Impact of sinonasal anatomic changes after endoscopic anterior skull base surgery on nasal airflow and air conditioning: a computational fluid dynamics study / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To analyze the impact of the sinonasal anatomic changes after endonasal endoscopic anterior skull base surgery on the nasal airflow and heating and humidification by computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and to explore the correlation between the postoperative CFD parameters and the subjective symptoms of the patients. Methods: The clinical data in the Rhinology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2016 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients received the endoscopic resection of the anterior skull base tumor were selected as the case group, and the adults whose CT scans had no sinonasal abnormalities were chosen as the control group. The CFD simulation was performed on the sinonasal models after reconstructed from the patients' sinus CT images during the post-surgical follow-up. All the patients were asked to complete the Empty Nose Syndrome 6-Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q) to assess the subjective symptoms. The comparison between two independent groups and the correlation analysis were carried out by using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Spearman correlation test in the SPSS 26.0 software. Results: Nineteen patients (including 8 males and 11 females, from 22 to 67 years old) in the case group and 2 patients (a male of 38 years old and a female of 45 years old) in the control group were enrolled in this study. After the anterior skull base surgery, the high-speed airflow moved to the upper part of the nasal cavity, and the lowest temperature shifted upwards on the choana. Comparing with the control group, the ratio of nasal mucosal surface area to nasal ventilation volume in the case group decreased [0.41 (0.40, 0.41) mm-1 vs 0.32 (0.30, 0.38) mm-1; Z=-2.04, P=0.041], the air flow in the upper and middle part of the nasal cavity increased [61.14 (59.78, 62.51)% vs 78.07 (76.22, 94.43)%; Z=-2.28, P=0.023], the nasal resistance decreased [0.024 (0.022, 0.026) Pa·s/ml vs 0.016 (0.009, 0.018) Pa·s/ml; Z=-2.29, P=0.022], the lowest temperature in the middle of the nasal cavity decreased [28.29 (27.23, 29.35)℃ vs 25.06 (24.07, 25.50)℃; Z=-2.28, P=0.023], the nasal heating efficiency decreased [98.74 (97.95, 99.52)% vs 82.16 (80.24, 86.91)%; Z=-2.28, P=0.023], the lowest relative humidity decreased [(79.62 (76.55, 82.69)% vs 73.28 (71.27, 75.05)%; Z=-2.28, P=0.023], and the nasal humidification efficiency decreased [99.50 (97.69, 101.30)% vs 86.09 (79.33, 87.16)%; Z=-2.28, P=0.023]. The ENS6Q total scores of all patients in the case group were less than 11 points. There was a moderate negative correlation between the proportion of the inferior airflow in the post-surgical nasal cavity negatively and the ENS6Q total scores (rs=-0.50, P=0.029). Conclusions: The sinonasal anatomic changes after the endoscopic anterior skull base surgery alter the nasal airflow patterns, reducing the efficiency of nasal heating and humidification. However, the post-surgical occurrence tendency of the empty nose syndrome is weak.

Evaluation of thermal environment and human thermal comfort in 8 types of public places from 2019 to 2021 / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the thermal environment of different types of public places and the thermal comfort of employees, so as to provide scientific basis for the establishment of microclimate standards and health supervision requirements. Methods: From June 2019 to December 2021, 50 public places (178 times) of 8 categories in Wuxi were selected, including hotels, swimming pools (gymnasiums), bathing places, shopping malls (supermarkets), barber shops, beauty shops, waiting rooms (bus station) and gyms. In summer and winter, microclimate indicators such as temperature and wind speed were measured in all kinds of places, combined with the work attire and physical activity of employees in the places. Fanger thermal comfort equation and center for the built environment (CBE) thermal comfort calculation tool were used to evaluate the predicted mean vote (PMV), predicted percent dissatisfied (PPD) and standard effective temperature (SET) according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 55-2020. The modification effects of seasonal and temperature control conditions on thermal comfort were analyzed. The consistency of GB 37488-2019 "Hygienic Indicators and Limits in Public Places" and ASHRAE 55-2020 evaluation results on thermal environment was compared. Results: The thermal sensation of hotel, barber shop staff and the gym front-desk staff were moderate, while the thermal sensation of swimming place lifeguard, bathing place cleaning staff and gym trainer were slightly warm in summer and winter. Waiting room (bus station) cleaning and working staff, shopping mall staff felt slightly warm in summer and moderate in winter. Service staff in bathing places felt slightly warm in winter, while staff in beauty salons felt slightly cool in winter. The thermal comfort compliance of hotel cleaning staff and shopping mall staff in summer was lower than that in winter (χ(2)=7.01, 7.22, P=0.008, 0.007). The thermal comfort compliance of shopping mall staff in the condition of air conditioning off was higher than that in the condition of air conditioning on (χ(2)=7.01, P=0.008). The SET values of front-desk staff in hotels with different health supervision levels were significantly different (F=3.30, P=0.024). The PPD value and SET value of the front-desk staff, and the PPD value of cleaning staff of hotels above three stars were lower than those of hotels below three stars (P<0.05). The thermal comfort compliance of front-desk staff and cleaning staff in hotels above three stars was higher than that in hotels below three stars (χ(2)=8.33, 8.09, P=0.016, 0.018). The consistency of the two criteria was highest among waiting room (bus station) staff (100.0%, 1/1) and lowest among gym front-desk staff (0%, 0/2) and waiting room (bus station) cleaning staff (0%, 0/1) . Conclusion: There are different degrees of thermal discomfort in different seasons, under the condition of air conditioning and health supervision, and the microclimate indicators can not fully reflect the thermal comfort of human body. The health supervision of microclimate should be strengthened, the applicability of health standard limit value should be evaluated in many aspects, and the thermal comfort of occupational group should be improved.

Safety perception of gym attenders: a post 3rd Covid-19 infection peak / Percepção de segurança de frequentadores de academias: uma perspectiva pós 3º pico de infecção por Covid-19

RESUMO Em 2020, o vírus da COVID-19 chegou no Brasil e atingiu uma grande parte do território nacional. Dentre as medidas de segurança para evitar a disseminação, ocorreu o fechamento de comércios não essenciais, como as academias de ginástica. Contudo, afirma-se que a prática de exercício físico auxilia na prevenção da COVID-19. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a percepção de segurança de frequentadores de academias climatizadas da cidade de Manaus-AM quanto ao contágio da COVID-19 nesses ambientes. Para a pesquisa foi elaborado um questionário autoaplicado abordando aspectos psicossociais, de saúde e comportamentais. Análises descritivas foram adotadas para as variáveis ​​categóricas e ​​numéricas. A associação foi testada aplicando o Teste de Qui-quadrado de Pearson ou o teste Exato de Fisher. A significância foi estabelecida em 5%. Para 151 respondentes, a percepção de ocupação do espaço, a satisfação com a academia, o medo de morrer, a auto percepção de saúde e ser portador de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis foram variáveis que apresentaram associação com a percepção de segurança (p < 0,05 para todas as variáveis). Apesar de as academias cumprirem com as recomendações dos órgãos reguladores, aspectos pessoais influenciaram mais na percepção de segurança ao frequentar academias climatizadas de Manaus.

ABSTRACT In 2020, the COVID-19 virus arrived in Brazil and reached a large part of the national territory. Among the security measures to prevent the spread, non-essential businesses were closed, such as gyms. However, it is suggested that the practice of physical exercise can help prevent COVID-19. This study aimed to analyze the safety perception of individuals who goes to climatized gyms in the city of Manaus regarding the contagion of COVID-19 in these environments. A self-applied questionnaire was elaborated addressing psychosocial, health and behavioral aspects. Descriptive analyses were adopted to categorical and numerical variables. The association was tested by applying Pearson's Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Significance was set at 5%. For 151 respondents, the perception of occupying space, satisfaction with the gym, fear of dying, self-perception of health and having a non-transmissible chronic disease were determining variables to present a greater or lesser perception of safety (p < 0.05 for all variables). Although the gyms comply with the recommendations of regulatory bodies, personal aspects influenced more the perception of safety when attending air-conditioned gyms in Manaus.

Monitoreo ambiental de sistemas de aclimatización en edificios residenciales y su relación en las micosis respiratorias / Environmental monitoring of air conditioning systems in residential buildings and their relationship with respiratory mycoses

En todo el mundo, los cambios climáticos y estilo de vida han resultado en un cambio de ambientes de aire libre a ambientes herméticos y energéticamente eficientes en el hogar y en los lugares de trabajo, donde las personas pasan parte sustancial de su tiempo. En esos entornos, el mantenimiento inadecuado de los aparatos de aire acondicionado, el diseño deficiente de edificio o de los hogares, y las actividades de sus ocupantes pueden dar lugar a condiciones de salud precaria, que pueden incluir enfermedades respiratorias. Bajo un estudio descriptivo, de cohorte transversal, se evaluaron 104 residencias familiares tipo apartamento con sistemas de aclimatización tipo Split en las habitaciones de descanso. Se obtuvieron resultados positivos para dermatofitos en 34 de las 104 muestras (33,65%), mientras que los hongos filamentosos y levaduras fueron 27 casos (25,96%). La concentración osciló entre 17 y 227 UFC/m3 y de 9 a 46 UFC/m3 para dermatofitos y para filamentosos y levaduras, respectivamente. Las especies de hongos dermatofitos aislados en el aire fueron Trichophyton rubrum y Trichophyton mentagrophytes, siendo el más frecuente fue el Trichophyton rubrum que apareció en el 73,52% de las muestras positivas, representamdo una frecuencia de ocurrencia de 24,04%; en ninguna de las muestras se observaron colonias mixtas con ambas especies a la vez. En el grupo de los no dermatofitos, el Penicillium spp. se presento en 10,58% de las muestras evaluadas, siendo el hongo mas prevalente de este grupo, con contajes que alcanzaron hasta 46 UFC/m3. Este grupo en los 27 positivos, se evidencio al menos dos especies de hongos y adicionalmente en 14 casos una levadura. Este estudio demostró que el no aplicar las medidas correctivas y sistema de limpieza de los aires acondiconados puede comprometer la salud de sus habitantes, especialmente por problemas respiratorios, por la presencia de hongos(AU)

Throughout the world, climate and lifestyle changes have resulted in a shift from outdoor environments to airtight and energy-efficient environments at home and in workplaces, where people spend a substantial part of their time. In these environments, inadequate maintenance of air conditioners, poor building or home design, and the activities of its occupants can lead to poor health conditions, which may include respiratory diseases. Under a descriptive, cross-sectional cohort study, 104 apartment-type family residences with acclimatization systems in Split-type rest rooms were evaluated. Positive results for dermatophytes were obtained in 34 of the 104 samples (33.65%), while filamentous fungi and yeasts were 27 cases (25.96%). The concentration ranged between 17 and 227 CFU/m3 and from 9 to 46 CFU/m3 for dermatophytes and for filamentous and yeasts, respectively. The species of dermatophyte fungi isolated in the air were Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, the most frequent being Trichophyton rubrum, which appeared in 73.52% of the positive samples, representing a frequency of occurrence of 24.04%; mixed colonies with both species at the same time were not observed in any of the samples. In the group of non-dermatophytes, Penicillium spp. it was present in 10.58% of the evaluated samples, being the most prevalent fungus of this group, with counts that reached up to 46 CFU/m3. This group in the 27 positives, evidenced at least two species of fungi and additionally in 14 cases a yeast. This study showed that not applying corrective measures and the air conditioning cleaning system can compromise the health of its inhabitants, especially due to respiratory problems, due to the presence of fungi

Ambiência - Controle de climatização de ambientes em BLH e Postos de Coleta de Leite Humano / Ambientación - Climatización de ambientes en Bancos de Leche Humana y Centros de Recolección de Leche Humana / Ambience - Climate control of environments in HMB and Human Milk Collection Stations

Esta Norma Técnica tem por objetivo estabelecer as medidas para monitorar, adequar, e assegurar os padrões de qualidade do ar em ambientes climatizados em Bancos de Leite Humano e Postos de Coleta de Leite Humano, visando a garantia da qualidade nestes serviços e sua certificação.

Esta Norma Técnica tiene por objetivo establecer las medidas para monitorear, ajustar y asegurar los estándares de calidad del aire en los ambientes climatizados de los Bancos de Leche Humana y Centros de Recolección de Leche Humana, con el fin de asegurar la calidad de estos servicios y su certificación.

Recomendaciones para calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado en establecimientos de salud, octubre del 2020 / Recommendations for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning in Healthcare Facilities, October 2020

Proporcionar condiciones térmicas y sistemas de ventilación adecuados que eviten la dispersión de patógenos es fundamental para proteger la salud de los pacientes, de los profesionales médicos y de enfermería, y del resto del personal, así como para el funcionamiento general de los equipos sensibles. Esta segunda versión presenta recomendaciones generales para evitar la transmisión del SARS-CoV-2 a través de sistemas de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado en establecimientos de salud.

Providing adequate thermal conditions and ventilation systems that prevent the dispersion of pathogens, is fundamental to protect the health of patients, caregivers and staff, and to the overall operation of sensitive equipment. This technical note presents general recommendations to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in ​health care facilities.

In vitro Propagation to Conserve the Local Endemic and Endangered Medicinal Plant Helianthemum germanicopolitanum Bornm

Abstract In this study, in vitro propagation and acclimatization of Helianthemum germanicopolitanum Bornm. plant, a local endemic in Çankırı Province (Turkey) with arid and semi-arid lands, and an endangered species taking part among medicinal and aromatic plants were accomplished, which is under-researched. In this study, three basal media [a) Murashige and Skoog b) Gamborg's B5, and c) Nitsch & Nitsch], two gelling agents (agar 7 g/L, and gelrite 2.1 g/L), eight cytokinins and eight auxin doses of plant growth regulators [a) 6-benzyladenin, b) Kinetin-(0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/L), c) Indole-3-butyric acid, d) α-napthaleneacetic acid-(0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/L)] prepared in 64 different combinations with 30 g/L sucrose was added to the basal media and adjusted to pH 5.7 for in vitro propagation of H. germanicopolitanum. During in vitro propagation of the plant, external and internal infections were frequently encountered and this was solved by the developed protocol. The best shoot growth (1.141 cm) and shoot length (0.572 cm) were obtained in the Gamborg's B5 medium in combination with Kinetin (0.5 mg/L)+Indole-3-butyric acid (0.5 mg/L)+gelrite. The maximum number of shoots (19.50) and the best multiplication rate (94%) were obtained in the media containing benzyladenin (1 mg/L)+Indole-3-butyric acid (0.5 mg/L) plant growth regulator in Murashige and Skoog medium solidified with agar. At the rooting stage, the maximum number of roots (30) was reached in the Murashige and Skoog medium containing gelrite and the best rooting rate (92%) with agar. A hundred plants representing the best shoot and root growth were taken to acclimatization stage, and 32 of these plants adapted to external conditions.

Recomendaciones para calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado en establecimientos de salud, 21 de mayo del 2020 / Recommendations for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning in Health Care Facilities, 21 May 2020

Esta ficha técnica presenta recomendaciones generales para evitar la transmisión del SARS-CoV-2 por medio de sistemas de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado en establecimientos de salud.

This technical note presents general recommendations to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in ​health care facilities.

Indoor Air Quality in the Hospital: The Influence of Heating, Ventilating and Conditioning Systems

Abstract Clean, fresh air is the most important requirement for good indoor air quality (IAQ) in all buildings, but it is especially important with regard to the environments within hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The literature indicates that buildings with heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems may have an increased risk of sick building syndrome (SBS) and building-related illness (BRI) if they are not well maintained. Microorganisms are brought into hospitals by people, air currents, water, construction materials and equipment. The main objective of this study was to assess the degree of fungal and bacterial contamination in the University Clinical Centre in Banja Luka, which is directly connected to the HVAC system. Airborne bacteria and fungi in the indoor hospital environment were assessed experimentally. Air samples were collected during the winter season. This paper presents the results related to the concentration of microorganisms expressed in colony forming units per cubic metre of air sampled (in CFU/m3) together with the microclimatic parameters temperature and relative humidity. The results of monitoring indicate the effectiveness of HVAC systems in reducing microbiological contamination.

Comparative study of transepidermal water loss in patients with and without hyperhidrosis by closed-chamber measurer in an air-conditioned environment / Estudo comparativo da perda transepidérmica de água em pacientes com e sem hiperidrose por mensurador de câmara fechada em ambiente climatizado

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the difference in transepidermal water loss in patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and healthy subjects, in an air-conditioned environment. Methods Twenty patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and 20 healthy subjects were subjected to quantitative assessment using a closed-chamber device, in six previously established sites. Results The measurements showed different transepidermal water loss values for healthy subjects and patients with hyperhidrosis, especially in the hands and feet. In the Control Group, the median for the hands was 46.4g/m2/hour (p25: 36.0; p75: 57.6), while in the Hyperhidrosis Group, the median was 123.5g/m2/hour (p25: 54.3; p75: 161.2) - p<0.001. For the feet, the Control Group had a median of 41.5g/m2/hour (p25: 31.3; p75: 63.5) and the Hyperhidrosis Group, 61.2g/m2/hour (p25: 32.3; p75: 117) - p<0.02. Measurements of the axillas also showed differences. In the Control Group, the median was 14.8g/m2/hour (p25: 11.8; p75: 19.0) and, in the Hyperhidrosis Group, 83.5g/m2/hour (p25: 29.5; p75: 161.7) - p<0.001. Conclusion Measuring transepidermal water loss is sufficient for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with hyperhidrosis.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a diferença entre a perda transepidérmica de água aferida entre pacientes com e sem diagnóstico de hiperidrose, em ambiente climatizado. Métodos Foram selecionados 20 pacientes com diagnóstico de hiperidrose e 20 hígidos, submetidos à aferição de maneira quantitativa, com mensurador de câmara fechada, em seis locais previamente estabelecidos. Resultados As medidas realizadas mostraram valores diferentes de perda transepidérmica de água em pessoas hígidas e naquelas com hiperidrose, principalmente em mãos e pés. No Grupo Controle, a mediana das aferições em mãos foi 46,4g/m2/hora (p25: 36,0; p75: 57,6), enquanto, no Grupo Hiperidrose, obtivemos a mediana de 123,5g/m2/hora (p25: 54,3; p75: 161,2) - p<0,001. Já nos pés, a mediana no Grupo Controle foi 41,5g/m2/hora (p25: 31,3; p75: 63,5) e, no Grupo Hiperidrose, foi 61,2g/m2/hora (p25: 32,3; p75: 117) - p<0,02. As medidas das regiões axilares também mostraram diferença. No Grupo Controle, obtivemos mediana 14,8g/m2/hora (p25: 11,8; p75: 19,0) e, no Hiperidrose, 83,5g/m2/hora (p25: 29,5; p75: 161,7) - p<0,001. Conclusão A mensuração da perda transepidérmica de água é suficiente para diagnóstico e acompanhamento de pacientes com hiperidrose.

Guia prático sobre controle ambiental para pacientes com rinite alérgica / Practical guide to environmental control for patients with allergic rhinitis

A asma e a rinite alérgica são doenças frequentes e acometem parcela significativa da população, sobretudo crianças. Frequentemente a asma e a rinite coexistem e tem sido documentado que a presença de rinite potencialmente aumenta a gravidade da asma e impacta negativamente na qualidade de vida. Entre os agentes desencadeantes/agravantes dessas doenças são apontados: aeroalérgenos (ácaros do pó domiciliar, fungos, alérgenos de baratas, epitélio de animais, polens e ocupacionais), poluentes intradomiciliares e extradomiciliares (fumaça de tabaco, material particulado liberado pela cocção/aquecimento ­ gás de cozinha, fogão a lenha) e irritantes (odores fortes, arcondicionado). O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar as medidas recomendadas para reduzir a exposição de pacientes sensíveis a esses agentes. Realizou-se busca em base de dados MEDLINE, SciELO e LILACS empregando-se os descritores: environmental control, mite, cockroach, fungi, furry pets, pollen, irritants, smoking, indoor pollution, cooking. Foram revisados os principais estudos e elaborou-se um documento em que são discutidas as relações entre exposição e aparecimento de sintomas, assim como as medidas apontadas como tendo potencial para evitar a exacerbação/ agravamento das doenças alérgicas respiratórias.

Asthma and allergic rhinitis are highly prevalent diseases and they affect a significant share of the population, especially children. Very often, asthma and rhinitis coexist, and the presence of rhinitis has been shown to potentially increase the severity of asthma, with a negative impact on quality of life. Among the triggering or aggravating agents of these conditions it is possible to list: aeroallergens (house dust mites, fungi, cockroach allergens, animal epithelium, pollens and occupational allergens), indoor and outdoor pollutants (tobacco smoke, particulate matter released by cooking/heating ­ cooking gas, wood stoves), and irritants (strong odors, air conditioning). The aim of this study was to identify measures recommended to reduce the exposure of patients sensitive to these agents. A search was conducted on the MEDLINE, SciELO, and LILACS databases, using the following keywords: environmental control, mite, cockroach, fungi, furry pets, pollen, irritants, smoking, indoor pollution, cooking. The main studies were reviewed, and a report was prepared in which the relationships between exposure and the onset of symptoms are discussed, and measures with a potential to prevent exacerbation/ aggravation of allergic respiratory diseases are presented.

Antimicrobial and enzymatic activity of anemophilous fungi of a public university in Brazil

ABSTRACT To the fungal microbiota the UFPE and biotechnological potential enzymatic and antimicrobial production. Air conditioned environments were sampled using a passive sedimentation technique, the air I ratio and the presence of aflatoxigenic strains evaluated for ANVISA. Icelles were to determine the enzymatic activity of lipase, amylase and protease metabolic liquids to determine antimicrobial activity. Diversity was observed in all CAV environments, CFU/m3 ranged from 14 to 290 and I/E ratio from 0.1 to 1.5. The of the fungal genera were: Aspergillus (50%), Penicillium (21%), Talaromyces (14%), Curvularia and Paecilomyces (7% each). Aspergillus sydowii (Bainier & Sartory) Thom & Church presented enzymatic activity and the Talaromyces purpureogenus Samson, Yilmaz, Houbraken, Spierenb., Seifert, Peterson, Varga & Frisvad presented antibacterial activity against all bacteria that all environments present fungal species biodiversity no toxigenic or pathogenic fungi were found, according to ANVISA legislation for conditioned environments and airborne filamentous fungi present potential for enzymatic and antimicrobial activity.

Influência das condições térmicas do galpão de espera climatizado na mortalidade pré-abate de frangos de corte / The influence of thermal conditions from an environmentally controlled preslaughter lairage on mortality of broiler chickens

Avaliou-se o efeito das condições ambientais da espera pré-abate na mortalidade de frangos de corte, mantidos em galpão climatizado em um abatedouro comercial. Foram avaliados 215 caminhões de transporte de um abatedouro comercial quanto ao número de aves mortas durante as operações pré-abate e à temperatura retal dos animais em condição de espera no abatedouro. Os dados foram obtidos no galpão de espera climatizado por meio de ventiladores e nebulizadores, em diferentes períodos: manhã, tarde e noite. As variáveis térmicas, distância, tempo de espera e densidade de aves por caixa foram consideradas na análise. Destacaram-se os efeitos da temperatura, da umidade relativa e do tempo de espera na variação tanto do número de aves mortas por caminhão quanto da temperatura retal dos animais. Com relação à interação entre temperatura e umidade relativa interna do galpão de espera, houve eficiência do ambiente climatizado no abatedouro quanto à diminuição do número de aves mortas. A climatização foi mais expressiva na redução do número de aves mortas e da temperatura retal quando a temperatura do galpão de espera estava entre 21 e 24°C, principalmente em condições de umidade relativa interna em torno de 70%. Nessas condições climatizadas, o tempo de espera acima de duas horas proporcionou maior conforto às aves.

The effect of environment conditions of preslaughter lairage on broiler mortality was assessed in the present study. Daily preslaughter data from 215 broiler flocks were recorded regarding the number of dead chickens during preslaughter operations and rectal temperature of broilers submitted to a lairage environment prior to slaughtering. A holding area at a slaughterhouse with environmental control was assessed. The thermal variables, distance between farms and slaughterhouse, lairage time and density of birds per cage was considered in this analysis. The effect of dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity and lairage time on death before arrival and rectal temperature was highlighted in this assessment. Regarding the interaction between temperature and inside relative humidity, a decrease in preslaughter mortality was observed due to exposure to a controlled environment. The environment control promoted an expressive reduction in dead birds and rectal temperature when the temperature inside the holding area was between 21 and 24 °C, mainly with inside relative humidity around 70%. In these environment control conditions lairage above 2 hours was necessary to reduce the thermal stress of birds.

Termorregulação de pintos de um dia submetidos a ambiente térmico simulado de transporte / Thermoregulation of day-old chickens submitted to simulated transport thermal environment

Objetivou-se, por meio deste trabalho, avaliar a termorregulação de pintos de um dia, mantidos em caixas de transporte, sob condição térmica simulada de transporte. Dois experimentos replicados executados em dias diferentes foram conduzidos em câmara climática. Para cada um dos experimentos, foram utilizados 360 pintos de um dia. Esses animais foram submetidos às condições de frio, conforto e calor, durante uma hora em cada tratamento. Os animais foram mantidos em caixas de transporte de pintos de um dia com quatro compartimentos, sendo cada um deles com 10 animais, totalizando 40 animais por caixa. Foram utilizadas três caixas empilhadas, simulando o que ocorre no caminhão de transporte. Para avaliação fisiológica, foram realizadas as seguintes medidas: frequência respiratória, peso, temperaturas superficial e cloacal. No geral, o posicionamento das caixas não alterou profundamente o conforto térmico dos pintos de um dia. Com relação às faixas térmicas, a condição de frio foi a que mais afetou as respostas fisiológicas, com destaque para as temperaturas superficial média e cloacal. No entanto, com o aumento do tempo de exposição, possivelmente o tratamento térmico por calor possa ter mais efeito sobre a termorregulação desses animais.

An experiment was conducted to assess the thermoregulation of day-old chickens, placed in transport boxes, under simulated transport thermal condition. Two replicated trials were done in two different days in a windowless environmentally controlled chamber. For each one, a total of 360 one-day-old broiler chicks were used. These animals were submitted to three thermal conditions (cold, thermoneutral and heat), for 1 h each. The birds were placed in boxes for day-old chick transport, divided in 40 chicks per box, with three boxes stacked vertically, for each treatment (120 chicks per treatment). Body weight, respiratory frequency, mean surface and cloacal temperature were monitored in a sample of 20 animals per box, with measurements were made before and after the treatments. The box placement had a negligible effect on the thermal comfort of birds. The mean surface and cloacal temperature responses were markedly affected by the cold treatment. However, with an increasing exposure time, the heat treatment might possibly have a clear evidence on the thermoregulation of day-old chickens.

Characterization of Francisella species isolated from the cooling water of an air conditioning system

Strains of Francisella spp. were isolated from cooling water from an air conditioning system in Guangzhou, China. These strains are Gram negative, coccobacilli, non-motile, oxidase negative, catalase negative, esterase and lipid esterase positive. In addition, these bacteria grow on cysteine-supplemented media at 20 °C to 40 °C with an optimal growth temperature of 30 °C. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that these strains belong to the genus Francisella. Biochemical tests and phylogenetic and BLAST analyses of 16S rRNA, rpoB and sdhA genes indicated that one strain was very similar to Francisella philomiragia and that the other strains were identical or highly similar to the Francisella guangzhouensis sp. nov. strain 08HL01032 we previously described. Biochemical and molecular characteristics of these strains demonstrated that multiple Francisella species exist in air conditioning systems.

Survey of infection in orthopedic postoperative and their causative agents: a prospective study / Avaliação de infecção no pós-operatório ortopédico e seus agentes causadores: estudo prospectivo

SummaryObjective:to evaluate the cases of wound infections in orthopedic postoperative period.Methods:postoperative patients who developed infection during the period from November 2012 to November 2013 were studied. Secretions were collected during surgery using sterile swabs, and sent for microbiological analysis.Results:during the period analyzed, 38 surgical procedures progressed to infection. The type of surgery presenting the largest number of infections was osteosynthesis, in 36 (94.7%) patients. Among the materials used, 18 (36%) surgeries that used external fixator were infected, and 17 (34%) using plate. The species of bacteria that caused the largest number of infections were Staphylococcus aureus, infecting 16 (43.9%) patients, followed by Acinetobacter baumannii, which infected four (10.5%) patients. Regarding the resistance profile of Gram-positive strains to antibiotics, 100% of Staphylococcus aureus strains were susceptible to vancomycin and 31.3%, to ceftriaxone. As for the Gram-negative bacteria, 100% of Acinetobacter baumannii strains were resistant to ceftriaxone, gentamicin and imipenem.Conclusion:infection control in the postoperative period is necessary, using antibiotics correctly and consciously, avoiding resistance of bacterial agents.

ResumoObjetivo:avaliar os casos de feridas infectadas em pós- -operatório ortopédico.Métodos:foram estudados pacientes de pós-operatório que evoluíram com processo infeccioso, durante o período de novembro de 2012 a novembro de 2013. Foi realizada coleta intraoperatória de secreções com o auxílio de swabs estéreis, e o material foi encaminhado para análise microbiológica.Resultados:durante o período analisado, 38 procedimentos cirúrgicos evoluíram para processo infeccioso. O tipo de cirurgia que apresentou o maior número de infecções foi a osteossíntese, em 36 (94,7%) pacientes. Em relação ao material utilizado, 18 (36%) cirurgias que empregaram fixador externo e 17 (34 %) que fizeram uso de placa se infectaram. A bactéria que causou o maior número de infecções foi a Staphylococcus aureus, acometendo 16 (43,9%) pacientes, seguida pela Acinetobacter baumannii, que acometeu 4 (10,5%) pacientes. Em relação ao perfil de resistência das cepas Gram-positivas aos antibióticos, 100% das cepas de Staphylococcus aureus foram sensíveis à vancomicina, e 31,3%, à ceftriaxona. Quanto às bactérias Gram-negativas, 100% das cepas de Acinetobacter baumannii apresentaram resistência a ceftriaxona, gentamicina e imipenem.Conclusão:o controle de infecções em pós-operatório se faz necessário, utilizando antibióticos de forma correta e consciente, evitando a resistência aos agentes bacterianos.

A investigation of thirdhand smoke pollution in 3 types of places of Nanjing, 2014 / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate thirdhand smoke (THS) pollution in certain places of Nanjing, as well as to analyze its distribution characteristics.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March to May, 2014, we selected 3 types of places (residencies, public places and transportation vehicles) that were close to people's living in Jianye,Yuhua,Jiangning,Xuanwu,Gulou and Pukou districts of Nanjing city.For each of the above 3 types of places, 2-3 smoking and non-smoking (smoking ban) locations were investigated, totally 51 locations, 9-10 samples were collected each location, totally 477 samples. The surface wipe sampling method in conjunction with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was utilized to quantify the levels of nicotine that served as the tracer of THS pollution.One-way ANOVA and t-tests were employed to compare the levels of nicotine collected at different places and locations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally 477 samples were collected in this study, of which 27.0% was from residencies (129/477), 61.0% (291/477) from public places and 11.9% (57/477) from transportations. The levels of indoor surface nicotine in smoking residences, public places and transportations were (214 ± 55),(1 408 ± 177) and (1 511 ± 785) µg/m(2), respectively, which were all higher than those in the corresponding non-smoking places ((23 ± 9),(62 ± 11), and (46 ± 15) µg/m(2); t values were 13.79, 13.15, 3.45, respectively. P values were <0.001, <0.001 and 0.006, respectively).In the smoking places, the levels of surface nicotine on walls, desks, sofas, cabinets, door backsides and air conditioning openings were (171 ± 62),(232 ± 38),(373 ± 151),(903 ± 239), (978 ± 212), (1 721 ± 517) µg/m(2) (F = 7.06, P = 0.009).In the smoking condition, the levels of surface nicotine collected from public places were higher (F = 9.25, P = 0.024), while under non-smoking (smoking ban) conditions, the levels of surface nicotine collected from residences were lower (F = 7.88, P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>THS pollution was widespread in public places, residences and transportations in Nanjing city, which was more serious in the smoking environments than non-smoking (smoking ban) environments; the contamination was less serious in non-smoking (smoking ban) private residences; in the smoking condition, the levels of surface nicotine were relatively high at locations close to air conditioning openings, door backsides and cabinets.</p>

Association between Prenatal Environmental Factors and Child Autism: A Case Control Study in Tianjin, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association between autism and prenatal environmental risk factors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A case-control study was conducted among 193 children with autism from the special educational schools and 733 typical development controls matched by age and gender by using questionnaire in Tianjin from 2007 to 2012. Statistical analysis included quick unbiased efficient statistical tree (QUEST) and logistic regression in SPSS 20.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were four predictors by QUEST and the logistic regression analysis, maternal air conditioner use during pregnancy (OR=0.316, 95% CI: 0.215-0.463) was the single first-level node (χ²=50.994, P=0.000); newborn complications (OR=4.277, 95% CI: 2.314-7.908) and paternal consumption of freshwater fish (OR=0.383, 95% CI: 0.256-0.573) were second-layer predictors (χ²=45.248, P=0.000; χ²=24.212, P=0.000); and maternal depression (OR=4.822, 95% CI: 3.047-7.631) was the single third-level predictor (χ²=23.835, P=0.000). The prediction accuracy of the tree was 89.2%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The air conditioner use during pregnancy and paternal freshwater fish diet might be beneficial for the prevention of autism, while newborn complications and maternal depression might be the risk factors.</p>

A Study on the Prevalence of Indoor Mycoflora in Air Conditioned Buses.

Aim: To study the presence of indoor mycoflora in A/c Buses to know the commuters risk of exposure to fungal spores. Place and Duration: Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT), Koyambedu, Chennai, India. Study was conducted from November 2011 to April 2012. Methodology: Airborne fungi from 50 A/c buses were studied using Reuter Centrifugal Sampler (Biotest, Germany), fungi from the surfaces of air vents through swab sample and bus seats by rubbing sterile petridishes on the seats. Sabourauds Dextrose Agar (SDA) was used for the isolation of fungi from different buses. The collected data were statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 38 species classified in 21 genera were recorded. Among which, Zygomycetes was represented by 4 species, Ascomycetes and Coelomycetes by single species each and the remaining belongs to Hyphomycetes. The genus, Aspergillus was represented by maximum number of species (11 species) followed by Penicillium (5 species). A total average of 713 CFU/m3 of air was recorded within the buses. Aspergillus niger was the first dominant fungi in the order of dominance followed by Chrysonilia sitophila, Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus flavus in that order. From the surface of bus seats, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer and A. japonicus were recorded as dominant. However, different mycofloral composition was recorded from air vents. Cladosporium chlorocephalum and Curvularia lunata dominated the surface of air vents. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the presence of potential fungal species which pose exposure risk to the immune compromised commuters.

Efficacy of the Precise Climate Controller on the reduction of indoor microorganisms

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, there are many methods to reduce microorganisms in the air, such as dehumidifier, air purifier or humidity and temperature controller. The Precise Climate Controller is an instrument for controlling humidity and temperature, a concept that is demonstrated. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of this device, in order to reduce the quantity of the fungi and bacteria in the closed system.