The use of Langmuir-Blodgett films of a perylene derivative and polypyrrole in the detection of trace levels of Cu2+ ions

Langmuir films of a tetracarboxylic perylene derivative and polypyrrole display condensed surface pressure isotherms that are shifted when Cu2+ ions are added to the ultrapure water subphase. These films were transferred onto interdigitated gold electrodes leading to Y-type Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films. The electrodes modified with 5-layer LB films were immersed into a flask with ultrapure water and water containing Cu2+ ions at concentrations ranging from mM to muM. Impedance measurements indicated a distinct electrical response for the two types of films. Although the materials chosen have no specificity for ionic metals, they can be combined for detecting trace levels of Cu2+, which may be exploited in water quality monitoring. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Bases epidemiológicas do Fator Acidentário Previdenciário Epidemiological foundations of the Accident Insurance Factor

ANTECEDENTES: O Conselho Nacional de Previdência Social, por meio da Resolução No. 1.236 de 28/4/2004, aprovou uma nova metodologia para definição do valor das alíquotas de contribuição devidas por empresas para o financiamento de benefícios previdenciários relacionados aos riscos do trabalho. Esta metodologia baseia-se em um indicador denominado de Fator Acidentário Previdenciário, FAP, construído a partir do risco epidemiológico, estimado para cada ramo de atividade econômica. Como parte da sua estratégia de validação, o Ministério da Previdência Social decidiu pela avaliação da sua consistência epidemiológica. OBJETIVOS: Nesse estudo analisaram-se os propósitos, as fontes de informação, a natureza das medidas epidemiológicas empregadas e a metodologia da construção desse indicador, identificando-se as suas vantagens e limitações, aplicabilidade e impactos potenciais futuros. MÉTODOS: Análise documental da Resolução No. 1236 e do documento anexo. RESULTADOS: O FAP avança ao se pautar por critérios científicos transparentes que poderão permitir a redução das alíquotas quando houver efetiva melhoria das condições de trabalho, e conseqüentemente, da morbimortalidade entre trabalhadores. Supera as dificuldades relacionadas à definição e registro do nexo causal das doenças do trabalho ao considerá-las em sua totalidade, não se restringido às ocupacionais. Como prevê a redução de alíquotas com a melhoria das condições de saúde dos trabalhadores poderá contribuir para uma mais efetiva atuação dos empregadores na prevenção. CONCLUSÕES: É necessário o acompanhamento contínuo e sistemático da aplicação do FAP, com ampla participação da sociedade, revisando-o e ajustando-o aos diferentes cenários econômicos, sociais e de saúde do País, atentando-se para o seu impacto sobre a arrecadação e contas da Previdência Social.<br>BACKGROUND: The Brazilian National Social Insurance Counsel of the Ministry of Social Insurance approved the Resolution N. 1.236 of 28/4/2004 that defines a new methodology to assess the value of taxes to be paid by firms, for occupational health related insurance costs. This methodology utilizes the Accident Insurance Factor, (Fator Acidentário Previdenciário) FAP, based on relative risks estimated for each industry trade. As part of its validation strategy, the Social Insurance Ministry decided to evaluate the epidemiological consistency of FAP. OBJECTIVE: The FAP purposes, data sources, the nature of the overall methodology, its advantages and limitations are all discussed, as well as its applicability and potential future impact on the Social Insurance Ministry budget and on the workers' health and safety. METHODS: A documental analysis was conducted with the Resolution text and its attached essay. RESULTS: The FAP represents an advance because of its transparent scientific criteria that may allows reduction of taxes, when improvement in work conditions and the resulting decrease in diseases or injuries are observed. It also overcomes problems of definition and assessment of occupational causal relationships because overall diseases and injuries will be considered regardless of their causal relation to occupational exposures. Since taxes can be reduced as work and health conditions improve, it may contribute to a more effective participation of employers in prevention. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to systematically and continuously monitor the application of FAP, with extensive society participation, reviewing and adjusting it to the distinct economic, social and health scenarios in the country, considering its impact on the Social Insurance budget

Food-borne trematodiases in East Asia: epidemiology and burden

Food-borne trematodiases are a cluster of parasitic helminth infections in humans and animals and belong to the cluster of neglected tropical diseases. The causative helminths dispose of a complex life cycle. As with many helminth infections, most infected people may only experience mild and non-specific clinical signs and symptoms. However, repeated, heavy and long-term infections may lead to severe clinical manifestations and also potentially fatal complications such as cholangiocarcinoma. Diagnosis remains a challenge as reliable, affordable, rapid, and simple-to-use diagnostic techniques are not available. If correctly and early diagnosed, safe, cheap, efficacious, orally administered drugs are available. Globally, the disease burden of food-borne trematodiases is estimated to be well within the range of other and better known neglected tropical diseases (e.g. dengue, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, and schistosomiasis) with a concentration in East and Southeast Asia. Food-borne trematodiases are zoonoses and may also have a negative impact on agri- and aquacultural production in affected regions. Mathematical modelling and analysis of food-borne trematodiases transmission dynamics to inform control and prevention is still in a very early stage, also due to the very limited availability of essential data. The current mainstay of human food-borne trematodiases control is drug-based morbidity control. For improved control, prevention or even elimination, more integrated efforts adopting also an ecosystem and “One Health” perspective are needed