Abstract This article assesses the potential for drinking water savings through a rainwater harvesting system for non-potable purposes in a flat. The appliances’ water flows were measured; users made daily notes of water consumption, time of use of each appliance, and the number of times this occurred; and daily readings of the water meter were made over fifteen days. Based on these data, the water end-uses and the average daily consumption were calculated. The measurements showed that the percentage of water for activities that do not require drinking water (toilet flushing, cleaning and washing machine) was 36.5% of the total consumption. Through the Netuno computer programme, the ideal capacities of rainwater tanks were determined for variable and average water consumption. It was found that a 10,000-litre tank provides drinking water savings of 34.8%, fully meeting the demand over 95% of the days. The study showed that, even with a considerable variation in consumption, the ideal capacity of the lower tank and the water savings achieved do not vary significantly when using variable or the average water consumption.

Resumo Este artigo avalia o potencial de economia de água potável por meio de um sistema de captação de água da chuva para fins não potáveis em um apartamento. As vazões de água dos aparelhos foram medidas; os usuários fizeram anotações diárias de uso da água, do tempo de uso de cada aparelho, e do número de vezes que isso ocorreu; e leituras diárias do medidor de água foram feitas ao longo de quinze dias. Com base nesses dados, foram calculados os usos finais de água e o consumo diário médio. As medições realizadas mostraram que o percentual de água para atividades que não necessitam de água potável (descarga, limpeza e máquina de lavar) foi de 36,5% do consumo total. Por meio do programa computacional Netuno, foram determinadas as capacidades ideais dos reservatórios de água da chuva para consumo variável e médio de água. Verificou-se que um tanque de 10.000 litros proporciona economia de água potável de 34,8%, atendendo integralmente à demanda de 95% dos dias. O estudo mostrou que, mesmo com uma variação considerável no consumo, a capacidade ideal do reservatório inferior e a economia de água alcançada não variam significativamente quando se utiliza dados variáveis ou o consumo médio de água.

Abstract Fluoride (F) has been widely used to control dental caries, and studies suggest beneficial effects against diabetes when a low dose of F is added to the drinking water (10 mgF/L). Objectives This study evaluated metabolic changes in pancreatic islets of NOD mice exposed to low doses of F and the main pathways altered by the treatment. Methodology In total, 42 female NOD mice were randomly divided into two groups, considering the concentration of F administered in the drinking water for 14 weeks: 0 or 10 mgF/L. After the experimental period, the pancreas was collected for morphological and immunohistochemical analysis, and the islets for proteomic analysis. Results In the morphological and immunohistochemical analysis, no significant differences were found in the percentage of cells labelled for insulin, glucagon, and acetylated histone H3, although the treated group had higher percentages than the control group. Moreover, no significant differences were found for the mean percentages of pancreatic areas occupied by islets and for the pancreatic inflammatory infiltrate between the control and treated groups. Proteomic analysis showed large increases in histones H3 and, to a lesser extent, in histone acetyltransferases, concomitant with a decrease in enzymes involved in the formation of acetyl-CoA, besides many changes in proteins involved in several metabolic pathways, especially energy metabolism. The conjunction analysis of these data showed an attempt by the organism to maintain protein synthesis in the islets, even with the dramatic changes in energy metabolism. Conclusion Our data suggests epigenetic alterations in the islets of NOD mice exposed to F levels comparable to those found in public supply water consumed by humans.

Resumo O parabasalídeo Pentatrichomonas hominis é geralmente considerado um componente simbiótico da microbiota gastrointestinal em uma ampla variedade de hospedeiros vertebrados, incluindo os humanos. No entanto, um número limitado de estudos levantou a possibilidade de que possa atuar como patógeno de humanos, cães e suínos, e que algumas infecções humanas possam ter origem zoonótica. Dados da América do Norte revelaram uma associação entre P. hominis e o trato urogenital bovino, principalmente, em touros e raramente em vacas. A importância dessa observação está ligada a uma possível interferência no diagnóstico preciso do patógeno venéreo de importância econômica Tritrichomonas foetus. O presente estudo empregou métodos baseados em cultura em combinação com técnicas moleculares, para examinar as cavidades prepuciais de quatro touros, criados em pastagem aberta no sudeste do Brasil, quanto à presença de tricomonas. Protozoários móveis foram isolados de três dos touros e foram definitivamente identificados como P. hominis com base no sequenciamento de nucleotídeos de amplicons geradas pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), empregando a região RNA ribossômico (ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2) do parasita como alvo. Os potenciais implicações desses achados para a saúde bovina e humana são discutidas.

Abstract The parabasalid Pentatrichomonas hominis is generally considered to represent a symbiotic component of the gastrointestinal microbiota in a wide variety of vertebrate hosts including humans. Nevertheless, a limited number of studies have raised the possibility that it may act as a pathogen of humans, dogs, and pigs and that some human infections may have a zoonotic origin. Data from North America revealed an association between P. hominis and the bovine urogenital tract, principally in bulls and rarely in cows. The importance of this observation is linked to possible interference in the accurate diagnosis of the economically important venereal pathogen Tritrichomonas foetus. The current study employed culture-based and molecular methods to examine the preputial cavities of four breeding bulls, raised in open pasture in southeastern Brazil, for the presence of trichomonads. Motile protozoa were isolated from three of the bulls and were definitively identified as P. hominis based on nucleotide sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons derived from the ribosomal RNA operon (ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2) of the parasite. The potential implications of these findings for bovine and human health are discussed.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Instant messaging services (IMS) are widely used in medical practice. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perceptions regarding use and usability of IMS within clinical practice and assess users’ knowledge of the ethical and legal context involved in using IMS within medical practice. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in different hospitals and medical institutions in Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Medical students, medical residents, primary care physicians and specialist doctors answered an online questionnaire regarding epidemiological data, graduation level and use of IMS for medical communication. Responses were collected over a five-month period and data were assessed using the IBM-SPSS software. RESULTS: 484 people answered the questionnaire: 97.0% declared that they were using IMS for medical-related purposes; 42.0%, to elucidate medical concerns every week; 75.0%, to share imaging or laboratory tests and patients’ medical records; and 90.5%, to participate in clinical case-study private groups. Moreover, only 37.0% declared that they had knowledge of the legislative aspects of use of smartphones within clinical practice. Differences in the frequency of discussion of medical concerns within the daily routine between student/residents and general practitioners/specialists, and in the frequency of image-sharing and patient-guiding/assistance between students and medical doctors, were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide reliable proof that medical doctors and students use IMS, as a tool for clinical case discussions, interactions between healthcare providers and patients, or dissemination of knowledge and information. Nonetheless, because of limitations to the ethical and legal regulations, evidence-based discussions between authorities, academics and medical institutions are needed in order to fully achieve positive outcomes from such platforms.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate clinically dogs that underwent tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) six months previously. Methods: Dogs of various breeds, gender, weight, and age that had CCL rupture and underwent TTA for treatment were included in this study. Parapatellar arthrotomy was performed in all patients to assess the joint for a ruptured ligament and meniscal injury before the TTA. The appropriate cage for the TTA was chosen with planning surgery. The surgical procedure was performed according to the literature, using a modified Maquet technique. Six months after surgery, lameness during walking; muscular atrophy; crepitation, cranial drawer and tibial compression tests and quality of life based on owner’s evaluation were assessed. Results: Postoperative complications were observed in only one knee (4.76%), with a surgical site seroma. The mean lameness score at walking was 0.29 (± 0.64). The mean score regarding muscular atrophy was 0.95 (± 1.56). The mean score of the cranial drawer test, in a range from 0 to 5, was 1.52 (± 1.54). The owners rated the dog’s quality of life as excellent in 44%, good in 30%, and moderate in 17%. Conclusion: This clinical study supports the affirmation that patients who undergo TTA for treatment of CCL rupture have an acceptable response.

ABSTRACT Objective to analyze the contextual meaning in which the accident with sharp equipment occurs. Method a qualitative study, based on the Grounded Theory, approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Twenty nursing professionals from a municipal public hospital in Rio de Janeiro participated by a semistructured interview from july 2013 to april 2014. Data were analyzed in the light of this method: open, axial and selective coding. Results three categories reveal the contextual meaning: perceiving the work context: a reality; interacting with teams in the work environment; reflecting on the profession and care with the nursing professional. Conclusion the categories indicate the complexity of certain sectors, inadequate physical and material resources, disorganization in the work process, lack of support in the care of accidents with biological material as main contexts for this occurrence.

RESUMEN Objetivo analizar el significado contextual en que ocurre el accidente con equipo punzocortante. Método estudio con abordaje cualitativo, con base en la Grounded Theory, aprobado por Comité de Ética en Investigación. Participaron 20 profesionales de enfermería de un hospital público municipal de Río de Janeiro, por entrevista semiestructurada, en el período de julio de 2013 a abril de 2014. Los datos se analizaron a la luz de este método: codificación abierta, axial y selectiva. Resultados tres categorías revelan el significado contextual: percibiendo el contexto de trabajo: una realidad; interactuando con los equipos en el ambiente de trabajo; reflexionando sobre la profesión y el cuidado con el profesional de enfermería. Conclusión as categorías apuntan a la complejidad de determinados sectores, recursos físicos y materiales inadecuados, desorganización en el proceso de trabajo, falta de soporte en la atención de accidentes con material biológico como principales contextos para esta ocurrencia.

RESUMO Objetivos analisar o significado contextual em que ocorre o acidente com equipamento perfurocortante. Método estudo com abordagem qualitativa, com base na Grounded Theory, aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Participaram 20 profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital público municipal do Rio de Janeiro, por entrevista semiestruturada, no período de julho de 2013 a abril de 2014, sendo os dados analisados à luz do referido método: codificação aberta, axial e seletiva. Resultados três categorias revelam o significado contextual: percebendo o contexto de trabalho: uma realidade; interagindo com as equipes no ambiente de trabalho; refletindo sobre a profissão e o cuidado com o profissional de enfermagem. Conclusão as categorias apontam a complexidade de determinados setores, recursos físicos e materiais inadequados, desorganização no processo de trabalho, falta de suporte no atendimento de acidente com material biológico como principais contextos para essa ocorrência.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é conhecer de que modo a homossexualidade tem sido compreendida por jovens adultos homossexuais praticantes de diferentes religiões. Foram entrevistados 11 participantes de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 20 e 30 anos, praticantes das religiões católica, espírita e evangélica. Os participantes responderam a uma entrevista semiestruturada, analisada pelo modelo bioecológico. A maior parte dos participantes relata que sua religião considera a homossexualidade como um “pecado” ou “doença”. Entretanto, todos discordam de visões negativas sobre a homossexualidade. A maior parte dos participantes afirma possuir um relacionamento positivo com a comunidade religiosa, sendo que poucos relataram situações de desconforto ou discriminação. Observa-se que os elementos microssistêmicos relacionados à comunidade religiosa que frequentam, como movimentos de aceitação, acolhimento ou restrições, parecem ser mais significativos para o desenvolvimento pessoal que o conjunto de crenças que compõem o macrossistema religioso.

Abstract The aim of this study is to know how homosexuality has been understood by homosexual young adults from different religions. Eleven participants of both genders, aged between 20 and 30 years and practicing catholic, spiritualist or evangelical religions were interviewed. They answered to the semi-structured interview, analyzed by bioecological model. Most of the participants reported that their religion considers homosexuality as a “sin” or “disease”. However, all of them disagree with negative views about homosexuality. Most of the participants claim to have a positive relationship with the religious community, and few reported cases of discomfort or discrimination. It is observed that the microsystem elements related to their religious community, such as movements of acceptance, welcoming or reserve, appear to be more significant for personal development than the set of beliefs that compose the religious macrosystem.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio es conocer cómo la homosexualidad ha sido entendida por adultos jóvenes homosexuales de distintas religiones. Once participantes de ambos sexos fueron entrevistados, con edades entre 20 y 30 años, practicantes de las religiones católica, protestante y espiritistas. Los participantes respondieron a una entrevista semiestructurada, analizada por el modelo bioecológico. La mayoría de los participantes reportan que su religión considera la homosexualidad como un "pecado" o "enfermedad". Sin embargo, todos discrepan de las opiniones negativas sobre la homosexualidad. La mayoría de los participantes afirma tener una relación positiva con la comunidad religiosa y pocos reportan situaciones de malestar o discriminación. Se observa que los elementos microsistémicos relacionados con la comunidad religiosa que participan, como movimientos de aceptación, acogida o restricciones parecen ser más significativos para el desarrollo personal que el conjunto de creencias que conforman el macrosistema religioso.

A infecção simultânea por parasitas de diferentes espécies pode resultar em alterações imprevisíveis. O presente estudo avaliou a patologia de cães naturalmente coinfectados por Leishmania infantum e Ehrlichia canis. A saúde dos cães foi investigada pelas análises histopatológicas, hematológicas e bioquímicas de 21 cães infectados somente por L. infantum e 22 cães coinfectados por L. infantum e E. canis. Observou-se uma reação inflamatória crônica, predominantemente linfohistioplasmocítica, na pele dos dois grupos. A plasmocitose, encontrada nos tecidos linfóides, provavelmente estava relacionada com a hipergamaglobulinemia observada em todos os cães amostrados. A desorganização da matriz extracelular da derme da região inguinal e da orelha, demonstrada pela substituição das fibras de colágeno espessas por fibras finas, foi relacionada com o grau de reação inflamatória, independente da presença de parasitas. Ainda, observamos duas vezes mais animais do grupo coinfectado apresentando formas amastigotas na pele de orelha pela histopatologia comparado ao número de cães infectados apenas por Leishmania, tornando-os desta forma mais infectivos aos vetores. Nossos resultados ressaltam que a saúde de cães coinfectados estava severamente comprometida devido aos altos níveis de proteína plasmática total, globulinas, fosfatase alcalina, creatina quinase e anemia acentuada.

Different parasites that commonly occur concomitantly can influence one another, sometimes with unpredictable effects. We evaluated pathological aspects of dogs naturally co-infected with Leishmania infantum and Ehrlichia canis. The health status of the dogs was investigated based on histopathological, hematological and biochemical analyses of 21 animals infected solely with L. infantum and 22 dogs co- infected with L. infantum and E. canis. The skin of both groups showed chronic, predominantly lymphohistioplasmacytic inflammatory reaction. The plasmacytosis in the lymphoid tissues was likely related with the hypergammaglobulinemia detected in all the dogs. The disorganization of extracellular matrix found in the reticular dermis of the inguinal region and ear, characterized by the substitution of thick collagen fibers for thin fibers, was attributed to the degree of inflammatory reaction, irrespective of the presence of parasites. In addition, the histopathological analysis revealed that twice as many dogs in the co-infected group presented Leishmania amastigotes in the ear skin than those infected solely with Leishmania, increasing the possibility of becoming infected through sand fly vectors. Our findings highlight the fact that the health of dogs infected concomitantly with L. infantum and E. canis is severely compromised due to their high levels of total plasma protein, globulins, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase, and severe anemia.

Objetivo Este artigo revê o estado da arte relativamente à associação entre as ações dos glicocorticoides e a obesidade e a resistência à insulina, dois dos principais componentes da síndrome metabólica. Métodos Uma revisão da literatura nas bases de dados PubMed e SciELO foi realizada usando os seguintes termos: estresse, síndrome metabólica, glicocorticoides, obesidade, resistência à insulina, eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-suprarrenal e 11β-hidroxiesteróide desidrogenase. Resultados O estresse crônico, principalmente através da desregulação do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-suprarrenal, promove a acumulação de gordura visceral. Reciprocamente, a obesidade promove um estado inflamatório sistêmico de baixo grau, mediado por alterações na secreção de adipocinas, que cronicamente podem estimular e perturbar o sistema de estresse. Esse círculo vicioso, provavelmente iniciado pela disfunção do tecido adiposo visceral, pode ser o mecanismo primário que conduz ao desenvolvimento da síndrome metabólica. Conclusão Um conhecimento mais aprofundado sobre os mecanismos envolvidos na associação entre a liberação de glicocorticoides, a obesidade e o diabete tipo 2 pode ser útil na prevenção e tratamento da síndrome metabólica.

Objective This article reviews the state of the art regarding the association between glucocorticoid actions and both obesity and insulin resistance, two main features of the metabolic syndrome. Methods A methodological assessment of the literature on PubMed and SciELO databases was conducted by using the following terms: stress, metabolic syndrome, glucocorticoids, obesity, insulin resistance, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Results Chronic stress, mainly through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation, promotes the accumulation of visceral fat. Reciprocally, obesity promotes a systemic low-grade inflammation state, mediated by increased adipokine secretion, which can chronically stimulate and disturb stress system. This vicious cycle, probably initiated by visceral adipose tissue dysfunction, might be the trigger for the development of metabolic syndrome. Conclusion Given the strong evidences linking glucocorticoid release, obesity and type 2 diabetes, better understanding of the mechanisms underlying this connection might be useful for prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome.

A doença cardiovascular (DCV) é a principal causa de mortalidade a nível mundial e prevê-se que o número de mortes aumente. Em determinados indivíduos, alguns factores de risco cardiovascular, como a resistência à insulina, obesidade, hipertensão arterial e dislipidemia, têm tendência a agregar-se numa entidade única, a denominada Síndrome Metabólica (SM). A prevalência dessa síndrome está a aumentar em todo o mundo, cada vez que mais pessoas adoptam o estilo de vida ocidental. Entre as principais características desse estilo de vida, além do balanço de energia positivo e dos comportamentos prejudiciais à saúde, destaca-se o stresse psicossocial. A resposta ao stresse leva à activação de dois importantes sistemas neurohumorais, o eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-suprarrenal e o sistema simpato-adreno-medular, que libertam cortisol e catecolaminas, respectivamente, exercendo uma acção crucial na função cardiovascular e no metabolismo energético. No entanto, esses sistemas, sob influência dos padrões de vida actual, nomeadamente quando repetidamente activados por longos períodos, podem deixar de ter uma acção adaptativa e conduzir a doença. Estudos recentes têm realçado o impacto do stresse psicossocial na DCV, sugerindo que o aumento da reactividade ao stresse, de forma sustentada, pode ser um factor preditivo da SM e eventos cardíacos adversos. Além disso, o aumento do tempo de recuperação após o evento stressor também se associa a risco cardiovascular. Estas evidências, podem ser úteis na prevenção e no tratamento da DCV. De facto, estudos recentes sugerem que intervenções a nível psicológico podem reduzir a recorrência e a mortalidade da DCV.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and the number of deaths is expected to increase. in certain individuals, some cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia tend to cluster in a single entity, called Metabolic Syndrome (MS). the prevalence of this syndrome is increasing worldwide, as more people adopt the western lifestyle. Among the main features of this lifestyle, in addition to positive energy balance and adverse health behaviors, is psychosocial stress. the stress response leads to activation of two major neurohumoral systems, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic-adrenal medulla system which, through the release of cortisol and catecholamines respectively, exert crucial roles upon both cardiovascular function and energy metabolism. However, these systems under the influence of current living standards, particularly when activated repeatedly for prolonged periods, may fail to have an adaptive action. recent studies have highlighted the impact of psychosocial stress on cardiovascular disease, suggesting that increased reactivity to stress, in a sustained manner, can be a predictor of metabolic syndrome and adverse cardiac events. Furthermore, the increase in recovery time after the stressor event is also associated with cardiovascular risk. These evidences might be useful for both the prevention and treatment of CVD. in fact, recent studies suggest that psychological interventions reduce CVD recurrence and mortality.

The biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic techniques, and history of the introduction of Trypanosoma (Duttonella) vivax in the New World are reviewed. The two main immunological responses of trypanosome-infected animals - antibody production and immunodepression - are discussed in the context of how these responses play a role in disease tolerance or susceptibility. Isolation and purification of T. vivax are briefly discussed. The recent reports of bovine trypanosomiasis diagnosed in cattle on farms located in the Pantanal region of the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso, Brazil, are also discussed.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the weaning success of Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis, postlarvae when co-fed a compound diet, by means of the analysis of growth parameters (relative growth rate [RGR] and condition factor [K]), survival, protein and lipid content. Total ammonia in the rearing water was also measured. The experiment lasted for 46 days (36 to 82 days posthatching). One group was fed only with enriched Artemia sp. metanauplii (Artemia treatment), whereas in another group, the Artemia sp. metanauplii were gradually replaced by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) diet over a period of 39 days (ICES treatment). Postlarvae were sampled on rearing days 0, 9, 23, 30, 39 and 46 for growth and biochemical analysis. Water was sampled on rearing day 30 during a 24-h cycle in both treatments. Postlarvae from the ICES treatment were weaned, though by the end of the experiment the Artemia treatment exhibited significantly higher values for growth, RGR, K and survival rates (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed concerning total lipid content. Protein content was significantly higher for the Artemia treatment after 46 days of rearing (P < 0.05). The total ammonia nitrogen concentration in the water increased after each meal and remained below a harmless level for postlarvae.

El objetivo de este estudio consistió en evaluar el éxito del destete de postlarvas del lenguado senegalés, Solea senegalensis, utilizando un régimen de coalimentación. El estudio se realizó mediante el análisis de parámetros de crecimiento (tasa de crecimiento relativa [RGR] y factor de condición [K]), supervivencia y contenido de proteínas y lípidos. La concentración del amonio total en el agua de cultivo también fue analizada. El experimento se realizó durante 46 días (de 36 a 82 días posteclosión). Un grupo de postlarvas se alimentó únicamente con metanauplios de Artemia sp. enriquecidos (tratamiento con Artemia), mientras que en otro grupo los metanauplius de Artemia sp. fueron gradualmente substituidos por la dieta del International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (tratamiento ICES) durante un periodo de 39 días. Las postlarvas se muestrearon durante los días 0, 9, 23, 30, 39 y 46 de cultivo para el estudio de crecimiento y el análisis bioquímico Las muestras de agua se tomaron el día 30 de cultivo durante un ciclo de 24 h en ambos tratamientos. Las postlarvas del tratamiento ICES fueron destetadas, aunque al final del experimento se registraron valores significativamente mayores en relación al crecimiento, RGR, K y tasas de supervivencia (P < 0.05) en el tratamiento con Artemia. No se observaron diferencias significativas en el contenido total de lípidos. El contenido de proteínas fue significativamente mayor en el tratamiento con Artemia a los 46 días de cultivo (P < 0.05). La concentracion de amonio total en el agua se incrementó después de cada toma de alimento pero se mantuvo por debajo del nivel tóxico para las postlarvas de peces marinos.