Revisão de técnicas de análise de emissões de odores e regulamentações do incômodo olfativo

As emissões atmosféricas de substâncias odoríferas podem causar incômodos às pessoas. Com isso, é necessário que os países tenham legislações e regulamentem essa classe de poluentes, para garantir o conforto e o bem-estar da população. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho objetiva verificar, através de uma pesquisa na literatura e na legislação, como a temática é abordada atualmente no Brasil e em outros países. Além disso, são apresentadas as técnicas disponíveis para medição do odor e os critérios de impacto utilizados, bem como as vantagens e as desvantagens de cada uma delas. Foi evidenciando que há diferentes graus de abordagem para tratar do assunto. Enquanto países como Alemanha e Japão regulamentam os odores há décadas, no Brasil não há diretrizes para limitar a exposição aos compostos odorantes. Apenas estabelecer limites de emissão nas fontes não é suficiente para evitar incômodos, já que para isso também devem ser considerados os fatores frequência, intensidade, duração, ofensividade e localização (FIDOL). A união de análises instrumentais às análises sensoriais baseadas no olfato humano é muito importante, pois demonstra vantagens ao caracterizar e avaliar o impacto que os odores podem ter. Frente ao exposto, a dificuldade em propor regulamentos é devido a essa temática ser diretamente influenciada por questões políticas, econômicas, técnicas, ambientais e de saúde. A adaptação de normas estrangeiras para a realidade do cenário brasileiro, com implementações em etapas e correta fiscalização dos órgãos competentes, é uma alternativa para essa questão. Através da revisão periódica dos métodos utilizados em outras nações, é possível definir, de maneira mais assertiva, novas regulamentações ou alterações nas já existentes no estado do Rio Grande do Sul.Odour air pollution can cause health risks and may lead to immediate annoyance. Therefore, countries should have odour legislation and specific environmental laws. The objective of this study is to review odour legislation in Brazil and other countries through articles, laws and standardized normatives. Specific methods are discussed for odour measurement and different odour impact criteria (OIC) are established, with advantages and limitations. Odour legislation is highly variable from one jurisdiction to the next and even regions across a country might choose diverse thresholds. While Germany and Japan have had odour jurisdiction over the last decades, Brazil’s legislation lacks specific environmental legislation to assess odour impact and testing. Odour nuisance cannot be determined at odour emission source because it depends on multiple factors that are often summarised with the acronym FIDOL (frequency, intensity, duration, offensiveness and location). Chemical analysis paired together with sensory measurements of odours are needed to provide a proper and reliable evaluation and identification is odours. Odour regulation is challenging because it must consider political, socioeconomical, environmental, public health, and technical realities. Rio Grande do Sul should incorporate odour legislation from successful foreign regulations and environment officers should focus on enforcing the law. Overall, odour law in Brazil needs to be continually surveyed, reviewed, developed and adjusted

Evaluation of an educational programme for socially deprived asthma patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an asthma education programme in moderate and severe asthma patients in a longitudinal, prospective and randomized study with a control group. Fifty-three asthmatic patients were studied, 26 of whom were assigned to the educational group and 27 to the control group.The educational group attended the programme regularly for a period of 6 months. the programme included information about asthma, instruction on the appropriate use of medication and training in the metered dose inhaler (MDI) technique, and information about the identification and control of asthma attacks and the recognition of early signs of exacerbation. the control group was submitted to the routine tare provided at the Asthma Clinic, with no formal instruction regarding asthma control. the groups were identical with regard to severity parameters, skills, lung function and quality of Life at the beginning of the trial.At the end of the study, the education group showed significant differences when compared with the control group education/control (mean values) with respect to: visits to the asthma emergency room over the previous 6 months, 0.7/2 (p=0.03); nocturnal symptoms, 0.3/0.7 (p=0.04); score of symptoms, 1.3/2 (p=0.04). Improvements were also observed in skills and quality of life, knowledge of how to deal with attacks and how to control the environmental triggering factors, 73/35 (<0.05); correct use of the MDI, 8/4 (0.001); understanding of the difference between relief and antiinflammatory medication, 86/20 (<0.05); and in the global limitation quality of life score, 28/50 (0.02).It is concluded that the educational programme led to a significant improvement in asthma morbidity and that the implantation of educational programmes is possible for special populations when these programmes are adapted to the socioeconomic profile of the patients, with a significant gain in terms of the reduction of symptoms and improved pulmonary function and quality of life of asthmatics.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Lund Div, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Lund Div, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Characteristics of Actinomyces spp. and Nocardia spp. simulating neoplasia

Introduction: Actinomyces and Nocardia are filamentous bacteria that can simulate neoplastic diseases, mainly in lungs.Methods: A retrospective study based on the analysis of the medical records of five cases of actinomycosis and nocardiosis, which has been primarily misdiagnosed as lung cancer according to their radiographic findings. Cases were selected from a sample of 38 patients diagnosed with actinomycosis and 29 patients diagnosed with nocardiosis at the Mycology Laboratory of Irmandade de Misericórdia Santa Casa de Porto Alegre (state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) between January 1977 to December 2012. The diagnosis was established by culture and histological examination. The literature was also critically reviewed.Results: We reported data of three cases of nocardiosis and two cases of actinomycosis that was primary diagnosed as lung cancer. The patients’ mean age was 50.6 (ranged from 43-63), four were male and 80% (4/5) of patients were immunocompetent. In more than 50% of patients, diagnosis and also treatment of lesions required surgical intervention. Conclusions: The complete knowledge of disease manifestations accelerates diagnosis and treatment and decreases unnecessary surgical interventions and morbidity and mortality rates, which are high in these infections.  

Histoplasmose simulando neoplasia primária de pulmão ou metástases pulmonares

OBJECTIVE: To describe the main clinical and radiological characteristics of patients with histoplasmosis mimicking lung cancer. METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study based on the analysis of the medical records of the 294 patients diagnosed with histoplasmosis between 1977 and 2011 at the Mycology Laboratory of the Santa Casa Sisters of Mercy Hospital of Porto Alegre in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. The diagnosis of histoplasmosis was established by culture, histopathological examination, or immunodiffusion testing (identification of M or H precipitation bands). After identifying the patients with macroscopic lesions, as well as radiological and CT findings consistent with malignancy, we divided the patients into two groups: those with a history of cancer and presenting with lesions mimicking metastases (HC group); and those with no such history but also presenting with lesions mimicking metastases (NHC group). RESULTS: Of the 294 patients diagnosed with histoplasmosis, 15 had presented with lesions mimicking primary neoplasia or metastases (9 and 6 in the HC and NHC groups, respectively). The age of the patients ranged from 13 to 67 years (median, 44 years). Of the 15 patients, 14 (93%) presented with pulmonary lesions at the time of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and radiological syndrome of neoplastic disease is not confined to malignancy, and granulomatous infectious diseases must therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis.Objetivo: Descrever as principais características clínico-radiológicas de pacientes com histoplasmose simulando câncer de pulmão. Métodos: Estudo descritivo e retrospectivo baseado na análise dos prontuários médicos de 294 pacientes diagnosticados com histoplasmose no Laboratório de Micologia da Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, em Porto Alegre (RS) entre 1977 e 2011. O diagnóstico de histoplasmose foi estabelecido por cultura, exame histopatológico ou identificação de bandas M ou H por imunodifusão. Após identificar os pacientes com lesões macroscópicas e com achados compatíveis de malignidade em radiografia ou TC de tórax, os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: pacientes com história de câncer e lesões simulando metástases (grupo HC) e pacientes sem história de câncer com lesão simulando neoplasia primária (SHC). Resultados: Dos 294 pacientes com histoplasmose, 15 apresentaram lesões simulando neoplasia primária ou metástases (9 e 6 nos grupos HC e SHC, respectivamente). A idade dos pacientes variou de 13 a 67 anos (mediana, 44 anos) Dos 15 pacientes, 14 (93%) apresentaram lesões pulmonares no momento da internação. Conclusões: A síndrome clínica e radiológica da doença neoplásica não se limita a malignidade, e, portanto, as doenças infecciosas granulomatosas devem ser consideradas no diagnóstico diferencial

Mais do que os olhos podem ver: a arte como forma de conectar atores e promover a inovação social

Purpose: This paper aims to understand the relationship between actors' roles in an entrepreneurial ecosystem from the perspective of Quintuple Helix to promote Social Innovation. Methodology: Participatory action research was carried out during the planning and execution of a project involving University, industry, government, and different actors of society inserted in an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Findings: The data were analyzed following Kemmis and Mctaggart (2007): plan, act and observe, and reflect. Based on the Helix concept, the case is characterized as an entrepreneurial ecosystem with the interaction between a group of actors. The results reinforce the importance of collaboration in the process of social innovation and understanding the role of each actor. Practical implications: The results can help public, private, and non-profit organizations identify their actions, reflect on potential partnerships, and design initiatives capable of generating Social Innovation. Social implications: Training of artists to be creators of prints, facilitating their insertion in the job market; integration between students and civil society association; connection between footwear industry and civil society association by the donation of pairs of sneakers for children. Originality/value: This research can help public, private, and non-profit organizations to identify their actions, reflect on potential partnerships, and design initiatives capable of generating social innovation. We emphasize the importance of engagement, collaboration, and value creation for those involved in social innovation processes.Propósito: este artigo tem como objetivo compreender a relação entre os papéis dos atores em um Ecossistema Empreendedor a partir da perspectiva da Hélice Quíntupla para promover a Inovação Social.Metodologia: foi realizada uma pesquisa-ação participante durante o planejamento e execução de um projeto envolvendo Universidade, indústria, governo, e diferentes atores da sociedade inseridos em um ecossistema empreendedor. Resultados: os dados foram analisados seguindo Kemmis and Mctaggart (2007): planejar, agir e observar, e refletir. Com base no conceito de Hélice, o caso é caracterizado como um ecossistema emprendedor a partir da interação de um grupo de atores. Os resultados reforçam a importância da colaboração e do entendimento do papel de cada ator no processo de inovação social.Implicações práticas: os resultados podem apoiar organizações públicas, privadas e sem fins lucrativos a identificar suas ações, refletir sobre possíveis parcerias e projetar iniciativas capazes de gerar inovação social.Implicações sociais: treinamento de artistas para a criação de estampas, facilitando sua inserção no mercado de trabalho; integração entre estudantes e uma associação da sociedade civil; conexão entre a indústria calçadista e associação da sociedade civil por meio da doação de calçados para crianças. Originalidade: esta pesquisa pode ajudar organizações públicas, privadas e sem fins lucrativos a identificar suas ações, refletir sobre possíveis parcerias e projetar iniciativas capazes de gerar inovação social. Enfatizamos a importância do engajamento, da colaboração e da criação de valor para os envolvidos nos processos de inovação social

Histoplasmose apresentando múltiplos nódulos pulmonares. Um caso simulando características radiológicas de metástase pulmonar

Apresentamos caso de histoplasmose com múltiplos nódulos pulmonares em paciente com história de melanoma. Este caso simula malignidade, incluindo o sinal de vaso nutridor que ocorre na metástase pulmonar. Enfatizamos a necessidade de considerar esta infecção em áreas onde a histoplasmose é endêmica.We present a case of histoplasmosis with multiple pulmonary nodules in a patient with a history of melanoma. This case closely simulated malignancy, including the presence of feeding vessel sign, which occurs in pulmonary metastasis. We emphasize the need to be aware of this infection in areas where histoplasmosis is endemic

Macrophages in the Pathogenesis of Leprosy

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium leprae. The disease may present different clinical forms depending on the immunological status of the host. M. leprae may infect macrophages and Schwann cells, and recent studies have demonstrated that macrophages are fundamental cells for determining the outcome of the disease. Skin lesions from patients with the paucibacillary form of the disease present a predominance of macrophages with a pro-inflammatory phenotype (M1), whereas skin lesions of multibacillary patients present a predominance of anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2). More recently, it was shown that autophagy is responsible for the control of bacillary load in paucibacillary macrophages and that the blockade of autophagy is involved in the onset of acute inflammatory reactional episodes in multibacillary cells. So, strategies that aim to induce autophagy in infected macrophages are promising not only to improve the efficacy of multidrug therapy (MDT) but also to avoid the occurrence of reactional episodes that are responsible for the disabilities observed in leprosy patients

Characteristics of Actinomyces spp. and Nocardia spp. simulating neoplasia

Introduction: Actinomyces and Nocardia are filamentous bacteria that can simulate neoplastic diseases, mainly in lungs. Methods: A retrospective study based on the analysis of the medical records of five cases of actinomycosis and nocardiosis, which has been primarily misdiagnosed as lung cancer according to their radiographic findings. Cases were selected from a sample of 38 patients diagnosed with actinomycosis and 29 patients diagnosed with nocardiosis at the Mycology Laboratory of Irmandade de Misericórdia Santa Casa de Porto Alegre (state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) between January 1977 to December 2012. The diagnosis was established by culture and histological examination. The literature was also critically reviewed. Results: We reported data of three cases of nocardiosis and two cases of actinomycosis that was primary diagnosed as lung cancer. The patients’ mean age was 50.6 (ranged from 43-63), four were male and 80% (4/5) of patients were immunocompetent. In more than 50% of patients, diagnosis and also treatment of lesions required surgical intervention.  Conclusions: The complete knowledge of disease manifestations accelerates diagnosis and treatment and decreases unnecessary surgical interventions and morbidity and mortality rates, which are high in these infections

Fenologia de Galianthe palustris (Cham. & Schltdl.) Cabaña Fader & E. L. Cabral (Rubiaceae Juss.) na região do planalto Catarinense

The objective of this study was to carry out the phenological monitoring of G. palustris over the months of July/2019 to June/2020, and to correlate with the meteorological variables in the Serra Catarinense. The intensity and synchrony of the vegetative and reproductive phenophases of 24 individuals in three areas, located in two municipalities of Santa Catarina, Brazil, were evaluated. In G. palustris, continuous sprouting was identified. The presence of mature leaves was observed throughout the period and the leaf senescence showed varying intensities. Flowering started in December extending until April. The highest percentages of flower buds present on the plants occurred from January to March and anthesis occurred from January to May, with the highest percentages in January and March. As for fruiting, the beginning was observed with the presence of immature fruits in January extending until June, but the period from January to March was identified with the highest percentages of immature fruits in the plants. The occurrence of ripe fruits was verified from February to June, with the highest percentages being recorded in February and March. The absence of senescent fruits was identified only in the months of December/2019 and January/2020, and the highest percentages occurred in the autumn and winter periods, coinciding with the presence of senescent leaves. There was a correlation between temperature and photoperiod for mature leaves, defoliation and flower buds. The synchrony of the phenological events was high for vegetative aspects and low to asynchrony for reproductive aspects. The phenological patterns of reproductive phenophase were seasonal, occurring in the summer and autumn (November to June). The vegetative phenophase occurred throughout the year, with the highest budding rates preceding the reproductive period. The results obtained provided important information about the phenology of this species in this region of occurrence.O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar o monitoramento fenológico de G. palustris ao longo dos meses de julho/2019 a junho/2020, e correlacionar com as variáveis meteorológicas na Serra Catarinense. Foram avaliadas a intensidade e sincronia das fenofases vegetativas e reprodutivas de 24 indivíduos em três áreas, localizadas em dois municípios de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Em G. palustris foi identificada a brotação contínua. Foi observada a presença de folhas maduras durante todo período e a senescência foliar apresentou intensidades variadas. A floração iniciou em dezembro estendendo até abril. As maiores porcentagens de botões florais presentes nas plantas ocorreram de janeiro a março/20 e a antese ocorreu de janeiro a maio, com maiores porcentagens em janeiro e março. Quanto à frutificação, foi observado o início com a presença de frutos imaturos em janeiro se estendendo até junho, mas o período de janeiro a março foi identificado com as maiores porcentagens de frutos imaturos nas plantas. A ocorrência de frutos maduros foi verificada nos meses de fevereiro a junho, sendo em fevereiro e março registradas as maiores porcentagens. Foi identificada a ausência de frutos senescentes somente nos meses de dezembro/2019 e janeiro/2020, e as maiores porcentagens ocorreram nos períodos de outono e inverno, coincidindo com a presença de folhas senescentes. Houve correlação entre temperatura e fotoperíodo para folhas maduras, desfolhamento e botões florais. A sincronia dos eventos fenológicos foi alta para aspectos vegetativos e baixa ou assíncrona para aspectos reprodutivos. Os padrões fenológicos da fenofase reprodutiva foram sazonais, ocorrendo no verão e outono (novembro a junho). Já a fenofase vegetativa ocorreu o ano todo, sendo que os maiores índices de brotação antecederam o período reprodutivo. Os resultados obtidos forneceram informações importantes acerca da fenologia desta espécie nesta região de ocorrência