Public slaughterhouses and environmental health in Sergipe

A incorporação da temática ambiental na saúde pública fez florescer mais recentemente a expressão saúde ambiental, relacionada à degradação do meio ambiente na escala mundial, como reflexo da atividade humana cujas consequências afetam a saúde da população. A produção de alimentos para consumo humano, além de afetar o meio natural, pode afetar, também, a saúde humana, devido ao processo de produção e comercialização. O abate de gado bovino, uma das principais fontes de proteína animal utilizada no Brasil, embora tenha legislação reguladora, muitas vezes é uma atividade que degrada o meio ambiente e compromete a saúde dos trabalhadores da cadeia produtiva e dos consumidores. Este estudo teve como objetivo geral identificar e avaliar os riscos ao meio ambiente e a saúde humana em decorrência da implantação e operação de matadouros públicos nos 75 municípios do Estado de Sergipe. Para o alcance desse objetivo, foram quantificados os matadouros municipais implantados e em operação no Estado, analisadas as condições físicas, sanitárias e tecnológicas, a existência de licenciamento ambiental e de supervisão veterinária do gado e das condições de abate e armazenamento da carne. Os dados foram levantados por observação direta em campo e junto ao cadastro da Administração Estadual do Meio Ambiente de Sergipe. O estudo concluiu haver danos significativos ao meio natural, especialmente aos recursos hídricos e risco bastante alto à saúde dos trabalhadores no matadouro e dos consumidores que recebem um produto sem controle de qualidade e sem qualquer tipo de inspeção sanitária.The incorporation of environmental issues to the public health field resulted, more recently, in the flourishing of the term environmental health, which is related to environmental degradation on a global scale, as a result of human activity whose consequences affect population's health. Food production for human consumption affects the environment and can also affect human health through the production and marketing processes. Cattle slaughter, a major source of animal protein used in Brazil, in spite of regulatory legislation, is often an activity that degrades the environment and jeopardizes the health of workers employed in the production chain and consumers. This study aimed to identify and evaluate risks to the environment and to human health due to the implantation and operation of public slaughterhouses in all the 75 municipalities of the state of Sergipe. To achieve this goal, a census was made of the municipal slaughterhouses operating in the state, their physical, sanitary and technological conditions were examined, as well as livestock slaughtering and meat storage conditions and, the existence of environmental licensing and veterinary supervision. Data were gathered by direct observation in the field and through the existing registers at Sergipe's Environment Administration offices (Administração Estadual do Meio Ambiente de Sergipe). The study concluded that there is significant damage to natural environment, particularly water resources and very high risk to the health of slaughterhouse workers and of consumers who receive a product without quality control and without any sanitary inspection

Biochemical characterisation of lipase from a new strain of Bacillus sp. ITP-001

Lipases are characterised mainly by catalytic versatility and application in different industrial segments. The aim of this study was to biochemically characterise a lipase from a new strain of Bacillus sp. ITP-001. The isoelectric point and molecular mass were 3.12 and 54 kDa, respectively. The optima lipase activity was 276 U g-1 at pH 7.0 and a temperature of 80 ºC, showing greater stability at pH 5.0 and 37 ºC. Enzymatic activity was stimulated by various ions and pyridine, and inhibited by Cu+ and ethanol. The values of Km and v max were 105.26 mmol and 0.116 mmol min-1 g-1, respectively determined by the Eadie-Scatchard method

Perfil Epidemiológico de Portadores do Vírus da Imunodeficiêcia Humana e Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida no estado de Sergipe, 2007-2012

A Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (AIDS) é uma doença crônica caracterizada por profunda imunossupressão provocada pela depleção dos linfócitos TCD4+, glóbulos brancos do sistema imunológico, sendo o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) o seu agente etiológico. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico de pacientes HIV/AIDS atendidos em Serviço de Atendimento Especializado (SAE) de Sergipe, no período de 2007 a 2012. Os dados coletados no SAE foram analisados por meio do programa SPSS 21.0, sendo calculados Odds ratio e correlação de Pearson (α=5%). Entre 1202 indivíduos, o perfil predominante foi masculino, de 21-50 anos, com nível de instrução entre ensino básico e fundamental e parceiros sexuais fixos/não fixos. Aproximadamente 63,3% realizou terapia antirretroviral, sendo que 66,2% apresentaram taxas de linfócitos TCD4+ > 350 células/mm3 e 41,8% carga viral < limite mínimo. Entre os protozoários/helmintos intestinais, os mais comuns foram os comensais. O perfil epidemiológico dos portadores de HIV/AIDS estudados apresentou-se concordante com o perfil da epidemia em outras localidades do Brasil. Observou-se a heterossexualização como padrão da infecção atual e seu contágio sugerido pelas práticas sexuais. As mulheres apresentam maior risco em desenvolver quadros mais graves de imunodeficiência quando comparados com os homens sergipanos atendidos no CEMAR

Cytotoxicity assessment of endodontic sealers: metabolic activity, morphology and chromosomal alterations

Introduction: Endodontic treatment aims to eliminate infection of the root canals and fill the dental pulp space, being, the obturation of root canals an important step. The study of the toxicity/biocompatibility of the sealers used to fill the root canals is crucial since they are applied into direct contact with periradicular tissues.There are several types of sealers, categorized according to their main chemical constituents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of three root canal sealers, AH Plus, Bio MTA+ and Bio C, on immortalized human gingival fibroblasts. Methods: To study the cytotoxicity of the sealers we performed a Methyltetrazolium (MTT) assay, a study of cell's morphology and a cytogenetic study. Cells were placed in contact with material-conditioned media, for 24 h, at three different concentrations (1, 10 and 100 mg/ml) for the MTT assay. Cell morphology and cytogenetic studies were performed at 100 mg/ml. Cells in normal culture medium were analyzed as control group. Results: MTT assay revealed a cytotoxic effect of Bio MTA+ and Bio C with a growing decrease of metabolic activity with increasing compound concentration, reaching 50% with 100 mg/ml. Regarding the cells morphology, Bio C was the compound that showed a more drastic effect, with a decrease in cell confluence and several morphological changes. AH Plus and Bio MTA+ did not seem to affect the cell confluence, however morphology changes were observed, as compromised cell membranes and loss of cell content. Cytogenetic study was thus far only performed with AH Plus. Since there was a severe decrease of mitotic index after treatment, it was not yet possible to obtain sufficient metaphases, even after several cytogenetic harvesting procedures, but, so far, no relevant structural or numerical changes were observed. Discussion: This preliminary study allowed us to verify that these root canal sealers exhibit some cytotoxicity, depending on the concentration used. Although more studies are still needed, this work could be important to both, help in the selection of the most appropriate compounds for clinical practice and to determine the maximum recommended amounts of each sealer.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

ANÁLISE ESPACIAL DOS CASOS E ÓBITOS DE COVID-19 NO ESTADO DA PARAÍBA, BRASIL

Introduction: Statistical analyses that consider geographic space an important variable for decision making produce results that transcend traditional analyses. Objective: The objective was to perform a spatial analysis of cases and deaths of COVID-19 in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Materials and methods: Ecological study, using the database of the State Department of Health of Paraíba, between March 19, 2020 and July 15, 2021. Descriptive statistics, Spatial Incidence Ratio and Scan statistics were used for data analysis. Results: Individuals from 30 to 39 (23.05%), female (55.99%) and brown race/color (68.15%) were the most affected; the capital was the first epicenter of COVID-19 in the state. The disease spread from large towns to small towns, often fixating on small towns to the west of the state. Discussion: With the flexibilization of activities, there was a geographical migration of cases and deaths to the south and north of the state; the geographical distribution of the disease in the vicinity of the state's main highway spread to the west and overwhelmed its health system. Conclusion: Managers with this information can make efficient decisions and outline effective and specific public policies to combat COVID-19 in the state.Análises estatísticas que consideram o espaço geográfico uma variável importante para a tomada de decisão produzem resultados que transcendem análises tradicionais. O objetivo foi realizar uma análise espacial dos casos e óbitos de COVID-19 no estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Estudo ecológico, utilizando-se o banco de dados da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde da Paraíba, entre 19 de março de 2020 e 15 de julho de 2021. Para a análise dos dados foram empregadas estatística descritiva, Razão de Incidências Espacial e a estatística scan. Indivíduos de 30 a 39 (23,05%), feminino (55,99%) e raça/cor parda (68,15%) foram os mais afetados; sendo a capital o primeiro epicentro da COVID-19 no estado. A doença disseminou-se a partir grandes cidades para pequenas localidades, fixando-se, frequentemente, em pequenas cidades ao oeste do estado. Com a flexibilização de atividades ocorreu migração geográfica de casos e óbitos para o sul e norte do estado; a distribuição geográfica da doença nas proximidades da principal rodovia do estado disseminou-se para o oeste e sobrecarregou o sistema de saúde. Gestores munidos dessas informações podem tomar decisões eficientes e traçar políticas públicas efetivas e específicas para o combate a COVID-19 no estado