudotuberculosis, in addition to routine methods applied to CL-diagnosis. No mycobacteria were identified in lymph nodes sampled, with and without apparent lesions. Nonetheless, due to public health impacts, this pathogen should be considered as a differential diagnosis of C. pseudotuberculosis-induced infections during inspection procedures of slaughtered sheep intended for human consumption.

[Corporate and technological changes in São Paulo medicine in 1930]. / Mudanças corporativas e tecnológicas da medicina paulista em 1930.

Through the historical study of the corporate and technological changes experienced by doctors in São Paulo in the 1930s, we intend to identify how changes in the fields of equipment and knowledge came from the emergence of specialties, which led to corporate changes and rearrangements in the face of the dilemmas introduced by the Getúlio Vargas government and its policy of centralizing power. Connections are pointed out of a symbolic and representative order, backed by doctors considered 'old-school' and those that represented the 'new' times in medicine, evidencing the clashes between these currents vis-à-vis the specialization movement and particular landmarks in the history of São Paulo.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Melatonin Receptor MT1 and Glucose Transporter GLUT1 in Human Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Even after diagnosis, the prognosis cannot be concluded since patients can develop resistance to therapy, which favors tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. In recent years, research has focused on identifying significant markers that can be used to determine the prognosis. Melatonin can act through G protein- coupled MT1 receptor, which controls selected protein kinases, influences the levels of transcription factor phosphorylation, specific genes expression, proliferation, angiogenesis, cell differentiation, migration, and indirectly controls the transport of glucose in cancer cells. It is known that glucose enters the cells by glucose transporters, such as GLUT1 which shows wide tissue distribution and appears to be altered in human breast carcinoma. High GLUT1 expression is associated with increased malignant potential, invasiveness and poor prognosis in some cancers including breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of MT1 receptor and GLUT1 in breast tumors and correlate with molecular subtypes and prognostic characteristics. METHOD: Protein expression was performed by an immunohistochemical procedure with specific antibodies and positive and negative controls. RESULTS: We found that MT1 high expression was associated with good prognosis subtype (Luminal A), while GLUT1 high expression was related to poor prognosis subtype (triple-negative). In addition, we found high expression of MT1 in ER+ and the inverse in GLUT1 expression. GLUT1 is also highly expressed in tumor ≥20mm. CONCLUSION: These results indicate MT1 and GLUT1 as potential targets for breast cancer subtypes and prognosis.

Melatonin restrains angiogenic factors in triple-negative breast cancer by targeting miR-152-3p: In vivo and in vitro studies.

AIMS: Breast cancer represents the second most prevalent tumor-related cause of death among women. Although studies have already been published regarding the association between breast tumors and miRNAs, this field remains unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are defined as non-coding RNA molecules, and are known to be involved in cell pathways through the regulation of gene expression. Melatonin can regulate miRNAs and genes related with angiogenesis. This hormone is produced naturally by the pineal gland and presents several antitumor effects. The aim of this study was to understand the action of melatonin in the regulation of miRNA-152-3p in vivo and in vitro. MAIN METHODS: In order to standardize the melatonin treatment in the MDA-MB-468 cells, we carried out the cell viability assay at different concentrations. PCR Array plates were used to identify the differentiated expression of miRNAs after the treatment with melatonin. The relative quantification of the target gene expression (IGF-IR, HIF-1α and VEGF) was performed by real-time PCR. For the tumor development, MDA-MB-468 cells were implanted in female BALB/c mice, and treated or not treated with melatonin. Moreover, the quantification of the target genes protein expression was performed by immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry. KEY FINDINGS: Relative quantification shows that the melatonin treatment increases the gene expression of miR-152-3p and the target genes, and decreased protein levels of the genes both in vitro and in vivo. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results confirm the action of melatonin on the miR-152-3p regulation known to be involved in the progression of breast cancer.

[Spanish Flu in Sorocaba and the case of the Santa Rosália factory, 1918: local history contributions to the study of epidemics in Brazil]. / A gripe espanhola em Sorocaba e o caso da fábrica Santa Rosália, 1918: contribuições da história local ao estudo das epidemias no Brasil.

An investigation is presented of the tensions that emerged during the Spanish flu epidemic in the city of Sorocaba, Brazil, between October and December 1918. It draws on previously unused primary sources, namely the narratives contained in the local press, taking the Santa Rosália factory as a case study, particularly its owner's refusal to maintain the work stoppage at the height of the epidemic, even when requested to by the municipal authority. This research contributes to the study of epidemics in Brazil's inland municipalities, emphasizing how local history can contribute to investigations of the history of disease in the country.

Ring Fracture of Brazilian Aortic Valve Bioprostheses Using Non-Compliant High-Pressure Transcatheter Balloon, an Ex Vivo Test

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aortic valve bioprostheses ring fracture in valve-in-valve procedures has shown low complication rates and presents as an option in the treatment of patients at high risk for conventional surgery, avoiding high transvalvular gradients, which are associated with increased mortality. Some prostheses available in the market cannot be fractured. In an ex vivo test, the possibility of ring fracture of aortic valve bioprostheses produced in Brazil when submitted to radial force application using a high-pressure non-compliant balloon was evaluated. Methods: One unit of each aortic valve bioprosthesis model, sizes 19 and 21 mm, produced by Brazilian companies (Braile Biomédica, Cardioprótese, and Labcor), was used. In the experiment, a non-compliant high-pressure balloon (Atlas®-Gold), 1 mm larger than the external diameter of the prosthesis, was positioned inside the valve annulus and inflated gradually aiming to fracture the prosthesis. Fracture pressures and photographic and radiological images of the prostheses before and after test were recorded. Results: All prostheses were fractured. In the models with metal ring, the fracture pressures were between 23 and 25 atm. In the other prostheses, the rupture occurred between 10 and 13 atm. No deformations in the structure were observed, which could potentially damage the aortic root. Conclusion: All the Brazilian prostheses evaluated were fractured, although the presence of a metal ring in the prosthesis framework increases the pressure required for fracture. The information obtained helps in the planning of valve-in-valve procedures in patients with aortic valve bioprostheses.

Molecular characterization of breast cancer cell lines by clinical immunohistochemical markers.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in females worldwide. Studies based on gene expression profiles have identified different breast cancer molecular subtypes, such as luminal A and B cells, cancer cells that are estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR) positive, human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-enriched cells, cancer cells that exhibit an overexpression of the oncogene HER2, and triple-negative cells, cancer cells that are negative for ER, PR and HER2 expression. Immunohistochemistry is the most common type of method used for the identification of these molecular subtypes, through the identification of specific cell receptors. The present study aimed to evaluate the ER, PR and HER2 receptor expression in human breast cancer cell lines, and to classify the corresponding molecular subtype comparing two alternative methods. In the present study, a panel of human mammary carcinoma cell lines: BT-20; Hs578T; MCF-7; MCF-7/AZ; MDA-MB-231; MDA-MB-468; SKBR3; and T47D were used. Immunohistochemical and immunocytochemistry assays were used to characterize the breast cancer subtypes of these cell lines according to the expression of ER, PR and HER2 receptors. The results revealed the molecular characterization of this panel of breast cancer cell lines, using the differential expression of classical and clinically used markers in concordance with previous studies. In addition, these data are important for additional in vitro studies of these specific receptors.

Toxoplasma gondii in backyard pigs: seroepidemiology and mouse bioassay.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in backyard pigs destined for human consumption in Pernambuco state, Brazil. Blood and tissue samples (liver, heart, brain, lung and diaphragm) were collected from 224 pigs from legal slaughterhouses and tested for T. gondii infection. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in the sera of 37.9% (85/224) by using the immunofluorescence antibody test (cut-off - 1:64). Tissue samples from seropositive pigs were bioassayed in mice. Tissue samples from seropositive pigs and from mice of the bioassay were submitted to histopathology, immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing; 14.1% of pig tissue samples and 27.7% of bioassayed mouse samples were positive for T. gondii DNA, but all pig and mouse tissues were negative in histopathology analysis and immunochemistry. By using a risk assessment questionnaire, there was significant difference (p<0.001) in seroprevalence of 21.2% (reproducer) and 3.1% (finishing pig). These data serve as indicative of the sanitary conditions and risk of T. gondii infection for backyard pigs. Preventive measures must be implemented by health services to avoid toxoplasmosis human cases due to ingestion of pig meat.

Application of the photo-Fenton process to the treatment of wastewaters contaminated with diesel.

The application of the photo-Fenton process for the treatment of wastewaters contaminated with diesel oil was investigated. This particular process has been widely studied for the photochemical degradation of highly toxic organic pollutants. Experiments were performed according to a factorial experimental design at two levels and two variables: H(2)O(2) concentration (5-200 mM) and Fe(2+) concentration (0.01-1 mM). Experimental results demonstrated that the photo-Fenton process is technically feasible for the treatment of wastewaters containing diesel oil constituents, with total mineralization. A combination of factorial experimental design and gradient descent techniques was employed to optimize the amount of the Fenton reagents, resulting in Fe(2+) (0.1 mM) and H(2)O(2) (50 mM). These optimized levels did not exceed the limit for disposal of ferrous ions (0.27 mM) proposed at the local environmental legislation.