Orthopedics and Traumatology Skill Matrix for Musculoskeletal System Approach by Medical Graduates.

Objective This study aimed to build a matrix of orthopedics and traumatology skills focusing on the musculoskeletal system for graduates of a medical course in Brazil. Methods The study used the e-Delphi methodology to retrieve opinions anonymously. The first proposal included 42 items determined at a bibliographical review and their epidemiological relevance. This proposal was available via Google Forms, and we sent it using the instant messaging application WhatsApp. We grouped the panel of 26 specialists into three categories: Orthopedics and Traumatology professors, Primary Care doctors, and Emergency Physicians. We reached a consensus after three rounds, with at least 75% agreement between the items initially presented. We also considered the following four indicators: prerequisite, essential, desirable, and advanced skills. Results We created a matrix with 34 musculoskeletal system-related skills, including diagnostic and management actions for all age groups. Conclusion We devised a skill matrix in Orthopedics and Traumatology for medical graduation for complete or partial use according to the institutional curriculum.

Orthopedics and Traumatology Skill Matrix for Musculoskeletal System Approach by Medical Graduates / Matriz de competências em ortopedia e traumatologia para abordagem do sistema musculoesquelético para graduação médica

Abstract Objective This study aimed to build a matrix of orthopedics and traumatology skills focusing on the musculoskeletal system for graduates of a medical course in Brazil. Methods The study used the e-Delphi methodology to retrieve opinions anonymously. The first proposal included 42 items determined at a bibliographical review and their epidemiological relevance. This proposal was available via Google Forms, and we sent it using the instant messaging application WhatsApp. We grouped the panel of 26 specialists into three categories: Orthopedics and Traumatology professors, Primary Care doctors, and Emergency Physicians. We reached a consensus after three rounds, with at least 75% agreement between the items initially presented. We also considered the following four indicators: prerequisite, essential, desirable, and advanced skills. Results We created a matrix with 34 musculoskeletal system-related skills, including diagnostic and management actions for all age groups. Conclusion We devised a skill matrix in Orthopedics and Traumatology for medical graduation for complete or partial use according to the institutional curriculum.

Resumo Objetivo Construir uma matriz de competências em ortopedia e traumatologia, com enfoque no sistema musculoesquelético, necessárias ao egresso do curso de medicina no Brasil. Método Utilizou-se a metodologia e-Delphi, visando captar a opinião de participantes de forma anônima. A primeira proposta contou com 42 itens, frutos de revisão bibliográfica e relevância epidemiológica, disponibilizados para os painelistas pelo Google Forms e enviados através do aplicativo de mensagens instantâneas Whatsapp. Constituiu-se um painel de 26 especialistas agrupados em três categorias: docentes de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, médicos da Atenção Primária e Emergencistas. O consenso foi obtido após a realização de 3 rodadas, com pelo menos 75% de concordância entre os itens inicialmente apresentados. Foram também considerados quatro indicadores: competências pré-requisito, essenciais, desejáveis e avançadas. Resultados obteve-se uma matriz com 34 competências relativas à abordagem do sistema musculoesquelético, que contempla ações de diagnóstico e conduta de todas as faixas etárias. Conclusão Foi construída uma matriz de competências em Ortopedia e Traumatologia para graduação médica com possibilidades de ser utilizada na sua íntegra ou de forma parcial, de acordo com o perfil do currículo institucional.

Consumo de psicofármacos em unidades da Estratégia Saúde da Família / Consumption of psychotropic drugs in Family Health Strategy units / Consumo de drogas psicotrópicas en unidades de estrategia de salud familiar

Objetivo: analisar a utilização de psicofármacos na área programática 3.3 do município do Rio de Janeiro. Método: estudo exploratório, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado junto a 49 usuários de três unidades da área programática 3.3 do município do Rio de Janeiro, entre maio e julho de 2020. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva simples e o protocolo de pesquisa foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: houve maior prevalência do uso de psicofármacos entre mulheres (77,55%) com mais de 60 anos (40,82%), com ensino médio (49,98%) e desempregadas (38,78%). No geral, utilizavam ao menos um psicofármaco diariamente (53,06%), há mais de seis anos (38,78%), predominantemente para quadros de ansiedade (57,14%). Declararam nunca ter sido atendidos por enfermeiros (61,22%) e não ter conhecimento sobre a ação e os riscos dos psicofármacos prescritos (53,06%). Conclusão: foram identificados pontos com necessidade de melhoria no acompanhamento desses usuários por enfermeiros.

Objective: to examine psychotropic drug use in program area 3.3 of Rio de Janeiro city. Method: in this exploratory, quantitative study of 49 users at three facilities of program area 3.3 of Rio de Janeiro city, between May and July 2020, data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The research protocol was approved by the research ethics committee. Results: psychoactive drug use was more prevalent among women (77.55%) who were over 60 years old (40.82%), with high school education (49.98%), and unemployed (38.78%). In general, they had used at least one psychotropic drug daily (53.06%), for more than six years (38.78%), predominantly for anxiety disorders (57.14%). They declared never having received nursing care (61.22%) and not knowing the action and risks of prescribed psychotropic drugs (53.06%). Conclusion: points were identified where these users need to be monitored better by nurses.

Objetivo: analizar el uso de psicofármacos en el área programática 3.3 de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro. Método: estudio exploratorio, con enfoque cuantitativo, realizado junto a 49 usuarios de tres unidades del área programática 3.3 de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, entre mayo y julio de 2020. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva simple y el protocolo de investigación fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: hubo mayor prevalencia de consumo de drogas psicoactivas entre mujeres (77,55 %), mayores de 60 años (40,82 %), con educación secundaria (49,98 %) y desempleadas (38,78 %). En general, usaban al menos un psicofármaco diario (53,06%), durante más de seis años (38,78%), predominantemente para trastornos de ansiedad (57,14%). Declararon nunca haber sido asistidos por enfermeros (61,22%) y no tener conocimiento sobre la acción y riesgos de los psicofármacos prescritos (53,06%). Conclusión: fueron identificados puntos de mejora en el seguimiento de estos usuarios por parte de los enfermeros.

Cuidados de enfermagem no transplante autólogo de células-tronco hematopoiéticas em pacientes com mieloma múltiplo / Atención de enfermería en el trasplante autólogo de células madre hematopoyéticas en pacientes con mieloma múltiple / Nursing care in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients

Objetivos: Identificar as evidências disponíveis sobre o cuidado de enfermagem no transplante autólogo de células-tronco hematopoiéticas em pacientes com mieloma múltiplo no ambiente hospitalar, relacionar os cuidados identificados na literatura às teorias de enfermagem, quais aspectos têm sido priorizados quanto ao cuidado da enfermagem e compreender em que fase do tratamento o enfermeiro é mais atuante. Método: Estudo de Revisão de Escopo, com busca realizada nas bases de dados LILACS e MEDLINE via PubMed, no mês de junho de 2021, 10 artigos foram identificados. Resultados: Tratam de cuidados relacionados a procedimentos específicos e demonstram a importância que o enfermeiro tem de atuar no controle do ambiente, bem-estar, apoio emocional e da educação em saúde com estímulo à autonomia e ao autocuidado. Conclusão: Observam-se bases teóricas que devem estar presentes em todo o processo de cuidar, guiando a atuação do enfermeiro, que se mostra relevante em todo o processo de tratamento.

Objectives: To identify the available evidence on nursing care in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma in the hospital environment, to relate the care identified in the literature to nursing theories, which aspects have been prioritized in terms of nursing care and understand at which stage of treatment the nurse is most active. Method: Scope Review Study, with search performed in LILACS and MEDLINE databases via PubMed, in June 2021, 10 articles were identified. Results: They deal with care related to specific procedures and demonstrate the importance that nurses have to act in the control of the environment, well-being, emotional support and health education, encouraging autonomy and self-care. Conclusion: There are theoretical bases that must be present throughout the care process, guiding the performance of nurses, which proves to be relevant throughout the treatment process.

Objetivos: Identificar la evidencia disponible sobre el cuidado de enfermería en el trasplante autólogo de células madre hematopoyéticas en pacientes con mieloma múltiple en el ámbito hospitalário y relacionar con las teorías de enfermería, aspectos que se han priorizado en cuanto al cuidado de enfermería y comprender en qué etapa del tratamiento la enfermera está más activa. Método: Estudio Scope Review, con búsqueda realizada en bases de datos LILACS y MEDLINE vía PubMed, en junio de 2021, se identificaron 10 artículos. Resultados: Abordan cuidados relacionados con procedimientos específicos y demuestran la importancia que tiene el enfermero de actuar en el control del entorno, el bienestar, el apoyo emocional y la educación para la salud, fomentando la autonomía y el autocuidado. Conclusión: Existen bases teóricas que deben estar presentes en todo el proceso de atención, orientando el desempeño de las enfermeras, las cuales son relevantes en todo el proceso de tratamiento.

Trends in COVID-19 lethality and mortality rates in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil: a time series analysis from april 2020 to june 2021

Introduction: continual mutations of the sars-cov-2 virus, with the possibility of reinfection or reactivation of the virus, can lead to a further spread of the virus and consequently new infection periods. The state of pernambuco, brazil, has faced many adversities amidst the pandemic, requiring studies and new spatiotemporal techniques to understand the pandemic development and planning actions to reverse the current situation.Objective: the aim was to evaluate the mortality and lethality trends of covid-19 from april 2020 to june 2021 in the state of pernambuco, brazil, with the division into two periods according to the waves of infection to date (1st period and 2nd period).Methods: an ecological time-series study was carried out with population data from the pernambuco state health department. We collected the number of confirmed cases and deaths for covid-19. The trends were analyzed according to the prais-winsten regression model in two moments from march 2020 to september 2020 and the second from october 2021 to june 2022. Differences were considered significant when p<0.05.Results: the state of pernambuco had 581,594 confirmed cases of covid-19, where 51,370 were severe cases, and 530,224 were mild cases, in addition to 18,444 deaths. Given the trends analyzed, mortality was increasing in the second period (april/2020 to june/2021), while lethality decreased in the first period and was stationary in the second period.Conclusion: this study found an increasing trend in mortality of covid-19 in the state of pernambuco, brazil in the second period, highlighting an urgent need to develop surveillance measures as well as public policies for vulnerable populations, in addition to continuing preventive measures.

Introdução: mutações contínuas do vírus SARS-CoV-2, com possibilidade de reinfecção ou reativação do vírus, podem levar a uma maior disseminação do vírus e, consequentemente, novos períodos de infecção. O estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, tem enfrentado muitas adversidades em meio à pandemia, exigindo estudos e novas técnicas espaço-temporais para entender o desenvolvimento da pandemia e planejar ações para reverter a situação atual.Objetivo: o objetivo foi avaliar as tendências de mortalidade e letalidade do COVID-19 de abril de 2020 a junho de 2021 no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, com a divisão em dois períodos de acordo com as ondas de infecção até o momento (1º Período e 2º Período).Método: foi realizado um estudo ecológico de série temporal com dados populacionais da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de Pernambuco. Coletamos o número de casos confirmados e óbitos por COVID-19. As tendências foram analisadas segundo o modelo de regressão Prais-Winsten em dois momentos de março de 2020 a setembro de 2020 e o segundo de outubro de 2021 a junho de 2022. As diferenças foram consideradas significativas quando p<0,05.Resultados: o estado de Pernambuco teve 581.594 casos confirmados de COVID-19, sendo 51.370 graves casos, sendo 530.224 casos leves, além de 18.444 óbitos. Dadas as tendências analisadas, a mortalidade foi crescente no segundo período (abril/2020 a junho/2021), enquanto a letalidade diminuiu no primeiro período e ficou estacionária no segundo período.Conclusão: este estudo encontrou uma tendência crescente na mortalidade por COVID-19 no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil no segundo período, destacando a necessidade urgente de desenvolver medidas de vigilância e políticas públicas para populações vulneráveis, além de continuar com as medidas preventivas adotadas até o momento.

Evaluation of Schistosomiasis Mansoni Morbidity by Hepatic and Splenic Elastography.

In patients with Mansoni schistosomiasis, it is fundamental to evaluate the disease morbidity, which is reflected by the severity of periportal fibrosis (PPF) and parameters of portal hypertension, as analyzed by ultrasonography (US). This study aimed to evaluate the morbidity of schistosomiasis by hepatic and splenic point shear-wave elastography (pSWE) and relate this to US parameters. The PPF pattern, the diameter of the portal and splenic veins and the size of the spleen were evaluated by US. Then, liver and spleen pSWEs were assessed in 74 patients using the same equipment. As the PPF pattern progressed, the splenic pSWE values significantly increased. Significant correlations between splenic pSWE, the longitudinal and transverse lengths of the spleen and the diameters of the portal and splenic veins were observed. These findings, however, were not observed through hepatic pSWE. In conclusion, the splenic pSWE has the potential for assessing morbidity in schistosomiasis mansoni.

Clinical analysis of patients with low back pain in the emergency department / Análise clínica de pacientes com dor lombar no departamento de emergência / Análisis clínico de pacientes con dolor lumbar en el departamento de emergencia

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the daily practice in an emergency service and to provide relevant data for future studies about the treatment of low back pain from the perspective of emergency medicine. Methods Analysis of hospital records and review of medical records. Results 2,434 patients were attended between January 1 and December 31, 2017 with the complaint of low back pain. Radiographs of the spine were performed in 15.7% of patients and computerized tomography scans in 7.6%. Eighty-five patients required hospitalization, with a mean hospital stay of 8.3 days. The rate of use was 52.7% for tricyclic or antiepileptic drugs and 12% for strong opioids among hospitalized patients. Conclusions A high prevalence of low back complaints was observed in the emergency care service (4.6% of total emergency room visits during the year), with low hospitalization potential. The rates of hospitalization and tomographic examinations were higher than those observed in similar studies, with a lower proportion of radiograph and strong opioid use as compared with the same studies. The paucity of national and international data for more in-depth comparisons makes clear the need for further studies and development of new recommendations specifically targeting this subset of patients. Level of evidence IV; Prognostic studies.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever a prática diária em um serviço de pronto atendimento e produzir dados relevantes para estudos futuros relacionados com tratamento da dor lombar na perspectiva da medicina de emergência. Métodos Análise dos registros hospitalares e revisão de prontuários. Resultados Foram realizados 2.434 atendimentos entre 1º de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2017 com a queixa de dor lombar. Foram realizadas radiografias da coluna em 15,7% dos pacientes e tomografias computadorizadas em 7,6%. Oitenta e cinco pacientes precisaram de internação hospitalar, com tempo médio de internação de 8,3 dias. A taxa de utilização de antidepressivos tricíclicos ou antiepilépticos foi de 52,7% para os pacientes internados e a de opioides fortes foi de 12%. Conclusões Observou-se uma alta taxa de prevalência de queixa de dor lombar no serviço de pronto atendimento (4,6% do total de atendimentos do pronto-socorro durante o ano), com baixo potencial de internação. A taxa de internação e realização de exames tomográficos foi maior que a observada em estudos semelhantes, com uma menor proporção de uso de radiografias e opioides fortes em comparação com os mesmos estudos. A escassez de dados nacionais e internacionais para comparações mais profundas torna clara a necessidade de estudos adicionais e desenvolvimento de novas recomendações, visando especificamente esse subgrupo de pacientes. Nível de evidência IV; Estudos prognósticos.

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir la práctica diaria en un servicio de atención rápida y producir datos relevantes para estudios futuros relacionados con tratamiento del dolor lumbar en la perspectiva de la medicina de emergencia. Métodos Análisis de los registros hospitalarios y revisión de historiales. Resultados Se realizaron 2.434 atendimientos entre el 1 de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2017 con la queja de dolor lumbar. Fueron realizadas radiografías de la columna en el 15,7% de los pacientes y tomografías computarizadas en el 7,6%. Ochenta y cinco pacientes precisaron internación hospitalaria, con tiempo promedio de internación de 8,3 días. La tasa de uso de antidepresivos tricíclicos o antiepilépticos fue del 52,7% para los pacientes internados y la de opioides fuertes fue del 12%. Conclusiones Se observó una alta tasa de prevalencia de queja de dolor lumbar en el servicio de atención rápida (4,6% del total de atenciones de primeros auxilios durante el año), con bajo potencial de internación. La tasa de internación y realización de exámenes tomográficos fue mayor que la observada en estudios semejantes, con una menor proporción de uso de radiografías y opioides fuertes en comparación con los mismos estudios. La escasez de datos nacionales e internacionales para comparaciones más profundas hace clara la necesidad de estudios adicionales y el desarrollo de nuevas recomendaciones, dirigidas específicamente a este subgrupo de pacientes. Nivel de evidencia IV; Estudios pronósticos.

"Too Much to Ask, Too Much to Handle": Women's Coping in Times of Zika.

Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain abnormalities. Its consequences for pregnancies have made governments and both national and international agencies issue advice and recommendations to women. This study was designed to understand the impacts of Zika on women who were less directly affected and less vulnerable to Zika. Women were recruited from various locations in Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Women perceived that public health systems placed an unfair responsibility for preventing health complications from Zika onto women who had limited ability to do so. They also stated that the measures recommended to them were invasive, while creating the perception that women were the sole determinant of whether they contracted Zika. The results indicate that women with higher levels of education understood the limitations of the information, government actions, and medical care they received, which ended up producing higher levels of anguish and worry. Gender inequality and discrimination must be recognized and rendered visible in the public health emergency response. The social effects of the epidemic affected women more than had been thought before and at deeper emotional levels.

Solidarity, vulnerability and mistrust: how context, information and government affect the lives of women in times of Zika.

BACKGROUND: The public health response to Zika outbreak has mostly focused on epidemiological surveillance, vector control, and individual level preventative measures. This qualitative study employs a social-ecological framework to examine how macro (historical, legislative, political, socio-economic factors), meso (sources of information, social support, social mobilization) and micro level factors (individual actions, behavioral changes) interacted to influence the response and behavior of women with respect to Zika in different contexts. METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out. Women were recruited through the snowball sampling technique from various locations in Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the United States. They were of different nationalities and ethnicities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The data transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Women in this study deemed the information provided as insufficient, which led them to actively reach out and access a variety of media sources. Social networks played a vital role in sharing information but also resulted in the spread of hoaxes or rumors. Participants in our research perceived socio-economic inequities but focused on how to remedy their microenvironments. They did not engage in major social activities. Lack of trust in governments placed women in vulnerable situations by preventing them to follow the guidance of health authorities. These impacts were also a result of the response tactics of health and government administrations in their failed attempts to ensure the well-being of their countries' populations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings call for public health interventions that go beyond individual level behavioral change campaigns, to more comprehensively address the broader meso and macro level factors that influence women' willingness and possibility to protect themselves.

Central venous catheter insertion in adult patients: a best practice implementation project.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The central venous catheter (CVC) is an indispensable device in the daily practice of modern medicine. Thus, the implementation of CVC interferes with the care of a large number of patients. This project aimed to implement the best practices in the insertion of CVC in adult hospitals in Brazil. METHODS: The project had three phases, including forming a team and conducting the baseline audit; identifying problems and developing strategies; and conducting a follow-up audit to assess the impact on compliance with best practices. A baseline audit was conducted at a public Hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil, in June and July 2019. For data collection, direct observation of the procedure was performed and through the PACES (Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System) audit and feedback tool to check the compliance criteria established in the literature. After implementation, a second audit was conducted in August 2019. RESULTS: During the baseline audit, the absence of adequate compliance with the criteria for using an ultrasound to insert the catheter and correct hand hygiene before the procedure was identified. Theoretical-practical training was carried out, including the use of ultrasound to perform the procedure, using an adapted mannequin. The follow-up audit showed an improvement in the compliance rate for the following audit criteria: physical assessment before the procedure (92-100%); evaluation of the most suitable vein for insertion of the catheter, avoiding the femoral vein (92-100%); correct hand hygiene before the procedure (58-100%); maintenance of asepsis throughout the procedure (83-91%) and use of ultrasound to guide venous catheterization (17-100%). CONCLUSION: The current project proved that training the team can be effective in optimizing the implementation of evidence.

"I don't know if I have the courage": reproductive choices in times of Zika

In this transnational study, we aimed at providing insights into women's views and attitudes towards their reproductive rights during the Zika epidemic. Women of distinct nationalities and ethnicities were recruited from various locations in Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the United States. We conducted semi-structured interviews that suggest that participants reproductive decisions were intimately related to personal convictions and cultural beliefs, and their actions and thoughts were embedded in their sociocultural norms. The majority of women interviewed communicated that it takes courage to make the extreme, emotional, and overwhelming decision to have an abortion. The findings of this study suggest that women from different countries and regions, and with different levels of social capital, faced the same conflicts concerning reproductive decisions. Thus, we argue for the importance of considering cultural beliefs and behaviors when implementing health prevention or protection measures to control epidemics. This epidemic may be yet another opportunity for the improvement of women's health by strengthening culturally sensitive family planning services, and a broad spectrum of public health interventions.

Neste estudo transnacional, pretendemos fornecer informações sobre as opiniões e atitudes das mulheres em relação aos seus direitos reprodutivos durante a epidemia do Zika. Mulheres de diferentes nacionalidades e etnias foram recrutadas em vários locais do Brasil, Porto Rico e Estados Unidos. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas que sugerem que as decisões reprodutivas dos participantes estavam intimamente relacionadas às convicções pessoais e crenças culturais, e suas ações e pensamentos foram incorporados em suas normas socioculturais. A maioria das mulheres entrevistadas comunicou que é preciso coragem para tomar a decisão extrema, emocional e esmagadora de fazer um aborto. Os achados deste estudo sugerem que mulheres de diferentes países e regiões, e com diferentes níveis de capital social, enfrentam os mesmos conflitos relativos às decisões reprodutivas. Assim, defendemos a importância de considerar crenças e comportamentos culturais ao implementar medidas de prevenção ou proteção à saúde para controlar epidemias. Esta epidemia pode ser mais uma oportunidade para melhorar a saúde das mulheres, fortalecendo serviços de planejamento familiar culturalmente sensíveis e um amplo espectro de intervenções de saúde pública.

Impactos ambientais de efluentes de laticínios em curso d'água na Bacia do Rio Pomba / Environmental impacts of dairy effluent on waterway in the Pomba River Basin

RESUMO A atividade láctea tem importância econômica e ambiental na Bacia do Rio Pomba. Com o objetivo de determinar possíveis impactos ambientais dos efluentes lácteos em cursos d'água, foram caracterizados durante o ciclo de produção os efluentes de cinco laticínios. Para selecionar as variáveis importantes na caracterização dos efluentes, usou-se a análise dos componentes principais (ACP). Os dados obtidos foram comparados com as normas legais e foi simulado o impacto do lançamento de efluentes, com e sem tratamento, em um curso d'água. As variáveis mais representativas nas análises dos efluentes foram condutividade, demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO), fósforo total, turbidez, temperatura e pH. Os laticínios não atendem aos padrões legais para lançamento de efluentes, mesmo com estações de tratamento instaladas. O principal motivo é o baixo aproveitamento do soro, associado à ineficiência no tratamento dos efluentes. Ao simular o lançamento de efluentes, concluiu-se que a redução da DBO deveria ser de 60 a 70% para que as águas do rio não ultrapassassem os limites legais para DBO. A simulação foi importante na determinação dos impactos causados pelos efluentes e pode ser aplicada em outros laticínios, a fim de assegurar que o efluente não cause alterações ambientais. Desenvolver produtos ou tecnologia para aproveitar melhor o soro em pequenos laticínios, tratar adequadamente os efluentes, além de diminuir o consumo de água, foram consideradas ações importantes para reduzir os impactos ambientais nos recursos hídricos.

ABSTRACT Dairy activity has economic and environmental importance in the Pomba River Basin. Aiming to check for possible environmental impacts of dairy effluents on watercourses, five dairy effluents were characterized during the production cycle. To select the variables important for the characterization of effluents, it was applied a principal component analysis (PCA). Data obtained were compared with official regulations and it was simulated the impact of the discharge of effluents, treated or non-treated, on a waterway. The most significant variables in the effluent analysis were conductivity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total phosphorus, turbidity, temperature and pH. Dairy plants do not comply with legal standards for effluent discharge, even with treatment plants installed. The main reason is the low use of whey, associated with inefficient treatment of effluents. By simulating the discharge of effluents, it can be concluded that the reduction of BOD should be 60-70% for the river water did not exceed the standard limits for BOD. The simulation was important to determine the impacts of dairy effluents and can be applied to other dairy plants in order to ensure that effluent cause no environmental damage. Developing products or technology for the better use of whey in small dairy plants, adequately treat the effluents, and reduce water consumption are considered important actions to reduce environmental impacts on water resources.

Tuberculosis, HIV, and poverty: temporal trends in Brazil, the Americas, and worldwide.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trends of the incidence and prevalence of tuberculosis, with and without HIV co-infection, as well as of the associated mortality, in Brazil, the Americas, and worldwide. METHODS: We collected data related to tuberculosis, with and without HIV co-infection, between 1990 and 2010, in Brazil, the Americas, and worldwide. Temporal trends were estimated by linear regression. RESULTS: We identified a trend toward a decrease in tuberculosis prevalence and mortality, and that trend was more pronounced in Brazil and the Americas than worldwide. There was also a trend toward an increase in the incidence of tuberculosis/HIV co-infection, as well as in the rates of detection of new cases of active and latent tuberculosis. The incidence of tuberculosis was found to trend downward in Brazil, whereas it trended upward worldwide. Tuberculosis incidence rates correlated positively with poverty rates and with HIV incidence rates. CONCLUSIONS: Social inequality and the advent of AIDS are the major factors that aggravate the current situation of tuberculosis. In this context, methodical approaches to the assessment of surveillance activities are welcome, because they will identify situations in which the reported tuberculosis data do not reflect the true incidence of this disease.

Tuberculose, HIV e pobreza: tendência temporal no Brasil, Américas e mundo / Tuberculosis, HIV, and poverty: temporal trends in Brazil, the Americas, and worldwide

OBJETIVO: Analisar a tendência temporal das taxas de prevalência, incidência e mortalidade por tuberculose, associada ou não com HIV, no Brasil, nas Américas e no mundo. MÉTODOS: Foram coletados os dados relacionados à tuberculose, com e sem coinfecção por HIV, entre 1990 e 2010, no Brasil, nas Américas e no mundo. As tendências foram estimadas por regressão linear. RESULTADOS: Foi identificada uma tendência de redução nas taxas de prevalência e mortalidade de tuberculose, que foi maior no Brasil e nas Américas que no mundo. Houve uma tendência crescente na incidência da coinfecção tuberculose/HIV e nas taxas de detecção de casos de tuberculose ativa e latente. Houve uma tendência de redução da incidência de tuberculose no Brasil, mas de aumento dessa no mundo. Houve uma correlação direta das taxas de incidência de tuberculose com as taxas de pobreza e as taxas de incidência de HIV. CONCLUSÕES: Desigualdades sociais e o advento da AIDS são os principais fatores que agravam a atual situação da tuberculose. Nesse contexto, abordagens metodológicas para a avaliação das ações de vigilância da tuberculose são bem-vindas, pois essas indicarão situações de dados de notificação da tuberculose que não reflitam a verdadeira incidência dessa doença.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trends of the incidence and prevalence of tuberculosis, with and without HIV co-infection, as well as of the associated mortality, in Brazil, the Americas, and worldwide. METHODS: We collected data related to tuberculosis, with and without HIV co-infection, between 1990 and 2010, in Brazil, the Americas, and worldwide. Temporal trends were estimated by linear regression. RESULTS: We identified a trend toward a decrease in tuberculosis prevalence and mortality, and that trend was more pronounced in Brazil and the Americas than worldwide. There was also a trend toward an increase in the incidence of tuberculosis/HIV co-infection, as well as in the rates of detection of new cases of active and latent tuberculosis. The incidence of tuberculosis was found to trend downward in Brazil, whereas it trended upward worldwide. Tuberculosis incidence rates correlated positively with poverty rates and with HIV incidence rates. CONCLUSIONS: Social inequality and the advent of AIDS are the major factors that aggravate the current situation of tuberculosis. In this context, methodical approaches to the assessment of surveillance activities are welcome, because they will identify situations in which the reported tuberculosis data do not reflect the true incidence of this disease.

Health disparities among health care workers.

In this article we describe the process of an interdisciplinary case study that examined the social contexts of occupational and general health disparities among health care workers in two sets of New England hospitals and nursing homes. A political economy of the work environment framework guided the study, which incorporated dimensions related to market dynamics, technology, and political and economic power. The purpose of this article is to relate the challenges encountered in occupational health care settings and how these could have impacted the study results. An innovative data collection matrix that guided small-group analysis provided a firm foundation from which to make design modifications to address these challenges. Implications for policy and research include the use of a political and economic framework from which to frame future studies, and the need to maintain rigor while allowing flexibility in design to adapt to challenges in the field.

The Vida Verde Women's Co-Op: Brazilian immigrants organizing to promote environmental and social justice.

We reviewed the key steps in the launch of the Vida Verde Women's Co-Op among Brazilian immigrant housecleaners in Somerville, MA. The co-op provides green housecleaning products, encourages healthy work practices, and promotes a sense of community among its members. We conducted in-depth interviews with 8 of the first co-op members, who reported a reduction in symptoms associated with the use of traditional cleaning agents and a new sense of mutual support. Critical to the co-op's success have been the supportive roles of its academic partners (Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts, Lowell), effective media outreach, and a focus on advancing social justice. Next steps include implementing a formal business plan and assessing the appropriateness of cooperatives in other industries.

Reflexões bioéticas sobre sexualidade e reprodução humana / Bioethics reflections about sexuality and human reproduction

Los avances producidos por los modernos métodos de control de la natalidad y de la fertilización humana asistida introdujeron en la reflexión ética nuevos valores como dignidad personal,autonomia y paternidad responsable. Los antíguos preceptos de sumisión a la moralidad heterogénea de la Ley Natural fueron sustituidos por una ética de reflexión autónoma en los campos de la sexualidad y reproducción humana asistida.Os avanços representados pelos modernos métodos de controle da natalidade, assim como da fertilização humanaassistida introduziram novas regras morais para as tomadas de decisões nestes campos do comportamento humano.Valores como dignidade pessoal, autonomia e paternidade responsável passaram a prevalecer em detrimento da moralidade heterônoma imposta pela Lei Natural.