Atmospheric Occurrence of Organochlorine Pesticides and Inhalation Cancer Risk in Urban Areas at Southeast Brazil.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been produced for almost a century and some of them are still used, even after they have been proved to be toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative and prone to long-range transport. Brazil has used and produced pesticides in industrial scales for both agricultural and public health purposes. Urban and industrial regions are of special concern due to their high population density and their increased exposure to chemical pollution, many times enhanced by chemical production, application or irregular dumping. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of OCPs in outdoor air of urban sites from two major regions of southeast Brazil. Some of these sites have been affected by OCP production and their irregular dumping. Deterministic and probabilistic inhalation cancer risk (CR) assessments were conducted for the human populations exposed to OCPs in ambient air. Ambient air was mainly affected by Æ©-HCH (median = 340 pg m-3) and Æ©-DDT (median = 233 pg m-3), the only two OCPs registered for domissanitary purposes in Brazil. OCP concentrations tended to be higher in summer than in winter. Dumping sites resulted in the highest OCP atmospheric concentrations and, thus, in the highest CR estimations. Despite of all limitations, probabilistic simulations suggested that people living in the studied regions are exposed to an increased risk of hepatic cancer. Infants and toddlers (0 < 2 y) were exposed to the highest inhalation CRs compared to other age groups. Other exposure pathways (such as ingestion and dermic uptake) are needed for a more comprehensive risk assessment. Moreover, this study also highlights the need to review the human exposure to OCPs through inhalation and their respective CR in other impacted areas worldwide, especially where high levels of OCPs are still being measured.

Exiting the labour market early: retirement or discrimination? / Saída precoce do mercado de trabalho: aposentadoria ou discriminação?

Several studies show that despite a decline in mortality and improvements to health conditions, workers have left the economic activities early. The literature associates precocious exit from the labour market to the widespread coverage of Social Security. One alternative to contain the fiscal imbalance in most countries has been to postpone the minimal age to be entitled to a pension benefit. Nevertheless, many studies suggest the existence of barriers that make it difficult for older workers to remain in economic activity. Among them are prejudices among employers.This paper aims to understand the non-participation of Brazilian men aged 50-64 in economic activities. The focus on this age group is because they would be the first group to be affected by the pension reform proposed by the Government. These are those who are neither in the labour market nor retired (neither-nor). The proportion of these men of the total number of men in this age group increased from 3.5% to 10.2% between 1984 and 2015. Very low schooling and worse health conditions compared to other men can contribute to difficulties for insertion. This suggests discrimination in relation to the older worker and the lack of public policies aimed at reinforcing the ability of these individuals to obtain a job.

Estudos mostram que, a despeito da queda das taxas de mortalidade e das melhorias nas condições de saúde, os trabalhadores têm saído mais cedo da atividade econômica. Esperar-se-ia que uma vida mais longa aumentasse os retornos aos investimentos em capital humano. A literatura associa a saída precoce do mercado de trabalho à cobertura da seguridade social. O adiamento da idade à aposentadoria é considerado uma alternativa para conter o desequilíbrio fiscal em muitos países. No entanto, estudos sugerem a existência de barreiras que inibem a permanência do trabalhador mais velho na atividade econômica. Entre elas, cita-se o preconceito por parte dos empregadores. O objetivo deste trabalho é buscar entender a não participação de homens brasileiros de 50-64 anos nas atividades econômicas, aí incluídos os que não estão aposentados (nem-nem). São o primeiro grupo a ser afetado pela reforma previdenciária proposta pelo governo. A proporção desses no total desta faixa etária aumentou de 3,5% para 10,2%, entre 1984 e 2017. Baixa escolaridade e piores condições de saúde em relação aos demais homens podem dificultar essa inserção. Isso sugere uma discriminação com relação aos trabalhadores mais velhos e a falta de políticas públicas que visem reforçar a capacidade destes indivíduos para conseguir um emprego.

Saída precoce do mercado de trabalho: aposentadoria ou discriminação? / Exiting the labour market early: retirement or discrimination?

Resumo Estudos mostram que, a despeito da queda das taxas de mortalidade e das melhorias nas condições de saúde, os trabalhadores têm saído mais cedo da atividade econômica. Esperar-se-ia que uma vida mais longa aumentasse os retornos aos investimentos em capital humano. A literatura associa a saída precoce do mercado de trabalho à cobertura da seguridade social. O adiamento da idade à aposentadoria é considerado uma alternativa para conter o desequilíbrio fiscal em muitos países. No entanto, estudos sugerem a existência de barreiras que inibem a permanência do trabalhador mais velho na atividade econômica. Entre elas, cita-se o preconceito por parte dos empregadores. O objetivo deste trabalho é buscar entender a não participação de homens brasileiros de 50-64 anos nas atividades econômicas, aí incluídos os que não estão aposentados (nem-nem). São o primeiro grupo a ser afetado pela reforma previdenciária proposta pelo governo. A proporção desses no total desta faixa etária aumentou de 3,5% para 10,2%, entre 1984 e 2017. Baixa escolaridade e piores condições de saúde em relação aos demais homens podem dificultar essa inserção. Isso sugere uma discriminação com relação aos trabalhadores mais velhos e a falta de políticas públicas que visem reforçar a capacidade destes indivíduos para conseguir um emprego.

Abstract Several studies show that despite a decline in mortality and improvements to health conditions, workers have left the economic activities early. The literature associates precocious exit from the labour market to the widespread coverage of Social Security. One alternative to contain the fiscal imbalance in most countries has been to postpone the minimal age to be entitled to a pension benefit. Nevertheless, many studies suggest the existence of barriers that make it difficult for older workers to remain in economic activity. Among them are prejudices among employers.This paper aims to understand the non-participation of Brazilian men aged 50-64 in economic activities. The focus on this age group is because they would be the first group to be affected by the pension reform proposed by the Government. These are those who are neither in the labour market nor retired (neither-nor). The proportion of these men of the total number of men in this age group increased from 3.5% to 10.2% between 1984 and 2015. Very low schooling and worse health conditions compared to other men can contribute to difficulties for insertion. This suggests discrimination in relation to the older worker and the lack of public policies aimed at reinforcing the ability of these individuals to obtain a job.

Os homens maduros que não trabalham nem são aposentados: um estudo exploratório da PNAD contínua

Esta nota traz uma análise exploratória sobre a situação dos homens brasileiros de 50 a 59 anos que não trabalhavam nem procuravam trabalho e que nem eram aposentados nem pensionistas em 2016, com base nos dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios Contínua do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (Pnad Contínua/IBGE). Como esta fonte não traz informações sobre condições de saúde, uma breve avaliação destas é feita com base na Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) de 2013, muito embora se reconheça que estas fontes não são comparáveis. Para medir não trabalhar e não procurar trabalho, utilizou-se o conceito de população economicamente ativa (PEA). Entre os não aposentados, incluiu-se, também, pessoas que não recebiam pensão por morte.

What are the mature men who do not work, do not look for a job, and are not retired doing?

Reduced participation of the male population in economic activities is the result of their later entry and earlier leave from the labor market. This earlier exit is not only associated to "early" retirement. Between 1993 and 2013, there was an increase in the number of men aged 50-59 who were not working, not looking for a job, and were not retired (NER) . The literature stresses that work is the most important social event of a man's life, and the traditional gender contract establishes the breadwinner role for men and the caregiver one for women. This growth suggests changes in gender relations since a decrease was observed in the proportion of male household heads, and an increase in that of male spouses, and of those living with their parents. This may be a consequence of their difficulties in participating in the labor market, also given their low education level; therefore, requiring greater participation from women. This trend is contradictory with the new demographic regime. A later leave from economic activities is an important requirement to minimize the challenges brought about by the reducing workforce and aging population.

O que estão fazendo os homens maduros que não trabalham, não procuram trabalho e não são aposentados? / What are the mature men who do not work, do not look for a job, and are not retired doing?

ResumoA redução da participação da população masculina nas atividades econômicas é resultado de sua entrada mais tarde e saída mais cedo do mercado de trabalho. Esta saída não está associada apenas à aposentadoria “precoce”. Entre 1993 e 2013, observou-se um crescimento no número de homens de 50 a 59 anos que não trabalhavam, não procuravam trabalho e não eram aposentados e nem pensionistas (nem nem). A literatura aponta que o trabalho é o evento social mais importante da vida dos homens e os contratos tradicionais de gênero estabelecem os papéis de provedor para eles e o de cuidadora para as mulheres. Esse crescimento sugere mudanças nas relações de gênero, pois se observou uma diminuição na proporção de homens chefes de família e um aumento na de cônjuges bem como de homens morando com os pais. Isto pode ser reflexo das dificuldades experimentadas por eles na inserção no mercado de trabalho, dada, também, a sua baixa escolaridade. Isto requer uma maior participação das mulheres. Essa tendência é contraditória com o novo regime demográfico. A saída tardia das atividades econômicas é um requisito importante para minimizar os desafios trazidos pela redução da força de trabalho e pelo envelhecimento populacional.

AbstractReduced participation of the male population in economic activities is the result of their later entry and earlier leave from the labor market. This earlier exit is not only associated to “early” retirement. Between 1993 and 2013, there was an increase in the number of men aged 50-59 who were not working, not looking for a job, and were not retired (NER) . The literature stresses that work is the most important social event of a man's life, and the traditional gender contract establishes the breadwinner role for men and the caregiver one for women. This growth suggests changes in gender relations since a decrease was observed in the proportion of male household heads, and an increase in that of male spouses, and of those living with their parents. This may be a consequence of their difficulties in participating in the labor market, also given their low education level; therefore, requiring greater participation from women. This trend is contradictory with the new demographic regime. A later leave from economic activities is an important requirement to minimize the challenges brought about by the reducing workforce and aging population.

Prevalence of liver diseases as referred by people living in the Santos and São Vicente Estuary.

The Santos and São Vicente Estuary has suffered extensively over the years from irregular industrial deposits. The present study aimed to evaluate liver disease prevalence and potential associated risk factors in four of the Estuary's areas (Pilões and Água-Fria, Cubatão Center, Continental São Vicente, and Guarujá) and a reference area (Bertioga). This study consisted of a cross-sectional study design, in which a questionnaire was used to collect information in 820 households at each of the study areas. The proportion of total liver diseases, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and cancer (liver, biliary tract, and pancreas) per area were estimated. Pearson's chi-square test and two proportion differences test were applied in order to evaluate associations between disease occurrence and areas and to test differences between two proportions, respectively. Single and multiple logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between disease prevalence and the different study areas. Liver disease prevalence was 1.5 % among all inhabitants and 1.4 % among those without any type of exposure. Among those who reported the presence of liver disease, a higher percentage of the participants that reported hepatitis (27.7 %) or other liver disease (48.7 %) did not report occupational or alcohol exposures. Hepatitis (77.8 %) was the most reported disease, and a statistical association between living in Pilões and Água-Fria and the occurrence of hepatitis was observed (Pearson's χ (2): z = 18.1; p = 0.001). The consumption of locally-produced groceries (2.88; CI: 1.24-6.70) and water (5.88; CI: 2.24-15.45) were shown to be risk factors for the occurrence of liver disease. Thus, environmental exposure is still a public health problem present in the estuary region.

Optimisation of Cellulase Production by Penicillium funiculosum in a Stirred Tank Bioreactor Using Multivariate Response Surface Analysis.

Increasing interest in the production of second-generation ethanol necessitates the low-cost production of enzymes from the cellulolytic complex (endoglucanases, exoglucanases, and ß-glucosidases), which act synergistically in cellulose breakdown. The present work aimed to optimise a bioprocess to produce these biocatalysts from the fungus Penicillium funiculosum ATCC11797. A statistical full factorial design (FFD) was employed to determine the optimal conditions for cellulase production. The optimal composition of culture media using Avicel (10 g·L(-1)) as carbon source was determined to include urea (1.2 g·L(-1)), yeast extract (1.0 g·L(-1)), KH2PO4 (6.0 g·L(-1)), and MgSO4 ·7H2O (1.2 g·L(-1)). The growth process was performed in batches in a bioreactor. Using a different FFD strategy, the optimised bioreactor operational conditions of an agitation speed of 220 rpm and aeration rate of 0.6 vvm allowed the obtainment of an enzyme pool with activities of 508 U·L(-1) for FPase, 9,204 U·L(-1) for endoglucanase, and 2,395 U·L(-1) for ß-glucosidase. The sequential optimisation strategy was effective and afforded increased cellulase production in the order from 3.6 to 9.5 times higher than production using nonoptimised conditions.

Multiresponse Optimization of Inoculum Conditions for the Production of Amylases and Proteases by Aspergillus awamori in Solid-State Fermentation of Babassu Cake.

This work aimed at investigating the simultaneous production of amylases and proteases by solid-state fermentation (SSF) of babassu cake using Aspergillus awamori IOC-3914. By means of experimental design techniques and the desirability function, optimum inoculum conditions (C/N ratio of propagation medium, inoculum age, and concentration of inoculum added to SSF medium) for the production of both groups of enzymes were found to be 25.8, 28.4 h, and 9.1 mg g(-1), respectively. Significant influence of both initial C/N ratio and inoculum concentration was observed. Optimum amylolytic activities predicted by this multiresponse analysis were validated by independent experiments, thus indicating the efficacy of this approach.

Estudo epidemiológico na população residente na baixada santista: Estuário de Santos: avaliação de indicadores de efeito e de exposição à contaminantes ambientais com enfoque em doenças hepáticas / Epidemiological study in baixada santista resident population Santos Estuary: evaluating indicators of effects and exposure to environmental contaminants with a focus on liver diseases

A região do Estuário de Santos e São Vicente é alvo da ocupação desordenada e degradação ambiental em decorrência do despejo de toneladas de resíduos tóxicos produzidos por empresas do pólo industrial de Cubatão que contaminam rios, solo, fauna e a população estabelecida próxima a estes depósitos industriais irregulares. O fígado é um dos órgãos que podem ser afetados por estes contaminantes, pois é o local de neutralização de substâncias tóxicas. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar prevalência de doenças do fígado e alterações nas enzimas hepáticas bem como indicadores de exposição a poluentes químicos em áreas contaminadas do Estuário de Santos e São Vicente e é parte de um projeto financiado pelo CNPq. Foi adotado o desenho transversal e foram selecionados 820 domicílios em cada uma das quatro áreas do Estuário (Pilões e Água-Fria, Cubatão Centro, São Vicente Continental e Guarujá) e em uma área localizada fora do Estuário (Bertioga). Na primeira fase foi realizado um inquérito de morbidade referida nas áreas selecionadas. O instrumento de coleta de informações foi um questionário estruturado e prétestado. Foram estimadas as proporções das doenças do fígado, hepatite, cirrose e câncer de fígado e vias biliares por área, a associação entre desfechos e áreas e diferenças entre proporções. Foram realizados modelos de regressão logística para investigação de possíveis fatores de risco para as doenças hepáticas. Na segunda fase, em uma amostra dos participantes da primeira fase, foram feitas sorologias para hepatites B e C e dosados os níveis séricos de alanina aminotransferase (ALT ou TGP), mercúrio e chumbo. Modelos de regressão logística foram usados para estimar fatores de risco para alterações enzimáticas. Foi avaliada a associação entre alterações nos níveis da enzima hepática e os níveis de chumbo e mercúrio no sangue. A prevalência de doenças do fígado entre todos os entrevistados foi de 1.5% e de 1.4% entre os sem exposição...

The Santos and Sao Vicente estuary region is the scene of unplanned occupation and environmental degradation due to the dumping of toxic waste tons produced by companies in the industrial hub of Cubatão that contaminate rivers, soil, fauna and people close to these irregular industrial deposits. The liver is an organ that may be affected by these contaminants once it is the local for neutralization of toxic substances. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of liver disease and abnormal liver enzymes as well as indicators of exposure to chemical pollutants in contaminated areas of the estuary of Santos and São Vicente and is part of a project financed by CNPq. It was adopted a cross sectional design and were selected 820 households in each of the four areas of the estuary (Pilões Água Fria, Cubatão Center, Continental São Vicente and Guarujá) and 820 households in an area outside the estuary (Bertioga). In the first phase a survey of referred morbidity was carried out in the selected areas. The information collection instrument was a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. We estimated the proportions of liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis and cancer of both liver and biliary tract by area, the association between outcomes and areas and differences between proportions. We performed logistic regression models to investigate possible risk factors for liver disease. In the second phase, in a sample of participants from the first phase, we carried out hepatitis serology (B and C) and measured serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT), mercury, and lead. Logistic regression models were used to estimate risk factors for enzyme abnormal levels. We evaluated the association between changes in liver enzyme levels and blood lead and mercury levels. The prevalence of liver disease among all respondents was 1.5% and 1.4% among those without exposure to chemicals and alcohol...

Economic Analysis of the Production of Amylases and Other Hydrolases by Aspergillus awamori in Solid-State Fermentation of Babassu Cake.

Amylases are one of the most important industrial enzymes produced worldwide, with their major application being in ethanol manufacturing. This work investigated the production of amylases by solid-state fermentation of babassu cake, using the filamentous fungus Aspergillus awamori IOC-3914. Lab-scale experiments were carried out to generate input data for simulations of an industrial plant for amylase production. Additionally to the target enzymes, other hydrolases (cellulases, xylanases, and proteases) were also produced, enriching the final product. The most suitable fermentation time was 144 hours, when exoamylase and endoamylase activities of 40.5 and 42.7 U g(-1) were achieved, respectively. A first evaluation showed a large impact of the inoculum propagation medium on production costs. Therefore, five propagation media were compared, and PDA medium presented the best cost-benefit ratio. The credits obtained from sales of fermented cake as a coproduct enabled a significant decrease in the production cost of the enzyme product, down to 10.40 USD kg(-1).

High-Yield Endoglucanase Production by Trichoderma harzianum IOC-3844 Cultivated in Pretreated Sugarcane Mill Byproduct.

The low-cost production of cellulolytic complexes presenting high action at mild conditions and well-balanced cellulase activities is one of the major bottlenecks for the economical viability of the production of cellulosic ethanol. In the present paper, the filamentous fungus Trichoderma harzianum IOC-3844 was used for the production of cellulases from a pretreated sugarcane bagasse (namely, cellulignin), by submerged fermentation. This fungal strain produced high contents of endoglucanase activity (6,358 U·L(-1)) after 72 hours of process, and further relevant ß-glucosidase and FPase activities (742 and 445 U·L(-1), resp.). The crude enzyme extract demonstrated appropriate characteristics for its application in cellulose hydrolysis, such as high thermal stability at up to 50°C, accessory xylanase activity, and absence of proteolytic activity towards azocasein. This strain showed, therefore, potential for the production of complete cellulolytic complexes aiming at the saccharification of lignocellulosic materials.