Dental Students' Positive and Negative Views on Aging at an Undergraduate Course at the University of British Columbia, Canada.

Background: Different views of aging exist, including ageism as the stereotyped idea about older adults in general. The objective of this study was to perform an initial exploration on how third-year undergraduate dental students at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada self-perceived themselves at ages 65, 75, or 85 years old. Methods: For a period of 10 years, and using a cross-sectional design, third-year undergraduate dental students were asked to envision themselves at 65, 75, or 85 years old in a brief 150-word written essay. We employed a thematic analysis of the textual data via a coding process as suggested. The main themes were identified and displayed in a table with their respective categories of information. NVivo® 12 (QSR International) software was used for data analysis. Results: Between 2010 and 2020, a total of 519 students enrolled in the UBC undergraduate dental program; 425 essays were collected. Initial coding and thematic analysis led to the identification of four main themes and eight categories; themes included "Ups and Downs," "Financial Sustainability," while categories focused on "Trade-offs," and "Camaraderie," for example. Different levels of ageism were also apparent when students saw themselves experiencing isolation and forgetfulness regardless of the selected age and the academic year. For other students, they anticipate aging would be healthy, joyful, and productive. Conclusion: Ageism was present when students imagined themselves at three different older ages, but so were more realistic views of an aging. Further studies are warranted to unravel the impact of geriatric education in tackling stereotypes and ageism.

Tinnitus emerging in the context of a COVID-19 infection seems not to differ in its characteristics from tinnitus unrelated to COVID-19.

Background and aim: COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, for which the first cases were reported in China, by December 2019. The spectrum of clinical presentations is wide, ranging from asymptomatic cases to a severe acute respiratory syndrome, sometimes with multiple systems involvement. Viral infections, including those related to respiratory virus, may cause hearing loss and, by extent, considering its pathophysiology, tinnitus. A systematic review on inner ear related symptoms in patients with COVID-19 reported 4.5% occurrence rate of tinnitus, with high variance of prevalence between the studies. Our aim is to further explore the relationship between COVID-19 and tinnitus. For this purpose we analyzed a sample of people who had suffered from a COVID-19 infection in the city of Volta Redonda, Brazil. In detail, we compared those with new onset tinnitus during or after the COVID-19 infection with those without tinnitus and those with tinnitus onset before the COVID-19 infection. Methods: Fifty-seven patients over 18 years old and previously diagnosed with COVID-19 confirmed by a RT-PCR test were included. Patients were subdivided in three groups: no tinnitus (NT), tinnitus that already existed before COVID-19 (chronic tinnitus, CT) and tinnitus that arose during or after COVID-19 (post-COVID-19 tinnitus, PCT). Data concerning COVID-19 symptoms, drugs prescribed for COVID-19, tinnitus characteristics, comorbidities and other otological symptoms were collected. For all the patients, tonal audiometry and otoacoustic emissions were performed. Tinnitus patients fulfilled the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and visual-analog scales (VAS) for loudness and distress. Patients with CT answered a simple question about the worsening of their tinnitus after COVID-19. Results: PCT was reported by 19.3% of the patients, while 22.8% reported CT. No statistical difference was found between CT and PCT concerning hearing function, tinnitus characteristics and tinnitus distress. There was also no statistically significant difference between PCT and NT with respect to COVID-19 symptoms and pharmacological COVID-19 treatment. Patients with CT reported worsening of their tinnitus after COVID-19. Conclusion: As with other viral infections, inner ear symptoms may be associated with COVID-19. In our sample patients with tinnitus onset before COVID-19 and those with tinnitus onset during or after COVID-19 did not differ significantly in their clinical characteristics and their hearing function, suggesting that tinnitus occurring in the context of a COVID-19 infection is not related to a unique pathophysiological mechanism. The comparison of COVID-19 patients, who developed tinnitus with those who did not develop tinnitus did not reveal any differences in COVID-19 symptoms or COVID-19 treatment. Thus, there was no hint, that a specific expression of COVID-19 is closely related to post COVID-19 tinnitus onset. Although some drugs used to treat tinnitus are known to damage the inner ear cells (especially hydroxychloroquine), we did not see any relationship between the intake of these drugs and tinnitus onset, eventually due to the short prescription time and low doses. Among those patients who had tinnitus before COVID-19 30,8% reported worsening after COVID-19. Overall, tinnitus emerging in the context of a COVID-19 infection seems not to differ from tinnitus unrelated to COVID-19. For further exploring the relationship of tinnitus and COVID-19, large population based studies are warranted.

Determination of water-soluble vitamins and carotenoids in Brazilian tropical fruits by High Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal physiological functioning and they need to be provided in adequate amounts by the diet. They are nutrients mainly associated to fruit consumption, playing an important role in the cellular function, growth and development of individuals. The present study aimed to analyze levels of vitamins B, C and carotenoids of fruits from the agrobiodiversity of Northeastern Brazil, among them cajuí (Anacardium spp), murici (Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth), pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.), jenipapo (Genipa americana L.), mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes), bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.), cajá (Spondias mombin L.), umbu-cajá (Spondias bahiensis P. Carvalho, Van den Berg & M. Machado), umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arruda), pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.), araçá (Psidium sobralianum Landrum & Proença). The vitamins were quantified using the analytical method High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Vitamin B complex levels varied from 0.003 ± 0.01 mg/100 g to 6.107 ± 0.06 mg/100 g. Vitamin C ranged from 0.36 ± 0.06 mg/100 g to 253.92 ± 9.02 mg/100 g. Carotenoid values ranged from 0.12 ± 0.02 µg/100 g to 395.63 ± 113.69 µg/100 g. Thus, the profile of water-soluble vitamins and carotenoids of the fruits analyzed was quantified. Therefore, these fruits can provide varied amounts of vitamins important to human health. However, it is interesting for the individual to consume fruits in a diversified manner, avoiding monotony and thus guaranteeing the daily intake of more nutrients.

Exploring lay public and dental professional knowledge around HPV transmission via oral sex and oral cancer development.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with certain types of oropharyngeal cancers and yet, the level of knowledge that dental professionals and the lay public have in terms of HPV transmission, oral sexual activities, and oral cancer development needs exploration. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge held by practicing dental professionals as well as the lay public regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) transmission through oral sex and subsequent oropharyngeal cancer development. METHODS: Textual data were collected from a public forum with dental professionals in. Vancouver, who discussed the HPV-oral sex-oral cancer triad, and from survey data gathered from 212 lay public participants (also in Vancouver) who answered a 13-item questionnaire on the perceived risks of oral sex in terms of HPV infection and oropharyngeal cancer development. The data were analyzed statistically by age group, gender, and sexual orientation using descriptive statistics, while an ANOVA test was used to compare variation in the responses to the survey (p-value = 0.05). RESULTS: The forum engaged 46 health care professionals, many of whom were aware of the potential risks for head and neck cancer development due to HPV infection, while also questioning "how to effectively talk about HPV with patients." The survey revealed that 34.5% of the participants believed that oral sex is an activity with no or low risk for the transmission of HPV, while 84% of participants believed the same sexual practices were of low or no-risk for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) transmission. Most participants (82%) never discussed oral sexual activities with their physicians or dentists/dental hygienists. CONCLUSIONS: The general public remains mostly unaware of the potential links between HPV infection and oropharyngeal cancer. Physicians and dental providers should discuss oral sexual practice with their patients to raise awareness.

Heat stress, Eimeria spp. and C. perfringens infections alone or in combination modify gut Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and avian necrotic enteritis pathogenesis.

Information on the dynamics of the chicken immune system during bacterial or parasite challenge in the presence or absence of stressful situations may provide a better understanding of the complex mechanisms behind these diseases. Necrotic enteritis (NE) had been controlled previously by the proper use of antimicrobial agents; however, more recently, NE has reemerged in many countries. The imposed restrictions on antimicrobial use and/or the intensive productive programs implemented by producers are challenges the birds, leading to large host adaptive responses that in many instances are like those elicited by stressors. This study analyses the effects of heat stress on Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, pathological features, and Toll-like receptor expression in the small intestine of broiler chickens infected with Clostridium perfringens type A in the presence or absence of Eimeria spp. co-infection. This co-infection model was experimentally used because it reproduces the findings commonly observed in the field during avian NE. For this purpose, broiler chickens infected with C. perfringens and/or Eimeria spp. were reared in isolator chambers subjected or not to heat stress intermittently. It was observed that heat stress directs the expression of Th2-type cytokines, increases Toll-like receptor 4 expression in the intestine and reduces the disease severity induced by Eimeria spp. and C. perfringens infections alone or in combination, most likely as a consequence of stress-induced changes in brain-gut axis activity.

Development and validation of carbofuran and 3-hydroxycarbofuran analysis by high-pressure liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) for forensic Veterinary Medicine.

Agricultural pesticides used with the criminal intent to intoxicate domestic and wild animals are a serious concern in Veterinary Medicine. In order to identify the pesticide carbofuran and its metabolite 3- hydroxycarbofuran in animals suspected of exogenous intoxication a high pressure liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method was developed and validated in stomach contents, liver, vitreous humor and blood. The method was evaluated using biological samples from seven different animal species. The following parameters of analytical validation were evaluated: linearity, precision, accuracy, selectivity, recovery and matrix effect. The method was linear at the range of 6.25-100µg/mL and the correlation coefficient (r2) values were >0.9811 for all matrices. The precision and accuracy of the method was determined by coefficient of variation (CV) and the relative standard deviation error (RSE), and both were less than 15%. Recovery ranged from 74.29 to 100.1% for carbofuran and from 64.72 to 100.61% for 3-hydroxycarbofuran. There were no significant interfering peaks or matrix effects. This method was suitable for detecting 25 positive cases for carbofuran amongst a total of 64 animal samples suspected of poisoning brought to the Toxicology Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo.

Animal serial killing: The first criminal conviction for animal cruelty in Brazil.

Animal cruelty is a known behavior of psychopaths, and although the serial killing of humans is widely acknowledged worldwide, this type of crime against animals is seldom discussed. This report describes the necropsy and toxicological findings of 37 dogs and cats, which were found dead in plastic bags in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The animals had all been in the care of an alleged animal rescuer and were to be referred for adoption before being found dead. In the necropsy, the animals showed varying degrees of putrefaction, indicating different periods of death, as well as single or multiple perforations on the thorax. The perforations reached the heart, lungs or large thoracic vessels, culminating in hemopericardium and hemothorax that led to death by circulatory failure and cardiac tamponade. Blood from the heart and thoracic cavity was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and tested positive for ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic. The suspect declared that she had killed only five of the animals and that they had all been fatally sick. The necropsy proved that all 37 animals were killed in the same way, that none of the animals had any terminal diseases and that a restricted drug was used. The suspect was sentenced to 12 years, 6 months and 14days of prison for the killing of the 37 animals. This was the first conviction for the crime of animal cruelty in Brazil. The combined role of police, forensic veterinary pathologists and prosecutors were essential to the conviction, which was a great historical occasion in the fight against animal cruelty.

Exhumation of Wistar rats experimentally exposed to the carbamate pesticides aldicarb and carbofuran: A pathological and toxicological study.

Exhumation is required for the investigation of suspicions deaths when a body is buried and is usually performed under court order. Exhumation of animals is not a routine practice in forensic pathology. In this study, 30 male 70-day-old Wistar rats were experimentally exposed to the carbamate pesticides aldicarb and carbofuran. Toxicological, macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed. Groups of 3 animals (2 exposed and 1 control) were evaluated at 24h, 3days, 5days, 7days and 10days post-mortem. In histopathological examination, the brain, liver, lungs and kidneys were assessed, and for toxicological analysis, the gastric contents, liver, vitreous humor, skeletal muscle and larvae (when available) were collected. The pesticides were detected by HPLC and quantified in the analyzed matrices, and a possible delay in tissue putrefaction due to the pesticides was observed. This study has revealed that it is possible to exhume animals for investigations of possible poisoning by carbamates and has demonstrated that the exhumation of an animal in a suspected case of poisoning should not be ruled out. The increasing demand for investigations of suspicious animal deaths, e.g., in cases of poisoning, will likely lead to an increase in the use of this type of procedure in veterinary pathology.

Effects of heat stress on the formation of splenic germinal centres and immunoglobulins in broilers infected by Clostridium perfringens type A.

Avian necrotic enteritis (NE) induced by Clostridium perfringens is a disease that affects mainly the first weeks of poultry's life. The pathogenesis of NE is complex and involves the combination of several factors, such as co-infection with different species of coccidia, immunosuppression and stress. Stress is one of the main limiting factors in poultry production. Although several studies emphasized the effects of stress on immunity, few works analyzed these effects on immunoglobulins and on germinal centres (GCs), which are specialized microenvironments, responsible for generating immune cells with high affinity antibodies and memory B-lymphocytes. Thus, the effects of heat stress associated or not with thioglycolate broth culture medium intake and/or C. perfringens infection on corticosterone serum levels, spleen GCs development and immunoglobulin production in broilers were evaluated. Results showed that heat stress, thioglycolate and C. perfringens per se increased corticosterone serum levels, although this was not observed in heat stressed and thioglycolate and C. perfringens-treated chickens. The serum levels of IgA, IgM and IgY were differently affected by heat stress and/or infection/thioglycolate. Heat stress decreased the duodenal concentrations of sIgA, which was accompanied by a reduction in GCs number in the duodenal lamina propria; a trend to similar findings of sIgA concentrations was observed in the chickens' jejunum. Changes in spleen and Bursa of Fabricius relative weights as well as in spleen morphometry were also noted in heat stressed animals, infected or not. Together, these data suggest that heat stress change GCs formation in chickens infected or not, which that may lead to failures in vaccination protocols as well as in the poultries' host resistance to infectious diseases during periods of exposure to heat stress.

Glial response in the central nervous system of cats with feline infectious peritonitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate central nervous system (CNS) lesions in non-effusive and effusive cases of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) regarding aspects related to astrocytic and microglial reactions. METHODS: Five necropsied cats that were naturally infected with FIP virus, confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, with different intensities of CNS lesions, were studied. Brain and cerebellum were evaluated by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin to assess astrocytic morphology, and lectin histochemistry for Ricinus communis agglutinin-I (RCA-I) to detect microglia was performed to evaluate the glial response in the CNS of cats with FIP. RESULTS: An important astrocytic response in many areas of the CNS of all cats, including the periventricular areas of lateral ventricles and fourth ventricle, the molecular layer of the cerebellum and cerebral cortex, was visualized. This astrocytic reactivity was associated with areas of granulomatous or pyogranulomatous vasculitis/perivasculitis in most cases, and it was characterized by multifocal to coalescing astrocytosis and astrogliosis with an increase in the expression of intermediate filaments, such as GFAP. However, astrocytes exhibited strong vimentin expression in neuroparenchyma with severe inflammatory and necrotic changes, but GFAP expression was mild or absent in these cases. A microglial response was present only in severe lesions, and RCA-I expression was detected primarily in gitter cells and resting microglia. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The present study indicates a strong astrocytic response, including the presence of many less differentiated vimentin-positive astrocytes and gitter cells positive for RCA-1 in severe lesions in the CNS of cats with FIP.

Poisoning of cats and dogs by the carbamate pesticides aldicarb and carbofuran.

The intentional and accidental poisoning of animals and people is a threat to public health and safety worldwide. Necropsies and histopathological examinations of 26 cats and 10 dogs poisoned by the carbamates aldicarb and carbofuran, confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) were analysed, with variable post mortem interval and conservation of the carcass. Biological matrices were collected for toxicological and histopathological analyses. High performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) was utilized to detect aldicarb and its metabolites, aldicarb sulphoxide and aldicarb sulphone, and carbofuran. The variable post mortem interval and the method of conservation of the carcass may be harmful to toxicological, necroscopic and histopathological analyses, that should be performed in order to provide reliable evidences to investigate possible poisoning of animals, which is cruel crime, and are usually linked to domestic or social conflict.

Effects of long-term heat stress in an experimental model of avian necrotic enteritis.

Stressful conditions are predisposing factors for disease development. Heat stress is one of the most important stressors in poultry production. The reemergence of some previously controlled diseases [e.g., avian necrotic enteritis (NE)] has been extensively reported. The combination of bacterial infection and certain environmental factors have been reported to trigger the disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of long-term heat stress (35 ± 1°C) on the development of NE in broiler chickens. For this purpose, 60 male broiler chickens were divided into the following 6 groups: control group (C), heat stressed control group (C/HS35), thioglycolate group (T), thioglycolate heat-stressed group (T/HS35), infected group (I), and infected heat-stressed group (I/HS35). The poultry of groups I and I/HS35 were experimentally infected with Clostridium perfringens via their feed from 15 to 21 d of life. Heat stress (35 ± 1°C) was constantly applied to the birds of the stressed groups from 14 to 21 d of life. The infected and heat-stressed broiler chickens presented a trend toward a decrease in gross lesion scores and significantly lower microscopic scores of necrosis in the duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05), lower fusion of villi in the duodenum (P < 0.05), and lower congestion scores in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05) in relation to infected and non-heat-stressed chickens. Broilers of I/HS35 group also exhibited small number of heterophils in the duodenum and jejunum compared with those of the I group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the duodenum and jejunum of infected and heat-stressed broilers showed lower number of clostridia on the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05). Data were discussed in light of a heat stress induced reduction on intestinal inflammation via a decrease in heterophil migration to the intestinal mucosa, which in turn might have reduced tissue damage during inflammation, hence preventing the development of a more severe form of NE.

Hypervitaminosis A-induced hepatic fibrosis in a cat.

RATIONALE: The excessive intake of vitamin A in the form of vitamin concentrate, supplement or vitamin-rich liver can result in hypervitaminosis A in man and animals. Although osteopathologies resulting from chronic vitamin A intoxication in cats are well characterized, no information is available concerning feline hypervitaminosis A-induced liver disease. CLINICAL SUMMARY: We report the first case of hepatic stellate cell lipidosis and hepatic fibrosis in a domestic cat that had been fed a diet based on raw beef liver. Radiographic examination revealed exostoses and ankylosis between vertebrae C1 and T7, compatible with deforming cervical spondylosis. Necropsy showed a slightly enlarged and light yellow to bronze liver. Microscopic and ultrastructural analyses of liver tissues revealed diffuse and severe liver fibrosis associated with hepatic stellate cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy. These cells showed immunopositive staining for α-smooth muscle actin and desmin markers. The necropsy findings of chronic liver disease coupled with osteopathology supported the diagnosis of hypervitaminosis A. PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: As in human hepatology, if there is dietary evidence to support increased intake of vitamin A, then hypervitaminosis A should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic liver disease in cats.

Non-accidental injuries found in necropsies of domestic cats: a review of 191 cases.

Animal cruelty is defined as a deliberate action that causes pain and suffering to an animal. In Brazil, legislation known as the Environmental Crimes Law states that cruelty toward all animal species is criminal in nature. From 644 domestic cats necropsied between January 1998 and December 2009, 191 (29.66%) presented lesions highly suggestive of animal cruelty. The main necroscopic finding was exogenous carbamate poisoning (75.39%) followed by blunt-force trauma (21.99%). Cats from 7 months to 2 years of age were the most affected (50.79%). In Brazil, violence is a public health problem and there is a high prevalence of domestic violence. Therefore, even if laws provide for animal welfare and protection, animals are common targets for violent acts. Within a context of social violence, cruelty toward animals is an important parameter to be considered, and the non-accidental lesions that were found are evidence of malicious actions.

Occurrence of antibodies against Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs.

This study aimed to evaluate occurrences of antibodies against Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs. Blood samples from 147 dogs were collected: 127 from owned dogs (attended at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná (HV-UFPR) and at private veterinary clinics in the city of Curitiba), and 20 from stray dogs found in Curitiba's metropolitan region. The dogs presented one or more of the following neurological signs: seizures, paresis or paralysis, ataxia, behavioral abnormalities, sensory and somatic disorders and chorioretinitis. The samples were analyzed by means of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), at a cutoff dilution of 1:50. Out of the 147 samples obtained, 17 (11.56%) were seropositive for N. caninum, 31 (21.08%) for T. gondii and four (2.72%) for both protozoa. Serum titration on the positive animals showed that 54.83% (17/31) and 41.18% (7/17) had titers ≥ 1:200 against T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. A significant difference in seropositivity for T. gondii (P = 0.021; OR = 2.87; CI = 1.1 > 2.8 > 7.4) was observed between owned dogs (18.11%) and stray dogs (40%). Inclusion of serological tests for neosporosis and toxoplasmosis is recommended in diagnosing neurological diseases in dogs.

Occurrence of antibodies against Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs / Ocorrência de anticorpos contra Neospora caninum e/ou Toxoplasma gondii em cães com sinais neurológicos

This study aimed to evaluate occurrences of antibodies against Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs. Blood samples from 147 dogs were collected: 127 from owned dogs (attended at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná (HV-UFPR) and at private veterinary clinics in the city of Curitiba), and 20 from stray dogs found in Curitiba's metropolitan region. The dogs presented one or more of the following neurological signs: seizures, paresis or paralysis, ataxia, behavioral abnormalities, sensory and somatic disorders and chorioretinitis. The samples were analyzed by means of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), at a cutoff dilution of 1:50. Out of the 147 samples obtained, 17 (11.56 percent) were seropositive for N. caninum, 31 (21.08 percent) for T. gondii and four (2.72 percent) for both protozoa. Serum titration on the positive animals showed that 54.83 percent (17/31) and 41.18 percent (7/17) had titers > 1:200 against T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. A significant difference in seropositivity for T. gondii (P = 0.021; OR = 2.87; CI = 1.1 > 2.8 > 7.4) was observed between owned dogs (18.11 percent) and stray dogs (40 percent). Inclusion of serological tests for neosporosis and toxoplasmosis is recommended in diagnosing neurological diseases in dogs.

Neste estudo objetivou-se verificar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra Neospora caninum e/ou Toxoplasma gondii em cães com sinais neurológicos. Foram coletadas 147 amostras de sangue, sendo 127 de animais domiciliados (atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Paraná (HV-UFPR) e em clínicas veterinárias da cidade de Curitiba) e 20 de cães errantes da região metropolitana de Curitiba. Os cães apresentavam um ou mais dos seguintes sinais neurológicos: convulsão, paresia ou paralisia, ataxia, alterações de comportamento, alterações sensoriais somáticas e coriorretinite. As amostras foram analisadas pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), na diluição de corte 1:50. Das 147 amostras obtidas, 17 (11,56 por cento) foram positivas para N. caninum, 31 (21,08 por cento) foram positivas para T. gondii e quatro (2,72 por cento) foram reagentes para ambos os protozoários. Na titulação dos animais positivos, 54,83 por cento (17/31) e 41,18 por cento (07/17) apresentaram títulos >1:200 contra T. gondii e N. caninum, respectivamente. Diferença significativa (P = 0,021, OR = 2,87, IC = 1,1 > 2,8 > 7,4) foi observada para soropositividade ao T. gondii entre cães domiciliados (18,11 por cento) e errantes (40 por cento). Sugere-se a inclusão dos exames sorológicos de neosporose e toxoplasmose no diagnóstico de doença neurológica em cães.

Grupos de reflexão: um recurso para as transformações do trabalho: [revisão] / Grupos de reflexión: un recurso en la transformación del trabajo: [revisión] / Reflection groups: a resource in work transformation: [review]

Este artigo objetiva apresentar em detalhes e discutir o método dos Grupos de Reflexão (GR) e as contribuições que pode trazer nas transformações do trabalho, para as áreas da ergonomia, saúde do trabalhador, saúde coletiva e para as práticas de prevenção, tratamento e reabilitação na psicologia social e do trabalho e terapia ocupacional. Os GRs são grupos temporários, que ocorrem, preferencialmente, fora do local de trabalho (seção), durante o horário de trabalho e têm participação delegativa e consultiva. Os GRs utilizam a técnica e os pressupostos teóricos dos grupos operativos (GOs) de Pichon Riviére na condução dos grupos, uma forma adaptada de grupo tripartite, e a atividade como recurso instrumental. Adicionalmente aos efeitos positivos na comunicação e ambiente psicossocial, os GRs contribuem para melhorias nos relacionamentos interpessoais, cooperação, comportamentos pessoais e de trabalho, vencendo a resistência à mudança e levando os participantes à aprendizagem. Esses efeitos positivos favorecem a mudanças nas condiçõese organização do trabalho. GRs representam uma forma de intervenção psicossocial útil no enfrentamento de obstáculos, comumente encontrados nas intervenções no trabalho, nos processos de reabilitação e de inserção profissional por meio da tarefa implícita e com aparticipação efetiva dos diversos atores sociais (diferentes níveis hierárquicos).

This article aims to present in details and to argue for the method of Groups of Reflection (GR) and the contributions these may bring in the transformations of work to ergonomics, worker health, collective health and the practices for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation in social psychology and occupational therapy. GRs are temporary groups created preferentially outside the workplace during working hours and having a delegate and advisory participation. GRs use the technique and theoretical grounds of Pichon-Riviére’s operative groups (OGs) in the animation of groups, a suitable form of tripartite group, and activity as an instrumental resource. In addition to the positive effect in communication and psychosocial environment, GRs contribute for improvements in interpersonal relationships, personal cooperation, behavior and work performance, surpassing the resistance to change and leading to learning for all participants. These positive effects favor changes in the conditions and organization of work. GRs represent a form of useful psychosocial intervention in the confrontation of obstacles commonly found in the interventions in work, in rehabilitation processes and professional insertion through the implicit task, and with the concrete participation of the several social actors (different hierarchic levels).

Este artículo apunta presentar en detalles y defender el método de grupos de reflexión (GR) y las contribuciones que éstos pueden traer en las transformaciones del trabajo a la ergonómica, a la salud del trabajador, la salud colectiva y las prácticas para la prevención, el tratamiento y la rehabilitación en psicología social y terapia ocupacional. GRs son grupos temporales creados preferentemente fuera del lugar de trabajo durante las horas de trabajo y tienen un delegado y una participación consultiva. GRs usan la técnica y los argumentos teóricos de los grupos operativos de Pichon-Riviére (GOs) en la animación de grupos, una forma conveniente de grupo tripartito, y la actividad como recurso instrumental. Además del efecto positivo en la comunicación y el ambiente psicosocial, GRs contribuyen para la mejoría en las relaciones interpersonales, la cooperación personal, el comportamiento y el trabajo, sobrepasando la resistencia al cambio y llevando al aprendizaje para todos los participantes. El aspecto positivo de estos efectos cambia las condiciones y la organización del trabajo. GRs representa una forma de intervención psicosocial útil en la confrontación de los obstáculos encontrados comúnmente en las intervenciones en el trabajo, en procesos de rehabilitación y la inserción profesional con la tarea implícita, y con la participación concreta de los varios agentes sociales (diversos niveles jerárquicos).

Evaluation of the water quality of tidal creeks of Pontal do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil

The aim of this wat was to evaluate the water quality in four tidal creeks of Paraná, Brazil, with different anthropic influences. Samples were collected every three months. Temperature, salinity, pH, alkalinity, total CO2, dissolved O2, nitrite, nitrate, N-ammoniacal, phosphate, silicate, particulate suspended matter, humic matter, total chlorophyll, total and fecal coliform bacteria of surface water were measured in each sample and compared. For all the stations water temperature was lower in winter, but ranged within typically subtropical values. Salinity (7 - 25) and pH (7.08 - 7.91) were higher in Perequê tidal creek indicating that only this tidal creek was strongly influenced by the nearby ocean waters. Lower dissolved O2, reaching anoxic levels along with higher phosphate and N-ammoniacal concentrations and higher total (<200 - 160,000 MPN 100 ml-1) and thermotolerant coliforms (<200 - 50,000 MPN 100 ml-1) in Olho d´Água suggested euthrophication, especially in summer when rainfall was higher and tourism was at its peak. Perequê, Penedo and Barranco Creeks were characterized as meso- and oligotrophic environments.

Foi objetivo da presente pesquisa, avaliar a qualidade da água de quatro gamboas do Paraná, Brasil, que sofrem influências antrópicas distintas. Em cinco coletas trimestrais, foram obtidas, as seguintes variáveis em águas superficiais: temperatura, salinidade, pH, alcalinidade, dióxido de carbono, oxigênio dissolvido, nitrito, nitrato, N-amoniacal, fosfato, silicato, material particulado em suspensão, substâncias húmicas, clorofila total, coliformes totais e coliformes termotolerantes. Os resultados mostraram que a temperatura da água apresentou características tipicamente subtropicais com valores significativamente menores no inverno em todas as estações. A salinidade (7 - 25‰) e o pH (7,08 - 7,91) mais elevados, registrados na Gamboa Perequê, indicaram que somente este curso d´água é influenciado pelo mar adjacente. As quantidades baixas de oxigênio dissolvido, chegando a anoxia, altas de fosfato (8,11 - 208,11 µM), N-amoniacal (0,90 - 75,33 µM), coliformes totais (<200 - 160.000 NMP 100 mL-1) e coliformes termotolerantes (<200 - 50.000 NMP 100 mL-1) observadas na Gamboa Olho d´Água indicam que esta apresenta características típicas de eutrofização, principalmente no verão, época de maior pluviosidade e maior fluxo de turistas na região. As gamboas Perequê, Penedo e Barranco podem ser caracterizadas como gamboas meso- e oligotróficas.

Análise ergonômica da higienização de louças de um hospital cardiológico público / Análisis ergonómica de la limpieza de platos en un hospital cardiológico público / Ergonomic analysis of dish hygienization of a public cardiologic hospital

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender o trabalho dos atendentes de nutrição, suas exigências, constrangimentos e repercussões na saúde. Trata-se de um estudo de caso realizado em 2006 no Setor de Produção de Alimentos (SPA) de um hospital cardiológico público localizado em São Paulo. Foi realizada uma análise ergonômica do trabalho (AET). Verificou-se a presença de importantes exigências físicas, cognitivas e psíquicas com constrangimentos associados ao espaço e arranjo físico, ambiente de trabalho, equipamentos, superfícies, organização e fatores psicossociais do trabalho, que geraram repercussões na saúde dos atendentes de nutrição da higienização, no sistema osteomuscular e do tecido conjuntivo e riscos de acidentes de trabalho, mostrando a necessidade de serem adotadas melhorias na situação de trabalho do Serviço de Nutrição e Dietética do hospital.

The aim of this study was to understand the work of nutrition assistants, their requirements, constraints and repercussions in health. This is a case study carried through in 2006 in the Food Production Department (SPA) of a public cardiologic hospital located in São Paulo. An ergonomic analysis of the work was carried through (AET). One identified the presence of important physical, cognitive and psychic requirements with constraints associated to space and to physical surroundings arrangement, work environment, equipment, surfaces, organization and psychosocial factors of work, which had repercussions in the health of nutrition assistants charged of hygienization, in the osteomuscular system and conjunctive tissues, besides risks of industrial accidents, and showed the necessity of making improvements in the work situation of the Service of Diet and Nutrition of the hospital.

Este estudio intenciona entender el trabajo de las ayudantes de nutrición, sus requisitos, los apremios y las repercusiones en la salud. Es un estudio de caso hecho en 2006 en el departamento de producción de alimentos (SPA) de un hospital cardiológico público situado en São Paulo. Un análisis ergonómico del trabajo (AET) fue hecho y uno identificó la presencia de requisitos físicos, cognoscitivos y psíquicos importantes con los apremios asociados al espacio y a la distribución física, al ambiente de trabajo, el equipo, las superficies, la organización y los factores psicosociales del trabajo que tienen repercusiones en la salud de las ayudantes de nutrición cargadas de la limpieza, en el sistema osteomuscular y los tejidos conjuntivos, además de riesgos de accidentes de trabajo, y el análisis demostró la necesidad de llevar a cabo mejoras en la situación de trabajo del servicio de dieta y de nutrición del hospital.

A critical analysis of tinnitus measuring methods.

UNLABELLED: One of the main factors that make tinnitus treatment so difficult is the subjectivity of measuring methods and therapeutic monitoring. DATABASE: Our aim, in this study, is to make a critical analysis of tinnitus measuring methods. CONCLUSION: There is no consensus about tinnitus measuring methods, causing criticism in the methodology used in many papers. In Brazil, the simplest methods are the most used.