Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the lower limbs among artisanal fisherwomen / shellfish gatherers of Brazil / Prevalência de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos nos membros inferiores de pescadoras artesanais/marisqueiras do Brasil

Introduction: Small-scale fishing is responsible for at least 40% of the fish consumed in the world. In Brazil, the worker in this sector is the artisanal fisherman, who accounts for one in every 200 Brazilians. Artisanal fishing is part of the informal economy; therefore, the pathologies that affect these fishermen are invisible in the country's official statistics. Musculoskeletal disorders represent a major socioeconomic and public health problem, but their prevalence is little known among non-formal workers. Objective: to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the lower limbs and to verify the associated factors among artisanal fishermen/ fisherwomen from Saubara, Bahia, Brazil. Methodology: a cross-sectional study, using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), the Brazilian version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and a questionnaire about physical demands, were used to collect information in a random sample of artisanal fishermen/shellfish gatherers, in 2013. Results: the prevalence of MSDs in lower limbs in the sample was 65.5% (n=137). The prevalence of MSDs in the thigh/knee segment, leg and ankle/foot were 48.7% (n=92), 47.7% (n=95) and 38.1% (n=72), respectively. There was also a high frequency of obesity, poor education, low wages, early age at onset of labor, and excessive workload. Factors such as age, smoking, physical demands, working time, absence of breaks and having had a previous job were associated with MSDs in the lower limbs. Conclusion: the high prevalence of MSDs in lower limbs in female artisanal fishermen indicates the need to develop strategies for prevention, diagnosis and reporting of these diseases.

Introdução: a pesca em pequena escala é responsável por pelo menos 40% do pescado consumido no mundo e, no Brasil, o trabalhador desse setor é o pescador artesanal, que contabiliza um a cada 200 brasileiros. Por se tratar de uma atividade da economia informal, as patologias que afetam esses pescadores são praticamente invisíveis nas estatísticas oficiais do país. Nesse contexto, os distúrbios musculoesqueléticos representam um grande problema socioeconômico e de saúde pública, mas sua prevalência é pouco conhecida entre trabalhadores não formais. Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos nos membros inferiores e fatores associados, em pescadores artesanais/marisqueiras de Saubara, Bahia, Brasil. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo transversal, utilizando o Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, a versão brasileira do Job Content Questionnaire e um questionário sobre demandas físicas, para a coleta de informações em uma amostra aleatória de pescadores artesanais/marisqueiras, ocorrida em 2013. Resultados: a prevalência de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos em membros inferiores na amostra foi de 65,5% (n=137); a prevalência no segmento coxa/joelho, perna e tornozelo/pé foi de 48,7% (n=92), 47,7% (n=95) e 38,1% (n=72), respectivamente. Observaram-se também alta frequência de obesidade, baixa escolaridade, baixos salários, idade precoce para o início do trabalho e carga horária excessiva. Fatores como idade, tabagismo, demandas físicas, tempo de trabalho, ausência de pausas e trabalho anterior, estavam associados aos referidos distúrbios. Conclusão: A alta prevalência de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos dos membros inferiores em pescadoras artesanais indica a necessidade de desenvolver estratégias de prevenção, diagnóstico e notificação dessas doenças

Comparação Dosimétrica entre Técnicas de Planejamento de Radioterapia para Câncer de Mama Esquerda / Dosimetry Comparison of Radiotherapy Planning Techniques for Left Breast Cancer / Comparación Dosimétrica entre Técnicas de Planificación de Radioterapia para el Cáncer de Mama Izquierdo

Introdução: A radioterapia é utilizada no tratamento do câncer de mama. No planejamento radioterápico, há formas de desenvolver o plano de tratamento, como a radioterapia 3D conformacional (3D-CRT), a radioterapia de intensidade modulada (IMRT) e a arcoterapia volumétrica modulada (VMAT). Objetivo: Comparar as doses nos órgãos de risco e no volume-alvo de tratamento com as diferentes técnicas de planejamento: 3D-CRT, IMRT, VMAT e VMAT modificada para o tratamento do câncer de mama em um phantom antropomórfico. Método: O plano de tratamento foi realizado no sistema Eclipse™ v.15.6 da Varian a partir de imagens de tomografia computadorizada adquiridas de phantom. A dose de prescrição estabelecida foi de 45 Gy em 25 frações de 1,8 Gy/dia. Resultados: Sobre a cobertura do volume do alvo planejado (PTV), as técnicas 3D-CRT (FILTRO e field-in-field ­ FIF) demonstram cobertura inferior comparada aos planos de IMRT e VMAT. Já o plano 3D-CRT-FIF apresenta maior homogeneidade comparado ao 3D-CRT-FILTRO. Para o pulmão contralateral, os planos de 3D-CRT (FIF, FILTRO) obtiveram restrições melhores em relação aos demais planos. Sobre a exposição cardíaca, os planos 3D-CRT (FIF, FILTRO) apresentaram maiores benefícios do que as técnicas IMRT, VMAT e VMAT modificada. Conclusão: As técnicas convencionais 3D-CRT (FIF, FILTRO) apresentaram menores doses nos órgãos de risco. Contudo, as técnicas IMRT e VMAT obtiveram melhor homogeneidade e conformidade da dose distribuída no PTV ao comparar as técnicas convencionais.

Introduction: Radiotherapy is utilized to treat breast cancer. For radiotherapy planning, there are several ways to develop the treatment plan, such as 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Objective: To compare the doses to risk organs and treatment target volume with different planning techniques, 3D-CRT, IMRT, VMAT and modified VMAT for the treatment of breast cancer in an anthropomorphic phantom. Method: The treatment plan was performed in the Eclipse™ v.15.6 system by Varian from CT images acquired from phantom. The established prescription dose was 45 Gy in 25 fractions of 1.8Gy/day. Results: For the planning target volume (PTV) coverage, 3D-CRT techniques (FILTER and field-in-field ­ FIF) showed inferior coverage compared to IMRT and VMAT plans. The 3D-CRT-FIF plan, on the other hand, shows greater homogeneity when compared to 3D-CRT-FILTER. For the contralateral lung, the 3D-CRT plans (FIF, FILTER) have better restrictions when compared with the other plans. On cardiac exposure, the 3D-CRT (FIF, FILTER) plans showed greater benefits when compared with IMRT, VMAT and Modified VMAT techniques. Conclusion: Conventional 3D-CRT techniques (FIF, FILTER) showed lower doses in organs at risk. However, IMRT and VMAT techniques obtained better homogeneity and conformity of the dose delivered to the PTV when compared to conventional techniques

Introducción: La radioterapia se utiliza en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama. En la planificación de la radioterapia, existen formas de desarrollar el plan de tratamiento, como la radioterapia conformacional 3D (3D-CRT), la radioterapia de intensidad modulada (IMRT) y la arcoterapia volumétrica modulada (VMAT). Objetivo: Comparar las dosis en órganos de riesgo y en el volumen blanco de tratamiento con diferentes técnicas de planificación: 3D-CRT, IMRT, VMAT y VMAT modificada para el tratamiento del cáncer de mama en un fantoma antropomórfico. Método: El plan de tratamiento se realizó en el sistema Eclipse™ v.15.6 de Varian a partir de imágenes de TC adquiridas del fantoma. La dosis de prescripción establecida fue de 45 Gy en 25 fracciones de 1,8Gy/día. Resultados: En cuanto a la cobertura del volumen blanco de planificación (VBP), las técnicas 3D-CRT (filtro - FILTRO y field-in-field ­ FIF) demostraron una cobertura inferior en comparación con los planes IMRT y VMAT. El plan 3D-RCT-FIF mostró mayor homogeneidad en comparación con el 3D-RCT-FILTRO. Para el pulmón contralateral, los planes 3D-CRT (FIF, FILTER) obtuvieron mejores restricciones en comparación con los otros planes. En la exposición cardiaca, los planes 3D-CRT (FIF, FILTER) mostraron mayores beneficios en comparación con las técnicas IMRT, VMAT y VMAT modificada. Conclusión: Las técnicas convencionales de 3D-CRT (FIF, FILTER) mostraron dosis más bajas en los órganos de riesgo. Sin embargo, las técnicas IMRT y VMAT obtuvieron una mejor homogeneidad y conformidad de la dosis distribuida en el VBP en comparación con las técnicas convencionales.

Wideband SiN pulse interleaver for optically-enabled analog-to-digital conversion: a device-to-system analysis with cyclic equalization.

We present the design and experimental characterization of a silicon nitride pulse interleaver based on coupled resonator optical waveguide filters. In order to achieve a targeted free spectral range of 1.44 THz, which is large given the reduced optical confinement of the silicon nitride platform, individual ring resonators are designed with tapered waveguides. Its application to time-interleaved photonically-assisted ADCs is analyzed by combining experimental characterization of the photonic integrated circuit with a comprehensive model of the entire ADC. The impact of fundamental signal distortion and noise sources affecting the converter is investigated and suitable equalization techniques at the digital signal processing level are evaluated. The novel application of a simple but powerful equalization filter in the DSP domain allows for a significant improvement of the digitized signal SNR. An ENOB of 5 over a 75 GHz bandwidth (150 GS/s) and an ENOB of 4.3 over a 100 GHz bandwidth (200 GS/s) are expected to be achievable with compact and off-the-shelf single-section semiconductor mode locked lasers, that can be further improved with lower noise light sources.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Self-Reported Pain in Artisanal Fishermen from a Traditional Community in Todos-os-Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can be characterized from their occupational etiology and their occurrence; their chronicity generates negative repercussions for the health of workers, especially of artisanal fishing. To investigate the prevalence of generalized musculoskeletal disorders by body region and self-reported pain in a fishing population of northeastern Brazil, an epidemiological cross-sectional study was carried out in Santiago do Iguape, Bahia-Brazil, in 2017. The Brazilian version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), in addition to a questionnaire containing the socio-demographic and labor conditions were applied to a random stratified sample of 248 artisanal fisheries. There were 170 female shellfish gatherers and 78 fishermen, with a mean age of 36.7 years (SD = 10.5 years) and 43.3 years (SD = 11.8 years), respectively. The beginning of the labor activity was initiated at approximately 11 years of age. The average weekly income varied from 17.64 USD to 29.10 USD. The prevalence of MSD independent of occupation occurred in at least one body region in 93.5% and the presence of musculoskeletal pain/discomfort over the last seven days in 95.2% of the fishing workers. The highest prevalence of MSD was found in shellfish gatherers in: lower back (86.4%), wrist and hand (73.5%), and upper back (66.8%). In relation to the presence of pain in the last year, the frequency of pain was greater in the fishermen compared to the shellfish gatherers. The generalized severity of the MSD in 93.5% of this community of fishermen is evident, with emphasis in the following regions: lower back, wrist and hand and upper back in both groups, with occurrence of pain in more than one body region at the same time.

[Social representations of suicide for adolescents of a Public School in the city of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil]. / Representações Sociais do Suicídio para adolescentes de uma Escola Pública de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil.

This study seeks to understand the social representations (SR) of suicide among high school adolescents of a public school in Curitiba, such as the media influences on the construction of these SR. The research was performed using the qualitative method and structured around the tenets of Social Representation Theory. A total of 18 adolescents of both genders participated in the study, and data collection was conducted through the formation of focus groups. The material transcribed was analyzed by the Descending Hierarchical Classification method with the aid of the IRaMuTeQ program. It was possible to establish that the SR of the adolescents surveyed are linked to the relevance of positive interpersonal relationships when faced with the impact that suicide information causes. This predominantly defines the emotional state of the person receiving information, and the primordial hosting, listening and assistance relationships that are important for the content and manner in which situations involving suicide are reported by the media. Taking these considerations into account, new studies in this area are required to promote the development and construction of new perspectives and subsequent social empowerment through information, aiming at the enhancement of the mental health of school adolescents.

Este estudo busca compreender as Representações Sociais (RS) do Suicídio entre adolescentes do Ensino Médio de uma Escola Pública de Curitiba, tal como as influências midiáticas sobre a construção dessas representações. A pesquisa foi realizada com utilização do método qualitativo, e orientada pelos pressupostos da Teoria das Representações Sociais. Participaram do estudo 18 adolescentes de ambos os gêneros, e a coleta de dados se deu por meio da formação de grupos focais. O material transcrito foi analisado pelo método de Classificação Hierárquica Descendente com auxílio do programa IRaMuTeQ. Foi possível considerar que as RS dos adolescentes pesquisados giram em torno da relevância das relações interpessoais positivas diante do impacto que as informações sobre o suicídio causam, definindo, majoritariamente, que o estado emocional da pessoa que recebe informações, bem como as relações primordiais de acolhimento, escuta e auxílio se sobressaem ao conteúdo e forma com a qual situações envolvendo suicídio são relatadas pelas mídias. Diante dessas considerações, indicam-se novos estudos nessa área para que possa haver o desenvolvimento e construção de novas perspectivas e um consequente fortalecimento social através da informação, visando à promoção de saúde mental dos adolescentes escolares.

Representações Sociais do Suicídio para adolescentes de uma Escola Pública de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil / Social representations of suicide for adolescents of a Public School in the city of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

Resumo Este estudo busca compreender as Representações Sociais (RS) do Suicídio entre adolescentes do Ensino Médio de uma Escola Pública de Curitiba, tal como as influências midiáticas sobre a construção dessas representações. A pesquisa foi realizada com utilização do método qualitativo, e orientada pelos pressupostos da Teoria das Representações Sociais. Participaram do estudo 18 adolescentes de ambos os gêneros, e a coleta de dados se deu por meio da formação de grupos focais. O material transcrito foi analisado pelo método de Classificação Hierárquica Descendente com auxílio do programa IRaMuTeQ. Foi possível considerar que as RS dos adolescentes pesquisados giram em torno da relevância das relações interpessoais positivas diante do impacto que as informações sobre o suicídio causam, definindo, majoritariamente, que o estado emocional da pessoa que recebe informações, bem como as relações primordiais de acolhimento, escuta e auxílio se sobressaem ao conteúdo e forma com a qual situações envolvendo suicídio são relatadas pelas mídias. Diante dessas considerações, indicam-se novos estudos nessa área para que possa haver o desenvolvimento e construção de novas perspectivas e um consequente fortalecimento social através da informação, visando à promoção de saúde mental dos adolescentes escolares.

Abstract This study seeks to understand the social representations (SR) of suicide among high school adolescents of a public school in Curitiba, such as the media influences on the construction of these SR. The research was performed using the qualitative method and structured around the tenets of Social Representation Theory. A total of 18 adolescents of both genders participated in the study, and data collection was conducted through the formation of focus groups. The material transcribed was analyzed by the Descending Hierarchical Classification method with the aid of the IRaMuTeQ program. It was possible to establish that the SR of the adolescents surveyed are linked to the relevance of positive interpersonal relationships when faced with the impact that suicide information causes. This predominantly defines the emotional state of the person receiving information, and the primordial hosting, listening and assistance relationships that are important for the content and manner in which situations involving suicide are reported by the media. Taking these considerations into account, new studies in this area are required to promote the development and construction of new perspectives and subsequent social empowerment through information, aiming at the enhancement of the mental health of school adolescents.

Development of a software for radiological breast mammography anatomy and technical procedures study / Desenvolvimento de un software para estudio de anatomia y procedimientos técnicos en mamografia radiológica de mama

The aim of this study was to develop a software for radiological breast mammography anatomy study. A descriptive and exploratory study was carried out using mammography images database. The software was created using well-known open source image J software. Eight mammographic images were selected including standard views: craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views, and supplementary views. The software was created as an image J plugin-in. The virtual environment presented multiple choice questions related to radiological breast anatomy and patient positioning criteria. The software launches by requiring the user to register their profile ( user ID) followed by the selection of mammography projection technique. As the second step, a screen with multiple choice questions opens according to the technique selected by the user. At the end of the evaluation, a report is presented containing date and time of evaluation, username and the score achieved. The report also provide feedback to the user and highlight where the user incorrectly identified the anatomy. The software allowed assist on multifactor mammography learning process for radiographers. However, It is necessary the improvement of software including high quality images and case study.

El objetivo de este estudio fue de el desarrollo de un software para estudio de anatomía y procedimientos en mamografía de mama. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y exploratorio utilizando una base de datos de imágenes mamográficas. La aplicación se creó utilizando un conocido software (imagen J) de código abierto. Se seleccionaron ocho imágenes mamográficas que incluían proyecciones estándar: proyecciones craneocaudal (CC) y mediolateral oblicua (MLO) y proyecciones complementarias. El software fue creado como un complemento de imagen J. El entorno virtual presentó preguntas de múltiple opción relacionadas con la anatomía radiológica de la mama y los criterios de posicionamiento del paciente. El software se inicia solicitando al usuario que registre su perfil (ID de usuario) seguido de la selección de la técnica de proyección de mamografía. Como segundo paso, se abre una pantalla con preguntas de opción múltiple según la técnica seleccionada por el usuario. Al final de la evaluación, se presenta un informe que contiene la fecha y hora de la evaluación, el nombre de usuario y la puntuación obtenida. El informe también proporciona comentarios al usuario y destaca dónde el usuario identificó incorrectamente la anatomía. El software permitió asistir en el proceso de aprendizaje de mamografías multifactoriales para radiólogos. Sin embargo lo és necesaria la mejora del software, incluidas imágenes de alta calidad y estudios de casos.

Fundamental limitations of spectrally-sliced optically enabled data converters arising from MLL timing jitter.

The effect of phase noise introduced by optical sources in spectrally-sliced optically enabled DACs and ADCs is modeled and analyzed in detail. In both data converter architectures, a mode-locked laser is assumed to provide an optical comb whose lines are used to either synthesize or analyze individual spectral slices. While the optical phase noise of the central MLL line as well as of other optical carriers used in the analyzed system architectures have a minor impact on the system performance, the RF phase noise of the MLL fundamentally limits it. In particular, the corresponding jitter of the MLL pulse train is transferred almost one-to-one to the system-level timing jitter of the data converters. While MLL phase noise can in principle be tracked and removed by electronic signal processing, this results in electric oscillator phase noise replacing the MLL jitter and is not conducive in systems leveraging the ultra-low jitter of low-noise mode-locked lasers. Precise analytical models are derived and validated by detailed numerical simulations.

Avaliação da implantação do Protocolo de Vigilância e Atenção à Saúde de ex-trabalhadores e da população expostos a chumbo, cádmio, cobre e zinco em Santo Amaro, Bahia, Brasil / Assessing the implementation of the Surveillance and Health Care Protocol of former workers and the population exposed to lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in Santo Amaro, Bahia, Brazil

Resumo Objetivo: aferir o grau de implantação do Protocolo de Vigilância e Atenção à Saúde de ex-trabalhadores e da população expostos a chumbo, cádmio, cobre e zinco em Santo Amaro, Bahia, no período de 2010 a 2015. Métodos: foram elaborados modelo lógico de avaliação e instrumentos de coleta de dados a fim de avaliar a estrutura, o processo e o resultado da implantação do Protocolo. O método Delphi adaptado foi utilizado como técnica de consenso para garantir a validade do conteúdo e da matriz de julgamento. Resultados: o escore final da avaliação foi de 22,3%, considerado insatisfatório, segundo a escala adotada. A "estrutura" obteve 38 pontos do total de 100; o "processo", baseado na dimensão "organização e execução das atividades previstas no Protocolo", obteve 25 pontos de 100; e a abordagem "resultados" alcançou 4 pontos de 100. Apenas 2,5% da população prevista pelo Protocolo teve as fichas de atendimento preenchidas, porém com falhas no atendimento, na realização de exames e nas notificações ao Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Conclusão: o processo de implantação do Protocolo necessita de maior empenho da gestão pública de saúde, e de melhoria na infraestrutura, nas estratégias de orientação das equipes de saúde e na participação do usuário.

Abstract Objective: to assess the implementation of the Surveillance and Health Care Protocol for former workers and population exposed to lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in Santo Amaro, Bahia, between 2010 and 2015. Methods: we designed a logical evaluation model and data collection instruments to assess the structure, process and results of the protocol implementation. We used the adapted Delphi method as a consensus technique to ensure the validity of content and the judgment matrix. Results: the evaluation final score was 22.3%, considered not satisfactory according to the adopted scale. The "structure" rendered 38 points out of 100; the "process" (related to the dimension "organization and execution of the activities foreseen by the protocol") rendered 25 points out of 100; and "results" rendered 4 points out of 100. Only 2.5% of the Protocol covered population had assistance forms filled. Moreover, there were failures in attendance, exams and notifications to the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação [National Disease Notification System]. Conclusion: the protocol implementation process needs greater commitment from the public health management, improved infrastructure, and better strategies for health care teams and for the population participation.

Ocorrência de distúrbio musculoesquelético em pescadoras artesanais/ marisqueiras na Baía de Todos os Santos: uma análise sobre horas dedicadas ao trabalho / Occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in artisanal /shellfish fisherwomen in Baía de Todos os Santos: an analysis of hours dedicated to work

Introdução: os distúrbios musculoesqueléticos são caracterizados por comprometimentos inflamatórios e/ou degenerativos, em diversos segmentos corporais, e atingem diversos grupos de trabalhadores, no entanto, ainda existem poucas evidências científicas que verificam possíveis relações desses distúrbios e horas de trabalho diárias dos pescadores artesanais. Objetivo: analisar as horas diárias dedicadas ao trabalho de pescadora e a prevalência de distúrbio musculoesquelético em regiões de membros superiores (ombro) e pescoço. Metodologia: realizou-se um estudo de corte transversal, envolvendo amostra probabilística da população de pescadoras artesanais/marisqueiras do município de Saubara, totalizando 209 pessoas. Utilizaram-se instrumentos validados para população brasileira, tais como: o Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Job Content Questionnaire e Demandas físicas adaptadas para o trabalho. Resultados: evidenciou-se a prevalência de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos em região de pescoço ou ombro, em 71,2% (n=146) das marisqueiras. Ressalta-se que não houve interação entre as variáveis horas trabalhadas/dia e idade, com o p-valor = 0,1807. Verificaram-se associações positivas entre as marisqueiras que trabalhavam mais que 11h por dia com razão de prevalência de 1,23 e intervalo de confiança 95%: [1,04; 1,45] em relação às que trabalhavam menos que 11h, bem como a razão de prevalência de 1,38 e intervalo de confiança 95%: [1,15; 1,65] nas pescadoras com idade superior a 38 em comparação com as mais jovens. Desta forma denotando a degradação da saúde com a carga exaustiva de trabalho.

Introduction: musculoskeletal disorders are characterized by inflammatory and/or degenerative impairments in several body segments and reach different groups of workers; however, there is still little scientific evidence to verify the possible relationships between MSD and daily working hours of artisanal fishermen. Objective: to analyze the daily hours dedicated to work as a fisherwoman and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in regions of upper limbs (shoulder) and neck. Methodology: a cross-sectional study was carried out involving a probabilistic sample of the population of artisanal/shellfish fisherwomen in the municipality of Saubara, for a total of 209 individuals. Validated instruments were used for the Brazilian population, such as: the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Job Content Questionnaire and the Physical Demands adapted to this work. Results: the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the neck or shoulder region was found in 71.2% (n = 146) of shell fisherwomen. It should come to attention that there was no interaction between the variables worked hours/day and age, with p-value = 0.1807. There were positive associations among the shellfish workers that worked more than 11h with the prevalence ratio of 1.23 and 95% confidence interval: [1.04; 1.45] than those who worked less than 11 hours, as well as the prevalence ratio of 1.38 and 95% confidence interval: [1.15; 1.65] in fisherwoman aged over 38 compared to younger ones. Thus denoting health degradation with an exhaustive workload.

Factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders in artisanal fisherwomen/shellfish gatherers in Saubara, Bahia, Brazil. / Fatores associados com os distúrbios musculoesqueléticos em pescadoras artesanais/marisqueiras em Saubara, Bahia, Brasil.

This article aims to identify the factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the neck/shoulder and distal upper limb in artisanal fisher/shellfish gatherers in Saubara, Bahia, Brazil. This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with shellfish gatherers. The Brazilian version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and a questionnaire containing physical demands adapted to the labour of shellfish gatherers were used in this study. Factor analysis was performed to aggregate the physical demands. Multivariate analyses were performed according to the risk factors for MSDs in the neck or shoulder and MSDs in the distal upper limb. For MSDs in the neck or shoulders, a prevalence ratio (PR) of 1.28 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.09-1.49) was found, according to the aggregate physical demands. For MSDs in the distal upper limb, the PRs were as follows: 1.26 (95% CI: 1.07-1.47) according to the daily hours devoted to work as shellfish gatherers, 0.74 (95% CI: 0.57-0.96) according to the development of other current work and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.05-1.83) according to the aggregate physical demands. The activities performed by shellfish gatherers contribute to the occurrence of MSDs.

O presente artigo tem como objetivo identificar os fatores associados com os distúrbios musculoesqueléticos (DME) em pescoço/ombro e membros superiores distais em pescadoras artesanais/marisqueiras em Saubara, Bahia, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal realizado com 209 pescadoras artesanais/marisqueiras. Foram utilizados para este estudo a versão brasileira do questionário de conteúdo do trabalho e do questionário nórdico e um questionário das demandas físicas para o trabalho. As análises multivariadas foram feitas de acordo com os principais fatores de risco para DME. Algumas demandas físicas agrupadas, nas etapas da coleta dos mariscos e na cata, se associaram, respectivamente, com DME em pescoço ou ombro [Razão de Prevalência - RP: 1,28 (IC95%: 1,09-1,49)] e DME em membros superiores distais [RP: 1,38 (IC95%: 1,05-1,83)], no modelo final ajustado. As RP ajustadas para DME em membros superiores distais foram de 1,26 (IC95%: 1,07-1,47), de acordo com as horas diárias dedicadas ao trabalho como marisqueira, e 0,74 (IC95%: 0,57-0,96) de acordo com o desenvolvimento de outro trabalho atualmente. O modo em que é desenvolvido o trabalho da marisqueira é importante para ocorrência dos DME.

Fatores associados com os distúrbios musculoesqueléticos em pescadoras artesanais/marisqueiras em Saubara, Bahia, Brasil / Factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders in artisanal fisherwomen/shellfish gatherers in Saubara, Bahia, Brazil

Resumo O presente artigo tem como objetivo identificar os fatores associados com os distúrbios musculoesqueléticos (DME) em pescoço/ombro e membros superiores distais em pescadoras artesanais/marisqueiras em Saubara, Bahia, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal realizado com 209 pescadoras artesanais/marisqueiras. Foram utilizados para este estudo a versão brasileira do questionário de conteúdo do trabalho e do questionário nórdico e um questionário das demandas físicas para o trabalho. As análises multivariadas foram feitas de acordo com os principais fatores de risco para DME. Algumas demandas físicas agrupadas, nas etapas da coleta dos mariscos e na cata, se associaram, respectivamente, com DME em pescoço ou ombro [Razão de Prevalência - RP: 1,28 (IC95%: 1,09-1,49)] e DME em membros superiores distais [RP: 1,38 (IC95%: 1,05-1,83)], no modelo final ajustado. As RP ajustadas para DME em membros superiores distais foram de 1,26 (IC95%: 1,07-1,47), de acordo com as horas diárias dedicadas ao trabalho como marisqueira, e 0,74 (IC95%: 0,57-0,96) de acordo com o desenvolvimento de outro trabalho atualmente. O modo em que é desenvolvido o trabalho da marisqueira é importante para ocorrência dos DME.

Abstract This article aims to identify the factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the neck/shoulder and distal upper limb in artisanal fisher/shellfish gatherers in Saubara, Bahia, Brazil. This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with shellfish gatherers. The Brazilian version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and a questionnaire containing physical demands adapted to the labour of shellfish gatherers were used in this study. Factor analysis was performed to aggregate the physical demands. Multivariate analyses were performed according to the risk factors for MSDs in the neck or shoulder and MSDs in the distal upper limb. For MSDs in the neck or shoulders, a prevalence ratio (PR) of 1.28 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.09-1.49) was found, according to the aggregate physical demands. For MSDs in the distal upper limb, the PRs were as follows: 1.26 (95% CI: 1.07-1.47) according to the daily hours devoted to work as shellfish gatherers, 0.74 (95% CI: 0.57-0.96) according to the development of other current work and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.05-1.83) according to the aggregate physical demands. The activities performed by shellfish gatherers contribute to the occurrence of MSDs.

Prevalence and Work-Related Factors Associated with Lower Back Musculoskeletal Disorders in Female Shellfish Gatherers in Saubara, Bahia-Brazil.

Lower back musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are an important public health problem and the leading cause of disability worldwide, but with yet unknown prevalence among shellfish gatherers. To investigate the prevalence and work-related factors associated with lower back MSD in a population of female shellfish gatherers, an epidemiological cross-sectional study was carried out in Saubara, Bahia-Brazil, in 2013. The Brazilian version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), in addition to a questionnaire containing the physical demands adapted to the artisanal work, were applied to a random sample of 209 female shellfish gatherers. The prevalence of lower back MSD was 72.7%. Using multivariate logistic regression, the shellfish gatherers who had worked for more than 26 years in the activity showed a prevalence of 1.22 (95% CI: 1.04⁻1.44) times higher compared to those unexposed. Lower back MSD was 1.24 (95% CI: 1.08⁻1.42) times higher among those more exposed to work sitting with trunk flexion. Those performed manual handling and muscle force with the arms had a prevalence ratio of 1.18 (95% CI: 1.01⁻1.39). These results show the need for greater awareness of health and social welfare factors impacting workers in small-scale fisheries and will promote the elaboration of health care policies for this occupational class.

Flow field dynamics and high ethanol content in gasohol blends enhance BTEX migration and biodegradation in groundwater.

Gasohol spills may easily descend through the soil column down and impact sensitive receptors as contaminants dissolve into the groundwater. Gasoline formulations are commonly blended with ethanol to alleviate environmental and economic issues associated with fossil fuels. However, the amount of ethanol added to gasoline and the groundwater hydraulic regime can significantly affect BTEX plume dynamics and lifespan. In this study, two long-term (5 and 10 years) field-scale gasohol releases with ethanol contents of 85% (E85) and 24% (E24), respectively, were assessed to discern the different dynamics undergone by gasohol blends. Statistical, geochemical, microbiological and trend approaches were employed to estimate the influence of groundwater flow variations on ethanol and dissolved BTEX transport, and the associated biodegradation rates of different gasohol blend spills. Ethanol and BTEX groundwater flow were quantified in terms of breakthrough curve characteristics, plume centroid positions and spreading, source depletion and mass degradation rates. In addition, bromide migration was evaluated to address the contribution of flow-driven dissolution. Results revealed that the high amount of ethanol along with a fast and dynamic flow exerted a flushing behavior that enhanced BTEX dissolution, migration (vertical and horizontal) and concentrations in groundwater. The higher amount of ethanol in E85 enhanced BTEX dissolution (and bioavailability) relative to E24 site and led to faster biodegradation rates, which can be explained by the cosolvency effect and metabolic flux dilution. Therefore, flow field dynamics and high ethanol content in gasohol blends enhance BTEX migration and biodegradation in gasohol-contaminated sites. The balance of these factors is crucial to determine fate and transport of contaminants in field sites. These findings suggest that hydraulic regime should be spatially and temporally characterized to support decisions on appropriate monitoring plan and remedial strategies for gasohol spills.

Comparative assessment of acute and chronic ecotoxicity of water soluble fractions of diesel and biodiesel on Daphnia magna and Aliivibrio fischeri.

The widespread use of diesel as a transportation fuel and the introduction of biodiesel into the world energy matrix increase the likelihood of aquatic contamination with these fuels. In this case, it is important to know the environmental impacts caused by water-soluble fraction (WSF) of these fuels, since it is the portion that can result in long-term impacts and affect regions far away from the location of a spill. Therefore, we evaluated and compared the aquatic ecotoxicity of the WSF of biodiesel and diesel through acute ecotoxicity tests with the aquatic microcrustacean Daphnia magna and the marine bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri, as well as chronic ecotoxicity tests with D. magna. The WSF of diesel was 2.5-4 folds more toxic than the WSF of biodiesel in acute ecotoxicity tests. Similarly, a comparison of the chronic ecotoxicity demonstrated that the WSF of diesel was more toxic than the WSF of biodiesel. WSF of diesel causes chronic effects on reproduction, longevity and growth of D. magna (NOEC was 12.5, 12.5, 6.25%, respectively), while WSF of biodiesel did not present significantly different results compared to the control for any of the parameters evaluated in any of the dilutions tested (NOEC> 25%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that compares the chronic ecotoxicity of WSF of diesel and biodiesel on D. magna.

Are Adverse Events Induced by the Acute Administration of Calcineurin Inhibitor Cyclosporine A Behaviorally Conditioned in Healthy Male Volunteers?

PURPOSE: The learned immunosuppressive placebo response has been demonstrated in experimental animals, healthy humans, and patients, and is suggested as a therapy for improving immunopharmacologic treatment. It remains unclear, however, whether potential adverse events induced by the drug are also behaviorally conditioned. Employing an established taste-immune learning paradigm in healthy humans using the calcineurin inhibitor and immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA) as an unconditioned stimulus, we investigated whether and to what extent perceived adverse events induced by acute CsA administration are behaviorally conditioned. METHODS: A total of 68 healthy male subjects were exposed to the established taste-immune learning paradigm, receiving either placebo or CsA (10 mg/kg) as an unconditioned stimulus, and a novel-tasting drink as a conditioned stimulus. FINDINGS: Subjects repeatedly receiving CsA during acquisition reported significantly more adverse events than did placebo-receiving subjects. However, during reexposure to the conditioned stimulus, the reported adverse events did not differ from those in the placebo control condition. IMPLICATIONS: These data indicate that acute adverse events are not behaviorally conditioned during the learned immunosuppressive response. Our results further strengthen the great potential clinical relevance of employing the learned immunosuppressive placebo response as a therapy to support immunopharmacologic regimens, ultimately aiming to reduce the medical dosages required, thereby minimizing adverse drug events while maximizing the therapeutic benefit in patients. German Clinical Trial Register (www.drks.de) identifier: DRKS00007693.

8-channel WDM silicon photonics transceiver with SOA and semiconductor mode-locked laser.

We demonstrate an integrated 8 by 14 Gbps dense wavelength division multiplexed silicon photonics transceiver that makes use of an external mode-locked laser as a light source and a single semiconductor optical amplifier for post-modulation signal amplification. Remaining components necessary for modulation, filtering and (de­)multiplexing are monolithically integrated in a single chip. In all system experiments, all eight channels are jointly operated with independent data streams in order to include impairments arising out of nonlinear effects inside the SOA while benchmarking the system performance. The transmitter, measured with a commercial reference receiver, supports on-off keying data transmission with an uncorrected BER ranging between 1e-5 and 5e-7 for all channels in back-to-back configuration and between 8e-4 and 1e-5 after 10 km transmission (both PRBS 231-1). The three best channels of the full link consisting in the silicon photonics transmitter operated with the silicon photonics receiver in back-to-back configuration maintain a BER better than the targeted 5e-5. Based on link budget modeling, we expect this target to be reached for all 8 channels pending improvement of the receiver offset compensation loop.

Wideband multi-stage CROW filters with relaxed fabrication tolerances.

We present wideband and large free spectral range optical filters with steep passband edges for the selection of adjacent WDM communication channels that can be reliably fabricated with mainstream silicon photonics technology. The devices are based on three cascaded stages of coupled resonator optical waveguides loaded on a common bus waveguide. These stages differ in the number of resonators but are implemented with exactly identical unit cells, comprised of a matched racetrack resonator layout and a uniform spacing between cells. The different number of resonators in each stage allows a high rejection in the through port response enabled by the interleaved distribution of zeros. Furthermore, the exact replication of a unique cell avoids the passband ripple and high lobes in the stopband that typically arise in apodized coupled resonator optical waveguide based filters due to fabrication and coupling induced variations in the effective path length of each resonator. Silicon photonics filters designed for the selection of 9 adjacent optical carriers generated by a 100 GHz free spectral range comb laser have been successfully fabricated with 248 nm DUV lithography, achieving an out-of-band rejection above 11 dB and an insertion loss of less than 0.5 dB for the worst channels.

Efeito de idade e escolaridade no instrumento de avaliação neuropsicológica breve NEUPSILIN / Effect of age and schooling in the NEUPSILIN brief neuropsychological assessment instrument / Efecto de edad y escolaridad en instrumento de evaluación neuropsicológica breve NEUPSILIN

Neste estudo, investigaram-se efeitos de idade e escolaridade e suas interações no desempenho de adultos no Instrumento de Avaliação Neuropsicológica Breve NEUPSILIN, que avalia orientação têmporo-espacial, atenção, percepção, memória, linguagem, calculias, praxias e funções executivas. Participaram 627 adultos saudáveis (19 a 90 anos), divididos em três grupos, conforme escolaridade (1 a 4, 5 a 8 e 9 anos ou mais de estudo) e em quatro grupos por idade (19 a 39, 40 a 59, 60 a 75 e 76 a 90 anos). Encontraram-se efeitos de idade e escolaridade em atenção, percepção, memória (de trabalho, verbal episódica, semântica, visual e prospectiva), linguagem oral e escrita, praxias e funções executivas. Interações entre idade e escolaridade foram encontradas em atenção, memória verbal, linguagem oral e escrita. Os resultados destacam que o envelhecimento e a escolaridade impactam de forma heterogênea nas funções cognitivas, assim como os testes neuropsicológicos brasileiros devem sempre considerar a influência dessas variáveis para produzir seus dados normativos. (AU)

This study investigated the effects of age and schooling and their interactions on the performance of adults in the NEUPSILIN Brief Neuropsychological Assessment Instrument, which evaluates time and space orientation, attention, perception, memory, language, calculation, motor functions, and executive functions. The sample was composed of 627 healthy adults (19 to 90 years), who were divided into three groups according to education range (1 to 4, 5 to 8 and 9 or more years of study) and into four groups by age range (19-39, 40-59, 60-75 and 76-90 years). We identified age and schooling effects in attention, perception, memory (working, verbal episodic, semantic, visual and prospective memory), oral and written language, motor functions, and executive functions. Interactions between age and schooling were observed in attention, verbal memory, and oral and written language tasks. The results highlighted that aging and schooling impact cognitive functions heterogeneously, and that Brazilian neuropsychological tests should always consider the influence of these variables to produce their normative data. (AU)

En este estudio se investigaron los efectos de edad y escolaridad, y las interacciones en el desempeño de adultos en el Instrumento de Evaluación Neuropsicológica Breve NEUPSILIN que evalúa la orientación espacio-temporal, atención, percepción, memoria, lenguaje, cálculos, prácticas y funciones ejecutivas. Participaron 627 adultos que gozaban de buena salud (19-90 años), divididos en tres grupos según el nivel educativo (1 a 4, 5 a 8 y 9 o más años de estudio) y cuatro grupos por edad (19 a 39, 40 a 59, 60 a 75 y 76 a 90 años). Se encontraron efectos de la edad y de educación en atención, percepción, memoria (de trabajo, episódica, semántica, visual y futura) lenguaje, oral y escrita, prácticas y funciones ejecutivas. Interacciones entre edad y escolaridad fueron encontradas en atención, memoria verbal, lenguaje oral y escrita. Los resultados destacan que el envejecimiento y la escolaridad impactan de forma heterogénea en las funciones cognitivas, y que los tests neuropsicológicos brasileños deben considerar siempre la influencia de estas variables para producir datos normativos. (AU)

Vigilância em saúde do trabalhador da pesca artesanal na Baía de Todos os Santos: da invisibilidade à proposição de políticas públicas para o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) / Occupational health surveillance of artisanal fishermen in the Baía de Todos os Santos: from invisibility to the proposal of public policies for the Unified Health System (SUS)

Resumo Introdução: pescadores são uma das maiores e mais tradicionais categorias de trabalhadores no mundo. Para reduzir lacunas do conhecimento sobre os problemas de saúde relacionados a essa atividade e desenvolver ações com o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), em 2006 foram iniciados estudos e ações dirigidos aos trabalhadores da pesca artesanal e mariscagem, envolvendo 13 municípios, na Baía de Todos os Santos, nos estado da Bahia. Objetivo: discutir resultados alcançados em intervenções e estudos realizados, para subsidiar ações de vigilância em saúde do trabalhador (Visat) da pesca. Métodos: foram referidos e discutidos estudos qualitativos e quantitativos desenvolvidos a partir de pesquisa participativa de base comunitária. Resultados: os estudos e intervenções revelaram as condições de trabalho e os riscos ocupacionais dessa atividade, sobretudo a exposição excessiva a movimentos repetitivos, e possibilitaram a quantificação da prevalência das lesões por esforço repetitivo e distúrbio osteomuscular relacionado ao trabalho (LER/Dort). Também contribuíram para analisar a qualidade de vida desses trabalhadores, a organização dos serviços de diagnóstico, a adaptação de protocolo clínico de LER/Dort e a capacitação das Equipes da Estratégia Saúde da Família atuantes em territórios pesqueiros. Conclusão: os estudos e as intervenções indicaram a possibilidade de reprodutibilidade desta experiência no âmbito da Visat no SUS.

Abstract Introduction: fishermen are one of the largest and most traditional categories of workers in the world. In order to address the knowledge gaps in health problems related to this activity, and to develop actions together with the Unified Health System (SUS), in 2006 a set of studies and activities aimed at artisanal fishermen and shellfish gatherers was initiated, involving 13 municipal districts in Baía de Todos os Santos, Bahia, Brazil. Objective: to discuss results achieved in interventions and studies carried out with the purpose of subsidizing actions concerning fishermen's occupational health surveillance (Visat). Methods: we discuss and refer to qualitative and quantitative studies developed through community-based participatory research. Results: studies and interventions revealed artisanal fishermen's working conditions and occupational risks, especially those related to repetitive movements leading to high RSI/RMSDs prevalence. The results also contributed to the analysis of the workers' quality of life, organization of diagnostic services, adaptation of the RSI/WRMSDs clinical protocol, and training the Family Health Strategy Teams operating in fishing territories. Conclusion: the studies and interventions indicate the possibility of reproducing this experience within the framework of Visat at SUS.