Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade do ar com base no fluxo veicular das cidades localizadas em diferentes altitudes na microrregião da Bodoquena, no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Para tal, foi realizado o teste de micronúcleo, por meio do bioensaio TRAD-MCN em botões jovens de Tradescantia coletadas no período entre fevereiro a novembro de 2018 em sete cidades da microrregião da Bodoquena, com diferentes intensidades de fluxo veicular. Foram avaliados os parâmetros meteorológicos, os veículos foram contados para determinar o tráfego de veículos em cada cidade e altitude. A partir da topografia Shuttle Radar (SRTM) e processamento no software Esri ArcGIS® versão 10.5.1 foi possível mapear a área com base no Modelo de Elevação. As análises morfoanatômicos foram realizadas conforme metodologia padrão. As mensurações de espessura, comprimento, largura dos tecidos e estruturas como a cutícula superior, cutícula inferior, face superior e face inferior da epiderme, hipoderme e mesófilo foram avaliadas. O maior fluxo veicular foi encontrado nas cidades de Bodoquena, Guia Lopes da Laguna, Jardim e Porto Murtinho. O horário das 17:00 às 18:00h foi o que apresentou maiores fluxo de veículos. A maior frequência de alterações mutagênicas foi encontrada na cidade de Guia Lopes, não diferindo de Bonito, Caracol e Jardim. Ao longo do biomonitoramento observou-se que as estações de verão e outono foram as que apresentaram maiores frequências de micronúcleo independente da cidade avaliada. Observou-se que a correlação entre a frequência de micronúcleos e o fluxo veicular foi baixa, apoiando a tese de que essa microrregião, embora apresente alterações mutagênicas em T. pallida, as alterações numericamente são pequenas quando comparadas a outras regiões do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Observou-se uma variação na espessura dos tecidos/estruturas que é variável entre as diferentes cidades e estações do ano. De forma geral os tecidos/estrutura apresentaram redução na espessura para as cidades de Nioaque e Porto Murtinho quanto aos aspectos anatômicos e morfológicos, sendo que, para o comprimento e espessura foliar não foi observado diferenças entre as cidades. Em relação as estações do ano, observou-se que no outono a espessura dos tecidos/estruturas são menores. Diante dos fatores genotóxicos e morfoanatômicos aqui avaliados, a microrregião da Bodoquena parece estar bem preservada em termos de qualidade do ar, apresentando baixa frequência de micronúcleos e redução limitada de tecidos e estruturas foliares, independentemente da estação do ano.

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess air quality in relation to vehicular traffic flow in cities located at different elevations in the Bodoquena microregion, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. To do so, a micronucleus test was carried out using the TRAD-MCN bioassay on young Tradescantia buds collected from February to November 2018 in seven cities of the microregion with different traffic flow intensities. Meteorological parameters were evaluated, and vehicular traffic was counted to determine traffic flow in each city. With data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and processing in Esri ArcGIS® software version 10.5.1, the regions was mapped based on an Elevation Model. Morphoanatomical analyses were performed according to standard methodology. Measurements were taken of thickness, length and width of tissues and structures, including the upper and lower cuticle, upper and lower epidermis, hypodermis and mesophyll. The greatest traffic flow was found in the cities of Bodoquena, Guia Lopes da Laguna, Jardim, and Porto Murtinho, with the period from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. showing the highest traffic flow. The greatest frequency of mutagenic alterations was found in the city of Guia Lopes da Laguna, although the results did not differ significantly from Bonito, Caracol, and Jardim. Throughout the biomonitoring, the summer and autumn seasons showed the greatest micronuclei frequencies in all evaluated cities. Variations in the tissue/structure thickness was observed across cities and seasons, but with a decrease in thickness during autumn. In general, the tissues/structures were smaller for the cities of Nioaque and Porto Murtinho, while the anatomical and morphological characteristics of leaf length and thickness showed no differences among cities. We found limited correlation between micronuclei frequency and traffic flow, supporting the hypothesis that although mutagenic alterations are observed in T. pallida, in this microregion the changes are numerically lower when compared to other regions of the state. In light of the genotoxic and morphoanatomical factors assessed herein, the Bodoquena microregion appears to be well preserved in terms of air quality, presenting low micronuclei frequency and a limited reduction in tissues and leaf structures, regardless of the season.

Abstract Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe disease with no cure caused by a genetic abnormality, promoting progressive muscle degeneration. Corticosteroids are used drugs in treatment associated with adverse effects. The extract of Miconia ferruginata (Melastomataceae) (MF) has demonstrated potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential in vitro. This study used a DMD model (mdx) to determine the toxic dose of this plant and found a possible non-toxic dose with therapeutic effects. The mdx groups received an intraperitoneal injection of 0 (control group), 50, 100, 200, 300, and 2000 mg kg-1 of the aqueous leaf extract following a single-dose acute toxicity protocol and were observed for 14 days. The range of toxicity of the extract and LD50 were determined. Histopathological analysis, the quantification of fibrosis, and immunohistochemical analysis of the tissues were performed. The results demonstrated that 2000 mg kg-1 was highly toxic, inducing histopathological changes in the tissues evaluated, with 100% mortality in 48 hours. The other doses caused no behavioral changes or signs of toxicity. The MF extract led reduction in histopathological changes, fibrosis, and inflammation, a reduction in HSP70 and an increase in MCL-1 proteins. Doses of 50-200 mg kg-1 demonstrated regenerative tissue and anti-inflammatory potential.

Abstract An extensive field survey was conducted to evaluate the spreading of the invasive estuarine bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata into the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), in which the single invaded site so far recorded is Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. A novel record is made to the Marapendi coastal lagoon, where M. leucophaeata mainly colonizes mangrove roots. A reef composed of druses above the unconsolidated substratum is recorded for the first time for this species. The fauna associated to agglomerates of M. leucophaeata was composed of eight taxa: polychaetes Alitta succinea and Polydora sp., amphipods Melita mangrovi and Elasmopus sp., barnacles Amphibalanus eburneus and A. improvisus, the crab Eurypanopeus cf. dissimilis and the gastropod Heleobia spp. Based on COI sequences, the haplotype diversity of M. leucophaeata invasion in Marapendi Lagoon is high, like that previously recorded in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. The expansion of M. leucophaeata demands a continuous investigation, including the knowledge of its impacts on the biota.

Este artigo tem como objetivo estudar a dispersão do efluente térmico da central termoelétrica de Sines (Portugal) na zona costeira. Esta central retira em média 40 m³/s de água do oceano Atlântico que após o processo de refrigeração é restituída à fonte através de dois canais, com uma temperatura de 10º C acima daquela que tinha na zona de captação. De modo a estudar o transporte deste efluente térmico foi implementado um modelo hidrodinâmico tridimensional acoplado a um modelo regional. Foram simulados e analisados dois cenários de ventos diferentes, vento predominante do quadrante norte e vento predominante do quadrante sul. Para cada tipo de vento são comparados os resultados para a situação com e sem descarga. Os resultados obtidos com o modelo evidenciam a anomalia térmica, observável nos dados de campo, mostrando um aumento variável entre 10º C, na região próxima à descarga, até 2º C a cerca de 2 km da mesma área, para ambos cenários. Contudo, enquanto que no cenário de vento norte se observa uma pluma térmica estreita, ao longo da costa, no caso do vento sul observa-se uma pluma mais confinada à região da saída do efluente. O vento sul é o cenário mais desfavorável à eficiência da central uma vez que nesta situação a pluma é direcionada para zona de captação. Assim conclui-se que o vento tem um papel preponderante na dispersão do efluente térmico. Os resultados do modelo mostram ainda que a maré também influência a dispersão, sobretudo na zona junto à descarga.

The present work is focused on the dispersion of a thermal effluent, produced by the Sines power plant, Portugal, along coastal waters. This facility intakes a yearly average around 40 m³/s of seawater, for the required cooling process, which is subsequently discharged back to the ocean at a 10 ºC increase in temperature. A three-dimensional hydrodynamic local model was nested into a regional model and set up to simulate the transport of the thermal effluent during two distinct periods, August and October 2013, respectively featuring dominant north and south wind. The simulations were performed for both situations, with and without the thermal discharge, where the later provides baseline scenarios. Obtained model results closely followed the existing field data. The temperature increase is shown to decay from 10 ºC near the outlet vicinity to 2 ºC at a distance of 2 km from the outlet for both scenarios. Even though the main driving force of this phenomenon is the wind, tidal conditions also have additional influence on thermal plume dispersion near the discharge area. In the north wind scenario the plume extends away from the coast while under south wind dominance the plume is contained near the coast, extending towards the inlet. As a consequence there is a positive feedback under south wind dominance, which is caused by the intake of already warm water from the thermal plume itself. Consequently, south wind dominance is the most unfavorable scenario for both coastal environment and the operational efficiency of the power plant.

Objective: To analyze chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) subjects in acute hypercapnic failure who were treated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation in a general respiratory ward. Methods: This was a two-year prospective study of 35 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD and mean FEV1/FVC relation in stable condition of 55.3 ± 14.8% of predicted that were treated with positive pressure respiration using a facemask in a general respiratory ward. 17 (48,5%) receive long-term oxygen therapy. Analysis was made of blood gases, before and after treatment of non-invasive ventilation, complications, and failure during treatment. Results: A significant improvement in blood gases was observed 24 hours after non-invasive ventilation treatment. The mean hospital stay was of 15.0 ± 9.1 days and failures were registered in 3 cases (8.5%). Facial scares were the most common complication (13 patients) but it was possible to continue treatment. Conclusions: Non-invasive ventilation is a viable treatment for patients with chronic obstructive lung disease and acute hypercapnic failure being treated in a general respiratory ward.

Objetivo: Valorar el tratamiento con ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VNI) de pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) e insuficiencia respiratoria aguda hipercápnica en una planta de hospitalización. Método: Estudio prospectivo de 35 pacientes con EPOC agudizada que fueron tratados con ventilación con presión positiva intermitente mediante mascarilla oro-nasal en una sala de hospitalización convencional. En situación estable, los pacientes presentaban una relación FEV1/FVC del 55,3 ± 14,8% del teórico y 17 (48,5%) seguían oxigenoterapia continua domiciliaria. Hemos analizado los datos gasométricos basalmente y a diferentes periodos del inicio de la VNI, así como las complicaciones y fracasos de este tratamiento. Resultados: Se observa una mejoría significativa de los gases sanguíneos tras 24 horas de VNI con respecto a los niveles básales. Los pacientes presentaron una estancia hospitalaria media de 15,1 ± 9,1 días. 13 pacientes (37%) presentaron escaras faciales y 3 pacientes (8,5%) fallecieron. Conclusiones: La VNI en una planta de hospitalización es un medio terapéutico útil y seguro para los pacientes en insuficiencia respiratoria aguda hipercápnica tras una agudización de EPOC.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) in the Public Health System District of Santiago de Compostela (population : 386,125) from 1999 to 2002. Methods: Inclusion criteria were: 1) microbiological and/or pathological diagnosis of TB in any specimen, and 2) patient younger 35 years old with recent medical history of TB. Mantoux test positive, and pleural effusion with linfocitosis and adenosine deaminase >47 IU/ml. Results: 946 patients were included (568 men and 378 women), with ages ranging from 2 months to 96 years. The incidence of TB was 60.9/100,000 in 1999, 67.6/100,000 in 2000, 61.9/100,000 in 2001 and 54.6/100,000 in 2002. The incidence rate of tuberculous meningitis was 1.03/100,000 in 1999 and 2000, 0.77/100,000 in 2001 and 0.51/100,000 in 2002. The percentage of cases associated with HIV was 3.4% in 1999, 1.9% in 2000, 2.4% in 2001 and 2002. We found an increase in the rate of males over 55 years of age; with incidence per 100,000 inhabitants of 122.4 in 1999, 142.8in 2000, 115 in 2001 and 119 in 2002, whereas in females the incidence was 40.6 in 1999, 60.9 in 2000, 54.1 in 2001 and 39.1 in 2002. Conclusions: In last four years the incidence of tuberculosis has decreased but remains high in males over 55 years old.

Objetivo: conocer los parámetros epidemiológicos entre los años 1999 y 2002 de la enfermedad tuberculosa (TB) en nuestra área, que consta de 386.125 habitantes. Métodos: se consideró caso TB el que cumplía los siguientes criterios: 1) hallazgos microbiológicos y/o patológicos diagnósticos de TB, en cualquier espécimen, 2) pacientes menores de 35 años con historia clínica reciente compatible con TB, con test de Mantoux significativo, linfocitosis y adenosina deaminasa (ADA) en líquido pleural >47UI/mL. Resultados: Hemos estudiado 946 pacientes (568 hombres y 378 mujeres), con extremos de 2 meses y 96 años. El número de casos fue de 235 en 1999, 261 en 2000, 239 en 2001 y 211 en 2002. La incidencia de TB fue de 60,9 en 1999, de 67,6 en 2000, de 61,9 en 2001 y de 54,6 en 2002, con una incidencia de formas contagiosas de 37,6 en 1999, de 42,5 en 2000, de 37,3 en 2001 y de 31,1 en 2002. La incidencia de meningitis tuberculosa fue de 1,03 en 1999 y 2000, 0,77 en 2001 y 0,51 en 2002. Las formas de asociación con VIH fue de 3,4% en 1999, de 1,9% en 2000, 2,4% en 2001 y 2002. La relación hombre/mujer fue de 1,37 en 1999, 1,46 en 2000, 1,52 en 2001 y 1,74 en 2002. En tasas absolutas, el 38,1% de ambos sexos se encontraban entre 15 y 34 años y el 49,8% entre 15 y 44 años, aquí con predominio femenino. Se evidenció un importante aumento en mayores de 55 años, con predominio masculino, tanto en valores absolutos como relativos, con incidencias de 122,4 en 1999, 142,8 en 2000, 115 en 2001 y 119 en 2002, mientras que en mujeres fue de 40,6 en 1999, 60,9 en 2000, 54,1 en 2001 y 39,1 en 2002. Conclusiones: La incidencia de la tuberculosis en nuestro medio ha disminuido en los últimos años, especialmente en el último, pero se mantiene elevada en los varones mayores de 55 años.

Back round: We report the epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis(TB) in the area of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) between 1995 and 1998. Methods: Inclusion criteria were: 1) microbiological and/or pathological diagnosis of TB in any specimen, and 2) consistent recent medical history of TB with reading >5 mm to 2 TU PPD tuberculin test 48-72 hours after injection, and adenosine deaminase in pleural effusion >47 IU/ml. Results: 1,150 patients were included (685 males and 465 females), with mean of age (X) 38.9 years (19,8 SD), range 3 months-88 years. The number of cases was 307 during 1995 and 1996, 302 in 1997 and 213 in 1998. The incidence rate (per 100,000 habitants) was 78.3 in 1995 and 1996, 79.8 in 1997 and 61.9 in 1998. The incidence rate of meningitis was 1.8 in 1995,1.3 in 1996,1.05 in 1997 and 0.8 in 1998, with no meningitis in children under 5 years. Cases in association with VIH were 4.2% in 1995, 3.3 in 1996, 5.4 in 1997 and 3.2 in 1998. More of the 50% of cases in both genders were between 15 and 40 years old with another peak over 65 years. The ratio men/woman was 1.8 in 1995 and 1.4 in 1996,1997 and 1998 Conclusion: The incidence of tuberculosis has diminished during the last year, but is too early to know the real tendency.

Objetivo: Conocer los parámetros epidemiológicos entre 1995 y 1998 de la enfermedad tuberculosa (TB) en el Área Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela. Método: Búsqueda activa y exhaustiva de los casos que reunían todos o cada uno siguientes criterios: a) hallazgos microbiológicos y/o patológicos diagnósticos de TB, en cualquier espécimen, b) pacientes menores de 35 años con historia clínica reciente compatible con TB con test de Mantoux con una induración >5 mm tras 48-72 horas de la inyección intradérmica de 2 TU PPD y adenosina deaminasa (ADA) en líquido pleural >47 IU/mL. Resultados: Hemos estudiado 1.150 pacientes (685 hombres y 465 mujeres), con edad media (X) de 38,9 (19,8 SD) años, con extremos de 3 meses y 88 años. El número de casos fue de 307 en los años 1995 y 1996, de 302 en 1997 y de 213 en 1998. La incidencia de la enfermedad por 100.000 habitantes (X/100.000H) fue de 78,3 en 1995 y 1996, de 79,8 en 1997 y de 61,9 en 1998, con una incidencia de formas contagiosas de 38,3 (X100.000H) en 1995, de 38,9 en 1996, de 37,2 en 1997 y de 21,9 en 1998. La tasa de meningitis tuberculosa fue de 1,8 (X100.000H) en 1995 y de 1,3 en 1996, 1,05 en 1997 y 0,8 en 1998, destacando que en tres últimos años no se declararon casos en niños menores de 5 años. En las formas de asociación con VIH la cifra fue de 4,2 % en 1995, 3,3% en 1996, 5,4% en 1997 y de 3,2% en 1998. Estratificada la muestra por edades hemos objetivado que más del 50% de los casos en ambos sexos se encontraba entre los 15 y 40 años con otro aumento después de los 65 años. La proporción hombre/mujer (H/M) fue de 1,8 en 1995, de 1,4 en 1996, 1997 y 1998. Conclusiones: La incidencia de tuberculosis ha disminuido en el último año, aunque es demasiado pronto para saber cuál es la tendencia real.

Os autores apresentam 10 casos de provável paraparesia espástica tropical (PET) oriundos do Nordeste do Brasil (Hospital das Clínicas - Universidade Federal do Ceará). Os sintomas consistem de fraqueza dos membros inferiores, marcha espástica, hiperreflexia, disfunção esfincteriana e sinais variados de distúrbio proprioceptivo. Outras etiologias de mielopatias foram excluídas pelos exames complementares. A idade dos pacientes ia de 21 a 59 anos, todos eram da raça negra e havia discreto predomínio de mulheres. Recentemente, tem-se atribuído ao retrovírus HTLV-I a etiologia da PET. Por falta de condições técnicas ainda não pudemos determiná-la em nossos pacientes.

Ten possible cases of tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) in Northeastern Brazil (Ceará) are presented. They show the typical symptoms and signs of TSP consisting of weakness of the lower limbs, spastic gait, hiperreflexia, bladder dysfunction and variable signs of posterior columns impairment. The laboratory examinations excluded other compressive, infective, degenerative or demyelinating lesions of their spinal cord. Our patients age ranged from 21 to 59 years, all were of black origin and all were of lower social class. There was a slight preponderance of females. An etiological implication of a retrovirus (HTLV-I) has been shown for TSP, but for lack of technical conditions we could not determine it in our patients, and that stands as our subsequent step in those and further cases.