Levantamento epidemiológico e análise de biomarcadores em taxistas expostos à poluição atmosférica em Porto Alegre-RS

Taxistas representam um grupo especialmente vulnerável aos efeitos adversos dos contaminantes presentes na poluição atmosférica, devido à sua exposição ocupacional. Na poluição atmosférica são encontrados diversos poluentes, como o monóxido de carbono (CO), material particulado (MP), dióxido de enxofre (SO2) e de nitrogênio (NO2) e os hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPAs). Este estudo objetivou avaliar parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos, bem como avaliar o biomarcador de exposição aos HPAs, o 1-hidróxipireno (1-OHP), e realizar um levantamento epidemiológico dos principais sintomas associados à poluição atmosférica em taxistas. Participaram do estudo 142 taxistas, da cidade de Porto Alegre-RS, do sexo masculino e não fumantes. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue, em jejum, e realizado hemograma, dosagem de parâmetros bioquímicos, bem como amostras de urina para a determinação dos níveis de 1-OHP e creatinina. Histórico familiar de doenças cardiovasculares e diabetes foram descritos em um alto percentual de taxistas. Além disso, foi observado aumento dos níveis de glicose, triglicerídeos e Proteína C reativa ultrassensível (PCR-us) séricos. O biomarcador de exposição 1-OHP foi significativamente associado à glicose, às transaminases hepáticas (TGO e TGP) e à ureia (p<0,05). Analisados em conjunto, nossos resultados sugerem uma maior predisposição de taxistas, expostos ocupacionalmente à poluição atmosférica, ao desenvolvimento de doenças, especialmente cardiometabólicas, além do risco hepatotóxico associado à exposição aos HPAs e outros contaminantes presentes na poluição do ar.Taxi drivers represent a group especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollutants, due to their occupational exposure. In air pollution are found several chemical agents, among them, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study aimed to evaluate hematological and biochemical parameters as well as evaluate the biomarker of exposure to PAHs, the 1-hydroxypyrene and conduct an epidemiological survey of the main symptoms associated with air pollution in taxi drivers. 142 taxi drivers, male and non-smokers from Porto Alegre, RS, participated in the study. Blood samples were collected, fasted, and blood counts were performed, biochemical parameters were measured, as well as urine samples to determine the levels of 1-OHP and creatinine. Family history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes was observed in a high percentage of taxi drivers. In addition, increased levels of glucose, triglycerides and serum CRP were observed. The 1-OHP exposure biomarker was significantly associated with glucose, hepatic transaminases (TGO and TGP) and urea (p<0.05). Taken together, our results suggest a greater predisposition of taxi drivers, occupationally exposed to atmospheric pollution, to the development of diseases, especially cardiometabolic, in addition to the hepatotoxic risk associated with exposure to PAHs and other contaminants present in air pollution

Der „Tag der aufgeschobenen Hausarbeiten“: Ein neues Veranstaltungsformat zur Vermittlung von Informationskompetenz an der UB Kaiserslautern

Erstmals hat die Universitätsbibliothek der Technischen Universität Kaiserslautern den „Tag der aufgeschobenen Hausarbeiten“ veranstaltet. Mit dem Ziel Studierende zum Schreiben ihrer aufgeschobenen Hausarbeiten zu motivieren, fanden Vorträge zu Arbeitstechniken, Zeitmanagement, Datenbanken und Recherche statt. Insgesamt erfolgten 271 Kursbuchungen. Das Feedback war ausgesprochen positiv, daher wird der „Tag der aufgeschobenen Hausarbeiten“ fest in das jährliche Veranstaltungsprogramm der Universitätsbibliothek integriert. For the first time, the Kaiserslautern University Library organized an event called “Tag der aufgeschobenen Hausarbeiten” (Adjourned papers day) with the objective of motivating students to write their course assignments. The response was overwhelming; 271 courses were booked. The feedback particularly was positive. The “Tag der aufgeschobenen Hausarbeiten” will be included in the library’s annual program of events.

Long-term impact of the metabolic status on weight loss-induced health benefits

Background: While short-term effects of weight loss on quality of life and metabolic aspects appear to be different in metabolically healthy (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO), respective long-term data is still missing. Given the high relevance of long-term changes, we aimed to address these in this post-hoc analysis of the MAINTAIN trial. Methods: We analyzed 143 overweight/obese subjects (BMI >= 27 kg/m(2), age >= 18 years) before and after a 3-month weight loss program (>= 8% weight loss), after a 12-month period of a randomized weight maintenance intervention (n =121), and after another 6 months without intervention (n=112). Subjects were retrospectively grouped into MHO and MUO by the presence of metabolic syndrome and secondarily by estimates of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR and ISIclamp). Quality of life (QoL), blood pressure, lipids, HOMA-IR, and ISIclamp were assessed and evaluated using mixed model analyses. Results: Despite similar short- and long-term weight loss, weight loss-induced improvement of HOMA-IR was more pronounced in MUO than MHO after 3 months (MHO: 2.4[95%-CI: 1.9-2.9] vs. 1.6[1.1-2.1], p= 0.004; MUO: 3.6[3.2-4.0] vs. 2.0[1.6-2.4], p < 0.001; p= 0.03 for inter-group comparison). After 21 months, the beneficial effect was no longer seen in MHO (2.0[1.5-2.6], p= 1.0), while it remained partially preserved in MUO (2.9[2.4-3.3], p= 0.002). QueryShort-term improvements of lipid parameters were similar in both groups. However, long-term improvements of HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were only seen in MUO (44.4[41.5-47.4] vs. 49.3[46.2, 52.3] mg/dl, p < 0.001; 176.8[158.9-194.8] vs. 138.8[119.4-158.3] mg/dl, p < 0.001, respectively) but not in MHO. Weight loss-induced improvements in the QoL and particularly the physical health status were maintained in MUO until the end of the trial, while benefits disappeared over time in MHO. Group allocation by HOMA-IR and ISIclamp revealed higher benefits for MUO mainly in parameters of the glucose metabolism and QoL. Conclusions: Our data demonstrates stronger and longer-lasting improvements of metabolism and QoL in MUO after weight loss

Strategien zur Verbreitung von Open Access an deutschen Hochschulen : Entwicklungsstand und Entwurf eines Aktionsplanes zur exemplarischen Umsetzung an der TU Kaiserslautern

Seit den drei Open-Access-Erklärungen in Budapest, Bethesda und Berlin Anfang der 2000er Jahre hat sich einiges am Publikationsverhalten geändert. Um einen optimalen Aktionsplan zur Open-Access-Förderung zu erstellen, werden daher die bisherigen Open-Access-Strategien der Hochschulen und ihren Bibliotheken beleuchtet. Hierzu erfolgt zuerst eine Einführung in das Thema Open Access, indem zuerst die historischen Meilensteine der Förderung dieses Publikationsweges genannt werden. Im Anschluss werden die notwendigen Bausteine zu einer ganzheitlichen Open-Access-Strategie genannt, so dass dann der bisherige Entwicklungsstand an den deutschen Hochschulen in Erfahrung gebracht werden kann. Die Informationen zu den bisherigen Strategien werden mit Hilfe einer Analyse von 111 Hochschul- und Bibliothekswebseiten ermittelt. Für diese wird ein Fragebogen genutzt, welcher auf den Kriterien der Arbeitsgruppe Open Access der Schwerpunktinitiative und Digitale Information der Allianz der deutschen Wissenschaftsorganisationen basiert und durch eine quantitative Auszählung der Open-Access-Informationspunkten auf den einzelnen Webseiten ergänzt wird. Im Anschluss erfolgt eine Expertenbefragung von fünf ausgewählten Open-Access-Verantwortlichen. Zusätzlich wird das Publikationsverhalten der Wissenschaftler der Technischen Universität ermittelt und die Lizenzen mit Zweitveröffentlichungsrechten identifiziert. Aus den gewonnenen Erkenntnissen wird eine umfangreiche Strategie entwickelt, um Open Access an der Technischen Universität voranzubringen und einen DFG-Förderantrag zu stellen. Die Analyse zeigt auf, dass 71 Hochschulen Informationen zu Open Access bereitstellen und es eine eindeutige Dominanz der öffentlichen Hochschulen gegenüber den Privaten gibt. Der Anteil an Open-Access-Publikationen der Technischen Universität Kaiserslautern beträgt 2016 13,12 %. Zudem lässt sich eine Steigerung hin zu Open Access innerhalb der letzten zweieinhalb Jahre erkennen. Zusätzlich lässt sich feststellen, dass die Hälfte der lizenzierten Zeitschriften eine Option zur Zweitveröffentlichung bieten. Bei der Entwicklung des Aktionsplans wurden schon einige Punkte des Planes bereits umgesetzt. So konnte im März 2016 eine Open-Access-Policy verabschiedet und im August eine Open-Access-Seite eingerichtet werden. Bezüglich der Förderung des goldenen Weges müssen im Vorfeld der Antragsstellung an der Technischen Universität Kaiserslautern noch einige Punkte geklärt werden. Folgende Details bezüglich der Einrichtung eines Publikationsfonds sind im Voraus zu regeln: Abklärung der notwendigen Fördersumme mit der Universitätsleitung, die Organisation der Rechnungsabwicklung und die Mittelverteilung. Ergänzt werden diese Schritte durch Überlegungen mit welchen Verlagen ein Abschluss von Rahmen- oder Offsetting-Verträgen bzgl. der Author Processing Charges vorteilhaft wäre. Die Förderung des grünen Wegs kann durch die Ermittlung der Lizenzbedingungen zum Zweitveröffentlichungsrecht erfolgen

Uso de medicamentos antidepressivos na amamentação: avaliação da conformidade das bulas com fontes bibliográficas baseadas em evidências científicas

O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar a conformidade entre as recomendações de uso de medicamentos antidepressivos durante a amamentação, presentes em bulas, e as recomendações de fontes bibliográficas baseadas em evidências científicas. Foram avaliadas as bulas padrão de 23 antidepressivos com registro ativo no Brasil. A presença de contraindicação do uso do antidepressivo durante a amamentação foi comparada com as informações presentes no manual técnico do Ministério da Saúde, no livro Medications and Mothers’ Milk e nas bases de dados LactMed, Micromedex e UpToDate. Na maioria das bulas (62,5%), o antidepressivo é contraindicado na amamentação. Entre as fontes bibliográficas, esse percentual variou de 0% a 25%. O estudo aponta para baixa conformidade entre bulas e fontes bibliográficas, alertando sobre a necessidade de revisão do conteúdo e forma de apresentação das informações presentes nas bulas dos antidepressivos no Brasil

Uso de medicamentos antidepresivos durante la lactancia : evaluación de la conformidad de los prospectos, respecto a fuentes bibliográficas basadas en evidencias científicas

O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar a conformidade entre as recomendações de uso de medicamentos antidepressivos durante a amamentação, presentes em bulas, e as recomendações de fontes bibliográficas baseadas em evidências científicas. Foram avaliadas as bulas padrão de 23 antidepressivos com registro ativo no Brasil. A presença de contraindicação do uso do antidepressivo durante a amamentação foi comparada com as informações presentes no manual técnico do Ministério da Saúde, no livro Medications and Mothers’ Milk e nas bases de dados LactMed, Micromedex e UpToDate. Na maioria das bulas (62,5%), o antidepressivo é contraindicado na amamentação. Entre as fontes bibliográficas, esse percentual variou de 0% a 25%. O estudo aponta para baixa conformidade entre bulas e fontes bibliográficas, alertando sobre a necessidade de revisão do conteúdo e forma de apresentação das informações presentes nas bulas dos antidepressivos no Brasil.This article sought to evaluate the conformity between recommendations regarding antidepressant use during breastfeeding found in drug package inserts with recommendations from science-based bibliographic sources. We evaluated the standard drug package inserts of 23 antidepressants with active registration in Brazil. The presence of contraindications of antidepressant use during breastfeeding was compared with information present in the Brazilian Ministry of Health technical manual, the book Medications and Mothers’ Milk and on the databases LactMed, Micromedex and UpToDate. In most drug package inserts (62.5%), antidepressants are contraindicated during breastfeeding. Among bibliographical sources, that percentage varied between 0% and 25%. The study shows a low conformity between drug package inserts and bibliographical sources, alerting to the need for revising the content and presentation of information present in antidepressant drug package inserts in Brazil.El objetivo de este artículo fue evaluar la conformidad entre las recomendaciones de uso de medicamentos antidepresivos durante la lactancia, presentes en prospectos, y las recomendaciones de fuentes bibliográficas, basadas en evidencias científicas. Se evaluaron los prospectos estándar de 23 antidepresivos con registro activo en Brasil. La presencia de contraindicaciones en el consumo de antidepresivos durante la lactancia se comparó con la información presente en el manual técnico del Ministerio de la Salud, en el libro Medications and Mothers’ Milk, y en las bases de datos LactMed, Micromedex y UpToDate. En la mayoría de los prospectos (62,5%), el antidepresivo está contraindicado durante la lactancia. Entre las fuentes bibliográficas el porcentaje varió de 0% a 25%. El estudio señala la escasa conformidad entre prospectos y fuentes bibliográficas, alertando sobre la necesidad de revisión del contenido, así como de la forma de presentación de la información que aparece en los prospectos de los antidepresivos en Brasil

In vitro evidence that sulfite impairs glutamatergic neurotransmission and inhibits glutathione metabolism-related enzymes in rat cerebral cortex

Sulfite oxidase (SOX) deficiency is an inherited neurometabolic disorder biochemically characterized by tissue accumulation and high urinary excretion of sulfite and thiosulfate. Affected patients present severe neurological dysfunction accompanied by seizures, whose pathophysiology is poorly known. In the present study we evaluated the in vitro effects of sulfite and thiosulfate on important parameters of glutamatergic neurotransmission and redox homeostasis in rat cerebral cortex slices. We verified that sulfite, but not thiosulfate, significantly decreased glutamate uptake when cerebral cortex slices were exposed during 1 h to these metabolites. We also observed that thiosulfate inhibited glutamine synthetase (GS) activity. A pronounced trend toward GS inhibition induced by sulfite was also found. Regarding redox homeostasis, sulfite, at the concentration of 10 μM, increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and decreased glutathione concentrations after 1 h of exposure. In contrast, thiosulfate did not alter these parameters. We also found that 500 μM sulfite increased sulfhydryl group content in rat cerebral cortex slices and increased GSH levels in a medium containing oxidized GSH (GSSG) and devoid of cortical slices, suggesting that sulfite reacts with disulfide bonds to generate sulfhydryl groups. Moreover, sulfite and thiosulfate did not alter the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) after 1 h of incubation. However, sulfite inhibited the activities of GPx, GST and G6PDH when cortical slices were exposed for 3 h to sulfite. We finally verified that sulfite did not induce cell death after 1 h of incubation. Our data show that sulfite impairs glutamatergic neurotransmission and redox homeostasis in cerebral cortex. Therefore, it may be presumed that these pathomechan

The Historical Distribution of Main Malaria Foci in Spain as Related to Water Bodies

The possible connectivity between the spatial distribution of water bodies suitable for vectors of malaria and endemic malaria foci in Southern Europe is still not well known. Spain was one of the last countries in Western Europe to be declared free of malaria by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1964. This study combines, by means of a spatial-temporal analysis, the historical data of patients and deceased with the distribution of water bodies where the disease-transmitting mosquitos proliferate. Therefore, data from historical archives with a Geographic Information System (GIS), using the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation method, was analyzed with the aim of identifying regional differences in the distribution of malaria in Spain. The reasons, why the risk of transmission is concentrated in specific regions, are related to worse socioeconomic conditions (Extremadura), the presence of another vector (Anopheles labranchiae) besides A. atroparvus (Levante) or large areas of water bodies in conditions to reproduce theses vectors (La Mancha and Western Andalusia). In the particular case of Western Andalusia, in 1913, the relatively high percentage of 4.73% of the surface, equal to 202362 ha, corresponds to wetlands and other unhealthy water bodies. These wetlands have been reduced as a result of desiccation policies and climate change such as the Little Ice Age and Global Climate Change. The comprehension of the main factors of these wetland changes in the past can help us interpret accurately the future risk of malaria re-emergence in temperate latitudes, since it reveals the crucial role of unhealthy water bodies on the distribution, endemicity and eradication of malaria in southern Europe