Southern Santa Catarina State Research Articles

Effect of lingual frenotomy on the breastfeeding improvement

To evaluate breastfeeding in babies up to six months of age before and after frenotomy surgery in a reference hospital in a city from Santa Catarina state. Methods: An observational quality improvement study, carried out with babies up to six months of age undergoing frenotomy and their mothers in a reference hospital in southern Santa Catarina state. A questionnaire was applied to the mothers in two moments (before and after the surgery), with information regarding breastfeeding, sociodemographic, anthropometric and behavioral characteristics of them and of the babies. Descriptive analyzes were performed and the association between breastfeeding and the independent variables was assessed through Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, using a 5% significance level. Results: A total of 74 children were studied, with 48 of them returning after surgery. 83.8% were breastfed before surgery and 64.9% after surgery. Before surgery, 58.1% of children effectively took the breast at once. After surgery, this prevalence was 83.3% (p=0.015). Before surgery, 75.9% of the mothers reported not feeling pain, while, after surgery, almost all of them (95.8%) reported this (p=0.004). Most mothers reported improvement in grip (83.3%), increase in the duration of breastfeeding (69.0%), improvement of baby’s breathing (75.0%), and an increase in the frequency of breastfeeding (51.7%). Conclusions: There was a decrease in the prevalence of breastfeeding after frenotomy. However, there was an improvement in the babies ‘grip and breathing and a reduction in the mothers’ pain when breastfeeding. It is emphasized the need to implement multidisciplinary actions in both primary and hospital care to assist mothers in order to prolong the duration of exclusive breastfeeding.

Longitudinal Assessment of Virological Failure and Antiretroviral Drug Resistance among Treatment-naive Subjects Living with HIV.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the etiological agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is a serious public health issue. Therapeutic measures have been successful in increasing the survival and improving the quality of life. However, some treatment-naive subjects living with HIV present resistance-associated mutations as a result of late diagnosis and/or mutant strain infections. The objective of this study was to identify the virus genotype and assess the antiretroviral resistance profile based on the results of HIV genotyping in treatment-naive subjects living with HIV, after six months of taking antiretroviral therapy. This was a prospective cohort study on treatment-naive adults living with HIV attending a specialized outpatient clinic in southern Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The participants were interviewed and had blood samples drawn. The genotypic antiretroviral drug resistance profile was examined in patients with detectable viral loads. 65 treatment-naive subjects living with HIV were recruited for this study. After six months of taking antiretroviral therapy, resistance-associated mutations were observed in 3 (4.6%) subjects living with HIV. Subtype C was identified as the circulating subtype in southern Santa Catarina State, and L10V, K103N, A98G, and Y179D were the most common mutations found in treatment-naive subjects.

Climatological conditions of the southern Santa Catarina state highlands for hop production

Climatological conditions of the southern Santa Catarina state highlands for hop production

Composition and dynamics of mixed flocks of birds in a remnant of Submontane Atlantic Rain Forest in southern Brazil

Mixed flocks are associations of two or more species that are formed and maintained through mutual behavioral responses, with advantages such as maximizing foraging and protecting against predation. This study aimed to evaluate the composition, temporal dynamics, and presence of core species in mixed flocks of birds in a remnant of the Submontane Atlantic Rain Forest in the Parque Nacional Aparados da Serra, southern Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Data collection took place from October 2016 to September 2017 through monthly campaigns, consisting of three consecutive observation days, with sampling sessions of six hours per day, resulting in a total effort of 216 h of observations. For each contact with the flocks, we recorded the species and number of individuals, stratum of occurrence, substrates of search, and agonistic interactions. We recorded 152 mixed flocks, with a total of 76 species belonging to 24 families, and five orders, with Thraupidae, Tyrannidae, Furnariidae, and Rhynchocyclidae being the richest. The flocks had an average of 4.5 ± 2.7 species and 8.7 ± 5.8 individuals, with richness and the number of individuals being positively correlated (R² = 0.8). Mixed flocks occurred throughout the year. There was a great variation in the number of contacts from October to February (from 5 to 20 contacts). Meanwhile from March to September, the coldest period of the year in the region, the number of contacts did not vary (from 9 to 14 contacts). However, there was no difference in the number of contacts between these months (z = 0.37; p = 0.691). Basileuterus culicivorus and Habia rubica were the core species because, in addition to their high participation (46.7 and 32.9%, respectively), they showed frequent and conspicuous movement and vocalization. Thus, a high capacity to enlist a greater number of individuals from different species for the flocks was demonstrated.

Evaluation of different food attractants for capture of Lonchaeidae (Diptera: Tephritoidea) in passion fruit orchard in southern Santa Catarina state, Brazil

Brazil is the world’s largest producer and consumer of yellow passion fruit, Passiflora edulis Sims (Passifloraceae). Among the insects identified as pests associated with passion fruit, Lonchaeidae flies are of great economic importance because they damage floral buds, thereby affecting fruit development and causing production losses. However, there is no recommended monitoring system that uses traps and attractants. Thus, this study, conducted in a commercial crop, aimed to evaluate the efficiency of different food attractants in McPhail traps in the capture of Lonchaeidae to promote integrated management programs for these flies. The results showed that the attractants torula yeast (Candida utilis) and hydrolyzed protein of animal origin (Cera Trap®) were the most efficient in the capture of Lonchaeidae flies. From an economic point of view, the use of torula yeast would be recommended since this product is cheaper to purchase. This is the first study to determine the efficiency of Cera Trap® in the capture of lonchaeids in passion fruit orchards.

Abortion Due to Neospora caninum in Dairy Cattle in Southern Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Background: Neosporosis is a cosmopolitan disease known as the main infectious cause of abortion in cattle, reported in several states in Brazil. The transplacental transmission in cattle is responsible for perpetuating the disease in the herd. In the state of Santa Catarina, previous studies on this protozoan in cattle are mostly serological surveys. To increase information about this reproductive disorder, this work describes the diagnosis of abortions due to Neospora caninum in dairy cattle from state of Santa Catarina and the follow-up for 4 years in a farm affected by neosporosis.Case: From 2015 to 2019, necropsy was performed on 10 aborted bovine fetuses, between fifth and eighth month of pregnancy, with 1 fetus aborted in 2015, 3 in 2016, 2 in 2017 and, 4 in 2019, all originating from the same dairy property in the southern region of state of Santa Catarina. No macroscopic lesions were found. Histopathology revealed mild to moderate multifocal mononuclear necrotizing encephalitis in 5 fetuses, and multifocal mild mononuclear myositis and myocarditis in 4 and 3 fetuses, respectively. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using primers based on the Nc-5 gene was positive for N. caninum in five fetuses. Three visits were performed in the farm for epidemiological evaluation and blood samples collection for IgG antibodies anti-N. caninum (IFAT). The total herd was 170 Jersey, Holstein and crossbred cattle, raised in a semi-confined system with mechanical milking system. Since 2014, there has been a significant increase in abortions cases, approximately 20 cows had abortions; in the year 2015, approximately 10; in 2016, less than 5; in 2017, 4 cows aborted; in 2018, 11 abortions and, in 2019, there were 4 abortions. An increase in the rate of return to estrus was also reported, and both primiparous and multiparous cows had reproductive disorders. Abortions were recorded throughout the year and occurred predominantly between the fourth and sixth month of pregnancy. In 2016, an Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction (IFAT) was performed on sera from 26 cows (13 with a history of reproductive disorders and another 13 without disorders). Of these, 50.0% (13/26) were seropositive, with titers ranging from 100 to 1600 (cutoff ≥100). The Enzyme Immunoassay (ELISA) of the entire herd was carried out in 2017, with 26.54% (43/162) of seropositivity, 8.02% (13/162) suspect, and 30.4% (17/56) had reproductive disorders. It was observed that only animals born on the property were used for replacement, there was less possibility of direct contact between dogs on the property with milking facilities, placental and fetal remains, properly disposing of these, incinerating or burying. Thirty animals were discarded from the property, 25 of which had reproductive disorders. All young female daughters of seropositive cows remained on the property for replacement. During the evaluation period, all dogs were eliminated.Discussion: In this study, the diagnosis of neosporosis was made through epidemiology, histopathological lesions characterized by mononuclear encephalitis, myocarditis and myositis, and detection of the agent by PCR, associated with serological techniques. The lesions observed are indicative of N. caninum infection and are compatible with lesions observed in other studies. Serological screening is important to complement the diagnosis of abortion by N. caninum and to help control the agent in herds. From this report it is concluded that N. caninum is an important agent of reproductive disorders in cattle in the southern region of Santa Catarina, the different serological analyzes showed a good screening index for the inclusion of control strategies. In addition, the monitoring of reproductive rates of affected properties becomes necessary over the years, allowing better observation of control strategies.Keywords: reproductive disorder, fetal death, protozoan, parasitology.Descritores: distúrbio reprodutivo, morte fetal, protozoário, parasitologia.

INTERCONECTIVIDADE DE AQUÍFEROS E OS EFEITOS DA DRENAGEM ÁCIDA DE MINA NA QUALIDADE DAS ÁGUAS DA BACIA CARBONÍFERA DE SANTA CATARINA (SC)

A atividade carbonífera no sul de Santa Catarina se desenvolve há mais de um século e a falta de gerenciamento ambiental nos empreendimentos mineiros causou significativas alterações de qualidade nos recursos hídricos da Bacia Hidrográfica do Araranguá. Além da alteração na qualidade das águas, ocorreram fenômenos de colapso e abatimento de minas subterrâneas que ocasionaram fraturamento das camadas sobrejacentes, e permitiram a ampliação dos processos de circulação dos sistemas aquíferos com corpos hídricos superficiais. Com objetivo de melhorar o entendimento destes processos, foram analisadas amostras das águas de 9 poços do Sistema Aquífero Rio Bonito, 4 poços do Sistema Aquífero de Leques Aluviais e 6 amostras de águas superficiais das mesmas microbacias onde estão instalados os poços. As análises hidroquímicas indicam uma predominância de águas bicarbonatadas cálcicas e sódicas, que quando em contato com a drenagem ácida de mina são transformadas em águas sulfatadas. A composição isotópica em termos de isótopos de oxigênio e de hidrogênio das amostras evidencia semelhança com a composição isotópica das águas meteóricas. Este fato contribui com a hipótese da forte interação da água subterrânea com as águas freáticas e superficiais, que ocorre devido à tectônica rúptil que afeta as litologias gonduânicas, e é intensificada pela presença das minas de subsolo.

BIOENSAIOS COM OLIGOQUETAS EDÁFICOS PARA AVALIAÇÃO DA EFICÁCIA DO TRATAMENTO DE RESÍDUOS DE MINERAÇÃO DE CARVÃO EM CENÁRIO DE DISPOSIÇÃO TERRESTRE

A oxidação da pirita presente nos rejeitos e estéreis da mineração de carvão pode desencadear uma drenagem ácida, induzindo uma redução drástica do pH dos solos e sistemas aquáticos vizinhos. O presente trabalho trata da avaliação da eficácia do processo de tratamento de um resíduo de mineração de carvão coletado na região carbonífera sul catarinense. O tratamento aplicado consistiu na separação das partículas conforme sua densidade, gerando três frações: pesada, mista e leve; com alto, intermediário e baixo teor de pirita, respectivamente. A eficácia do tratamento foi avaliada com base na quantificação de metais pesados e execução de bioensaios agudos e crônicos com oligoquetas edáficos (Eisenia andrei), conforme protocolos padrão (ISO). Os bioensaios foram somente aplicados à fração mista do resíduo, devido ao volume de material gerado com necessidade eventual de disposição terrestre. Misturas desta fração mista com um solo artificial foram preparadas nas seguintes proporções: 0, 6, 12, 24 e 50%. Os resultados revelaram, de forma geral, uma redução das concentrações de metais pesados e atenuação do pH para as frações mista e leve, em comparação ao resíduo in natura, sugerindo que, do ponto de vista químico, o tratamento foi eficiente. As concentrações de metais nas misturas de solo com a fração mista do resíduo estavam em concordância com os valores do CONAMA para qualidade de solos. Os bioensaios agudos com oligoquetas revelaram ausência de mortalidade e de perda de biomassa dos animais, indicando baixa ecotoxicidade aguda. Contudo, os animais sobreviventes foram capazes de bioacumular elevadas quantidades de níquel na maior testada (50%), um metal reconhecidamente tóxico aos oligoquetas. O bioensaio crônico indicou perda significativa de biomassa para a dose de 50%, bem como redução significativa da reprodução para as doses de 24 e 50%. Tendo em vista a ocorrência de toxicidade somente para altas dosagens de resíduo no solo, o tratamento aplicado parece ser eficiente.

LITTERFALL PRODUCTION AT DIFFERENT SUCCESSIONAL STAGES IN A TROPICAL RAIN FOREST IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

This study aims to evaluate the litterfall production of three areas in the tropical rain forest, in different successional stages, in the municipality of Siderópolis, Southern Santa Catarina state. Fifteen collectors of 0.25 m2 each were used, distributed in three transects per study area (A1, A2 and AR). The highest litterfall production occurred in AR (8,131 kg.ha-1), followed by A2 (4,253 kg.ha-1) and A1 (2,740 kg.ha-1). The AR area produced significantly more leaves, reproductive material and wastes. This can be explained by its more developed forest structure, with large trees, more closed canopy and greater number of epiphytes. On the other hand, areas A1 and A2 produced significant amounts of thin stems. These areas have a higher proportion of species in early successional stages, a higher density of thin trees and a more open canopy, being subject to winds, which could result in greater production and fall of branches. The results of this study highlight the importance of litterfall production in different successional stages, becoming necessary studies with this emphasis to understand the nutritional dynamics of ecosystems, especially those that have suffered strong impacts in the past, such as open-pit coal mining.

Tradescantia serrana (Commelinaceae), a new species from southern Brazil, and notes on T. schwirkowskiana and T. umbraculifera

This contribution presents and describes Tradescantia serrana, a new species from the edges of Araucaria forest in the highlands of southern Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. Illustrations, photographs and a distribution map for the new species are provided. Here, we also typify T. umbraculifera, a species morphologically related to T. serrana, and present evidence against the synonymisation of T. schwirkowskiana with T. crassula proposed by Pellegrini et al. (2017). Furthermore, we extend the distribution of T. schwirkowskiana to Paraná state.

Abnormal eating behaviors among medical students at a university in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil

OBJECTIVES: Disturbances in eating behavior significantly affect young adults. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of abnormal eating behaviors, according to the Eating Attitudes Test - 26 (EAT-26) in medical students at a university in southern Santa Catarina State, Brazil. METHODS: Self-reported questionnaire, based on the EAT-26 scale, was administered to medical students. Additional questions about age, gender, study period of the course, weight and height were asked. A total of 391 medical students were assessed, amounting to 93.3 percent of the 419 students enrolled. RESULTS: Ten percent of the surveyed subjects had positive EAT-26 scores. This outcome measure was positive associated with females (PR 6.5), body mass index (BMI) ≤ 25 kg/m² (PR 4.5), age ≤ 20 years (PR 1.3) and being student from 1st to 5th semester of the course (PR 1.7). A higher proportion of women gave positive responses to behaviors related to control of food intake or weight loss than men. CONCLUSION: The significant prevalence of behaviors related to eating disorders, predominantly among women, suggests the implementation of preventive measures targeting this population.

Species of Cosmocerca (Nematoda, Cosmocercidae) in Anurans from Southern Santa Catarina State, Brazil

ABSTRACT: In total, 248 sympatric anurans belonging to 4 species—Leptodactylus latrans, Rhinella icterica, Physalaemus cuvieri, and Scinax fuscovarius—were captured in Campo Belo do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil, from May 2009 to January 2011, and examined for helminth parasites. Four helminth species of cosmocercid nematodes were found: Cosmocerca brasiliense, Cosmocerca parva, Cosmocerca rara, and Cosmocerca cruzi. Cosmocerca parva was found in 3 of the host species and had a higher prevalence than the other cosmocercid species. Species of Cosmocerca were reported in R. icterica and P. cuvieri for the first time, and this was the first record of Cosmocerca in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Risco de fragilização e uso de medicamentos em idosos residentes em uma localidade do sul de Santa Catarina

OBJETIVO: Conhecer o risco de fragilização (repetidas internações hospitalares) e o perfil de utilização de medicamentos em idosos vinculados ao Serviço de Assistência Integral à Saúde da Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, localizado na cidade de Tubarão. MÉTODOS: Em 2009, quando foram coletadas as informações, 772 idosos estavam cadastrados pelos agentes comunitários vinculados ao serviço, e 135 fizeram parte da amostra desta pesquisa. Para a seleção dos participantes, as residências dos idosos foram distribuídas geograficamente. A coleta de dados ocorreu através de entrevistas realizadas no ambiente domiciliar. Os resultados foram apresentados por estatística descritiva, sendo posteriormente adotado o teste do qui-quadrado (p<0,05) para determinar os fatores associados. RESULTADOS: Dos entrevistados, 65,9% possuíam até três problemas de saúde e 21,5% eram polimedicados, sendo os medicamentos mais comuns aqueles pertencentes ao sistema cardiovascular e ao sistema nervoso. Utilizaram antibióticos no último mês 14,3% dos entrevistados e 17,0% dos idosos estavam utilizando medicamentos considerados potencialmente impróprios. Dos idosos, 29,2% afirmaram adotar a prática da automedicação e 64,4% referiram utilizar plantas medicinais. Quando avaliado o risco de fragilização desta população, 88,1% foram classificados como baixo risco. Associaram-se ao maior risco de fragilização a polimedicação (p<0,001), possuir mais que três problemas de saúde (p<0,001) e o fato de ter utilizado antibiótico no último mês (p=0,015). CONCLUSÕES: Os idosos em ambiente domiciliar apresentam baixo risco de fragilização e o maior risco está associado a presença de múltiplos problemas de saúde, polimedicação e uso de antibiótico no último mês.

Um Diagnóstico do Setor de Fomento Mercantil do Sul Catarinense

Este trabalho apresenta um diagnóstico do setor de fomento mercantil no sul catarinense, dando ênfase à importância do crédito no ambiente empresarial. Considerando que as empresas têm necessidade de buscar constantemente o crédito para realizar investimentos e cumprir suas obrigações, surgiram no Brasil em 1982 as empresas de fomento mercantil (factorings), com o objetivo de dar apoio creditício, mercadológico e assessoria às pequenas e médias empresas. O objetivo deste estudo é destacar a evolução, os segmentos de atuação e as perspectivas das empresas do setor de fomentos mercantil do sul catarinense. Para diagnosticar o setor na região, foram aplicados 40 questionários às empresas de fomento mercantil e obtidas 18 respostas. As empresas de fomento mercantil iniciaram a atividade na região em 1989 e vêm apresentando um crescimento quantitativo. Hoje as factorings da Associação dos Municípios da Região Carbonífera - Amrec têm como clientes as microempresas e as empresas de pequeno e médio portes, sendo o setor industrial o que mais utiliza seus serviços. A maioria das empresas instaladas na região foi constituída por empresários que trabalhavam anteriormente no mercado financeiro, e a média de idade dessas empresas é de 6,81 anos. Dos principais motivos que proporcionaram o crescimento do setor na região da Amrec, destaca-se o aumento da procura de crédito, impulsionado pela facilidade para a concessão de crédito pelas factorings, o que levou a atividade de fomento mercantil a ser reconhecida perante a sociedade.

Glossopteris occidentalis white emended: geographic and biostratigraphic implications

Analysis of the type-material and new specimens from the Morro do Papaleo outcrop, in Rio Grande do Sul State, permitted the reevaluation of Glossopteris occidentalis White, 1908. The specific diagnosis is emended to include new features related to venation (midrib structure, angles of emergence and divergence of secondary veins, mesh shapes and vein density) and leaf shape. The emended diagnosis better discriminates this species from other members of the genus. The geographic distribution of this species, originally constrained to localities in southern Santa Catarina State, is now extended to Morro do Papaleo and Faxinal Mine localities in Rio Grande do Sul. Glossopteris occidentalis, considered previously to be restricted to the Rio Bonito Formation, has now been recorded in the uppermost part of the Itarare Group, extending its range from middle Sakmarian to early Artinskian.

Contextual analysis and epidemiology of spider bite in southern Santa Catarina State, Brazil

The aim of this work was to conduct an epidemiological and clinical review of 1126 cases of envenoming by spider recorded in the national notifiable diseases information system (SINAN) files of the Municipal Health Secretary of the Criciúma region, Santa Catarina State, Brazil from 1994 to 2006. This work presents a critical analysis carried out by the application of the chi(2) test, with different regional contextual parameters, including the incidence coefficient. Spider envenoming accounts for more than 50% of all cases recorded in the SINAN files for poisonous animals and is the main cause of human envenomation in the Criciúma region. The majority of the spider bites (57.4%) were reported in the hottest months, from December to May. The anatomic region that suffered the most bites was the hand. Nearly 50% of the accidents were recorded in the group aged 20-49 years. The spiders most frequently involved in accidents for all age groups were of the Loxosceles genus. Although the data collected lack further epidemiological and, especially, clinical details, this does not affect the conclusions of the study, which could be used in the planning of actions aimed at improving environmental health.

Honeybees and caterpillars: epidemiology of accidents involving these animals in the Criciúma region, southern Santa Catarina State, Brazil

The present study aimed to acquire knowledge regarding some aspects of the epidemiology and injuries provoked by honeybees and caterpillars in southern Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Epidemiological information concerning accidents with both animals was prospectively collected from the System of Injury Notification Information (SINAN) files of the Municipal Health Secretary of the Criciuma region, Brazil. Between 1994 and 2006, 203 cases of accidents were registered, 149 provoked by honeybees (73.39%) and 54 by caterpillars (26.61%). The majority of the victims (200 cases) presented full recovery, two cases presented sequelae after recovery, and only one death was recorded in a case involving honeybee injury. The high frequency of victim recovery suggests that the public health system is efficient and the low frequency of sequelae after recovery also suggests that this system is fast and well developed. However, the low number of allergic people in this population should be considered as well as the severity level of the recorded accidents.

Inserção de profissionais de fisioterapia na equipe de saúde da família e Sistema Único de Saúde: desafios na formação

Este trabalho se insere numa proposta de desvelar o papel do fisioterapeuta no Programa Saúde da Família, focalizando a integralidade, objetivando analisar a formação acadêmica do fisioterapeuta em relação ao Programa sob a ótica dos atores envolvidos, tomando como caso o curso de fisioterapia da Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina - campus Tubarão. Foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa, tipo estudo de caso, realizando-se entrevistas com três enfermeiras do Programa Saúde da Família, três professoras, duas estagiárias e vice-coordenador do curso. Os dados foram analisados através da análise de conteúdo dos discursos coletados. Nas considerações finais, pontua-se que o entendimento das enfermeiras e também das alunas, sobre a atuação do fisioterapeuta no Programa Saúde da Família, está pautado nas doenças, havendo, portanto, necessidade de esclarecimento dos professores e coordenação sobre o assunto em questão para evitar tal reflexo, ampliando a experiência no próprio Programa Saúde da Família realizada pelo curso, preparando o profissional para a atuação em equipe e a prática da integralidade da atenção.

Epidemiology and injuries (1994–2005) resulting from poisonous animals in southern Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Accidents involving poisonous animals in southern Santa Catarina State, Brazil, from 1994 to 2005 were evaluated with the aim of verifying their frequency through the analysis of 2,625 victim’s reports involving poisonous animals from the SINAN (System of Injury Notification Information) files of the Municipal Health Secretary of the AMESC and AMREC microregions, formed by 27 municipalities. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square exact test to verify similarities between the AMREC and AMESC microregions, where p values ≤0.05 were considered significant. The results demonstrated that: 52.95% (n = 1,390) of occurrences involved spiders, 18.13% (n = 476) snakes, 5.00% (n = 131) bees, 2.29% (n = 60) caterpillars, 1.41% (n = 37) scorpions, 5.45% (n = 143) other animals and 14.78% (n = 388) unknown. The anatomic region that suffered the most bites was the feet 16.11% (n = 444). Accidents were more frequent in men 54.64% (n = 1.437) than in women 45.25% (n = 1,188). In only 1.18% (n = 31) of cases did recovery present sequelae. The months presenting the highest number of recorded cases were October through March, spring and summer in Brazil. The high frequency of victim recuperation suggests that the public health system is efficient, and the low frequency of recovered victims with sequelae also suggests that this system is fast and well-adjusted. However, there may have been deficiencies in the epidemiologic information system.

SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating of Pedras Grandes Suite, southern Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Two major magmatic pulses of the granitic Florianópolis Batholith in Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, occurred between 613±5Ma and 595±5 Ma, during the Neoproterozoic Brasiliano Cycle. These ages were obtained by U-Pb isotopic determinations with the sensitive high mass-resolution ion microprobe on igneous zircons from Pedras Grandes Suite in Santa Catarina State. Euhedral zircons remained unaltered close to a fluorite vein deposited at 180?C or more. These ages suggest a northern limit for the Pedras Grandes Suite, explaining the spatial relationship between the fluorite veins and the source rock.