Integrating reverse osmosis to a conventional river water treatment plant as a strategy to produce drinking water after mining dam rupture events: a case study.

Incidents of mining dam failure have compromised the water quality, threatening the water supply. Different strategies are sought to restore the impacted area and to guarantee the water supply. One example is water treatment plants that treat high-polluted waters within the required limits for their multiple usages. The current study assesses the integration of reverse osmosis (RO) to a river water treatment plant (RWTP) installed in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais, Brazil) to treat the water from the Ferro-Carvão stream impacted by the B1 dam rupture in 2019. The RWTP started eleven months after the mining dam rupture and is equipped with eight coagulation-flocculation tanks followed by eight pressurised filters. A pilot RO plant was installed to polish the water treated by the RWTP. Water samples were collected at different points of the water treatment plant and were characterised by their physical, chemical, and biological parameters (160 in total). The results were compared with the historical data (1997-2022) to reveal the alterations in the water quality after the rupture event. The compliance with both parameters was only achieved after the RO treatment, which acted as an additional barrier to 30 contaminants. The water quality indexes (WQI) suggested that the raw surface water, even eleven months after the incident, was unfit for consumption (WQI: 133.9) whereas the reverse osmosis permeate was ranked as excellent in the rating grid (WQI: 23.7).

A comprehensive analysis of charge transfer effects on donor-pyrene (bridge)-acceptor systems using different substituents.

The alternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pyrene has photophysical properties that can be tuned with different donor and acceptor substituents. Recently, a D (donor)-Pyrene (bridge)-A (acceptor) system, DPA, with the electron donor N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA), and the electron acceptor trifluoromethylphenyl (TFM), was investigated by means of time-resolved spectroscopic measurements (J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2021, 12, 2226-2231). DPA shows great promise for potential applications in organic electronic devices. In this work, we used the ab initio second-order algebraic diagrammatic construction method ADC(2) to investigate the excited-state properties of a series of analogous DPA systems, including the originally synthesized DPAs. The additionally investigated substituents were amino, fluorine, and methoxy as donors and nitrile and nitro groups as acceptors. The focus of this work was on characterizing the lowest excited singlet states regarding charge transfer (CT) and local excitation (LE) characters. For the DMA-pyrene-TFM system, the ADC(2) calculations show two initial electronic states relevant for interpreting the photodynamics. The bright S1 state is locally excited within the pyrene moiety, and an S2 state is localized ~0.5 eV above S1 and characterized as a donor to pyrene CT state. HOMO and LUMO energies were employed to assess the efficiency of the DPA compounds for organic photovoltaics (OPVs). HOMO-LUMO and optical gaps were used to estimate power conversion and light-harvesting efficiencies for practical applications in organic solar cells. Considering the systems using smaller D/A substituents, compounds with the strong acceptor NO2 substituent group show enhanced CT and promising properties for use in OPVs. Some of the other compounds with small substituents are also found to be competitive in this regard.

A conceptual model to establish preventive and corrective actions to guarantee water safety following scenarios of tailing dam failure.

One of the impacts related to mining dam failures is the change in water quality downstream of the rupture and a knowledge gap is observed in terms of methodologies aimed at the prognosis of impact in water abstractions, a vulnerability that can be identified before a rupture event. Thus, the present work aims to describe a novel methodological proposal, not currently considered by control agencies, of a standard protocol that enables a comprehensive prognosis of the impacts on water quality impact in scenarios of dam failure. Initially, extensive bibliographic research was carried out on the main disruptions events since 1965 intended to better comprehend the impacts on water quality and to identify mitigatory actions proposed by the time. The information provided a framework to propose a conceptual model for the prognosis of water abstractions, with the suggestion of software and studies to comprehend the different scenarios in the event of dam failure. A protocol was prepared to obtain information on potentially affected inhabitants and a multicriteria analysis was developed using the Geographic Information System (GIS) to suggest the employment of preventive and corrective actions. The methodology was demonstrated in the Velhas River basin considering a hypothetical scenario of tailing dam failure. Changes in water quality would be observed in 274 km of its extension, mainly related to alterations in solids, metals, and metalloids' concentration, in addition to the impact on important water treatment plants. The map algebra and the results suggest the need for structuring actions in cases where the water abstraction is intended for human supply and in populations greater than 100,000 inhabitants. Populations smaller than these, or usages other than human supply, could be supplied by water tank trucks or mixed alternatives. The methodology pointed out the necessity for structuring supply actions with due notice, with the potential to prevent water shortages in scenarios of tailing dam failure and to complement the enterprise resource planning of mining companies.

Treatment of Extensive Soft Tissue Injury with Polypropylene Prosthesis: A Case Study.

Injuries with exposure of soft tissue are frequent in orthopaedics. Innovative therapies using prosthesis as an auxiliary material to treat this type of injury are under development, aiming to overcome applicability and execution limitations of myocutaneous flap techniques. Figueiredo's technique uses a polypropylene prosthesis extracted from sterile saline to treat trauma at the fingertip. It is an alternative technique with a high success rate, reproducible, low cost and easy to apply. This article reports a case of foot injury with exposure of soft tissue treated with a treatment similar to Figueiredo's technique. The patient was admitted with a large and contaminated skin wound, muscle damage, tendon exposure, cuboid fracture and bone loss. Initially, debridement was performed. After 72 hours, a polypropylene prosthesis extracted from a sterile saline bottle was implanted and subsequently replaced after 60 days. After 76 days, the prosthesis was removed. There was no infection. 8 months later, there was total healing by second intention. The patient's motor and sensory functions were preserved. This case study shows that Figueiredo's technique can also be employed in more extensive injuries, representing an alternative to using myocutaneous flaps. The polypropylene prosthesis is extremely affordable, which enables resolution of cases in a greater number of services. This technique still offers the best aesthetic result and does not compromise other body regions.

Membrane technology as an emergency response against drinking water shortage in scenarios of dam failure.

With dam failure events, there can be changes in water quality and difficulties in the operation of water treatment plants (WTPs) since they were not designed for water treatment under severe pollution conditions. To avoid that, it was investigated two strategies based on pre-oxidation, ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) integrated into a conventional treatment process (coagulation, flocculation, and sand filtration) or with each other, with the potential to reduce the risks of drinking water shortage and guarantee a safe drinking water supply. The study considered the context of the Velhas river basin (Brazil), where water quality is compromised by high turbidities (500-3000 NTU) and excessive arsenic (∼0.4 mg/L), iron (∼50 mg/L), and manganese (∼3 mg/L) levels. They were only partially removed by conventional treatments (removals: 74 ± 21%) and potability standards were only achieved after the membrane separation processes were considered (As: <0.01 mg/L, Mn: <0.1 mg/L, and Fe: <0.3 mg/L). The high water quality after RO enables its blend with the stream obtained after sand filters and would allow for greater flexibility during the operation of WTPs operation. Despite the susceptibility to fouling and most frequent maintenance, the pre-oxidation-UF-RO system would also guarantee a safe drinking water supply. The decision for the most adequate strategy was then based on a multicriteria analysis. A retrofit of conventional WTPs by their integration with UF-RO was classified as the best strategy for centralized facilities, whereas pre-oxidation-UF-RO better fits the reality of decentralized treatments given the lower costs and deployment time. The methodology based on multicriteria analysis and water treatment technologies, exemplified by membranes in this study, presented satisfactory results for different scenarios of critical treatment.

History of tailings dam failure: Impacts on access to safe water and influence on the legislative framework.

Tailings dams have been built since 3000 BCE and despite the advancement of construction methods, mainly in the second half of the 21st century, their ruptures were still recorded. The main direct impacts are related to the loss of human lives, impairment of physical structures and changes in water quality. In this review, different dam failure events were critically analyzed considering their social and environmental impacts, besides the gaps in current regulations framework to appropriately charge the companies involved. These aspects differ the current review paper from those currently available, which also present advancements in the discussion of actions taken after the ruptures, the impacts on water quality, and the challenges related to the water supply. It has been noticed a lack of studies and methodologies capable to predict the water quality under scenarios of tailings contamination. Studies covering that aspect would be an important tool for planning emergency responses by stakeholders. With that in mind, the article discloses the pathway toward an effective strategy in scenarios of tailing dam failure that would mitigate the impacts on water quality and guarantee access to safe water.

Minor psychiatric disorders and the work context of Civil Police: a mixed method study / Distúrbios psíquicos menores e o contexto de trabalho da Polícia Civil: um estudo de método misto

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the association between the work context and the presence of Minor Psychiatric Disorders (MPD) in Civil Police officers from Porto Alegre, Brazil. Methods: This is a mixed, sequential and exploratory study. The sample was constituted by 237 police officers for the quantitative stage, and 20 for the qualitative stage. General worker's data, lifestyle and information about the work were asked, and the Self-Report Questionnaire-20 instrument was applied. In the qualitative stage, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were carried out. For quantitative data, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results: The prevalence of minor psychiatric disorders was 26.2% (n = 62). Accelerated work pace (PR = 1.535; 95%CI = 0.911-2.605), health treatment (PR = 1.752; 95%CI = 0.987-3.010) and psychological treatment (PR = 2.704; 95%CI = 1.604-4.516) were associated with a higher prevalence of MPD. While, police officers with the following characteristics: most motivation at work (PR = 0.721; 95%CI = 0.579-0.897), more eight hours of sleep per day (PR = 0.747; 95%CI = 0.574-0.971), healthy eating (PR = 0.545; 95%CI = 0.320-0.946) and having children (PR = 0.731; 95%CI = 0.523-0.986) were associated with a lower prevalence of MPD. In the qualitative stage, two categories and four subcategories emerged related to the work context and the psychiatric changes in the police officers: "Work context of the Civil Police" and "Work and psychiatric changes". Conclusion: A high prevalence of MPDs was evidenced, as well as their association with the work context.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre o contexto de trabalho e a presença de Distúrbios Psíquicos Menores (DPM) em Policiais Civis de Porto Alegre, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo misto, sequencial e exploratório. A amostra foi de 237 policiais para a etapa quantitativa e de 20 para a etapa qualitativa. O instrumento de pesquisa continha dados gerais do trabalhador e do estilo de vida, informações laborais e o Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20. Na etapa qualitativa, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas e análise temática. Para os dados quantitativos, utilizou-se estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: A prevalência de distúrbios psiquiátricos menores foi de 26,2% (n = 62). As variáveis ritmo de trabalho acelerado (RP = 1,535; IC95% = 0,911-2,605), tratamento de saúde (RP = 1,752; IC95% = 0,987-3,010) e tratamento psicológico (RP = 2,704; IC95% = 1,604-4,516) associaram-se a maior prevalência de DPM. Os policiais com maior motivação no trabalho (RP = 0,721; IC95% = 0,579-0,897), mais de oito horas de sono por dia (RP = 0,747; IC95% = 0,574-0,971), alimentação saudável (RP = 0,545; IC95% = 0,320-0,946) e com filhos (RP = 0,731; IC95% = 0,523-0,986) associaram-se a menor prevalência de DPM. Na etapa qualitativa, emergiram duas categorias e quatro subcategorias relacionadas ao contexto de trabalho e às mudanças psiquiátricas nos policiais: "Contexto de trabalho da Polícia Civil" e "Trabalho e mudanças psiquiátricas". Conclusão: Evidenciou-se a alta prevalência de DPM, bem como sua associação com o contexto de trabalho.

Prevalência e características da disfunção temporomandibular de pacientes de uma clínica escola de Odontologia / Prevalence and characteristics of temporomandibular dysfunction of patients in a Dentistry clinic-school

Objetivos: determinar a prevalência da disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) em pacientes de uma clínica escola de Odontologia, descrever o perfil epidemiológico da amostra analisada, caracterizar o grau dessas disfunções e identificar os sinais e sintomas orofaciais mais frequentes. Método: estudo epidemiológico, do tipo transversal, que avaliou pacientes da Clínica Escola de Odontologia da Universidade de Rio Verde, GO. A pesquisa foi realizada através de três questionários: Índice Anamnésico Simplificado de Fonseca (IASF), Questionário para Triagem para Dor Orofacial (QTDO), questionário sociodemográfico e econômico. Resultados: foram analisados 200 pacientes, dentre os quais 78,5% apresentaram algum grau de DTM, sendo o mais prevalente a DTM de leve intensidade, presente em 38% da amostra. Conclusão: nesse cenário, conclui- -se que a maioria dos participantes apresentou DTM, sendo que a intervenção multidisciplinar seria de suma relevância no tratamento, podendo oferecer uma abordagem mais completa e com melhores resultados.(AU)

Objectives: to determine the prevalence of TMD in patients at a dental school clinic, as well as describe its epidemiological profile for the evaluated sample, characterizing the degree of this dysfunction and identifying the most frequent orofacial signs and symptoms. Method: it is an epidemiological, cross-sectional study that evaluated patients at the School of Dentistry clinic, University of Rio Verde, GO, Brazil. The study was carried out using three questionnaires: Simplified Fonseca Anamnesis Index (SFAI), Orofacial Pain Screening Questionnaire (OPSQ), and the socio-demographic and economic questionnaire. Results: 200 patients were evaluated, among which 78.5% had some degree of TMD, the most prevalent being mild TMD, present in 38% of the sample. Conclusion: most participants had TMD, and multidisciplinary intervention would be of paramount importance in the treatment, being able to offer a more complete approach and with better results.(AU)

Aluminum tolerance mechanisms in Kenyan maize germplasm are independent from the citrate transporter ZmMATE1.

Aluminum (Al) toxicity on acid soils adversely affects maize yields, which can be overcome by combining soil amendments with genetic tolerance. In maize, ZmMATE1 confers Al tolerance via Al-activated citrate release, whereby citrate forms non-toxic complexes with Al3+ in the rhizosphere. Here, we investigated Al tolerance mechanisms in maize germplasm originated from Kenya based on quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. Five QTLs and four epistatic interactions explained ~51% of the phenotypic variation for Al tolerance. The lack of Al tolerance QTL on chromosome 6 and the much lower expression of ZmMATE1 in both Kenyan lines than in Cateto Al237, which donates the superior allele of ZmMATE1, strongly indicate that this gene does not play a significant role in Al tolerance in neither parent. In turn, maize homologs to genes previously implicated in Al tolerance in other species, ZmNrat1, ZmMATE3, ZmWRKY and ZmART1, co-localized with Al tolerance QTL and were more highly expressed in the parent that donate favorable QTL alleles. However, these candidate genes will require further studies for functional validation on maize Al tolerance. The existence of Al tolerance mechanisms independent from ZmMATE1 suggests it is possible to develop highly Al tolerant cultivars by pyramiding complementary Al tolerance genes in maize.

Evidence of Müller Glia Conversion Into Retina Ganglion Cells Using Neurogenin2.

Degenerative retinopathies are the leading causes of irreversible visual impairment in the elderly, affecting hundreds of millions of patients. Müller glia cells (MGC), the main type of glia found in the vertebrate retina, can resume proliferation in the rodent adult injured retina but contribute weakly to tissue repair when compared to zebrafish retina. However, postnatal and adult mouse MGC can be genetically reprogrammed through the expression of the transcription factor (TF) Achaete-scute homolog 1 (ASCL1) into induced neurons (iNs), displaying key hallmarks of photoreceptors, bipolar and amacrine cells, which may contribute to regenerate the damaged retina. Here, we show that the TF neurogenin 2 (NEUROG2) is also sufficient to lineage-reprogram postnatal mouse MGC into iNs. The efficiency of MGC lineage conversion by NEUROG2 is similar to that observed after expression of ASCL1 and both TFs induce the generation of functionally active iNs. Treatment of MGC cultures with EGF and FGF2 prior to Neurog2 or Ascl1 expression enhances reprogramming efficiencies, what can be at least partially explained by an increase in the frequency of MGCs expressing sex determining region Y (SRY)-box 2 (SOX2). Transduction of either Neurog2 or Ascl1 led to the upregulation of key retina neuronal genes in MGC-derived iNs, but only NEUROG2 induced a consistent increase in the expression of putative retinal ganglion cell (RGC) genes. Moreover, in vivo electroporation of Neurog2 in late progenitors from the neonatal rat retina, which are transcriptionally similar to MGCs, also induced a shift in the generation of retinal cell subtypes, favoring neuronal differentiation at the expense of MGCs and resuming the generation of RGCs. Altogether, our data indicate that NEUROG2 induces lineage conversion of postnatal rodent MGCs into RGC-like iNs in vitro and resumes the generation of this neuronal type from late progenitors of the retina in vivo.

Neuroprotective effects of erythropoietin on rat retinas subjected to oligemia.

OBJECTIVES: Erythropoietin may have neuroprotective potential after ischemia of the central nervous system. Here, we conducted a study to characterize the protective effects of erythropoietin on retinal ganglion cells and gliotic reactions in an experimentally induced oligemia model. METHODS: Rats were subjected to global oligemia by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and then received either vehicle or erythropoietin via intravitreal injection after 48 h; they were euthanized one week after the injection. The densities of retinal ganglion cells and contents of glial fibrillary acidic protein (astrocytes/Müller cells) and cluster of differentiation 68 clone ED1 (microglia/macrophages), assessed by fluorescence intensity, were evaluated in frozen retinal sections by immunofluorescence and epifluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Retinal ganglion cells were nearly undetectable one week after oligemia compared with the sham controls; however, these cells were partially preserved in erythropoietin-treated retinas. The contents of glial fibrillary acidic protein and cluster of differentiation 68 clone ED1, markers for reactive gliosis, were significantly higher in retinas after bilateral common carotid artery occlusion than those in both sham and erythropoietin-treated retinas. CONCLUSIONS: The number of partially preserved retinal ganglion cells in the erythropoietin-treated group suggests that erythropoietin exerts a neuroprotective effect on oligemic/ischemic retinas. This effect could be related to the down-modulation of glial reactivity, usually observed in hypoxic conditions, clinically observed during glaucoma or retinal artery occlusion conditions. Therefore, glial reactivity may enhance neurodegeneration in hypoxic conditions, like normal-tension glaucoma and retinal ischemia, and erythropoietin is thus a candidate to be clinically applied after the detection of decreased retinal blood flow.

Neuroprotective effects of erythropoietin on rat retinas subjected to oligemia

OBJECTIVES: Erythropoietin may have neuroprotective potential after ischemia of the central nervous system. Here, we conducted a study to characterize the protective effects of erythropoietin on retinal ganglion cells and gliotic reactions in an experimentally induced oligemia model. METHODS: Rats were subjected to global oligemia by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and then received either vehicle or erythropoietin via intravitreal injection after 48 h; they were euthanized one week after the injection. The densities of retinal ganglion cells and contents of glial fibrillary acidic protein (astrocytes/Müller cells) and cluster of differentiation 68 clone ED1 (microglia/macrophages), assessed by fluorescence intensity, were evaluated in frozen retinal sections by immunofluorescence and epifluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Retinal ganglion cells were nearly undetectable one week after oligemia compared with the sham controls; however, these cells were partially preserved in erythropoietin-treated retinas. The contents of glial fibrillary acidic protein and cluster of differentiation 68 clone ED1, markers for reactive gliosis, were significantly higher in retinas after bilateral common carotid artery occlusion than those in both sham and erythropoietin-treated retinas. CONCLUSIONS: The number of partially preserved retinal ganglion cells in the erythropoietin-treated group suggests that erythropoietin exerts a neuroprotective effect on oligemic/ischemic retinas. This effect could be related to the down-modulation of glial reactivity, usually observed in hypoxic conditions, clinically observed during glaucoma or retinal artery occlusion conditions. Therefore, glial reactivity may enhance neurodegeneration in hypoxic conditions, like normal-tension glaucoma and retinal ischemia, and erythropoietin is thus a candidate to be clinically applied after the detection of decreased retinal blood flow.

Sistema Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial - GAL: Avaliação de uma ferramenta para a vigilância sentinela de síndrome gripal, Brasil, 2011-2012 / Sistema Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial- GAL: Evaluación de una herramienta para la vigilancia centinela del síndrome gripal, Brasil, 2011-201 / Laboratory Environment Management System - GAL: Assessment of a tool for sentinel surveillance of influenza-like illness, Brazil, 2011-2012

OBJETIVO: avaliar o sistema Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial (GAL) como fonte de dados para a Vigilância Sentinela da Síndrome Gripal (VSSG), no Brasil, nos anos de 2011 e 2012. MÉTODOS: estudo de avaliação do GAL a partir da análise dos atributos simplicidade, flexibilidade, qualidade dos dados, aceitabilidade, representatividade, oportunidade, estabilidade do sistema e sua utilidade para a VSSG, com base no guia de avaliação de sistema de vigilância em saúde pública do Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta/GA, Estados Unidos). RESULTADOS: nos anos de 2011 e 2012, foram registrados 13.765 exames de vírus respiratórios. O GAL mostrou-se simples de estrutura, flexível às mudanças, com boa qualidade de dados, aceitabilidade e oportunidade no acesso aos resultados dos exames, tendo sido representativo e estável em 23 estados. CONCLUSÃO: o sistema é útil no atendimento aos objetivos da VSSG; contudo, recomenda-se realizar ajustes e incentivar a adesão dos estados que não o utilizam.

OBJETIVO: evaluar el Sistema Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial (GAL) como fuente de datos para la vigilancia centinela de la enfermedad tipo influenza (VCETI). MÉTODOS: estudio de evaluación de GAL a partir del análisis de los atributos simplicidad, flexibilidad, calidad de datos, aceptabilidad, representatividad, oportunidad, estabilidad del sistema y su utilidad para VCETI, utilizando los criterios de la guía de evaluación del Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta/GA, EUA). RESULTADOS: el análisis utilizó datos de 2011-2012, en total 13.765 exámenes de virus respiratorios. El GAL demostró tener una estructura simple, flexibilidad al cambio, buena calidad de datos, aceptabilidad y oportunidad en el acceso a los resultados de las pruebas, siendo representativo y estable en 23 de los 27 estados. CONCLUSIÓN: el sistema es útil en el cumplimiento de los objetivos de la vigilancia, sin embargo, se recomienda hacer ajustes y fomentar la adhesión de los Estados que no lo utilizan.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the Brazilian Laboratorial Environment Management System (GAL) as a data source for the Sentinel Surveillance of Influenza-Like Illness (SSILI). METHODS: this is an evaluation study of GAL, through the analysis of its simplicity, flexibility, data quality, acceptability, representativeness, timeliness, stability and usefulness for SSILI, based on the guide for system evaluation in public health of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta/GA, USA). RESULTS: in 2011 and 2012, a total of 13,765 exams for respiratory viruses were registered. GAL presented simple structure, flexibility to changes, good data quality, acceptability and timeliness in the access to test results, being representative and stable in 23 Brazilian states. CONCLUSION: the system is useful in meeting the goals of SSILI; however, there are some recommendations for adjustments and for encouraging the adherence by the states that do not use the system yet.

Laboratory Environment Management System - GAL: Assessment of a tool for sentinel surveillance of influenza-like illness, Brazil, 2011-2012. / Sistema Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial - GAL: Avaliação de uma ferramenta para a vigilância sentinela de síndrome gripal, Brasil, 2011-2012.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the Brazilian Laboratorial Environment Management System (GAL) as a data source for the Sentinel Surveillance of Influenza-Like Illness (SSILI). METHODS: this is an evaluation study of GAL, through the analysis of its simplicity, flexibility, data quality, acceptability, representativeness, timeliness, stability and usefulness for SSILI, based on the guide for system evaluation in public health of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta/GA, USA). RESULTS: in 2011 and 2012, a total of 13,765 exams for respiratory viruses were registered. GAL presented simple structure, flexibility to changes, good data quality, acceptability and timeliness in the access to test results, being representative and stable in 23 Brazilian states. CONCLUSION: the system is useful in meeting the goals of SSILI; however, there are some recommendations for adjustments and for encouraging the adherence by the states that do not use the system yet.

Selective stimulatory action of olfactory ensheathing glia-conditioned medium on oligodendroglial differentiation, with additional reference to signaling mechanisms.

We examined the effects of conditioned medium from olfactory ensheathing glia (OEGCM) on the differentiation of oligodendrocytes in mixed cultures of early postnatal hippocampi. Differentiation was judged from the numerical density (ND) of cells immunoreactive to 2'3' cyclic nucleotide 3'phosphodiesterase (CNPase) and O4 antibodies. NDs increased according to inverted-U dose-response curves, particularly for CNPase+ cells (9-fold at optimal dilution) and these changes were blocked by inhibitors of ERK1, p38-MAPK, and PI3K. Our results raise the possibility that OEG secreted factor(s) may counteract demyelination induced by trauma, neurodegenerative diseases, and advanced age, and should stimulate novel methods to deliver these factors and/or potentiating chemicals.

Sistema Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial: relato de experiência de uma ferramenta transformadora para a gestão laboratorial e vigilância em saúde / Laboratory Environment Management System: account of an experience with a transformational tool for laboratory management and health surveillance

Objetivo: apresentar o relato da experiência de implantação do sistema Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial (GAL) como ferramenta de monitoramento e controle de exames laboratoriais, essencial à gestão e ao acompanhamento dos programas de saúde pública brasileira. Métodos: o GAL foi proposto como ferramenta de monitoramento e controle de exames laboratoriais, essencial à gestão e ao acompanhamento dos programas de saúde pública brasileira. O relato foi elaborado a partir de pesquisa documental. Resultados: o GAL tem favorecido a comunicação da informação, fornecendo subsídios para a melhoria na divulgação dos resultados dos ensaios e exames diagnósticos e planos estratégicos na área de saúde. Conclusão: após a implantação do GAL, houve uma melhora substancial na forma de gestão da informação adotada pelos laboratórios de saúde pública.

Objective: to present a report on the experience of implanting the Laboratory Environment Management (GAL) system as a tool for monitoring and controlling laboratory tests. Methods: GAL has been proposed as a tool for monitoring and controlling laboratory tests, vital to the management and monitoring of public health programs in Brazil. The report was compiled from documentary research. Results: GAL has favoured the communication of information, providing input for improving the dissemination of assay and diagnostic test results as well as strategic plans for health. Conclusion: following GAL’s implantation, there has been a substantial improvement in information management by public health laboratories.