Environmental interventions to support orientation and social engagement of people with Alzheimer's disease / Intervenções Ambientais Que Dão Suporte À Orientação E Ao Envolvimento Social De Pessoas Com Doença De Alzheimer

ABSTRACT The built environment can be a home to compensatory strategies aimed at increasing the independence of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease, by mitigating the cognitive impairment caused by it. Objective: The aim of this study was to find out which interventions were performed in indoor environments and observe their impacts on the relief of behavioral symptoms related to the disorientation of elderly people with probable Alzheimer's disease. Methods: A systematic review was carried out using the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses criteria in the MEDLINE/PubMed database. Two researchers carried out the selection of the studies, following the same methodology. The third author contributed during the writing process and in the decision-making. Results: Of note, 375 studies were identified and 20 studies were included in this systematic review. The identified interventions were classified into environmental communications and environmental characteristics. Conclusions: Environmental communications had positive results in guiding and reducing agitation. In contrast, while reducing behavioral symptoms related to orientation, environmental characteristics showed improvements mainly in social engagement and functional capacity.

RESUMO O ambiente construído pode ser lar para estratégias compensatórias destinadas a aumentar a independência de idosos com doença de Alzheimer, ao mitigar o comprometimento cognitivo causado por ela. Objetivo: Descobrir quais intervenções foram realizadas em ambientes internos e observar seus impactos no alívio de sintomas comportamentais relacionados à desorientação de idosos com provável doença de Alzheimer. Métodos: Uma revisão sistemática foi realizada usando os critérios Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses na base de dados Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online/ PubMed. Dois pesquisadores realizaram a seleção dos estudos seguindo a mesma metodologia. O terceiro autor contribuiu durante o processo de redação e nas tomadas de decisão. Resultados: Foram identificados 375 estudos e 20 foram incluídos na presente revisão sistemática. As intervenções observadas foram classificadas em comunicações ambientais e características ambientais. Conclusões: As comunicações ambientais tiveram resultados positivos na orientação e na redução da agitação. As características ambientais, por outro lado, embora reduzam os sintomas comportamentais relacionados à orientação, mostraram melhorias principalmente no engajamento social e na capacidade funcional.

Exposição ao uso da lenha para cocção no Brasil e sua relação com os agravos à saúde da população / Exposure to the use of firewood for cooking in Brazil and its relation with the health problems of the population

Resumo A poluição do ar em ambientes fechados é agravada pela queima de lenha em fogões rústicos e ambientes pouco ventilados. A exposição aos poluentes emitidos por este tipo de combustível resulta no aumento da morbidade e da mortalidade. No Brasil, os estudos e as estimativas são escassos. Visando entender esta problemática, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o uso de lenha utilizando as séries de dados das agências governamentais para estimar o número de pessoas expostas. Os resultados apontam que a lenha é o segundo combustível mais usado para cozinhar, sendo utilizada por uma parcela significativa da população, em torno de 30 milhões de brasileiros. Um fator decisivo no maior uso deste combustível é o nível socioeconômico da população associada ao preço do gás liquefeito de petróleo (GLP). Os estudos realizados no país registraram concentrações altas de partículas durante a queima da lenha, excedendo os limites sugeridos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Também foram observadas associações entre a exposição aos poluentes gerados pela queima e o agravamento dos mais diversos problemas de saúde, dentre eles doenças respiratórias e câncer. A substituição da lenha e outros combustíveis sólidos por combustíveis mais limpos deve ser a meta do governo para minimizar custos com a saúde.

Abstract Indoor air pollution is exacerbated by the burning of firewood in rustic stoves and poorly ventilated environments. Exposure to the pollutants emitted by this type of fuel results in increased morbidity and mortality. In Brazil, studies and estimates regarding these conditions are scarce. In order to understand this problem, the objective of this work was to investigate the use of firewood using the data series of government agencies to estimate the number of exposed people. The results indicated that firewood is the second most used fuel for cooking, being used by a significant portion of the population, more than 30 million Brazilians. A decisive factor in the increased use of this fuel is the socioeconomic level of the population associated with the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The studies carried out in the country recorded high concentrations of particles during firewood burning, exceeding the limits suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). Associations were also observed between the exposure to the pollutants generated by the burning and the aggravation of health problems, among them respiratory diseases and cancer. Replacing fuelwood and other solid fuels with cleaner fuels should be the government's goal to minimize health costs.

Mulheres imigrantes: presença e ocultamento (interiores de São Paulo, 1880-1930) / Immigrant women: presence and concealment (São Paulo Provinces, 1880-1930) / Mujeres inmigrantes: presencia y ocultamiento (Interiores de São Paulo, 1880-1930)

Este artigo procura recuperar a presença feminina no processo de e/imigração para o interior do estado de São Paulo, abordando aspectos diferenciados das experiências, ações cotidianas, atividades de trabalho e background cultural das mulheres imigrantes. Para tal, valorizam-se o uso e a releitura de certa diversidade de fontes que incluem cartas, prontuários, depoimentos, memórias, imprensa diária e operária, fontes empresariais e registros censitários, entre outras. O texto procura contextualizar o protagonismo da mulher imigrante tanto no meio rural paulista, marcado pela expansão da cafeicultura, quanto nas cidades interioranas, nas quais sua presença nos ofícios urbanos, no comércio, na indústria e nos afazeres domésticos é marcante. Propõe-se ainda abrir horizontes metodológicos para os estudos dos deslocamentos, questionando o imigrante universal masculino e destacando a importância de se observar a experiência migratória a partir de outros olhares, inclusive o feminino.

This paper aims to shed new light on the female presence in the (im)migration process to the provinces of São Paulo state, approaching different aspects of the experiences, routine tasks, work activities and cultural background of immigrant women. To that end, several sources were evaluated and revised, including letters, working logs, statements, memory journals and articles from daily newspapers or labor press. The text seeks to give a context to the role of immigrant women, both in rural areas, focused in coffee agriculture, or in town areas of São Paulo, where they represent a significant presence in several urban occupations, local trade, industrial activities or domestic housework. In addition, the present paper suggests broadening methodological horizons to study dislocations, questioning the typical universal male figure in immigration studies, and highlighting the importance of facing the migration experience from other perspectives, including that of women.

Este artículo busca dar visibilidad a la presencia femenina en el proceso de e/inmigración hacia el interior del estado de San Pablo, abordando aspectos diferenciados de las experiencias, acciones cotidianas, actividades de trabajo y background cultural de las mujeres inmigrantes. Para ello, se valora el uso y la relectura de cierta diversidad de fuentes que incluyen cartas, prontuarios, testimonios, memorias, prensa diaria y obrera, fuentes empresariales y registros censales, entre otras. El texto busca contextualizar el protagonismo de la mujer inmigrante tanto en el medio rural paulista, marcado por la expansión de la economía cafetalera, como en las ciudades del interior, en las cuales su presencia en los oficios urbanos, en el comercio, en la industria y en los quehaceres domésticos es marcada. Se propone además abrir horizontes metodológicos para los estudios de los desplazamientos, cuestionando el inmigrante universal masculino y destacando la importancia de observar la experiencia migratoria a partir de otras miradas, incluso el femenino.

Determinación de la calidad bacteriológica del aire en un laboratorio de microbiología en la Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas en Bogotá, Colombia / Bacteriological air quality in a microbiology laboratory at the Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. University in Bogotá, Colombia

Objetivo. Determinar las bacterias del aire de un laboratorio de enseñanza de microbiología de la Universidad Distrital y así establecer la posibilidad de riesgo para la salud a la exponen los usuarios por la presencia de estos microorganismos. Métodos. Se tomaron muestras de aire por la técnica de sedimentación, se realizaron recuentos, y caracterización macroscópica y microscópica de las colonias. Después de aislamientos selectivos se llevó a cabo identificación por BD BBL Crystal. Resultados. Se obtuvo mayor recuento de bacterias Gram positivas que de Gram negativas. Se encontraron bacterias de los géneros Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Leuconostoc, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, Yersinia, Serratia, Shigella, Klebsiella, Citrobacter y Acinetobacter. Los resultados mostraron que las bacterias identificadas no suponen riesgo elevado para la salud de los usuarios sanos, pero que es necesario implementar medidas para disminuir la carga bacteriana y disminuir posibles afecciones generales en la salud de sus ocupantes.

Objective. Determine airborne bacteria in a teaching laboratory of microbiology at the Distrital University and establish the bacteriological quality of air which users are exposed. Methods. Air samples were taken by sedimentation technique. The recovered colonies were counted, macroscopic and microscopic characterized and culture in selective media. The isolates were identifies by BD BBL Crystal. Results. It was found greater counts of gram-positive bacteria compared with Gram negative. It was identified bacteria of genus Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Leuconostoc, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, Yersinia, Serratia, Shigella, Klebsiella, Citrobacter and Acinetobacter. The results showed that the bacteria identified do not present high risk to healthy of users, but it is necessary to implement measures to reduce the bacterial presence. Additionally, in this way decrease possible impact in general health of its occupants.

Influencia del campo magnético sobre la distribución de los hongos en el aire de un local cerrado / Influence of magnetic field on fungi distribution in the air of a closed local

Los campos eléctricos y magnéticos pueden atraer microorganismos, por lo tanto el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la influencia del campo magnético sobre la distribución de los hongos en el aire de un local cerrado. Se colocaron placas de Petri con agar Extracto de Malta en un local cerrado aplicándose un campo magnético de 10 mT generado por una bobina de 60 Hz/220 V. Se realizó un diseño multifactorial D-óptimo de tres factores (tiempo de exposición al aire, distancia al centro de la bobina y tiempo de tratamiento con campo magnético) y se determinó el recuento de hongos filamentosos en unidades formadoras de colonias por metro cúbico de aire, según el método de sedimentación propuesto por Omeliansky. Se obtuvo un modelo cuadrático en los rangos evaluados, que indicó que el tratamiento aplicado tuvo influencia significativa sobre la distribución de las esporas debido al aumento del recuento de los hongos, cuyo crecimiento resultó estimulado con respecto a los controles. El mayor efecto estimulante se observó a 1 m de distancia de la bobina (0,4 mT) y a 2 h de exposición, alcanzándose concentraciones fúngicas que pudieran ser peligrosas para la salud humana según la Organización Mundial de la Salud.

Electric and magnetic fields can attract microorganisms; based on those premises the aim of this study was to analyze the influence of a magnetic field on the fungi distribution in the air of a closed environment. Uncovered Petri dishes with Malt Extract Agar were placed in a closed area where a magnetic field of 10 mT generated by a coil of 60 Hz / 220 V was applied. A multifactorial D-optimum design considering three elements (air exposure time, distance to the center of the coil and time of magnetic field application) to determine the amount of filamentous fungi, expressed as the number of colony forming units by cubic meter of air, according to the sedimentation method proposed by Omeliansky. A quadratic model of the evaluated ranges was obtained, which indicated that the treatment applied showed significant influence on fungal spore distribution demonstrated by the increased fungal count which growth was stimulated by the treatment applied when compared to the controls. The largest stimulant effect was observed at 1 m of distance from the coil (0.4 mT) and after 2 h of exposure, conditions that permitted the growth of fungal concentrations that could be dangerous for human health according to the World Health Organization.

Estudo exploratorio da qualidade do ar em escolas de educacao basica, Coimbra, Portugal / Estudio exploratorio de la calidad del aire en escuelas de educacion basica, Coimbra, Portugal / Exploratory study of air quality in elementary schools, Coimbra, Portugal

OBJETIVO : Analisar a qualidade do ar em escolas de educação básica e suas condições estruturais e funcionais. MÉTODOS : Foi avaliada a qualidade do ar de 51 escolas (81 salas de aula) de educação básica da cidade de Coimbra, Portugal, tanto na parte interior das salas como na exterior, durante as quatro estações do ano, de 2010 a 2011. Foram avaliadas a temperatura (Tº), umidade relativa (Hr), concentrações de monóxido de carbono (CO), dióxido de carbono (CO 2 ), ozona (O 3 ), dióxido de nitrogênio (NO 2 ), dióxido de enxofre (SO 2 ), compostos orgânicos voláteis (COV), formaldeído e material particulado (PM 10 ), de novembro de 2010 a fevereiro de 2011 (outono/inverno) e de março de 2011 a junho de 2011 (primavera/verão). Procedeu-se ao preenchimento de uma grelha de caracterização das condições estruturais e funcionais das escolas. Aplicaram-se os testes estatísticos t- Student para amostras emparelhadas e o teste t de Wilcoxon. RESULTADOS : Em 47 escolas, as concentrações médias de CO 2 encontravam-se acima da concentração máxima de referência (984 ppm) mencionada na legislação portuguesa. Os valores máximos de concentração encontrados no interior das salas foram críticos, principalmente no outono/inverno (5.320 ppm). As concentrações médias de COV e de PM 10 no interior ultrapassaram a concentração máxima de referência legislada em algumas escolas. Não foram detetados valores relevantes (risco) de CO, formaldeído, NO 2 , SO 2 e O 3 . CONCLUSÕES : Houve maior concentração de poluentes no interior das salas, comparativamente com o exterior. A inadequada ventilação está associada à elevada concentração de CO 2 nas salas de aula. .

OBJETIVO : Analizar la calidad del aire en escuelas de educación básica y sus condiciones estructurales y funcionales. MÉTODOS : Se evaluó la calidad del aire de 51 escuelas (81 salas de aula) de educación básica de la ciudad de Coimbra, Portugal, tanto en el interior de las salas como en el exterior, durante las cuatro estaciones del año, de 2010 a 2011. Se evaluaron la temperatura (T°), humedad relativa (Hr), concentraciones de monóxido de carbono (CO), dióxido de carbono (CO2), ozono (O3), dióxido de nitrógeno (NO2), dióxido de azufre (SO2), compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COV), formaldehido (HCHO) y material particulado (PM10), de noviembre de 2010 a febrero de 2011 (otoño/invierno) y de marzo de 2011 a junio de 2011 (primavera/verano). Se procedió a llenar una tabla de caracterización de las condiciones estructurales y funcionales de las escuelas. Se aplicaron las pruebas estadísticas t-Student para muestras pareadas y la prueba t de Wilcoxon. RESULTADOS : En 47 escuelas, las concentraciones promedio de CO2 estaban por encima de la concentración máxima de referencia (984 ppm) mencionada en la legislación portuguesa. Los valores máximos de concentración encontrados en el interior de las salas fueron críticos, principalmente en el otoño/invierno (5.320 ppm). Las concentraciones promedio de COV y de PM10 en el interior sobrepasaron la concentración máxima de referencia legislada en algunas escuelas. No fueron detectados valores relevantes (riesgo) de CO, HCHO, NO2, SO2 y O3. CONCLUSIONES : Hubo mayor concentración de contaminantes en el interior de las salas, en comparación con el exterior. La inadecuada ventilación está asociada con la elevada concentración de CO2 en las salas de aula. .

OBJECTIVE : To analyze the air quality in elementary schools and their structural and functional conditions. METHODS : Air quality in 51 elementary schools (81 classrooms) in the city of Coimbra, Portugal, both inside and outside of the rooms was evaluated during the four seasons, from 2010 to 2011. Temperature (T°), relative humidity (Hr), concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), compounds were evaluated, as were volatile organics (VOC), formaldehyde and particulate matter (PM10), from November 2010 to February 2011 (autumn/winter) and March 2011 to June 2011 (spring/summer). A grid characterizing the structural and functional conditions of the schools was created. The statistical Student t test for paired samples and the Wilcoxon t test were applied. RESULTS : In 47 schools, the average CO2concentrations were above the maximum reference concentration (984 ppm) mentioned in Portuguese legislation. The maximum concentration values found inside the rooms were critical, especially in the fall/winter (5,320 ppm). In some schools the average concentrations of VOC and PM10within the maximum concentration exceeded the reference legislated. The values (risk) of CO, formaldehyde, NO2, SO2and O3detected were not relevant. CONCLUSIONS : There was a higher concentration of pollutants inside the rooms compared with outside. Inadequate ventilation is associated with high CO2concentration in the classroom. .

Contaminación del aire de interiores en hogares en situación de pobreza extrema en Colombia / Indoor air pollution in extremely poor Colombian households

Objetivo Caracterizar la exposición a la contaminación del aire interior por uso de combustibles sólidos en hogares en situación de pobreza extrema en Colombia. Métodos A partir de la información gubernamental oficial de hogares en situación de pobreza extrema (encuesta Red Unidos de septiembre 2012, n=1,3 millones de hogares y >5 millones de individuos) se estructuraron dos modelos de regresión logística: (i) Factores asociados al uso de combustibles sólidos para cocinar a nivel hogar, (ii) Asociación entre el uso de combustibles sólidos en el hogar y prevalencia de limitaciones de la salud a nivel individuo. Resultados Un total de 530 mil hogares en situación de pobreza extrema donde habitan 2,1 millones de colombianos, enfrentan el factor de riesgo (uso de combustibles fósiles en el hogar). La presencia del factor de riesgo está asociada a la zona rural (odds ratio-OR=19,4; intervalo de confianza al 95 %-IC95 %: 19,2-19,6), la etnia indígena (OR=2,9; IC95 %:2,9-3,0) y, de manera inversa, a la situación de desplazamiento (OR=0,6;IC95 %:0,6-0,6). La prevalencia de limitación cardiovascular y/o respiratoria, así como de limitación en visión se asociaron con la exposición. Discusión Las iniciativas que busquen mejorar la salud ambiental y calidad de vida de la población rural de mayor vulnerabilidad socio-económica del país cuentan con información de caracterización e impacto para priorizar programas tendientes a disminuir la exposición al uso de combustibles sólidos.

Objective Characterising exposure to indoor air pollution arising from solid-fuel use in extremely poor Colombian households. Methods Data from the September 2012 survey by Red Unidos (literally United Network, the Colombian government's official instrument for identifying extremely poor households: n=1.3 million households and >5 million people) was used for two logistic regression models: factors associated with solid fuel used in cooking within households and an association between exposure to solid fuel use in households and the prevalence of limitations regarding individual health. Results According to the Red Unidos data-based models, 2.1 million people living in 530,000 extremely poor households were exposed to environmental health risk (i.e. household air pollution caused by solid fuel use). Such risk was found to be related to living in rural areas (odds ratio (OR)=19.4 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI): 19.2-19.6 %), having an Indian background (OR=2.9: 2.9-3.0 95 %CI) and, inversely (i.e. when living in towns), internal displacement (OR=0.6: 0.6-0.695 %CI). The prevalence of permanent cardiovascular and respiratory limitations and limited vision were associated with exposure to indoor air pollution arising from solid fuel use. Discussion Initiatives for improving environmental health and the quality of life for extremely poor rural households in Colombia must make full use of the available characterisation data and its impact for prioritising programmes aimed at reducing exposure to solid fuel use.

Influence of a net cage tilapia culture on the water quality of the Nova Avanhandava reservoir, São Paulo State, Brazil - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v34i3.7298

In order to understand the influence of a net cage tilapia culture on the environment, water quality parameters were investigated during the period between December, 2005 and November, 2007. Three sampling stations were established in the reservoir of Nova Avanhandava (Zacarias, São Paulo State) as follows: upstream of net cage area (P1), in the rearing place (P2) and downstream of net cage area (P3). The mean values of the parameters examined in the water sampling stations were within the standards of water quality recommended by resolution no. 357/2005 of the Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente for class 2 freshwater bodies. A significantly higher mean concentration of total phosphorus (p 0.05) in the P2 (0.035 mg L-1) was the result of the uneaten feed and feces of fish. The average concentration of total phosphorus in P3 was lower (0.015 mg L-1), which was assimilated by the aquatic ecosystem. The frequent monitoring of the water parameters is fundamental, so the producer can adjust the management according to environmental conditions, by reducing fish density or changing feeding rates for example, to mitigate or avoid water quality deterioration.

The commercial fishing fleet using the middle stretch of the Madeira river, Brazil - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v34i3.8119

Fishery resources in the Amazon region are exploited by both industrial and artisanal fishing fleets, that differ in their use of fishing gear and fishing grounds. Data on the physical characteristics of the vessels belonging to the fishing fleets using the Solimões/Amazonas river and estuaries are limited. This article presents an analysis of some physical characteristics of the commercial fishery fleet using the middle stretch of the Madeira river. Data were quantitative collected using interviews of the owners and/or skippers of fishery vessels between January 2003 and May 2004. The boats used for fishing in the region varied in size from 8 to 14 meters and had an average storage capacity ranging from 4.5 to 6.1 tons. Canoes were also used for fishing and ranged in length from 5 to 9 meters, with an average storage capacity of 0.2 tons. The results of this study demonstrate that boats in the Madeira river fleet had similar characteristics to the fishery fleet of the Solimões/Amazonas river with respect to length, use of gear, and fish storage.

Estudio de la concentración fúngica aérea de los depósitos del Archivo Municipal de Cárdenas, Cuba / Study of airborne fungal concentration at the Archivo Municipal de Cardenas, Cuba

El control de determinados parámetros en ambientes interiores, como la temperatura y humedad relativa, constituye un elemento esencial para la conservación del patrimonio y la preservación de la salud humana, dado el riesgo potencial que implica la presencia de microorganismos en estos ambientes, específicamente los hongos. Los objetivos del estudio fueron determinar la concentración fúngica del aire del Archivo Municipal de Cárdenas (Cuba), realizar la identificación taxonómica de los aislamientos y describir el potencial biodeteriorante y patógeno que representan para el patrimonio documental y la salud humana, respectivamente. Se empleó un biocolector SAS Super 100 y placas de Petri conteniendo un medio de cultivo adecuado para el muestreo microbiológico; posteriormente se determinó la capacidad biodeteriorante de las cepas. Los valores de concentración fúngica obtenidos en el local 1 fueron extremadamente superiores al compararlo con el local 2, permitiendo clasificar al primero como altamente contaminado. El género fúngico predominante fue Penicillium, registrándose 53% y 81,8% en los locales 1 y 2, respectivamente. Todas los aislamientos presentaron marcada actividad celulolítica y producción de ácidos, mientras que el 58% excretó pigmentos al medio, comprobándose la capacidad biodeteriorante de las mismos. Los géneros fúngicos aislados representan patógenos potenciales para la salud humana.

The control of certain parameters in indoor environments, such as temperature and relative humidity, constitutes an essential element for the conservation of heritage, and preservation of human health, due to the potential risk implied by the presence of microorganisms in these environments, specifically fungi. The purpose of this study was to determine the airborne fungal concentration at the Archivo Municipal de Cardenas (Cuba), establish the taxonomic identification of isolates and describe the biodeteriorating and pathogenic potential represented for the documentary heritage and human health, respectively. We used a SAS Super 100 biocollector and Petri dishes containing an adequate culture medium for microbiological sampling, and later determined the biodeteriorating capacity of the strains. The fungal concentration values obtained at site 1 were considerably higher than those obtained at site 2, allowing classifying the first one as highly contaminated. The predominant fungal genus was Penicillium, registering 53% and 81.8% at sites 1 and 2, respectively. All the isolates presented marked cellulolytic activity and acid production, while 58% excreted pigments to the medium, verifying their biodeteriorating capacity. The fungus genus isolated represents potential pathogens for human health.

Evaluating fungi indoor presence in homes through viable and non-viable sampling / Evaluación de la presencia de hongos en el interior de domicilios a través de muestreo viable o no viable

Moulds are common and important allergens. They are more abundant outdoors but patients affected by mould allergy stay indoors much longer than outdoors. So, indoor sampling could help to assess the influence of the concentration of allergens in allergic symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the relative efficiencies of two air sampling methods, viable and non viable, for the quantification of airborne indoor fungi in the homes of patients sensitized to Alternaria. Furthermore, outdoor sampling was carried out to compare results. Samples were taken over six months in Badajoz (SW Spain). Two houses were selected according to the presence of allergic patients to Alternaria. They were sampled once a month using both viable and non viable personal samplers at solar noon. A Burkard personal sampler was used to record spores and a Sampl’air AES Chemunex sampler was used for colonies. Three rooms were selected in each home: living room, kitchen and bathroom. Temperature and relative humidity were registered at each sample. Outdoor sampling was performed one day per week at the Faculty of Science, using a seven day Burkard sampler for spores and the same personal sampler for colonies. On average, 200-300 CFU/ m3 were found from more than 40 taxa identified. The highest number of colonies was recorded in the kitchen, then in the bathroom and finally in the living room. Nevertheless, there were minor differences between rooms. The houses studied showed a similar temporal pattern, with maximum values in December and minimum in January. Cladosporium colonies showed statistical differences between homes, but these differences were not found with Alternaria, Aspergillus or Penicillium colonies. Differences between rooms appeared for Alternaria colonies and Cladosporium herbarium spores. Temperature was positively correlated in most cases and relative humidity negatively with Alternaria spores.

Los hongos son alérgenos comunes e importantes. Son más abundantes en exteriores pero los pacientes afectados por alergia a los hongos permanecen en interiores mucho más tiempo que en exteriores. Por esto, el muestreo en interiores puede ayudar a evaluar la influencia de la concentración de alérgenos en los síntomas de la alergia. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido valorar la eficiencia relativa de dos métodos de muestreo del aire, viable y no viable, para la cuantificación de hongos aerovagantes de interiores en hogares de pacientes sensibilizados a Alternaria. Adicionalmente, se ha realizado un muestreo en exteriores para comparar los resultados. Las muestras se tomaron durante seis meses en Badajoz (SO de España). Dos casas fueron seleccionadas de acuerdo a la presencia de pacientes alérgicos a Alternaria spp. Fueron muestreadas hacia el mediodía de forma mensual utilizando simultáneamente captadores personales con métodos viables y no viables. Un captador personal Burkard se utilizó para el registro de las esporas y un captador Sampl’air AES Chemunex para las colonias de hongos. Se seleccionaron tres habitaciones en cada casa, el salón, la cocina y el cuarto de baño. La temperatura y la humedad relativa fueron registradas en cada muestreo. El muestreo en el exterior se llevó cabo un día a la semana en la Facultad de Ciencias utilizando un captador Burkard 7-day para las esporas y el mismo captador personal para las colonias. En promedio se encontraron 200-300 CFU/m3 pertenecientes a más de 40 taxones identificados. El mayor número de colonias fue registrado en la cocina, luego en el cuarto de baño y finalmente en el salón. Sin embargo las diferencias entre las habitaciones fueron mínimas. Las casas estudiadas mostraron un patrón temporal similar, con valores máximos en Diciembre y mínimos en Enero.

Calidad del aire en edificios destinados a oficinas: parámetros y estándares de diseño y gestión para una ventilación eficiente / Air quality in buildings intended for offices: parameters and design and management standards for an efficient ventilation

Nuestra experiencia en evaluación de sistemas de ventilación existentes en edificios destinados a trabajos de oficina nos ha permitido detectar con una frecuencia relativamente alta problemas relacionados con el diseño y gestión de estos sistemas, que dificultan la obtención de ambientes sanos y confortables. En cuanto al diseño, éste requiere considerar las bases, parámetros y estándares que permitan obtener de ellos las condiciones que las personas necesitan y, una vez logrado lo anterior, la gestión correspondiente para controlar su aplicación y existencia permanente, que implica la evaluación periódica de los parámetros a través de mediciones y dispositivos de observación, así como de regulación y mantención de sus elementos constituyentes. Los resultados de las mediciones de estos parámetros deben ser verificados con estándares nacionales o internacionales reconocidos, utilizados en el diseño.

Our experience in evaluation of ventilation systems installed in buildings intended for offices has allowed us to detect rather frequent problems related to the design and management of these systems, which hamper the achievement of healthy and comfortable environments. With regard to design, it is necessary to consider the bases, parameters and standards that allow the achievement of the conditions that people require, and once this has been achieved, the corresponding management for controlling its application and continuous existence that implies the periodic evaluation of parameters through measurements and observation devices, as well as the regulation and maintenance of its constituent elements. The results of the measurements of these parameters must be verified with recognized national or international standards used in the design.

Qualidade do ar em ambientes internos hospitalares: estudo de caso e análise crítica dos padrões atuais / Indoor air quality in hospitals: a case study and a critical review of current standards

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade do ar em três categorias de ambientes hospitalares: unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) adulto, UTI neonatal (UTN) e centro cirúrgico de um hospital em Florianópolis, Brasil. Avaliaram-se a concentração de dióxido de carbono, a vazão e renovação de ar nas salas do centro cirúrgico. A concentração de bioaerossóis foi estimada em um dia de avaliação para cada ambiente. Não se observou relação entre a concentração de bioaerossóis e o tempo de uso das salas de cirurgia. A concentração média de bioaerossóis foi de 231 UFC.m-3 para fungos e de 187 UFC.m-3 para bactérias. Os ambientes avaliados atendiam aos valores recomendados pela legislação vigente. Os resultados permitiram avaliar criticamente essa legislação e apresentar sugestões para estabelecimento de uma resolução específica para ambientes hospitalares no Brasil.

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the air quality in three indoor hospital environments: a neonatal intensive care unit (ICU), an adult ICU and a surgical ward of a hospital in Florianópolis, Brazil. Carbon dioxide concentrations, exchange air flow rates as well as fungi and bacteria concentrations were measured in these rooms. Bioaerosol concentrations were evaluated throughout one-work day for each operating room. No relationship was observed between bioaerosol concentration and the period of use in the surgical ward. Average bioaerosol concentrations were of 231 UFC.m-3 for filamentous fungi and 187 UFC.m-3 for bacteria. All environments evaluated were, overall, in compliance with current legislations. Results allowed a critical review of the present regulations and suggestions for the establishment of a specific regulation for hospital environments in Brazil.

Aeromicota de ambientes internos: comparación de métodos de muestreo / Aeromycota in indoor environment: sampling methods comparison

El procedimiento de muestreo utilizado para determinar el grado de contaminación fúngica en ambientes internos, difiere según los autores. Por ello, con el fin de conocer si el método utilizado por nuestro grupo de investigación, es comparable con otras metodologías, se ha realizado un estudio comparativo con varios sistemas de captación de esporas del aire, incluyendo equipos volumétricos (Aeroscope Chirana, System Air Sampler, Burkard Personal Culture) así como el método tradicional por sedimentación. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que apenas existen diferencias cuando se utilizan los sistemas volumétricos, sin embargo, el método por sedimentación ha sido menos eficaz, tanto desde el punto de vista cuantitativo como cualitativo. Mientras, el método directo por hisopado, resulta un buen complemento para determinar la fuente de contaminación. También se ha determinado la hora del día con mayor carga fúngica, que se localiza al mediodía y tras el análisis de varios medios de cultivo, se concluye que el Agar Glucosa de Sabouraud resulta adecuado para este tipo de investigaciones.

The sampling method used to determine the degree of fungal contamination in indoor environment differs, according to some authors. Therefore, with the purpose of knowing if the method used by our research team is comparable to other methodologies, a comparative study with various systems used to capture air spores has been carried out which include volumetric equipment (Aeroscope Chirana, System Air Sampler, Burkard Personal Culture) as well as the traditional method by sedimentation. Results have revealed that there is fairly some difference when volumetric systems are used; as to the sedimentation method, it has proved to be less effective both in the quantitative and qualitative point of view. On the other hand, direct method through sprinkling becomes a suitable tool to establish the source of contamination. Moreover it has been recorded the time of day when the greatest fungal load occurs, this being at noon so after the analysis of several culture media it has been concluded that Sabouraud Agar Glucose is suitable for this kind of research.