Air pollution and health: bridging the gap from sources to health outcomes: conference summary

Air Pollution and Health: Bridging the Gap from Sources to Health Outcomes, an international specialty conference sponsored by the American Association for Aerosol Research, was held to address key uncertainties in our understanding of adverse health effects related to air pollution and to integrate and disseminate results from recent scientific studies that cut across a range of air pollution-related disciplines. The Conference addressed the science of air pollution and health within a multipollutant framework (herein "multipollutant" refers to gases and particulate matter mass, components, and physical properties), focusing on five key science areas: sources, atmospheric sciences, exposure, dose, and health effects. Eight key policy-relevant science questions integrated across various parts of the five science areas and a ninth question regarding findings that provide policy-relevant insights served as the framework for the meeting. Results synthesized from this Conference provide new evidence, reaffirm past findings, and offer guidance for future research efforts that will continue to incrementally advance the science required for reducing uncertainties in linking sources, air pollutants, human exposure, and health effects. This paper summarizes the Conference findings organized around the science questions. A number of key points emerged from the Conference findings. First, there is a need for greater focus on multipollutant science and management approaches that include more direct studies of the mixture of pollutants from sources with an emphasis on health studies at ambient concentrations. Further, a number of research groups reaffirmed a need for better understanding of biological mechanisms and apparent associations of various health effects with components of particulate matter (PM), such as elemental carbon, certain organic species, ultrafine particles, and certain trace elements such as Ni, V, and Fe(II), as well as some gaseous pollutants. Although much debate continues in this area, generation of reactive oxygen species induced by these and other species present in air pollution and the resulting oxidative stress and inflammation were reiterated as key pathways leading to respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes. The Conference also underscored significant advances in understanding the susceptibility of populations, including the role of genetics and epigenetics and the influence of socioeconomic and other confounding factors and their synergistic interactions with air pollutants. Participants also pointed out that short-and long-term intervention episodes that reduce pollution from sources and improve air quality continue to indicate that when pollution decreases so do reported adverse health effects. In the limited number of cases where specific sources or PM2.5 species were included in investigations, specific species are often associated with the decrease in effects. Other recent advances for improved exposure estimates for epidemiological studies included using new technologies such as microsensors combined with cell phone and integrated into real-time communications, hybrid air quality modeling such as combined receptor-and emission-based models, and surface observations used with remote sensing such as satellite data.

Microhardness of a dental restorative composite resin containing nanoparticles polymerized with argon ion laser

The objective of this study was to compare the microhardness of two resin composites (microhybrid and nanoparticles). Light activation was performed with argon ion laser 1.56J (L) and halogen light 2.6J (H) was used as control. Measurements were taken on the irradiated surfaces and those opposite them, at thicknesses of 1, 2 and 3 mm. To evaluate the quality of polymerization, the percentages of maximum hardness were calculated (PMH). For statistical analysis the ANOVA and Tukey tests were used (p <= 0.05). To microhybrid was shown that the hardness with laser was inferior to the hardness achieved with halogen light, for both the 1 mm and 2 mm. The nanoparticles polymerized with laser, presented lower hardness even on the irradiated surface, than the same surface light activated with halogen light. The microhybrid attained a minimum PMH of 80% up to the thickness of 2 mm with halogen light, and with laser, only up to 1 mm. The nanoparticles attained a minimum PMH of 80% up to 3 mm thickness with halogen light and with laser this minimum was not obtained at any thickness. Based on these results, it could be concluded that light activation with argon ion laser is contra-indicated for the studied nanoparticles. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Determination of chlorine in food samples via the AlCl molecule using high-resolution continuum source molecular absorption spectrometry in a graphite furnace

Determination of chlorine using the molecular absorption of aluminum mono-chloride (AlCl) at the 261.418 nm wavelength was accomplished by high-resolution continuum source molecular absorption spectrometry using a transversely heated graphite tube furnace with an integrated platform. For the analysis. 10 mu L of the sample followed by 10 mu L of a solution containing Al-Ag-Sr modifier, (1 g L-1 each), were directly injected onto the platform. A spectral interference due to the use of Al-Ag-Sr as mixed modifier was easily corrected by the least-squares algorithm present in the spectrometer software. The pyrolysis and vaporization temperatures were 500 degrees C and 2200 degrees C, respectively. To evaluate the feasibility of a simple procedure for the determination of chlorine in food samples present in our daily lives, two different digestion methods were applied, namely (A) an acid digestion method using HNO3 only at room temperature, and (B) a digestion method with Ag, HNO3 and H2O2, where chlorine is precipitated as a low-solubility salt (AgCl), which is then dissolved with ammonia solution. The experimental results obtained with method B were in good agreement with the certified values and demonstrated that the proposed method is more accurate than method A. This is because the formation of silver chloride prevented analyte losses by volatilization. The limit of detection (LOD, 3 sigma/s) for Cl in methods A and B was 18 mu g g(-1) and 9 mu g g(-1), respectively, 1.7 and 3.3 times lower compared to published work using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and absolute LODs were 2.4 and 1.2 ng, respectively. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

LC-DAD/ESI-MS/MS study of phenolic compounds in ash (Fraxinus excelsior L. and F. americana L.) heartwood. Effect of toasting intensity at cooperage

The phenolic composition of heartwood extracts from Fraxinus excelsior L. and F. americana L., both before and after toasting in cooperage, was studied using LC-DAD/ESI-MS/MS. Low-molecular weight (LMW) phenolic compounds, secoiridoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, dilignols and oligolignols compounds were detected, and 48 were identified, or tentatively characterized, on the basis of their retention time, UV/Vis and MS spectra, and MS fragmentation patterns. Some LMW phenolic compounds like protocatechuic acid and aldehyde, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol, were unlike to those for oak wood, while ellagic and gallic acid were not found. The toasting of wood resulted in a progressive increase in lignin degradation products with regard to toasting intensity. The levels of some of these compounds in medium-toasted ash woods were much higher than those normally detected in toasted oak, highlighting vanillin levels, thus a more pronounced vanilla character can be expected when using toasted ash wood in the aging wines. Moreover, in seasoned wood, we found a great variety of phenolic compounds which had not been found in oak wood, especially oleuropein, ligstroside and olivil, along with verbascoside and isoverbascoside in F. excelsior, and oleoside in F. americana. Toasting mainly provoked their degradation, thus in medium-toasted wood, only four of them were detected. This resulted in a minor differentiation between toasted ash and oak woods. The absence of tannins in ash wood, which are very important in oak wood, is another peculiar characteristic that should be taken into account when considering its use in cooperage. Copyright (C) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Retinal projections and neurochemical characterization of the pregeniculate nucleus of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

In mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) are the main components of the circadian timing system. The SCN is the site of the endogenous biological clock that generates rhythms and synchronizes them to environmental cues. The IGL is a key structure that modulates SCN activity and is responsible for the transmission of non-photic information to the SCN, thus participating in the integration between photic and non-photic stimuli. Both the SCN and IGL receive projections of retinal ganglion cells and the IGL is connected to the SCN through the geniculohypothalamic tract. Little is known about these structures in the primate brain and the pregeniculate nucleus (PGN) has been suggested to be the primate equivalent of the rodent IGL. The aim of this study was to characterize the PGN of a primate, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), and to analyze its retinal afferents. Here, the marmoset PGN was found to be organized into three subsectors based on neuronal size, pattern of retinal projections, and the distribution of neuropeptide Y-, GAD-, serotonin-, enkephalin- and substance P-labeled terminals. This pattern indicates that the marmoset PGN is equivalent to the IGL. This detailed description contributes to the understanding of the circadian timing system in this primate species considering the importance of the IGL within the context of circadian regulation. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Conservative approach to restore the first molar with extensive destruction: a 30-month follow-up

The available options for restoring multiple surface cavities are: amalgam, composite resin, or indirect restorations. Adhesive system and intradentinal pin-retained composite resin restorations should have a similar performance to pin-retained amalgam, regarding resistance to support occlusal forces. Polymerization shrinkage is a major concern when performing direct posterior composite resin restorations and the incremental insertion technique can provide less stress and outstanding margin behavior. Intradentinal pins can potentially enhance composite resin's retention, while reducing gaps caused by polymerization shrinkage. This article reports a clinical case involving an extensive restoration on a posterior tooth with cusp loss that was successfully treated using an intradentinal pin and direct nano-hybrid composite resin restoration.

Two series of new semisynthetic triterpene derivatives: differences in anti-malarial activity, cytotoxicity and mechanism of action

Background The discovery and development of anti-malarial compounds of plant origin and semisynthetic derivatives thereof, such as quinine (QN) and chloroquine (CQ), has highlighted the importance of these compounds in the treatment of malaria. Ursolic acid analogues bearing an acetyl group at C-3 have demonstrated significant anti-malarial activity. With this in mind, two new series of betulinic acid (BA) and ursolic acid (UA) derivatives with ester groups at C-3 were synthesized in an attempt to improve anti-malarial activity, reduce cytotoxicity, and search for new targets. In vitro activity against CQ-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 and an evaluation of cytotoxicity in a mammalian cell line (HEK293T) are reported. Furthermore, two possible mechanisms of action of anti-malarial compounds have been evaluated: effects on mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and inhibition of β-haematin formation. Results Among the 18 derivatives synthesized, those having shorter side chains were most effective against CQ-sensitive P. falciparum 3D7, and were non-cytotoxic. These derivatives were three to five times more active than BA and UA. A DiOC6(3) ΔΨm assay showed that mitochondria are not involved in their mechanism of action. Inhibition of β-haematin formation by the active derivatives was weaker than with CQ. Compounds of the BA series were generally more active against P. falciparum 3D7 than those of the UA series. Conclusions Three new anti-malarial prototypes were obtained from natural sources through an easy and relatively inexpensive synthesis. They represent an alternative for new lead compounds for anti-malarial chemotherapy.

Theophylline is able to partially revert cachexia in tumour-bearing rats

Abstract Background and aims The aim of the present investigation was to examine the anti-wasting effects of theophylline (a methylxantine present in tea leaves) on a rat model of cancer cachexia. Methods The in vitro effects of the nutraceuticals on proteolysis were examined on muscle cell cultures submitted to hyperthermia. Individual muscle weights, muscle gene expression, body composition and cardiac function were measured in rats bearing the Yoshida AH-130 ascites hepatoma, following theophylline treatment. Results Theophylline treatment inhibited proteolysis in C2C12 cell line and resulted in an anti-proteolytic effect on muscle tissue (soleus and heart), which was associated with a decrease in circulating TNF-alpha levels and with a decreased proteolytic systems gene expression. Treatment with the nutraceutical also resulted in an improvement in body composition and cardiac function. Conclusion Theophylline - alone or in combination with drugs - may be a candidate molecule for the treatment of cancer cachexia.

Necessidades de cuidados de mulheres infectadas pelo papilomavírus humano: uma abordagem compreensiva

Pesquisa fundamentada na fenomenologia de Martin Heidegger que objetivou compreender as necessidades de cuidados das mulheres infectadas pelo Papilomavírus Humanos. Participaram catorze mulheres que haviam recebido o diagnóstico dessa infecção. As questões norteadoras foram: como é, para você, estar com este diagnóstico? Conte-me sua experiência, desde que soube do diagnóstico até hoje. Como está sendo a assistência que você tem recebido? O desvelamento do tema - buscando o cuidado como solicitude - mostrou a importância do suporte dos familiares e de amigos. A presença da infecção como motivo de conflitos e separação conjugal foi outro aspecto ressaltado. Os depoimentos deixam em evidência a resignação após a tentativa frustrada de busca por informações precisas e esclarecedoras para a tomada de decisões assertivas. As ações de saúde à mulher infectada necessitam ultrapassar os modelos tradicionais de cuidado, incluindo ações de promoção e prevenção à saúde, com profissionais capacitados, sensíveis à dimensão subjetiva.

Práticas baseadas em evidências publicadas no Brasil: identificação e reflexão na área da prevenção em saúde humana

Revisão integrativa de estudos brasileiros sobre práticas baseadas em evidências (PBE) acerca da prevenção em saúde humana, publicados em periódicos Web of Science/JCR, de outubro de 2010 a abril de 2011. O objetivo foi identificar as especialidades que mais realizaram estes estudos, seus enfoques e abordagens metodológicas. A partir de critérios de inclusão, foram selecionados 84 trabalhos publicados majoritariamente em periódicos de saúde pública, focalizando a atenção primária e abrangendo também questões clínicas e diversas especialidades. Variaram também os enfoques de prevenção e as abordagens metodológicas, predominando a revisão sistemática sem metanálise. Os resultados indicam que não há uma única maneira de conceituar e praticar a PBE na prevenção e sua aplicação pode não ser apenas para obtenção de prova irrefutável para instrumentalizar ações de intervenção. Constitui um campo infindável de conhecimentos, em construção, para análise e maior compreensão de fenômenos em saúde.

Morfologia dos cardiomiócitos e quantificação do colágeno no miocárdio de ratas tratadas com isoflavonas ou estrogênios

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a morfologia dos cardiomiócitos e quantificar o colágeno presente no miocárdio de ratas tratadas com extrato concentrado de soja ou 17β-estradiol (E2). MÉTODOS: Vinte e oito ratas foram divididas em quatro grupos: GCtrl - fase de estro; GOvx - ovariectomizadas (Ovx); GIso - Ovx tratadas com extrato de soja (150 mg/kg, por dia); GE2 - Ovx tratadas com E2 (10 µg/kg, por dia). As drogas e o veículo (0,2 mL de propilenoglicol) foram administrados após 30 dias da realização da ovariectomia, por 30 dias consecutivos. No último dia os animais foram anestesiados, o coração retirado, mergulhado em formaldeído a 10%, e fragmentos dos ventrículos submetidos a processamento histológico, sendo os cortes corados pela hematoxilina e eosina ou pelo picrosirius-red. As análises histomorfométricas (contagem, volume nuclear e quantificação do colágeno) foram realizadas em microscópio de luz e software AxioVision Rel. 4.2, sendo o colágeno determinado pelo programa Imagelab 2000. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de ANOVA complementado pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Notamos maior quantidade de núcleos de cardiomiócitos nos animais dos grupos Ovx e Iso do que no GE2 e GCtrl (GOvx=121,7±20,2=GIso=92,8±15,4>GE2=70,5±14,8=GCtrl=66,3±9,6; p<0,05), sendo o volume nuclear maior nos animais do grupo Ctrl e E2 (GE2=35,7±4,8=GCtrl=29,9±3,6>GIso=26,5±4,5=GOvx=22,4±2,9; p<0,05). Com relação ao colágeno notamos maior concentração no grupo Ovx (GOvx=5,4±0,1>GCtrl=4,0±0,1=GIso=4,4±0,08=GE2=4,3±0,5; p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Os estrogênios previnem a diminuição do volume nuclear dos cardiomiócitos e a deposição de colágeno entre as fibras musculares cardíacas. Já a administração de isoflavonas previne somente a deposição de colágeno, o que pode preservar as propriedades mecânicas das fibras cardíacas.

Viscosity of egg white from hens of different strains fed with commercial and natural additives

Yolk color and egg white (albumen) cleanliness and viscosity are important parameters by which consumers judge the quality of eggs. This study aimed to investigate changes in albumen viscosity during storage of eggs for up to 36 days from two different commercial laying hen strains (Carijo Barbada and Isa Brown) fed a diet containing annatto (1.5 and 2.0%) or a synthetic additive without synthetic colorants (control). Analyses of humidity, albumen height, pH, viscosity, foam formation, and stability were carried out on eggs. Carijo Barbada strain had smaller albumen, lower humidity and higher egg white viscosity than Isa Brown strain; however, with storage, viscosity lowered significantly on both strains. Initially, the addition of 2.0% of annatto or a synthetic additive increased viscosity in both strains, but with storage only the control maintained longer viscosity. Lower viscosity did not change foam density and stability.

A doença meningocócica na região de Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil, no período de 1999 a 2008

O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a ocorrência da doença meningocócica notificada no Departamento Regional de Saúde XVI, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil, no período de 1999 a 2008. Em Sorocaba, a incidência anual da doença foi de cerca de dois casos por 100 mil habitantes, com aumento entre 2006 e 2008. As incidências anuais foram maiores entre 0 a 4 anos de idade. A letalidade no período foi de 21,8%, maior nas faixas etárias de 0 a 4 anos (26,4%), na qual se deu a maior incidência da doença, e com idade superior a 30 anos (28%). A confirmação diagnóstica foi laboratorial em 71% dos casos (cultura em 45,3%) e por critérios clínico-epidemiológicos em 22%. O sorogrupo B ocorreu em 45,7%; o C, em 47,3%; o W135, em 3,7%; e o Y, em 1,5% dos casos identificados, com predomínio do sorogrupo B, entre 1999 e 2003, e do C, entre 2004 e 2008. Os fenótipos B:4,7:P1.19,15 e C:23:P1.14-6 predominaram. Os resultados reforçam a necessidade de acompanhamento, de forma regional, da tendência da doença para a detecção de surtos precocemente e monitoramento de cepas circulantes.

Evaluating methods for the isolation of marine-derived fungal strains and production of bioactive secondary metabolites

In the present investigation we evaluate methods for the isolation and growth of marine-derived fungal strains in artificial media for the production of secondary metabolites. Inoculation of marine macroorganisms fragments in Petri dishes proved to be the most convenient procedure for the isolation of the largest number of strains. Among the growth media used, 3% malt extract showed the best result for strains isolation and growth, and yielded the largest number of strains from marine macroorganisms. The percentage of strains isolated using each of the growth media which yielded cytotoxic and/or antibiotic extracts was in the range of 23-35%, regardless of the growth media used. Further investigation of extracts obtained from different marine-derived fungal strains yielded several bioactive secondary metabolites, among which (E)-4-methoxy-5-(3-methoxybut-1-enyl)-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one is a new metabolite isolated from the Penicillium paxilli strain Ma(G)K.

Manejo clínico de úlceras venosas na atenção primária à saúde

OBJETIVO: Discutir o manejo clínico de úlceras venosas realizado na atenção primária à saúde, com base na visão dos usuários que convivem com esta afecção. MÉTODOS: Estudo de natureza qualitativa exploratório, descritivo, realizado com 25 usuários adultos em tratamento nas Unidades de Saúde da Família. Os dados foram coletados no segundo semestre de 2008, utilizando-se um formulário estruturado com questões de caracterização sociodemográfica, tipo de limpeza, coberturas, uso de terapia compressiva, medicamentos e orientações prescritas. RESULTADOS: São usados para a limpeza produtos que agridem o tecido de granulação, como coberturas com várias substâncias, dentre elas o óleo de girassol e pomadas antibióticas; a maioria dos usuários não utiliza medidas para controle do edema. CONCLUSÃO: fazem-se necessárias a elaboração e a adoção de protocolos clínicos para o cuidado com úlceras venosas, bem como a capacitação permanente dos profissionais de saúde.