A Comprehensive Approach for Designing Low Carbon Wood Bio-Concretes.

This paper presents a method for designing low carbon bio-based building materials, also named bio-concretes, produced with wood wastes in shavings form (WS) and cementitious pastes. As the aggregates phase of bio-concretes is composed of plant-based particles, known as porous and high water-absorbing materials, the bio-concretes cannot be designed by using the traditional design rules used for conventional mortar or concrete. Then, the method used in the current paper is an adaptation of a previous one that has been developed in a recent paper where bio-concretes were produced with a cement matrix, three types of bio-aggregates, and a proposal of a design abacus. However, when that abacus is used for designing WBC with low cement content in the matrix, the target compressive strength is not reached. In the present paper, the method is extended to low cement content matrix (up to 70% of cement substitution) and also considering the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission of the WBC. To obtain data for proposing a new design abacus, an experimental program was carried out by producing nine workable WBCs, varying wood volumetric fractions (40-45-50%), and water-to-binder ratios. The bio-concretes produced presented adequate consistency, lightness (density between 715 and 1207 kg/m3), and compressive strength ranging from 0.64 to 12.27 MPa. In addition, the GHG emissions of the WBC were analysed through the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. From the relationships obtained between density, compressive strength, water-to-binder ratio, cement consumption, and GHG emissions of the WBC, calibration constants were proposed for developing the updated and more complete abacus regarding an integrated mix design methodology.

Assessment of Wood Bio-Concrete Properties Modified with Silane-Siloxane.

Bio-based materials, such as wood bio-concrete (WBC), hold promise in reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint of the construction industry. However, the durability of these materials is not well understood and can be negatively affected by the high water absorption capacity of wood bio-aggregates. In the field of cement composites, for example, silane-siloxane-based water repellent has been used to protect such materials from natural environmental attack. Nevertheless, there is still a limited understanding of various aspects related to this type of treatment, including its performance when applied to the bio-concrete substrate. This research aimed to investigate the influence of silane-siloxane on the rheology and hydration of cementitious paste through isothermal calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Additionally, the impact of silane-siloxane on the physical and mechanical properties of WBCs was examined by conducting tests at fresh state (flow table and entrained air content) and hardened state (compressive strength and capillary water absorption). The composites were produced with a volumetric fraction of 45% of wood shavings while the cement matrix consisted of a combination of cement, rice husk ash, and fly ash. Silane-siloxane was applied in three ways: as coating, incorporated as an admixture, and in a combination of both methods. The results indicated that by incorporating silane in the cementitious pastethe viscosity increased by 40% and the hydration was delayed by approximately 6 h when compared to the reference. In addition, silane improved the compressive strength of WBCs by 24% when incorporated into the mixture, expressively reduced the water sorptivity of WBCs (93%), and was more effective if used as coating.

Inventory and assessment of geosites to stimulate regional sustainable management: the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

The reviewed and integrated geoheritage inventory of the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, resulted in 43 geosites distributed in eight geological frameworks. The selected geosites are representative of a geological history from the Neoproterozoic (Brasiliano-Pan African Cycle) to the recent, covering a minimum 700-Ma timespan. Considering the dynamic character of geoheritage inventories, the results presented in this work were based on previous local, town-based surveys, which were reviewed under the light of new geological data and geoconservation methods. Both qualitative and quantitative geosites assessments were used to discuss their geological representativeness and relevance, as well as legal aspects regarding protection and perspectives for future use. This resulted in a detailed inventory that reflects the current geological knowledge in the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, and may be used to make a general diagnosis of the scientific value, state of conservation, risk of degradation and potential use of the geoheritage. Moreover, it reinforces the importance of locally- and regionally-relevant sites for sustainable land management using geoheritage and to direct the decisions related to the conservation and use of this abiotic part of nature in the region.

Drug consumption, knowledge on the consequences of consumption and academic performance among college students in San Salvador, El Salvador / Uso de drogas, conhecimento das consequências do consumo e desempenho académico entre estudantes universitários em San Salvador, El Salvador / Consumo de drogas, conocimiento de las consecuencias del consumo y rendimiento académico entre estudiantes universitarios en San Salvador, El Salvador

ABSTRACT Objective: determine the relationship among drug consumption, knowledge on the consequences of consumption and academic performance, for alcohol cocaine and marijuana, among undergraduate students of social sciences and health of San Salvador, El Salvador. Method: the used method was a cross-sectional survey, with a convenience sample of 250 university students. A modified version of the combination of two instruments was applied evaluating the variables for the knowledge on the consequences, pursuing the knowledge of a student about the adverse effects of the biological, psychological and social categories related to consumption of the drugs under study. Drug consumption was evaluated by consulting the student whether or not they used drugs at any time or in the last 3 months. Academic performance was evaluated by consulting students on the average in which they are applied on a scale of 1 to 10. Results: the results showed that 88.1% of the survey participants have a broad knowledge on the consequences of consuming alcoholic beverages; 45.5% on the consequences of marijuana use and 55.7% know the consequences of cocaine consumption. While 28.4% have consumed alcohol in the last year, 6.5% have consumed marijuana and 1.7% cocaine. The relationship of alcohol consumption with the knowledge on each of the consequences reflected a very low influence, while the larger is the knowledge obtained from these consequences caused by the use of the drugs under study, the lower is the consumption. Conclusion: the use of alcohol, cocaine and marijuana is not related to academic performance, indicating very low positive and negative correlations according to each case.

RESUMO Objetivo: determinar a relação entre o uso de drogas, o conhecimento das consequências do consumo e o desempenho acadêmico, para o álcool, cocaína e maconha, entre estudantes de graduação em ciências sociais e em saúde de San Salvador, El Salvador. Método: foi utilizado questionário de modelo transversal, com amostra de conveniência de 250 estudantes universitários. Aplicou-se versão alterada da combinação de dois instrumentos, avaliando as variáveis do conhecimento das consequências, em busca do conhecimento do estudante em relação aos efeitos adversos das categorias biológicas, psicológicas e sociais do uso de drogas pesquisado; o consumo de drogas foi avaliado perguntando ao estudante se usou ou não drogas alguma vez nos últimos 3 meses; o desempenho acadêmico foi avaliado consultando os estudantes sobre a média na qual ele está, aplicando uma escala de 1 a 10. Resultados: os resultados evidenciaram que 88,1% dos participantes da pesquisa possui conhecimento amplo sobre as consequências do consumo de bebidas alcoólicas; 45,5% das consequências do uso de maconha e 55,7% conhecem as consequências do consumo de cocaína. Enquanto 28,4% têm consumido álcool no último ano, 6,5% consumiram maconha e 1,7% cocaína. A relação do consumo de álcool com o conhecimento de cada consequência refletiu uma influência muito baixa que quanto maior o conhecimento dessas consequências causadas pelo uso das drogas estudadas, menor será o consumo. Conclusão: o uso de álcool, cocaína e maconha não tem relação com o desempenho acadêmico, indicando correlações positivas e negativas muito baixas dependendo do caso.

RESUMEN Objetivo: determinar la relación entre el consumo de drogas, conocimiento de las consecuencias del consumo y el rendimiento académico, para el alcohol cocaína y marihuana, entre estudiantes de pregrado de ciencias sociales y de la salud de San Salvador, El Salvador. Método: el método utilizado fue una encuesta de diseño transversal, con una muestra de conveniencia de 250 estudiantes universitarios. Se aplicó una versión modificada de la combinación de dos instrumentos evaluando las variables del conocimiento de las consecuencias, persiguiendo el saber de un estudiante sobre los efectos adversos de las categorías biológicas, psicológicas y sociales del consumo de las drogas en estudio; el consumo de drogas fue evaluado consultando al estudiante si usaron o no drogas alguna vez o en los últimos 3 meses; el rendimiento académico fue evaluado consultando a los estudiantes el promedio en el que se encuentran aplicado en una escala del 1 al 10. Resultados: os resultados evidenciaron que el 88.1% de participantes de la encuesta posee un conocimiento amplio de las consecuencias del consumo de bebidas alcohólicas; el 45.5% de las consecuencias del consumo de marihuana y el 55.7% conoce las consecuencias del consumo de cocaína. Mientras que el 28.4% ha consumido alcohol en el último año, el 6.5% ha consumido marihuana y el 1.7% cocaína. La relación del consumo de alcohol con el conocimiento de cada una de las consecuencias reflejó una influencia muy baja de que a mayor conocimiento se tenga de estas consecuencias causadas por el uso de las drogas en estudio, menor será el consumo. Conclusión: el uso de alcohol, cocaína y marihuana no está relacionado con el rendimiento académico, indicando correlaciones positivas y negativas muy bajas según cada caso.

Conservation of geosites as a tool to protect geoheritage: the inventory of Ceará Central Domain, Borborema Province - NE/Brazil.

The Ceará Central Domain, in the northern Borborema Province/NE Brazil, encompasses important geological records (geosites) which allow understanding a relevant period of the Earth's evolution, mainly associated to Neoproterozoic Brazilian/Pan-African Cycle and West Gondwana amalgamation, besides Neoarchean to Ordovician records. The presented geoheritage inventory aims to characterise the geosites with scientific relevance of Ceará Central Domain. By applying a method for large areas, the final selection resulted in eight geological frameworks represented by 52 geosites documented in a single database. This is the first step for a geoconservation strategy based on systematic inventories, statutory protection, geoethical behaviour and awareness about scientific, educational and/or cultural relevance of geosites.

Conservation of geosites as a tool to protect geoheritage: the inventory of Ceará Central Domain, Borborema Province - NE/Brazil

ABSTRACT The Ceará Central Domain, in the northern Borborema Province/NE Brazil, encompasses important geological records (geosites) which allow understanding a relevant period of the Earth's evolution, mainly associated to Neoproterozoic Brazilian/Pan-African Cycle and West Gondwana amalgamation, besides Neoarchean to Ordovician records. The presented geoheritage inventory aims to characterise the geosites with scientific relevance of Ceará Central Domain. By applying a method for large areas, the final selection resulted in eight geological frameworks represented by 52 geosites documented in a single database. This is the first step for a geoconservation strategy based on systematic inventories, statutory protection, geoethical behaviour and awareness about scientific, educational and/or cultural relevance of geosites.

Generation and Characterization of Murine Monoclonal Antibodies anti-PBP2a of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multidrug-resistant bacterium that causes serious infections worldwide. This pathogen is resistant to all beta lactam antibiotics due the presence of PBP2a, a transpeptidase enzyme that presents very low beta-lactam affinity. Here we report the generation and characterization of mouse monoclonal antibodies to PBP2a of MRSA strains. Two clones were obtained and characterized by immunoassays (ELISA, avidity index determination, and immunoblotting), isotyping, association/dissociation rate constants by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and flow cytometry. Clone 38, which showed the best avidity and affinity, bound to PBP2a located on the bacterial surface by flow cytometry. Further studies are warranted in order to evaluate if these antibodies may help inhibit bacterial growth and be used to treat infections by MRSA.

Nursing in Brazil a critical-holistic perspective.

Global and local insecurities influence the Brazilian health care system and the complexities of the healthcare workforce. Nursing in Brazil is shaped by socio-political and historical factors. This paper conceptualizes nursing as a social practice and uses Wright's (2000) "Critical-Holistic Paradigm for an Interdependent World" as a guide framework to analyze how nursing education and professional practice exist within the country's socio-economic and political reality while being constructed within the domains of science and technology.

Monitoramento externo de qualidade em citopatologia cervical e o reflexo na rotina dos laboratórios da rede pública / External quality control of cervical cytopathologic and the reflex in the health public laboratory

Introdução: o monitoramento externo de qualidade foi proposto como método capaz de melhorar o desempenho dos laboratórios de citologia da Rede Pública de Saúde por meio da minimização de variação interobservador. Objetivo: avaliar as concordâncias e discordâncias diagnósticas dos exames citopatológicos cervicais no processo de revisão. Métodos: foram revisados 67.954 diagnósticos de amostras cervicais escrutinadas por 140 laboratórios que atendem a pacientes da Rede Pública do Estado de São paulo no período de 2000-2004. Resultados: Houve discordância diagnóstica em 9.641 (14,2 por cento) casos. Observou-se, no período estudado, redução de discordância nas categorias: ASCUS/AGUS de 32,3 por cento para 19,2 por cento; LSIL de 20,6 por cento para 6,3 por cento; HSIL de 27,1 por cento para 10,6 por cento e lesões invasivas de 31,7 por cento para 11,5 por cento. Casos falsos-positivos (1.348) distribuíram-se em: 75,1 por cento, ASCUS/AGUS; 20,2 por cento, LSIL; 3,9 por cento, HSIL e 0,8 por cento, lesões invasivas. Conclusão: Os resultados demonstraram uma melhoria de concordância diagnóstica evolutiva e o reconhecimento da necessidade de programas de garantia de qualidade dos laboratórios que atendem ao Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).

Pneumonias de repetição em ambulatório de pneumologia pediátrica: conceito e prevalência / Recurrent penumonia in a pediaatric pulmonology outpatient unit: concept and prevalence

Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de pneumonias de repetição na demanda de consultas de primeira vez encaminhadas ao ambulatório de Penumologia Pediátrica do Instituto de Puericultura e Pediaatria Martagão Gesteira da UFRJ para esclarecimentos diagnóstico e revisar o conceito de pneumonias de repetição na literatura pediátrica. Método: Os dados foram obtidos através da avaliação de consultas desse tipo no período de 01/01/95 a 30/04/97. Resultados: De um total de 638 consultas, 101 foram encaminhadas com o diagnóstico presuntivo de pneumonias de repetição. Em apenas 39,6 por cento, o motivo do encaminhamento coincidiu com o conceito de pneumonias de repetição adotado pelo Serviço. Conclusão; Os autores concluíram que o conceito de pneumonias de repetição deve ser melhor esclarecido e difundido entre os médicos pediatras, pois cabe a eles a decisão de encaminhar ao especialista os pacientes com essa queixa. Cabe ressaltar a valorização do exame radiológico normal entre os episódis agudos para a caracterização do quadro de pnemonias de repetição, visando melhor determinação dos pacientes que posteriormente necessitarão de encaminhamento ao especialista para prosseguimento da investigação diagnóstica

[Recurrent pneumonia in a pediatric pulmonology outpatient unit: concept and prevalence] / Pneumonias de repetição em ambulatório de pneumologia pediátrica: conceito e prevalência.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of recurrent episodes of pneumonia in patients referred to the pulmonology outpatient unit at "Serviço de Pneumologia Pediatrica" of the Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira/UFRJ and to review the recurrent concept in accordance to medical references currently available. METHODS: Data were obtained by reviewing all documented initial appointments from January 1st, 1995 up to April 30th, 1997. RESULTS: One hundred and one visits out of six hundred and thirty eight appointments with suspected diagnosis of recurrent episodes of pneumonia were studied. In less than 40% of this population the initial diagnosis was in accordance with the criteria usually required in our unit to perform such diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the recurrent nature of pneumonia episodes should be further clarified and discussed with pediatricians because it is up to them to refer such patients to specialists. Furthermore we emphasize the importance of normal chest roentgenograms taken between acute episodes so that "recurrent pneumonia" can be adequately characterized. This may help identify those patients who need subsequent evaluation by specialists regarding complementary diagnosis.

Sequência da obstruçäo precoce da uretra: um caso de consanguinidade / Urethral premature obstruction sequence: a case of consanguinity

A sequencia de obstruçäo precoce da uretra ou Síndrome de Prune-belly é uma anomalia rara e complexa que afeta órgäos genito-urinários e a parede abdominal. A etiologia é controversa. Relata-se caso de uma recém-nascida em uma família consanguínea. O propósito faleceu pouco tempo após o nascimento

Avaliaçåo de testes sorológicos aplicados para a detecçåo de infecçåo pelo Trypanosoma cruzi / Evaluation of sorological tests applied for the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Diferentes testes sorológicos foram avaliados frente a um painel de 235 soros de indivíduos residentes em área endêmica para doença de Chagas (Virgem da Lapa, M.G.). Foram utilizadas como testes de referência a imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) e a hemaglutinaçåo indireta (Chagas-HAI-Imunserum), os quais definiram 160 (68 por cento) soros positivos para o T. cruzi e 75 (32 por cento) negativos. A partir desses resultados, foi avaliado o teste de HAI da Biolab (Hemacruzi), onde se observou discordância de resultados em 5 amostras de soros positivos. A seguir foram avaliados 3 ensaios imunoenzimáticos indiretos: 2 de origem comercial (Hemobio-Chagas da Empresa Brasileira de Biotecnologia e Biozima-Chagas da Biótica) e um desenvolvido em nosso laboratório (ELISA-IM-UFRJ-Chagas). Os três testes apresentaram alta sensibilidade, sendo que somente o ensaio Biozima-Chagas deixou de detectar um soro positivo. A especificidade dos diferentes testes foi avaliada com as 75 amostras de soros de indivíduos nåo infectados pelo T. cruzi, oriundos de área endêmica e com 37 amostras de soros de indivíduos oriundos de regiöes nåo endêmicas, com outras afecçöes. Os testes de IFIe de HAI (Chagas HAI-Imunoserum e Hemacruzi) apresentaram, respectivamente, uma especificidade de 94 por cento, 99 por cento e 100 por cento, sendo que, este último foi avaliado somente em relaçåo aos soros de indivíduos nåo infectados pelo T. cruzi, oriundos de área endêmica. Entre os ensaios imunoenzimáticos indiretos, o IM-UFRJ-Chagas apresentou menor índice de especificidade (90 por cento). Já nos testes comerciais (Hemobio-Chagas e Biozima-Chagas) foram encontrados alguns resultados positivos somente entre as amostras de soros de indivíduos com leishmaniose viceral e cutânea, demonstrando-se, respectivamente, 96 por cento e 95 por cento de especificidade. Foi determinado o índice Kappa de cada teste. Aplicando-se esta análise nåo foi possível determinar diferenças significativas entre os testes, já que todos apresentaram elevada eficiência com valores de índice Kappa maiores do que 0,90

Percursos e percalços do trabalho do psicólogo em hospital geral / Courses and perquisites of psychologist work in general hospital

Este trabalho fala da experiência de reestruturaçäo do Serviço de Psicologia Cínica do Grupo Hospitalar Conceiçäo, buscando delimitar prioridades para suas atividades através da Análise Institucional. Propöe-se, tambem, a pensar, em relaçäo ao ambiente hospitalar, o lugar do psicólogo, marcado pela tarefa de lidar com as angústias provocadas pela dor e a morte. Em última instância, visa ao aprimoramento do trabalho em saúde pública através do modelo assistencial apresentado, desde o questionamento do papael do psicólogo

Osmolalities of bottle- and breast-milk fed to poor urban Brazilian infants.

Feeding practices related to osmotic strength of bottle-milk and breast-milk were studied in 133 families with infants less than 1 year of age in a poor urban settlement in Brasilia, Brazil. Osmolality [mean (SEM)] of breast-milk [318.8 (4.46) mOsm/kg water] was significantly less than that of bottle-milk [568.7 (29.9) mOsm/kg water]. The wide range of osmotic strength (253.7-1,380.0 mOsm/kg water) found in bottle-milk was partly due to the predominant use (82%) of powdered cow's milk among non-breastfeeders and its improper reconstitution. Diarrhoea and feeding management are also discussed.

PIP: The osmotic strength of breast and bottle milk fed to poor infants in developing countries is of critical significance given the newborn's inability to eliminate a high solute urine. Milk preparations with high osmotic activity have been associated in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis, disturbances in gastric and intestinal motility, and possible effects on gastric emptying and nutrient absorption. As part of a larger study of feeding practices and infant nutritional status in Brazil's squatter village of Paranoa, the osmotic strength of bottle milk and breast milk was studied in 133 families with infants under 1 year of age. Overall, the mean osmolality of breast milk (318.8 mOsm/kg water, range 265-475) was significantly lower than that of bottle milk (568.7 m)sm/kg water, range 253.7-1380). No trend was observed for either type of feed according to the length of lactation or the age of the infant. The wider range of osmotic strength in bottle milk was partly attributable to the predominant use (82%) of powdered cow's milk and its improper reconstitution (i.e., a tendency to overconcentrate during reconstitution). 37% of the infants in this study experienced an episode of diarrhea in the 15 days preceding the interview, with no significant difference in incidence between breastfed and bottlefed infants. Given this high incidence of infantile diarrhea, as well as the high temperature and dryness of the Brazilian climate, health authorities are urged to give greater attention to the potential contribution of solute load in the prevention of dehydration.