Clinical and Multimodal Imaging Findings and Risk Factors for Ocular Involvement in a Presumed Waterborne Toxoplasmosis Outbreak, Brazil1.

In 2015, an outbreak of presumed waterborne toxoplasmosis occurred in Gouveia, Brazil. We conducted a 3-year prospective study on a cohort of 52 patients from this outbreak, collected clinical and multimodal imaging findings, and determined risk factors for ocular involvement. At baseline examination, 12 (23%) patients had retinochoroiditis; 4 patients had bilateral and 2 had macular lesions. Multimodal imaging revealed 2 distinct retinochoroiditis patterns: necrotizing focal retinochoroiditis and punctate retinochoroiditis. Older age, worse visual acuity, self-reported recent reduction of visual acuity, and presence of floaters were associated with retinochoroiditis. Among patients, persons >40 years of age had 5 times the risk for ocular involvement. Five patients had recurrences during follow-up, a rate of 22% per person-year. Recurrences were associated with binocular involvement. Two patients had late ocular involvement that occurred >34 months after initial diagnosis. Patients with acquired toxoplasmosis should have long-term ophthalmic follow-up, regardless of initial ocular involvement.

Degradation of Paracetamol and Its Oxidation Products in Surface Water by Electrochemical Oxidation.

Paracetamol and its toxic transformation products have been found in surface water, wastewater, and drinking water. Effective methods to degrade these products must be found to reduce their detrimental effects on microorganisms in aquatic systems and minimize the concern on human health. Thus, this study looked into the electrochemical oxidation of paracetamol and its oxidation products on surface water, and results were compared with those of paracetamol synthetic solution oxidation. Degradation of paracetamol was conducted using a stainless steel electrode cell, a pH of 3, and direct current densities of 5.7 mA/cm2 (6 V) and 7.6 mA/cm2 (12 V). For both current densities applied, the pharmaceutical and its oxidation products observed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) at 254 nm were totally degraded. Faster degradation of paracetamol was observed at a higher current density. Indeed, 95% of paracetamol was oxidized in only 15 min at the 7.6 mA/cm2 current density. In comparison to the paracetamol synthetic solution's oxidation, degradation of paracetamol was faster in the surface water than the synthetic solution, at 5.7 mA/cm2. Nevertheless, at 7.6 mA/cm2, total degradation of paracetamol in surface water was delayed up to 40 min, versus 7.5 min in the synthetic solution. Three oxidation products, observed by HPLC-DAD at 254 nm, were fully oxidized. In comparison with the paracetamol synthetic solution, degradation of the oxidation products in surface water was faster than in synthetic solutions for both current densities. Furthermore, the 7.6 mA/cm2 current density resulted in faster degradation of oxidation products. Results obtained from this work are promising for practical applications because short reaction times and low current densities are needed for degradation of paracetamol and its oxidation products. These densities can be potentially supplied by photovoltaic cells.

Phylogeographic history of South American populations of the silky anteater Cyclopes didactylus (Pilosa: Cyclopedidae).

Cyclopes didactylus, commonly called silky anteater, is the smallest and least studied of the anteaters. It is an arboreal species occurring in rainforests, ranging from southern Mexico to Central and South America, with an apparently disjoint distribution between Amazon and Atlantic rainforests in Brazil. Although seven subspecies are recognized, little is known about its geographical variation. Thus, to evaluate the population dynamics and evolutionary history of the South American silky anteater, we analyzed 1542 bp sequences of the mitochondrial control region (CR), COI and Cyt-b genes of 32 individuals. Haplotype network, AMOVA and molecular dating analyses were performed and identified seven geographic clusters. The split of lineages separating Cyclopedidae (Cyclopes) and Myrmecophagidae (Myrmecophaga and Tamandua genera) was estimated around 41 million years ago (mya), and the intraspecific lineage diversification of C. didactylus began in the Miocene around 13.5 mya, likely in southwestern Amazonia. Tectonic and climatic events that took place in South America during the Tertiary and Quaternary seem to have influenced the evolutionary history of the species at different levels. This is the first study to investigate the population dynamics and phylogeography of the silky anteater, which contributes to a better comprehension of the biogeography of South America.

Long-term trends in nitrogen oxides concentrations and on-road vehicle emission factors in Copenhagen, London and Stockholm.

Road transport is the main anthropogenic source of NOx in Europe, affecting human health and ecosystems. Thus, mitigation policies have been implemented to reduce on-road vehicle emissions, particularly through the Euro standard limits. To evaluate the effectiveness of these policies, we calculated NO2 and NOx concentration trends using air quality and meteorological measurements conducted in three European cities over 26 years. These data were also employed to estimate the trends in NOx emission factors (EFNOx, based on inverse dispersion modeling) and NO2:NOx emission ratios for the vehicle fleets under real-world driving conditions. In the period 1998-2017, Copenhagen and Stockholm showed large reductions in both the urban background NOx concentrations (-2.1 and -2.6% yr-1, respectively) and EFNOx at curbside sites (68 and 43%, respectively), proving the success of the Euro standards in diminishing NOx emissions. London presented a modest decrease in urban background NOx concentrations (-1.3% yr-1), while EFNOx remained rather constant at the curbside site (Marylebone Road) due to the increase in public bus traffic. NO2 primary emissions -that are not regulated- increased until 2008-2010, which also reflected in the ambient concentrations. This increase was associated with a strong dieselization process and the introduction of new after-treatment technologies that targeted the emission reduction of other species (e.g., greenhouse gases or particulate matter). Thus, while regulations on ambient concentrations of specific species have positive effects on human health, the overall outcomes should be considered before widely adopting them. Emission inventories for the on-road transportation sector should include EFNOx derived from real-world measurements, particularly in urban settings.

Phylogeographic history of South American populations of the silky anteater Cyclopes didactylus (Pilosa: Cyclopedidae)

Abstract Cyclopes didactylus, commonly called silky anteater, is the smallest and least studied of the anteaters. It is an arboreal species occurring in rainforests, ranging from southern Mexico to Central and South America, with an apparently disjoint distribution between Amazon and Atlantic rainforests in Brazil. Although seven subspecies are recognized, little is known about its geographical variation. Thus, to evaluate the population dynamics and evolutionary history of the South American silky anteater, we analyzed 1542 bp sequences of the mitochondrial control region (CR), COI and Cyt-b genes of 32 individuals. Haplotype network, AMOVA and molecular dating analyses were performed and identified seven geographic clusters. The split of lineages separating Cyclopedidae (Cyclopes) and Myrmecophagidae (Myrmecophaga and Tamandua genera) was estimated around 41 million years ago (mya), and the intraspecific lineage diversification of C. didactylus began in the Miocene around 13.5 mya, likely in southwestern Amazonia. Tectonic and climatic events that took place in South America during the Tertiary and Quaternary seem to have influenced the evolutionary history of the species at different levels. This is the first study to investigate the population dynamics and phylogeography of the silky anteater, which contributes to a better comprehension of the biogeography of South America.

Promoção de saúde do servidor em uma universidade pública federal / Server health promotion in a public federal university / Promoción de la salud del servidor en la universidad pública federal

Consciente de seu papel institucional, em consonância com a Política de Atenção à Saúde e Segurança do Servidor Público Federal (PASS), o setor responsável pela saúde e assistência ao servidor, da pró-reitoria de gestão de pessoas de uma universidade pública federal, procurou desenvolver ações de promoção de saúde. O objetivo foi instituir um Grupo de Trabalho de Promoção de Saúde, para elaboração de propostas que integrassem gestão e desenvolvimento saudável dos servidores de uma universidade pública federal. A metodologia foi a abordagem grupal, utilizando duas técnicas que se complementavam, os jogos psicodramáticos e rodas de conversas. Os resultados apontaram avanços na gestão participativa, evidenciando encontros e negociações das diversidades que cada servidor vivenciava em suas unidades acadêmicas e administrativas, oportunizando transformações no processo de trabalho.

Conscious of its institutional role, in consonance with the Health Care Policy and Federal Public Server Safety (PASS), the sector responsible for health and server assistance linked to a pro-rector of people management from a public federal university, sought to develop actions of health promotion. The aim was to set up a Work Group of Health Promotion, to elaborate proposals that integrate management and healthy development of federal public university servers. The methodology was the group approach, using two techniques that complemented each other, psychodramatic games and conversations circles. The results had pointed advances in participatory management, demonstrating meetings and negotiations of diversity that each server was experiencing in their academic and administrative units, providing opportunities for changes in the work process.

Consciente de su papel institucional, alineado con la Política de Cuidado de la Salud y Seguridad del Servidor Público Federal (PASS), el sector responsable por la salud e asistencia al servidor, vinculada a la prorrectoría de gestión de personas de una universidad pública federal, buscó desarrollar acciones de Promoción de la Salud. El objetivo fuera instituir un Grupo de Trabajo de Promoción de Salud, para elaboración de propuestas que integrasen gestión y desarrollo saludable de los servidores de una universidad pública federal. La metodología fue el abordaje grupal, utilizando dos técnicas que se complementaban, los juegos psicodramáticos y círculos de conversación. Los resultados muestran progresos en la gestión participativa, evidencian encuentros y negociaciones de las diversidades en las vivencias de cada servidor en sus unidades académicas e administrativas, con oportunidad de transformaciones en lo proceso de trabajo.

La socialización política en el aula: comparación entre las movilizaciones de Francia y Chile / Political socialization in the classroom: a comparative study of french and chilean mobilizations

Durante 2006 y 2008 los jóvenes secundarios de Chile y Francia se movilizaron para defender y mejorar la calidad de la educación. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar ambas movilizaciones y los factores que influyen en la construcción de la identidad política, las orientaciones políticas, el rol del liceo como socializador político, como también la importancia de las socializaciones políticas. Se utilizó una metodología cuantitativa, descriptivo de carácter exploratorio y también una metodología cualitativa. Los resultados demuestran que los estudiantes chilenos a diferencia de los franceses, presentan dificultades para identificarse con los partidos políticos aunque presenten valores políticos definidos. Así mismo, la socialización primaria se impone en los estudiantes y el rol del liceo es fundamental para movilizarlos y estrechar lazos políticos. Además, este artículo aporta a la investigación comparativa de movimientos estudiantiles en configuraciones sociales divergentes.

Estudantes de medicina sabem cuidar da própria saúde? / Do medical students know how to care for their own health?

Vários estudos mundiais mostram que estudantes de medicina têm adotado um estilo de vida pouco saudável, apesar dos conhecimentos adquiridos durante a graduação. Em nosso estudo utilizamos questionário da National College Health Risk Behavior Survey ­ Estados Unidos da América, 1995, validado, desenvolvido pelo Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Aplicamos os questionários em quatro turmas totalizando amostra de 324 estudantes (estudo observacional transversal). 9% dos acadêmicos já pensaram em suicídio; 96% já experimentaram bebida alcoólica; 25% já experimentaram droga ilícita, sendo 64% antes de ingressar na faculdade; 21% não usaram ou usaram raramente preservativo no último mês; 51% consideraram que sua alimentação piorou após ingresso na faculdade; 43% não realizaram qualquer atividade física no último mês. Assim, são necessárias medidas de intervenção no transcorrer da graduação que melhorem substancialmente a compreensão das boas práticas de saúde.

Estudantes de Medicina da UFJF e doação de órgãos para transplante / Medical students at UFJF and organ donation

O transplante de órgãos é um tema polêmico e que desperta interesse e discussões. Estudantes de medicina devem conhecer a necessidade e a importância da doação de órgãos e tecidos, além de serem responsáveis pelo cuidado e orientação da população sobre medidas relacionadas à saúde. Realizamos estudo transversal com 364 estudantes de medicina da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 57,1% auto-referiram ter conhecimento insatisfatório sobre o tema, 94,2% já obtiveram informações sobre transplantes, em sua maioria, fornecidas fora do contexto da faculdade e através de veículos de comunicação de massa e 85,4% são doadores de órgãos e tecidos e, destes, 58,5% já manifestaram sua decisão a terceiros. Observamos correlação estatisticamente significativa entre ser do sexo feminino e declarar-se doador de órgãos e tecidos. As principais razões para a não doação foram: ausência de vontade, medo e receio de comercialização dos órgãos. Os acadêmicos de medicina da UFJF reconheceram a importância do tema e demonstraram interesse e atitude positiva. Foi identificada necessidade de intervenções no currículo médico visando uma abordagem direta e organizada desse assunto.

Conhecimentos e atitudes de estudantes de Medicina frente à doação de sangue / Knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding to blood donation

Estudo transversal com 364 estudantes de medicina da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, com objetivo de conhecer o comportamento e o conhecimento relacionados à prática de doação de sangue. Destes, 36,7% são doadores de sangue. 72,2% manifestaram intenção de doar sangue. Entre os doadores, 45,4% são mulheres e 54,6% são homens. 22,8% são filhos de pais doadores e 49,4% destes já doaram sangue pelo menos uma vez. Observa-se diferença estatisticamente significativa entre ser doador e ser do sexo masculino e/ou ser filho(a) de pais doadores. Os principais empecilhos à doação foram: baixo peso (22%), falta de tempo (19,4%), falta de solicitação (14,7%). A atitude e o nível de conhecimento dos acadêmicos foram considerados satisfatórios (>80,0%), porém não aumentou ao longo do curso médico. O exemplo paterno associa-se à atitude do filho na doação. Em se tratando deste grupo amostral (estudantes de medicina), nossos resultados foram semelhantes a outras instituições de ensino quanto aos índices de doação de sangue. Assim, considera-se importante a atuação docente para aprimorar os níveis de informação sobre o tema, dada a função primordial do futuro profissional de saúde no fomento à doação de sangue junto à população, minimizando a dissociação entre oferta e demanda de bolsas de sangue em nossa região.

We undertook a cross-sectional study of 364 students from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora Medical School, in order to understand the behavior and knowledge related to the practice of blood donation. 36.7% were blood donors. 72.2% stated they were willing to donate blood. Among the donors, 45.4% were females and 54.6% were males. 22.8% had parents who were donors, and 49.4% of these had already donated blood at least once. There was a statistically significant correlation between donor status and male sex and/or having a donor parent. The main obstacles to donation were: low weight (22%), lack of time (19.4%), lack of a direct demand (14.7%). The students` knowledge and attitude were considered satisfactory but haven't raised trough the graduation. Paternal example is associated with the students` attitude towards donation. It was identified similar rates of blood donation in our sample in comparison to previous studies with medical students

Timo normal en la infancia: Características radiológicas / Normal Thymo in child

En relación con el timo, los avances tecnológicos en el desarrollo de las imágenes diagnósticas, que han revolucionado la capacidad de obtener imágenes de éste, y el descubrimiento relativamente reciente de su papel en el desarrollo del sistema inmune han mejorado la comprensión de su función, comportamiento biológico y características imagenólogicas. Ello ha aumentado la habilidad de los radiólogos para describir las características radiológicas normales de la glándula tímica y sus variantes normales. El presente artículo revisa aspectos históricos, funcionales y los principales patrones radiográficos, ecográficos y escanográficos del timo