A composite indicator to measure sustainable water use in Portugal: A compromise programming approach.

Clean water is an important resource for maintaining human life, economic activities, and ecosystems' survival. Nevertheless, its irregular distribution and occasional scarcity lead to the need to promote its sustainable use. To assess the current situation and the dynamics of sustainable water use, it is crucial to identify the main factors affecting it and to propose monitoring indicators. This paper develops an approach based on compromise programming to analyse water use sustainability at the municipal level, with a methodology that comprise a framework designed in five steps: 1 - indicators' choice; 2 - indicators's weights; 3 - definition of sustainability rankings with the application of a compromise programming approach; 4- application of a GIS analysis; 5 - identification of the main factors affecting sustainable water use. As a first result, the consensus weights of the chosen indicators were defined, indicating that the most important internal factors affecting sustainable water use are safe water, the percentage of housing served by water supply and water distributed by inhabitant. Then sustainability rankings at the municipality level were defined considering these factors. Finally, it was possible to conclude that tourism activity, income level, and young age population have a significant negative effect on sustainable water use, and municipal revenue has a positive effect. Irrigated farming shows a non-significant negative effect on sustainable water use. Population density, elderly population and education level did not show the expected effects on sustainable water use.

Gestão em foco / Management in focus

Este e-book tem como objetivo trazer um compêndio de relatos de experiência relacionados à gestão de saúde do Estado de Goiás. Cada capítulo traz a descrição dos projetos desenvolvidos no âmbito da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de Goiás, que são vinculados aos objetivos estratégicos do órgão. Estes projetos têm como objetivo fortalecer as ações estratégicas para otimizar o planejamento do Sistema Único de Saúde

This e-book aims to bring a compendium of experience reports related to health management in the State of Goiás. Each chapter brings a description of the projects developed within the scope of the State Department of Health of Goiás, which are linked to the strategic objectives of the agency. These projects aim to strengthen strategic actions to optimize the planning of the Unified Health System

A method for predicting the Actual Percentage of Dissatisfied (APD) through a simple proposition of thermal comfort zones in a working environment.

BACKGROUND: Over the last few decades, there has been a concern to improve the quality of indoor work environments and increase energy efficiency as people spend much of their time in such settings. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed a group of women developing sedentary activities to determine the Actual Percentage of Dissatisfied (APD) in the environment, considering that all people who voted any value other than zero on the seven-point scale are deemed dissatisfied. METHODS: After this analysis, using the probit regression model, hot and cold air temperature curves were plotted so as to determine in which situation the number of people dissatisfied with the environment is minimal. RESULTS: The results showed an APD of 52.31%, which is different from the ADP recommended by ISO 7730 (2005) [-0.5 < PMV < + 0.5, PPD < 10% ]. The probit analysis using the cut of 10% as dissatisfied, according to category B of ISO 7730 (2005), showed a comfort temperature of 21.1°C, with a comfort temperature range from 19.61 to22.61°C. CONCLUSIONS: Using the fraction of people dissatisfied with the environment (52.31%) as the cutoff, when the air temperature is equivalent to 20.2°C, the lowest percentage dissatisfied by the cold and heat in the environment occurs simultaneously.

Occupational Risk Evaluation Through Infrared Thermography: Development and Proposal of a Rapid Screening Tool for Risk Assessment Arising from Repetitive Actions of the Upper Limbs.

Risk analysis is one of the main tools for preventing the occurrence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. New methods of risk analysis should seek to be more agile and simplified, encouraging them to be widely applied in work environments. This paper aimed to develop a rapid tool for assessing the risk of developing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) arising from repetitive actions of the upper limbs, while using a thermographic camera to measure skin temperature variation. A workstation was developed in an environmentally controlled laboratory, representing the five levels of risk presented by the Occupational Repetitive Actions Index (OCRA) Index, which were performed by 32 participants for 20 min. each level. There was a significant change in forearm skin temperature at all risk levels (p < 0.001), with a positive linear correlation (r = 0.658 and p < 0.001), which led the authors to perform linear regression analysis for the forearm region. The Predicted OCRA Index calculation equation was successfully developed (R = 0.767 and R² = 0.588), while using as independent variables: air temperature and temperature variation of the forearm skin. The Predicted OCRA Index can be applied as a screening tool for large numbers of workers in the same company or sector, due to its speed of application and the determination of risk level, but it does not replace the original OCRA Index.

Prevalence of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (ENOS) gene G894T polymorphism and its association with hypertension: a population-based study with Brazilian women.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, accounting for millions of deaths each year. The reduction in the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) produced by the catalysis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is associated with higher blood pressure (BP) levels. This reduction might be because of genetic polymorphisms. This study investigated the prevalence of the eNOS gene G894T polymorphism in women from northeast Brazil and its association with hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 810 women (aged 19-49 years). Sociodemographic, health, anthropometric, and BP data were collected. Hypertension was defined according to the following criteria: systolic BP ≥ 140 mm Hg, diastolic BP ≥ 90 mm Hg, the regular use of antihypertensive medication, or some combination thereof. Epithelial cells from the cheek mucosa were obtained for DNA extraction. Genotyping was performed via real-time PCR. The measure of association was the prevalence ratio (PR) and its 95% CI as calculated via Poisson regression. RESULTS: The frequencies of the GG, GT, and TT genotypes were 57.1%, 35.7%, and 7.2%, respectively. For each of these genotypes, the prevalence of hypertension in women was 17.9%, 23.6%, and 34.4%, respectively. Relative to the GG genotype, the PRs after adjusting for cofounding factors were 1.24 (95% CI: 0.95-1.61, p = 0.11) for GT and 1.76 (95% CI: 1.16-2.67, p < 0.01) for TT. CONCLUSIONS: The T allele of the G894T polymorphisms is associated with hypertension in women. This may have implications for prevention and treatment.

Direito positivo, miséria social e violência no capitalismo globalizado / Positive law, social misery and violence in globalized capitalismo

Resumo: O presente artigo tem como objetivo principal demonstrar como o Estado moderno, através do sistema econômico capitalista e da globalização neoliberal, tem efetivado o processo de expropriação de forma deliberada, provocando miséria social e fomentando a violência e a criminalidade em larga escala. O texto também mostra que o Estado moderno utiliza-se das ciências jurídicas para coibir e ignorar as situações sociais de trabalhadores sem emprego.

Abstract: The main objective of this article is to demonstrate how the modern state, through the economic system, capitalist and neoliberal globalization, effectively or deliberately expropriation, provoking social misery and fomenting violence and crime on a large scale. The text also shows that the modern state uses legal sciences to curb and ignore the social situations of workers without jobs.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women living in remote areas in Amazonas, Brazil-a self-collection screening experience.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection among women. In Brazil, there is no organized screening program for C. trachomatis, and the actual prevalence of infection is unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis infection in women living in riverside communities in the Amazon, using self-collection employing the Evalyn® Brush and polymerase chain reaction. A total of 299 riverine women aged 18-81 years, mean age 35.7 (±12.8) years, predominantly agricultural workers, with low schooling and living with a partner, participated in this study. The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was found to be 3.7% (95% CI 1.8-6.5), most of them being symptomatic. The mean age of the first sexual intercourse reported by women was 15.2 (±2.3) years, and the majority reported having had none or only one partner in the last 12 months, with very low adherence to consistent condom use (15.4%). Most women (98.3%) reported having approved using the vaginal self-collecting brush, and only 4.7% reported having difficulty in handling the brush. We consider that a vaginal self-collecting device is adequate for diagnosing C. trachomatis infection in women living in remote, hard-to-reach areas.

Hydroethanolic Extract of Strychnos pseudoquina Accelerates Skin Wound Healing by Modulating the Oxidative Status and Microstructural Reorganization of Scar Tissue in Experimental Type I Diabetes.

The effect of topical application of ointment based on Strychnos pseudoquina hydroethanolic extract in the cutaneous wounds healing in diabetic rats was evaluated. Samples of S. pseudoquina were submitted to phytochemical prospection and in vitro antioxidant assay. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: Sal-wounds treated with 0.9% saline solution; VH-wounds treated with 0.6 g of lanolin cream (vehicle); SS-wounds treated with silver sulfadiazine cream (10 mg/g); ES5- and ES10-wounds treated with an ointment of S. pseudoquina extract, 5% and 10%, respectively. Fragments of wounds were removed for histological and biochemical analysis every 7 days during 21 days. ES showed equivalent levels per gram of extract of total phenols and flavonoids equal to 122.04 mg for TAE and 0.60 mg for RE. The chlorogenic acid was one of the major constituents. S. pseudoquina extract presented high antioxidant potential in vitro. ES5 and ES10 showed higher wound healing rate and higher amount of cells, blood vessels, and type III and I collagen. The oxidative stress markers were lower in the ES5 and ES10 groups, while the antioxidants enzymes levels were higher. Ointment based on S. pseudoquina extract promotes a fast and efficient cutaneous repair in diabetic rats.

Waist-to-height ratio is the best anthropometric predictor of hypertension: A population-based study with women from a state of northeast of Brazil.

The WHO recommends the use of some anthropometric parameters as a screening resource for individuals under cardiometabolic risk. However, in the validation of these indicators, Brazilian women were not included. These women have different anthropometric profile compared to women who integrated the samples of the validation studies. We aimed to verify the accuracy of anthropometric indicators as a resource for the screening of women with hypertension. A cross-sectional study, with a probability sample of 3143 women (20-49 years) from the state of Alagoas (northeast of Brazil), was carried out. Hypertension was identified by systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg and/or regular use of antihypertensive drugs. The anthropometric indicators analyzed were BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body fat percentage, and conicity index. The accuracy definition of the indicators and the identification of best cut-off points were carried out on the basis of ROC curve analysis and Youden index, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was 21.8%. All indicators used in hypertension identification had area under the ROC curve (AUC) >0.5. The WHtR with cut-off point of 0.54 was the best performance indicator (AUC = 0.72; P < 0.05; sensitivity = 67%, specificity = 66%). The WHtR with cut-off point of 0.54 has constituted the most accurate indicator in the screening of women with hypertension. In the absence of specific studies and considering the largest ethnic proximity and environmental/epidemiological similarity, the findings now obtained can be extended to women of other Brazilian states, especially those in the Northeastern region.

Neuroprotective effect of Sapucaia nuts (Lecythis pisonis)on rats fed with high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND: Lecythis pisonis Cambess is commonly known as "castanha de sapucaia" in Brazil. Chemical composition studies revealed that this nut is an excellent source of anti-oxidant minerals and of essential lipids. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to assess the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of Lecythis pisonis Cambess on the brain tissue of Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The animals were divided in four experimental groups (n = 6), total of forty-eight rats. Treatments included the standard diet (AIN-93G) and high-fat food, supplemented with Sapucaianut from 14 to 28 days. The gene expression markers TNF-α, NFkB, ZnSOD and HSP-72 were defined through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR). The anti-oxidant effect was assessed through the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and the measurement of the activity performed by superoxide dismutase enzymes. RESULTS: Accordingly, the gene expression of the inflammatory markers NFkB (p65) and TNF-αwas lower in rats fed on diets supplemented with "sapucaia", and they presented significant difference in the Tukey test (p < 0.05). The heat-shock HSP-72 protein and the ZnSOD enzyme raised the gene expression and showed significant statistical difference (p < 0.05) in both groups fed on Sapucaia nut-based diet. CONCLUSION: Thus, the nutritional properties of the Sapucaia nuts perform important neuroprotective activities because they modulated the anti-oxidant activity and the brain tissue inflammatory process in the assessed animals.

Neuroprotective effect of Sapucaia nuts (Lecythis pisonis) on rats fed with high-fat diet / Efecto neuroprotector de la castaña de sapucaia (Lecythis pisonis) en ratones sometidos a la dieta de cafetería

Background: Lecythis pisonis Cambess is commonly known as «castanha de sapucaia» in Brazil. Chemical composition studies revealed that this nut is an excellent source of anti-oxidant minerals and of essential lipids. Objective: The aim of the present study is to assess the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of Lecythis pisonis Cambess on the brain tissue of Wistar rats. Material and methods: The animals were divided in four experimental groups (n = 6), total of forty-eight rats. Treatments included the standard diet (AIN-93G) and high-fat food, supplemented with Sapucaia nut from 14 to 28 days. The gene expression markers TNF-α, NFkB, ZnSOD and HSP-72 were defined through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR). The anti-oxidant effect was assessed through the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and the measurement of the activity performed by superoxide dismutase enzymes. Results: Accordingly, the gene expression of the inflammatory markers NFkB (p65) and TNF-α was lower in rats fed on diets supplemented with «sapucaia», and they presented significant difference in the Tukey test (p < 0.05). The heat-shock HSP-72 protein and the ZnSOD enzyme raised the gene expression and showed significant statistical difference (p < 0.05) in both groups fed on Sapucaia nut-based diet. Conclusion: Thus, the nutritional properties of the Sapucaia nuts perform important neuroprotective activities because they modulated the anti-oxidant activity and the brain tissue inflammatory process in the assessed animals (AU)

Introducción: la Lecythis pisonis Cambess es conocida popularmente en Brasil como «castaña de sapucaia». Estudios de su composición química revelaron que esta castaña es una excelente fuente de minerales antioxidantes y de lípidos esenciales. Objetivo: evaluar los efectos antioxidantes y anti inflamatorios en el tejido cerebral de ratones Wistar. Material y métodos: los animales fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos experimentales (n = 6) totalizando 48 ratones. Los tratamientos fueron conducidos por un periodo de 14 a 28 días con dietas estándar AIN-93G y de cafetería con castaña de sapucaia. La expresión génica de los marcadores TNF-α, NFkB, ZnSOD y HSP-72 fue determinada por la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa cuantitativa tras transcripción inversa (qPCR). La actividad antioxidante también fue verificada por la determinación de las especies reactivas del ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) y por mensuración de la actividad de la enzima superoxido dismutasa. Resultados: la expresión génica de los marcadores inflamatorios NFkB (p65) y TNF-α fue menor para los grupos de ratones que consumieron las dietas enriquecidas con sapucaia con diferencia significativa por el test de Tukey (p < 0,05). La proteína de choque térmico HSP-72 y la enzima ZnSOD presentaron aumento de la expresión génica con diferencia estadística significativa (p < 0,05) para ambos grupos que consumieron sapucaia en sus dietas. Conclusión: las propiedades nutricionales de la castaña de sapucaia ejercieron importante actividad neuroprotectora por modular la actividad antioxidante y el proceso inflamatorio en los tejidos cerebrales de los animales evaluados (AU)

O paciente usuário de crack - diagnóstico e terapêutica na urgência / The crack user patient ? diagnosis and therapy in urgent care

O crack é uma substância de efeitos extremamente danosos e se associa a riscos de morte súbita. O Brasil é dos poucos países no mundo onde o consumo de cocaína e crack está aumentando. Cerca de 1% da população brasileira faz algum consumo frequente de cocaína e aparentemente metade desse consumo é na forma de crack, o que corresponde a 600 mil usuários; e o atendimento de emergência dessas pessoas deve aumentar nos próximos anos. A intoxicação aguda por cocaína secaracteriza, fundamentalmente, por manifestações de hiperatividade noradrenérgica e dopaminérgica, que afeta vários órgãos e sistemas. O uso de drogas é fator agravante em qualquer paciente admitido em pronto-atendimento. A relação médico-paciente com usuários de drogas como crack é, usualmente, de difícil realização. O objetivo do tratamento da intoxicação aguda pelo crack baseia-se em suporte geral, abstinência e prevenção de recaídas; e deve ser instituído de forma adequada por profissional habilitado, para evitar aumento ainda maior da morbimortalidade decorrente do seu uso

Crack has extremely harmful effects and is associated with the risk of sudden death. Brazil is one of the few countries where the use of cocaine and crack is increasing. About 1% of the Brazilian population frequently consumes cocaine and apparently half of this consumption is in the form of crack, which corresponds to 600 thousand users; the emergency care for these people should increase in the coming years. Acute cocaine intoxication is characterized primarily by manifestations of noradrenergic and dopaminergic hyperactivity, which affects several organs and systems. Drug use is an aggravating factor in any patient admitted to an emergency room. The doctor-patient relationship with drug users such as crack is usually difficult. The goal of treatment of acute intoxication by crack is based on general support, abstinence, and relapse prevention; it must be set up properly by a trained professional to prevent an even increase in morbidity and mortality resulting from its use

Crack: farmacocinética, farmacodinâmica, efeitos clínicos e tóxicos / Crack: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical and toxic effects

Esta revisão apresenta os aspectos químicos e farmacológicos do crack, além de seus efeitos clínicos e toxicológicos. Foram abordados trabalhos publicados entre os anos de 1990 e 2012, por intermédio de buscas sistemáticas utilizando o banco de dados Scielo, Lilacs e jornais eletrônicos disponíveis na internet. O crack possui como substância ativa a cocaína, derivada de folhas da planta Erythroxylum coca. Independentemente da sua forma de consumo (intravenosa, inalatória, oral e intranasal), exerce seus efeitos tóxicos a partir dos principais metabólitos: benzoilecgonina e metil-éster de ecgnonina. A alta lipossolubilidade apresentada permite que atravesse a barreira hematoencefálica e placentária, tendo especial afinidade pelo cérebro. Atua como potente agonista adrenérgico, dopaminérgico e serotoninérgico e bloqueador dos canais de sódio voltagem-dependentes, o que justifica seus efeitos clínicos e potencial tóxico. A intoxicação aguda irá se manifestar pela hiperatividade desses sistemas. O entendimento da toxicologia do crack é importante para detecção e manejo clínico da intoxicação aguda, da sua abstinência e consequências do seu uso crônico.

This review presents the chemical and pharmacological aspects of crack in addition to its clinical and toxicological effects. Studies published between 1990 and 2012 were evaluated through systematic searches in the Scielo, Lilacs, and electronic journals databases available on the internet. Cocaine is the active substance in crack, derived from Erythroxylum coca plant leaves. Regardless of its form of consumption (intravenous, inhalation, oral, and intranasal), it exerts toxic effects from its main metabolites: benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester. The high fat solubility presented allows their crossing of the blood-brain barrier and placenta with a special affinity for the brain. It acts as a potentadrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic agonist, and voltage- dependent sodium channels blocker, which justifies its potential clinical and toxic effects. Acute intoxication will manifest in the hyperactivity of these systems. The understanding of crack toxicology is important for the detection and clinical management of acute poisoning, abstinence, and consequences of chronic use

Hiperparatireoidismo como causa de demência reversível em idosos / Hyperparathyroidism as a cause of reversible dementia in elderly

Introdução: demência é uma síndrome caracterizada pelo declínio progressivo e global das funções cognitivas. Existem diversas condições reversíveis que podem causá-la ou mimetizá-la. Objetivos: investigar o hiperparatireoidismo (HPT) como causa de demência e seu potencial de reversibilidade. Métodos: avaliação clínico-laboratorial de 60 idosos com suspeita de demência encaminhados ao Ambulatório Affonso Silviano Brandão da Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais e HospitalUniversitário São José ? Belo Horizonte. Os níveis séricos do cálcio total, 25 hidroxivitamina D e paratormônio (PTH), no diagnóstico, foram, respectivamente, de 12,4 e 13,2 mg/dL; 14 e 10 ng/mL; e 227 e 302 pg/mL. Resultados: a idade média foi de 73 ± 8 anos; 70% femininos; sendo duas pacientes com níveis elevados de cálcio e PTH e baixos de vitamina D. Apresentavam também litíase renal, alterações da função cognitiva,sintomas depressivos, osteoporose com fraturas e nódulo em região cervical visível ao ultrassom e hipercaptantes à Sestamibi-99mTc por cintilografia. A causa provável do HPT, epidemiologicamente, era um adenoma. Confirmado o diagnóstico, optou-se pelo tratamento cirúrgico pela técnica minimamente invasiva, com monitorização do PTH intraoperatório (PTH?IO). Foram submetidos pré e pós-operatório (seis meses), ao MEEM e CAMDEX-R. Obtiveram melhora dos escores, no primeiro, de 11 em ambas as pacientes para 16 na paciente A e 15 na paciente B; e no segundo, inicialmente de 65 na paciente A e de 63 na paciente B para 82 em ambas as pacientes. Conclusões: o HPTdeve ser considerado na avaliação dos quadros de demência.

Introduction: dementia is a syndrome characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive and global functions. There are several reversible conditions that may cause it or mimic it. Objectives: to investigate the hyperparathyroidism (HPT) as the cause of dementia andtheir potential reversibility. Methods: clinical and laboratory evaluation of 60 elderly people with suspected dementia referred to the Affonso Silviano Brandão Outpatient Ambulatory at the Medical Sciences College of Minas Gerais and São José University Hospital - Belo Horizonte. The total serum calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the diagnosis were 12.4, and 13.2 mg/dL; 14 and 10 ng/mL; and 227 and 302 pg/ml, respectively. Results: The mean age was 73 ± 8 years; 70% female; including two patients with high levels of calcium and PTH and low levels of vitamin D. They also presented low kidney stones, changes in cognitive function, depressive symptoms, osteoporosis with fractures,and visible lump in cervical region ultrasound, and hypercaptant to Sestamibi-99mTc by scintigraphy. The probable cause of HPT, epidemiologically, was an adenoma. Once the diagnosis was confirmed, we opted for surgical treatment through a minimally invasivetechnique, with intraoperative PTH monitoring (PTH-IO). These patients underwent pre and postoperative (six months) to the MMSE and CAMDEX-R. They showed improved scores from 11 points in the first inboth patients to 16 in patient A and 15 in patient B; and inthe second, from 65 in patient A and 63 in patient B to 82in both patients. Conclusions: HPT should be consideredin the evaluation of dementia cases.

Manifestações pulmonares decorrentes do uso de crack / Pulmonary manifestations arising from the use of crack

O crack é considerado a forma mais potente e viciante da cocaína, sendo o pulmão acometido logo após a sua inalação. Associa-se a diversas manifestações como barotrauma, exacerbação da asma brônquica, edema agudo pulmonar, hemorragia alveolar, bronquiolite obliterante com pneumonia organizada e vasculite. Suas manifestações clínicas agudas caracterizam a síndrome "pulmão do crack", com manifestações imaginológicas próprias.

Crack is considered the most powerful and addictive form of cocaine and lungs are affected immediately after inhalation. It is associated with various manifestations such as barotrauma, exacerbation of bronchial asthma, acute pulmonary edema, alveolar hemorrhage, obliterating bronchiolitis with organized pneumonia, and vasculitis. Its acute clinical manifestations characterize the "crack lung" syndrome with its own image manifestations.

Thermal suitability in industrial environment: a case study in a metallurgical industry.

BACKGROUND: This article presents the results of an investigation into the thermal aspect of workplaces of the metallurgical branch of furniture manufacturing, looking for the number of dissatisfied people in the environment. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the thermal suitability of a metallurgical industrial environment, from four interpretations of vote +1/-1 (slightly warm or slightly cool) on the thermal sensation range, reported by workers. METHODS: The methodological approach consists of quantitative research and a literature review set for this work, composed of spreadsheets and statistical processing of data. Data collection took place through the use of environmental variables measurement equipment and software for statistical assistance. RESULTS: The results indicate an average above 35% of workers dissatisfied with the environment, thus, portraying the lack of suitability. CONCLUSIONS: It was noted, further, that, although average temperatures may be between 21°C to 28°C, workplace improvements can be made, so that the thermal sensations will be satisfactory.

Prevalence of cervicobrachial discomforts in elementary school teachers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of cervicobrachial order discomforts in Elementary Public School teachers from 1st to 4th years in the city of Pato Branco - PR. METHODS: Cross-sectional study made with 160 public school teachers from 1st to 4th years in the city of Pato Branco - PR. Data collection was made from a structured questionnaire, and a physical examination with manual palpation and orthopedic tests. RESULTS: The obtained data showed the presence of pain in the trapezius muscle region, on the left side, in 52.5%; and, on the right side, in 50.6%. The analysis also showed that there is a strong relationship between the cervicobrachial problems presented and the labor activity. The final evaluation of this study demonstrates the great need of primary care for these workers, that is, carrying out activities to prevent musculoskeletal diseases developed through work, either to preserve the individuals' physical integrity or the quality of education. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was high among teachers. There is evidence that the prevalence was connected to job demands.

Tuning of functional heme reduction potentials in Shewanella fumarate reductases.

The fumarate reductases from S. frigidimarina NCIMB400 and S. oneidensis MR-1 are soluble and monomeric enzymes located in the periplasm of these bacteria. These proteins display two redox active domains, one containing four c-type hemes and another containing FAD at the catalytic site. This arrangement of single-electron redox co-factors leading to multiple-electron active sites is widespread in respiratory enzymes. To investigate the properties that allow a chain of single-electron co-factors to sustain the activity of a multi-electron catalytic site, redox titrations followed by NMR and visible spectroscopies were applied to determine the microscopic thermodynamic parameters of the hemes. The results show that the redox behaviour of these fumarate reductases is similar and dominated by a strong interaction between hemes II and III. This interaction facilitates a sequential transfer of two electrons from the heme domain to FAD via heme IV.

Energy metabolism in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough: insights from transcriptome analysis.

Sulphate-reducing bacteria are important players in the global sulphur and carbon cycles, with considerable economical and ecological impact. However, the process of sulphate respiration is still incompletely understood. Several mechanisms of energy conservation have been proposed, but it is unclear how the different strategies contribute to the overall process. In order to obtain a deeper insight into the energy metabolism of sulphate-reducers whole-genome microarrays were used to compare the transcriptional response of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough grown with hydrogen/sulphate, pyruvate/sulphate, pyruvate with limiting sulphate, and lactate/thiosulphate, relative to growth in lactate/sulphate. Growth with hydrogen/sulphate showed the largest number of differentially expressed genes and the largest changes in transcript levels. In this condition the most up-regulated energy metabolism genes were those coding for the periplasmic [NiFeSe] hydrogenase, followed by the Ech hydrogenase. The results also provide evidence for the involvement of formate cycling and the recently proposed ethanol pathway during growth in hydrogen. The pathway involving CO cycling is relevant during growth on lactate and pyruvate, but not during growth in hydrogen as the most down-regulated genes were those coding for the CO-induced hydrogenase. Growth on lactate/thiosulphate reveals a down-regulation of several energy metabolism genes similar to what was observed in the presence of nitrite. This study identifies the role of several proteins involved in the energy metabolism of D. vulgaris and highlights several novel genes related to this process, revealing a more complex bioenergetic metabolism than previously considered.

Transcriptional response of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough to oxidative stress mimicking environmental conditions.

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are anaerobes readily found in oxic-anoxic interfaces. Multiple defense pathways against oxidative conditions were identified in these organisms and proposed to be differentially expressed under different concentrations of oxygen, contributing to their ability to survive oxic conditions. In this study, Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough cells were exposed to the highest concentration of oxygen that SRB are likely to encounter in natural habitats, and the global transcriptomic response was determined. Three hundred and seven genes were responsive, with cellular roles in energy metabolism, protein fate, cell envelope and regulatory functions, including multiple genes encoding heat shock proteins, peptidases and proteins with heat shock promoters. Of the oxygen reducing mechanisms of D. vulgaris only the periplasmic hydrogen-dependent mechanism was up-regulated, involving the [NiFeSe] hydrogenase, formate dehydrogenase(s) and the Hmc membrane complex. The oxidative defense response concentrated on damage repair by metal-free enzymes. These data, together with the down-regulation of the ferric uptake regulator operon, which restricts the availability of iron, and the lack of response of the peroxide-sensing regulator operon, suggest that a major effect of this oxygen stress is the inactivation and/or degradation of multiple metalloproteins present in D. vulgaris as a consequence of oxidative damage to their metal clusters.