Saúde mental de trabalhadores de setores administrativos de uma empresa de construção civil e estruturas metálicas

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los factores de riesgo para la salud mental de trabajadores de sectores administrativos de una empresa de construcción civil y estructuras metálicas. Entre los datos obtenidos, se destacaron los siguientes factores de riesgo para la salud mental de los trabajadores del estudio: 26 (81,2%) con histórico personal/familiar de enfermedad mental; 21 (65,62%) con incomodidad física en la actividad laboral; 15 (46,8%) con patrón de sueño y reposo alterados; 14 (43,7) relataron exceso de responsabilidad; 7 (21,8%) quejas de ansiedad y 5 (15,6%) alcohólicos. La investigación reveló que tanto el desgaste físico como el mental predisponen a enfermedades profesionalesThis study aimed to analyze risk factors for the mental health of workers from administrative service sections of a civil construction and metal structures company. The following risk factors for mental health were highlighted for the workers who participated in the study: 26 (81,2%) had suffered from mental illness or had cases in the family; 21 (65,62%) complained about physical discomfort at work; 15 (46,8%) revealed altered sleep and rest patterns; 14 (43,7) complained about excess of responsibility; 7 ( 21,8%) reported anxiety and 5 (15,6%) were alcoholics. The research revealed that both physical and mental exhaustion predispose to occupational diseases.O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os fatores de risco para a saúde mental de trabalhadores de setores administrativos de uma indústria de construção civil e metálica. Dos dados obtidos, ficaram em destaque os seguintes fatores de risco para a saúde mental dos trabalhadores do estudo: 26 (81,2%) com histórico pessoal/familiar de doença mental; 21 (65,62%) com desconforto físico no trabalho; 15 (46,8%) com padrão de sono e repouso alterados; 14 (43,7) referindo excesso de responsabilidade; 7 (21,8%) com relato de ansiedade e 5 (15,6%) etilismo. A pesquisa revelou que tanto o desgaste físico como o mental predispõem a doenças ocupacionais

A dysflagellar mutant of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis isolated from a cutaneous leishmaniasis patient

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Parasites of the <it>Leishmania </it>genus alternate between the flagellated extracellular promastigote stage and intracellular amastigotes. Here we report the characterization of a <it>Leishmania </it>isolate, obtained from a cutaneous leishmaniasis patient, which presents peculiar morphological features.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The parasite was cultured <it>in vitro </it>and characterized morphologically using optical and electron microscopy. Identification was performed based on monoclonal antibodies and internal ribosomal spacer typing. <it>In vitro </it>macrophage cultures, murine experimental models and sand fly infections were used to evaluate infectivity <it>in vitro </it>and <it>in vivo</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The isolate was identified as <it>Leishmania </it>(<it>Viannia</it>) <it>braziliensis</it>. In the atypical promastigotes grown in culture, a short flagellum surrounded or interrupted by a protuberance of disorganized material was observed. A normal axoneme was present close to the basal body but without elongation much further outside the flagellar pocket. A disorganized swelling at the precocious end of the axoneme coincided with the lack of a paraflagellar rod structure. The isolate was able to infect macrophages <it>in vitro</it>, induce lesions in BALB/c mice and infect <it>Lutzomyia longipalpis</it>.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Notwithstanding the lack of an extracellular flagellum, this isolate infects macrophages <it>in vitro </it>and produces lesions when inoculated into mice. Moreover, it is able to colonize phlebotomine sand flies. Considering the importance attributed to the flagellum in the successful infection and survival of <it>Leishmania </it>in the insect midgut and in the invasion of macrophages, these findings may bring new light into the infectious mechanisms of <it>L</it>. (<it>V</it>.) <it>braziliensis</it>.</p

Lower production of IL-17A and increased susceptibility to Mycobacterium bovis in mice coinfected with Strongyloides venezuelensis

The presence of intestinal helminths can down-regulate the immune response required to control mycobacterial infection. BALB/c mice infected with Mycobacterium bovis following an infection with the intestinal helminth Strongyloides venezuelensis showed reduced interleukin-17A production by lung cells and increased bacterial burden. Also, small granulomas and a high accumulation of cells expressing the inhibitory molecule CTLA-4 were observed in the lung. These data suggest that intestinal helminth infection could have a detrimental effect on the control of tuberculosis (TB) and render coinfected individuals more susceptible to the development of TB

Evaluation of a 25-Year-Program for the Control of Schistosomiasis Mansoni in an Endemic Area in Brazil

A clinical-epidemiological reevaluation on schistosomiasis mansoni was performed in 2005, in the urban area of a little town, Comercinho, MG, specifically focusing on the inhabitants of the same area in 1981, when a first survey and treatment with oxamniquine were carried out. The surveys included: identification of the intermediary host, census, mapping of the city, socioeconomic survey, stool examination, clinical examination, research dealing with contact with natural waters, and treatment of the positive cases. From a population of 1,474 people studied in 1981, 358 were submitted to stool examination, and 231 were clinically examined. From 1981 to 1992 five specific treatments were performed with oxamniquine and the last one with praziquantel. The results obtained were compared and demonstrated that the prevalence in Comercinho decreased significantly (70.4% to 1.7%), as well as the hepatosplenic form (7% to 1.3%) in 1981 and 2005, respectively. Significant improvement in the life quality (improvement in the housing, professional qualification and basic sanitation) were observed and must be considered important for the schistosomiasis control