Five years after the collapse of the Fundão Dam: lessons from temporal monitoring of chemistry and acute toxicity.

In November 2015, the Fundão Dam break released millions of tons of metal-rich tailings into the Doce River Basin (DRB), causing catastrophic damage and potential ecological effects that reached the Atlantic Ocean. This study aimed to evaluate the geochemistry and toxicity of water and sediments collected in the DRB from 2015 to 2019 and to determine the spatial and temporal trends. Water and sediment samples were analyzed for metals and As by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and acute toxicity for Daphnia similis or D. magna. Results were explored using geochemical indices and correlation analyzes. Overall, higher concentrations of metals and As in water and sediments were observed immediately after dam breakage, but the levels exhibited a decreasing trend over time, although the levels of some elements such as As and Mn remained high in the upper DRB. The geochemical indices indicated mostly low to moderate contamination, and the enrichment factor (EF) demonstrated a higher enrichment of Mn in the upper DRB. Acute toxicity to water fleas (D. similis and D. magna) was occasionally observed in waters and sediments, but the reference samples were toxic, and the short-term effects were not correlated with metals and As. Overall, the results showed limited bioavailability of metals and As and a decreasing trend in their concentrations, indicating an ongoing recovery process in DRB. These results are important to decision-making regarding the disaster and actions for environmental restoration.

Qualidade de vida de trabalhadoras da saúde no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19 / Quality of life of female health workers in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic / Calidad de vida de las trabajadoras de salud en el contexto de la pandemia de Covid-19

A questão de gênero é apontada como influenciadora do processo de adoecimento, com desafios de conciliação dos papéis da mulher atual. Objetivo: estudar percepção de qualidade de vida de trabalhadoras da saúde no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19, descrevendo dados do cenário vivenciado no processo de enfrentamento institucional. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, com base em atividades de promoção à saúde ocupacional, com adesão exclusivamente feminina, que sofreram modificações com a pandemia. A manutenção das ações ocorreu através de levantamento da qualidade de vida (QV), com questões sociodemográficas associadas ao WHOQOL-Bref da OMS, estruturado em domínios ­ físico, psicológico, relações sociais e meio ambiente ­ e oferta de auriculoterapia, caso necessário. Variáveis foram analisadas com teste Kruskal-Wallis, significância de 5% (p < 0,05) e teste de Spearman, aplicado para correlação entre domínios. Resultados: a QV foi tida como regular na amostra de 119 trabalhadoras, com predominância da faixa etária até 60 anos, casadas, sem fatores de risco, com filhos, todos maiores de 18 na maioria. Observou-se: pior média no domínio de meio ambiente (3,29) e melhor no de relações sociais (3,77); correlação positiva principalmente entre os domínios de meio ambiente com físico e de relações sociais com psicológico; menor QV com fatores de risco (3,47); piores domínios físicos até 60 anos (3,51) e com pelo menos um filho menor de 18 (3,41); indiferenças para número de filhos e situação conjugal. Conclusão: é relevante explorar fatores que interfiram na QV de trabalhadoras, considerando diferenças regionais. A área da saúde é predominantemente feminina, estratégias individuais, coletivas e organizacionais devem ser elaboradas a fim de acompanhar o fluxo e oferecer suporte. Acredita-se que questões inerentes ao domínio de relações sociais possam atuar de forma protetiva para outros domínios, contribuindo para adaptações e enfrentamento diante dos desafios.

The gender issue is identified as influencing the illness process, with challenges in reconciling the roles of the women's current scenario. Objective: to study the perception of quality of life of female health workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, describing data from the scenario experienced in the process of institutional confrontation. Methodology: descriptive study, based on occupational health promotion activities, with exclusively female membership, which underwent changes with the pandemic. The maintenance of actions occurred through the survey of quality of life (Q.L.), with sociodemographic questions associated with the WHOQOL-Bref of the OMS, maintained in domains ­ physical, psychological, social relations and environment ­ and offer of auriculotherapy if it's necessary. Variables were followed with Kruskal- Wallis test, significance of 5% (p < 0.05) and Spearman test, applied for therapy between domains. Results: Q.L. was considered regular in the sample of 119 female workers, with a predominance of the age group up to 60 years old, married, without risk factors, with children, most of them over 18. It was observed: worst average in the environment domain (3.29) and best in social relationships (3.77); positive correlation mainly between the domains of environment with physical and social relationships with psychological; lower Q.L. with risk factors (3.47); worst physical domains up to 60 years old (3.51) and with at least one child under 18 (3.41); indifference to number of children and marital status. Conclusion: it is relevant to explore factors that interfere with the Q.L. of female workers, considering regional differences. The health area is predominantly female, individual, collective and organizational strategies must be developed in order to follow the flow and offer support. It is believed that issues inherent to the domain of social relationships can act in a protective way for other domains, contributing to adaptations and coping with challenges.

La cuestión de género es identificada como influyente en el proceso de la enfermedad, con desafíos en la conciliación de los papeles del escenario actual de las mujeres. Objetivo: estudiar la percepción de calidad de vida de las trabajadoras de salud en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19, describiendo datos del escenario vivido en el proceso de enfrentamiento institucional. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, basado en actividades de promoción de la salud ocupacional, con adhesión exclusivamente femenina, que sufrió cambios con la pandemia. El mantenimiento de las acciones ocurrió a través de la encuesta de calidad de vida (Q.L.), con preguntas sociodemográficas asociadas al WHOQOL-Bref de la OMS, mantenidas en dominios - físico, psicológico, relaciones sociales y ambiente - y oferta de auriculoterapia si fuera necesario. Las variables fueron seguidas con test de Kruskal-Wallis, significancia del 5% (p < 0,05) y test de Spearman, aplicado para terapia entre dominios. Resultados: Q.L. fue considerada regular en la muestra de 119 trabajadoras, con predominio del grupo de edad hasta 60 años, casadas, sin factores de riesgo, con hijos, la mayoría mayor de 18 años. Se observó: peor promedio en el dominio ambiente (3,29) y mejor en relaciones sociales (3,77); correlación positiva principalmente entre los dominios ambiente con físico y relaciones sociales con psicológico; menor Q.L. con factores de riesgo (3,47); peores dominios físico hasta 60 años (3,51) y con al menos un hijo menor de 18 años (3,41); indiferencia por número de hijos y estado civil. Conclusión: es relevante explorar los factores que interfieren en la Q.L. de las trabajadoras, considerando las diferencias regionales. El área de salud es predominantemente femenina, se deben desarrollar estrategias individuales, colectivas y organizacionales para acompañar el flujo y ofrecer apoyo. Se considera que cuestiones inherentes al dominio de las relaciones sociales pueden actuar de forma protectora para otros dominios, contribuyendo para adaptaciones y enfrentamiento de desafíos.

Prevalence of sarcopenia using different methods in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a clinical condition associated with several liver diseases and it includes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in its broad spectrum as steatosis, steatohepatitis and fibrosis. However, the criteria to define sarcopenia are diverse, and even those established in consensus have been discussed regarding their performance in making an accurate diagnosis. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia, using different methods, in patients with NAFLD, and its association with clinical-anthropometric parameters. METHODS: This was an observational study of outpatients with NAFLD. Sarcopenia was defined by the European Working Group Consensus on Sarcopenia in Older People of 2010 (EWGSOP1) and 2018 (EWGSOP2). The skeletal muscle index was used to estimate muscle mass, handgrip strength was assessed using the dynamometer and physical performance by walking a distance of four meters at usual walking speed. The non-invasive fibrosis scores, fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index and Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), were used to assess the absence and presence of fibrosis. RESULTS: Fifty-seven individuals with NAFLD were evaluated, the mean age (SD) was 52.7 (11.3) years and 75.4% were female. Fibrosis assessed by FIB-4 and APRI was observed in 3.7% and 16.6% of patients with NAFLD, respectively. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was identified only by EWGSOP1 in 3.5% of NAFLD patients, and the prevalence of probable/pre-sarcopenia was higher using the EWGSOP2 consensus at 26.3%, when compared to 1.8% with EWGSOP1. Sarcopenia defined by EWGSOP1, was associated with grade I steatosis, but without overweight (P < 0.05). An association between sarcopenia and fibrosis was not observed (P > 0.05). EWGSOP2 showed a greater number of patients with probable sarcopenia, and who were overweight (12 (80.0%)), with a higher degree of steatosis [11 (73.3%) and presence of fibrosis (1 (6.7%), FIB-4 and 3 (20.0%), APRI] compared to EWGSOP1 [1 (100%), 0 (0.0%), 0 (0.0%), FIB-4 and 0 (0.0%), APRI, respectively]. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that sarcopenia in NAFLD was not predominant in patients without fibrosis, by both diagnostic methods. In addition, the prevalence of probable sarcopenia also depends on the method applied.

Univariate or multivariate approaches for histopathological biomarkers in the context of environmental quality assessments?

Although the simplification of multivariate histopathological data into univariate indices can be useful for the assessment of environmental quality, this implies a great loss of information. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness, in the context of environmental quality assessment, of an approach that integrates individual histopathological responses in a discriminated manner with the results of contaminants by means of multivariate analyses. This analysis was compared to the diagnosis of environmental quality provided by the use of the univariate Bernet histopathological index. Contaminant loads (sediments and fish) and the liver histopathology of Cathorops spixii were integrated through multivariate analysis. Integrated individual histopathological responses allowed classifying environmental quality from more to less impacted sites, while the univariate index showed some inconsistencies with chemical loads and allowed identifying only the most impacted site.

Functional mobility in Parkinson's disease: associations with motor and non-motor symptoms / Mobilidade funcional em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson: associações com alterações motoras e não motoras

Functional mobility (FM) is the ability of people to move in different environments, including at home, at work, and in the community, in order to perform functional activities or tasks, independently and safely. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate which motor and/or non-motor symptoms (severity of the motor symptoms, depressive symptoms, and fatigue) have the greatest impact on FM assessed by Modified Parkinson Activity Scale (mPAS) in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Method: The outcome of interest was FM assessed by mPAS, which includes 14 activities covering three domains (chair transfers, gait akinesia, and bed mobility). Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Parkinson's Disease Fatigue Scale-16 (PFS-16) were used. Results: Forty-four individuals (age: 65±11 years) with PD (PD duration: 7±4 years) were eligible to take part in this cross-sectional, exploratory study. The motor symptoms alone explained 36% (F= 17.85, p<0.001) of the variance in the FM scores. When depressive symptoms were included in the model, the explained variance increased to 45% (F= 12.77, p<0.001). This indicated that individuals who had lower motor and depressive symptoms were less likely to have limitations in FM. Conclusion: The findings of the present study demonstrated that motor symptoms were the best potential predictor of FM in individuals with PD, according to mPAS scores. Additionally, the presence of depressive symptoms should not be overlooked.

Mobilidade funcional (MF) é a capacidade das pessoas de se movimentarem em diferentes ambientes, incluindo em casa, no trabalho e na comunidade, a fim de realizar atividades ou tarefas funcionais, de forma independente e segura. Objetivo: Investigar quais variáveis (gravidade das alterações motoras, sintomas depressivos e fadiga) têm maior impacto na MF avaliada por meio da Escala Modificada de Atividade em Parkinson (mPAS) em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson (DP). Método: A MF avaliada por meio da mPAS, que inclui 14 atividades em três domínios (transferências de cadeira, acinesia da marcha, mobilidade na cama). Escala Unificada de Avaliação da Doença de Parkinson (UPDRS) Parte III, Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI) e Escala de Fadiga da Doença de Parkinson-16 (PFS-16) foram usados. Resultados: 45 indivíduos (idade: 65 ± 11 anos) com DP (duração do DP: 7 ± 4 anos) participaram deste estudo transversal e exploratório. A gravidade das alterações motoras explicou 36% (F= 17,85, p <0,001) da variância nos escores de MF. Quando os sintomas depressivos foram incluídos no modelo, a variância explicada aumentou para 45% (F= 12,77, p <0,001). Isso indicou que indivíduos com menor gravidade das alterações motoras e sintomas depressivos eram menos propensos a ter limitações na MF. Conclusão: As alterações motoras foram o principal preditor da MF em indivíduos com DP, de acordo com os escores da mPAS. Além disso, a presença de sintomas depressivos não deve ser negligenciada.

Integrating multiple lines of evidence of sediment quality in a tropical bay (Guanabara Bay, Brazil).

The present study evaluated the ecological risk of metal contamination in sediments of Guanabara Bay (GB) by combining multiple lines of evidence (LOEs). Chemical analysis and a set of whole-sediment toxicity assays were conducted with Tiburonella viscana, Kalliapseudes schubartii, Anomalocardia flexuosa, and Nitocra sp. Results were integrated by multivariate analysis and qualitative methods. Additionally, a whole-sediment Toxicity Identification Evaluation technique (TIE) was applied to identify the chemical groups responsible for the effects. Sediments from harbor and industrial areas exhibited toxicity linked to moderate to high concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cu and Cr. The TIE technique confirmed such effects, but it also indicates the contribution of ammonia and organic compounds to the observed toxicity. Our results demonstrate that the combination of multiple LOEs improves the effectiveness of environmental risk assessment of chemical stressors and management of coastal ecosystems in tropical regions.

Levels of metals and toxicity in sediments from a Ramsar site influenced by former mining activities.

This study aimed to evaluate the sediment quality in a Ramsar site located in the Southeast Brazil, by using several lines of evidence (LOEs). Chemical and sedimentological analyses, ecotoxicological tests, and whole-sediment Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) were performed. The sediments were predominantly composed of fine sands and muds. Higher concentrations of metals in the sediments collected close to Iguape were observed; however according to the SEM/AVS analyses, most sediments should not be toxic and the potentially toxic samples could occur along the whole channel. In fact, sediments of most stations were toxic in at least one survey. The PCA revealed associations between mud, metals and toxicity. Acutely toxic sediments presented Pb concentrations above the threshold effect levels, while chronic toxicity seemed to be influenced also by SEM. The most contaminated and toxic areas are not necessarily those located close to the primary sources, but are actually those with finer sediments. Toxicity Identification and Evaluation (TIE) showed that metals and ammonia were responsible for the toxicity. The results suggest that metals from former mining areas located at the upper Ribeira de Iguape River are transported to the Cananéia Iguape Peruíbe Protected Area and accumulate in the sediments at potentially toxic levels. The location of muddy and more contaminated sediments appears to move along the estuary, accompanying the displacement of the maximum turbidity zone, which, in turn, depends on seasonal freshwater inputs. The results also showed that using several lines of evidences to asses contamination in a protected area provides reliable information to subsidise further actions to control the sources of contaminants.

Frequency and association of mitochondrial genetic variants with neurological disorders.

Mitochondria are small cytosolic organelles and the main source of energy production for the cells, especially in the brain. This organelle has its own genome, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and genetic variants in this molecule can alter the normal energy metabolism in the brain, contributing to the development of a wide assortment of Neurological Disorders (ND), including neurodevelopmental syndromes, neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders. These ND are comprised by a heterogeneous group of syndromes and diseases that encompass different cognitive phenotypes and behavioral disorders, such as autism, Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Huntington disease, Leigh Syndrome and bipolar disorder. In this work we carried out a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify and describe the mitochondrial genetic variants associated with the occurrence of ND. Most of genetic variants found in mtDNA were associated with Single Nucleotide Polimorphisms (SNPs), ~79%, with ~15% corresponding to deletions, ~3% to Copy Number Variations (CNVs), ~2% to insertions and another 1% included mtDNA replication problems and genetic rearrangements. We also found that most of the variants were associated with coding regions of mitochondrial proteins but were also found in regulatory transcripts (tRNA and rRNA) and in the D-Loop replication region of the mtDNA. After analysis of mtDNA deletions and CNV, none of them occur in the D-Loop region. This SLR shows that all transcribed mtDNA molecules have mutations correlated with ND. Finally, we describe that all mtDNA variants found were associated with deterioration of cognitive (dementia) and intellectual functions, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and personality and behavior problems.

Investigação sobre a influência do uso de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual na habilidade de resolução temporal de um grupo de idosos / Investigation on the influence of the use of individual sound amplification apparatus on the temporal resolution ability of a group of elderly people / Investigación sobre una influencia del uso de la amplificación sonora individual en la habilidad de resolución temporal de un grupo de adultos mayores

Introdução: A habilidade auditiva de resolução temporal é caracterizada pela percepção de silêncio entre sons apresentados em função do tempo. Os idosos ouvintes normais e usuários de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual (AASI) necessitam de intervalos de tempo maior que jovens ouvintes normais para perceber o intervalo de silêncio entre os sons. Objetivo: Investigar a influência do uso de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual na habilidade de resolução temporal de um grupo de idosos. Método: A amostra foi composta por 40 idosos portadores de perda auditiva neurossensorial, simétrica de grau leve, moderado e severo bilateralmente que receberam seu par de AASI por meio do programa de saúde auditiva. Foram aplicados os testes do mini exame do estado mental (MMSE), teste de detecção de intervalo de silêncio aleatório (RGDT) e questionário Internacional de Avaliação dos Aparelhos de Amplificação Sonora Individual (QI-AASI). Os dados foram coletados com 15 e 90 dias de uso do AASI. Resultados: Comparando os resultados do teste RGDT antes e depois do uso de AASI observouse melhora no desempenho dos idosos. No entanto, as variáveis: sexo, idade, desempenho cognitivo e satisfação do uso de AASI não foram estatisticamente significantes para a melhora nos resultados do teste RGDT. Conclusão: O uso de AASI em idosos, por si só foi eficiente na melhora do desempenho da habilidade auditiva de resolução temporal.

Introduction: The temporal resolution auditory ability is characterized by the perception of silence between sounds presented as a function of time. Older normal listeners and users of individual sound amplification apparatus (AASI) need longer time intervals than normal young listeners to realize the silence interval between sounds. Objective: To investigate the influence of the use of individual sound amplification equipment on the temporal resolution ability of a group of elderly individuals. Method: The sample consisted of 40 elderly patients with mild, moderate and severe bilateral neurosensory hearing loss who received their hearing aid pair through the hearing health program. The mini mental state examination (MMSE), the RGDT test and the International Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Individual Sound Amplification Apparatus (IQ-AASI) were applied. The data were collected with 15 and 90 days of use of the hearing aid. Results: Comparing the results of the RGDT test before and after the use of AASI, it was observed an improvement in the performance of the elderly. However, the variables: gender, age, cognitive performance and satisfaction of the use of HAI were not statistically significant for the improvement in the results of the RGDT test. Conclusion: The use of hearing aids in the elderly was efficient by itself in improving the performance of temporal resolution hearing ability.

Introducción: La habilidad auditiva de resolución temporal se caracteriza por la percepción de silencio entre sonidos presentados en función del tiempo. Los adultos mayores oyentes normales y usuarios de aparatos de amplificación sonora individual (AASI) necesitan intervalos de tiempo mayor que los jóvenes oyentes normales para percibir el intervalo de silencio entre los sonidos. Objetivo: Investigar la influencia del uso de aparato de amplificación sonora individual en la habilidad de resolución temporal de un grupo de adultos mayores. Método: La muestra fue compuesta por 40 adultos mayores portadores de pérdida auditiva neurosensorial, simétrica de grado leve, moderado y severo bilateralmente que recibieron su par de AASI por medio del programa de salud auditiva. Se aplicaron las pruebas del mini examen de estado mental (MMSE), prueba de detección de intervalo de silencio aleatorio (RGDT) y Cuestionario Internacional de Evaluación de los Aparatos de Amplificación de Sonido Individual (QI-AASI). Los datos fueron recolectados con 15 y 90 días de uso del AASI. Resultados: Comparando los resultados de la prueba RGDT antes y después del uso de AASI se observó una mejora en el desempeño de los adultos mayores. Sin embargo, las variables: sexo, edad, desempeño cognitivo y satisfacción del uso de AASI no fueron estadísticamente significantes para la mejora en los resultados de la prueba RGDT. Conclusión: El uso de AASI en adultos mayores, por sí solo, fue eficiente en la mejora del desempeño de la capacidad auditiva de resolución temporal.

Metals and arsenic in fish from a Ramsar site under past and present human pressures: Consumption risk factors to the local population.

The risk of metals and As in seafood for traditional populations living in a Marine Protected Areas (MPA) is seldom assessed, although the risk of human exposure to contaminants is one of the indicators associated with the socioeconomic goals of MPAs. The current study aimed to estimate the potential risk of some metals (Cd, Pb, and Zn) and arsenic (As) for human health through the ingestion of fish locally harvested in a Ramsar site, the Cananéia-Iguape-Peruíbe Environmental Protected Area (APA-CIP). Previous studies showed environmental impacts in this area due to former mining activities and urbanization. Cathorops spixii, a catfish largely consumed by the local population, was collected along the estuary in three seasons with different rain regimes. Metals and As loads in muscle tissue were quantified and it was estimated (i) the target hazard quotient (THQ) and (ii) the daily intake (EDI) for metals and As, (iii) the cancer risk (CRisk) only for As, and (iv) the number of eligible meals per month. Cd, Pb, and As were found at concentrations above action levels for human consumption. Depending on the level of exposure of the local population, the consumption of C. spixii may pose risk to human health. Highest THQs were estimated for fish collected in sites closer to the main contamination sources in the APA-CIP, i.e. the mouth of Ribeira de Iguape River (P1) and the city of Cananéia (P4, P5, and P6). Arsenic showed high levels of cancer risk, although restricted to the area close to the city. The exposure of the local population to metal and As contaminated seafood cannot be disregarded in environmental studies and management of the APA-CIP.

Using an integrated approach to assess the sediment quality of an estuary from the semi-arid coast of Brazil.

The Jundiaí-Potengi Estuary (JPE) on the semi-arid coast of Brazil is influenced by multiple sources of pollution. Sediment quality at 10 JPE sites was evaluated through an integrated approach. Rainy and dry seasons were considered. Collected sediments were analyzed for texture, metal, nitrogen, phosphorus concentrations, and toxicity to invertebrates. Geochemical and ecotoxicological data were integrated using qualitative approaches and multivariate techniques. We observed decreased sediment quality in both seasons, particularly in the mid-estuary. In the dry season, the contamination-toxicity relationship was clearer, as hydrological conditions favor contaminant retention within the estuary. Rainy season conditions were found to be worse, since stormwater drainage from agricultural and urban areas carries the contamination into the estuary. Because of the contamination sources and dissolved and particle-bound metal transport, contamination and toxicity did not correlate as clearly in the rainy season. The results suggest that unmeasured contaminants are contributing to JPE sediment degradation.

Assessing genotoxic effects in fish from a marine protected area influenced by former mining activities and other stressors.

The goal of the current study was to evaluate different genotoxicity tools in order to assess a marine protected area (MPA) affected by former mining activities and urban settlements. A catfish (Cathorops spixii) was analyzed for genotoxic effects at the (i) molecular and at the (ii) chromosomal levels. Through factor analysis, genotoxicity was found to be linked to levels of metals bioaccumulated and PAH metabolites in the bile. Micronucleus and nuclear alteration were less vulnerable to the effects of confounding factors in mildly contaminated areas since they were more frequently associated with bioaccumulated metals than the DNA analysis. The different genotoxicity responses allowed for the identification of sources of pollution in the MPA. This approach was important for detecting environmental risks related to genotoxic contaminants in a mildly contaminated MPA.

Assessing pollution in marine protected areas: the role of a multi-biomarker and multi-organ approach.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are vulnerable to many pressures, including pollution. However, environmental quality monitoring in these areas traditionally relies on only water chemistry and microbiological parameters. The goal of the current study was to investigate the role of a set of biomarkers in different target organs (liver, kidney, and gills) of fish in order to assess the environmental quality of an MPA (MTs, GPx, GST, GSH, DNA damage, LPO, AChE, and condition index). Chemical analyses were also performed on liver and muscle tissues to evaluate metal body burdens, and PAHs were identified in bile. A demersal fish (Cathorops spixii) that is widely consumed by the local population was used as bioindicator species, and the results were integrated using multivariate analysis. The use of the biomarker approach allowed for the identification of both seasonal and spatial variations in pollution sources around the Environmental Protected Area of Cananéia-Iguape-Peruíbe (APA-CIP). Higher metal body burdens associated with biological responses were found in the sites under the influence of urban areas during the dry season, and they were found in the sites under the influence of the Ribeira de Iguape River (RIR) during the rainy season. The liver was found to be more responsive in terms of its antioxidant responses, whereas gills were found to be more responsive to biomarkers of effect. These results show that this set of biomarker analyses in different organs of fish is a useful tool for assessing chemical pollution in an MPA.

O povo de rua em terreiros de umbanda da cidade do Rio de Janeiro / The povo de rua (street people) in umbanda temples of Rio de Janeiro city

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as visões circulantes em terreiros de umbanda da cidade do Rio de Janeiro a respeito do chamado povo de rua. Para tal, utiliza como base a teoria das representações sociais e observações participantes. Três das casas observadas, que possuem perfis diversos, foram escolhidas para estudos de caso. Os resultados mostram que os Exus são compreendidos como as entidades umbandistas de maior afinidade com os encarnados e seu contato com eles, através do trabalho para a caridade, é representado como o que permitirá sua transmutação. As premissas kardecistas da reencarnação e da evolução dos espíritos fazem da noção de movimento o princípio organizador da representação das tipologias umbandistas e do Exu o ícone do estado transitório do ser no caminho evolutivo. Os sentimentos profanos que algumas casas entendem que Exu carrega tornam acessíveis aos adeptos o pensamento e o fazer doutrinário umbandista, chamando-os à mudança.(AU)

The purpose of this article is to analyze the current visions in umbanda temples in Rio de Janeiro city regarding the so-called povo de rua (street people). In order to achieve this goal, we used the theory of social representations and participant observations. Three of the observed temples, which have multiple profiles, were selected for case studies. The results show that the Exu entity is understood as the one that has higher affinity with the incarnated people and that this contact with the people, through charity, is what allows the Exus to transmute. The kardecist assumptions of the reincarnation and the evolution of spirits pose the notion of movement as the organizing principle of umbanda?s typologies and the Exus as the icon of the transitional state of the human being on the evolutionary path. Some temples believe that the Exus spirits have profane feelings which make the thought and the doctrine of umbanda accessible for the believers, in form of a calling for change.(AU)

O povo de rua em terreiros de umbanda da cidade do Rio de Janeiro / The povo de rua (street people) in umbanda temples of Rio de Janeiro city

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as visões circulantes em terreiros de umbanda da cidade do Rio de Janeiro a respeito do chamado povo de rua. Para tal, utiliza como base a teoria das representações sociais e observações participantes. Três das casas observadas, que possuem perfis diversos, foram escolhidas para estudos de caso. Os resultados mostram que os Exus são compreendidos como as entidades umbandistas de maior afinidade com os encarnados e seu contato com eles, através do trabalho para a caridade, é representado como o que permitirá sua transmutação. As premissas kardecistas da reencarnação e da evolução dos espíritos fazem da noção de movimento o princípio organizador da representação das tipologias umbandistas e do Exu o ícone do estado transitório do ser no caminho evolutivo. Os sentimentos profanos que algumas casas entendem que Exu carrega tornam acessíveis aos adeptos o pensamento e o fazer doutrinário umbandista, chamando-os à mudança.(AU)

The purpose of this article is to analyze the current visions in umbanda temples in Rio de Janeiro city regarding the so-called povo de rua (street people). In order to achieve this goal, we used the theory of social representations and participant observations. Three of the observed temples, which have multiple profiles, were selected for case studies. The results show that the Exu entity is understood as the one that has higher affinity with the incarnated people and that this contact with the people, through charity, is what allows the Exus to transmute. The kardecist assumptions of the reincarnation and the evolution of spirits pose the notion of movement as the organizing principle of umbanda’s typologies and the Exus as the icon of the transitional state of the human being on the evolutionary path. Some temples believe that the Exus spirits have profane feelings which make the thought and the doctrine of umbanda accessible for the believers, in form of a calling for change.(AU)

Cumulative influences of a small city and former mining activities on the sediment quality of a subtropical estuarine protected area.

This study aimed to evaluate the sediment quality in the estuarine protected area known as Cananéia-Iguape-Peruíbe (CIP-PA), located on the southeastern coast of Brazil. The study was designed considering possible negative effects induced by the city of Cananéia on the sediment quality of surrounding areas. This evaluation was performed using chemical and ecotoxicological analyses. Sediments were predominantly sandy, with low CaCO3 contents. Amounts of organic matter varied, but higher contents occurred closer to the city, as well as did Fe and Total Recoverable Oils and Greases (TROGs) concentrations. Contamination by Cd and Cu was revealed in some samples, while concentrations of Zn were considered low. Chronic toxicity was detected in all tested sediments and acute toxicity occurred only in sediments collected near the city. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed an association among Cd, Cu, Fe, TROG, fines, organic matter, CaCO3, and chronic toxicity, whereas acute toxicity was found to be associated with Zn and mud. However, because Zn levels were low, acute toxicity was likely due to a contaminant that was not measured. Results show that there is a broad area within the CIP-PA that is under the influence of mining activities (chronic toxicity, moderate contamination by metals), whereas poorer conditions occur closer to Cananéia (acute toxicity); thus, the urban area seems to constitute a relevant source of contaminants for the estuarine complex. These results show that contamination is already capable of producing risks for the local aquatic biota, which suggests that the CIP-PA effectiveness in protecting estuarine biota may be threatened.

A eficácia do treinamento auditivo formal em adultos com distúrbio do processamento auditivo (central) / Effectiveness of formal auditory training in adults with auditory processing disorder

OBJETIVO: comparar o desempenho de adultos com distúrbio do processamento auditivo em testes comportamentais pré e pós-treinamento auditivo formal, visando verificar a eficácia desse treinamento. MÉTODOS: trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo quantitativo com 18 indivíduos com distúrbio do processamento auditivo comprovado pela avaliação comportamental, idade entre 16 e 38 anos. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos a um programa de treinamento auditivo formal realizado em oito sessões de 45 minutos cada, duas vezes por semana, cujas sessões foram organizadas em ordem crescente de complexidade visando o treinamento das habilidades auditivas de fechamento auditivo, figura-fundo para frases, palavras, sílabas e sons não verbais e de processamento temporal dos sons (análise da intensidade, duração e frequência dos sons). Foram comparados os resultados dos testes SSW em Português, SSI (MCI) e Reconhecimento de Padrão de Duração e de Frequência obtidos no pré e pós - treinamento auditivo, envolvendo as variáveis: orelha e sexo. RESULTADOS: não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre as orelhas. Tanto homens quanto mulheres quando analisados separadamente demonstraram resultados melhores no pós-treinamento. Estas diferenças foram estatisticamente significantes nos testes de padrão de duração e frequência, para homens e mulheres. No SSW melhora no sexo masculino e no SSI R/S -15 no sexo feminino, respectivamente. Além disso, todos os indivíduos relataram melhor desempenho comunicativo e de atenção no pós-treinamento. CONCLUSÃO: o treinamento auditivo formal melhora as habilidades auditivas de figura - fundo para sons verbais e de processamento temporal medidas por testes comportamentais em adultos diagnosticados com distúrbio de processamento auditivo.

PURPOSE: to compare the performance of adults with auditory processing disorder in behavioral tests before and after formal auditory training, in order to verify the effectiveness of this approach. METHODS: this is a quantitative retrospective study for which we selected 18 individuals with auditory processing disorders evidenced by the behavioral assessment, aged between 16 and 38 years old. All subjects underwent a formal auditory training program conducted in eight sessions of 45 minutes each, twice a week. Sessions were organized in ascending order of complexity of the listening skills srech as, auditory closure, figure-ground for sentences, words, syllables and sounds and nonverbal temporal processing of sounds (analysis of the intensity, duration and frequency). For statistical purposes the results of the SSW test SSI (ICM) and Duration and frequency pattern recognitive obtained before and after auditory training, considering the ear and sex variables. RESULTS: there were no statistically significant differences between the right and left ears. Both men and women when analyzed separately showed better results in post-training. These differences were statistically significant in for duration and frequency pattern tests, for men and women. In SSW improvement in male and SSI R / S -15 females, respectively. In addition, all subjects reported better attention and better communicative performance after auditory training. CONCLUSION: the formal auditory training improves listening skills figure - ground for verbal sounds and temporal processing measured by behavioral tests in adults diagnosed with auditory processing disorders.

Olhares sobre a favela: intervenção junto à Escola de Fotógrafos Populares da Maré / Perspectives on the favela: an experience of intervention in Maré's School of Popular Photographers / Perspectivas sobre la favela: una experiencia de intervención en la Escuela de Fotógrafos Populares de Maré

Este relato descreve uma experiência de intervenção junto a jovens alunos do projeto "Imagens do Povo - Escola de Fotógrafos Populares da Maré". A partir de oficinas psicossociais, promoveu-se a reflexão sobre a diversidade de formas de perceber a favela por meio da valorização do saber do senso comum associado à dimensão do vivido, com base na teoria das representações sociais. Buscou-se colocar em questão quais os contextos produtores das imagens comumente associadas a esses territórios e como a experiência dos participantes do curso de fotografia se traduziria numa prática dedicada à produção de novas imagens sobre as favelas. Os resultados sugerem que a fotografia pode e deve ser usada como um instrumento de transformação social, na medida em que ela põe em cena realidades que necessitam provocar novos entendimentos e impulsiona seu público num mergulho subjetivo de afirmação e ampliação de horizontes.

This report aims to describe a psychosocial intervention with young students of the "Imagens do Povo - Escola de Fotógrafos Populares", a photographer's school, situated in the city of Rio de Janeiro, in favela da Maré. Based on the social representations theory, meetings stimulated the discussion about diversity and different views of the favela, encompassing the common sense and the practical life-experience in the favela. The issues of the intervention addressed the debate about the reproduction of hegemonic representations associated with these areas and to how the participants' experience of photography could produce new images and ideas about this place. The results suggest photography has a broad potential as instrument of social transformation insofar as it can present wide and plural perspectives of the reality.

Este informe describe una experiencia de intervención con jóvenes estudiantes del projecto "Imagens do Povo - Escola de Fotógrafos Populares", una escuela de fotografía, ubicada en la favela da Maré. A partir de talleres psicosociales organizados para reflexionar sobre la diversidad de formas de percibir la favela utilizamos la teoría de las representaciones sociales, explotando el conocimiento del sentido común asociado con el vivir en estos espacios. Hemos tratado de poner en cuestión los contextos productores de las imágenes comunmente asociados con estas áreas y cómo la experiencia de los participantes daría lugar a una práctica dedicada a la producción de nuevas imágenes de las favelas. Los resultados sugieren que la fotografía puede y debe ser un instrumento de transformación social que se pone en escena las realidades que deben conducir a nuevos conocimientos buscando la expansión de los horizontes.

Estratégias para a prevenção do câncer de próstata / Estrategias para la prevención del cáncer de próstata / Strategies for the prevention of prostate cancer

Objetivo: Identificar as dificuldades para a prevenção do câncer de próstata e descrever estratégias para a prevenção deste tipo de câncer. Método: Pesquisa exploratória, qualitativa e bibliográfica realizada na Base de Dados de Enfermagem (BDENF) e na Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS). Após pré-leitura e leitura seletiva, selecionaram-se 8 bibliografias potenciais. Resultados: Após leitura interpretativa e análise temática, emergiram três categorias: Dificuldades políticas organizacionais para a prevenção do câncer de próstata, Dificuldades socioculturais para a prevenção do câncer de próstata e Estratégias para a prevenção do câncer de próstata. Conclusão: As estratégias devem ter como foco a política e a organização dos serviços, de modo que coadunem com a Política Nacional, assim como com a realidade social e cultural do homem. As atividades educativas podem contribuir para minimizar tais dificuldades, diminuindo o preconceito e aumentando a adesão masculina nos serviços de saúde para a prevenção do câncer de próstata.

Objectives: To identify the difficulties for the prevention of prostate cancer and to describe strategies for the prevention of prostate cancer. Method: Exploratory, qualitative and bibliographic research carried out in the Nursing Database (BDENF) and in the Latin-American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS). After pre-reading and selective reading, were selected 8 potential bibliographies. Results: After interpretative and thematic analysis, three categories emerged: Politics and organizational difficulties for the prevention of prostate cancer, Sociocultural difficulties for the prevention of prostate cancer and Strategies for the prevention of prostate cancer. Conclusion: The strategies must have as its focus the politics and the organization of services, to coadunate with the National Politics, as well as with the social and cultural reality of men. The educational activities can contribute to minimize such difficulties, diminishing the prejudices and increasing the male adhesion in the health services for the prevention of prostate cancer.

Objetivo: Identificar las dificultades para la prevención del cáncer de próstata y describir sus estrategias para la prevención de este tipo de cáncer de próstata. Método: Investigación exploratoria, cualitativa y bibliográfica realizada en la base de datos de la enfermería (BDENF) y en la literatura latino-americana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS). Después de la pre-lectura y lectura selectiva, fueron seleccionadas 8 bibliografías potenciales. Resultados:Después de la lectura interpretativa y análisis temática, surgieron tres categorías: dificultades políticas organizativas para la prevención del cáncer de próstata; las dificultades socioculturales para la prevención del cáncer de próstata y; Estrategias para la prevención del cáncer de próstata. Conclusión: Las estrategias deben tener como su foco la política y la organización de los servicios, coherentes con la Política Nacional, así como con la realidad social y cultural del hombre. Actividades educativas pueden contribuir a reducir al mínimo tales dificultades, disminuyendo el prejuicio y aumentando la adhesión masculina en los servicios de salud para la prevención del cáncer de próstata.