Comparative Study of Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions in Offshore and Onshore Seafaring Workers. / Estudo comparativo das emissões otoacústicas evocadas em trabalhadores marítimos Offshore e Onshore.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cochlear function of offshore and onshore seafaring workers of a naval company in the city of Rio de Janeiro and to estimate the degree of association between occupational exposure to noise and/or chemical substances and alteration in cochlear function. METHODS: This study evaluated seafaring workers aged 20 to 49, of both genders, without auditory symptoms, divided into two groups: the Offshore Group, operating in the high seas with occupational exposure; and the Onshore Group, operating in offices without occupational exposure. Exams were performed to evaluate cochlear function, including transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). RESULTS: The TEOAE and DPOAE responses were on average lower in the Offshore Group, for all frequencies analyzed. The proportion of failures observed was also higher in the exposure group (Offshore), for general response and specific frequency, mainly for the frequencies of 4 kHz for TEOAE and 6 kHz for DPOAE. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that exposure to noise and/or chemical substances can contribute to alterations in cochlear function in seafarers even without manifesting auditory symptoms.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função coclear de trabalhadores marítimos Offshore e Onshore de uma empresa naval da cidade do Rio de Janeiro e estimar a magnitude de associação entre a exposição ocupacional ao ruído e/ou substâncias químicas e alterações na função coclear. MÉTODO: Neste estudo, foram avaliados trabalhadores marítimos entre 20-49 anos, de ambos os gêneros, sem queixas auditivas, distribuídos em dois grupos: o Grupo Offshore, que operam em alto mar com exposição ocupacional; e o Grupo Onshore, que operam em escritórios sem exposição ocupacional. Para avaliação da função coclear, foram realizados os exames de emissões otoacústicas evocadas por estímulo transiente (EOAT) e por produto de distorção (EOAPD). RESULTADOS: As respostas das EOAT e EOAPD foram, em média, menores no Grupo Offshore, para todas as frequências analisadas. A proporção de falhas observadas também foi maior no grupo de exposição (Offshore), tanto no critério geral quanto por frequência específica, principalmente para as frequências mais agudas de cada teste, 4 kHz para EOAT e 6 kHz para EOAPD. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que a exposição a ruído e/ou a substâncias químicas pode contribuir significativamente para alterações da função coclear de trabalhadores marítimos, mesmo antes de manifestarem queixas auditivas.

Estudo comparativo das emissões otoacústicas evocadas em trabalhadores marítimos Offshore e Onshore / Comparative Study of Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions in Offshore and Onshore Seafaring Workers

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a função coclear de trabalhadores marítimos Offshore e Onshore de uma empresa naval da cidade do Rio de Janeiro e estimar a magnitude de associação entre a exposição ocupacional ao ruído e/ou substâncias químicas e alterações na função coclear. Método Neste estudo, foram avaliados trabalhadores marítimos entre 20-49 anos, de ambos os gêneros, sem queixas auditivas, distribuídos em dois grupos: o Grupo Offshore, que operam em alto mar com exposição ocupacional; e o Grupo Onshore, que operam em escritórios sem exposição ocupacional. Para avaliação da função coclear, foram realizados os exames de emissões otoacústicas evocadas por estímulo transiente (EOAT) e por produto de distorção (EOAPD). Resultados As respostas das EOAT e EOAPD foram, em média, menores no Grupo Offshore, para todas as frequências analisadas. A proporção de falhas observadas também foi maior no grupo de exposição (Offshore), tanto no critério geral quanto por frequência específica, principalmente para as frequências mais agudas de cada teste, 4 kHz para EOAT e 6 kHz para EOAPD. Conclusão Os resultados sugerem que a exposição a ruído e/ou a substâncias químicas pode contribuir significativamente para alterações da função coclear de trabalhadores marítimos, mesmo antes de manifestarem queixas auditivas.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the cochlear function of offshore and onshore seafaring workers of a naval company in the city of Rio de Janeiro and to estimate the degree of association between occupational exposure to noise and/or chemical substances and alteration in cochlear function. Methods This study evaluated seafaring workers aged 20 to 49, of both genders, without auditory symptoms, divided into two groups: the Offshore Group, operating in the high seas with occupational exposure; and the Onshore Group, operating in offices without occupational exposure. Exams were performed to evaluate cochlear function, including transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). Results The TEOAE and DPOAE responses were on average lower in the Offshore Group, for all frequencies analyzed. The proportion of failures observed was also higher in the exposure group (Offshore), for general response and specific frequency, mainly for the frequencies of 4 kHz for TEOAE and 6 kHz for DPOAE. Conclusion The results suggest that exposure to noise and/or chemical substances can contribute to alterations in cochlear function in seafarers even without manifesting auditory symptoms.

Pesticide exposure among students and their families in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro.

Farming is a risky occupation, especially family farming in developing country. The occupational hazards commonly used in such activity could affect all family members, including children and adolescents. This study describes the pattern of pesticide exposure among students and their families from a farming region located in Nova Friburgo, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sociodemographic characteristics, habits, working practices and the degree of exposure to pesticides were assessed by a questionnaire. Our study population consisted of students and family members of both sexes, aged between 6 and 85 years old (N = 352) being 167 women and 185 men. There was a predominance of participants between 10-19 years (71.3%), singles (77.5%), and most had not completed primary education (54.5%). In terms of occupation, 45.5% reported to be farmers and 39.6% were students. The variables mostly associated with pesticide exposure were sex (p < 0.001), educational level (p < 0.001), and being a farmer (p < 0.001). Our results showed that children and teenagers seemed to have the same degree of exposure to pesticides as the adults. Our findings also suggest that sex, occupation and educational level, despite teachers were included, are directly associated with degree of exposure.

HPLC profile and antiedematogenic activity of Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae) in mice models of skin inflammation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-edematogenic activity of X. americana L. (HEXA) hydroethanolic extract in ear edema models (acute and chronic) induced by croton oil and by different phlogistic agents (arachidonic acid, capsaicin, phenol and histamine), identifying the possible anti-edematogenic mechanism. HEXA demonstrated a significant anti-edematogenic effect at concentrations of 100-500 µg/ear in ear edema induced by croton oil with higher inhibition of edema of 39.37. However, the concentrations of 100 and 200 µg/ear were taken as a standard, demonstrating the effect in the chronic model induced by croton oil with inhibition of 61.62% and 48.74%. In the AA-induced ear edema model, HEXA showed inhibition of: 24.45% and 32.31%; capsaicin inhibition of 72.72% and 47.57%; phenol inhibition of 34% and 20.1%; and histamine inhibition of 31.8% and 21.62%. Then, the results were showed that HEXA demonstrated an anti-edematogenic effect in acute and chronic inflammation models, demonstrating a probable mechanism of action by the inhibition or modulation of key mediators of the inflammatory process. The chemical profile and presence of flavonoids guaranteeing a profile of activity similar to natural drugs that act or modulate the production of mediators of inflammations.

Pesticide exposure among students and their families in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro / Exposição a agrotóxicos entre estudantes e seus familiares em Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro

Abstract Farming is a risky occupation, especially family farming in developing country. The occupational hazards commonly used in such activity could affect all family members, including children and adolescents. This study describes the pattern of pesticide exposure among students and their families from a farming region located in Nova Friburgo, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sociodemographic characteristics, habits, working practices and the degree of exposure to pesticides were assessed by a questionnaire. Our study population consisted of students and family members of both sexes, aged between 6 and 85 years old (N = 352) being 167 women and 185 men. There was a predominance of participants between 10-19 years (71.3%), singles (77.5%), and most had not completed primary education (54.5%). In terms of occupation, 45.5% reported to be farmers and 39.6% were students. The variables mostly associated with pesticide exposure were sex (p < 0.001), educational level (p < 0.001), and being a farmer (p < 0.001). Our results showed that children and teenagers seemed to have the same degree of exposure to pesticides as the adults. Our findings also suggest that sex, occupation and educational level, despite teachers were included, are directly associated with degree of exposure.

Resumo Agricultura é uma ocupação de risco, principalmente a familiar em países em desenvolvimento. Os perigos ocupacionais comuns a essa atividade podem atingir a toda família, incluindo crianças e adolescentes. Este estudo descreve o padrão do uso de agrotóxicos entre estudantes e seus familiares em uma região agrícola localizada em Nova Friburgo, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Características sociodemográficas, hábitos, práticas de trabalho e grau de exposição a agrotóxicos foram adquiridas através do uso de questionário. Nossa população de estudo consistiu em estudantes e seus familiares de ambos os sexos, entre 6 e 85 anos de idade (N = 352) sendo 167 mulheres e 185 homens. Houve a predominância de participantes entre 10 - 19 anos (71,3%), solteiros (77,5%), e a maioria com o ensino fundamental incompleto (54,5%). Quanto à ocupação, 45,5% reportaram-se como agricultores e 39,6% como estudantes. As variáveis mais associadas à exposição a agrotóxicos foram sexo (p < 0,001), nível educacional (p < 0,001) e ser agricultor (p < 0,001). Nossos resultados mostraram que crianças e adolescentes parecem ter o mesmo grau de exposição a agrotóxicos que adultos. Nossos achados também sugerem que sexo, ocupação e nível educacional, incluindo professores, estão diretamente associados ao grau de exposição.

Murraya paniculata (L.) (Orange Jasmine): Potential Nutraceuticals with Ameliorative Effect in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata (Rutaceae), is a plant from India widely used in folk medicine as antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant. Although oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin are the mainstays of treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM), there is a significant demand for new natural products to reduce the development of diabetic complications. Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were treated for 60 days with a hydroalcoholic extract of M. paniculata (MPE), at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. MPE decreased glycemia and also cholesterol and triglyceride levels, starting 1 week after treatments, as compared with the same group before treatments. Glucose values were reduced toward normality after 1 week of treatment. MPE hypoglycemic effects were potentiated by glibenclamide and metformin. MPE also decreased fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin values. MPE reduced diabetes-induced morphological alterations of the kidney, pancreas, and liver. MPE acts similarly to glibenclamide and metformin, and its glucose-lowering action is partly a consequence of ATP-sensitive K+ channel inhibition. MPE may be a potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Cochlear function in students exposed to pesticides. / Função coclear em escolares expostos aos agrotóxicos.

PURPOSE: To estimate the degree of association between exposure to pesticides and the risk of alteration in cochlear function in students exposed to pesticides. METHODS: This study evaluated individuals aged 8 to 30, of both genders, residing in an area of heavy pesticide use in the town of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro State. Each study participant answered a questionnaire to assess their degree of pesticide exposure. To evaluate cochlear function, audiometry exams were performed, including transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). RESULTS: The TEOAE responses were on average lower at higher frequencies, especially at 2.0 and 4.0 kHz, and lower at these frequencies among the most exposed individuals. A similar pattern was observed for DPOAE responses. The lowest response level in the DPOAE tests was observed at the frequency of 6 kHz in the group with the highest exposure score. The proportion of failures observed at more than one frequency in the TEOAE tests on the right ear was significantly higher in the highest exposure group when compared to the lowest exposure group. In the DPOAE test, the rate of failure was also greater in the group with highest exposure when compared to that of lowest exposure. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that exposure to pesticides can significantly contribute to alterations in cochlear function in individuals with preserved audiometric thresholds.

Função coclear em escolares expostos aos agrotóxicos / Cochlear function in students exposed to pesticides

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a magnitude da associação entre a exposição a agrotóxicos e o risco de alteração da função coclear de estudantes expostos a agrotóxicos. Método Neste estudo, foram avaliados indivíduos entre 8-30 anos, de ambos os gêneros, residentes em área de intensa utilização de agrotóxicos no município de Nova Friburgo, Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Cada participante do estudo respondeu a um questionário para aferir o grau de exposição a agrotóxicos. Para avaliação da função coclear, foram realizados os exames de audiometria, emissões otoacústicas evocadas por estímulo transiente (EOAET) e por produto de distorção (EOAPD). Resultados As respostas das EOAET foram, em média, menores nas altas frequências, especialmente 2,0 e 4,0 kHz, e, nestas frequências, também menores entre os indivíduos mais expostos. Padrão similar foi observado para as respostas das EOAPD. Para estas, o menor nível de resposta foi observado na frequência de 6 kHz, no grupo com maior escore de exposição. A proporção de falhas observadas em mais de uma frequência nas EOAET, na OD, no grupo de maior exposição, foi significativamente superior àquela observada no grupo menos exposto. No teste das EOAPD, o percentual de falhas também foi superior no grupo de maior exposição, quando comparado ao de menor exposição. Conclusão Os resultados sugerem que a exposição a agrotóxicos pode contribuir significativamente para alterações da função coclear de indivíduos com limiares audiométricos ainda preservados.

ABSTRACT Purpose To estimate the degree of association between exposure to pesticides and the risk of alteration in cochlear function in students exposed to pesticides. Methods This study evaluated individuals aged 8 to 30, of both genders, residing in an area of heavy pesticide use in the town of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro State. Each study participant answered a questionnaire to assess their degree of pesticide exposure. To evaluate cochlear function, audiometry exams were performed, including transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Results The TEOAE responses were on average lower at higher frequencies, especially at 2.0 and 4.0 kHz, and lower at these frequencies among the most exposed individuals. A similar pattern was observed for DPOAE responses. The lowest response level in the DPOAE tests was observed at the frequency of 6 kHz in the group with the highest exposure score. The proportion of failures observed at more than one frequency in the TEOAE tests on the right ear was significantly higher in the highest exposure group when compared to the lowest exposure group. In the DPOAE test, the rate of failure was also greater in the group with highest exposure when compared to that of lowest exposure. Conclusion The results suggest that exposure to pesticides can significantly contribute to alterations in cochlear function in individuals with preserved audiometric thresholds.

Analisys of high frequency auditory thresholds in individuals aged between 18 and 29 years with no otological complaints.

UNLABELLED: Recent studies analyzing audibility thresholds at frequencies over 8 KHz have brought new perspectives on the investigation of auditory damage. These studies, however, have not yet reached a consensus on normal standards for auditory thresholds at these frequencies. AIM: To analyze the results of high frequency auditory thresholds in individuals aged between 18 and 29 years with no otological complaints. TYPE OF STUDY: A prospective, cross-sectional study. METHODS: 60 conventional audiometries were done and 51 of these exams were within normal limits in individuals aged 18 to 29 years. These selected individuals underwent high-frequency audiometry using the AMPLAID 460 device and Sennheiser HD 520 II earphones, and thresholds were obtained in dB HL Results: There was no significant difference in auditory thresholds between males and females. High-frequency auditory thresholds were obtained for individuals with no otological complaint, aged between 18 and 29 years. CONCLUSION: It has been suggested that such data could be used as a normal reference for further studies with similar standard equipment, to analyze auditory alterations presented in young individuals.

Avaliação dos limiares de audibilidade das altas freqüências em indivíduos entre 18 e 29 anos sem queixas otológicas / Analisys of high frequency auditory thresholds in individuals aged between 18 and 29 years with no otological complaints

Estudos recentes que avaliaram os limiares auditivos em altas freqüências trouxeram novas perspectivas à investigação de danos auditivos. Contudo, as pesquisas desenvolvidas ainda não estabeleceram um consenso para os padrões de normalidade dos limiares de audição nessas freqüências. OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados dos limiares de audibilidade das altas freqüências, em nível de audição, de indivíduos entre 18 e 29 anos sem queixas otológicas. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Tipo seccional transversal. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas 60 audiometrias convencionais, sendo 51 exames com resultados normais, em indivíduos entre 18 e 29 anos. Esses indivíduos foram submetidos à audiometria de altas freqüências utilizando o aparelho AMPLAID 460 e fones de orelha Sennheiser HD 520 II, sendo os limiares obtidos em dBNA. RESULTADOS: Observou-se não existir diferença significativa nos limiares de audibilidade entre o sexo masculino e feminino. Foram obtidos os limiares de audição em dBNA nas altas freqüências para indivíduos sem queixas otológicas, entre 18 e 29 anos. CONCLUSÃO: Sugeriu-se que esses dados poderiam ser utilizados como referência de normalidade para estudos posteriores com equipamento de mesmo padrão, que tivessem como objetivo avaliar alterações auditivas apresentadas em indivíduos jovens.

Recent studies analyzing audibility thresholds at frequencies over 8 KHz have brought new perspectives on the investigation of auditory damage. These studies, however, have not yet reached a consensus on normal standards for auditory thresholds at these frequencies. AIM: To analyze the results of high frequency auditory thresholds in individuals aged between 18 and 29 years with no otological complaints. TYPE OF STUDY: A prospective, cross-sectional study. METHODS: 60 conventional audiometries were done and 51 of these exams were within normal limits in individuals aged 18 to 29 years. These selected individuals underwent high-frequency audiometry using the AMPLAID 460 device and Sennheiser HD 520 II earphones, and thresholds were obtained in dB HL Results: There was no significant difference in auditory thresholds between males and females. High-frequency auditory thresholds were obtained for individuals with no otological complaint, aged between 18 and 29 years. CONCLUSION: It has been suggested that such data could be used as a normal reference for further studies with similar standard equipment, to analyze auditory alterations presented in young individuals.