Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and special attention should be given to treatment because the available drugs have limitations, which can lead to low therapeutic adherence and parasitic resistance. This study evaluated the activity of the bioactive naphthoquinones, lapachol and β-lapachone, against Leishmania amazonensis. The cell alterations were evaluated in vitro on promastigote and amastigote forms. The lethal dose (LD50) at 24, 48, and 72 h on the promastigote's forms using lapachol was 75.60, 72.82, and 58.85 μg/mL and for β-lapachone was 0.65, 1.24, and 0.71 μg/mL, respectively. The naphthoquinones significantly inhibited the survival rate of L. amazonensis amastigotes at 83.11, 57.59, and 34.95% for lapachol (82.28, 41.14, and 20.57 µg/mL), and 78.49, 83.25, and 80.22% for β-lapachone (3.26, 1.63, and 0.815 µg/mL). The compounds on the promastigote's forms led to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, induced changes in the integrity of the membrane, caused damage to cells suggestive of the apoptotic process, and showed inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 production. The results showed that these naphthoquinones are promising candidates for research on new drugs with anti-Leishmania activity derived from natural products.

Abstract The Brazil Current (BC) is a western boundary current, with an average vertical extension of 500 m, which occupies the southwestern margin of Atlantic Ocean. Recently, the South Brazil Bight - SBB (23º S - 28º S) has been intensively explored by the oil and gas industries, which brought a high demand in operational oceanography and ocean state monitoring. In this study we present a new technique based on the vertical dynamic modes of oscillation, to extrapolate velocity profiles in the SBB, with potential applications to data acquired by Vessel Mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (VMADCP). Using four quasi-synoptic crosssectional velocity data, acquired by Lowered Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (LADCP), we observed that the mean circulation of this region can be characterized as a 2-dynamical mode system. This mean circulation is mainly dominated at surface by the BC and at intermediate levels by the Intermediate Western Boundary Current (IWBC), which flows northward. Furthermore, observed mesoscale vortical features in the SBB, such as eddies and meanders, are shown to be primarily barotropic-mode dominated. In our extrapolation methodology, the use of an independent set of velocity time series obtained by four moorings has shown to be a valid way for obtaining the relative contribution of each dynamical mode in the velocity field in the SBB. Normalized mean squared errors below 10% and radar diagrams show that the presented methodology was able to reproduce the main dynamic features observed by LADCP transects. Also, with this technique, we extrapolated three VMADCP sections and the results agreed with previous observations.

ABSTRACT Background: Depression is a highly disabling common mental disorder and, due to its multifactorial nature, the development of effective therapies is challenging and of great relevance. Ayahuasca (AYA), an entheogenic traditional beverage, has emerged as an alternative for antidepressant treatment, however, AYA preclinical and clinical trials are still incipient. Objectives: This investigation aimed to evaluate some behavioral and biochemical effects of AYA subchronic administration in rats submitted to a model of depression elicited by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). Methods: 500 mg/kg of AYA was administered in adult male rats once a day for 15 days before submitting the animals to UCMS. Anhedonia-like and locomotion behavior, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, and sulfhydryl/nitrite content were evaluated. Results: AYA intake failed to prevent anhedonia-like behavior. Locomotion was not altered by AYA consumption or by the experimental condition. UCMS increased TBARS and nitrites levels, decreased the levels of catalase in the cerebral cortex and of Sulfhydryl in the hippocampus. AYA treatment counteracted these biochemical alterations but did not display any alterations in non-stressed rats. Conclusions: Taken together, results indicate an adaptogenic antioxidant molecular mechanism of AYA in relation to depression induced by stress.

Resumo Os produtores de calcário e cal inadvertidamente geram uma quantidade considerável de material fino durante o processamento, tornando-se um grande passivo ambiental. Quanto ao processo de calcinação, a indústria ressente-se de dados experimentais da lei de Arrhenius, como fator de frequência aparente e energia de ativação, referentes aos calcários brasileiros. O conhecimento desses parâmetros termocinéticos pode diminuir o consumo energético durante o processo de calcinação industrial, além de permitir o uso de finos de calcário em outras aplicações industriais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar três calcários brasileiros, concentrando-se em sua calcinação em escala laboratorial, usando método quase isotérmico e dinâmico (termogravimétrico) para estimar seus parâmetros cinéticos. O método dinâmico permitiu estimar a energia de ativação de cada calcário através das regiões de alta taxa de calcinação. Porém, os parâmetros cinéticos estimados pelo método quase isotérmico resultaram em valores mais baixos, indicando a necessidade de controlar a atmosfera do reator.

Abstract Limestone and lime producers inadvertently generate a considerable amount of fine material during their processing, consequently becoming a great environmental liability. As far as the industrial calcination process is concerned, there is still a need for an experimental survey on Arrhenius law parameters, as apparent frequency factor and activation energy, referring to Brazilian limestones. The knowledge of these thermokinetic parameters may contribute to energy saving during the industrial calcination process, as well as for allowing the use of limestone fines in other industrial applications. This study aimed to characterize three Brazilian limestones by focusing on their laboratory-scale calcination using both quasi-isothermal and non-isothermal methods to estimate their kinetic parameters. The non-isothermal method (by thermogravimetric analyses) allowed estimating the activation energy for each limestone through the high calcination rate ranges. However, the kinetic parameters estimated by the quasi-isothermal method turned out in lower values, indicating the need to control the reactor atmosphere.

RESUMO Durante a jornada de trabalho, o operador de máquinas agrícolas se encontra frequentemente exposto a riscos físicos, como a vibração, que podem comprometer sua saúde e desempenho. Os microtratores emitem elevados níveis de vibração que afetam especialmente o sistema mãos e braços. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de diferentes modelos de luvas na redução da vibração transmitida pelo conjunto microtrator/enxada rotativa em função da velocidade de operação e da rotação do rotor da enxada rotativa. O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 x 2 x 2 com cinco repetições, sendo três modelos de luvas (L1 e L2, modelos antivibratórias, e L3 modelo anti-impacto) e um tratamento controle que consistiu das mesmas condições de operação sem o uso do equipamento de proteção, duas velocidades de operação (V1 = 0,98 km h-1 e V2 = 1,6 km h-1) e duas rotações do rotor da enxada (R1 = 265 rpm e R2 = 520 rpm). Nenhum dos modelos de luvas experimentadas apresentou capacidade de atenuação exigida pela Norma de Higiene Ocupacional (NHO 10) e em algumas condições de operação elevaram os níveis de vibração incidente, superando os valores obtidos na realização do trabalho sem o uso do equipamento de proteção. Embora não reduzindo a vibração transmitida aos níveis considerados aceitáveis pela NHO 10, os modelos anti-impacto L3 e antivibratório L2 apresentaram melhor desempenho na operação realizada na velocidade de 0,98 km h-1 e rotação de 520 rpm no rotor da enxada rotativa.

ABSTRACT During the working day, agricultural machinery operators are often exposed to physical risks, such as vibration, which can compromise their health and performance. Micro tractors emit high levels of vibration, which mainly affect their hands and arms. Thus, this study aims at evaluating the efficiency of different glove models in reducing vibration transmitted by the micro tractor/rotary tiller assembly according to the operating velocity and the rotation of the rotary tiller rotor. A completely randomized block design was used in a 4 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with five replicates. The study analyzed three glove models (G1 and G2 anti-vibration models, and anti-impact model G3) and a control treatment under the same operating conditions, but without the use of protective equipment. The study was conducted at two operating velocities (V1 = 0.98 km h-1 and V2 = 1.6 km h-1) and two rotations of the rotary tiller rotor (R1 = 265 rpm and R2 = 520 rpm). None of the evaluated glove models reached the attenuation capacity required by the Occupational Hygiene Standard (Norma de Higiene Ocupacional - NHO 10) and, under some operating conditions, they raised the incident vibration levels, exceeding the values obtained when the work was performed without a protective equipment. Although the anti-impact model G3 and the anti-vibration model G2 did not reduce the transmitted vibration to the levels considered acceptable by NHO 10, the anti-impact G3 and anti-vibration G2 models showed better performance in the work performed at a velocity of 0.98 km h-1 and a rotation of 520 rpm of the rotary tiller rotor.

Resumo: Tryblionella é um gênero de diatomáceas epipélicas, distribuído de águas doces a marinhas. A maioria dos estudos que incluem o gênero baseia-se apenas em microscopia óptica. Poucos estudos recentes são exclusivamente dedicados à Tryblionella e a ultraestrutura de algumas espécies ainda é pouco conhecida. No presente artigo, apresentamos onze espécies de Tryblionella encontradas no epifíton e no microfitobentos nas marismas da Lagoa dos Patos. Todas as espécies foram descritas, ilustradas em microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura e comentários sobre a taxonomia, distribuição e ecologia foram fornecidos. Dois táxons foram registrados pela primeira vez para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul e um para a região Sul do Brasil. O número de espécies registradas neste estudo compreende cerca de metade das espécies registradas para o país. A grande riqueza observada pode estar relacionada à dinâmica das marismas, que proporciona tanto a mistura de comunidades de águas doces e marinhas quanto diversidade de microhabitats. A grande variabilidade entre as espécies analisadas permitiu que o conceito geral de Tryblionella fosse ampliado, incluindo características que não haviam sido consideradas nas caracterizações anteriores do gênero.

Abstract: Tryblionella is a large epipelic genus, widespread from fresh to marine waters. Most of the studies including the genus are based only in light microscopy. Few recent studies are exclusively dedicated to Tryblionella and the ultrastructure of some species is still little known. In this paper we present eleven species of Tryblionella found in epiphyton and microphytobenthos in Patos Lagoon salt marshes. All the species are described, illustrated in light and scanning electron microscopy and comments about their taxonomy, distribution and ecology are provided. Two taxa are reported for the first time in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and one in Southern Brazil. The number of species registered in this study comprises nearly a half of the number of species registered in the country. The high richness observed may be related to the dynamics of the salt marshes, which provides both the mixing of fresh and marine waters communities and the diversity of microhabitats. The great variability among the species analyzed allowed to extend the general concept of Tryblionella, adding features which were not considered in the previous characterizations of the genus.

ABSTRACT A comparative test of water heating between the hybrid system - solar collector with heat pump - and a system with conventional supplementary heating - with high electric power - was performed. For this, a small capacity heat pump was installed, which was later installed together with a solar heating system, composed of a 250 L thermal reservoir and three thermoplastic collector plates. Tests were carried out to evaluate the COP of the heat pump and the energy consumption of the solar heating system operating with the heat pump and with an electrical resistance of 3000 W. In the laboratory tests, the heat pump presented an average COP of 2.15. In the field tests, the energy consumption of the solar system with heat pump was 54.9% lower when compared to the tests in which electrical resistance was used as a source of supplementary heating.

Abstract: Here we model and describe the wood volume of Cerrado Sensu Stricto, a highly heterogeneous vegetation type in the Savanna biome, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, integrating forest inventory data with spatial-environmental variables, multivariate regression, and regression kriging. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the factors that affect the spatial distribution of the wood volume of this vegetation type as well as allowing better representation of the spatial heterogeneity of this biome. Wood volume estimates were obtained through regression models using different environmental variables as independent variables. Using the best fitted model, spatial analysis of the residuals was carried out by selecting a semivariogram model for generating an ordinary kriging map, which in turn was used with the fitted regression model in the regression kriging technique. Seasonality of both temperature and precipitation, along with the density of deforestation, explained the variations of wood volume throughout Minas Gerais. The spatial distribution of predicted wood volume of Cerrado Sensu Stricto in Minas Gerais revealed the high variability of this variable (15.32 to 98.38 m3 ha-1) and the decreasing gradient in the southeast-northwest direction.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the frequency of DQ2.5 and DQ8 alleles using the Tag-single-nucleotide polymorphism (Tag-SNP) technique in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and celiac disease (CD) in southern Brazil. Materials and methods In a prospective design, we performed the search for DQA1*0501 and DQB1*0201 alleles for DQ2.5 and DQB1*0302 for DQ8 through Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technique, using TaqMan Genotyping Assays (Applied Biosystems, USA). The diagnosis of CD was established by duodenal biopsy and genotypic determination performed by StepOne Software v2.3. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between groups using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests and the multiple comparisons using Finner’s adjustment. Results Three hundred and sixty two patients with a median age of 14 years were divided into 3 groups: T1DM without CD (264); T1DM with CD (32) and CD without T1DM (66). In 97% of individuals with T1DM and CD and 76% of individuals with CD without T1DM, respectively, the alleles DQ2.5 and/or DQ8 were identified (p < 0.001). DQ2.5 was more common in individuals with CD (p = 0.004) and DQ8 was more common in individuals with type 1 diabetes (p = 0.008). Conclusions The evaluation of the alleles for DQ2.5 and DQ8 by Tag-SNP technique showed a high negative predictive value among those with T1DM, similar to that described by the conventional technique. The high frequency of DQ8 alleles in individuals with T1DM did not allow differentiating those at higher risk of developing T1DM.

Abstract The Boundary Driven Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (BD-NEMD) method is employed to evaluate Soret coefficients of binary mixtures. Using a n-decane/n-pentane mixture at 298 K, we study several parameters and conditions of the simulation procedure such as system size, time step size, frequency of perturbation, and the undesired warming up of the system during the simulation. The Soret coefficients obtained here deviated around 20% when comparing with experimental data and with simulated results from the literature. We showed that fluctuations in composition gradients and the consequent deviations of the Soret coefficient may be due to characteristic fluctuations of the composition gradient. Best results were obtained with the smallest time steps and without using a thermostat, which shows that there is room for improvement and/or development of new BD-NEMD algorithms.

Two new alkaloids containing Nb-methyl-triptamine units linked to bis-quinoline moieties, N-8”-formyl-calycosidine and N-8”-methyl-N-1’-demethyl-iso-calycosidine, were isolated from the aerial part of Margaritopsis carrascoana, along with known calycosidine and hodgkinsine. The cytotoxicity of the isolated alkaloids has been evaluated against cancer cell lines. The first two compounds showed only weak activity against HL-60 cell line, while hodgkinsine was the most active compound against HCT-116, OVCAR-8, HL-60 and SF-295 cancer cell lines. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by spectroscopic and molecular mechanical methods.

Atualmente há uma crescente demanda no cenário mundial com relação ao tratamento de resíduos industriais, dentre estes o fenol e pilhas inutilizadas. Óxidos e cerâmicas a base de ferro, tais como ferritas são utilizadas como catalisadores no processo Fenton heterogêneo. Os processos de Fenton e foto-Fenton apresentam alta eficiência no tratamento de resíduos tóxicos utilizando catalisadores a base de ferro. Neste contexto foram desenvolvidas ferritas a partir de resíduos de pilhas inutilizadas. O uso destas ferritas como catalisadores é bastante interessante, uma vez que, são materiais ferromagnéticos podendo ser recuperados no final do processo utilizando campo magnético, evitando a liberação de Fe2+ e Fe3+ no efluente. Os resultados mostraram que a ferrita proveniente de pilhas inutilizadas e calcinada à temperatura de 500 °C apresentou estrutura correspondente a fase espinélio e magnéticas (M S= 37,04 emu.g-1) e como catalisador de fotodegradação atingiu-se 90% de remoção de fenol em pH 2,5 durante 2 h de irradiação.

Currently there is a growing global demand with respect to industrial waste treatment, among them phenol and spent batteries. Iron oxides and ceramics containing iron, such as ferrites, have been used with success as catalysts for heterogeneous Fenton process. The Fenton and photo-Fenton processes have high efficiency in treatment of toxic residue using iron as catalysts. In this respect, ferrites were developed from spent batteries. The use of these ferrites as catalysts is very interesting because these oxides are ferromagnetic and can be recovered at the end of the process using a magnetic field, avoiding the discharge of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in the environment. The results showed that the ferrite from spent batteries calcined at 500 °C presents structural of spinel phase and magnetic properties (Ms= 37.04 emu.g-1) and applied in photo-Fenton process, it was reached 90% of phenol removal at pH 2.5 with 2 h of irradiation.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da aplicação de um protocolo gerenciado de manutenção de potenciais doadores falecidos de múltiplos órgãos em duas unidades hospitalares. MÉTODOS: Estudo antes (Fase 1)/depois (Fase 2) realizado em dois hospitais gerais que incluiu, consecutivamente, os potenciais doadores ingressados em duas unidades de terapia intensiva. Na Fase 1 (16 meses), os dados foram coletados retrospectivamente e as medidas de manutenção do potencial doador foram instituídas a critério do intensivista. Na Fase 2 (12 meses), a coleta de dados foi prospectiva e a manutenção foi guiada por um protocolo gerenciado. As duas fases foram comparadas entre si de acordo com variáveis demográficas, variáveis fisiológicas no diagnóstico da morte encefálica e ao final do processo, tempo necessário para realização do exame confirmatório de morte encefálica e final do processo, aderência aos conjuntos de medidas essenciais de manutenção (pacotes), perdas por parada cardíaca, perdas por negativa familiar, perdas por contraindicação e taxa de conversão de potenciais doadores em doadores reais. Foram aplicados os testes de t-Student e do qui-quadrado, e o valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: Identificaram-se 42 potenciais doadores (18 na Fase 1 e 24 na Fase 2). Houve diminuição do tempo entre a primeira exploração clínica e o explante (Fase 1: 35,0±15,5 horas versus Fase 2: 24,6±6,2 horas; p=0,023). Houve aumento na aderência em 10 dos 19 itens essenciais de manutenção, e redução nas perdas por parada cardíaca (Fase 1: 27,8 versus 0% na Fase 2; p=0,006) com aumento de doadores reais (Fase 1: 44,4 versus 75% na Fase 2; p=0,044). Não houve mudança nas perdas por negativa familiar ou por contraindicação médica. CONCLUSÃO: A adoção de um protocolo gerenciado promove a aplicação de medidas essenciais no cuidado do potencial doador falecido e pode reduzir as perdas de potenciais doadores por parada cardíaca.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the application of a managed protocol for the maintenance care of deceased potential multiple organ donors at two hospitals. METHODS: A before (Phase 1)/after (Phase 2) study conducted at two general hospitals, which included consecutively potential donors admitted to two intensive care units. In Phase 1 (16 months), the data were collected retrospectively, and the maintenance care measures of the potential donors were instituted by the intensivists. In Phase 2 (12 months), the data collection was prospective, and a managed protocol was used for maintenance care. The two phases were compared in terms of their demographic variables, physiological variables at diagnosis of brain death and the end of the process, time to performance of brain death confirmatory test and end of the process, adherence to bundles of maintenance care essential measures, losses due to cardiac arrest, family refusal, contraindications, and the conversion rate of potential into actual donors. Student's t- and chi-square tests were used, and p-value < 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: A total of 42 potential donors were identified (18 in Phase 1 and 24 in Phase 2). The time interval between the first clinical assessment and the recovery decreased in Phase 2 (Phase 1: 35.0±15.5 hours versus Phase 2: 24.6±6.2 hours; p = 0.023). Adherence increased to 10 out of the 19 essential items of maintenance care, and losses due to cardiac arrest also decreased in Phase 2 (Phase 1: 27.8 versus 0% in Phase 2; p = 0.006), while the convertion rate increased (Phase 1: 44.4 versus 75% in Phase 2; p = 0.044). The losses due to family refusal and medical contraindication did not vary. CONCLUSION: The adoption of a managed protocol focused on the application of essential measures for the care of potential deceased donors might reduce the loss of potential donors due to cardiac arrest.

OBJETIVO: Estudo de coorte prospectiva dos bebês nascidos na cidade de Pelotas entre setembro de 2002 e maio de 2003, com o objetivo de avaliar a percepção das mães quanto ao apoio paterno e sua influência na duração do aleitamento materno (AM). MÉTODOS: A população inicial do estudo foi de 2.741 bebês, sendo que uma amostra aleatória de 30% destes foi acompanhada no 1º, 3º e 6º meses, baseada em cálculo amostral com um nível de significância de 95% e poder estatístico de 80% para detectar risco relativo de 2,0. Foram realizadas análises univariada e multivariada, sendo que somente as variáveis com p<0,05 foram consideradas associadas ao desfecho de forma significante. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que no 1º mês aproximadamente 10% dos bebês não estavam em AM. A baixa escolaridade paterna e a falta de participação do pai na amamentação foram variáveis associadas ao desmame no 1º mês. No 3º mês, constatou-se forte associação entre o desmame e a falta de apoio paterno. O fato de a mãe não viver com o companheiro e a menor escolaridade paterna foram variáveis também associadas ao desfecho. Já no 6º mês, não foi encontrada associação entre variáveis paternas e AM. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo pode servir de subsídio para futuras políticas públicas em saúde, como também para incentivo à inserção da figura paterna nas consultas pré-natais, na atenção ao parto e no puerpério.

OBJECTIVE: A cohort prospective study of newborns in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil, between September 2002 and May 2003, which aims at evaluating the perception of mothers as to fatherly support and its influence in breastfeeding duration. METHODS: The initial population included 2,741 babies, and a random and representative sample of 30% was followed-up on the first, third, and sixth months, with a significance level of 95% and statistical power of 80% to detect a relative risk of 2.0. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied. Variables with p<0.05 were considered as significantly associated with the outcome. RESULTS: In the first month, approximately 10% of infants were not breastfed. Low paternal schooling and lack of support during breastfeeding were associated with weaning in the first month. In the third month, a strong association between weaning and lack of paternal support was verified. The fact that the mother no longer lived with her partner and the number of years in school were also associated with the outcome. In the sixth month, no correlation was found between paternal variables and breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: The present study could be useful as a reference to future public health policies as well as an incentive to insert the paternal figure in the prenatal, labor, and postdelivery care.

OBJETIVO: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo de los bebés nacidos en la ciudad de Pelotas (Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil), entre septiembre de 2002 y mayo de 2003, con el objetivo de evaluar la percepción de las madres respecto al apoyo paterno y su influencia en la duración de la lactancia materna (LM). MÉTODOS: La población inicial del estudio fue de 2.741 bebés, siendo acompañada en el primero, tercero y sexto meses una muestra aleatoria y representativa de 30% de éstos, basada en cálculo muestral, con un nivel de significancia de 95% y poder estadístico de 80%, para detectar riesgo relativo de 2,0. Se realizaron análisis uni y multivariados, siendo que solamente las variables con p<0,05 fueron consideradas asociadas al desfecho de modo estadísticamente significante. RESULTADOS: Se observó que, en el primer mes, un 10% de los bebés no estaban en LM. La baja escolaridad paterna y la falta de participación del padre en la amamantación fueron asociadas al destete en el primer mes. En el tercer mes, se constató fuerte asociación entre el destete y la falta de apoyo paterno. El hecho de que la madre no vive con el compañero y la menor escolaridad paterna fueron variables también asociadas al desenlace. Ya en el sexto mes, no se encontró asociación entre variables paternas y LM. CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio puede servir de subsidio para futuras políticas públicas en salud, como también para incentivo a la inserción de la figura paterna en las consultas prenatales, en la atención al parto y en el puerperio.

Objetivou-se com este estudo pesquisar a ocorrência de Salmonella spp. e Escherichia coli em amostras de fezes de pardais, além de avaliar a patogenicidade, citotoxicidade e perfil de sensibilidade dos isolados frente a antimicrobianos. Foram capturados 228 pardais em oito granjas. O teste de patogenicidade in vitro foi realizado por meio do cultivo dos isolados em ágar oxalato de magnésio acrescido de vermelho de congo, enquanto o teste de patogenicidade in vivo foi realizado em pintos de um dia. Para o estudo dos indicadores dos efeitos citotóxicos, as amostras foram inoculadas em células Vero. Os resultados obtidos quanto ao isolamento de Escherichia coli confirmaram a presença deste microorganismo em 30 (13,2%) amostras analisadas. Destes isolados, dez (33,3%) apresentaram capacidade de absorção do vermelho congo. Quanto à patogenicidade in vivo observou-se uma taxa de mortalidade de 68,0% das amostras analisadas. Dos 20 isolados testados quanto à produção de citotoxina, nenhum apresentou efeito citotóxico nas células Vero. Obteve-se o isolamento de Salmonella spp. em apenas uma amostra (0,04%), sendo tipificada em Salmonella enterica subespécie houtenae. Os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa indicam a necessidade da realização de novos estudos para identificar outros fatores de virulência das amostras de E. coli e traçar o perfil filogenético dos isolados para estabelecer uma relação com surtos de colibacilose em galinhas e frango de corte na região estudada, além de analisar os pontos críticos na cadeia produtiva da avicultura para identificar a origem da Salmonella enterica subespécie houtenae.

The aim of this study was to research the occurrence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli in feces samples of sparrows, as well as to identify the pathogenicity, cytotoxicity and sensitivity profile of the isolates to antimicrobial use. Two hundred and twenty eight sparrows were captured in eight farms. The in vitro pathogenicity test was performed by the isolates culture on congo red-magnesium oxalate Agar, whilst the in vivo pathogenicity test was performed in one day-old chicks. In order to study the cytotoxic effects of indicators, samples were inoculated into Vero cells. The results obtained for Escherichia coli isolation confirmed the presence of this microorganism in 30 (13.2%) of the evaluated samples. Out of those isolates, 10 (33.3%) presented the capacity of absorbing ongo red. As for in vivo pathogenicity a 68.0% of mortality rate of the evaluated samples was observed. Out of 20 isolates tested for cytotoxin production, none of them presented cytotoxic effect in the Vero cells. The Salmonella spp was isolated only in one sample (0.04%), and it was identified as Salmonella enterica subspecies houtenae. Results obtained through this research indicate the need for new studies to identify other virulence factors of E. coli samples and to delineate the phylogenetic profile of the isolates in order to establish a relation with colibacillosis outbreaks in chickens and broilers in the studied region, as well as to analyze the critical points in the aviculture productive chain to identify the source of Salmonella enterica subspecies houtenae.