To Study the Effect of Interventions to Reduce the Indoor Air Pollution in Asthmatic Children of Rural India

Background: Around 2.6 billion people cook their food using biomass fuel (BMF), kerosene oil, and coal fuel, by which each year, 4 million people die prematurely from household air pollution or by this inefficient cooking practices. So, this study was planned to measure the effect of interventions of cooking fuel (BMF to LPG) to reduce the indoor air pollution in asthmatic children of rural India. Methods: Prospective observational study was done by door-to-door survey, among school-age children. Households of asthmatic children were encouraged to change their cooking fuel to more secure and were followed up for a period of 9 months. The intervention was in the form of a change of cooking fuel (from BMF to LPG) and proper education. The levels of indoor pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) were measured before and after 3 months of follow-up. Result: A total of 56 asthmatic children from 42 households were followed-up for the following 9 months at every 3 months visit. The mean age was 9.27 ± 3.94 years with an equivalent sex ratio. There was at least one smoker in 73.81% of households of asthmatic children. Nearly, 45% of children were living in 101–500 square yard area and 67.86% with the inhabitation of ? 3/room. The level of all particulate matter decreased significantly at 3 months (p < 0.05). At 3, 6, 9 months of follow-up, respiratory symptoms and morbidity significantly diminished. Conclusion: The change in cooking fuel to more secure was found to be one of the factors decreasing indoor pollutants and respiratory symptoms/morbidity among asthmatic children in rural areas.

Biodegradation of two residues from service stations in Río Gallegos - Argentina / Biodegradación de dos residuos de estaciones de servicio en río gallegos - argentina

RESUMEN La producción de efluentes contaminados con hidrocarburos en las estaciones de servicio es un inconveniente a controlar y dar un tratamiento adecuado. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo estudiar la biorremediación de dos residuos de estaciones de servicio de la ciudad de Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina por medio de biodegradación. Se realizó la caracterización de la fase oleosa obtenida de efluentes de dos estaciones de servicio y se realizó una biorremediación con microcosmos de los mismos. El seguimiento se realizó con análisis de GC/MS para hidrocarburos y perfiles de ácidos grasos microbianos, como también se realizó un seguimiento de las bacterias degradadoras de hidrocarburos. Los dos residuos mostraron diferente perfil cromatográfico; esto impactó sobre la degradación de los mismos que fue para el Residuo 1 de 79,68 % y para el Residuo 2 de 29,23 %. Este último poseía un perfil más rico en hidrocarburos policíclicos que son tóxicos para las bacterias. El impacto sobre la comunidad bacteriana debido a la composición de los residuos también se evidenció en la evolución del índice de Shannon determinado, y de los diferentes grupos microbianos estudiados a partir de los ácidos grasos obtenidos desde el suelo, encontrándose un predominio de bacterias Gram positivas responsables de llevar adelante el proceso de biorremediacón. Los principales resultados obtenidos demostraron que la fase líquida no acuosa obtenida a partir de los efluentes de estaciones de servicio es posible de ser biorremediada por la comunidad bacteriana presente en el suelo de estudio.

ABSTRACT Gasoline station leached is an inconvenient to control and give a treatment of this waste. The aim of this work was to study the bioremediation of waste from gasoline stations in the city of Río Gallegos. The characterization of the oil phase was carried out and bioremediation was performed with microcosm thereof, the follow-up was performed with the GC-MS for hydrocarbons and fatty acid profiles, and the hydrocarbon degrading bacteria were also monitored. The content of the profile was different from the chromatographic profile; the impact on the degradation of the same that was used for residue 1 was 79.68% and for residue 2, it was 29.23%. The second one is a profile richer in light weight hydrocarbons that are toxic to bacteria. The impact on the microbiota was due to the composition of the waste. Based on the Shanon index, there is a predominance of gram positive bacteria. The non-aqueous liquid phase obtained from the effluents can be bioremediated by the bacterial soil community.

Perception of workers about inhibitors and fuels of professional development / Percepção de trabalhadores acerca de inibidores e propulsores do desenvolvimento profissional / Percepción de trabajadores sobre inhibidores y propulsores del desarrollo profesional

Career building is an active process that is built objectively and subjectively throughout life. This study aimed to identify the perception of workers about the fuels and inhibitors of their professional development. We conducted this study in two methodological steps. The first stage consisted of data collection and had the participation of 408 workers (53.9% men), who addressed the elements that acted as fuels or inhibitors of their professional development. In the second stage, we invited ten experts to evaluate indicating the appropriate dimensions for each fuel or inhibitor of professional development, according to the theoretical models. The study contributes with a set of 39 fuels and inhibitors of professional development, distributed in four categories: psychological elements, relational elements, contextual elements, intentional and experiential learning. The results contribute to career studies, and workers can use the findings of this research to reflect and elaborate professional development plans.

A carreira é um processo ativo que se constrói de forma objetiva e subjetiva ao longo da vida. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer a percepção de trabalhadores acerca dos propulsores e inibidores de seu desenvolvimento profissional. O método foi desenvolvido em duas etapas. A primeira consistiu no levantamento dos dados e contou com a participação de 408 trabalhadores (53,9% homens), que abordaram os elementos que atuaram como propulsores ou inibidores de seu desenvolvimento profissional. A segunda etapa foi uma análise por juízes (dez) para agrupamento de tais propulsores/inibidores de acordo com as dimensões de três modelos teóricos de aprendizagem. Como contribuição, o estudo apresenta 39 propulsores/inibidores do desenvolvimento profissional, distribuídos nas seguintes categorias: elementos psicológicos, elementos relacionais, elementos contextuais e aprendizagem intencional e experiencial. Os resultados contribuem para os estudos sobre carreira e podem subsidiar trabalhadores em sua reflexão e elaboração de planos de desenvolvimento profissional.

La carrera es un proceso activo, que se construye objetivamente y subjetivamente a lo largo de la vida. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la percepción de los trabajadores sobre los propulsores e inhibidores de su desarrollo profesional. El primero paso del método consistió en la recolección de datos y contó con la participación de 408 trabajadores (53,9% hombres), quienes abordaron los elementos que actuaron como propulsores o inhibidores de su desarrollo profesional. El segundo paso fue un análisis realizado por los jueces (10) para agrupar tales propulsores/inhibidores de acuerdo con las dimensiones de tres modelos de aprendizaje. Como contribución, el estudio presenta 39 propulsores/inhibidores del desarrollo profesional, distribuidos en las siguientes categorías: elementos psicológicos, relacionales y contextuales y aprendizaje intencional y experimental. Los resultados contribuyen a los estudios sobre la carrera y pueden subsidiar a los trabajadores en su reflexión y elaboración de planes de desarrollo profesional

Epidemiological investigation of 511 adult inpatients with gas burns / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of adult inpatients with gas burns in the Department of Burns of Hwa Mei Hospital of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as the author′s unit) , so as to provide evidence for the prevention of gas burn.@*Methods@#Medical records of all inpatients with flame burns admitted to the author′s unit from January 2011 to December 2017 were collected. The percentage of adult inpatients with gas burns in total inpatients with flame burns in the same period, and their gender, age, injury season, accident place, burn severity, common compound injury, complication, population caliber, education, industry, as well as the pre-injury disease and prognosis of elderly inpatients with gas burns were retrospectively analyzed. In addition, the age, accident place, education, and industry of the floating population in the adult inpatients with gas burns were analyzed separately and compared with the total population of adult inpatients with gas burns in 7 years. Data were processed with chi-square test or Fisher′s exact probability test (Monte Carlo algorithm).@*Results@#During the 7 years, 1 490 inpatients with flame burns were admitted to the author′s unit, among which 511 were adult inpatients with gas burns, accounting for 34.30%. The number of adult inpatients with gas burns increased gradually during the 7 years, but its percentage in the total inpatients with flame burns during the same period showed no significant difference (χ2=7.087, P>0.05). Among the 511 adult inpatients with gas burns (hereinafter referred to as the patients in this group), there were 315 males and 196 females, with a male/female ratio of 1.61 to 1.00, and the middle-aged patients were the most, up to 270 cases, accounting for 52.84%. The distribution of adult inpatients with gas burns during the 7 years was significantly different in gender and age (χ2=54.810, 27.832, P<0.01). Among the patients in this group, most were injured in summer, totally 251 cases, accounting for 49.12%, and the accident place was mainly at home, totally 388 cases, accounting for 75.93%. The distribution of adult inpatients with gas burns during the 7 years was significantly different in injury season (χ2=42.254, P<0.01), but not in accident place (χ2=6.782, P>0.05). The patients in this group were mainly with moderate burns (237 cases, accounting for 46.38%), and the distribution trend of burn severity of adult inpatients with gas burns was basically the same during the 7 years (χ2=19.680, P>0.05); 176 patients (34.44%) were accompanied by inhalation injury, and 30 patients (5.87%) were accompanied by blast injury of lung; post injury complications occurred in 20 patients (3.91%). In the elderly inpatients with gas burns, 44.44% (32/72) were accompanied by pre-injury basic diseases, and the proportion of death or unhealed reached 18.06% (13/72). Most of the patients in this group were permanent residents (358 cases, accounting for 70.06%) and received secondary education (304 cases, accounting for 59.49%), and the majority of them were engaged in manufacturing/construction (138 cases, accounting for 27.01%), self-employed business (90 cases, accounting for 17.61%), and catering (90 cases, accounting for 17.61%) industries. The distribution of adult inpatients with gas burns during the 7 years was significantly different in population caliber, education, and occupation (χ2=17.496, 29.898, 88.896, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Among the patients of this group, the floating population were mainly young (90 cases, accounting for 58.82%) and middle-aged (62 cases, accounting for 40.52%), with main accident place at home (97 cases, accounting for 63.40%), generally received secondary education (101 cases, accounting for 66.01%), and were mainly engaged in manufacturing/construction (71 cases, accounting for 46.41%), self-employed business (26 cases, accounting for 16.99%), and catering (20 cases, accounting for 13.07%) industries. Compared with the total adult inpatients with gas burns in 7 years, the floating population were younger, more injured in the workplace, and more concentrated in industry (χ2=42.924, 9.390, 27.819, P<0.01).@*Conclusions@#Gas burn was the leading injury cause of inpatients with flame burns in the author′s unit, which mainly occurred in summer and at home; the patients were mainly male, young and middle-aged, and permanent residents, most of which were with moderate burn, often accompanied by inhalation injury. Most of the patients were of secondary education, engaged in manufacturing/construction, self-employed business, and catering industries, among which the floating population were younger, more injured in the workplace, and more concentrated in industry. In order to prevent gas burn, we should pay more attention to the propaganda and education of gas safety among young and middle-aged men, floating population, retired old people and housewives, especially in summer, we should do a good job in gas safety inspection at home. In addition, we should urge enterprises to further strengthen the supervision of production safety.

Effect of Different Doses of Inhaled Corticosteroids on the Isolation of Nasopharyngeal Flora in Children with Asthma

Objectives: To find the effects of inhaled corticosteroids and the impact of different doses ofinhaled corticosteroids on the isolation of nasopharyngeal flora in asthmatic children aged 1-15 years. Methods: The study included 75 children with asthma and 25 age-matchedcontrols. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained. Bacteria were identified by standardtechniques. Results: Pathogenic organisms were isolated from 36% of asthmatic childrenand 20% of controls, the difference was not significant statistically (OR=2.25, 95% CI=0.75-6.67, P=0.13). There was no statistically significant association of using a high dose ofinhaled corticosteroids with the isolation of pathogenic organisms. Usage of biomass fuel forcooking in the household of asthmatic children increases the risk of colonization (OR=3.4,95% CI= 1.26-9.10, P=0.03). Conclusion: Inhaled corticosteroids are safe in the treatmentof asthma and there is no association between different doses of Inhaled corticosteroids andisolation of the pathogenic organism.

Assessment of wasteland derived biomass for bioethanol production

Background: The bioethanol produced from biomass is a promising alternative fuel. The lignocellulose from marginal areas or wasteland could be a promising raw material for bioethanol production because it is present in large quantities, is cheap, renewable and has favorable environmental properties. Despite these advantages, lignocellulosic biomass is much more difficult to process than cereal grains, due to the need for intensive pretreatment and relatively large amounts of cellulases for efficient hydrolysis. Therefore, there is a need to develop an efficient and cost-effective method for the degradation and fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol. Results: The usefulness of lignocellulosic biomass from wasteland for the production of bioethanol using pretreatment with the aid of ionic liquids of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride was evaluated in this study. The pretreatment process, enzymatic hydrolysis and alcoholic fermentation lasted a total of 10 d. The largest amounts of bioethanol were obtained from biomass originating from agricultural wasteland, in which the dominant plant was fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) and from the field where the common broom (Cytisus scoparius) was the dominant. Conclusions: The plants such as fireweed, common broom, hay and goldenrod may be useful for the production of liquid biofuels and it would be necessary in the further stage of research to establish and optimize the conditions for the technology of ethyl alcohol producing from these plant species. Enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass from agricultural wastelands results in a large increase in fermentable sugars, comparable to the enzymatic hydrolysis of rye, wheat, rice or maize straw.

Análise do potencial microbiano de uma biopilha na biorremediação de solos contaminados por hidrocarbonetos de petróleo / Analysis of microbial potential of a biopile in soil bioremediation contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons

RESUMO A presente pesquisa avaliou o potencial microbiano de uma biopilha na biorremediação de solos contaminados por hidrocarbonetos, montada em uma base de distribuição de combustíveis na região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Desta biopilha, foram avaliadas as concentrações dos hidrocarbonetos totais de petróleo (HTP) e de compostos benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno e xilenos (BTEX), em nove pontos, durante quatro etapas de operação e em três profundidades por ponto. De cada coleta, também foram reservadas amostras de solo para realização das análises microbiológicas. A partir dessas amostras, buscou-se identificar fungos e leveduras pela análise de suas estruturas reprodutivas em lâminas de microcultivo, e bactérias pela técnica da Reação em Cadeira da Polimerase (PCR) e sequenciamento do gene que codifica o RNAr 16S. Ainda, avaliou-se a capacidade dos microrganismos isolados em degradar óleo diesel comercial, utilizando o indicador redox 2,6-diclorofenol indofenol (DCPIP). Como resultado deste estudo, observaram-se elevados percentuais de redução nas concentrações de HTP e BTEX na biopilha, como 92 e 100%, respectivamente. Das amostras de solo da biopilha, foram isoladas 101 cepas de microrganismos, das quais foram identificadas 19 cepas de fungos filamentosos, 34 de bactérias e 1 de levedura. Os resultados evidenciaram a capacidade de alguns gêneros de fungos, como Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Cladosporium e Verticillium, e bactérias, como Bacillus spp. e Streptomyces sp., em degradar hidrocarbonetos constituintes do óleo diesel comercial.

ABSTRACT This research evaluated the microbial potential of a biopile in bioremediation of soils contaminated by hydrocarbons, mounted on a fuel distribution base in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Of this biopile were evaluated concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and benzene compounds, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) at nine points, for four stages of operation and a point in three depths. Of each collection were also reserved sampled soil to perform the microbiological testing. From the samples, we sought to identify fungi and yeasts by analyzing their reproductive structures microcultivation blades, and bacteria by the technique of Polymerase Reaction Chair (PCR) and gene sequencing encoding the 16S rRNA. Still, we evaluated the ability of microorganisms to degrade commercial diesel oil, using the redox indicator 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP). As result of this study, there was a high percentage reduction in the concentration of TPH and BTEX in biopilha as 92 and 100%, respectively. Of soil samples were isolated from biopilha 101 strains of microorganisms, of which 19 were identified strains of filamentous fungi and 34 bacterial yeast. The results showed the ability of some genera of fungi such as Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Cladosporium and Verticillium and bacteria such as Bacillus spp. and Streptomyces sp. to degrade hydrocarbons constituents of commercial diesel oil.

Movilidad motorizada, impacto ambiental, alternativas y perspectivas futuras: consideraciones para el Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá / Motorized mobility, environmental impact, alternatives and future prospects: considerations for the Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá

RESUMEN La movilidad motorizada está íntimamente ligada a los combustibles líquidos como la gasolina y el diésel; y en consecuencia, con el medio ambiente. Además de la problemática con el calentamiento global, la utilización de estos combustibles genera compuestos de carácter contaminante que afecta la salud de la población. Entre todos los contaminantes criterio, el material particulado (PM) de tamaño menor o igual a 2,5 micras (PM25) es considerado como uno de los compuestos de mayor peligrosidad debido a que puede penetrar hasta la región de intercambio de gases del pulmón. Los registros para el Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá (AMVA) muestran eventualmente que los niveles promedio de calidad del aire resultan ser nocivos para la salud del habitante metropolitano. Lo anterior se debe principalmente a las altas concentraciones de PM25 generadas por vehículos pesados que usan combustible diésel. Si bien las propiedades de este combustible tienen un efecto directo en el PM respirable, existen otras estrategias que influyen en las características y la cantidad de las emisiones generadas. Por ejemplo, la mejora del nivel tecnológico de los motores a partir de planes de chatarrización y renovación, y de la pauta de conducción, así como la incorporación de vehículos eléctricos. Con todo lo anterior, este trabajo muestra una serie de consideraciones a fin de plantear posibles estrategias de solución a la problemática ambiental de la ciudad y el país.(AU)

ABSTRACT Motorized mobility is closely linked to liquid fuels such as gasoline and diésel and therefore, to the environment. Besides the problems associated with global warming, the use of these fuels also generates polluting compounds affecting the population health. Among all primary pollutants, particulate matter (PM) less than or equal to 2.5 microns (PM25) in size, is regarded as one of the most dangerous compounds because it can penetrate the region lung gas exchange. The records for the Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá (AMVA) often show that the average levels of air quality were found to be harmful to the health of metropolitan habitants. This is mainly attributed to the high concentrations of PM25 generated by heavy-duty vehicles that use diésel fuel. Although the properties of diesel fuel have a direct effect on breathable PM, there are other strategies influencing both nature and amount of emissions. For example, the improvement of the technological level of the engines and the driving pattern, as well as the incorporation of electric vehicles. This paper shows some considerations in order to propose possible strategies to solve the environmental problem of the city and the country.(AU)

Afecciones respiratorias por el uso de leña y carbón en comunidades de Paraguay

Introducción: El uso de combustibles sólidos está asociado con más de 4 millones de muertes prematuras anuales en el mundo, especialmente de mujeres y niños. El uso del carbón y la leña son todavía muy prevalentes en Paraguay donde el 21% de la población urbana y 71% de la población rural utilizan estos combustibles para cocinar. Objetivo: Describir el uso de energía en los hogares de dos comunidades en Paraguay, una semi urbana y una rural. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio de tipo descriptivo y de corte transverso que se realizó por medio de una encuesta en 250 casas seleccionadas aleatoriamente. Resultados: El análisis de los datos obtenidos muestra que más del 74% de los hogares usan carbón vegetal, ya sea como combustible principal o secundario, el gas licuado del petróleo (GLP) es más usado en la comunidad semiurbana (59% > 43%) y la leña es más usada en la comunidad rural (49.6% >22.8%). El uso de leña implica un mayor tiempo destinado a la recolección, acondicionamiento y cocinado de alimentos. El uso de leña y carbón se hace predominantemente al aire libre (84% de los hogares) en cocinas sin chimenea. Se encontró una mayor prevalencia de enfermedades respiratorias en los hogares que utilizan carbón o leña (45%> 29%). El uso de electricidad para cocinar no es muy prevalente (únicamente el 7% lo usa como combustible principal). Conclusión: El uso de carbón y leña en los hogares del Paraguay es alto lo que tiene repercusiones en la salud y favorece las condiciones de inequidad social en el país. Se considera que una buena alternativa al uso de biomasa en Paraguay sería la electricidad, debido a que cuenta con grandes recursos hidroeléctricos y la red eléctrica cubre a casi la totalidad de la población (99%).

Introduction: The use of solid fuels is associatedwith more than 4 million premature deaths annually in the world, especially in women and children. The use of charcoal and firewood is still very prevalent in Paraguay, where 21% of the urban population and 71% of the rural population use these fuels for cooking. Objective: To describe the use of energy in the homes of two communities in Paraguay, a semi-urban and a rural one. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study that was carried out by means of a survey in 250 randomly selected households. Results: The analysis of the data obtained showed that more than 74% of households used charcoal, either as a primary or a secondary fuel. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was more commonly used in the semi-urban community (59%> 43%) and firewood was more used in the rural community (49.6%> 22.8%). The use of firewood implies a longer time for the collection, preparation and cooking of food. The use of firewood and charcoal was predominantly outdoors ( 84 % of households) in kitchens without a fireplace. A higher prevalence of respiratory diseases was found in households that used charcoal or firewood (45%> 29%). The use of electricity for cooking was not very prevalent (only 7% used it as the main fuel). Conclusion: The prevalence of the use of charcoal and wood in homes was high and has repercussions on collective health and favors the conditions of social inequality in the country. We suggest that promotion of electricity for cooking would be a viable clean alternative, because the country has large hydroelectric resources and the electric network covers almostthe entire population(99%).

Effect of synthetic and natural media on lipid production from Fusarium oxysporum

Background: Dependence on fossil resources, for the production of fuels and energy, has resulted in environmental and financial problems, which require our immediate action in order to reverse the situation. Use of renewable sources for the production of fuels and energy is an important alternative with biodiesel remains as one of the promising options. Aim of this work is to evaluate the fungus Fusarium oxysporum for its potentials to accumulate microbial lipids when grown on synthetic media and saccharified sweet sorghum stalks. Results: The effect of different carbon sources, nitrogen sources and C/N ratio on the lipid production was initially examined, which resulted in a lipid concentration of 4.4 g/L, with lipid content of 42.6% w/w. Sweet sorghum stalks were able to support growth and lipid production of the fungus, both as carbon source and as nitrogen source. It was also shown that saccharification of the dried stalks is an important step to increase lipid production. Removal of the remaining stalk solids enabled the lipid production during cultivation in increased initial solids of up to 16 w/w. This resulted in a lipid production of 3.81 g/L. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that F. oxysporum can be used as an efficient oleaginous microorganism, with sweet sorghum serving as an excellent raw material for the cultivation of the fungus. The lipids obtained during this work were also found to have a fatty acid profile with good potentials to be used for biodiesel production.

Atenção à saúde do trabalhador de postos de revenda de combustíveis: relato sobre a implantação de programa de vigilância e de estratégia de acolhimento de trabalhadores em Campinas/SP / Health care for gas station workers: a report about the implementation of a health surveillance program and a worker embracement strategy in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil

Resumo Introdução: o Centro de Referência Regional em Saúde do Trabalhador (Cerest) e a Vigilância em Saúde do município de Campinas/SP, junto com a Comissão Estadual do Benzeno (São Paulo) e a Comissão Regional do Benzeno (Campinas), desenvolveram o Projeto Frentista, no período de 2005 a 2012, visando à implantação de um programa de atenção à saúde dos trabalhadores de postos de revenda de combustíveis (PRC) no município de Campinas. Objetivo: relatar o desenvolvimento e os resultados do projeto e avaliar a prática do acolhimento de trabalhadores como estratégia de atuação. Métodos: o projeto ocorreu em etapas, iniciando com a realização de um diagnóstico situacional e a elaboração/implantação de um protocolo de atenção à saúde dos trabalhadores de PRC. Um projeto-piloto abrangendo dez PRC e 136 trabalhadores foi realizado entre fevereiro de 2009 e outubro de 2010. Resultados: foram identificadas condições de trabalho que determinavam riscos de exposição ao benzeno e problemas de saúde possivelmente relacionados. Conclusão: a alta adesão dos trabalhadores ao projeto referendou as estratégias adotadas. Vislumbra-se a possibilidade de utilizar essa experiência para subsidiar a constituição de protocolos específicos por ramo de atividade de trabalho como estratégia de vigilância em saúde.

Abstract Introduction: the Regional Reference Center in Occupational Health (Cerest) and the Health Surveillance Department of the city of Campinas, along with the State Benzene Commission (São Paulo) and the Regional Benzene Commission (Campinas), developed the Gas Station Attendant Project, from 2005 to 2012, aiming at establishing a health care program for gas station workers in the city of Campinas. Objective: to report the project development and its results and to evaluate the practice of workers embracement as a strategy of action. Methods: the project was developed in stages, starting with a situational diagnosis and the preparation and establishment of a health care protocol for gas station attendants. A pilot project covering 10 gas stations and 136 attendants was carried out between February 2009 and October 2010. Results: the project identified working conditions resulting in benzene exposure risks and health problems which might be related to it. Conclusion: the workers' high commitment to the project endorsed the adopted strategies. This experience may be used to subsidize the establishment of specific protocols by branch of work activity as a health surveillance strategy.

Consolidated briefing of biochemical ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass

Bioethanol production is one pathway for crude oil reduction and environmental compliance. Bioethanol can be used as fuel with significant characteristics like high octane number, low cetane number and high heat of vaporization. Its main drawbacks are the corrosiveness, low flame luminosity, lower vapor pressure, miscibility with water, and toxicity to ecosystems. One crucial problem with bioethanol fuel is the availability of raw materials. The supply of feedstocks for bioethanol production can vary season to season and depends on geographic locations. Lignocellulosic biomass, such as forest-based woody materials, agricultural residues and municipal waste, is prominent feedstock for bioethanol cause of its high availability and low cost, even though the commercial production has still not been established. In addition, the supply and the attentive use of microbes render the bioethanol production process highly peculiar. Many conversion technologies and techniques for biomass-based ethanol production are under development and expected to be demonstrated. In this work a technological analysis of the biochemical method that can be used to produce bioethanol is carried out and a review of current trends and issues is conducted.

Progress and prospect of bio-jet fuels industry in domestic and overseas / 生物工程学报

We reviewed the progress of the bio-jet fuels industry in recent years and systematically analyzed the technical routes that have been approved or in the pipeline for approval by ASTM D7566. In addition, we highlighted a novel pathway to produce drop-in fuel by near-critical hydrolysis of waste cooking oils or algal oils followed by catalytic decarboxylation. Also, we introduced the source of oils and fats feedstock and the domestic bio-jet fuel industry status during the 12th Five-Year-Plan period. Based on our own research, we discussed the prospect of the bio-jet fuel industry and future research needs.

Influence of Environmental Exposures on Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Korea / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation and results from environmental factors and genetic factors. Although cigarette smoking is a major risk factor, other environmental exposures can influence COPD. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of COPD according to the history of environmental exposure. METHODS: The study population comprised of 347 subjects with COPD who were recruited from the pulmonary clinics of 14 hospitals within the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease Study Group. We classified environmental exposures according to history of living near factory, and direct exposure history to firewood or briquette. According to living environmental exposures, we compared the frequency of respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, quality of life, exercise capacity, and computed tomography phenotypes. RESULTS: Thirty-one subjects (8.9%) had history of living near factory, 271 (78.3%) had exposure history to briquette, and 184 (53.3%) had exposure history to firewood. Patients with history of living near a factory had a significantly longer duration of sputum, while patients with exposure to firewood tended to have lower forced expiratory volume in one second, and patients with exposure to briquette tended to have lower six minute walk distance. CONCLUSION: COPD subjects with the history of living near factory had more frequent respiratory symptoms such as sputum. Our data suggest that environmental exposure may influence clinical phenotype of COPD.

Effect of indoor air pollution during cooking on peak expiratory flow rate and its association with exposure index in rural women.

Routine exposure to domestic cooking fuels is an important source of indoor air pollution causing deterioration of lung function. We conducted a community based cross-sectional study in 760 non-smoking rural women involved in household cooking with four types of cooking fuels i.e. Biomass, Kerosene stove, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Mixed (combination of two and more cooking fuels). Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) less than 80% of the predicted was considered as abnormal PEFR. The overall prevalence of abnormal PEFR was found to be 29.1% with greater predominance among biomass fuel users (43.3%) with high risk ratio (1.86) as compared to kerosene (0.63), LPG (0.75) and mixed (0.66) fuel users. However the pair wise comparison of different groups of cooking fuels by Marascuilo procedure reported significant differences within different groups except kerosene - mixed group. The study also demonstrated a negative correlation between observed PEFR and exposure indices in different cooking fuels (r=–0.51). Our results indicate that prolonged exposure to cooking fuels particularly biomass fuels as a source of cooking adversely affects PEFR in nonsmoking rural women.

A study of the prevalence, pattern and health effects of passive smoking in a slum area of Ahmedabad city.

Background: According to WHO, Passive smoking/ Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) carries serious risk especially for children & those chronically exposed. Objectives: To know the pattern of smoking, proportion of household passive smokers, subjective and health effects amongst passive smokers. Methods: The present study is a cross sectional study carried out in Shankar Bhuvan na Chhapara slum area of the Ahmedabad by using a pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. A house to house survey was carried out to collect the information as per the format. Those households which were having at least one active tobacco smoker in any form, were included in study and all members of such households were surveyed.Results: Total 118 houses out of 250 total houses had at least one smoker in them and were covered in the survey. Total population surveyed was 683 out of which 131 were smokers and 552 were non-smokers. The ratio of active versus passive smokers in the survey population was 1: 4.21. The mean age of smokers was 45.24+12.97 years whereas mean age of passive smokers was 20.13+14.44 years. The mean active smokers per family were 1.11 and passive smokers per family were 4.72. Firewood and kerosene were the most common fuels and majority of houses had no separate cooking area. Bidi was most commonly smoked stuff. Majority were chronic smokers and smoking on average 20.16+14.28 items per day. Amongst the subjective feelings unpleasant smell was present in 74% of respondents on acute exposure to tobacco smoke and coughing was the most common immediate symptom experienced by the passive smokers. Sixty nine percent children of less than 5 years of age had history of repeated Acute Respiratory Tract Infections as per mothers. Conclusions: Women and children are the victims of the exposure to ETS and indoor air pollution due to use of Bio-mass fuel and substandard housing add to this problem. Over and above that the immediate adverse subjective feelings amongst passive smokers are un-noticed and not given importance. All these are bared by the passive smokers constantly multiple times a day and may affect their mental health. The damage to physical health is a well known fact.

Aspectos do coprocessamento de resíduos em fornos de clínquer / Aspects of waste co-processing in clinker kilns

A prática do coprocessamento de resíduos na indústria de cimento tem se expandido devido à necessidade crescente de uma destinação ambiental e socialmente mais adequada de resíduos perigosos provenientes de diversos processos industriais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão sobre o coprocessamento de resíduos em fornos de clínquer, no Brasil e no mundo, visando contribuir para a otimização dos processos, identificando os aspectos já estudados e os que ainda demandam pesquisas. Foram abordados aspectos socioambientais e tecnológicos do coprocessamento, bem como a análise do ciclo de vida (ACV) na produção de cimento, e a produção técnico-científica sobre o coprocessamento.

The practice of co-processing of residues has increased due to the requirement of environmental and social friendly disposal of dangerous wastes from several industrial processes. The aim of this work was to perform a revision of co-processing of residues in Brazil and in the world, aiming at process optimization and also to identify the aspects already studied as well as those which still request research efforts. Social, environmental, and technological aspects of co-processing were discussed in the present work as well as the life cycle analysis (LCA) in the cement production and the technical and scientific literature about co-processing.

Manual de procedimientos para el control de combustibles y lubricantes en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba / Manual of procedures for control of fuels and lubricants at the University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba

La investigación se fundamentó en la carencia de un manual de procedimientos para el control de combustibles y lubricantes en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba, por lo cual se procedió a la elaboración de uno que permitiera un mayor control de estos portadores energéticos en las áreas de economía y servicios. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio para conocer las funciones ejecutadas por cada funcionario que interviene en el proceso de planificación, compra, uso y control del preciado liquido; para ello se tuvieron en cuenta, además de la Norma ISO 9001:2000, indicaciones, circulares, resoluciones, normativas y lineamientos de carácter obligatorio, emitidos por los ministerios correspondientes, así como también otros materiales de apoyo, incluidas entrevistas personales con trabajadores de experiencia. Se cuidó en todo momento que no se perdiera la interrelación e identificación de los procedimientos para mantener la congruencia entre las partes

The research was based on the lack of a procedures manual for the control of fuels and lubricants at the University of Medical Sciences in Santiago de Cuba, so that it was proceeded to develop the one providing a greater control of these energetic carriers in the economy and services areas. An exploratory study was carried out to know the functions of each staff member involved in the planning, purchase, use and control of the precious liquid. For this purpose, besides the Norma ISO 9001:2000, indications, circulars, resolutions, regulations and mandatory guidelines issued by relevant ministries were taken into consideration, as well as other supporting materials, including interviews with experienced workers. At all times care was taken not to lose the relationship and identification of procedures to maintain consistency between the parties

Domestic cooking fuel exposure and tuberculosis in Indian women.

Background. A case-controlled study was undertaken to find out the possible relationship of biomass fuel and pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods. Ninety-five non-smoking females with sputum positive tuberculosis (TB) and 109 healthy controls were interviewed using a questionnaire to obtain detailed information on type of fuel used in homes, duration of cooking, passive smoking, location of kitchen, socio-economic status, adequacy of ventilation, number of people per room and respiratory symptoms occurring during cooking. Odds ratio (OR) was ascertained by logistic regression analysis. Results. The cases were from a low socio-economic status and the kitchens used by them were inadequately ventilated. Controls had less smoke accumulation in the rooms while cooking and cases had associated respiratory symptoms more often. Logistic regression analysis revealed that TB was significantly influenced by the location of the kitchen (OR 0.201, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08-0.51) and the presence of respiratory symptoms while cooking (OR 10.70, 95% CI 2.90- 39.56). The odds of having TB did not differ significantly among various fuel types either on univariate (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.45- 2.22) or multivariate analysis (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.22-1.63). Conclusions. No association was found between type of fuel used and TB. However, low socio-economic status, smoky rooms, location of the kitchen, ventilation and associated respiratory symptoms during cooking are likely to be important contributors.