Índice de qualidade de água usando análise fatorial multivariada

The evaluation of environmental effects generated by agricultural production on water quality became essential in Brazil after the creation of policies for the use and conservation of water resources. For such, water quality indices have been considered with the purpose of showing the spatial and temporal variation of water quality in a watershed. The objective of this study was to develop a water quality index (WQI) applying the Multivariate Factorial Analysis (MFA) statistical technique, which could indicate the influence of agricultural activities in the quality of water resources. Water in a predominantly farm watershed was monitored from Sept. 2003 to Sept. 2004. Monthly water collections were carried out at six sample points, and eight parameters were analyzed: nitrate, ammoniacal nitrogen, ammonia, total phosphorus, electrical conductivity, pH, suspended solids and turbidity, which were considered important due to the agricultural management adopted in the region. Results indicated a contamination of agricultural origin along the basin. Factorial analysis showed that ammonia, ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate parameters were the ones that most contributed in determining the WQI.A avaliação dos impactos gerados pela agricultura sobre a qualidade da água tornou-se primordial no Brasil após o estabelecimento das políticas de uso e conservação dos recursos hídricos, razão por que índices de qualidade de água são propostos com o intuito de se mostrar a evolução da qualidade da água no tempo e no espaço. O objetivo primeiro neste estudo, foi desenvolver um índice de qualidade de água (IQA), utilizando-se a técnica estatística da Análise Fatorial Multivariada, avaliando-se a influência das atividades agrícolas na qualidade dos recursos hídricos; realizou-se, para se atingir o proposto, um monitoramento da qualidade da água em uma bacia hidrográfica de uso predominantemente agrícola, no período de set/03 a set/04. Realizaram-se, também, coletas mensais de água em seis pontos, analisando-se oito variáveis (nitrato, nitrogênio amoniacal, amônia, fósforo total, condutividade elétrica, pH, turbidez e sólidos suspensos), julgadas importantes pelo manejo agrícola adotado na região. Os resultados obtidos indicaram uma contaminação de origem agrícola ao longo da bacia, sendo que, pela análise fatorial, amônia, nitrogênio amoniacal e nitrato foram as variáveis que mais contribuíram na determinação do IQA.51752

THE ANKLE-HIP TRANSVERSE PLANE COUPLING DURING THE STANCE PHASE OF NORMAL WALKING

The aim of this study was to investigate the strength and features of a possibly existent ankle-hip transverse plane coupling during the stance of walking. Fifteen healthy volunteers walked on a 10m walkway in their natural speed using sandals. Kinematic data were obtained with a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. Calculation of the cross-correlation (r=-0.78) indicated a strong ankle-hip coupling, with ankle external rotation (foot pronation) coupled with hip internal rotation, and ankle internal rotation (foot supination) coupled with hip external rotation. Vector coding technique (Φ=41.01°) showed that ankle and hip joints present similar displacement magnitudes. The results agree with suggestions of ankle-hip transverse plane interdependency and an important kinetic energy transmission between the shank and thigh in this plane of movement

EFFECTS OF SIMULATING FOREFOOT VARISM INCREASES ON LOWER EXTREMITY KINEMATICS DURING THE STANCE PHASE OF WALKING

This study investigates the effects of simulating forefoot varism increases on lower extremity kinematics during the stance phase. Sixteen volunteers walked on a walkway in three conditions: wearing flat sandals; wearing a 5º and a 10º laterally wedged sandal. Data were obtained with a 3-D motion analysis system. The variables analyzed were: subtalar eversion/inversion; shank internal/external rotation; knee internal/external rotation; hip internal/external rotation. The simulations of 5º and 10º increases in forefoot varism increased subtalar pronation (P≤.007) and the simulation of 10º increased internal rotation of the shank in relation to the pelvis and of the hip (P=.001). The results suggest that forefoot varism can lead to kinematic patterns related to the occurrence of overuse injuries

Relato da experiência: implementação da metodologia Lean Healthcare no atendimento aos pacientes nas Unidades de Pronto-Atendimentos da Secretaria Municipal de saúde de Belo Horizonte: Projeto Menos Espera, Mais Saúde! / Experience report: implementation of the Lean Healthcare methodology in patient care at Emergency Departments of the Municipal Health Secretariat of Belo Horizonte: Less Waiting, More Health!

O artigo visa apresentar a experiência de implementação da metodologia “Lean” para o atendimento aos pacientes do Sistema Único de Saúde de Belo Horizonte (SUS-BH”) a fim de  melhorar o tempo-resposta, a qualidade e a eficiência dos atendimentos em urgência e emergência, por meio de pactuação de fluxos internos.  Trata-se de uma propsta que está na carta de projetos estratégicos da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde (SMSA). A melhoria da qualidade da assistência nas UPA’s está diretamente associada à aplicação de ferramentas de gestão de processos, com foco na eliminação dos desperdícios, por meio de um trabalho padronizado, treinamento contínuo e intervenção corretiva imediata frente às não conformidades encontradas.Tratando-se de pacientes em situações de urgência, o tempo é um dos principais recursos que deve ser mensurado cotidianamente, com o objetivo de oferecer ao doente uma intervenção médica ou assistencial, o mais breve possível. Apresentaremos nesse artigo, os resultados e experiências com a implantação do projeto “Menos espera, mais saúde” em algumas UPA’s de Belo Horizonte, com o uso de ferramentas Lean nos processos que tangem o atendimento ao usuário e o que identificamos como possibilidades de melhoria contínua, por meio da gestão à vista e intervenção frente aos indicadores de desempenho operacional. O projeto inovador e transformador “Menos espera, mais saúde” faz interface da gerência de urgência com outros setores da Secretaria municipal de saúde, no objetivo de atender a demanda do usuário, com qualidade, resolutilidade e segurança na espera pelo atendimento, otimizando a permanência desse usuário nas UPA’s de Belo Horizonte

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea martius) supplementation improves oxidative stress biomarkers in liver tissue of dams fed a high-fat diet and increases antioxidant enzymes’ gene expression in offspring.

Lipids excess from an uterine environment can increase free radicals production of and thus induce oxidative status imbalance, a key factor for progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in offspring. Food antioxidant components in maternal diet may play an important role in preventing offspring metabolic disorders. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of açaí pulp supplementation on maternal high-fat diet, by assessing activity and expression of antioxidant enzymes and biomarkers of oxidative stress in the liver. Female Fisher rats were divided into four groups and fed a control diet (C), a high-fat diet (HF), a control diet supplemented with açaí (CA) and a high-fat diet supplemented with açaí (HFA) before mating, during gestation and lactation. The effects of açaí supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes expression were evaluated in dams and male offspring after weaning. HFA diet increased body weight in dams, however reduced absolute and relative liver weight. There was a reduction in liver biomarkers of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde and carbonyl protein, as well as in catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity. In offspring, HFA diet reduced liver weight and increased Gpx1, Gpx4 and Sod1 mRNA expression. These results suggest that açaí is able to restore redox status, preventing oxidative damage in dams by a direct mechanism and to promote beneficial effects on expression of antioxidant defences related genes in offspring

An unusual T-cell childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia harboring a yet unreported near-tetraploid karyotype

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Near-tetraploid (model #81-103) and near-triploid (model #67-81) karyotypes are found in around 1% of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Due to its rarity, these two cytogenetic subgroups are generally included in the hyperdiploid group (model # > 51). Therefore separate informations about these two subgroups are limited to a few reports. Some studies found that near-tetraploidy is relatively more frequent in higher median ages and it is associated to Frech-American-British Classification subtype L2. Although the mechanisms by which leukemic blast cells divide is still unclear, studies have suggested that hyperdiploidy, near-triploidy and near-tetraploidy do not seem to share the same mechanism.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Herewith, we present a new childhood T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia case of near-tetraploid karyotype with loss of two p53-gene copies, characterized in detail by cytogenetic and molecular studies.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We suggest that p53 is a good target gene to be screened, once p53 is one of the main effectors of cell cycle checkpoints.</p

Analysis of genetic susceptibility to mercury contamination evaluated through molecular biomarkers in at-risk amazon amerindian populations

We investigated Individual differences in susceptibility to methylmercury (MeHg) contamination and its relationship with polymorphisms of the detoxifying enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST). In Brazil, some Amerindian tribes from the Amazon region have an increased level of mercury in their hair. Samples of hair and blood were taken from inhabitants of two villages in the Kayabi and Munduruku Amerindian communities to investigate mercury levels in association with genetic polymorphism of GSTs. Other molecular biological markers were also studied, such as hemoglobin, haptoglobin and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH). Higher levels of mercury contamination were found in the Kayabi villagers, who had a null genotype (GSTM1 0/0, also denominated GSTM1 null) frequency of 26%, than in the Munduruku villagers, for which the null genotype frequency was 0%. Individuals with the GSTM1 null phenotype had higher concentrations of mercury in their hair than individuals with GSTM1+/+ phenotypes (F = 21.51, p < 0.0001). No association with other markers studied was observed. This study suggests that GSTM1 may be involved in the biotransformation of mercury in humans

Valor nutricional da alimentação escolar oferecida em uma rede municipal de ensino

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of school lunch preparations offered to children enrolled in municipal schools in Botucatu-SP. The macronutrients (proteins, lipids), calories, vitamins A and C, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium and sodium, and dietary fiber were evaluated through assessment dietary software, according to menus offered. The observed data were compared with the standards established by PNAE /NSFP (National School Feeding Programme). The amounts of vitamins A (162.1 mg) and of the minerals magnesium (35.7 mg), zinc (1.6 mg) and iron (10.5 mg) were within the recommendations. However, low values for vitamin C (4.19 mg), calcium (29.8 mg), dietary fiber (3.66 g), and high concentrations of Na were observed. The results highlight the need for adjustments in the nutritional content of infant feeding, which represents supplement of significant importance in the diet of the pupils concerned.El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el valor nutricional de los almuerzos escolares, ofrecidos a los niños matriculados en las escuelas municipales de Botucatu-SP. Se evaluaron los macronutrientes (proteínas, lípidos), energía, vitaminas A y C, calcio, zinc, hierro, magnesio y sodio, además de fibra dietética, a través del software de evaluación de la dieta. Los datos observados se compararon con las normas establecidas por el PNAE (Programa Nacional de Alimentación Escolar). Las cantidades de vitamina A (162,1 mg) y de los minerales magnesio (35,7 mg), zinc (1,6 mg) y hierro (10,5 mg) se encontraban dentro de las recomendaciones. Sin embargo, los valores bajos se observaron para la vitamina C (4,19mg), calcio (29,8mg), fibra dietética (3,66g) y altas concentraciones de sodio (622,8mg). Los resultados destacan la necesidad de ajustar el contenido nutricional de los preparativos de las comidas ofrecidas a los estudiantes, ya que representan una importante incorporación a la dieta diaria de la población afectada.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o valor energético e nutricional das preparações da merenda escolar oferecidas aos escolares matriculados na rede municipal de ensino de Botucatu-SP. Foram avaliados os macronutrientes (proteínas, lipídeos), energia, vitaminas A e C, cálcio, zinco, ferro, magnésio e o sódio, além da fibra alimentar, por meio de software para avaliação dietética, de acordo com cardápios oferecidos. Os dados observados foram comparados com os padrões estabelecidos pelo PNAE (Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar). As quantidades de vitamina A (162,1mg) e dos minerais magnésio (35,7mg), zinco (1,6mg) e ferro (10,5 mg) mostraram-se dentro das recomendações. Contudo, foram observados baixos valores para a vitamina C (4,19mg), para o cálcio (29,8mg) e para a fibra alimentar (3,66g); e altas concentrações de sódio (622,8mg). Os resultados evidenciam a necessidade de adequações no conteúdo nutricional das preparações oferecidas aos escolares, uma vez que estas representam significativo complemento na alimentação diária para a população em questão

Subtelomeric I-scel-mediated double-strand breaks are repaired by homologous recombination in trypanosoma cruzi

Trypanosoma cruzi chromosome ends are enriched in surface protein genes and pseudogenes (e.g., trans-sialidases) surrounded by repetitive sequences. It has been proposed that the extensive sequence variability among members of these protein families could play a role in parasite infectivity and evasion of host immune response. In previous reports we showed evidence suggesting that sequences located in these regions are subjected to recombination. To support this hypothesis we introduced a double-strand break (DSB) at a specific target site in a I cruzi subtelomeric region cloned into an artificial chromosome (pTAC). This construct was used to transfect T. cruzi epimastigotes expressing the I-Scel meganuclease. Examination of the repaired sequences showed that DNA repair occurred only through homologous recombination (HR) with endogenous subtelomeric sequences. Our findings suggest that DSBs in subtelomeric repetitive sequences followed by HR between them may contribute to increased variability in T. cruzi multigene families7CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP306591/2015-411/51693-0; 11/51475-

Transposon mutagenesis of atypical enteroaggregative Escherichia coli reveals a hemagglutinin-associated protein that mediates cell adhesion and contributes to the Galleria mellonella virulence

Twenty-two atypical enteroaggregative Escherichia coli isolates from a previous epidemiological study harboring EAEC virulence genes were examined for their adhesion properties. Nine strains showed a typical aggregative adherence (AA) pattern, while 13 strains showed variant AA, such as AA with lined up cells characteristic of the chain-like adhesion (CLA) and AA mainly to HeLa cells characteristic of the diffuse adherence (DA). The aggregative forming pilus (AFP) genes afpA2 and afpR were detected only in strain Q015B, which exhibited an AA/DA pattern. Using Tn5-based transposon mutagenesis on Q015B strain, we identified a 5517-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a predicted 1838-amino-acid polypeptide that is genetically related to a putative filamentous hemagglutinin identified in E. coli strain 7-233-03_S3_C2. Therefore, the ORF was named orfHA. The regions flanking orfHA were sequenced and two ORFs were found; upstream, an ORF that encodes a 603-amino-acid polypeptide with 99% identity to hemolysin secretion/activation proteins of the ShlB/FhaC/HecB family, and downstream, another ORF, which encodes a 632-amino-acid polypeptide with 72% identity to the glycosyltransferase EtpC. An orfHA mutant (Q015BΔorfHA) was constructed from strain Q015B. Q015BΔorfHA strain did not adhere to HeLa cells, whereas Q015BΔ orfHA transformed with a pACYC184 plasmid carrying orfHA restored the AA/DA phenotype of strain Q015B. Furthermore, the Q015ΔorfHA mutant had a marked effect on the ability of strain Q015B to kill the larvae of Galleria mellonella. Our results suggest that the AA/DA pattern of strain Q015B is mediated by a hemagglutinin-associated protein which also contributes to its virulence in the G. mellonella model