A importância da reciclagem no município de Ituiutaba- MG: relatos a partir da experiência de estágio profissional junto à COPERCICLA

Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Graduação)O aumento da produção de resíduos sólidos pela sociedade é algo que gera muitas preocupações. Neste contexto, a coleta seletiva tem se apresentado como uma alternativa importante para se minimizar os impactos ambientais causados pela grande produção de resíduos sólidos. Diante disso, neste trabalho optamos por explorar este tema, porém, por meio da realização de um estágio profissional supervisionado no âmbito da disciplina de Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso II, do Curso de Graduação em Geografia, do Instituto de Ciências Humanas do Pontal, da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, junto à Cooperativa de Reciclagem de Ituiutaba - COPERCICLA. Sendo assim, este relatório foi elaborado com o objetivo de apresentar um relato da experiência de estágio, relacionando-se aspectos teóricos com a prática vivenciada no cotidiano da cooperativa. Para tanto, realizamos uma revisão bibliográfica sobre os temas relacionados ao estágio profissional realizado, além de descrever todas as atividades que foram desenvolvidas. Os resultados demonstram a importância da COPERCICLA para o contexto local de Ituiutaba no que se refere à redução dos resíduos sólidos destinados ao aterro sanitário, melhoria da qualidade ambiental, assim como para a geração de emprego e renda, uma vez que os catadores podem trabalhar agora em melhores condições. Para as análises, a experiência do estágio e a vivência do cotidiano da cooperativa na prática foram fundamentais. Isto reforça a importância da realização do estágio profissional supervisionado para a formação do futuro geógrafo ou professor de Geografi

Serum adipocytokine profile and metabolic syndrome in young adult female dermatomyositis patients

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the frequency of metabolic syndrome in young adult female dermatomyositis patients and its possible association with clinical and laboratory dermatomyositis-related features and serum adipocytokines. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 35 dermatomyositis patients and 48 healthy controls. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the 2009 Joint Interim Statement. RESULTS: Patient age was comparable in the dermatomyositis and control groups, and the median disease duration was 1.0 year. An increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome was detected in the dermatomyositis group (34.3% vs. 6.3%; p=0.001). In addition, increased serum adiponectin and resistin levels were noted in contrast to lower leptin levels. In dermatomyositis patients, adipocytokine levels were correlated with the levels of total cholesterol, low-density cholesterol, triglycerides and muscle enzymes. A comparison of dermatomyositis patients with (n=12) and without (n=23) syndrome metabolic revealed that adipocytokine levels were also correlated with age, and that dermatomyositis patients with metabolic syndrome tended to have more disease activity despite similar adipocytokine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in young adult female dermatomyositis patients and is related to age and disease activity. Moreover, increased serum adiponectin and resistin levels were detected in dermatomyositis patients, but lower serum leptin levels were observed

Inhibitory effect of microalgae and cyanobacteria extracts on influenza virus replication and neuraminidase activity

Background The influenza virus can cause seasonal infections with mild to severe symptoms, circulating worldwide, and it can affect people in any age group. Therefore, this infection is a serious public health problem that causes severe illness and death in high-risk populations. Every year, 0.5% of the world’s population is infected by this pathogen. This percentage can increase up to ten times during pandemics. Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent disease. In addition, anti-influenza drugs are essential for prophylactic and therapeutic interventions. The oseltamivir (OST, a neuraminidase inhibitor) is the primary antiviral used in clinics during outbreaks. However, OST resistant viruses may emerge naturally or due to antiviral pressure, with a prevalence of 1–2% worldwide. Thus, the search for new anti-influenza drugs is extremely important. Currently, several groups have been developing studies describing the biotechnological potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria, including antiviral activity of their extracts. In Brazil, this potential is poorly known and explored. Methods With the aim of increasing the knowledge on this topic, 38 extracts from microalgae and cyanobacteria isolated from marine and freshwater biomes in Brazil were tested against: cellular toxicity; OST-sensitive and resistant influenza replications; and neuraminidase activity. Results For this purpose, Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK)-infected cells were treated with 200 μg/mL of each extract. A total of 17 extracts (45%) inhibited influenza A replication, with seven of them resulting in more than 80% inhibition. Moreover, functional assays performed with viral neuraminidase revealed two extracts (from Leptolyngbya sp. and Chlorellaceae) with IC50 mean < 210 μg/mL for influenza A and B, and also OST-sensitive and resistant strains. Furthermore, MDCK cells exposed to 1 mg/mL of all the extracts showed viability higher than 80%. Discussion Our results suggest that extracts of microalgae and cyanobacteria have promising anti-influenza properties. Further chemical investigation should be conducted to isolate the active compounds for the development of new anti-influenza drugs. The data generated contribute to the knowledge of the biotechnological potential of Brazilian biomes that are still little explored for this purpose

Interleukin-17A as biomarker of disease activity of dermatomyositis and polymyositis

Introdução: Dermatomiosite (DM) e polimiosite (PM) são miopatias autoimunes sistêmicas que apresentam infiltrado de células inflamatórias nos tecidos musculares. Algumas citocinas pró-inflamatorias têm sido destacadas por estarem envolvidas na fisiopatogênese dessas doenças, a exemplo da interleucina (IL)-17A. Objetivos: Avaliar a concentração sérica de IL-17A em pacientes com DM e PM, e correlacioná-la com os dados demográficos, clínicos, laboratoriais, terapêuticos e status dessas doenças. Métodos: Estudo transversal que incluiu 80 pacientes adultos com DM e 32 com PM, no período de 2012 a 2016. Os pacientes foram pareados por sexo, etnia e idade com 104 indivíduos saudáveis. A análise de IL-17A sérica, assim como das demais citocinas (IL-6, TNF-Alfa e INF-Gama), foi realizada por imunoensaio multiplex. Os parâmetros do status da doença foram baseados nos escores estabelecidos por International Myositis Assessment & Clinical Studies Group (IMACS). Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes com DM e PM foi de 46,0 ± 13,9 e 47,7 ± 14,3 anos, respectivamente, com predomínio de mulheres e cor branca em ambos os grupos. De modo geral, as características clínicas, laboratoriais, terapêuticas e status atual da doença foram semelhantes entre os pacientes com DM e PM. O nível mediano de IL-17A sérica foi maior nos pacientes com PM e DM em relação ao grupo controle [0,73 (0,53-1,14) vs. 0,49 (0,28-0,83) vs. 0,35 (0,09-0,61) pg/mL, respectivamente; P < 0,050] e maior em PM quando comparado a DM (P < 0,001). Em DM, os níveis de IL-17A sérica foram associados a lesões cutâneas cumulativas, parâmetros de IMACS e níveis de IL-6 e IFN-Gama séricos. Em PM o nível de IL-17A sérica correlacionou com a idade atual dos pacientes, parâmetros de IMACS e níveis de IFN-Gama e TNF-Alfa séricos. O nível de IL-17A sérica não correlacionou com o tratamento medicamentoso. Conclusões: A concentração sérica de IL-17A não está somente aumentada em pacientes com DM e PM, mas também associada a atividade dessas doenças. Os dados sugerem fortemente a IL-17A como possível biomarcador de atividade destas miopatias autoimunes sistêmicasIntroduction: Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are systemic autoimmune myopathies that show inflammatory cell infiltration in muscle tissues. Some pro-inflammatory cytokines have been highlighted for being involved in the pathophysiology of these diseases, such as interleukin (IL)-17A. Objectives: To assess serum levels of IL-17A in patients with DM and patients with PM and to correlate IL-17A with demographic, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic data, and disease status. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, single-center study that included patients with DM and patients with PM who were age-, gender- and ethnicity-matched to healthy individuals. Serum IL-17A analysis, as well as analysis for other cytokines (IL-6, TNF-Alpha and IFN-Gama), was performed by multiplex immunoassay. The disease status parameters were based on the International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) set scores. Results: Mean age of patients with DM and patients with PM was 46.0 ± 13.9 and 47.7 ± 14.3 years, respectively, with a predominance of female and white ethnicity in both groups. Overall, clinical, laboratory, therapeutic, and current disease status were similar among patients with DM and patients with PM. Median serum levels of IL-17A was higher in patients with PM and patients with DM than the control group [0.73 (0.53-1.14) vs. 0.49 (0.28-0.83) vs. 0.35 (0.09-0.61) pg/mL; P < 0.050] and higher in PM when compared to DM (P < 0.001). In patients with DM, serum levels of IL-17A were associated with cumulative cutaneous lesions, IMACS parameters, and serum IL-6 and IFN-Gama levels. In patients with PM, serum IL-17A levels correlated with patients\' current age, IMACS parameters and serum TNF-Alpha and IFN-Gama levels. Serum IL-17A level did not correlate with drug treatment. Conclusions: Serum levels of IL-17A are not only increased in patients with DM and patients with PM, but also associated with disease activity in patients with DM and patients with PM. The data strongly suggest IL17A as a possible biomarker of disease activity for these systemic autoimmune myopathie

Metabolic syndrome and serum adipocytokine features in young adult patients with dermatomyositis

Objetivo. Analisar a frequência de síndrome metabólica em pacientes adultas jovens com dermatomiosite (DM) e a possível associação de síndrome metabólica com as características clínicas e laboratoriais da DM. Posteriormente, analisar os níveis séricos das adipocitocinas em pacientes com DM. Métodos. O presente estudo unicentro e transversal incluiu 35 pacientes com DM, de acordo com os critérios de Bohan e Peter, pareadas por idade e índice de massa corpórea com 48 controles saudáveis. A atividade da doença foi baseada nos parâmetros estabelecidos pelo International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Groups (IMACS). A síndrome metabólica foi definida de acordo com critérios preconizados por Joint Interim Statement de 2009. Resultados. A média de idade foi comparável entre DM e o grupo controle (respectivamente, 33,2 ± 6,5 e 33,3 ± 7,6 anos), com duração média da doença de um ano. Quando comparadas aos indivíduos do grupo controle, as pacientes com DM tinham alta prevalência de síndrome metabólica (34,3 vs. 6,3%; P = 0,001), assim como altos níveis séricos de adiponectina e resistina, em contraste com baixos níveis de leptina. Estas adipocitocinas se correlacionavam com vários parâmetros da dislipidemia em pacientes com DM. Além disto, os casos de DM com síndrome metabólica (N = 12) apresentaram maior faixa etária (36,7 ± 5,6 vs. 31,5 ± 8,0 anos; P = 0,035) e maior atividade da doença do que os casos sem síndrome metabólica (N = 23). Entretanto, a distribuição de adipocitocinas foi similar entre os grupos. Conclusão. Quando comparadas ao grupo controle, as pacientes adultas jovens com DM apresentam maior prevalência de síndrome metabólica e maiores níveis séricos de adiponectina e resistina, em contraste com menores níveis séricos de leptina. Entre as pacientes, a síndrome metabólica correlacionou-se positivamente com a maior faixa etária e com a atividade da doençaObjective. To analyze the frequency of metabolic syndrome in young adult female dermatomyositis (DM) patients and to evaluate the possible association of metabolic syndrome with DM-related clinical and laboratory features. Secondarily, to analyze the serum adipocytokine levels in DM patients. Methods. The present cross-sectional single-center study included 35 DM patients according to the criteria of Bohan and Peter, who were age-, body mass index-matched to 48 healthy controls. The disease activity was based on parameter established by the International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Groups (IMACS). Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the criteria established 2009 Join Interim Statement. Results. The median age was comparable in both the DM and control groups (33.2 ± 6.5 and 33.3 ± 7.6 years, respectively), with median disease duration of 1 year. When compared to healthy control group, the DM patients had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (34.3 vs. 6.3%; P = 0.001), as well high serum adiponectin and resistin levels, in contrast to low serum leptin levels. These adipocytokines correlated with various dyslipidemia parameters in DM patients. Additionally, DM cases with metabolic syndrome (N = 12) were older (36.7 ± 5.6 vs. 31.5 ± 8.0 years; P = 0.035) and have more disease activity index than cases without metabolic syndrome (N = 23). Nevertheless, adipocytokines distribution was similar in both groups. Conclusion. Compared to control group, Adult young female patients with DM show higher metabolic syndrome prevalence and a higher serum adiponectin and resistin levels, in contrast to lower serum leptin levels. Among the patients, the metabolic syndrome correlates positively with older age and with disease activit

Serum adipocytokine profile and metabolic syndrome in young adult female dermatomyositis patients

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the frequency of metabolic syndrome in young adult female dermatomyositis patients and its possible association with clinical and laboratory dermatomyositis-related features and serum adipocytokines. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 35 dermatomyositis patients and 48 healthy controls. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the 2009 Joint Interim Statement. RESULTS: Patient age was comparable in the dermatomyositis and control groups, and the median disease duration was 1.0 year. An increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome was detected in the dermatomyositis group (34.3% vs. 6.3%; p=0.001). In addition, increased serum adiponectin and resistin levels were noted in contrast to lower leptin levels. In dermatomyositis patients, adipocytokine levels were correlated with the levels of total cholesterol, low-density cholesterol, triglycerides and muscle enzymes. A comparison of dermatomyositis patients with (n=12) and without (n=23) syndrome metabolic revealed that adipocytokine levels were also correlated with age, and that dermatomyositis patients with metabolic syndrome tended to have more disease activity despite similar adipocytokine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in young adult female dermatomyositis patients and is related to age and disease activity. Moreover, increased serum adiponectin and resistin levels were detected in dermatomyositis patients, but lower serum leptin levels were observed

Probability Density Components Analysis: A New Approach to Treatment and Classification of SAR Images

Speckle noise (salt and pepper) is inherent to synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which causes a usual noise-like granular aspect and complicates the image classification. In SAR image analysis, the spatial information might be a particular benefit for denoising and mapping classes characterized by a statistical distribution of the pixel intensities from a complex and heterogeneous spectral response. This paper proposes the Probability Density Components Analysis (PDCA), a new alternative that combines filtering and frequency histogram to improve the classification procedure for the single-channel synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. This method was tested on L-band SAR data from the Advanced Land Observation System (ALOS) Phased-Array Synthetic-Aperture Radar (PALSAR) sensor. The study area is localized in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, northern Rondônia State (municipality of Candeias do Jamari), containing forest and land use patterns. The proposed algorithm uses a moving window over the image, estimating the probability density curve in different image components. Therefore, a single input image generates an output with multi-components. Initially the multi-components should be treated by noise-reduction methods, such as maximum noise fraction (MNF) or noise-adjusted principal components (NAPCs). Both methods enable reducing noise as well as the ordering of multi-component data in terms of the image quality. In this paper, the NAPC applied to multi-components provided large reductions in the noise levels, and the color composites considering the first NAPC enhance the classification of different surface features. In the spectral classification, the Spectral Correlation Mapper and Minimum Distance were used. The results obtained presented as similar to the visual interpretation of optical images from TM-Landsat and Google Maps

Clinical presentation of tuberculoid leprosy in an epidermodysplasia verruciformis patient

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is triggered by a variety of mechanisms that at least partly include genetic background. We present a Brazilian man with a 30-year history of flat, wart-like lesions with clinical, histopathological, and evolutive aspects consistent with papillomavirus (HPV)-associated EV. Histological analysis of the wart lesions showed epidermis with hyperkeratosis, regular acanthosis, hypergranulosis, and cells with abundant basophilic cytoplasm. Moreover, a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate was found in the superficial dermis, consistent with a viral wart. Type-2-HPV DNA was detected in various fragments of skin-wart lesions using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two years after the EV diagnosis, the patient presented with an anesthetic well-demarcated, erythematous and mildly scaly plaque on his right forearm. A histopathological analysis of this lesion demonstrated the presence of a compact tuberculoid granuloma. Ziehl-Neelsen staining demonstrated the presence of rare acid-fast bacilli and confirmed the tuberculoid leprosy diagnosis. The patient's Mitsuda Intradermal Reaction was positive. To elucidate the possible mechanism involved in this case of EV, we genotyped the HLA genes of this patient. DQB genotyping showed the polymorphic HLA alleles DQB1*0301 and 0501. The patient was treated with a paucibacillary multidrug therapy scheme, and the disease was cured in six months. This report describes an EV patient with an M. leprae infection, confirming that tuberculoid leprosy patients possess a relatively specific and efficient cell-mediated immunity against the bacillus and, therefore, localized forms of the disease. Moreover, we show the possible involvement of the polymorphic HLA alleles DQB1*0301 and 0501 in EV induction mechanisms