Abstract We present a clinical case of keratitis caused by M. abscessus in a 76-year-old female patient, resident in the city of Asunción, without trauma or previous ocular surgery and with a history of herpetic keratouveitis. Because it is a keratitis caused by a rare etiological agent and because of the importance of a correct and timely diagnosis for the establishment of appropriate treatment, the present case is reported, the first of Mycobacteria keratitis in Paraguay.

Resumen Se presenta un caso clínico de queratitis por Mycobacterium abscessus en una mujer de 76 años, residente en la ciudad de Asunción, sin traumatismo ni cirugía ocular previa y con antecedente de una queratouveitis herpética. Por tratarse de una queratitis causada por un agente etiológico poco frecuente y por la importancia de un diagnóstico correcto y oportuno para la instauración del tratamiento adecuado, se comunica el primer caso de queratitis por micobacterias en Paraguay.

Resumo O helminto Echinococcus vogeliRausch & Bernstein, 1972 é o agente causador da Equinococose Neotropical, uma doença zoonótica crônica e endêmica da região Neotropical. Este parasito é transmitido entre o cachorro-vinagre (Speothos venaticus) e suas presas, como pacas (Cuniculus paca) e cutias (Dasyprocta spp.). No Brasil, a maioria dos casos humanos de Equinococose Neotropical é registrada nos estados do Acre e Pará, embora existam poucos dados disponíveis sobre a ocorrência de potenciais hospedeiros definitivos e intermediários de E. vogeli na Amazônia. No presente estudo, foram investigadas áreas de floresta ao redor de 46 comunidades humanas localizadas no interior e entorno de seis unidades de conservação de uso sustentável no sudoeste da bacia amazônica brasileira e, por meio de armadilhas fotográficas, foram avaliadas as presenças de potenciais hospedeiros silvestres de E. vogeli. Adicionalmente, foram avaliados o padrão de consumo da carne dos hospedeiros silvestres por meio de entrevistas com 136 moradores dessas comunidades. Foram registradas pacas, cutias e cachorros-vinagre, bem como cães domésticos (Canis familiaris) utilizando os mesmos habitats, todos potenciais reservatórios da Equinococose Neotropical. Além disto, confirmamos a alto consumo de paca e cutia nas comunidades. Os dados do presente trabalho contribuem para pesquisas em andamento sobre a presença dos potenciais reservatórios de E. vogeli em ambientes brasileiros.

Abstract The helminth Echinococcus vogeliRausch & Bernstein, 1972 is a causative agent of Neotropical Echinococcosis, a chronic zoonotic disease which is endemic to the Neotropical region. This parasite is transmitted from bush dogs (Speothos venaticus) to their prey, which include lowland pacas (Cuniculus paca) and agoutis (Dasyprocta spp.). In Brazil, most human cases of Neotropical Echinococcosis have been recorded in the Amazonian states of Acre and Pará, although few data are available on the occurrence of the potential definitive or intermediate hosts of E. vogeli in the Amazon region. In the present study, we surveyed the forests surrounding 46 human communities located within and around of outside six sustainable-use protected areas in the southwestern Amazon basin of Brazil. The forests were surveyed using camera traps to determine the local presence of potential wild hosts of E. vogeli, and the exploitation of these hosts for game meat was evaluated through interviews with 136 subsistence hunters resident in the local communities. We recorded pacas, agoutis, and bush dogs, as well as domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), all potential reservoirs of Neotropical Echinococcosis, using the same habitats. We also confirmed the frequent consumption of paca and agouti meat by subsistence hunters and their families in the study communities. Our data contribute to the understanding of the occurrence of E. vogeli in Brazilian ecosystems.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The skin surface is inhabited by microorganisms responsible for the biochemical balance; some are pathogenic and persist despite hand washing. Objective: To identify, in university students, the bacterial flora resistant to hand washing. Methods: A longitudinal, analytical and observational study was carried out, for which university students were included who previously received educational talks on hand hygiene. Samples were taken before and after hand washing. Results: Of 80 samples analyzed, Staphylococcus epidermidis was identified as the most frequent in 95% of the students and, with hand washing, it was reduced to 60%. The second agent was Staphylococcus saprophyticcus, present in 75% of the cases and, after hand washing, in 35%. E. coli occupied the third position, as it was found in 42.5% of the samples and, after hand hygiene, it was reduced to 17.5%. For transient agents like Klebsiella (P<0.05) and Pseudomonas, handwashing was more effective; however, E. coli was the enterobacterium that remained elevated despite hand hygiene (P=0.01). Conclusion: Some E. coli colonies are resistant to hand washing, similar to resident agents such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus saprophyticcus and Staphylococcus aureus.

RESUMEN Introducción: En la superficie cutánea residen microorganismos responsables del balance bioquímico, algunas son patógenas y persisten a pesar del lavado de manos. Objetivo: Identificar la flora bacteriana resistente al lavado de manos en estudiantes universitarios. Métodos: Se realizó el estudio observacional analítico de tipo longitudinal, para esto se enrolaron a estudiantes universitarios que recibieron previamente charlas educativas sobre higiene de manos, posteriormente se tomaron muestras antes y después del lavado de las manos. Resultados: De 80 muestras analizadas se identificó a Staphylococcus epidermidis como el más frecuente en 95 % de los estudiantes y con el lavado de manos se redujo a 60 %; el segundo agente fue Staphylococcus saprophyticcus, que estuvo presente en 75 % de los casos y después del lavado, en 35 %; E. coli ocupó el tercer lugar, se encontró en 42,5 % de las muestras y tras la higiene de manos se redujo a 17,5 %. Para los agentes transitorios como Klebsiella (p < 0,05) y Pseudomonas, el lavado de manos fue más efectivo; sin embargo, E. coli fue la enterobacteria que permaneció elevada a pesar de la higiene de manos (p = 0,01). Conclusión: Algunas colonias de E. coli son resistentes al lavado de manos, similar a los agentes residentes como Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus saprophyticcus y Staphylococcus aureus.

Objective. To describe the process of integrating the Agent to Combat Endemic Diseases (ACE) in the Family Health Strategy (ESF). Methods. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected through a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire, from February to May 2017, in four Family Health Units in the urban region of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Results. 57 Community Health Agents (ACS) and eight ACE participated. All participants reported providing guidance to the resident and 58 carried out mechanical control during the inspection of properties, to avoid and eliminate possible Aedes aegypti breeding sites. As for the integration of ACEs in the ESF, 18 participants highlighted teamwork as a positive aspect; and 15, the lack of autonomy for legal interventions as a negative aspect. Conclusion. The integration of ACE in the ESF is feasible, however, adjustments must be made to enhance the activities in the perspective of shared work on the same territorial basis.

Objetivo. Descrever o processo de integração do agente de combate às endemias (ACE) na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF). Métodos. Estudo transversal descritivo. Os dados foram coletados por questionário semiestruturado autoaplicável, de fevereiro a maio de 2017, em quatro unidades de Saúde da Família na região urbana de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Resultados. Participaram 57 agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) e 8 ACE. Todos os participantes informaram realizar orientações ao morador e 58 realizavam controle mecânico durante a vistoria de imóveis, visando evitar e eliminar possíveis criadouros do Aedes aegypti. Quanto à integração dos ACEs na ESF, 18 participantes destacaram o trabalho em equipe como aspecto positivo, enquanto 15 referiram falta de autonomia para intervenções legais como aspecto negativo. Conclusão. A integração do ACE na ESF é viável; contudo, ajustes devem ser realizados para potencializar as atividades, na perspectiva do trabalho compartilhado em uma mesma base territorial.

Abstract Microglia are the resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), which play important roles in the repair of neuroinflammatory injury. The present study investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of vinpocetine induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in BV2 microglia. BV2 microglia were pretreated with vinpocetine, and then stimulated with LPS (100 ng/mL). The cytotoxicity of BV2 microglia was assessed by MTT assay. The expression levels of nitrite oxide were measured by Griess assay. Proinflammatory cytokines and mediators were determined by Western blot, ELISA, or quantitative real-time PCR. Vinpocetine significantly decreased the generation of nitric oxide-inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, vinpocetine decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β. Furthermore, it was observed that phosphorylation levels of AMPK (Thr-172) decreased in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia. Vinpocetine treatment increased AMPK phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia. AMPK inhibition by siRNA blocked the anti-inflammatory effects of vinpocetine induced by LPS in BV2 microglia. The overall results demonstrate that vinpocetine has anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia via inducing phosphorylation of AMPK, suggesting that vinpocetine is a potential therapeutic agent in neuroinflammatory injury.

Abstract Background Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of pertussis, a disease that is preventable by vaccination but has a high mortality, particularly in children < 6 months. Reports of pertussis outbreaks in hospitals show that the index case is usually an adult. In adults, the disease manifests mainly with persistent cough. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of B. pertussis in the health personnel of a pediatric hospital in a country where vaccination of this staff is not considered mandatory. Methods Nursing staff and resident doctors who were involved in direct treatment with hospitalized patients participated in the study. Each participant was screened for immunoglobulin G anti-pertussis toxin antibodies (anti-PT), and a questionnaire was applied for clinical and demographic data. Results Ninety-three individuals were included, of which 85% were nurses, median age 35 years (interquartile range: 29-42.5). The participants worked in the emergency department (21.5%), in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (8.6%), and in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (6.5%). Detectable titers of anti-TP antibodies were found in 18.3%, of which 53% presented titles suggestive of recent infection and only 23.5% cough > 2 weeks of duration. Conclusions Health personnel are at risk of suffering from the disease and be potential transmitters to infants, who may die from this cause. This study suggests that the current vaccination policies in health personnel should be modified to determine the compulsory nature of the vaccination, especially in those individuals in charge of the care of the pediatric population.

Resumen Introducción Bordetella pertussis es el agente causal de la tosferina, una enfermedad de alta letalidad, especialmente en menores de 6 meses, pero prevenible mediante la vacunación. Los reportes en hospitales de brotes de tosferina muestran que el caso índice suelen ser personas adultas. En adultos, la enfermedad se manifiesta principalmente con tos persistente. El propósito de este estudio fue conocer la seroprevalencia de B. pertussis en el personal de salud de un hospital pediátrico en un país donde aún no se considera la vacunación obligatoria para los empleados. Métodos Participaron personal de enfermería y médicos residentes en trato directo con pacientes hospitalizados. A cada participante se le realizó detección de anticuerpos inmunoglobulina G, antitoxina de pertussis (anti-TP) y se le aplicó un cuestionario para datos clínicos y demográficos. Resultados Se incluyeron 93 individuos, el 85% de personal de enfermería con mediana de edad de 35 años (rango intercuartil: 29-42.5). El 21.5% de los participantes laboraban en el Servicio de Urgencias, el 8.6%, en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica, el 6.5%, en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales. Se encontraron títulos detectables de anticuerpos anti-TP en el 18.3%, de los cuales, el 53% presentaron títulos de infección reciente y solamente el 23.5%, historia de tos de más de dos semanas de evolución. Conclusiones El personal de salud está en riesgo de sufrir la enfermedad y de transmitirla a los lactantes, quienes pueden fallecer por esta causa. Este estudio sugiere que las políticas actuales de vacunación en personal de salud se deben de modificar para determinar obligatoriedad de la vacuna, especialmente en quienes atienden a la población pediátrica.

Resumo Objetivo: Melhorar a comunicação entre médicos assistentes e radiologistas, definindo quais informações deveriam ser incluídas num relatório radiológico e qual o formato preferido dos solicitantes de um hospital universitário. Materiais e Métodos: Os participantes foram convidados a escolher a opção preferida entre relatórios com diferentes formatos e níveis de detalhamento de três casos hipotéticos e questionados se características comumente encontradas em um laudo radiológico são apropriadas ou não para inclusão. Para atribuição da ordem absoluta de preferência dos diferentes relatórios, o método Kemeny-Young foi utilizado. Resultados: Noventa e nove médicos responderam os questionários (40,4% médicos residentes, 31,3% preceptores dos programas de residência e 28,3% professores da faculdade de medicina). Laudos estruturados com impressão ou comentário foram selecionados nas situações de ultrassonografia normal por 54% dos participantes, ultrassonografia alterada por 59% e tomografia computadorizada por 53%. As informações que deveriam ser incluídas, de acordo com os solicitantes, foram qualidade da imagem (92%), detalhes do cenário clínico (91%), impressão diagnóstica (89%), técnica do exame (72%), informações sobre meio de contraste (68%). Opiniões sobre seguimento e investigação radiológica ou não radiológica se mostraram importantes. Conclusão: Relatórios estruturados com impressão ou comentário de um radiologista são prepostos. Informações como qualidade de exame, meio de contraste utilizado e sugestões de acompanhamento e investigação adicional são valorizadas pelos médicos solicitantes.

Abstract Objective: To improve communication between attending physicians and radiologists by defining which information should be included in radiology reports and which reporting format is preferred by requesting physicians at a university hospital. Materials and Methods: Respondents were asked to choose among reports with different formats and levels of detail, related to three hypothetical cases, and questioned as to which characteristics commonly found in radiology reports are appropriate for inclusion. To assign the absolute order of preference of the different reports, the Kemeny-Young method was used. Results: Ninety-nine physicians completed the questionnaires (40.4% were resident physicians; 31.3% were preceptors of residency programs; and 28.3% were professors of medicine). For ultrasound with normal findings, ultrasound showing alterations, and computed tomography, respectively, 54%, 59%, and 53% of the respondents chose structured reports with an impression or comment. According to the respondents, the characteristics that should be included in the radiology report are the quality of the image, details of the clinical presentation, diagnostic impression, examination technique, and information about contrast administration, selected by 92%, 91%, 89%, 72%, and 68%, respectively. Other characteristics that were considered important were recommendations on follow-up and additional radiological or non-radiological investigation. Conclusion: Requesting physicians apparently prefer structured reports with a radiologist impression or comment. Information such as the quality of the examination, the contrast agent used, and suggestions regarding follow-up and additional investigation are valued.

During the 19th century the Dutch Reformed Church became a major agent in promoting the spread of Dutch settlement into the southern African interior. After 1841 it began to set out its villages according to a standard plan, known as the kerkplaats, which made use of a central nachtmaal plein, surrounded by residential stands. Key plots were allocated for the village church, a residence for the pastor and a Drostdy for the Resident Magistrate. The remaining stands were then auctioned off to parishioners to fund the construction of the church, and for over a century these settlements remained at the heart of Dutch, later Afrikaner, cultural, political and social life. The design of the first kerkplaats was probably owed to Willem Hertzog, Deputy Surveyor General of the Cape, who was also prominent in the Craft of Freemasonry, and there are strong indications that his plan was based upon an idealized reconstruction of the Temple of Solomon, also used by Freemasons in their planning of Masonic lodges. It appears likely, therefore, that throughout the 19th century the Masonic movement exerted a powerful influence in the affairs of the Dutch Reformed Church that was only broken off for political reasons in 1962. This paper examines the historical origins of Dutch colonial settlement in southern Africa during the 19th century, and posits that its roots lie in Masonic ideals commonly circulating in colonial society of that time.

Introducción: La muerte de una paciente obstétrica en estado crítico frecuentemente se encuentra precedida por disfunción orgánica múltiple, de esta manera el reconocimiento temprano y el manejo de dicha situación así como la disponibilidad y accesibilidad a centros de salud con la capacidad para resolver dichas situaciones resulta esencial para disminuir la mortalidad materna en una región. El objetivo es relatar el caso de una paciente con progresión a disfunción orgánica múltiple durante el puerperio quirúrgico mediato, afortunadamente, con evolución favorable. Caso clínico: Paciente de 26 años, procedente y residente de la ciudad de El Alto, segundigesta, sin antecedentes personales patológicos relevantes, cuadro clínico de 4 días de evolución posterior a cesárea segmentaria, cursa con deterioro clínico paulatino manifestado por astenia, adinamia, ictericia progresiva, oliguria, se realiza ultrasonido abdominal con punción, evidenciándose hemoperitoneo masivo a partir de arteria epigástrica sangrante en el transoperatorio; la paciente queda en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, con puntaje de APACHE II a las 24 horas de 26 puntos, con un score de probabilidad de mortalidad predicha de 38%, así como un score SOFA 16 puntos. La evolución posterior fue favorable. Discusión: El caso presenta varios datos importantes, tales como la transferencia de una paciente con cuadro inespecífico; sin embargo, el ultrasonido permitió identificar la causa del cuadro. La presentación del presente caso expone la rápida recuperación de las pacientes obstétricas en estado crítico cuando el agente causal es identificado. Los eventos obstétricos pueden presentar diferentes complicaciones que pueden exponer a la paciente a una situación crítica con riesgo vital; no obstante el manejo oportuno puede evitar la de muerte materna.

The death of an obstetric patient with critical illness is frequently preceded by multiple organ dysfunction, the early recognition and management of this situation as well as the availability and accessibility to health centers with the capacity to resolve such situations is essential to reduce maternal mortalityin a region. The objective is to report the case of a patient with progression to multiple organ dysfunction during the mediate postoperative period, fortunately, with favorable evolution. Patient of 26 years of age, resident of the El Alto, without relevant personal pathological antecedents with clinical presentation of 4 days of evolution after cesarean with progressive clinical impairment with asthenia, adynamia, progressive jaundice, oliguria, abdominal ultrasound with puncture is performed, evidencing massive hemoperitoneum from a bleeding epigastric artery in the transoperative. The patient is received in an intensive care unit with an APACHE II score at 24 hours of 26 points, with a score predicted mortality probability of 38% and SOFA score of 16 points. The subsequent evolution was favorable. The case reveals several important data, such as the transfer of a patient with non-specific clinical presentation, however the ultrasound allowed the identification of the primary cause of the clinical presentation. The report of this case exposes the rapid recovery of the obstetrical patients with critical illness when the causal agent is identified. The obstetric event may present different complications that expose the patient to critical illness with a life-threatening condition; however, timely management can avoid a maternal death.

Dermabacter hominis species is constituted by Gram positive facultative anaerobic coryneform rods being part of the resident microbiota human skin, and exceptionally associated to infections in immunocompromised or severely debilitated patients. An immunocompetent young adult woman with a neck sebaceous cyst infected by D. hominis as unique etiologic agent is presented. Phenotypic identification of the causative agent was achieved through simple tests, based on the originally scheme proposed by Funke and Bernard, and feasible to be performed in a hospital Microbiology Laboratory. Phenotypic characteristics as coccoid morphology, the acrid/spermatic odor, esculin hydrolysis, the production of pyrrolidonyl-arylamidase, lysine and ornithine decarboxylase, are key tests to identify D. hominis. The matrix-asisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) confirmed the phenotypic identification.

La especie Dermabacter hominis está constituida por bacilos gram positivos corineformes, anaerobios facultativos, que forman parte de la microbiota residente de la piel. Excepcionalmente se ha asociado a estos microorganismos con infecciones en pacientes inmunocomprometidos o muy debilitados. Se describe el caso de una mujer adulta joven, inmunocompetente, con un quiste sebáceo en el cuello, infectado por D. hominis como único agente etiológico. Se logró la identificación fenotípica del agente causal mediante pruebas simples basadas en el esquema originalmente propuesto por Funke y Bernard, factibles de ser realizadas en un laboratorio hospitalario de microbiología. Características fenotípicas como la morfología cocoide, el olor acre/espermático, la hidrólisis de la esculina, la producción de pirrolidonil arilamidasa y de lisina y ornitina descarboxilasas son pruebas claves en la identificación de D. hominis. La espectrometría de masas (MALDI-TOF MS) confirmó la identificación fenotípica.

O presente artigo tem por objetivo abordar alguns aspectos da vida dos agentes comunitários de saúde do município de São Carlos, São Paulo. Utilizou-se para a construção deste estudo a pesquisa qualitativa, com a aplicação da entrevista semiestruturada e análise temática de conteúdo. Quatro categorias resultaram da análise: como vejo meu trabalho; dificuldades e facilidades de morar no bairro; o ACS em seus diferentes papéis; e, por fim, qualidade de vida: a vida como ela é. A aproximação com a realidade estudada possibilitou perceber o agente comunitário de saúde para além da dimensão trabalho e destacar os aspectos que o particularizam e diferenciam dos demais profissionais do Sistema Único de Saúde, a saber: ser trabalhador, morador e usuário. Concluímos que o agente comunitário de saúde precisa ser compreendido na singularidade que a profissão apresenta, proporcionando o fortalecimento pessoal e profissional cotidiano.

This article aims to address a few aspects related to the lives of the community health workers in the city of São Carlos, São Paulo. Qualitative research was used to build this study, with the application of semi-structured interviews and thematic content analyses. Four categories resulted from the analysis: How I see my work; the difficulties and advantages of living in the neighborhood; the CHA in their different roles, and, ultimately, quality of life: life as it is. Being closer to the reality being studied enabled a view of the community health agents beyond the work dimension and highlighted aspects that particularize and set them apart from other professionals in the Unified Health System, namely: Being a worker, resident and user. We conclude that the community health agent needs to be understood based on the uniqueness of the profession, providing personal empowerment and a professional routine.

Este artículo tiene por objetivo tratar de algunos aspectos de la vida de los agentes comunitarios de salud del municipio de São Carlos, San Pablo. Para la construcción de este estudio se utilizó la investigación cualitativa, con la aplicación de la entrevista semiestructurada y análisis temática del contenido. Del análisis resultaron cuatro categorías: cómo veo mi trabajo; dificultades y facilidades de vivir en el barrio; el ACS en sus diferentes papeles; y, finalmente, calidad de vida: la vida tal como es. La aproximación con la realidad estudiada permitió observar al agente comunitario de salud más allá de la dimensión trabajo y destacar los aspectos que lo caracterizan y diferencian de los demás profesionales del Sistema Único de Salud, a saber: ser trabajador, residente y usuario. Llegamos a la conclusión de que el agente comunitario de salud necesita ser comprendido dentro de la singularidad que representa su profesión, proporcionando el fortalecimiento personal y profesional cotidiano.

Esta pesquisa pretendeu fazer uma análise dos processos de trabalho dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS) que atuam na Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF) Ilha das Caieiras, situada numa região periférica de uma capital do Sudeste do Brasil. Ela fornece serviços de saúde à população residente em um complexo de cinco bairros, cujo território abrange cerca de 2.300 famílias, sendo dividido em áreas, para atuação de uma Equipe de Saúde da Família e microáreas para atuação de cada ACS. Onze ACS que atuam na USF pesquisada têm seu trabalho prescrito conforme a concepção de gestão da Estratégia de Saúde da Família. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa em que se utilizou a analítica cartográfica de pesquisa, sendo esta apoiada na construção de diários de campo e na atividade. O trabalho dos ACS foi analisado sob o ponto de vista da atividade, com base no referencial teórico-analítico da Ergologia e da Ergonomia da Atividade. Pode-se afirmar que a construção social do território abrangido pela USF influencia sobremaneira o trabalho dos ACS e a produção de saúde da população. Há muitas variabilidades a serem geridas e, as condições de realização desse serviço são particularizadas pelo contexto socioeconômico, o que demanda "usos de si" no trabalho vivo e em atividade dos ACS.

This paper analyzes the work methods of the Community Health Agents (ACS) that are involved in the Family Health Unity (USF) in Ilha das Caieiras, located in the outskirts of a capital in southeastern Brazil. The USF provides health care to a population resident in five neighborhoods, whose territory embraces about two thousand and three hundred families, divided in regions and smaller areas. Each region is under the responsibility of a Family Health Team, and each smaller area consists in the territory of a Community Health Agent (ACS). Eleven ACS that work in the researched USF had their work directives prescribed according to the conceptions of Family Health Strategy management. This paper presents a qualitative research that used a cartographic research analysis supported on daily field diaries and activity. The work of these professionals was analyzed under the perspective of the activity, based on the theoretical-analytical models of Ergology and Activity Ergonomics. It is legitimate to assert that the social construction of the territory under the USF's care greatly influences the work of the ACS and the production of the population's health. There is a lot of variability to be managed and the means for providing this service have particularities determined by the social-economic context, which requires different"uses of the self" at work and in ACS' activities.

Esta pesquisa pretendeu fazer uma análise dos processos de trabalho dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS) que atuam na Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF) Ilha das Caieiras, situada numa região periférica de uma capital do Sudeste do Brasil. Ela fornece serviços de saúde à população residente em um complexo de cinco bairros, cujo território abrange cerca de 2.300 famílias, sendo dividido em áreas, para atuação de uma Equipe de Saúde da Família e microáreas para atuação de cada ACS. Onze ACS que atuam na USF pesquisada têm seu trabalho prescrito conforme a concepção de gestão da Estratégia de Saúde da Família. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa em que se utilizou a analítica cartográfica de pesquisa, sendo esta apoiada na construção de diários de campo e na atividade. O trabalho dos ACS foi analisado sob o ponto de vista da atividade, com base no referencial teórico-analítico da Ergologia e da Ergonomia da Atividade. Pode-se afirmar que a construção social do território abrangido pela USF influencia sobremaneira o trabalho dos ACS e a produção de saúde da população. Há muitas variabilidades a serem geridas e, as condições de realização desse serviço são particularizadas pelo contexto socioeconômico, o que demanda "usos de si" no trabalho vivo e em atividade dos ACS.

This paper analyzes the work methods of the Community Health Agents (ACS) that are involved in the Family Health Unity (USF) in Ilha das Caieiras, located in the outskirts of a capital in southeastern Brazil. The USF provides health care to a population resident in five neighborhoods, whose territory embraces about two thousand and three hundred families, divided in regions and smaller areas. Each region is under the responsibility of a Family Health Team, and each smaller area consists in the territory of a Community Health Agent (ACS). Eleven ACS that work in the researched USF had their work directives prescribed according to the conceptions of Family Health Strategy management. This paper presents a qualitative research that used a cartographic research analysis supported on daily field diaries and activity. The work of these professionals was analyzed under the perspective of the activity, based on the theoretical-analytical models of Ergology and Activity Ergonomics. It is legitimate to assert that the social construction of the territory under the USF's care greatly influences the work of the ACS and the production of the population's health. There is a lot of variability to be managed and the means for providing this service have particularities determined by the social-economic context, which requires different"uses of the self" at work and in ACS' activities.

O artigo tem como objetivo principal obter evidências das preferências dos trabalhadores residentes das Regiões Metropolitanas (RMs) do Brasil pelo consumo das amenidades locais, em especial as de clima. Desta forma, com base no montante que os trabalhadores estão dispostos a pagar por esses atributos, as Regiões Metropolitanas são ordenadas com respeito à "qualidade" dos mesmos. A abordagem da escolha discreta, com base no método mixed logit, é aplicada para valorar as amenidades. A partir deste método foram relaxadas três hipóteses da abordagem tradicional hedônica: i) a hipótese do trabalhador representativo (TRAIN, 2003); ii) a hipótese de livre mobilidade dos trabalhadores (BAYER, 2006); e iii) a hipótese de que o pesquisador é capaz de observar todos os atributos importantes dos imóveis (VILLAS-BOAS e WINER, 1999). A análise é realizada para nove RMs Brasileiras: Belém; Fortaleza; Recife; Salvador; Belo Horizonte; Rio de Janeiro; São de Paulo; Curitiba; e Porto Alegre. Em resumo, os resultados sugerem que os consumidores têm preferências heterogêneas pelo consumo das amenidades locais, e que a Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, em comparação com as demais, está melhor servida dos atributos locais considerados para a estimação do Índice de Qualidade das Amenidades (IQA).

The main goal of this paper is to obtain evidence on the preferences on consumption of local amenities by workers resident in the Brazilian Metropolitan Regions (MRs). Based on the amount that workers are willing to pay for these amenities, the MRs are ranked with respect to the "quality" of the climate. A discrete choice model approach, the mixed logit, is applied the evaluate the amenities and three hypotheses of the traditional hedonic approach are relaxed: i) the assumption of representative agent (TRAIN, 2003), ii) the assumption of free mobility of workers (BAYER, 2006) and iii) the assumption that the researcher is able to observe all important attributes of the housing (VILLAS-BOAS and WINER, 1999). The analysis is performed for nine Brazilian RMs: Belém, Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba and Porto Alegre. The results suggest that consumers have heterogeneous preferences for the consumption of amenities and that the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro is best served with the amenities considered in the analysis.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar aspectos que caracterizam a vulnerabilidade à tuberculose em moradores do Conjunto Residencial da Universidade de São Paulo (CRUSP). A população do estudo foi conformada por uma amostra estatisticamente significativa dos alunos universitários. Os dados relativos à vulnerabilidade individual foram coletados junto aos alunos no período de outubro a novembro de 2002. O referencial teórico para analisar a questão da tuberculose está pautado no quadro teórico de vulnerabilidade. A amostra totalizou 106 alunos, sendo 69,8% de graduação e 30,2% de pós-graduação. A proporção de migrantes (internos e externos) alcançou 43,4%. Sobre o conhecimento da tuberculose, 84 estudantes (79,2%) responderam que sabiam o que era tuberculose e 79 (74,5%) responderam que a doença tinha cura. Cerca de 60 (56,6%) sabiam qual é o agente causal da doença e 72 (67,9%) referiram já ter ouvido falar sobre a doença, sendo que para 5 (6,9%) isso havia ocorrido em instituições de saúde. Indagou-se se sabiam onde recorrer para fazer exames para verificar a presença da enfermidade; 48 (45,3%) responderam desconhecimento. Identifica-se a vulnerabilidade desses alunos, principalmente tendo em vista que constituem um grupo aparentemente diferenciado, pois em tese teriam condições mais favoráveis para acessar a informação a respeito da doença.

The objective of this study was to identify aspects that characterize the vulnerability to tuberculosis in resident students at the Residential Rooms of the University of Sao Paulo (CRUSP). The data relative to individual vulnerability were collected by using a questionnaire during the period of October to November, 2002. The theoretical reference and the interpretation frame to analize the issue of tuberculosis were given in the theorethical frame of vulnerability .The study sample completed 106 students being 69.8% graduated students and 30.2% postgraduated students. The proportion of emigrants (internal and external) reached 43.4%. Seventy-nine students (74.5%) answered that the disease can be cured. Nearly 60 (56.6%) answered that they did not know the causal agent of the disease and 72 (67.9%) said that they had already heard about tuberculosis, and for 5 of them (6.9%) it happenned at health institutions. It was also asked if they knew where to ask in order to get tests to verify the presence of the disease and 48 (45.3%) did not know. Although some results are positive it is identified the individual vulnerability of the students especially as they are apparently a well differentiated group, because in thesis they would have more favourable conditions to acced to the information related to the disease.