Bioindicator aquatic insects at risk from climate change in a biodiversity hotspot.

Climate change can affect biological assemblages by shifting their species' geographic range and changing species richness. Aquatic insects represent more than half of the freshwater animal species but have been neglected mainly in climate change assessments, particularly in tropical ecosystems. Among the aquatic insect taxa, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) are well-known bioindicators of environmental changes and encompass an essential metric for rivers and streams' biomonitoring. Here, we use ecological niche models to project the impact of climate change on the distribution range and richness of EPT in the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot. We found EPT to be at high risk from future climate change, with Plecoptera as the order of greatest concern. We projected range contraction of ca. 90 % of the analyzed EPT genera, resulting in a reduction in the richness of EPT genera under future climatic conditions. We projected >50 % contraction in the distribution of 50 % of Plecoptera, ≈14 % of Trichoptera, and ≈7 % of Ephemeroptera genera. The remaining climatically suitable regions in the Atlantic Forest are concentrated in the high-altitude areas, which may act as climate refuges for EPT biodiversity in the future. The projected changes in EPT's distribution range and richness may impact biomonitoring programs conducted in tropical ecosystems. Restricting EPT's geographic distribution may undermine its potential as a bioindicator and influence the composition of EPT assemblages at reference sites, which may lead to shifting baseline conditions. We reinforce the importance of considering future climatic conditions when planning long-term biomonitoring and priority areas for conservation.

Simple multi-signal calibrations exploiting flow analysis systems.

Multi-signal calibrations have been recently exploited in molecular spectrochemical analysis alternatively to traditional calibration methods, improving analytical frequency and accuracy. The application of these strategies is simple and minimizes efficiently matrix effects by analyzing two calibration solutions comprising sample plus standard (S1), and sample plus blank (S2). The plot of the signals obtained with S1 and S2 at multiple settings (e.g. different wavelengths) yield a slope that can be related to the analyte concentration in the sample. Similarly, transient signals could also be related to the analyte concentration exploiting a similar strategy. Thus, in this work, two multi-signal approaches developed in flow-based systems are proposed, based on the responses at multiple wavelengths (online multi-energy calibration, OMEC), and on the dispersion profile of the samples, herein denominated multi-dispersion calibration (MDC). The calibrations were carried out with sample solutions after 2-fold dilution with a standard solution and with water. The feasibility of OMEC and MDC were demonstrated using KMnO4 solutions (without chemical reactions) under continuous and pulsed flow regimes. The applicability of this strategy was also demonstrated by the spectrophotometric determination of urea in milk and pet potty spray in a multi-pumping flow system, based on the color change of bromothymol blue after catalyzed hydrolysis by urease from jack beans (Canavalia ensiformis). MDC and OMEC were compared with external calibrations (EC) and classical standard addition. The limits of detection for urea were estimated at 13 mg L-1, 16 mg L-1, and 10 mg L-1 using MDC, MEC and EC, respectively. Recoveries from 93 to 101%, and the agreement of sample analyzes with the reference procedure demonstrated the good accuracy achieved by the proposed methods. Therefore, it was demonstrated the feasibility of MDC and OMEC for analytical purposes in a simple and efficient way with the advantages of flow-based manifolds.

Placenta Accreta: A Case Report on the Role of Interventional Radiology.

Placenta accreta spectrum disorder is a pregnancy-related disorder responsible for important post-partum morbimortality, associated with intractable or massive hemorrhage, leading to uterine loss in up to 64% of women. Despite international recommendations advocating planned preterm cesarean hysterectomy for the management of these patients, uterus preservation management is being continuously reported with the implementation of minimally invasive bleeding reduction strategies, such as prophylactic balloon-assisted occlusion. We present the case of a 40-year-old pregnant woman with a previous cesarean, diagnosed with placenta previa and suspected placenta accreta on magnetic resonance after having second-trimester vaginal bleeding. A peri-operative multidisciplinary panel was involved, in collaboration with the interventional radiologist, and the c-section was scheduled for 36 weeks of gestation. The prophylactic balloon-assisted occlusion was successfully performed, minimizing the blood loss and allowing a uterus-preserving approach.

Space-environment relationship in the identification of potential areas of expansion of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Didelphis aurita in the Atlantic Rainforest.

Ecological Niche Modeling is widely used for animals, but rarely for understanding the parasite ecology. Trypanosoma cruzi is a heterogeneous and widely dispersed multi-host parasite. Didelphis aurita is a generalist species, both in terms of diet and environments. We modeled the D. aurita niche and T. cruzi infection in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, using the models of two common vector species (Triatoma vitticeps and Panstrongylus megistus) as biotic variables, predicting their occurrence. Records of T. cruzi infected and non-infected D. aurita were analyzed through climate and landscape approaches by the Ecoland method. Models for each triatomine species and infected and noninfected D. aurita were produced considering climate and landscape: resolution of ~1km2 selected by Pearson's correlation [-0.7≤α≤0.7]. For modeling, seven algorithms available in ModleR package were used. True Skill Statistic was used to evaluate the models' performance (≥ 0.7). T. vitticeps indicates that there is a spatial dependence with warm areas in the southeastern region while P. megistus presented a distribution with high environmental suitability concentrated in the Southeast. High values of climatic suitability, landscape and potential presence of T. vitticeps and P. megistus were considered necessary, but not sufficient for the presence of D. aurita infected by T. cruzi. Climate models showed an ecological niche with suitability variations homogeneous, and landscape models showed a distribution of habitat conditions along the biome, with a fragmented profile and heterogeneous between locations. Ecoland demonstrated that D. aurita has different degrees of impact on its role in the enzootic cycle in different locations of the Atlantic Rainforest. Associating the models with the Ecoland method allowed the recognition of areas where D. aurita are important T. cruzi reservoirs. Areas of high suitability for the presence of marsupials are a necessary, but not sufficient for D. aurita to act as a reservoir for T. cruzi.

A novel online dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the spectrophotometric determination of free glycerol in biodiesel.

Biodiesel is an important alternative fuel produced from animal fats or vegetable oils. According to several world regulatory agencies, the acceptable threshold content for free glycerol in biodiesel is 200 mg kg-1. Exceeding concentrations may yield high amounts of acrolein after combustion. The analytical methods for glycerol determination are usually preceded by conventional liquid-liquid extraction that may affect precision and accuracy and impair analytical frequency. In this work, a multi-pumping flow system was proposed for the online dispersive liquid-liquid extraction of free glycerol from biodiesel followed by spectrophotometric determination. The analyte was transferred to the aqueous phase by mixing the sample and water under a pulsed flow regime. The emulsion was directed towards a retention column to remove the organic phase before chemical derivatization. Glycerol was oxidized by NaIO4 to generate formaldehyde, which reacted with acetylacetone in an ammonium acetate medium to yield 3,5-diacetyl-1,4-dihydrolutidine (λMAX = 412 nm). The optimization of the main parameters of the system was carried out by multivariate methods. The screening of variables was performed by fractional factorial design 24-1. The models for free glycerol determination and extraction were refined by central composite and full factorial 23, respectively. In both cases, the validation was carried out by analysis of variance, which yielded a satisfactory F-test value. After optimization, a linear range from 3.0 to 50.0 mg L-1 glycerol was observed. The detection limit, coefficient of variation and determination frequency were estimated to be 2.0 mg L-1 (n = 20; 99.7% confidence level), 4.2-6.0% (n = 20) and 16 h-1, respectively. The efficiency of the process was estimated to be 66%. After each extraction, the retention column (filled with 185 mg of glass microfiber) was washed with 50% ethanol solution to avoid carry-over effects. The comparative analyses of samples by the proposed and reference methods demonstrated the accuracy of the developed procedure at a 95% confidence level. Recoveries between 86 and 101% also indicated that the proposed procedure is accurate, suitable and reliable for online extraction and determination of free glycerol in biodiesel.

Social Reproduction as a methodological perspective for contextualized analysis of living and health conditions. / A Reprodução Social como perspectiva metodológica para análise contextualizada das condições de vida e de saúde.

This article aims to discuss the use of Social Reproduction, proposed by Juan Samaja, in the analysis of living and health conditions in a context of an sustanaible development reserve in the Brazilian Amazon. This study uses a comprehensive approach to Social Reproduction processes that comprise the network of hierarchically organized structures using the analysis of social interactions of narrated and observable events, applied to the data matrix. The Ecological Reproduction of life in the riverside forest is negatively expressed in bio-communal life, as the strategic actions provided by the Political, Economic and Cultural Reproductions, that is, the environmental policy actions, do not value the local way of life. The deficient access to social goods and services, including health care, from the Political and Techno-Economic Reproductions, has an impact on the material basis of the Bio-Communal Reproduction, whose outcome is high frequency of disease complaints and workplace accidents, such as infectious gastroenteritis, malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, and poisoning by venomous animals. Ensuring access to social goods and services, in particular health care, is essential for improving resilience to the forest adversities. In conclusion, the social reproduction data matrix helped understand the processes of Social Reproduction that are part of the hierarchically organized structures, whose interactions shaped the living and health conditions of the riverside population analyzed in this study.

Este artigo objetiva discutir o uso da categoria Reprodução Social, proposta por Juan Samaja, na análise sobre condições de vida e de saúde em um contexto de uma unidade de conservação ambiental da Amazônia brasileira. Trata-se de um estudo de abordagem compreensiva sobre os processos da reprodução social que integram a rede de determinação hierarquicamente organizada por meio da análise de interações sociais dos acontecimentos narrados e observáveis, aplicados a matriz de dados. A Reprodução Ecológica da vida na floresta dos ribeirinhos é expressa negativamente na vida biocomunal, pois as estratégias de ação propiciadas pelas Reproduções Política, Econômica e Cultural, ou seja, as ações da política ambiental, não valorizam o modo de vida local. O deficitário acesso aos bens e serviços sociais, incluindo a atenção à saúde, provenientes das Reproduções Política e Tecnoeconômica, repercutem na base material da Reprodução Biocomunal, cujo desfecho são elevadas frequências de queixas de doença e de acidentes de trabalho, como gastroenterites infecciosas, malária, tuberculose, hanseníase e intoxicação por animais peçonhentos. Garantir o acesso aos bens e serviços sociais, em especial à saúde, são imprescindíveis para uma maior resiliência às adversidades da floresta. Conclui-se, então, que a matriz de dados da Reprodução Social possibilitou compreender os processos da reprodução social que integram a rede de determinação hierarquicamente organizada, cujas interações modelaram as condições de vida e de saúde dos ribeirinhos.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir el uso de la categoría Reproducción Social, propuesta por Juan Samaja, en el análisis sobre condiciones de vida y de salud en un contexto de una unidad de conservación ambiental de la Amazonía brasileña. Se trata de un estudio de enfoque integral sobre los procesos de la reproducción social que integran la red de determinación jerárquicamente organizada por medio del análisis de interacciones sociales de los acontecimientos narrados y observables, aplicados a la matriz de datos. La Reproducción Ecológica de la vida en los bosques ribereños es expresada negativamente en la vida biocomunal, pues las estrategias de acción propiciadas por las Reproducciones Política, Económica y Cultural, es decir, las acciones de la política ambiental, no valoran el modo de vida local. El deficiente acceso a los bienes y servicios sociales, incluida la atención a la salud, procedentes de las Reproducciones Política y Tecnoeconómica, repercuten en la base material de la Reproducción Biocomunal, cuyo desenlace son elevadas frecuencias de quejas de enfermedad y de accidentes de trabajo, como gastroenteritis infecciosas, malaria, tuberculosis, lepra e intoxicación por animales venenosos. Garantizar el acceso a los bienes y servicios sociales, especialmente la atención a la salud, es esencial para una mayor resistencia a las adversidades del bosque. Se concluye, entonces, que la matriz de datos de la Reproducción Social permitió comprender los procesos de la reproducción social que integran la red de determinación jerárquicamente organizada, cuyas interacciones modelaron las condiciones de vida y salud de los ribereños.

Neoextrativismo, garimpo e vulnerabilização dos povos indígenas como expressão de um colonialismo persistente no Brasil / Neo-extractivism, mining, and vulnerability of indigenous peoples as an expression of persistent colonialism in Brazil

RESUMO O artigo, em forma de ensaio, defende que as ameaças de vulnerabilização mais recentes contra os povos indígenas, intensificadas no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19, refletem um colonialismo persistente. Este se atualiza no contexto da inserção semiperiférica do Brasil no sistema-mundo capitalista, neoliberal e globalizado como exportador de commodities produzidas pelos dois setores estratégicos do neoextrativismo, a mineração e o agronegócio. O modelo neoextrativista beneficia principalmente grupos transnacionais e elites nacionais com grande poder econômico e político, além do próprio setor financeiro. Além disso, estabelece conexões com o submundo dos circuitos inferiores e ilegais vinculados a setores como o garimpo, e incluem desde práticas de violência até a lavagem de dinheiro com a participação de grupos locais que, nos últimos tempos, vêm assumindo crescente poder político e institucional. Tais grupos fazem parte do complexo mosaico do fortalecimento de ideologias de extrema-direita nos últimos anos no cenário nacional, que vêm reunindo alianças. O artigo tem por base experiências de pesquisa colaborativa nos últimos anos com o povo Munduruku na região do Médio Tapajós, com reflexões sobre a atual expansão de agenda política anti-indígena.

ABSTRACT This essay argues that the most recent threats of vulnerability against indigenous peoples, intensified in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflect a persistent colonialism. This is updated in the context of Brazil's semi-peripheral insertion into the capitalist, neoliberal, and globalized world-system as an exporter of commodities produced by the two strategic sectors of neo-extractivism, mining and agribusiness. The neo-extractivist model benefits mainly transnational groups and national elites with great economic and political power, in addition to the financial sector. Moreover, it establishes connections with the underworld of inferior and illegal circuits linked to sectors such as mining, and ranges from practices of violence to money laundering with the participation of local groups that, in recent times, have been assuming growing political and institutional power. Such groups are part of the complex mosaic of the strengthening of far-right ideologies in recent years on the national scene, which have been gathering alliances. This essay is based on collaborative research experiences in recent years with the Munduruku people in the Middle Tapajós region, along with reflections on the current expansion of the anti-indigenous political agenda.

FLUORO-CT GUIDED BIOPSY OF LUNG NODULES: A STEP BY STEP REVISION.

INTRODUCTION: Transthoracic biopsies under fluoro-computer tomography (CT) guidance play an important role on the diagnosis and management of lung nodules, permitting histological examination and differentiation between benign and malignant lesions(1). Furthermore, with recent advances in target therapy, it is increasingly necessary to obtain tumor tissue for the analysis of molecular fingerprints allowing personalized treatment(1). Although many studies report low complication rates for this procedure, they are not negligible, urging the need for a structured and reproducible guide to reduce technique-related complications(1,2).

A Reprodução Social como perspectiva metodológica para análise contextualizada das condições de vida e de saúde / La Reproducción Social como perspectiva metodológica para el análisis contextualizado de las condiciones de vida y salud / Social Reproduction as a methodological perspective for contextualized analysis of living and health conditions

Este artigo objetiva discutir o uso da categoria Reprodução Social, proposta por Juan Samaja, na análise sobre condições de vida e de saúde em um contexto de uma unidade de conservação ambiental da Amazônia brasileira. Trata-se de um estudo de abordagem compreensiva sobre os processos da reprodução social que integram a rede de determinação hierarquicamente organizada por meio da análise de interações sociais dos acontecimentos narrados e observáveis, aplicados a matriz de dados. A Reprodução Ecológica da vida na floresta dos ribeirinhos é expressa negativamente na vida biocomunal, pois as estratégias de ação propiciadas pelas Reproduções Política, Econômica e Cultural, ou seja, as ações da política ambiental, não valorizam o modo de vida local. O deficitário acesso aos bens e serviços sociais, incluindo a atenção à saúde, provenientes das Reproduções Política e Tecnoeconômica, repercutem na base material da Reprodução Biocomunal, cujo desfecho são elevadas frequências de queixas de doença e de acidentes de trabalho, como gastroenterites infecciosas, malária, tuberculose, hanseníase e intoxicação por animais peçonhentos. Garantir o acesso aos bens e serviços sociais, em especial à saúde, são imprescindíveis para uma maior resiliência às adversidades da floresta. Conclui-se, então, que a matriz de dados da Reprodução Social possibilitou compreender os processos da reprodução social que integram a rede de determinação hierarquicamente organizada, cujas interações modelaram as condições de vida e de saúde dos ribeirinhos.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir el uso de la categoría Reproducción Social, propuesta por Juan Samaja, en el análisis sobre condiciones de vida y de salud en un contexto de una unidad de conservación ambiental de la Amazonía brasileña. Se trata de un estudio de enfoque integral sobre los procesos de la reproducción social que integran la red de determinación jerárquicamente organizada por medio del análisis de interacciones sociales de los acontecimientos narrados y observables, aplicados a la matriz de datos. La Reproducción Ecológica de la vida en los bosques ribereños es expresada negativamente en la vida biocomunal, pues las estrategias de acción propiciadas por las Reproducciones Política, Económica y Cultural, es decir, las acciones de la política ambiental, no valoran el modo de vida local. El deficiente acceso a los bienes y servicios sociales, incluida la atención a la salud, procedentes de las Reproducciones Política y Tecnoeconómica, repercuten en la base material de la Reproducción Biocomunal, cuyo desenlace son elevadas frecuencias de quejas de enfermedad y de accidentes de trabajo, como gastroenteritis infecciosas, malaria, tuberculosis, lepra e intoxicación por animales venenosos. Garantizar el acceso a los bienes y servicios sociales, especialmente la atención a la salud, es esencial para una mayor resistencia a las adversidades del bosque. Se concluye, entonces, que la matriz de datos de la Reproducción Social permitió comprender los procesos de la reproducción social que integran la red de determinación jerárquicamente organizada, cuyas interacciones modelaron las condiciones de vida y salud de los ribereños.

This article aims to discuss the use of Social Reproduction, proposed by Juan Samaja, in the analysis of living and health conditions in a context of an sustanaible development reserve in the Brazilian Amazon. This study uses a comprehensive approach to Social Reproduction processes that comprise the network of hierarchically organized structures using the analysis of social interactions of narrated and observable events, applied to the data matrix. The Ecological Reproduction of life in the riverside forest is negatively expressed in bio-communal life, as the strategic actions provided by the Political, Economic and Cultural Reproductions, that is, the environmental policy actions, do not value the local way of life. The deficient access to social goods and services, including health care, from the Political and Techno-Economic Reproductions, has an impact on the material basis of the Bio-Communal Reproduction, whose outcome is high frequency of disease complaints and workplace accidents, such as infectious gastroenteritis, malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, and poisoning by venomous animals. Ensuring access to social goods and services, in particular health care, is essential for improving resilience to the forest adversities. In conclusion, the social reproduction data matrix helped understand the processes of Social Reproduction that are part of the hierarchically organized structures, whose interactions shaped the living and health conditions of the riverside population analyzed in this study.

Comparing the cost-effectiveness of two screening strategies for latent tuberculosis infection in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in close contacts of infectious TB cases might include Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA), in combination or as single-tests. In Portugal, the screening strategy changed from TST followed by IGRA to IGRA-only testing in 2016. Our objective was to compare the cost-effectiveness of two-step TST/IGRA with the current IGRA-only screening strategy in immunocompetent individuals exposed to individuals with respiratory TB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed clinical records of individuals exposed to infectious TB cases diagnosed in 2015 and 2016, in two TB outpatient centers in the district of Porto. We estimated medical, non-medical and indirect costs for each screening strategy, taking into account costs of tests and health care personnel, travel distance from place of residence to screening site and employment status. We calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) as the cost difference between the two screening strategies with the difference number of LTBI diagnosis as a measure of cost-effectiveness, assuming that treating LTBI is a cost-effective intervention. We also calculated adjusted odds-ratios to test the association between diagnosis of LTBI and screening strategy and estimated the total cost for averting a potential TB case. RESULTS: We compared 499 contacts TST/IGRA screened with 547 IGRA-only. IGRA-only strategy yielded a higher screening effectiveness for diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection (aOR 2.12, 95%CI: 1.53 - 2.94). ICER was €106 per LTBI diagnosis, representing increased effectiveness with a slightly increased cost of IGRA-only screening strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that in Portugal LTBI screening with IGRA-only is more cost-effective than the two-step TST/IGRA testing strategy, preventing a higher number of cases of TB cases.

Exploitation of flow-based procedures for reagentless hydrochlorothiazide determination and accelerated degradation studies of pharmaceutical preparations.

Drug quality assessment and stress testing are important to ensure both treatment efficacy and patient safety. High performance liquid chromatography may be considered a standard technique for pharmaceutical analysis, showing good precision and accuracy, but it also involves relatively high cost and low analytical frequency. Flow injection analysis presents high sample throughput, lower cost and might be used for selective drug analysis with an appropriate assay and/or detector. In this paper, for the first time, photoreactions promoted by UV radiation were employed for reagentless spectrophotometric determination of hydrochlorothiazide. Optimized parameters led to a linear range of 50 to 500 mg L-1, estimated limit of detection of 3.0 mg L-1 and 24 determinations per hour. The use of diluted NaOH solution as a carrier allowed solubilization of hydrochlorothiazide and analysis without organic solvents. The presence of the most common excipients was evaluated and no significant interferences were observed. The results from the analysis of samples by the proposed and by the reference procedures demonstrated accuracy and matching results. The proposed in-line photolysis of the pharmaceutical, performed in 5 min, is a promising alternative to the conventional hydrolytic forced degradation, which requires elevated temperature and prolonged time period. To evaluate the degree of photoconversion, a capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed, which performed well for separations manifesting good analytical frequency and reduced amount of waste. The combination of in-line photodegradation followed by separation by capillary electrophoresis is a promising approach for the stress test of hydrochlorothiazide in pharmaceutical formulations.

Can environmental determinants explain Nontuberculous Mycobacteria geographic incidence?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic agents that have gained importance during the last decades due to their increasing incidence in high-risk populations. Their modes of transmission differ from person-toperson contact commonly described in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). In fact, NTM are frequently found in soil, natural waters and drinking-water distributions systems, emphasizing the contribution of environmental factors when discussing this disease's susceptibility. Our aim is to evaluate the incidence of NTM in Portugal and to identify the main environmental variables related to it. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study centred on 2011 (date of the latest Portuguese census) from collected personal features and environmental data available in public databases. Environmental values when only known at the district level were interpolated using inverse distance weighting. A semiparametric poisson model was used to estimate NTM incidence. The non-parametric part of the model was obtained by using thin plate smoothing splines defined on the spatial component of the data. RESULTS: 359 new NTM cases were notified during a five-year period. None of the environmental determinants studied was strong enough to predict NTM geographical incidence in Portugal (p>0.05), except for population density (p<0.001). Personal characteristics such as female sex (p<0.001), age (p<0.001) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) incidence (p<0.001) are associated with an increase of NTM disease incidence. CONCLUSIONS: NTM appears to be more common in elderly women, especially if they have HIV/AIDS disease or if they live in urban, highly populated areas. Overall, female sex seems to assume the most relevant role when discussing predisposition to NTM disease. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the impact on NTM geographical incidence by other environmental and personal variables not included in this one.

An automated flow system for in-line extraction of proteins and separation of jacalin using a low-cost stationary phase.

Lectins are carbohydrate binding proteins with many physiological and biotechnological applications. Isolation of proteins is normally time-consuming and encompasses multiple and, sometimes, complicated steps that hinder reproducibility and yield. Affinity chromatography is an efficient way to simplify and improve protein purification, however often requiring an expensive and fragile stationary phase. In this regard, automated flow-based systems minimize the time for extraction of species from solid samples without hindering the features of batch procedures. In this work, a new inexpensive affinity-based stationary phase was developed for in-line separation of jacalin, a galactose-binding lectin from jackfruit seeds. In the flow manifold, in-line extraction of proteins was also carried out with continuous monitoring using the spectrophotometric Biuret assay. For protein determination, linear response was observed from 3.0 to 15 g L-1. The results of the analysis of protein extracts from jackfruit seeds obtained with the herein described procedure and batch procedure agreed with 95% confidence level. Quantitative extraction of proteins from jackfruit seed powder required recirculation of extraction buffer for 15 min through a lab-made polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) column containing 200 mg of the crude seed powder. In the chromatographic step, jacalin was isolated after 300 s. Therefore, three essential steps for jacalin isolation were performed in one manifold in a fast way, minimizing sample consumption and solution handling. Additionally, the versatile and multi-task developed flow manifold can be useful for routine analysis and preparative procedures, being adaptable for the extraction and separation of other species from solid matrixes with continuous monitoring of the processes.

Levels of physical activity and associated factors between military policemen and firemen.

BACKGROUND: Military Policemen and Firemen are professionals often involved in life-risking activities as well as duties demanding endurance and muscular strength. Nevertheless, their working conditions are rarely satisfactory. OBJECTIVE: To compare levels of physical activity and social, demographic and occupational factors between military policemen and firemen; factors that may impact their ability to efficiently and effectively accomplish their jobs. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in Brazil with 127 local military personnel (67 policemen and 60 firemen). A sociodemographic questionnaire was applied together with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), short version. RESULTS: It was observed that the firemen participating in this study are 4 times more likely to be inactive than the policemen. However, policemen showed higher sociodemographic risk factors (less schooling and the higher number of children and workplaces) to work performance when compared to military firemen. CONCLUSION: It could be inferred that in relation to the firemen, policemen suffer from less favorable sociodemographic conditions and face major risk situations more frequently once they are directly involved with the public security of the States; on the other hand, both populations should be incentivized and offered systematized physical activity programs in their workplaces.

[The struggle of indigenous peoples for health in environmental conflict contexts in Brazil (1999-2014)]. / A luta dos povos indígenas por saúde em contextos de conflitos ambientais no Brasil (1999-2014).

The Brazilian development model, based on commodities and electro-intensive industries for trade in global markets, generates social and environmental inequalities that trigger various conflicts between indigenous peoples and communities and economic groups involving disputes over territory and common assets in contexts that influence the health situation of these communities. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of environmental conflicts involving the Brazilian indigenous peoples, their strategies to ensure the sustainability and demarcation of their territories and discuss the forms of pressure of the population on this Subsystem of Indigenous Healthcare (SASI) or alternatives they have proposed to tackle the problems generated. This analysis is based on a mapping of environmental conflicts based on the bibliographical revision of secondary sources (by indigenous movements or their partners) that supported the construction of reports on conflicts and analysis of the indigenous narratives about the territory where they live and their struggles. The conclusion drawn is that the health control strategies of Brazilian indigenous peoples are influenced by their socio-environmental disputes and are part of the mobilization of these peoples for the full recognition of their rights.

O modelo de desenvolvimento brasileiro, fortemente baseado na produção de commodities e em indústrias eletrointensivas para trocas nos mercados globais, gera desigualdades sociais e ambientais que desencadeiam diversos conflitos entre povos indígenas e grupos econômicos envolvendo disputas por terra e bens comuns em contextos que influenciam fortemente a situação de saúde dessas comunidades. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um panorama dos conflitos socioambientais envolvendo os povos indígenas brasileiros, suas estratégias para garantir o acesso e a qualidade do Subsistema de Atenção à Saúde Indígena (SASI), e alternativas que eles têm proposto para o enfrentamento dos problemas gerados. Esta análise se baseia em um mapeamento de conflitos ambientais baseado na revisão bibliográfica de fontes secundárias (do movimento indígena ou seus parceiros) que subsidiaram a construção de relatos sobre os conflitos e a análise das narrativas indígenas sobre o território onde vivem e suas lutas. A partir da qual concluímos que as estratégias de luta pela saúde dos povos indígenas brasileiros são influenciadas pelas suas disputas socioambientais e são parte das mobilizações desses povos pelo reconhecimento integral de direitos.

A luta dos povos indígenas por saúde em contextos de conflitos ambientais no Brasil (1999-2014) / The struggle of indigenous peoples for health in environmental conflict contexts in Brazil (1999-2014)

Resumo O modelo de desenvolvimento brasileiro, fortemente baseado na produção de commodities e em indústrias eletrointensivas para trocas nos mercados globais, gera desigualdades sociais e ambientais que desencadeiam diversos conflitos entre povos indígenas e grupos econômicos envolvendo disputas por terra e bens comuns em contextos que influenciam fortemente a situação de saúde dessas comunidades. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um panorama dos conflitos socioambientais envolvendo os povos indígenas brasileiros, suas estratégias para garantir o acesso e a qualidade do Subsistema de Atenção à Saúde Indígena (SASI), e alternativas que eles têm proposto para o enfrentamento dos problemas gerados. Esta análise se baseia em um mapeamento de conflitos ambientais baseado na revisão bibliográfica de fontes secundárias (do movimento indígena ou seus parceiros) que subsidiaram a construção de relatos sobre os conflitos e a análise das narrativas indígenas sobre o território onde vivem e suas lutas. A partir da qual concluímos que as estratégias de luta pela saúde dos povos indígenas brasileiros são influenciadas pelas suas disputas socioambientais e são parte das mobilizações desses povos pelo reconhecimento integral de direitos.

Abstract The Brazilian development model, based on commodities and electro-intensive industries for trade in global markets, generates social and environmental inequalities that trigger various conflicts between indigenous peoples and communities and economic groups involving disputes over territory and common assets in contexts that influence the health situation of these communities. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of environmental conflicts involving the Brazilian indigenous peoples, their strategies to ensure the sustainability and demarcation of their territories and discuss the forms of pressure of the population on this Subsystem of Indigenous Healthcare (SASI) or alternatives they have proposed to tackle the problems generated. This analysis is based on a mapping of environmental conflicts based on the bibliographical revision of secondary sources (by indigenous movements or their partners) that supported the construction of reports on conflicts and analysis of the indigenous narratives about the territory where they live and their struggles. The conclusion drawn is that the health control strategies of Brazilian indigenous peoples are influenced by their socio-environmental disputes and are part of the mobilization of these peoples for the full recognition of their rights.

Zinner syndrome presenting with intermittent scrotal pain in a young man.

Congenital malformations of the seminal vesicle are uncommon, and most of them are cystic malformations. If an insult occurs during the first trimester of gestation, the embryogenesis of the kidney, ureter, seminal vesicle, and vas deferens could be altered. The mutual embryological origins of the seminal vesicle and ureteral bud from the mesonephric (Wolffian) duct result in association between ipsilateral renal agenesis and seminal vesical cysts. Zinner syndrome is a rare condition comprising a triad of unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle obstruction and ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction. This syndrome were first described by Zinner in 1914, and 200 cases have been reported in the literature. Most patients with this anomaly are asymptomatic until the second or third decade of life. Some cases have nonspecific symptoms such as prostatism, urinary urgency, dysuria, painful ejaculation, and perineal discomfort. In this paper, we present a uncommon case of a 21-year-old patient which the initial presentation of this condition was intermittent scrotal pain. A brief review of the literature is undertaken, regarding the main clinical, imaging implications, and the developmental anomalies that are involved in this congenital anomaly.