Toxicological aspects of treatment to remove cyanobacterial toxins from drinking water determined using the heterozygous P53 transgenic mouse model

The presence of toxic cyanobacteria in drinking water reservoirs renders the need to develop treatment methods for the 'safe' removal of their associated toxins. Chlorine has been shown to successfully remove a range of cyanotoxins including microcystins, cylindrospermopsin and saxitoxins. Each cyanotoxin requires specific treatment parameters, particularly solution pH and free chlorine residual. However, currently there has not been any investigation into the toxicological effect of solutions treated for the removal of these cyanotoxins by chlorine. Using the P53(def) transgenic mouse model mate and female C57BL/6J hybrid mice were used to investigate potential cancer inducing effects from such oral dosing solutions. Both purified cyanotoxins and toxic cell-free extract cyanobacterial solutions were chlorinated and administered over 90 and 170 days (respectively) in drinking water. No increase in cancer was found in any treatment. The parent cyanotoxins, microcystins, cylindrospermopsin and saxitoxins were readily removed by chlorine. There was no significant increase in the disinfection byproducts trihalomethanes or haloacetic acids, levels found were well below guideline values. Histological examination identified no effect of treatment solutions except male mice treated with chlorinated cylindrospermopsin (as a cell free extract). In this instance 40% of males were found to have fatty vacuolation in their livers, cause unknown. It is recommended that further toxicology be undertaken on chlorinated cyanobacterial solutions, particularly for non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds, for example the Tg. AC transgenic mouse model. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mulheres (in)subordinadas : o empoderamento feminino e suas repercuss��es nas ocorr��ncias de viol��ncia conjugal

Neste trabalho, explora-se o modo como a compreens��o e o desempenho dos pap��is de g��nero se relacionam ��s ocorr��ncias de viol��ncia (f��sica, psicol��gica e sexual) dos maridos contra as esposas. Quatro mulheres que apresentaram queixa na Delegacia de Defesa da Mulher contra as agress��es f��sicas perpetradas por seus parceiros e que conviviam com eles foram entrevistadas utilizando-se um roteiro de entrevista, que recolheu dados pessoais e informa����es a respeito das concep����es sobre homem, mulher e relacionamento conjugal/afetivo. As entrevistas foram processadas pelo software Alceste, sendo a An��lise de Conte��do utilizada para complementar a an��lise. Os dados revelam a coexist��ncia de concep����es tradicionais de g��nero com a����es de insubordina����o dessas mulheres (trabalho assalariado, amizades, questionamento da vida sexual). Esses aspectos, sinalizadores do empoderamento das mulheres, relacionam-se �� agressividade dos parceiros que, exclu��dos dos debates feministas e buscando proteger sua masculinidade, usam a viol��ncia para suprimir as manifesta����es femininas de poder.

Gerenciamento proteano de carreira entre universit��rios

A partir da segunda metade do s��culo XX, mudan��as no modo de produ����o capitalista come��aram a afetar a rela����o que as empresas estabeleciam com o trabalhador. Diante de um mercado imprevis��vel, a carreira tradicional, marcada, entre outros aspectos, por empregos duradouros e com possibilidade de ascens��o na hierarquia da organiza����o, tornou-se menos recorrente. Paralelamente, come��aram a despontar novas concep����es sobre carreira, tendo a maioria um enfoque individualista. Dentre as novas proposi����es, o presente estudo tomou como refer��ncia a concep����o de carreira proteana. Esse modelo, de origem norte-americana, tem como ideia central a no����o de uma carreira que �� gerida pelo indiv��duo, e tem como meta o alcance do sucesso psicol��gico. Desta forma, ancora-se em duas principais dimens��es: autogerenciamento e direcionamento para valores. Considerando os diversos estudos que descrevem as dificuldades enfrentadas por estudantes na transi����o da universidade para o mercado de trabalho, esta pesquisa objetivou compreender aspectos do gerenciamento proteano de carreira entre universit��rios brasileiros que j�� tinham conclu��do, pelo menos, a primeira metade do curso de gradua����o. Para tanto, o estudo foi dividido em dois artigos. O primeiro foi destinado ao desenvolvimento e valida����o da Escala de Atitudes de Carreira Proteana para universit��rios, tendo sido realizado com uma amostra de 1016 estudantes de 37 cursos diferentes, com idade variando entre 18 e 65 anos, e m��dia de 24,52 (DP = 6,69 anos). O instrumento, denominado neste estudo de Escala de Gerenciamento Proteano de Carreira para Universit��rios (EGPC-U) atestou a estrutura de duas dimens��es, evidenciada tamb��m na vers��o original da medida. Os ��ndices de confiabilidade foram satisfat��rios e superiores a 12 0,61, tendo o instrumento a possibilidade de ser utilizado em servi��os de orienta����o profissional ou de carreira. O segundo artigo objetivou compreender como as dimens��es do modelo proteano se relacionam com vari��veis s��ciodemogr��ficas e com construtos psicossociais: personalidade, l��cus de controle, sa��de e satisfa����o com a vida, e envolveu alunos de duas ��reas de conhecimento: humanas e exatas. A amostra foi composta por 525 alunos, sendo 245 da ��rea de humanas e 280 de exatas, sendo 52% do sexo masculino. A idade dos participantes variou entre 18 e 30 anos e m��dia de 22,59 anos (DP = 2,66 anos). A partir dos resultados do estudo 2, constatou-se que alunos da ��rea de humanas, quando comparados a estudantes de exatas, tendem a apresentar m��dia superior na dimens��o de direcionamento para valores. Verificou-se ainda que os aspectos de conscienciosidade e l��cus de controle interno s��o preditores significativos do autogerenciamento tanto entre alunos de humanas como de exatas e que a ado����o de atitudes proteanas tende a impactar positivamente aspectos da sa��de e da satisfa����o com a vida do indiv��duo. O estudo, de um modo geral, permitiu verificar a exist��ncia de caracter��sticas proteanas entre universit��rios, como tamb��m possibilitou conhecer vari��veis relacionadas ��s atitudes de autogerenciamento e direcionamento para valores. Destaca-se, por��m, a necessidade de pesquisas complementares com a explora����o de outras vari��veis psicossociais que possam estar relacionadas ao gerenciamento proteano entre graduandos.

A alfabetiza����o/educa����o de surdos na hist��ria da educa����o do Esp��rito Santo

Este trabalho integra um grupo de pesquisas desenvolvidas pela linha de pesquisa Educa����o e Linguagens, do Programa de P��s-Gradua����o da Universidade Federal do Esp��rito Santo. Trata de uma pesquisa hist��rica que tem por objetivo investigar a hist��ria da alfabetiza����o de surdos no Esp��rito Santo, nas d��cadas de 1950 a 1970, a partir da tese inicial de que a educa����o/alfabetiza����o de crian��as surdas, no Esp��rito Santo, nesse per��odo, tinha por finalidade ensinar a l��ngua nacional, por meio da oraliza����o, tendo em vista o projeto desenvolvimentista adotado pelo ent��o Presidente da Rep��blica, Juscelino Kubistchek. Fundamenta-se nas concep����es de Marc Bloch (2001), ao considerar a Hist��ria como a ci��ncia dos homens no tempo, com o objetivo de compreender a a����o humana, de acordo com as condi����es hist��ricas de sua ��poca, e nas contribui����es da concep����o bakhtiniana de linguagem, em especial, no conceito de texto como enunciado, considerando que cada texto/documento traz em seu bojo uma hist��ria vivida por sujeitos em dado contexto social e hist��rico. Nessa dire����o, a partir da an��lise de documentos escolares, textos jornal��sticos, cartilhas, materiais pedag��gicos e documentos oficiais, o trabalho se estruturou no sentido de conhecer o contexto nacional que deu origem ��s primeiras iniciativas de descentraliza����o na educa����o de surdos, culminando com a cria����o de salas especiais em v��rios Estados brasileiros, incluindo o Esp��rito Santo. As repercuss��es, em ��mbito local, foram analisadas a partir de dois eixos. No primeiro, focalizaram os aspectos pol��ticos, evidenciando que a desresponsabiliza����o do Poder P��blico facilitou a parceria entre a esfera p��blica e a esfera privada na configura����o das classes especiais, dentro das escolas comuns. No segundo, destacaram que o M��todo Oral e o M��todo Perdoncini, que fundamentaram o processo de alfabetiza����o e que tinham como finalidade ensinar a l��ngua oficial do Pa��s, na modalidade oral, dialogaram com as concep����es pedag��gicas e psicol��gicas da ��poca, tornando o processo claramente escolar. Conclui que o per��odo foi marcado por um projeto educacional consistente e coerente com os postulados da ��poca, tendo na a����o respons��vel e polif��nica da professora ��lpia Couto-Lenzi a sua principal interlocutora.

An overview of domestic aspects in US climate policy

The article shows how domestic aspects influence the United States national and international climate policy. To accomplish the task, the authors analyzes the discussions when Bill Clinton was ruling the country, a time during which global discussions were forwarded. The paper recalls the debate in the Bush administration and the growing polarization since Barack Obama took office.

Do we need a ���new��� international convention that helps to avoid trafficking in organs? Some ���criminal (and civil) law aspects��� - Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine ��� updated or outdated?

Abstract: �� 1 ��Do we need a ���new��� international convention that helps to avoid trafficking in organs? Some criminal (and civil) law aspects����� - ��Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine ��� updated or outdated?��. �� 2 Some important connections: on the one hand, between the 1997 Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine; the 2002 Additional Protocol to the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine concerning Transplantation of Organs and Tissues of Human Origin; and, on the other hand, the problem of trafficking in organs, tissues and cells and trafficking in human beings for the purpose of the removal organs. Some connections. �� 3 The ��international undisputed principle��. �� 4 Trafficking in organs, tissues and cells; and trafficking in human beings for the purpose of the removal organs. Criminal Law and Civil Law. �� 5 Promote organ donation. �� 6 The necessity to collect reliable data on both trafficking cases. �� 7 The necessity for an internationally agreed definition of trafficking in OTC: Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine ��� updated or outdated? �� 8 The (inter)national and (il)legal organ (��tissue and cell��) trade: some cases and some conclusions. �� 9 Do we need a new international convention to prevent trafficking in organs, tissues and cells (OTC)? �� 10 Of course we need a ��new�� international convention to prevent trafficking in organs, tissues and cells (OTC). �� 11 At the present moment, we do not need a ��new�� international convention to prevent trafficking in human beings for the purpose of the removal organs. �� 12 The Portuguese case. �� 13 ��Final conclusions.�� �� Resumo: �� 1 ��Precisamos de uma "nova" conven����o internacional que ajude a evitar o tr��fico de ��rg��os? Alguns aspectos de lei criminal (e civil)�� - ��Conven����o sobre Direitos Humanos e Biomedicina - Actualizada ou desactualizada?��. �� 2 Algumas conex��es importantes: por um lado, entre a Conven����o do Conselho da Europa de 1997 sobre Direitos Humanos e Biomedicina; o Protocolo Adicional de 2002 �� Conven����o sobre os Direitos do Homem e da Biomedicina relativo ao transplante de ��rg��os e tecidos de origem humana, e, por outro lado, o problema do tr��fico de ��rg��os, tecidos e c��lulas e tr��fico de seres humanos para fins de remo����o dos ��rg��os. �� 3 O ��indiscut��vel princ��pio internacional��. �� 4 O Tr��fico de ��rg��os, tecidos e c��lulas; e o tr��fico de seres humanos para fins de remo����o dos ��rg��os. Direito Penal e Direito Civil. �� 5 Promover a doa����o de ��rg��os. �� 6 A necessidade de colectar dados fidedignos sobre os dois casos de tr��fico. �� 7 A necessidade de uma defini����o internacionalmente acordada de tr��fico de OTC: Conven����o sobre Direitos Humanos e Biomedicina - actualizada ou desactualizada? �� 8 A (inter)nacional e (il)legal comercializa����o de ��rg��os (��de tecidos e de c��lulas��): alguns casos e algumas conclus��es. �� 9 Ser�� que precisamos de uma nova conven����o internacional para prevenir o tr��fico de ��rg��os, tecidos e c��lulas (OTC)? �� 10 �� claro que precisamos de uma ��nova�� conven����o internacional para prevenir o tr��fico de ��rg��os, tecidos e c��lulas (OTC). �� 11 No presente momento, n��o precisamos de uma ��nova�� conven����o internacional para impedir o tr��fico de seres humanos para fins de remo����o dos ��rg��os. �� 12 O caso Portugu��s. �� 13 ��As conclus��es finais.��

ABOUT PSYCHOLOGICAL VARIABLES IN APPLICATION SCORING MODELS

The purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution of psychological variables and scales suggested by Economic Psychology in predicting individuals’ default. Therefore, a sample of 555 individuals completed a self-completion questionnaire, which was composed of psychological variables and scales. By adopting the methodology of the logistic regression, the following psychological and behavioral characteristics were found associated with the group of individuals in default: a) negative dimensions related to money (suffering, inequality and conflict); b) high scores on the self-efficacy scale, probably indicating a greater degree of optimism and over-confidence; c) buyers classified as compulsive; d) individuals who consider it necessary to give gifts to children and friends on special dates, even though many people consider this a luxury; e) problems of self-control identified by individuals who drink an average of more than four glasses of alcoholic beverage a day.

Some aspects of implementing Regulatory Impact Analysis in Brazil

In an increasingly complex society, regulatory polices emerge as an important tool in public management. Nevertheless, regulation per se is no longer enough, and the agenda for a regulatory reform is increasing. Following this context, Brazil has implemented Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) in its regulatory agencies. Thus, Brazilian specificities have to be considered and, in this regard, a systematic approach provides a significant contribution. This article aims to address some critical reflections about which policy-makers should ask themselves before joining the implementation of a RIA system in the Brazilian context. Through a long-term perspective, the implementation of RIA must be seen as part of a permanent change in the administrative culture, understanding that RIA should be used as a further resource in the decision-making process, rather than a final solution.

Ecological aspects of American cutaneous leishmaniasis: 4. Observations on the endophilic behavior of the sandfly and the vectorial role of Psychodopygus intermedius in the Ribeira Valley region of the S.Paulo State, Brazil

The invasive tendency of Psychodopygus intermedius in the home environment, observed initially by Forattini et al. (1976), has now been confirmed by the demonstration of its high endophilic ability and by the use of human residences for shelter. Populations such as Lutzomyia migonei and Pintomyia fischeri were also present in that environment, though their low densities registered during this investigation could be an indication of their poor ability to overcome the barriers raised by the artificial environment. An objective epidemiological analysis based on the variables here given showed that human infection takes place in the extraforest environment, and the principal vectorial function falls, without doubt, on P. intermedius.

Aspectos psicossociais associados �� percep����o da dor p��s-operat��ria em indiv��duos submetidos a cirurgia coron��ria

Objectivo: Identificar os factores psicossociais que influenciam a percep����o da dor p��s-operat��ria em doentes submetidos a cirurgia de revasculariza����o do mioc��rdio (CRM). Material e M��todos: Estudo explorat��rio correlacional de 91 doentes (71 homens e 20 mulheres) submetidos a CRM (pontagem aortocoron��ria) por esternotomia). A idade m��dia era de 63,8 �� 9,6 anos (entre 39 e 84). Foram utilizados os seguintes instrumentos: Escala Anal��gica Visual ��s 24, 48 e 96 horas do p��s-operat��rio; Question��rio de Caracteriza����o Demogr��fica; Mental Health Inventory de 5 itens; Percep����o de Sa��de Geral (SF-36); Escala de Expectativas de Dor; Escala de Percep����o de Apoio; Escala de Expectativas de Auto-efic��cia; Satisfa����o com o tratamento, m��dicos e enfermeiros (American Pain Society Questionnaire) aplicados ��s 96 horas ap��s a cirurgia. Resultados: Os doentes que apresentaram expectativas elevadas de dor, percepcionaram maior apoio, apresentaram n��veis elevados de auto-efic��cia para lidar com a dor ou, se pertenciam ao sexo masculino, sentiram menos dor. De igual modo, os doentes que apresentaram melhor sa��de mental, percepcionaram a sua sa��de como boa e os doentes que expressaram maior satisfa����o com o tratamento sentiram menos dor. A dor n��o foi influenciada pela idade, grau de escolaridade ou pela satisfa����o com a conduta de m��dicos e enfermeiros. Conclus��o: Ap��s as primeiras 48 horas do p��s-operat��rio, a experi��ncia de dor �� influenciada por factores psicossociais, em oarticular pela expectativa de dor, expectativa de auto-efic��cia, apoio percebido, percep����o da sa��de geral, percep����o de sa��de mental e satisfa����o com o tratamento para a dor. Perante os resultados, evidencia-se a necessidade de conjugar conhecimentos no sentido de dar respostas mais alargadas e de car��cter multidisciplinar no tratamento da dor p��s-operat��ria em CRM devendo, a par de outros aspectos, focar-se na gest��o das expectativas dos doentes. ABSTRACT - Objective: To identify the psychological factors that influence post-surgery pain perception in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Methods: This was an exploratory correlational study of 91 patients (71 men and 20 women) who underwent CABG (aortocoronary anastomosis) by sternotomy. Mean age was 63.8 �� 9.6 years (between 39 and 84). The following instruments were used: visual analogical scales at 24, 48 and 96 hours of post-surgery; demographic characteristics survey; pain expectations scale; perceived support scale; self-efficacy scale, Mental Inventory (5 items); health perception scale; and satisfaction with treatment, doctors and nurses (American Pain Society questionnaire) at 96 hours after surgery. Results: Patients who had presented high expectations of pain, perceived more support, presented high levels of self-efficacy to deal with pain or were male, felt less pain. Furthermore, patients who presented better mental health, perceived their general health as being good, or expressed greater satisfaction with treatment, felt less pain. Pain was not influenced by age, level of education or satisfaction with doctors and nurses. Conclusion: After the first 48 hours following surgery, the pain experience is influenced by psychosocial factors, in particular by expectation of pain and of self-efficacy, perceived support, perception of general and mental health, and satisfaction with pain treatment. The results confirm the need to bring together different kinds of knowledge for a broad, multidisciplinary approach to postoperative CABG pain treatment, focusing, along with other aspects, on management of patients��� expectations.

Epidemiological aspects of centipede (Scolopendromorphae: Chilopoda) bites registered in Greater S. Paulo, SP, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: The lack of basic knowledge on venomous arthropods and the benignity of the clinical manifestations contribute to the centipede bite victims' not being taken to a treatment reference center, leading to underestimation of the number of cases and minimizing the possibility of a broader epidemiological view. An inventory of the centipede bite occurrences in Greater S. Paulo, Brazil, and the therapeutic methods employed, by the main Brazilian medical center for the notification of poisoning by venomous animals, is presented. METHOD: All patient cards of the period 1980-1989 have been checked as to place, month and time of occurrence; sex, age, affected part of the body, signs and symptoms have been observed, as well as the therapeutic methods employed. The centipedes that caused the accidents were identified at the Arthropods Laboratory. RESULTS: It was registered 216 accidents, with a 69% predominance of the Greater S. Paulo and in only 63% of the cases (136) was the agent brought in by the victim for identification. The genera most frequently represented were Cryptops (58%), Otostigmus (33%) and Scolopendra (4%). Of the 136 cases, 87% showed erythema, edema, hemorrhage, burns, cephalalgia, and intense pain. There was a predominance of accidents in the warm rainy season, in the morning and for females between 21 and 60 years of age. Hands and feet were the parts of the body most affected. The benign evolution of the clinical picture (54%) made therapeutical treatment unnecessary. Only the victims of Scolopendra and Otostigmus (46%) were medicated with anesthetics (51%), analgesics (25%), antihistamines and cortisone (24%). CONCLUSION: The reproductive period of the centipedes, associated with their sinanthropic habits, contributes to the greater incidence of accidents in urban areas in the warm rainy season. Only patients bitten by Scolopendra and Otostigmus require therapeutical treatment.

Sociological and philosophical aspects of human interaction with technology: advancing concepts

It is not possible to imagine our lives today without technology. From the moment we get up in the morning until the time that we go to bed at night, technology is present in almost every moment, even if we are not aware of it. Some of the most basic activities we need to perform regularly could not be carried out without technology. Sociological and Philosophical Aspects of Human Interaction with Technology: Advancing Concepts presents a careful blend of conceptual, theoretical and applied research in regards to the relationship between technology and humans. This book explores the importance of these interactions, aspects related with trust, communication, data protection, usability concerning organizational change, and e-learning. The advancement of these theories and practices will benefit from this publication as it provides a voice for the users.

Entomological aspects of Chagas' disease transmission in the domestic habitat, Argentina

OBJECTIVE: To study the risk of Trypanosoma cruzi domestic transmission using an entomological index and to explore its relationship with household's characteristics and cultural aspects. METHODS: There were studied 158 households in an endemic area in Argentina. Each household was classified according to an entomological risk indicator (number of risky bites/human). A questionnaire was administered to evaluate risk factors among householders. RESULTS: Infested households showed a wide range of risk values (0 to 5 risky bites/human) with skewed distribution, a high frequency of lower values and few very high risk households. Of all collected Triatoma infestans, 44% had had human blood meals whereas 27% had had dogs or chickens blood meals. Having dogs and birds sharing room with humans increased the risk values. Tidy clean households had contributed significantly to lower risk values as a result of low vector density. The infested households showed a 24.3% correlation between time after insecticide application and the number of vectors. But there was no correlation between the time after insecticide application and T. infestans' infectivity. The statistical analysis showed a high correlation between current values of the entomological risk indicator and Trypanosoma cruzi seroprevalence in children. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of T. cruzi domestic transmission assessed using an entomological index show a correlation with children seroprevalence for Chagas' disease and householders' habits.