Mapping human pathogens in wastewater using a metatranscriptomic approach.

The monitoring of cities' wastewaters for the detection of potentially pathogenic viruses and bacteria has been considered a priority during the COVID-19 pandemic to monitor public health in urban environments. The methodological approaches frequently used for this purpose include deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)/Ribonucleic acid (RNA) isolation followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and reverse transcription (RT)‒qPCR targeting pathogenic genes. More recently, the application of metatranscriptomic has opened opportunities to develop broad pathogenic monitoring workflows covering the entire pathogenic community within the sample. Nevertheless, the high amount of data generated in the process requires an appropriate analysis to detect the pathogenic community from the entire dataset. Here, an implementation of a bioinformatic workflow was developed to produce a map of the detected pathogenic bacteria and viruses in wastewater samples by analysing metatranscriptomic data. The main objectives of this work was the development of a computational methodology that can accurately detect both human pathogenic virus and bacteria in wastewater samples. This workflow can be easily reproducible with open-source software and uses efficient computational resources. The results showed that the used algorithms can predict potential human pathogens presence in the tested samples and that active forms of both bacteria and virus can be identified. By comparing the computational method implemented in this study to other state-of-the-art workflows, the implementation analysis was faster, while providing higher accuracy and sensitivity. Considering these results, the processes and methods to monitor wastewater for potential human pathogens can become faster and more accurate. The proposed workflow is available at https://github.com/waterpt/watermonitor and can be implemented in currently wastewater monitoring programs to ascertain the presence of potential human pathogenic species.

Complete Genome Sequence of Two Deep-Sea Streptomyces Isolates from Madeira Archipelago and Evaluation of Their Biosynthetic Potential.

The deep-sea constitutes a true unexplored frontier and a potential source of innovative drug scaffolds. Here, we present the genome sequence of two novel marine actinobacterial strains, MA3_2.13 and S07_1.15, isolated from deep-sea samples (sediments and sponge) and collected at Madeira archipelago (NE Atlantic Ocean; Portugal). The de novo assembly of both genomes was achieved using a hybrid strategy that combines short-reads (Illumina) and long-reads (PacBio) sequencing data. Phylogenetic analyses showed that strain MA3_2.13 is a new species of the Streptomyces genus, whereas strain S07_1.15 is closely related to the type strain of Streptomyces xinghaiensis. In silico analysis revealed that the total length of predicted biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) accounted for a high percentage of the MA3_2.13 genome, with several potential new metabolites identified. Strain S07_1.15 had, with a few exceptions, a predicted metabolic profile similar to S. xinghaiensis. In this work, we implemented a straightforward approach for generating high-quality genomes of new bacterial isolates and analyse in silico their potential to produce novel NPs. The inclusion of these in silico dereplication steps allows to minimize the rediscovery rates of traditional natural products screening methodologies and expedite the drug discovery process.

An updated systematic review on the association between Cd exposure, blood pressure and hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Since the first report by Perry et al. (1955), most studies affirmed the hypertensive effects of cadmium (Cd) in humans. Nonetheless, conclusions between studies remain inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to reevaluate the evidence for a potential relationship between Cd exposure and altered blood pressure and/or hypertension, focusing on studies published between January 2010 and March 2020. METHODS: We reviewed all observational studies from database searches (PubMed and SCOPUS) on Cd exposure and blood pressure or hypertension. We extracted information from studies that provided sufficient data on population characteristics, smoking status, exposure, outcomes, and design. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies met our inclusion criteria; of those, twenty-nine were cross sectional, three case control, five cohort and one interventional study. Blood or urinary Cd levels were the most commonly used biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: A positive association between blood Cd levels and blood pressure and/or hypertension was identified in numerous studies at different settings. Limited number of representative population-based studies of never-smokers was observed, which may have confounded our conclusions. The association between urinary Cd and blood pressure and/or hypertension remains uncertain due to conflicting results, including inverse relationships with lack of strong mechanistic support. We point to the urgent need for additional longitudinal studies to confirm our findings.

Blood cadmium levels and sources of exposure in an adult urban population in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal that is widely present in the environment due to geologic and anthropogenic sources. Exposures to high Cd levels may cause nephrotoxicity, carcinogenicity, pulmonary and cardiovascular disease, among others. The goal of this study was to investigate in an adult urban population whether an association exists between sources and levels of Cd exposure and blood Cd concentrations. METHODS: Using a census-based design, a total of 959 adults, aged 40 years or older, were randomly selected. Information on socio-demographics, dietary, and lifestyle background was obtained by household interviews. Blood Cd levels were measured by inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry. Geometric means (GM) (95% CI) and the 50th percentile were determined, stratified by sex, age, race, education, income class, smoking status, consumption of vegetables, red meat and milk, occupation and blood pressure. To assess the association between Cd exposure and the aforementioned variables, we estimated the geometric mean ratio (GMR) (95%CI) of blood Cd concentrations. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The geometric mean (95%CI) of blood Cd levels in the total population was 0.25 (0.22, 0.27) ug/dL. In a univariate analysis, significantly higher blood Cd levels were found in men (p < 0.001), current and former smokers (p < 0.001), alcohol drinkers (p < 0.001), those who never or almost never consumed milk (p < 0.001), and in subjects with higher diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.03). Significant correlations were found between the number of cigarettes consumed daily and blood Cd levels. Multivariate analysis confirmed higher blood Cd concentrations were associated with alcohol consumption (GMR 95%CI = 1.28, 1.04-1.59) and in former and current smokers (GMR 95% IC = 1.33, 1.06-1.67 and 4.23, 3.24-5.52, respectively). Our results shed novel information on variables associated with blood Cd levels in an urban Brazilian population, and should encourage additional research to prevent environmental Cd exposure, both in Brazil and globally.

Association of lead, cadmium and mercury with paraoxonase 1 activity and malondialdehyde in a general population in Southern Brazil.

Metal exposure is associated with increased oxidative stress (OS), which is considered an underlying mechanism of metal-induced toxicity. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a final product of lipid peroxidation, and it has been extensively used to evaluate metal-induced OS. Pro-oxidant effects produced by metals can be mitigated by paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an antioxidant enzyme known to prevent cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Among other factors, the Q192R polymorphism and the exposure to heavy metals have been known to alter PON1 activity. Here, we evaluated the association of blood lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) levels with PON1 activity, and with MDA concentrations in a randomly selected sample of Brazilian adults aged 40 years or older, living in an urban area in Southern Brazil. A total of 889 subjects were evaluated for blood Pb and Cd levels, and 832 were tested for Hg. Geometric mean of blood Pb, Cd and Hg was 1.93µg/dL, 0.06µg/L and 1.40µg/L, respectively. PON1 activity was significantly different among various genotypes: QQ (PON1=121.4U/mL), QR (PON1=87.5U/mL), and RR (PON1=55.2U/mL), p<0.001. PON1 genotypes were associated only with Cd blood levels. Those with QR genotype had Cd concentrations higher (0.07µg/L) than those with the RR genotype (0.04µg/L) with p=0.034. However, PON1 activity was not significantly associated with metal concentrations. Cluster analysis showed that men who reported to be current smokers and drinkers with higher blood Pb and Cd levels, had significantly lower PON1 activity than non-smokers or -drinkers, and women with lower Pb and Cd levels. RR genotype carriers had lower PON1 activity than those with the QR genotype, and had higher levels of Pb and Cd compared with other genotype carriers. For blood Hg, no association with PON1 activity or genotype was noted. We found low levels of Pb, Cd and Hg in environmentally exposed Brazilian adults. Cd concentrations were increased in subjects with QR genotype. Those with RR genotype had lower PON1 activity and higher levels of Pb and Cd than other genotype carriers. The results of cluster analysis suggested that smoking status exerts a significant influence on PON1 activity. Other studies with environmentally exposed populations are required to further clarify whether low blood levels of metals influence OS biomarkers.

Blood manganese levels and associated factors in a population-based study in Southern Brazil.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential dietary nutrient for human health serving as a cofactor for many enzymes; however, exposure to excessive quantities of Mn may lead to toxicity with symptoms analogous to Parkinson's disease (PD). Population-based biomonitoring is an effective tool for characterizing the body burden of environmental or occupational pollutants, including Mn. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to (1) estimate reference values (RV) for blood Mn in an adult population and (2) assess the variables that were associated with higher blood metal levels. A total of 947 adults, aged 40 years or older, were randomly selected in a city in Southern Brazil. Information on socioeconomic, dietary, lifestyle, and occupational background was collected by trained interviewers. Blood Mn levels (µg/L) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The RV for blood Mn concentrations were obtained from the upper limits of the 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the 95th percentile distributions. Cluster analysis was performed to identify variables associated with high or low blood Mn concentrations. The RV for blood Mn levels in this study were 18.54 and 20.15 µg/L for men and women, respectively. Mn blood concentrations decreased with age and were higher in females compared to males. No marked association was noted between blood Mn and smoking or drinking habits, education levels and socioeconomic status. Diastolic blood pressure was higher in a group of women approximately 54 years of age associated with elevated blood Mn levels. Important reference data stratified by demographic and lifestyle factors that may prove useful for future surveillance of environmental exposure to Mn and health risks associated with this metal are presented.

Uncoordinated psychosocial network compromising the integrality of care.

Objective To discuss the lack of coordination in the Psychosocial Care Network from the conception of professionals of a Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drugs (Portuguese acronym: CAPSad). Method Qualitative study conducted with professionals from a CAPSad unit. The empirical material was produced through two reflection workshops focused on care experiences, and analysis using the discourse analysis technique. The category of analysis was integrality. Results Nine professionals participated in the study. All of them reported being part of a disarticulated service network, in disagreement with principles of the national mental health policy, which directly affects the resolution of care provided in the unit. Conclusion The operating logic in the Psychosocial Care Network tends to reduce the care of drug users to the CAPSad assistance, hence compromising the integrality of care.

Risk factors for lead exposure in adult population in southern Brazil.

In Brazil there is no systematic evaluation to access blood lead levels (BLL) in the general population and few studies with adults have been published. The aim of this study was to examine the socioeconomic, environmental, and lifestyle determinants of BLL in the adult Brazilian population. In total, 959 adults, aged 40 years or more, were randomly selected in a city in southern Brazil. Information on socioeconomic, dietary, lifestyle, and occupational background was obtained by interviews. A spatial analysis was conducted to discern whether there were any identifiable sources of exposure. BLL were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. There was an adjustment for gender, age, race, education, income class, smoking status, alcohol consumption, occupation, and red meat or cow milk consumption (Model 1), and for occupation and gender (Model 2). The geometric mean of BLL was 1.97 µg/dl (95% CI: 1.9-2.04 µg/dl). In Model 1, BLL were positively associated with male gender, older age, and drinking and smoking habits, and less frequently with milk consumption. In Model 2, data showed higher BLL in non-white than white participants, in former smokers and individuals with current or former employment in lead (Pb) industries. The participants living in the area with more Pb industries had higher BLL (3.3 µg/dl) compared with those residing in other areas with no or fewer Pb industries (1.95 µg/dl). Despite the low BLL found in adults living in an urban area, Pb industries need to be monitored and regulatory laws implemented to prevent metal contamination in urban settings.

Endogenous inhibition of hippocampal LTD and depotentiation by vasoactive intestinal peptide VPAC1 receptors.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), an important modulator of hippocampal synaptic transmission, influences exploration and hippocampal-dependent learning in rodents. Homosynaptic long-term depression (LTD) and depotentiation are two plasticity phenomena implicated in learning of behavior flexibility and spatial novelty detection. In this study, we investigated the influence of endogenous VIP on LTD and depotentiation induced by low-frequency stimulation (1 Hz, 900 pulses) of the hippocampal CA1 area in vitro in juvenile and young adult rats, respectively. LTD and depotentiation were enhanced by the VIP receptor antagonist Ac-Tyr(1) , D-Phe(2) GRF (1-29), and the selective VPAC1 receptor antagonist, PG 97-269, but not the selective VPAC2 receptor antagonist, PG 99-465. This action was mimicked by an anti-VIP antibody, suggesting that VIP, and not pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), is the endogenous mediator of these effects. Selective inhibition of PAC1 receptors with PACAP (6-38) enhanced depotentiation, but not LTD. VPAC1 receptor blockade also revealed LTD in young adult rats, an effect abolished by the GABAA antagonist bicuculline, evidencing an involvement of GABAergic transmission. We conclude that inhibition of LTD and depotentiation by endogenous VIP occurs through VPAC1 receptor-mediated mechanisms and suggest that disinhibition of pyramidal cell dendrites is the most likely physiological mechanism underlying this effect. As such, VPAC1 receptor ligands may be considered promising pharmacological targets for treatment of cognitive dysfunction in diseases involving altered GABAergic circuits and pathological saturation of LTP/LTD like Down's syndrome and temporal lobe epilepsy.

Cadmium effects on net N2O production by the deep-sea isolate Shewanella loihica PV-4.

Deep-sea mining may lead to the release of high concentrations of metals into the surrounding seabed, which can disturb important ecosystem functions provided by microbial communities. Among these, the production of N2O and its reduction to N2 is of great relevance since N2O is an important greenhouse gas. Metal impacts on net N2O production by deep-sea bacteria are, however, currently unexplored. Here, we evaluated the effects of cadmium (Cd) on net N2O production by a deep-sea isolate, Shewanella loihica PV-4. We performed a series of Cd exposure incubations in oxic conditions and determined N2O fluxes during induced anoxic conditions, as well as the relative expression of the nitrite reductase gene (nirK), preceding N2O production, and N2O reductase gene (nosZ), responsible for N2O reduction. Net N2O production by S. loihica PV-4 exposed to Cd was strongly inhibited when compared to the control treatment (no metal). Both nirK and nosZ gene expression were inhibited in reactors with Cd, but nirK inhibition was stronger, supporting the lower net N2O production observed with Cd. The Cd inhibition of net N2O production observed in this study poses the question whether other deep-sea bacteria would undergo the same effects. Future studies should address this question as well as its applicability to complex communities and other physicochemical conditions, which remain to be evaluated.

EGFR expression in acquired middle ear cholesteatoma in children and adults.

Middle ear cholesteatomas are characterized by the presence of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium inside this cavity. It is considered to be more aggressive in childhood. In normal skin, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is expressed in the cytoplasmic membrane of epithelial cells of the basal layer. In contrast, its expression in middle ear cholesteatoma extends to suprabasal layers. The objective of this study is to detect the presence of EGFR in cases of acquired cholesteatoma of the middle ear and correlate the expression of this receptor with patients' ages. In this cross-sectional study, cholesteatoma samples were collected from 50 patients (35 adults and 15 children) who underwent otological surgery, throughout 1 year of study. These samples were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical assays. Results were submitted to statistical analyses and main findings were: EGFR was present in the parabasal layers in 27 cases and EGFR expression was extended to all layers of the matrix in 17 cases. There were no statistically significant differences in what concerns age-related variances in EGFR expression. The intensity and location of EGFR expression in acquired cholesteatoma of the middle ear confirm the hyperproliferative capacity of keratinocytes.

Bioleaching of Heavy Metals from Printed Circuit Boards with an Acidophilic Iron-Oxidizing Microbial Consortium in Stirred Tank Reactors.

In this study, bioleaching was carried out for the recovery of metals (copper, zinc, tin, lead, gold and silver) from printed circuit boards residues (PCBs), one of the most important wastes from electrical and electronic equipment, using an acidophilic iron-oxidizing bacterial consortium enriched with minerals from a gold mine in the Arequipa region, Peru. High-throughput sequencing and analysis of the 16S rRNA biomarker revealed that this consortium was predominantly composed of Tissierella, Acidiphilium and Leptospirillum bacteria, from which the latter is known to grow by chemolithotrophy through iron oxidation. After the enrichment process, the acidophilic iron-oxidizing consortium was first tested for its tolerance to different PCBs concentrations, showing best growth up to 10 g/L of PCBs and a tolerance index of 0.383. Based on these results, the bioleaching efficiency of the consortium was investigated for 10 g/L of PCBs in stirred tank reactors coupled to an aeration system, for 18 days. High bioleaching efficiencies were achieved for copper and zinc (69% and 91%, respectively), indicating that these two metals can be easily extracted in this leaching system. Lower extraction efficiencies were achieved for tin (16%) and gold (28%), while for lead and silver only a residual recovery (<0.25%) was detected. These results indicate that the enriched bacterial consortium originating from the Arequipa region, Peru, has a high capacity to recover different metals of economic importance.

Evolution of nutrition actions in primary health care along the 20-year history of the Brazilian National Food and Nutrition Policy. / Evolução das ações de nutrição na atenção primária à saúde nos 20 anos da Política Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição do Brasil.

This study aimed to systematize food and nutrition actions developed in primary health care (PHC) from 1999 to 2019, identifying advances in this period and current perspectives. This is a qualitative study that analyzed documents published between 1999 and 2020, available in scientific databases and in the gray literature. In addition, a quantitative analysis was conducted using information systems from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, such as the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System and the Health Information System for Primary Care, and microdata from the Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Health Care (PMAQ-AB). The actions and regulatory milestones identified were categorized as federal administration, food and nutrition surveillance, promotion of proper healthy food, nutritional care - multiple burdens of poor nutrition and training. The results showed food and nutrition actions followed the pace of the epidemiological scenario, considering the multiple burdens of poor nutrition. The first decade was more focused on handling issues involved in hunger, malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency and, in 2006, it started to emphasize prevention and care for people with obesity and other non-communicable chronic diseases and promote proper healthy food, developing actions in the period with a strong intersectoral character and understanding PHC as a priority field of action in the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The universalization of food and nutrition actions in PHC is still a current challenge.

O objetivo do estudo é sistematizar as ações de alimentação e nutrição desenvolvidas na atenção primária à saúde (APS), de 1999 a 2019, identificando os avanços no período e perspectivas atuais. É uma pesquisa qualitativa realizada baseando-se na análise de documentos publicados entre 1999 e 2020, disponíveis em bases de dados científicos e na literatura cinza. Adicionalmente, realizou-se análise quantitativa valendo-se de sistemas de informação do Ministério da Saúde, como o Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional e o Sistema de Informação em Saúde para a Atenção Básica e dos microdados do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB). As ações e marcos normativos identificados foram categorizados em gestão, vigilância alimentar e nutricional, promoção da alimentação adequada e saudável, atenção nutricional - múltipla carga de má nutrição e formação. Os resultados revelam que as ações de alimentação e nutrição acompanharam o cenário epidemiológico, considerando-se a múltipla carga da má nutrição, estando a primeira década mais direcionada ao enfrentamento da fome, da desnutrição e carências de micronutrientes e; a partir de 2006, passou a dar ênfase à prevenção e cuidado de pessoas com obesidade e outras doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, além da promoção da alimentação adequada e saudável, desenvolvendo, durante todo o período, ações com forte caráter intersetorial e compreendendo o lócus da APS como campo prioritário de atuação no Sistema Único de Saúde. A universalização das ações de alimentação e nutrição na APS, contudo, é ainda um desafio atual.

El objetivo del estudio es sistematizar las acciones de alimentación y nutrición desarrolladas en la atención primária a la salud (APS), de 1999 a 2019, identificando los avances durante este período y perspectivas actuales. Es una investigación cualitativa, realizada basándose en el análisis de documentos publicados entre 1999 y 2020, disponibles en bases de datos científicas y en literatura gris. Asimismo, se realizó un análisis cuantitativo, valiéndose de sistemas de información del Ministerio de Salud, como el Sistema de Vigilancia Alimentario y Nutricional y el Sistema de Información en Salud para la Atención Básica, así como de los microdatos procedentes del Programa Nacional de Mejoría de Acceso y Calidad de la Atención Básica (PAMQ-AB). Las acciones y marcos normativos identificados fueron categorizados en gestión, vigilancia alimentaria y nutricional, promoción de la alimentación adecuada y saludable, atención nutricional - múltiple carga de mala nutrición y formación. Los resultados revelan que las acciones de alimentación y nutrición acompañaron el escenario epidemiológico, considerándose la múltiple carga de la mala nutrición, estando la primera década más dirigida al combate del hambre, desnutrición y carencias de micronutrientes y, a partir de 2006, pasó a dar énfasis a la prevención y cuidado de personas con obesidad y otras enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, además de la promoción de la alimentación adecuada y saludable, desarrollando, durante todo el período, acciones con un fuerte carácter intersectorial y comprendiendo el locus de la APS como campo prioritario de actuación en el Sistema Único de Salud. La universalización de las acciones de alimentación y nutrición en la APS constituye un desafío todavía actual.

Lead levels in milk and blood from donors to the Breast Milk Bank in Southern Brazil.

Brazilian scientific literature on the adverse effects of lead on the general population is still very limited. Lead, a potentially toxic substance, has become a public health problem due to its effects, mainly those affecting the central nervous system and on the synthesis of heme. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of lead exposure of donors to the Breast Milk Bank in the city of Londrina, Parana, by estimating the levels of that metal in milk and blood samples. This is a cross-sectional study conducted during the period between January and July 2007. All mothers enrolled as donors in the Breast Milk Bank were included in this study. A total of 92 volunteers presenting the following inclusion criteria were evaluated in the project: volunteers who were healthy, without any chronic disease, full-term pregnancy, breastfeeding between the 15th and 210 th day after giving birth, and living in the city of the study. Lead in milk and blood was quantified using the inductive coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) technique. All mothers signed a consent form approved by the Research Ethics Committee from Londrina State University. The median lead concentration in milk samples was 3.0 microg/L, varying from 1.0 to 8.0 microg/L. The median of lead in blood was of 2.7 microg/dl, varying from 1.0 to 5.5 microg/dl. In Spearman correlation analysis, significant but modest correlations could be observed between the concentration of lead in blood and in milk (r(s)=0.207, p=0.048), hemoglobin and ALAD activity (r(s)=-0.264, p=0.011), level of lead in blood and mother's age (r(s)=0.227, p=0.029). However, for hematocrit and hemoglobin, the correlation was higher (r(s)=0.837, p<0.001). No statistically significant associations were found between concentrations of lead in milk and blood and demographic variables studied, obtained through interviews and validated questionnaire. The mean of milk/blood lead ratio was equal to 0.11. In general, the values found in the present study are similar to those obtained in populations in other countries, and are within background levels.

Mental health as a dimension for the care of teenagers.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the demands in the field of mental health from the perspective of teenagers. METHOD: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach, having comprehensiveness as an analytical category. It was carried out with 21 teenagers of both genders, students of two public schools of a municipality of the countryside of Bahia state. The empirical material was produced through reflection workshops and analyzed through the technique of Discourse Analysis. RESULTS: Teenagers value the indissociability between body and mind, recognize lack of attention to the psychological dimension in the health network, and point to mental disorders as resulting from contexts of life and lack of Health Care. CONCLUSION: Health services need to be structured to attract teenagers, to recognize singularities through professionals trained in welcoming, listening and accountability. It is urgent to fulfill what is defined in public policies and in specific programs, and that comprehensiveness has a centrality as a perspective to be realized.

Separation and determination of metallocyanide complexes of Fe(II), Ni(II) and Co(III) by ion-interaction chromatography with membrane suppressed conductivity detection applied to analysis of oil refinery streams (sour water).

A separation and determination method for the analysis of cyanometallic complexes of Fe(II), Ni(II) and Co(III) was developed to be applied to the analysis of petroleum refinery streams (sour water). Ion-interaction chromatography was used employing an analytical column IonPac NS1 10 microm and a chromatographic system ICS 2500 equipped with a membrane conductivity suppression ASRS ultra 4mm, both supplied by Dionex Corporation. The mobile phase was composed of 2 mmol l(-1) TBAOH, 1 mmol l(-1) Na(2)CO(3), 0.1 mol l(-1) NaCN and ACN (77:23, v/v), flowing at 0.7 ml min(-1). At the optimized conditions, detection limits estimated by the calibration curve parameters and relative standard deviation were: 0.002 mg CNl(-1) and 3.1% for Fe(CN)(6)(4-); 0.003 mg CNl(-1) and 2.5% for Ni(CN)(4)(2-) and 0.003 mg CNl(-1) and 2.8% for Co(CN)(6)(3-). Sour water samples without any pretreatment (except membrane filtration) from a petroleum refinery in Brazil were analyzed successfully by external calibration method.

Lead, hemoglobin, zinc protoporphyrin and ferritin concentrations in children.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship of blood lead and hemoglobin, zinc protoporphyrin, and ferritin concentrations in children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 136 anemic and non-anemic children from two rural villages near a lead smelter in Adrianópolis, Southern Brazil, from July to September 2001. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was performed to exclude children with hemoglobin variants and thalassemia syndromes associated with anemia. Lead was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry; hemoglobin by automated cell counting; zinc protoporphyrin by hematofluorometry; ferritin by chemiluminescence. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and the c(2) test were used to assess the significance of the differences between the variables investigated in anemic and non-anemic children. Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis was performed using two models for anemic and non-anemic children respectively. RESULTS: Lead was negatively associated to hemoglobin (p<0.017) in the first model, and in the second model lead was positively associated to zinc protoporphyrin (p<0.004) after controlling for ferritin, age, sex, and per capita income. There was an inverse association between hemoglobin and blood lead in anemic children. It was not possible to confirm if anemic children had iron deficiency anemia or subclinical infection, considering that the majority (90.4%) had normal ferritin. CONCLUSIONS: The study detected a relationship between anemia and elevated blood lead concentrations. Further epidemiological studies are necessary to investigate the impact of iron nutritional interventions as an attempt to decrease blood lead in children.

Total Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead Determination in Brazilian Rice Samples Using ICP-MS.

This study is aimed at investigating a suitable method for rice sample preparation as well as validating and applying the method for monitoring the concentration of total arsenic, cadmium, and lead in rice by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Various rice sample preparation procedures were evaluated. The analytical method was validated by measuring several parameters including limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, relative bias, and repeatability. Regarding the sample preparation, recoveries of spiked samples were within the acceptable range from 89.3 to 98.2% for muffle furnace, 94.2 to 103.3% for heating block, 81.0 to 115.0% for hot plate, and 92.8 to 108.2% for microwave. Validation parameters showed that the method fits for its purpose, being the total arsenic, cadmium, and lead within the Brazilian Legislation limits. The method was applied for analyzing 37 rice samples (including polished, brown, and parboiled), consumed by the Brazilian population. The total arsenic, cadmium, and lead contents were lower than the established legislative values, except for total arsenic in one brown rice sample. This study indicated the need to establish monitoring programs for emphasizing the study on this type of cereal, aiming at promoting the Public Health.

Entre incertezas e limitações: uma análise sobre o retorno ao trabalho pós transplante renal / Between uncertainties and limitations: an analysis on the return to work after kidney transplantation / Entre incertidumbres y limitaciones: análisis sobre el regreso al trabajo después del trasplante de riñón

O presente estudo tem como objetivo geral analisar o retorno ao trabalho dos transplantados renais acompanhados no Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio (HUWC). A pesquisa traz como objetivos específicos: 1) identificar os fatores que influenciam no processo de retorno ao trabalho; 2) identificar o índice de reinserção ao trabalho por transplantados renais atendidos no HUWC no período de junho/2018 a dezembro/2018. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa que conforme Minayo (2011), trabalha um universo de significados, motivações, aspirações, crenças, valores e atitudes, o que corresponde a um espaço mais profundo das relações dos processos e dos fenômenos que não podem ser traduzidos em números e indicadores quantitativos. Na estruturação metodológica do estudo realizamos pesquisa bibliográfica, pesquisa documental e pesquisa de campo, utilizando, para a análise dos dados, a análise de conteúdo, considerada como o tipo de metodologia particularmente utilizada para estudar material do tipo qualitativo possibilitando, assim, um estudo crítico dos dados coletados, das representações sociais dos sujeitos entrevistados, estabelecendo, por sua vez, um diálogo com o fenômeno estudado. Compreendemos que a submissão ao transplante renal traz impactos positivos para os que aderem ao tratamento, sobretudo em relação à melhoria da qualidade de vida, e na autonomia das atividades da vida diária. Não obstante, em relação à realização de atividades laborais o que se observa é que de um modo geral é difícil o retorno ao trabalho, mantendo-se a dependência de benefícios da seguridade social, e os que conseguem algum retorno ao trabalho, o conseguem de forma gradativa, informal e sem suporte de outras políticas sociais, principalmente as relacionadas a reabilitação profissional.(AU)

The present study has the general objective of analyzing the return to work of kidney transplant patients monitored at the Walter Cantídio University Hospital (WCUH). The research has as specific objectives: 1) to identify the factors that influence the return to work process; 2) to identify the rate of reintegration to work by kidney transplant patients seen at the WCUH from June/2018 to December/2018. It is a qualitative research that, according to Minayo (2011), works with a universe of meanings, motivations, aspirations, beliefs, values and attitudes, which corresponds to a deeper space of the relationships of processes and phenomena that cannot be translated into numbers and quantitative indicators. In the methodological structuring of the study, we carried out bibliographic research, documentary research and field research, using, for data analysis, content analysis, considered as the type of methodology particularly used to study qualitative material, thus enabling a critical study of the collected data, of the social representations of the interviewed subjects, establishing, in turn, a dialogue with the studied phenomenon.We understand that submission to kidney transplantation has positive impacts for those who adhere to treatment, especially in relation to improving the quality of life, and in the autonomy of activities of daily living.Nevertheless, in relation to the performance of work activities, what is observed is that, in general, it is difficult to return to work, keeping the dependence on social security benefits, and those who achieve some return to work, do so quickly. gradually, informally and without support from other social policies, mainly those related to professional rehabilitation.(AU)

El presente estudio tiene el objetivo general de analizar el retorno al trabajo de los pacientes con trasplante renal controlados en el Hospital Universitario Walter Cantídio (HUWC). La investigación tiene como objetivos específicos: 1) identificar los factores que influyen en el proceso de retorno al trabajo; 2) identificar la tasa de reintegración al trabajo de los pacientes con trasplante de riñón atendidos en el HUWC desde junio / 2018 hasta diciembre / 2018. Es una investigación cualitativa que, según Minayo (2011), trabaja con un universo de significados, motivaciones, aspiraciones, creencias, valores y actitudes, que corresponde a un espacio más profundo de las relaciones de procesos y fenómenos que no pueden traducirse en números e indicadores cuantitativos. En la estructuración metodológica del estudio, llevamos a cabo investigación bibliográfica, investigación documental e investigación de campo, utilizando, para el análisis de datos, el análisis de contenido, considerado como el tipo de metodología particularmente utilizada para estudiar material cualitativo, permitiendo así un estudio crítico. de los datos recopilados, de las representaciones sociales de los sujetos entrevistados, estableciendo, a su vez, un diálogo con el fenómeno estudiado. Entendemos que la sumisión al trasplante de riñón tiene impactos positivos para aquellos que se adhieren al tratamiento, especialmente en relación con la mejora de la calidad de vida y en la autonomía de las actividades de la vida diaria. Sin embargo, en relación con el desempeño de las actividades laborales, lo que se observa es que, en general, es difícil regresar al trabajo, manteniendo la dependencia de los beneficios de la seguridad social, y aquellos que logran cierto retorno al trabajo, lo hacen rápidamente. gradual, informal y sin el apoyo de otras políticas sociales, principalmente las relacionadas con la rehabilitación profesional.(AU)