36 research outputs found

    Mucociliary clearance, airway inflammation and nasal symptoms in urban motorcyclists

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    OBJECTIVES: There is evidence that outdoor workers exposed to high levels of air pollution exhibit airway inflammation and increased airway symptoms. We hypothesized that these workers would experience increased airway symptoms and decreased nasal mucociliary clearance associated with their exposure to air pollution. METHODS: In total, 25 non-smoking commercial motorcyclists, aged 18-44 years, were included in this study. These drivers work 8-12 hours per day, 5 days per week, driving on urban streets. Nasal mucociliary clearance was measured by the saccharine transit test; airway acidification was measured by assessing the pH of exhaled breath condensate; and airway symptoms were measured by the Sino-nasal Outcome Test-20 questionnaire. To assess personal air pollution exposure, the subjects used a passive-diffusion nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration-monitoring system during the 14 days before each assessment. The associations between NO2 and the airway outcomes were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and the Chi-Square test. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01976039. RESULTS: Compared with clearance in healthy adult males, mucociliary clearance was decreased in 32% of the motorcyclists. Additionally, 64% of the motorcyclists had airway acidification and 92% experienced airway symptoms. The median personal NO2 exposure level was 75 mg/m3 for these subjects and a significant association was observed between NO2 and impaired mucociliary clearance (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Non-smoking commercial motorcyclists exhibit increased airway symptoms and airway acidification as well as decreased nasal mucociliary clearance, all of which are significantly associated with the amount of exposure to air pollution

    Anisotropic grain growth in mullite powders as a result of high-energy ball milling

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    10.1111/j.1551-2916.2007.02063.xJournal of the American Ceramic Society90124055-405

    Acessibilidade em ambiente universitário: identificação de barreiras arquitetônicas no campus da USP de Bauru Accessibility in the university environment: identification of architectural barriers in the USP campus of Bauru

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    A acessibilidade é um direito do cidadão assegurado por lei para que portadores de deficiência tenham a possibilidade de usufruir de recursos e ações no âmbito social. Barreiras arquitetônicas interferem na vida destes podendo deixá-los a parte da convivência e vida social. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: identificar, descrever e mapear barreiras físicas no Campus da Universidade de São Paulo de Bauru e apresentar as intervenções realizadas, durante o período de outubro de 2001 a dezembro de 2005. O estudo foi descritivo-quantitativo, no qual a coleta de dados centrou-se na análise das condições arquitetônicas das três unidades que compõe este campus, observada as normativas da Associação Brasileira de Normas técnicas e realizada intervenções. Foram identificados: 72 pontos de guias não rebaixadas, 21 pontos de acessos com diferenças de níveis sem rampas; 220m² de escadas/rampas sem corrimãos; 658m² de escadas/rampas com corrimãos em discordância com as normas vigentes; 03 rampas com inclinações superiores às determinadas nas normas técnicas; 10 banheiros parcialmente adaptados para deficientes; 02 vagas de estacionamento parcialmente adaptadas e 02 elevadores existentes. Foram executados, em 19 pontos, rebaixamentos de guias, somando 115 m², com linhas de piso tátil, pintados; 8 rampas; 14 pontos de escadas e rampas externas instaladas com corrimãos e guarda-corpos, 5 vagas exclusivas no estacionamento; instalado 2 centrais de atendimento telefônico para surdo e adquiridas 3 cadeira de rodas. As intervenções realizadas contribuíram para melhorar a acessibilidade de portadores de deficiência no campus favorecendo a utilização dos recursos existentes neste espaço público.<br>All citizens have the right assured by law to accessible to enable people with disabilities to enjoy resources and activities in the social environment. Physical barriers intervene in their life and can exclude them from living with others. This study's aims were to identify, describe and map the physical barriers at the Campus of Bauru of the University of São Paulo and to introduce interventions undertaken from October 2001 to December 2005. This was a quantitative descriptive study, in which data was collected on the architectural conditions analysis of the three units that make up this campus. The norms established by the Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT) were used as bases for accomplishing the interventions. Results: 72 locations were identified as having curb cut problems, 21 points of access were found to have interruptions and grade changes that required ramps; 220m² of stairs/ramps had no handrails; 658m² of stairs/ramps had handrails that were not in accord with requirements; 3 ramps had inclinations higher than stipulated by requirements of the ABNT; 10 bathrooms were partially adapted for people with disabilities; 2 parking spaces were partially adapted and there were only 2 elevators. Curb cuts were installed at 19 points, adding 115 m² with tactile lines painted on the pavement; 8 ramps were installed; 14 handrails and guardrails were installed along external stairs and ramps, 5 reserved parking places were designated and marked; 2 central phones for deaf people were installed and 3 wheelchairs were acquired. The various interventions contributed to improve accessibility for people with disabilities on campus facilitating the use of existing resources of public space
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