Two-photon excited-state dynamics of mEGFP-linker-mScarlet-I crowding biosensor in controlled environments.

Macromolecular crowding affects many cellular processes such as diffusion, biochemical reaction kinetics, protein-protein interactions, and protein folding. Mapping the heterogeneous, dynamic crowding in living cells or tissues requires genetically encoded, site-specific, crowding sensors that are compatible with quantitative, noninvasive fluorescence micro-spectroscopy. Here, we carried out time-resolved 2P-fluorescence measurements of a new mEGFP-linker-mScarlet-I macromolecular crowding construct (GE2.3) to characterize its environmental sensitivity in biomimetic crowded solutions (Ficoll-70, 0-300 g L-1) via Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis. The 2P-fluorescence lifetime of the donor (mEGFP) was measured under magic-angle polarization, in the presence (intact) and absence (enzymatically cleaved) of the acceptor (mScarlet-I), as a function of the Ficoll-70 concentration. The FRET efficiency was used to quantify the sensitivity of GE2.3 to macromolecular crowding and to determine the environmental dependence of the mEGFP-mScarlet-I distance. We also carried out time-resolved 2P-fluorescence depolarization anisotropy to examine both macromolecular crowding and linker flexibility effects on GE2.3 rotational dynamics within the context of the Stokes-Einstein model as compared with theoretical predictions based on its molecular weight. These time-resolved 2P-fluorescence depolarization measurements and conformational population analyses of GE2.3 were also used to estimate the free energy gain upon the structural collapse in crowded environment. Our results further the development of a rational engineering design for bioenvironmental sensors without the interference of cellular autofluorescence. Additionally, these results in well-defined environments will inform our future in vivo studies of genetically encoded GE2.3 towards the mapping of the crowded intracellular environment under different physiological conditions.

Stair-Fall Risk Parameters in a Controlled Gait Laboratory Environment and Real (Domestic) Houses: A Prospective Study in Faller and Non-Faller Groups.

BACKGROUND: Falling on stairs is a major health hazard for older people. Risk factors for stair falls have been identified, but these are mostly examined in controlled biomechanics/gait laboratory environments, on experimental stairs with a given set of step dimensions. It remains unknown whether the conclusions drawn from these controlled environments would apply to the negotiation of other domestic staircases with different dimensions in real houses where people live. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to investigate whether selected biomechanical stepping behavior determined through stair gait parameters such as foot clearance, foot contact length and cadence are maintained when the staircase dimensions are different in real houses. METHODS: Twenty-five older adults (>65 years) walked on a custom-made seven-step laboratory staircase. Older adults were classified into two groups (fallers and non-fallers) based on recent fall history. Among the 25 participants, 13 people had at least one fall, trip, or slip in the last six months and they were assigned to the fallers group; 12 people did not experience any fall in the last six months, so they were assigned to the non-fallers group. In addition, these participants walked on the stairs in three different real exemplar houses wearing a novel instrumented shoe sensor system that could measure the above stair gait parameters. MATLAB was used to extract fall risk parameters from the collected data. One-way ANOVA was used to compare fall risk parameters on the different staircases. In addition, the laboratory-based fall risk parameters were compared to those derived from the real house stairs. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in selected stair-fall biomechanical risk factors among the house and laboratory staircases. The fall risk group comparisons suggest that high-risk fallers implemented a biomechanically riskier strategy that could increase overall falling risk. CONCLUSIONS: The significant differences due to the main effects of the fallers and non-fallers groups were obtained. For example, when ascending, the fallers group had less foot clearance on the entry (p = 0.016) and middle steps (p = 0.003); in addition, they had more foot clearance variability on the entry steps (p = 0.003). This suggests that the fallers group in this present study did not adopt more conservative stepping strategies during stair ascent compared to low-risk older adults. By showing less foot clearance and more variability in foot clearance, the risk for a trip would be increased.

Transparency as a Means to Analyse the Impact of Inertial Sensors on Users during the Occupational Ergonomic Assessment: A Systematic Review.

The literature has yielded promising data over the past decade regarding the use of inertial sensors for the analysis of occupational ergonomics. However, despite their significant advantages (e.g., portability, lightness, low cost, etc.), their widespread implementation in the actual workplace has not yet been realized, possibly due to their discomfort or potential alteration of the worker's behaviour. This systematic review has two main objectives: (i) to synthesize and evaluate studies that have employed inertial sensors in ergonomic analysis based on the RULA method; and (ii) to propose an evaluation system for the transparency of this technology to the user as a potential factor that could influence the behaviour and/or movements of the worker. A search was conducted on the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The studies were summarized and categorized based on the type of industry, objective, type and number of sensors used, body parts analysed, combination (or not) with other technologies, real or controlled environment, and transparency. A total of 17 studies were included in this review. The Xsens MVN system was the most widely used in this review, and the majority of studies were classified with a moderate level of transparency. It is noteworthy, however, that there is a limited and worrisome number of studies conducted in uncontrolled real environments.

Efficacy of hydroxypropyl-guar drops in improving tear film index and ocular surface dynamics using two treatment methods under a controlled desiccating environment.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of hp-guar eye drops on tear film index and ocular surface dynamics under desiccating conditions using protection and relief treatment modalities. METHODOLOGY: The 12 normal, non-dry eye participants were subjected to adverse environmental conditions using a Controlled Environment Chamber (CEC) where the relative humidity (RH) was 5% and the ambient temperature was 21 °C. The participants were screened for ocular symptoms, tear osmolarity, ocular surface temperature (OST), tear production using the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire (OSDI), OcuSense TearLab Osmometer, FLIR System ThermaCAM P620, and Schirmer strips. Tear production was calculated by the Tear Function Index test (TFI). RESULTS: The mean tear film osmolarity decreased significantly from 296 mOsm/L at 40% RH to 285 mOsm/L at 5% RH (p = 0.01). Conflicting responses were seen for osmolarity in protection and relief. Mean tear osmolarity was significantly higher in the protection method in comparison to the relief method (p = 0.005). The mean TFI increased from 557 at 40% to 854 at 5% (p = 0.02). A significant increase in TFI was observed in the relief method in comparison with both 40% (p = 0.001) and 5% (p = 0.04). In the relief method, the mean TFI score went up to 1139 when hp-guar was installed. A significant improvement in ocular comfort was experienced in both the protection (p = 0.041) and relief (p = 0.010) methods at 5% RH. The instillation of hp-guar drops in the relief method resulted in a significant reduction in OST. The mean OST dropped to 33.01 ºC, significantly lower than the recorded OST for both normal (p = 0.040) and dry (p = 0.014) environmental conditions. CONCLUSION: Hp-guar drops significantly improve tear film parameters under a desiccating environment, however, tear film parameters respond differently to the management modalities. In the protection method, tear film osmolarity was protected against a dry environment, while in the relief mode, an improvement in tear production and a decrease in ocular surface temperature were seen. Hp-guar performance could be maximized for the management of exposure to adverse environments by using a treatment protocol that targets the most affected parameters in each group of patients. Using CEC has the potential to provide researchers with a readily available method to evaluate the efficiency of tear supplementation.

The Influence of External Parameters on the Ripeness of Pumpkins.

Growing pumpkins in controlled environments, such as greenhouses, has become increasingly important due to the potential to optimise yield and quality. However, achieving optimal environmental conditions for pumpkin cultivation requires precise monitoring and control, which can be facilitated by modern sensor technologies. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal placement of sensors to determine the influence of external parameters on the maturity of pumpkins. The greenhouse used in the study consisted of a plastic film for growing pumpkins. Five different sensors labeled from A1 to A5 measured the air temperature, humidity, soil temperature, soil humidity, and illumination at five different locations. We used two methods, error-based sensor placement and entropy-based sensor placement, to evaluate optimisation. We selected A3 sensor locations where the monitored data were close to the reference value, i.e., the average data of all measurement locations and parameters. Using this method, we selected sensor positions to monitor the influence of external parameters on the maturity of pumpkins. These methods enable the determination of optimal sensor locations to represent the entire facility environment and detect areas with significant environmental disparities. Our study provides an accurate measurement of the internal environment of a greenhouse and properly selects the base installation locations of sensors in the pumpkin greenhouse.

In a First-of-Its-Kind Program, Physicians at This Medical Center Now Write "Power Prescriptions".

This Medical News article discusses a new Boston Medical Center initiative that helps patients with financial hardship pay their utility bills.

Soil burial-induced degradation of cellulose films in a moisture-controlled environment.

In this study, the biodegradability of cellulose films was evaluated in controlled-moisture soil environments. The films were prepared from low-quality cotton fibers through dissolution in DMAc/LiCl, casting, regeneration, glycerol plasticization, and hot-pressing. Two soil burial degradation experiments were conducted in August 2020 (11th August to 13th October) and March 2021 (24th March to 24th July) under controlled moisture conditions to assess the biodegradation behavior of cellulose films. The films were retrieved from soil beds at seven-day intervals, and morphological and physicochemical changes in the films were investigated. The results indicated that the cellulose films exhibited gradual changes starting on Day 7 and major changes after Day 35. Stereomicroscopy images showed the growth and development of fungal mycelia on the surface of the films, and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of biomolecules originating from microorganisms. The tensile strength and elongation of cellulose films were significantly reduced by 64% and 96% in the first experiment and by 40% and 94% in the second experiment, respectively, during the degradation period. Degradation also significantly impacted the thermal stability (14% and 16.5% reduction, respectively, in the first and second studies) of the films. The cellulose-based films completely degraded within 63 days in late summer and 112 days in spring. This study demonstrates that, unlike synthetic plastics, films prepared from low-quality cotton fibers can easily degrade in the natural environment.

Safer Sterile Compounding: Choosing and Using Disinfectants for the Cleanroom.

Compounders worldwide are responsible for ensuring that the sterile preparations they dispense are pure, potent, and safe. To achieve that result, proper cleaning and disinfection of International Organization for Standardization controlled environments must occur. Because those tasks must be performed according to established standards, the compounding pharmacist must research regulatory requirements and appropriate products for use. In this report, we focus on U.S. regulations, guiding entities, and effective products that enable compliance with the increasingly stringent procedures required for pharmaceutical compounding. We also review cleaning and disinfecting processes, discuss the importance of correctly choosing and using disinfectants and/ or sporicidal disinfectants with surface claims in the cleanroom, and provide answers to questions frequently asked by staff who use those agents. In addition, we profile specific disinfectants that are compliant with United States Pharmacopeia Chapter <797> and current good manufacturing practice standards. Biological safety cabinets and compounding aseptic containment isolators must undergo an additional process that deactivates hazardous drug residues and removes them from the interior surfaces of those devices before they are cleaned and disinfected, but that discussion is beyond the scope of this article.

222 nm far-UVC light markedly reduces the level of infectious airborne virus in an occupied room.

An emerging intervention for control of airborne-mediated pandemics and epidemics is whole-room far-UVC (200-235 nm). Laboratory studies have shown that 222-nm light inactivates airborne pathogens, potentially without harm to exposed occupants. While encouraging results have been reported in benchtop studies and in room-sized bioaerosol chambers, there is a need for quantitative studies of airborne pathogen reduction in occupied rooms. We quantified far-UVC mediated reduction of aerosolized murine norovirus (MNV) in an occupied mouse-cage cleaning room within an animal-care facility. Benchtop studies suggest that MNV is a conservative surrogate for airborne viruses such as influenza and coronavirus. Using four 222-nm fixtures installed in the ceiling, and staying well within current recommended regulatory limits, far-UVC reduced airborne infectious MNV by 99.8% (95% CI: 98.2-99.9%). Similar to previous room-sized bioaerosol chamber studies on far-UVC efficacy, these results suggest that aerosolized virus susceptibility is significantly higher in room-scale tests than in bench-scale laboratory studies. That said, as opposed to controlled laboratory studies, uncertainties in this study related to airflow patterns, virus residence time, and dose to the collected virus introduce uncertainty into the inactivation estimates. This study is the first to directly demonstrate far-UVC anti-microbial efficacy against airborne pathogens in an occupied indoor location.

Diurnal biological effects of correlated colour temperature and its exposure timing on alertness, cognition, and mood in an enclosed environment.

Artificial lighting, which profits from the non-visual effects of light, is a potentially promising solution to support residents' psychophysiological health and performance at specific times of the day in enclosed environments. However, few studies have investigated the non-visual effects of daytime correlated colour temperature (CCT) and its exposure timing on human alertness, cognition, and mood. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these effects are largely unknown. The current study evaluated the effects of daytime CCT and its exposure timing on markers of subjective experience, cognitive performance, and cerebral activity in a simulated enclosed environment. Forty-two participants participated a single-blind laboratory study with a 4 within (CCT: 4000 K vs. 6500 K vs. 8500 K vs. 12,000 K) × 2 between (exposure timing: morning vs. afternoon) mixed design. The results showed time of the day dependent benefits of the daytime CCT on subjective experience, vigilant attention, response inhibition, working memory, emotional perception, and risk decisions. The results of the electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed that lower-frequency EEG bands, including theta, alpha, and alpha-theta, were quite sensitive to daytime CCT intervention, which provides a valuable reference for trying to establish the underlying mechanisms that support the performance-enhancement effects of exposure to CCT in the daytime. However, the results revealed no consistent intervention pattern across these measurements. Therefore, future studies should consider personalised optimisation of daytime CCT for different cognitive demands.

As materialidades da comunicação e os desafios midiáticos da psicanálise em quarentena / The materialities of communication and the mediatic challenges of psychoanalysis in quarantine / Las materialidades de la comunicación y los desafíos mediáticos del psicoanálisis en cuarentena

Diante dos desafios com que a prática psicanalítica se depara no contexto da pandemia atual, um dos mais notáveis diz respeito à comunicação. A mediação das sessões por mídias técnicas tornou-se ubíqua. Este artigo propõe um diálogo entre a psicanálise e a teoria das materialidades da comunicação para esboçar um olhar mídia-psicanalítico sobre alguns destes desafios, que ensejam também renovadas discussões teóricas. Após um breve panorama das teses de alguns autores de destaque no campo das materialidades (McLuhan, Flusser, Kittler), procuramos delimitar a rediscussão ­ à luz da tese de que o sentido da comunicação emerge sempre no seio de um agenciamento material específico ­ de alguns pontos teóricos fundamentais da teoria psicanalítica, em especial as noções de setting e cena analítica. Estabelecem-se, assim, linhas iniciais para um debate que já se demonstra frutífero entre a psicanálise e as teorias comunicacionais que desnaturalizam a relação entre homem e técnica (AU)

Faced with the challenges set before the psychoanalytic practice in the context of the current pandemic, one of the most pronounced concerns communication. Mediation of sessions by means of technical media has become ubiquitous. This paper proposes a dialogue between psychoanalysis and the theory of the materialities of communication in order to outline a media-psychoanalytic look over some of these challenges, which also include renewed theoretical discussions. After a brief overview of the theses of some prominent authors in the field of materialities (McLuhan, Flusser, Kittler), we try to frame the rediscussion ­ based on the idea that the meaning of communication always emerges within the core of a specific material agency ­ of some seminal theoretical points of the psychoanalytic theory, especially the concepts of setting and analytical scene. Initial threads are thus established for a debate that is already fruitful between psychoanalysis and the theories of communication that denaturalize the relationship between man and technique

Ante los desafíos a los que se enfrenta la práctica psicoanalítica en el contexto de la pandemia actual, uno de los más destacables se refiere a la comunicación. La mediación de sesiones por medios técnicos se ha vuelto ubicua. Este artículo propone un diálogo entre el psicoanálisis y la teoría de las materialidades de la comunicación para esbozar una mirada media-psicoanalítica sobre algunos de estos desafíos, que también dan lugar a renovadas discusiones teóricas. Tras una breve reseña de las tesis de algunos autores destacados en el campo de las materialidades (McLuhan, Flusser, Kittler), buscamos definir la rediscusión ­ a la luz de la tesis de que el sentido de la comunicación siempre emerge en el seno de una gestión material específica ­ de algunos puntos teóricos fundamentales de la teoría psicoanalítica, especialmente las nociones de setting y escena analítica. Así, se establecen las líneas iniciales de un debate que ya se presenta fructífero entre el psicoanálisis y las teorías comunicacionales que desnaturalizan la relación entre hombre y técnica

Physiological indexes of mini tomato cultivars grown in a protected environment / Índices fisiológicos de cultivares de mini tomates cultivados em ambientes protegidos

Shading screens are widely used to control excessive solar radiation, thereby changing plant growth. Thus, through physiological indices the objective was to evaluate the growth of three cultivars of minitomatoes under colored meshes. The experiment was conducted from April to July in the DTCS / UNEB experimental field in experiment DBC with subdivided plots, and four replicates, comprised of three shaded environments and the control treatment, three cultivars, and seven plant sampling seasons. For growth analysis, we used the destructive method, total dry matter was determined after drying it in an oven at 65°C. The total leaf area (LAI) was obtained using the software QUANT. Results showed that there was no interaction between environments and the other factors. Regarding leaf area index, cvs. Shani and Sweet Million stood out in all environments, whereas cv. Red Sugar had a similar behavior in all environments. Shani obtained the best indices in open sun environment and in the environment covered with red shading screen, and Sweet Million obtained the best index under gray shading screen. Red Sugar had the lowest LAI, and consequently, the lowest SLA and LAR. On the other hand, it showed the highest RPF, since it obtained the highest dry matter in leaves compared to the other cultivars. Cvs. Shani and Sweet Million showed the best: TAL, TCR, TCA and TCC.

As telas de sombreamento são utilizadas para controlar a radiação solar excessiva, podendo alterar o crescimento das plantas. Desse modo, objetivou-se por meio de índices fisiológicos avaliar o crescimento de três cultivares de mini tomates sob malhas coloridas. O experimento foi conduzido no período de abril a julho no campo experimental do DTCS/UNEB em delineamento experimental DBC, com parcelas subsubdivididas, com quatro repetições, compostos de três ambientes sombreados além do controle, três cultivares e sete épocas de amostragens. Para análise de crescimento, utilizou-se o método destrutivo e as massas secas totais obtidas após secagem em estufa a 65°C. A área foliar total foi obtida usando-se o software QUANT. Os resultados mostraram que não houve interação entre os ambientes e os demais fatores. Quanto as cvs., para índice de área foliar (LAI), destacaram-se as cvs. Shani e Sweet Million dentro de cada ambiente, tendo a cultivar Red Sugar comportamento similar nos ambientes. A cv. Shani obteve os melhores índices no ambiente a céu aberto e com tela vermelha e a cv. Sweet Million o melhor índice na tela cinza. A cv. Red Sugar apresentou o menor LAI, e consequentemente à menor AFE e RAF, em contrapartida apresentou a maior RPF, uma vez que obteve a maior massa seca nas folhas quando comparada as outras cultivares. As cvs. Shani e Sweet Million apresentaram as melhores: TAL, TCR, TCA e TCC.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in swine housed indoors in Galicia, Spain / Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina en cerdos estabulados en Galicia, España

INTRODUCTION: Livestock are known reservoirs of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and this constitutes an important public health issue. The prevalence of nasal MRSA carriers in swine housed indoors in Galicia, Spain, was studied. METHODS: 197 samples from swine aged three, eight, 12, 16 and 24 weeks, and from adult pigs, were obtained from four farms. The cleaning procedures implemented to clean the barns and antimicrobial consumption were analyzed. Antimicrobial susceptibility and antimicrobial resistance genes were studied. PFGE, spa typing and MLST were used to classify the isolates. SCCmec, agr and pvl were analyzed. RESULTS: MRSA prevalence was 12.7%. Swine younger than 16 weeks had a higher colonization rate; 22.9% vs 3.5% (OR, 8.16; 95% CI, 2.47-29.79; p < 0.01). The only farm found to be MRSA-free used disinfectants as part of its cleaning procedure. All MRSA were tetracycline-resistant (identifying the tetK and tetM genes), 80% were resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin and 16% were only clindamycin-resistant. The ermC and vgaA genes were identified in these two phenotypes. A single genotype (PFGE type A) and ST398 - spa t011 (84%) and t1451 (16%) were identified. SCCmec type V and agrI were identified in all isolates, and all were pvl-negative. CONCLUSION: A correlation between swine age and MRSA colonization was observed. Appropriate cleaning procedures could have an impact on MRSA colonization in farming. Resistance to antibiotics used in human health was identified. Clinicians should be aware if their patients have come into contact with farm animals

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los animales de granja son reservorios de Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina (SARM), y constituyen un problema de salud pública. Se estudia la prevalencia de portadores nasales de SARM en cerdos estabulados en Galicia, España. MÉTODOS: En 4 explotaciones se obtuvieron 197 muestras de cerdos con edades en semanas de 3, 8, 12, 16, 24 y adultos. Se analizaron los métodos empleados para limpiar los establos y el consumo de antimicrobianos. Se estudió la resistencia a antimicrobianos, y los genes involucrados en esta. Los aislamientos fueron clasificados mediante PFGE, spa y MLST. Se analizaron SCCmec, agr y pvl. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de SARM fue del 12,7%. Los cerdos de <16 semanas presentaron las frecuencias de colonización más elevadas 22,9 vs. 3,5% (OR: 8,16; IC 95%: 2,47-29,79; p < 0,01). En la única explotación libre de SARM se empleaban desinfectantes en la limpieza. Todos los SARM fueron resistentes a tetraciclina identificándose los genes tetK y tetM, el 80% fueron resistentes a eritromicina y clindamicina, y el 16% fueron únicamente resistentes a clindamicina. Se identificaron los genes ermC y vgaA en estos 2 fenotipos. Se identificó un único genotipo (PFGE-A) y ST398, siendo spa t011 (84%) y t1451 (16%). En todos los aislamientos se identificó SCCmec V y agrI, siendo estos pvl negativos. CONCLUSIONES: Se observó la asociación entre edad y colonización SARM. La limpieza adecuada podría modificar la colonización por SARM. Se detectaron resistencias a antibióticos empleados en humanos. Los médicos deberían conocer si los pacientes tienen contacto con animales de granja

Environmental factors involved in SARS-CoV-2 transmission: effect and role of indoor environmental quality in the strategy for COVID-19 infection control

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a new zoonotic agent that emerged in December 2019, causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This infection can be spread by asymptomatic, presymptomatic, and symptomatic carriers. SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily via respiratory droplets during close person-to-person contact in a closed space, especially a building. This article summarizes the environmental factors involved in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, including a strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a building environment. SARS-CoV-2 can persist on surfaces of fomites for at least 3 days depending on the conditions. If SARS-CoV-2 is aerosolized intentionally, it is stable for at least several hours. SARS-CoV-2 is inactivated rapidly on surfaces with sunlight. Close-contact aerosol transmission through smaller aerosolized particles is likely to be combined with respiratory droplets and contact transmission in a confined, crowded, and poorly ventilated indoor environment, as suggested by some cluster cases. Although evidence of the effect of aerosol transmission is limited and uncertainty remains, adequate preventive measures to control indoor environmental quality are required, based on a precautionary approach, because COVID-19 has caused serious global damages to public health, community, and the social economy. The expert panel for COVID-19 in Japan has focused on the "3 Cs," namely, "closed spaces with poor ventilation," "crowded spaces with many people," and "close contact." In addition, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan has been recommending adequate ventilation in all closed spaces in accordance with the existing standards of the Law for Maintenance of Sanitation in Buildings as one of the initial political actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, specific standards for indoor environmental quality control have not been recommended and many scientific uncertainties remain regarding the infection dynamics and mode of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in closed indoor spaces. Further research and evaluation are required regarding the effect and role of indoor environmental quality control, especially ventilation.

Implementación de herramienta tecnológica (TIC) para la vigilancia de factores ambientales y posibles afecciones relacionadas a la exposición por uso de plaguicidas agrícolas en Paraguay / Implementation of a technological tool (TIC) for the monitoring of environmental factors and possible conditions related to exposure due to the use of agricultural pesticides in Paraguay

Introducción: Paraguay, con alto desarrollo de agricultura extensiva, es potencialmente vulnerable a situaciones relacionadas con manejo inadecuado, falta de prevención y riesgos para la salud individual, comunitaria y ambiental, por incumplimiento de buenas prácticas en la selección, manipulación y gestión de plaguicidas. Objetivo: Diseñar e implementar un método de vigilancia con carga de datos del sistema público para detectar, jerarquizar y mapear eventos relacionados al manejo inadecuado de plaguicidas; establecer posibles asociaciones con causas de morbilidad y mortalidad; y seguimiento para evaluar riesgos relativos. Métodos: Con la creación del Sistema de Información Georreferenciado de Evaluación de Casos de afecciones a la Salud (SIGEC), método web que recolecta información del monitoreo comunitario de manejo y posibles efectos de plaguicidas en pequeños productores y empresas agrícolas, y de parcelas de plantaciones en el territorio nacional, se realizó un estudio de vigilancia epidemiológica sobre condiciones de vida, variables ambientales y riesgo de exposición a plaguicidas. Resultados: Al relacionar datos del egreso hospitalario de enfermedades trazadoras (EH) 2011 - 2015, en mapas por Departamentos, Regiones del Estudio Piloto y por Distritos, se observó una concentración de las mismas en 3 a 4 regiones relacionadas al uso de plaguicidas, repitiéndose dicha situación en patologías con concentraciones altas (color rojo) o intermedias (color amarillo), con posible asociación casual o causal. Los demás distritos de estas regiones observadas que se encuentran coloreadas de verde, no implica ausencia de casos registrados, sino que se encuentran en el tercio inferior del total registrado (tabla a la izquierda de los mapas). La poligonización valora el grado de exposición de personas en riesgo y brinda georreferenciamiento de las variables del Monitoreo Comunitario, además permite seguimiento mediante gráficos de puntos, útiles para los tomadores de decisiones en salud. Las herramientas propuestas son amigables y similares a las del Censo Comunitario realizado por estadígrafos regionales en las USF. Conclusiones: La vigilancia epidemiológica basada en el SIGEC complementa la visión parcial de los actuales sistemas de seguimiento del MSP y BS mediante la información en gráficos georreferenciados, visualiza datos del problema de salud planteado, en un territorio específico, utiliza variables ambientales y laborales con posible relación a exposición de plaguicidas, en formato de lectura fácil, convirtiéndola en herramienta útil para el posterior seguimiento a través de investigaciones con diseño pertinente, utilizando modelos estadísticos apropiados, para la posterior aplicación de políticas públicas. Palabras-clave: Exposición a plaguicidas; vigilancia del ambiente del trabajo; monitoreo epidemiológico; programas informáticos

Introduction: Paraguay, with high development of extensive agriculture, is potentially vulnerable to situations related to inadequate management, lack of prevention and risks to individual, community and environmental health, due to non-compliance with good practices in the selection, handling and management of pesticides. Objective: Design and implement a surveillance method with data loading of the public system to detect, prioritize and map events related to the inadequate handling of pesticides; establish possible associations with causes of morbidity and mortality; and monitoring to assess relative risks. Methods: With the creation of the Georeferenced Information System for the Evaluation of Cases of Health Conditions (SIGEC), a web method that collects information on community monitoring of management and possible effects of pesticides on small producers and agricultural companies, and on plantation plots In the national territory, an epidemiological surveillance study was conducted on life conditions, environmental variables and risk of exposure to pesticides. Results: When relating hospital discharge data of tracer diseases (EH) 2011 - 2015, in maps by Departments, Regions of the Pilot Study and by Districts, a concentration of them was observed in 3 to 4 regions related to the use of pesticides, repeating this situation in pathologies with high concentrations (red color) or intermediate (yellow color), with possible causal or casual association. The other districts of these observed regions that are colored green, does not imply absence of registered cases, but they are in the lower third of the total registered (table on the left of the maps). Poligonization assesses the degree of exposure of people at risk and provides georeferencing of the Community Monitoring variables, and also allows monitoring through point charts, useful for health decision-makers. The proposed tools are friendly and similar to those of the Community Census conducted by regional statisticians at the USF. Conclusions: The epidemiological surveillance based on the SIGEC complements the partial vision of the current monitoring systems of the MSP and BS through the information in georeferenced graphs, visualizes data of the health problem raised, in a specific territory, uses environmental and labor variables with possible relation to exposure of pesticides, in easy reading format, making it a useful tool for subsequent monitoring through relevant design investigations, using appropriate statistical models, for the subsequent application of public policies. Key words: Exposure to pesticides; monitoring of the work environment; epidemiological monitoring; Software

Evaluation of fecal microbiomes associated with obesity in captive cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Microorganisms play important roles in obesity; however, the role of the gut microbiomes in obesity is controversial because of the inconsistent findings. This study investigated the gut microbiome communities in obese and lean groups of captive healthy cynomolgus monkeys reared under strict identical environmental conditions, including their diet. No significant differences in the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Prevotella were observed between the obese and lean groups, but a significant difference in Spirochetes (p < 0.05) was noted. Microbial diversity and richness were similar, but highly variable results in microbial composition, diversity, and richness were observed in individuals, irrespective of their state of obesity. Distinct clustering between the groups was not observed by principal coordinate analysis using an unweighted pair group method. Higher sharedness values (95.81% ± 2.28% at the genus level, and 79.54% ± 5.88% at the species level) were identified among individual monkeys. This paper reports the association between the gut microbiome and obesity in captive non-human primate models reared under controlled environments. The relative proportion of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes as well as the microbial diversity known to affect obesity were similar in the obese and lean groups of monkeys reared under identical conditions. Therefore, obesity-associated microbial changes reported previously appear to be associated directly with environmental factors, particularly diet, rather than obesity.

Occupational Characteristics of Semiconductor Workers with Cancer and Rare Diseases Registered with a Workers' Compensation Program in Korea

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the types of diseases that developed in semiconductor workers who have registered with the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service (KWCWS) and to identify potential common occupational characteristics by the type of claimed disease. METHODS: A total of 55 semiconductor workers with cancer or rare diseases who claimed to the KWCWS were compared based on their work characteristics and types of claimed diseases. Leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and aplastic anemia were grouped into lymphohematopoietic (LHP) disorder. RESULTS: Leukemia (n = 14) and breast cancer (n = 10) were the most common complaints, followed by brain cancer (n = 6), aplastic anemia (n = 6), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 4). LHP disorders (n = 24) accounted for 43%. Sixty percent (n = 33) of registered workers (n = 55) were found to have been employed before 2000. Seventy-six percent (n = 42) of registered workers and 79% (n = 19) among the registered workers with LHP (n = 24) were found to be diagnosed at a relatively young age, ≤40 years. A total of 18 workers among the registered semiconductor workers were finally determined to deserve compensation for occupational disease by either the KWCWS (n = 10) or the administrative court (n = 8). Eleven fabrication workers who were compensated responded as having handled wafers smaller than eight inches in size. Eight among the 18 workers compensated (44 %) were found to have ever worked at etching operations. CONCLUSION: The distribution of cancer and rare diseases among registered semiconductor workers was closely related to the manufacturing era before 2005, ≤8 inches of wafer size handled, exposure to clean rooms of fabrication and chip assembly operations, and etching operations.

Effect of the air filtration system replacement on embryo quality in the assisted reproduction laboratory / Efeito da troca do sistema de filtragem do ar na qualidade embrionária no laboratório de reprodução assistida

Abstract Improving infrastructural conditions of the in vitro fertilization laboratory, such as the air quality, has profound positive effects on embryo culture. Poor environmental conditions reduce the rate of embryo formation and, therefore, of pregnancy. This review article presents important publications regarding the impact of air quality in human reproduction laboratories on embryo quality, pregnancy success, and live births. The studies demonstrate that the replacing the air filtration system improves significantly the environmental air quality, and, consequently, improves laboratory parameters, such as the fertilization rate, the number of blastocysts, the embryo implantation rate, and the number of live births. On the other hand, improving air quality decreases the number of abortions. Therefore, environmental parameters that improve embryo quality and increase healthy child birth ratesmust be themain targets for the assisted reproduction laboratory quality control.

Resumo Melhorar as condições de infraestrutura do laboratório de fertilização in vitro, com influência na qualidade do ar, tem efeitos positivos profundos na qualidade do embrião. As más condições ambientais do ar reduzem a taxa de sucesso na formação de embriões e a taxa de gravidez. Este artigo de revisão apresenta importantes publicações sobre o impacto da qualidade do ar dentro do laboratório de reprodução humana na qualidade do embrião, no sucesso de gravidez e no número de nascidos vivos. Os estudos demonstram que a troca do sistema de filtração de ar melhora significativamente a qualidade do ar ambiente, e consequentemente, melhora os parâmetros laboratoriais, tais como a taxa de fertilização, o número de blastocistos, a taxa de implantação e o número de nascidos vivos. Por outro lado,amelhora da qualidade do ar diminui o número de abortos. Portanto, os parâmetros ambientais que melhoram a qualidade do embrião e aumentam as taxas de nascimentos de crianças saudáveis devem ser os principais alvos para o controle de qualidade do laboratório de reprodução assistida.

Análisis de algunas barreras del ambiente construido para la actividad física en la Ciudad de Cuernavaca, Morelos, México / Analysis of some environmental barriers for physical activity Cuernavaca City, Morelos, México

Introducción: La actividad física (AF) es un factor de protección ante múltiples enfermedades. Las recomendaciones mundiales para la AF están bien establecidas y son difundidas en todos los escenarios posibles, pero el ambiente construido podría presentar múltiples barreras para seguir dichas recomendaciones. Objetivo: Analizar algunas barreras del ambiente construido para la actividad física por niveles de marginación en la ciudad de Cuernavaca, México. Materiales y métodos: Empleando el programa Atlas ti 5.0, se categorizaron los datos obtenidos de 170 guías de observación. Se realizó el análisis de un acervo fotográfico de 341 imágenes de 20 AGEBS de la ciudad de Cuernavaca, utilizando un análisis de imágenes fijas connotativo, denotativo y por 3 categorías (Calzadas, tránsito y espacios deportivos). Se utilizó el programa Stata 12.0 para obtener frecuencias y porcentajes. Resultados: Se identificaron deficiencias en el diseño y uso de espacios como las banquetas, falta de señalización e inseguridad de las vías públicas. Se encontró carencia de espacios para la práctica de la actividad física. Solo hay una presencia del 10% de espacios deportivos en los 20 AGEBS estudiados. Se encontró que el 82.86% de las calles está en deficiente estado. La deficiente iluminación vial, carencia de ciclovías y grafitis con porcentajes importantes también se identificaron como barreras para la AF. Discusión: En Cuernavaca las posibilidades de acceso a espacios seguros, presentan múltiples barreras y por ende esta tendencia afecta de forma negativa la salud de los habitantes de la ciudad, además que no es congruente con las recomendaciones mundiales para la actividad física. Conclusiones: La identificación y abolición de las barreras deben estar dentro las prioridades de las políticas de salud públicas y las intervenciones deben procurar dicha transformación, de esta forma se superará la tendencia de solamente informar sobre los beneficios de la actividad física que predominan en la gran mayoría de las recomendaciones e intervenciones.

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) is a factor of protection against multiple diseases. Global recommendations for PA are well established and are spread in all possible scenarios, but the built environment could present multiple barriers to follow these recommendations. Objective: To Analyze some built environment barriers for physical activity by levels of marginalization in the city of Cuernavaca, Mexico. Material and methods: Using the software Atlas ti 5.0, data from 170 observation guides and were categorized. The analysis of a photographic collection of 341 images of 20 AGEBS of Cuernavaca was performed using an analysis connotative and denotative by 3 categories (roadways, traffic and sports areas). Stata 12.0 software was used to obtain frequencies and percentages. Results: Deficiencies in the design and use of spaces such as sidewalks, lack of signage and insecurity of public roads were identified. Lack of spaces for the practice of physical activity was found. There is only one presence of 10% of sports facilities in the 20 AGEBS studied. It was found that 82.86% of the streets are in poor condition. Poor street lighting, lack of bicycle paths and graffiti with significant percentages were also identified as barriers to PA. Discussion: In Cuernavaca the possibilities of access to safe spaces for FA have multiple barriers, this negatively affects the health of the habitants of the city, and that is not consistent with global recommendations for physical activity. Conclusions: Identifying and abolishing barriers must be within the priorities of public health policies and interventions should seek this transformation, to improve the tendency to only report on benefits of physical activity prevailing in the vast majority of programs.

Seed dormancy of Ochradenus baccatus (Resedaceae), a shrubby species from Arabian desert regions / Dormición de semillas de Ochradenus baccatus (Resedaceae), una especie arbustiva de las regiones desérticas arábicas

Abstract:Ochradenus baccatus is a perennial glycophyte growing in Middle East and it is one of the most important food sources for many animal species in desert regions. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of seed storage, light, temperature and gibberellic acid (GA3) on germination of O. baccatus seeds. We also investigated the germination characteristics of O. baccatus seeds under different saline concentration and their capability to recover germination once they were transferred to distilled water. Seeds were stored at room temperature (20 ± 2 ºC) and at -18 ºC. Germination tests were conducted at alternating temperatures of 15/25, 20/30 and 25/35 ºC in either continuous darkness or photoperiod of 12-h dark/12-h light. To study the effect of GA3 on germination of O. baccatus seeds, freshly-collected seeds and stored seeds were soaked for 24 h in a GA3 water solution (1 g/L) before sowing. To assess the salinity tolerance during germination, seeds were germinated under different salinity levels (100, 200 and 400 mM NaCl). Stored seeds at room temperature and -18 ºC germinate equally well at different temperature regimes and light conditions. However, freshly matured seeds were not able to germinate even when they were treated with GA3. On the contrary, stored seeds at room temperature and -18 ºC treated with GA3 increase the final germination percentages. These results indicated that O. baccatus seeds have physiological dormancy and they need to be stored in order to break their dormancy. In the present study, one year of storage did not show a significant variation in germination between the two storage conditions assayed. Therefore, further research is needed to know about the maximum storage period for O. baccatus seeds under different storage conditions. Very few O. baccatus seeds (less than 5 %) germinated at the tested lowest concentration of NaCl. However, ungerminated seeds were able to germinate when salinity stress was alleviated. In conclusion, O. baccatus seeds have physiological dormancy, and seed storage (at room temperature and at -18 ºC) for one year is effective for breaking this dormancy. In addition, O. baccatus seeds present ability to remain viable in saline conditions and they will be able to germinate once the salinity level decrease. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (3): 965-974. Epub 2016 September 01.

ResumenOchradenus baccatus es un glicófito perenne que crece en oriente Medio y es una de las fuentes de alimentación más importantes para muchas especies animales de regiones desérticas. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue investigar los efectos del almacenamiento de semillas, luz, temperatura y ácido giberélico (GA3) en la germinación de semillas de O. baccatus. También se ha investigado la germinación de semillas de O. baccatus bajo diferentes concentraciones salinas y su capacidad para recuperar la germinación una vez que fueron transferidas a agua destilada. Las semillas se conservaron a temperatura ambiente (20 ± 2 ºC) y a -18 ºC. Los ensayos de germinación se realizaron a temperaturas alternas de 15/25, 20/30 y 25/35 ºC bajo oscuridad continua o fotoperiodo de 12-h oscuridad/12-h luz. Para estudiar el efecto del GA3 en la germinación de semillas de O. baccatus, semillas recién recolectadas y semillas almacenadas se sumergieron durante 24 h en una solución acuosa de GA3 (1 g/L) antes de la siembra. Para evaluar la tolerancia a la salinidad durante la germinación, la semillas fueron germinadas bajo diferentes niveles de salinidad (100, 200 y 400 mM ClNa). Las semillas conservadas a temperatura ambiente y a -18 ºC germinaron igualmente bien en los diferentes regímenes de temperatura y condiciones de iluminación. Sin embargo, las semillas recién maduradas fueron incapaces de germinar incluso cuando se trataron con GA3. Por el contrario, las semillas almacenadas tratadas con GA3 incrementaron los porcentajes finales de germinación. Estos resultados indican que las semillas de O. baccatus tienen dormición fisiológica y necesitan ser almacenadas para romperla. En este estudio, un año de conservación no supuso una variación significativa en la germinación entre las dos condiciones de conservación ensayadas. Por lo tanto, se precisan investigaciones adicionales para conocer cuáles son los periodos máximos de almacenamiento de semillas de O. baccatus bajo diferentes condiciones de conservación. Muy pocas semillas de O. baccatus (menos del 5 %) germinaron a la concentración más baja de ClNa. Sin embargo, las semillas no germinadas fueron capaces de germinar cuando el estrés salino fue aliviado. En conclusión, las semillas de O. baccatus tienen dormición fisiológica y el almacenamiento de las mismas (a temperatura ambiente y a -18 ºC) durante un año es eficaz para romper dicha dormición. Además, las semillas de O. baccatus presentan capacidad para permanecer viables en condiciones salinas y serán capaces de germinar una vez que el nivel de salinidad disminuya.