The use of pesticides: an analysis in accordance with Brazilian environmental legislation

[Resumo] O objetivo central desta pesquisa foi analisar a problemática ambiental no que tange aos aspectos do uso de agrotóxico, com o enfoque relacionado às normas de proteção ambientais brasileiras; questão esta realizada no Pontal do Triângulo Mineiro/MG/Brasil. Os procedimentos metodológicos utilizados basearam-se na consulta à legislação atual, bem como na análise de material bibliográfico, documental e pequena pesquisa de campo. Os resultados da investigação apontaram que a legislação brasileira é bastante ampla e é destacada como uma das mais completas no âmbito mundial. Foram estabelecidas diversas classificações, para que de forma didática e simplificada, orientassem os produtores quanto aos perigos que os produtos poderiam causar tanto à saúde de quem o manuseia, quanto ao meio ambiente. A preocupação do legislador é tamanha, que foi deixado gravado em seu texto regras para sua utilização, comercialização, armazenamento e devolução de embalagens. Aponta-se ainda, a falta de instrução e educação ambiental, atreladas, muitas vezes, ao descaso por parte dos consumidores deste tipo de produto, que dificulta o cumprimento da norma. Desse modo, como considerações finais, observou-se a carência de serviços especializados, centros de coleta e procedimento de agendamento para entrega de embalagens, fatos esses que são usados como álibi para o não cumprimento da legislação vigente

EXPANSÃO RECENTE DO SETOR SUCROENERGÉTICO E IMPLICAÇÕES TERRITORIAIS NA PECUÁRIA BOVINA: UMA AVALIAÇÃO NA REGIÃO DE ITUIUTABA (MG)

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar as implicações territoriais da expansão recente da cana-de-açúcar sobre os espaços da pecuária bovina na MRG de Ituiutaba. O campo na região de Ituiutaba é marcado, historicamente, pela presença da pecuária bovina, afirmando-se como uma região tradicional nesta atividade. Recentemente, a região conhece, através de ações do Estado e da nova condição do setor sucroenergético no país, uma significativa expansão do cultivo da cana, afirmada pela inserção de três usinas, o que implicou em mudanças significativas na dinâmica da pecuária bovina. Para tal, identificamos três processos da expansão do setor sobre a pecuária na região de Ituiutaba: o deslocamento – quando pecuaristas arrendam a área e investem recursos em outros espaços–; a substituição – quando proprietários de terras desistem da atividade e arrendam as propriedades para o plantio de cana –; e também a coexistência (proximidade) da produção do setor sucroenergético e da pecuária bovina

Análise epidemiológico da vítima de traumatismo intracraniano no macrorregiões brasileiras

Compare the number of deaths and length of stay resulting from intracranial trauma (TBI) by Brazilian region, sex and age group. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, using information obtained from the SUS Hospitalization System (SIH/SUS), which was published on the DATASUS platform by the Ministry of Health. A period of 5 years was analyzed, between January 2018 and December 2022, in Brazilian macro-regions. In the period analyzed, 511,480 hospitalizations for traumatic brain injury (TBI) were recorded in Brazil. In terms of gender, males predominated, accounting for 387,664 hospitalizations (75.79%). It is also important to highlight that the nature of urgency was considered, without distinction between public and private hospitalization. Finally, the importance of developing awareness and primary prevention policies aimed, above all, at younger audiences is clear, as this is the population most vulnerable to this trauma.Comparar o número de óbitos e tempo de internamento decorrente de traumatismo intracraniano (TCE) por região brasileira, sexo e faixa etária. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de corte transversal, com a utilização de informações obtidas no Sistema de Internações do SUS (SIH/SUS), as quais foram publicadas na plataforma DATASUS pelo Ministério da Saúde. Analisou-se um período de 5 anos, entre janeiro de 2018 e dezembro de 2022, nas macrorregiões brasileiras.  No período analisado, foram registradas 511.480 internações por traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE), no Brasil.  Em relação ao sexo, o sexo masculino foi o que predominou, totalizando 387.664 das internações (75,79%). É importante ressaltar, ainda, que se considerou o caráter de urgência, sem distinção entre o internamento público e privado. Por fim, percebe-se a importância de se desenvolver políticas de conscientização e prevenção primária voltadas, sobretudo, ao público mais jovem, visto que se trata da população mais vulnerável a esse trauma

SARS-CoV-2 uses CD4 to infect T helper lymphocytes

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the agent of a major global outbreak of respiratory tract disease known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infects mainly lungs and may cause several immune-related complications, such as lymphocytopenia and cytokine storm, which are associated with the severity of the disease and predict mortality. The mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in immune system dysfunction is still not fully understood. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 infects human CD4+ T helper cells, but not CD8+ T cells, and is present in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage T helper cells of severe COVID-19 patients. We demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (S) directly binds to the CD4 molecule, which in turn mediates the entry of SARS-CoV-2 in T helper cells. This leads to impaired CD4 T cell function and may cause cell death. SARS-CoV-2-infected T helper cells express higher levels of IL-10, which is associated with viral persistence and disease severity. Thus, CD4-mediated SARS-CoV-2 infection of T helper cells may contribute to a poor immune response in COVID-19 patients.</p

SARS-CoV-2 uses CD4 to infect T helper lymphocytes

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the agent of a major global outbreak of respiratory tract disease known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infects mainly lungs and may cause several immune-related complications, such as lymphocytopenia and cytokine storm, which are associated with the severity of the disease and predict mortality. The mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in immune system dysfunction is still not fully understood. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 infects human CD4+ T helper cells, but not CD8+ T cells, and is present in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage T helper cells of severe COVID-19 patients. We demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (S) directly binds to the CD4 molecule, which in turn mediates the entry of SARS-CoV-2 in T helper cells. This leads to impaired CD4 T cell function and may cause cell death. SARS-CoV-2-infected T helper cells express higher levels of IL-10, which is associated with viral persistence and disease severity. Thus, CD4-mediated SARS-CoV-2 infection of T helper cells may contribute to a poor immune response in COVID-19 patients.</p

Health-related quality of life in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the different geographical regions of Brazil : data from the Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Study Group

Background: In type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management, enhancing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is as important as good metabolic control and prevention of secondary complications. This study aims to evaluate possible regional differences in HRQoL, demographic features and clinical characteristics of patients with T1DM in Brazil, a country of continental proportions, as well as investigate which variables could influence the HRQoL of these individuals and contribute to these regional disparities. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study performed by the Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Study Group (BrazDiab1SG), by analyzing EuroQol scores from 3005 participants with T1DM, in 28 public clinics, among all geographical regions of Brazil. Data on demography, economic status, chronic complications, glycemic control and lipid profile were also collected. Results: We have found that the North-Northeast region presents a higher index in the assessment of the overall health status (EQ-VAS) compared to the Southeast (74.6 ± 30 and 70.4 ± 19, respectively; p < 0.05). In addition, North- Northeast presented a lower frequency of self-reported anxiety-depression compared to all regions of the country (North-Northeast: 1.53 ± 0.6; Southeast: 1.65 ± 0.7; South: 1.72 ± 0.7; Midwest: 1.67 ± 0.7; p < 0.05). These findings could not be entirely explained by the HbA1c levels or the other variables examined. Conclusions: Our study points to the existence of additional factors not yet evaluated that could be determinant in the HRQoL of people with T1DM and contribute to these regional disparities

ATLANTIC EPIPHYTES: a data set of vascular and non-vascular epiphyte plants and lichens from the Atlantic Forest

Epiphytes are hyper-diverse and one of the frequently undervalued life forms in plant surveys and biodiversity inventories. Epiphytes of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, have high endemism and radiated recently in the Pliocene. We aimed to (1) compile an extensive Atlantic Forest data set on vascular, non-vascular plants (including hemiepiphytes), and lichen epiphyte species occurrence and abundance; (2) describe the epiphyte distribution in the Atlantic Forest, in order to indicate future sampling efforts. Our work presents the first epiphyte data set with information on abundance and occurrence of epiphyte phorophyte species. All data compiled here come from three main sources provided by the authors: published sources (comprising peer-reviewed articles, books, and theses), unpublished data, and herbarium data. We compiled a data set composed of 2,095 species, from 89,270 holo/hemiepiphyte records, in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, recorded from 1824 to early 2018. Most of the records were from qualitative data (occurrence only, 88%), well distributed throughout the Atlantic Forest. For quantitative records, the most common sampling method was individual trees (71%), followed by plot sampling (19%), and transect sampling (10%). Angiosperms (81%) were the most frequently registered group, and Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae were the families with the greatest number of records (27,272 and 21,945, respectively). Ferns and Lycophytes presented fewer records than Angiosperms, and Polypodiaceae were the most recorded family, and more concentrated in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Data on non-vascular plants and lichens were scarce, with a few disjunct records concentrated in the Northeastern region of the Atlantic Forest. For all non-vascular plant records, Lejeuneaceae, a family of liverworts, was the most recorded family. We hope that our effort to organize scattered epiphyte data help advance the knowledge of epiphyte ecology, as well as our understanding of macroecological and biogeographical patterns in the Atlantic Forest. No copyright restrictions are associated with the data set. Please cite this Ecology Data Paper if the data are used in publication and teaching events. © 2019 The Authors. Ecology © 2019 The Ecological Society of Americ

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure &lt;= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

Effects of the expansion of the sucroenergetic sector on bovine livestock: an evaluation in the region of Ituiutaba/MG

The dissertation aimed to understand the processes related to the recent expansion of the sugar-energy sector and its territorial implications in a region traditionally focused on cattle ranching activities in the Geographical Microregion of Ituiutaba. Therefore, we opted for a periodization exercise to understand the genesis of the agricultural dynamics of the Ituiutaba’s region to the present day, highlighting the formation of cattle raising as a traditional activity in the region. In the current century, we have checked the strong expansion of the sugarenergy sector in the GMR of Ituiutaba, a fact that has resulted in territorial implications, such as the displacement of cattle ranching activities to other regions and states, the replacement of cattle ranching properties for sugar cane activities, but also the coexistence of these activities, which results in both positive and negative effects for ranchers. We evidenced cattle ranching, in general, developed with high technical employment, mainly in the recent period in the Ituiutaba region. Such performance of cattle ranching was provided by the presence of important agents of the sector in the GMR of Ituiutaba, mainly Nestlé and JBS, that demand new dynamics about cattle ranching practices, restructuring the activities. Thus, we identified in the study area that the development of cattle ranching activities that remain in the region is sustained, mainly, by the presence of seven agro-industrial agents, most of them setted in the second half of the 20th century. So, the continuity of these practices is guaranteed by such agents, practices related to the time when the region was essentially focused on the breeding of beef and dairy cattle.CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível SuperiorDissertação (Mestrado)A dissertação visou compreender os processos relacionados à expansão recente do setor sucroenergético e suas implicações territoriais em uma região tradicionalmente voltada às atividades da pecuária bovina da Microrregião Geográfica de Ituiutaba. Para tanto, optamos por um exercício de periodização para compreendermos a gênese da dinâmica agropecuária da região de Ituiutaba até os dias atuais, evidenciando a formação da pecuária bovina como atividade tradicional da região. No século atual, verificamos a forte expansão do setor sucroenergético na MRG de Ituiutaba, fato que resultou em implicações territoriais, como o deslocamento de atividades de pecuária bovina para outras regiões e estados, a substituição de propriedades de pecuária bovina para as atividades de cana-de-açúcar, mas também a coexistência dessas atividades, que resulta em efeitos tanto positivos quanto negativos para os pecuaristas. Evidenciamos uma pecuária bovina, de forma geral, desenvolvida com alto emprego técnico, principalmente no período recente na região de Ituiutaba. Tais desempenhos da pecuária bovina foram proporcionados pela presença de importantes agentes do setor na MRG de Ituiutaba, principalmente a Nestlé e a JBS, que exigem novas dinâmicas acerca das práticas de pecuária bovina, reestruturando as atividades. Desta forma, identificamos na área de estudo que o desenvolvimento das atividades da pecuária bovina que permanecem na região é sustentada, principalmente, pela presença dos sete agentes agroindustriais, em sua maioria instalados na segunda metade do século XX. Assim a permanência da prática de pecuária bovina é garantida por tais agentes, práticas relacionadas ao tempo em que a função da região era essencialmente voltada à criação de gado de corte e leite