Auditoria energética a empresa têxtil

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Eletrónica Industrial e ComputadoresCada vez mais há uma crescente preocupação por parte dos consumidores em eliminar, reduzir ou conter custos, associada ao aumento da eficiência energética e à proteção do meio ambiente. Sendo visivelmente necessária uma abordagem mais personalizada e verificando a existência de oportunidades de atuação no mercado elétrico, a empresa Leuk Solutions Unip. Lda., disposta a colmatar estes problemas, decidiu dar início a um projeto de realização de auditorias energéticas. Estas são um conjunto de estudos das condições de utilização de energia numa determinada instalação. A força motivacional deste projeto surge da importância que a eficiência energética e as formas de energia alternativa tem para um desenvolvimento sustentável, ou seja, atender às necessidades do presente sem comprometer a possibilidade de as gerações futuras fazerem o mesmo. Atualmente, o setor industrial, de forma global, é onde se verifica o maior consumo de energia elétrica, sendo maioritariamente produzida a partir de combustíveis fósseis, prejudiciais ao meio ambiente. As poupanças neste setor surgem como uma das alternativas mais atrativas e viáveis para ir de encontro à otimização do consumo de energia e à redução das emissões de gases de efeito de estufa. A presente dissertação, executada sob a alçada da Leuk Solutions Unip. Lda., teve como finalidade a elaboração de uma auditoria energética a uma empresa inserida na indústria têxtil, a Araújo e Irmão, Lda. Efetuaram-se visitas à Araújo e Irmãos, Lda, para uma análise das instalações e dos equipamentos existentes, sendo também pedida documentação relativa aos consumos da empresa e à utilização de fontes de energia renovável. Foram realizadas medições com um equipamento de análise de problemas de qualidade de energia elétrica. O conjunto de informações recolhido foi posteriormente analisado e estudado, resultando num conjunto de sugestões e medidas para futura implementação na empresa. É também importante referir que o principal objetivo destas sugestões visa melhorar o desempenho energético e económico da Araújo e Irmãos, Lda, sem afetar o processo produtivo. Foram também analisadas algumas soluções já implementadas pela empresa antes da elaboração desta dissertação, como por exemplo o sistema solar fotovoltaico e o banco de condensadores. Em ambas as soluções foi possível detetar problemas de qualidade de energia. Sugeriram-se alterações/otimizações relativamente à instalação elétrica, à energia reativa, à utilização de alguns equipamentos e à iluminação.Consumers are increasingly concerned about eliminating, reducing or containing costs, opting to an increased energy efficiency and environmental protection. A personalized approach is clearly needed and the existence of oportunities in the electric market is evident. Looking further these problems Leuk Solutions Unip. Lda. company decided to start a project aimed at conducting energy audits. These are a set of studies of the conditions of use of energy in each installation. The present work, executed under the authority of Leuk Solutions Unip. Lda., had as purpose the elaboration of an energy audit to a textile industry company, Araújo e Irmãos, Lda. The motivational strength for this project emerges from the importance that energy efficiency and alternative forms of energy have for a sustainable development, i.e. knowing the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. Globally, industry is where the highest consumption of electric energy is, mostly produced from fossil fuels, which is harmful to the environment. Savings in this sector have emerged as one of the most attractive and viable alternatives meeting an optimization of energy consumption and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Visits were made to Araújo and Irmãos, Lda, for analysis of the existing facilities and equipment. Documentation was also requested regarding the company's consumption and its alternative energy sources. Measurements were carried out with a power quality analyzer. The set of collected information was studied and analyzed, resulting in a group of measures to improve the energy and economic performance of Araújo e Irmãos, Lda, without affecting the productive process of it. Some already implemented solutions by the company before this project, such as the solar photovoltaic system and the capacitor bank, were analyzed. Power quality problems were founded. Changes and optimizations were suggested regarding the electrical installation, the reactive energy, the use of some equipment’s and the lighting

Flavonoids as Modulators of Synaptic Plasticity: Implications for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Healthy Lifestyle

Flavonoids are potential group of phytochemicals found in normal diets capable of mediating improvements in cognition and may reverse age-related declines in memory. Aging is associated with alteration of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and contribute to decline in cognitive functions. The current studies are directed at a greater understanding of how and why the brain modifies synaptic strength with dietary-derived phytochemicals (flavonoids) and age-related declines in cognitive functions (such as learning and memory). Flavonoids modulate neuronal function and thereby influence cognition. In addition, it has been suggested that flavonoids may delay the development of Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology, anxiety, and depression disorders, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy. Emerging evidence suggest that flavonoids are modulators of signaling pathways critical for controlling synaptic plasticity in the brain. For example, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase, protein kinase C, pathways could be involved Ca2+ signaling. Significants questions such as: (i) How does flavonoids affect plasticity? (ii) What receptors are modulating by flavonoids and how are they regulated? (iii) Do flavonoids have a neuroprotective effect in aging? are asked

Há relação entre distúrbios metabólicos e alterações vestibulococleares? / Is there a relationship between metabolic disorders and vestibulocochlear dysfunctions?

Os distúrbios vestibulococleares são de ordem multifatorial e possuem distintos fatores agravantes à sua condição, sendo de grande importância a discussão dessa temática para adequada abordagem do paciente com referido distúrbio. A orelha interna despende muita energia para seu adequado funcionamento, especialmente a estria vascular, cuja energia é oriunda da circulação sanguínea através da captação tecidual de oxigênio e glicose. Baseado na premissa de que distúrbios metabólicos podem afetar o ambiente da orelha interna, este trabalho tem por objetivo identificar correlação entre distúrbios metabólicos e disfunções vestibulococleares.  Fora realizada uma busca a partir de fontes secundárias de dezesseis artigos nos bancos de dados Scielo, Medline e PubMed em junho de 2020 e, um livro referência da área otorrinolaringológica. A análise dos artigos evidenciou que os distúrbios metabólicos podem afetar diretamente o sistema vestibular e coclear, causando sintomatologia como vertigem, tontura e zumbido; assim como podem interferir de forma secundária na patologia pré-existente, funcionando como fator agravante vestibulococlear. Hipercolesterolemia, hipertrigliceridemia e distúrbios no metabolismo da glicose, despontam como os mais frequentes distúrbios geradores de disfunção vestibulococlear. Essa pesquisa apontou que a redução, ou remissão, das queixas otoneurológicas pelos pacientes acometidos por distúrbios metabólicos, esteve intimamente relacionada ao tratamento da doença base metabólica, seja com dietas restritivas ou tratamento medicamentoso. É imperativo o correto rastreio metabólico frente às queixas vestibulococleares para otimização terapêutica. 

Punção Aspirativa da Tireóide por Agulha Fina. Correlação Cito-Histológica: Estudo Baseado em 50 Casos

O objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar a eficácia da punção aspirativa por agulha fina (PAAF) da tireóide comparando-a com o diagnóstico histopatológico. Os autores avaliaram os resultados citológicos de 50 pacientes atendidos no período de dezembro de 1995 a julho de 1997, nos Departamentos de Citopatologia, Anatomia Patológica e Cirurgia da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. No mesmo período foram realizados 256 PAAF de tireóide, sendo que somente 50 pacientes foram à cirurgia e puderam ter os diagnósticos citológicos comparados aos histológicos. O grupo estudado consistiu em 40 mulheres e 10 homens, com idades variando entre 10 e 79 anos, sendo a maior incidência observada nas 4ª e 5ª décadas. Baseando-se na comparação dos diagnósticos, os autores obtiveram as taxas de sensibilidade (80%), especificidade (100%), valor preditivo positivo (100%), valor preditivo negativo (89,5%) e acurácia (92,6%). De acordo com estes resultados, pôde-se concluir que a PAAF é um método seguro, eficiente e confiável no diagnóstico dos nódulos tireoidianos

Global burden of 288 causes of death and life expectancy decomposition in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BACKGROUND Regular, detailed reporting on population health by underlying cause of death is fundamental for public health decision making. Cause-specific estimates of mortality and the subsequent effects on life expectancy worldwide are valuable metrics to gauge progress in reducing mortality rates. These estimates are particularly important following large-scale mortality spikes, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. When systematically analysed, mortality rates and life expectancy allow comparisons of the consequences of causes of death globally and over time, providing a nuanced understanding of the effect of these causes on global populations. METHODS The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 cause-of-death analysis estimated mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) from 288 causes of death by age-sex-location-year in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations for each year from 1990 until 2021. The analysis used 56 604 data sources, including data from vital registration and verbal autopsy as well as surveys, censuses, surveillance systems, and cancer registries, among others. As with previous GBD rounds, cause-specific death rates for most causes were estimated using the Cause of Death Ensemble model-a modelling tool developed for GBD to assess the out-of-sample predictive validity of different statistical models and covariate permutations and combine those results to produce cause-specific mortality estimates-with alternative strategies adapted to model causes with insufficient data, substantial changes in reporting over the study period, or unusual epidemiology. YLLs were computed as the product of the number of deaths for each cause-age-sex-location-year and the standard life expectancy at each age. As part of the modelling process, uncertainty intervals (UIs) were generated using the 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles from a 1000-draw distribution for each metric. We decomposed life expectancy by cause of death, location, and year to show cause-specific effects on life expectancy from 1990 to 2021. We also used the coefficient of variation and the fraction of population affected by 90% of deaths to highlight concentrations of mortality. Findings are reported in counts and age-standardised rates. Methodological improvements for cause-of-death estimates in GBD 2021 include the expansion of under-5-years age group to include four new age groups, enhanced methods to account for stochastic variation of sparse data, and the inclusion of COVID-19 and other pandemic-related mortality-which includes excess mortality associated with the pandemic, excluding COVID-19, lower respiratory infections, measles, malaria, and pertussis. For this analysis, 199 new country-years of vital registration cause-of-death data, 5 country-years of surveillance data, 21 country-years of verbal autopsy data, and 94 country-years of other data types were added to those used in previous GBD rounds. FINDINGS The leading causes of age-standardised deaths globally were the same in 2019 as they were in 1990; in descending order, these were, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lower respiratory infections. In 2021, however, COVID-19 replaced stroke as the second-leading age-standardised cause of death, with 94·0 deaths (95% UI 89·2-100·0) per 100 000 population. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the rankings of the leading five causes, lowering stroke to the third-leading and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to the fourth-leading position. In 2021, the highest age-standardised death rates from COVID-19 occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (271·0 deaths [250·1-290·7] per 100 000 population) and Latin America and the Caribbean (195·4 deaths [182·1-211·4] per 100 000 population). The lowest age-standardised death rates from COVID-19 were in the high-income super-region (48·1 deaths [47·4-48·8] per 100 000 population) and southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania (23·2 deaths [16·3-37·2] per 100 000 population). Globally, life expectancy steadily improved between 1990 and 2019 for 18 of the 22 investigated causes. Decomposition of global and regional life expectancy showed the positive effect that reductions in deaths from enteric infections, lower respiratory infections, stroke, and neonatal deaths, among others have contributed to improved survival over the study period. However, a net reduction of 1·6 years occurred in global life expectancy between 2019 and 2021, primarily due to increased death rates from COVID-19 and other pandemic-related mortality. Life expectancy was highly variable between super-regions over the study period, with southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania gaining 8·3 years (6·7-9·9) overall, while having the smallest reduction in life expectancy due to COVID-19 (0·4 years). The largest reduction in life expectancy due to COVID-19 occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean (3·6 years). Additionally, 53 of the 288 causes of death were highly concentrated in locations with less than 50% of the global population as of 2021, and these causes of death became progressively more concentrated since 1990, when only 44 causes showed this pattern. The concentration phenomenon is discussed heuristically with respect to enteric and lower respiratory infections, malaria, HIV/AIDS, neonatal disorders, tuberculosis, and measles. INTERPRETATION Long-standing gains in life expectancy and reductions in many of the leading causes of death have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the adverse effects of which were spread unevenly among populations. Despite the pandemic, there has been continued progress in combatting several notable causes of death, leading to improved global life expectancy over the study period. Each of the seven GBD super-regions showed an overall improvement from 1990 and 2021, obscuring the negative effect in the years of the pandemic. Additionally, our findings regarding regional variation in causes of death driving increases in life expectancy hold clear policy utility. Analyses of shifting mortality trends reveal that several causes, once widespread globally, are now increasingly concentrated geographically. These changes in mortality concentration, alongside further investigation of changing risks, interventions, and relevant policy, present an important opportunity to deepen our understanding of mortality-reduction strategies. Examining patterns in mortality concentration might reveal areas where successful public health interventions have been implemented. Translating these successes to locations where certain causes of death remain entrenched can inform policies that work to improve life expectancy for people everywhere. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Functional polymorphisms of DNA repair genes in Latin America reinforces the heterogeneity of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Nucleotide excision repair pathway (NER) is an essential mechanism for single-strand breaks (SSB) repair while xeroderma pigmentosum family (XPA to XPG) is the most important system to NER. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous hematological cancer characterized by cytopenias and risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation. MDS pathogenesis has been associated with problems of DNA repair system. This report aimed to evaluate NER polymorphisms (XPA rs1800975, XPC rs2228000, XPD rs1799793 and XPF rs1800067) in 269 MDS patients of different populations in Latin America (173 Brazilian and 96 Argentinean). Genotypes were identified in DNA samples by RT-qPCR using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay. Regarding rs1799793 polymorphism of XPD for Brazilian population, the heterozygous genotype AG presented a high odds ratio (OR) to have a normal karyotype (p = 0.012, OR=3.000) and the mutant homozygous genotype AA was associated to a high OR of AML transformation (p = 0.034, OR=7.4). In Argentine population, the homozygous mutant AA genotype of rs1800975 polymorphism of XPA was associated with an increased odd to have hemoglobin levels below 8g/dL (p = 0.013, OR=10.000) while for the rs1799793 polymorphism of XPD, the heterozygous AG genotype decreased OR to be classified as good (p < 0.001, OR=9.05 × 10−10), and intermediate (p < 0.001, OR=3.08 × 10−10), according to Revised-International Prognostic Scoring System. Regarding the rs1800067 polymorphisms of XPF, the homozygous mutant AA genotype showed a decreased OR to be classified as good (p < 0.001, OR=4.03 × 10−13) and intermediate (p < 0.001, OR=2.54 × 10−13). Our report reinforces the heterogeneity of MDS and demonstrates the importance of ethnic differences and regional influences in pathogenesis and prognosis of MDS

Cuidados com a Saúde Autosselecionados pelos Usuários da Atenção Primária

RESUMO Este estudo descreve as mudanças em cuidados com a saúde que usuários da atenção primária escolheram adotar após participarem de uma ação de educação em saúde sobre cuidados com a saúde e determinar o grau de comprometimento desses usuários com essas mudanças autoestabelecidas. Foi desenvolvida uma ação de educação em saúde com usuários da atenção primária sobre cuidados com a saúde. Os indivíduos foram avaliados imediatamente após esta ação e dois a três meses depois, por meio de um questionário semiestruturado. Os relatos foram analisados pela análise de conteúdo. Entre os participantes, 31% tiveram como objetivo praticar atividade física, 28% melhorar a alimentação, 22,9% cuidar da saúde mental, 12,6% emagrecer, 10,3% cuidar da saúde em geral, 6,9% consumir menos álcool, 4,6% parar de fumar, e 1,15% cuidar do meio ambiente. Após dois a três meses, 8,62% não se lembraram e não cumpriram as metas autoestabelecidas, 22,41% as cumpriram totalmente, e 68,97%, apesar de se lembrarem, não as cumpriram. Desses, 77,5% apontaram como motivo para o não cumprimento a falta de disciplina, 17,5% a falta de tempo e 5% problemas de saúde

ESCORE MMCD PARA PREDIÇÃO DE TERAPIA RENAL SUBSTITUTIVA E MORTALIDADE INTRA-HOSPITALAR EM PACIENTES HOSPITALIZADOS COM COVID-19 DE 2020 A 2022

Introdução: A lesão renal aguda (LRA) com necessidade de terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) em suas formas mais graves é uma complicação importante de pacientes com covid-19. O desenvolvimento de um escore de risco para predizer a necessidade de TRS pode ser muito útil, para melhor alocação de recursos de saúde. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e validar um escore para predição de necessidade de TRS, em pacientes hospitalizados com covid-19, entre 2020 e 2022. Métodos: Trata-se de uma coorte retrospectiva multicêntrica de pacientes consecutivos internados por covid-19, confirmada laboratorialmente, em 40 hospitais brasileiros, entre março de 2020 e julho de 2022. Foram excluídos do estudo pacientes menores de 18 anos, grávidas, em cuidados paliativos ou terapia dialítica à admissão. A seleção de variáveis preditoras foi realizada utilizando modelos aditivos generalizados (GAM). Enquanto, a regressão do operador de seleção e contração mínima absoluta (LASSO) foi usada para derivação de pontuação. O escore foi desenvolvido no período de março a julho de 2020, com validação temporal e geográfica de julho a setembro de 2020 e nova validação temporal no período de março de 2021 a julho de 2022. O desempenho do MMCD foi avaliado pela área sob a curva da característica de operação do receptor (AUROC, com intervalo de confiança de 95%), análise gráfica com teste de intercepto e inclinação e escore de Brier. Resultados: Foram incluídos 3.680 pacientes na amostra de desenvolvimento, 1.532 na validação temporal 2020, 1.378 na validação geográfica e 9.473 na validação temporal 2021-2022. Quatro preditores da necessidade de TRS foram identificados: ventilação mecânica a qualquer momento da internação, sexo masculino, creatinina à admissão e diabetes mellitus. O escore nomeado como MMCD apresentou excelente discriminação, calibração e desempenho geral nas coortes de derivação e validações (desenvolvimento: AUROC: 0.929; IC95%: 0.918–0.939, escore de Brier: 0.057; validação temporal 2020: AUROC 0.927, IC95% 0.911–0.941, escore de Brier 0.056; validação geográfica 2020: AUROC: 0.819, IC95% 0.792–0.845, escore de Brier 0.122; validação temporal 2021/2022: AUROC 0.916, IC95% 0.909-0.924, escore de Brier 0.057). Conclusão: O MMCD apresentou excelente capacidade preditiva para TRS nas diferentes fases da pandemia, o que pode contribuir para subsidiar decisões mais assertivas na alocação de recursos assistenciais

Image_3_An industrialized diet as a determinant of methylation in the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene promoter.JPEG

BackgroundDietary composition can modify gene expression, favoring the development of chronic diseases via epigenetic mechanisms.ObjectiveOur study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and NR3C1 gene methylation in users of the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS).MethodsWe recruited 250 adult volunteers and evaluated their socioeconomic status, psychosocial characteristics, lifestyle, and anthropometrics. Peripheral blood was collected and evaluated for cortisol levels, glycemia, lipid profile, and insulin resistance; methylation of CpGs 40–47 of the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene was also measured. Factors associated with degree of methylation were evaluated using generalized linear models (p ResultsThe findings of our cross-sectional study indicated an association between NR3C1 DNA methylation and intake of processed foods. We also observed relevant associations of average NR3C1 DNA across the segment analyzed, methylation in component 1 (40–43), and methylation in component 2 (44–47) with a pattern of consumption of industrialized products in relation to BMI, serum cortisol levels, and lipid profile. These results may indicate a relationship between methylation and metabolic changes related to the stress response.ConclusionThese findings suggest an association of methylation and metabolic alterations with stress response. In addition, the present study highlights the significant role of diet quality as a stress-inducing factor that influences NR3C1 methylation. This relationship is further linked to changes in psychosocial factors, lifestyle choices, and cardiometabolic variables, including glucose levels, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia.</p

Data_Sheet_1_An industrialized diet as a determinant of methylation in the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene promoter.PDF

BackgroundDietary composition can modify gene expression, favoring the development of chronic diseases via epigenetic mechanisms.ObjectiveOur study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and NR3C1 gene methylation in users of the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS).MethodsWe recruited 250 adult volunteers and evaluated their socioeconomic status, psychosocial characteristics, lifestyle, and anthropometrics. Peripheral blood was collected and evaluated for cortisol levels, glycemia, lipid profile, and insulin resistance; methylation of CpGs 40–47 of the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene was also measured. Factors associated with degree of methylation were evaluated using generalized linear models (p ResultsThe findings of our cross-sectional study indicated an association between NR3C1 DNA methylation and intake of processed foods. We also observed relevant associations of average NR3C1 DNA across the segment analyzed, methylation in component 1 (40–43), and methylation in component 2 (44–47) with a pattern of consumption of industrialized products in relation to BMI, serum cortisol levels, and lipid profile. These results may indicate a relationship between methylation and metabolic changes related to the stress response.ConclusionThese findings suggest an association of methylation and metabolic alterations with stress response. In addition, the present study highlights the significant role of diet quality as a stress-inducing factor that influences NR3C1 methylation. This relationship is further linked to changes in psychosocial factors, lifestyle choices, and cardiometabolic variables, including glucose levels, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia.</p