Saúde e meio ambiente: revista interdisciplinar
Saúde e Meio Ambiente: revista interdisciplinar (ISSNe: 2316-347X), é um veículo de divulgação científica dos grupos de pesquisa das áreas de Saúde e Ciências Biológicas da Universidade do Contestado. Qualis Capes (Quadriênio 2017-2020): B1 Estamos no Instagram! Siga-nos em @editoraunc
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Neurogenetic of IDH and epidemiological profile of central nervous system tumors in the Northern Santa Catarina Plateau
The incidence of central nervous system (CNS) tumors varies according to demographic and genetic factors, and it is relevant to understand their distribution in different regions. The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological and molecular profile of patients with CNS tumors who underwent surgical resection in a regional hospital in southern Brazil. This is a retrospective cohort study, with a quantitative approach, based on medical records of patients treated between January 2022 and December 2023. Cases with confirmed histopathological diagnosis and immunohistochemical examination were included, with emphasis on the analysis of the mutation of the IDH1 gene. A total of 70 patients were analyzed, with a predominance of males (53.13%) and a mean age of 52.6 years. All were treated by the Unified Health System (SUS). About 50% of the cases were not primary CNS tumors, but inflammatory lesions, benign tumors (meningioma, schwannoma), or metastases. Among the primary tumors, the most prevalent were pituitary adenoma (10.45%) and high-grade glioma (8.95%). There was a difference in distribution by sex, with a higher prevalence of high-grade gliomas in men and pituitary adenomas in women. Regarding molecular analysis, 20.9% of the patients were tested for IDH1, of which 71.43% had IDH1-type tumors, associated with a worse prognosis. It is concluded that the regional characterization of CNS tumors, with the inclusion of molecular markers, contributes to the improvement of diagnosis and therapeutic planning, reinforcing the importance of public policies based on local data. Key words: tumors; central nervous system; neurogenetics.
Copyright (c) 2025 Saúde e meio ambiente: revista interdisciplinar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
Exclusive breastfeeding and its impacts on environmental sustainability in capitals of the Northern Brazilian Amazon Region
Breast milk is a renewable food source, and its contribution to sustainability and food security is a relevant topic for the development of climate goals. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the exclusive breastfeeding rates in the capitals of the Brazilian Amazon, correlating them with environmental sustainability. A bibliographic, cross-sectional, and ecological study with a quantitative approach was conducted, analyzing 26,178 cases of children under six months of age monitored in Primary Health Care in the capitals of the northern region of the Brazilian Amazon. Of this total, 18,605 children received exclusive breastfeeding. The chi-square goodness-of-fit test was applied to the case data, resulting in a p-value < 0.0001 for the analyzed capitals, indicating a significant difference between the established years. The results show that Manaus stands out for the highest number of recorded cases. Furthermore, the studied period showed a reduction in rates in the years 2020 and 2021, with a higher prevalence in 2024. Thus, the promotion of breastfeeding is not limited to the health sector; it also involves public policies, social justice, gender equity, and environmental sustainability. This study may contribute to supporting the development of public policies and socio-educational campaigns at all levels of care, spreading the importance of exclusive breastfeeding not only for the mother and child but also for environmental preservation. Key words: breastfeeding; health promotion; environment; public health.
Talinum triangulare and Ocimum basilicum as natural biofilters of nitrogen and phosphorus in aquaponic systems
Aquaponics is an integrated cultivation technique combining fish and plants, promoting the reuse of fish metabolic waste as a nutrient source for plant growth. Studies have shown that the dynamics of these nutrients can be influenced by the cultivated plant species and its developmental stage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Talinum triangulare (cariru) and Ocimum basilicum (basil) growth on nutrient concentrations in the aquaponic solution over time. The experiment was conducted in a floating raft system using tambaqui fish as the effluent source, with four weeks of evaluation (S1 to S4) and hourly samplings each week (H0 to H4). The parameters analyzed were TAN, nitrate, nitrite, and orthophosphate. Water quality remained within appropriate parameters for aquaponics. Nutrient concentrations varied between species and over time. T. triangulare showed greater TAN removal during the central hours of the day, while O. basilicum stood out in nitrite removal. Nutrient uptake efficiency was influenced by plant age, although no significant difference was observed between the species. T. triangulare accumulated more biomass and showed a positive correlation with orthophosphate, whereas O. basilicum exhibited a stronger negative correlation with nitrite. It is concluded that nutrient removal performance is related to plant growth, emphasizing the importance of managing cultivation time and selecting species with complementary absorption profiles. Key words: water quality; biomass production; plant nutrient uptake; effluent reuse; sustainable agriculture.
Hygienic-sanitary quality of fairs and microbial contamination in fish sold on the Island of São Luís, MA, Brazil
Food and Waterborne Diseases are characterized by the generation of infections and are considered a public health issue, especially regarding the conditions under which these foods are sold. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the microbiological profile of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) sold at four important sales points in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, as well as to verify the hygienic-sanitary conditions of these locations. From twenty-four samples collected between January and December 2022, analyses were conducted to detect mesophilic bacteria, quantify total and thermotolerant coliforms, and investigate the presence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus. Additionally, the collection sites were inspected using a checklist of good practices based on ANVISA’s RDC No. 275/2002. The results showed that the total count of mesophilic bacteria, the presence of E. coli and Salmonella sp. were within acceptable limits. Total coliforms were detected in 100% of the samples, and thermotolerant coliforms in 25%. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus counts were acceptable in 58.33% of the samples, intermediate in 29.17%, and none exceeded the limits established by legislation. Among the sales points, three presented unsatisfactory conditions. Therefore, the study highlights a certain level of contamination and raises an alert for sanitary control programs, as these microorganisms can pose serious risks to consumers of these products. Key words: bacteriological analysis; sanitation; public health; fish.
Incidence of injuries in college handball athletes
Handball is a collective sport that involves a large amount and variety of movement associated with ball manipulation and interaction with other athletes. The objective was to verify the incidence of injuries in a university handball team with male and female athletes, as well as to identify the most frequent type of injury and the body segment most affected by it. A cohort study was carried out, related to the incidence of injuries that occurred during the 2019 season in a university team. Were observed 29 injuries, 11 in men (37,93%) and 18 (62,07%) in women. There were more injuries in games than during training and the most affected places were the ankle (24,14%) and the shoulder (17,24%). The most recurrent diagnoses were sprain and contusion (20,69%), followed by muscle injury (17,24%). The study observed that the female team suffered more injuries than the male team and that these occurred mostly in the lower limbs, taking the athletes largely to a few days away. Key words: handball; injury; incidence; physical therapy; sport.
Seasonal assessment of water quality in an urban stretch of the Neves River, Northeast Brazil
Introduction: Rivers constitute one of the main sources of freshwater for living beings. However, they suffer constant environmental impacts that may compromise their quality. Objective: Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the seasonal bacteriological quality of the Neves River in São Raimundo das Mangabeiras, Maranhão, Brazil. Methodology: Water samples were collected monthly at four points for six months, between 2023 and 2024, including the dry and rainy seasons. In the field, the temperature and pH of the water were measured, and an ecological evaluation protocol was used at each point. Water samples were used to quantify mesophilic bacteria, total and thermotolerant coliforms, and to assess the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus under laboratory conditions. Results: It was demonstrated that 50% of the evaluated points had a high degree of environmental impact. Water temperature ranged from 27.5°C to 29.8°C, and pH from 6.1 to 7.0, without major oscillations between the seasons. However, during the rainy season, the highest number of mesophilic bacteria, coliforms (total and thermotolerant), and the greatest presence of E. coli (58% of the evaluated samples) were detected. The presence of Salmonella or coagulase-positive Staphylococcus was not detected. Conclusion: Therefore, it was verified that some urban stretches of the Neves River have low water quality, mainly during the rainy season. Thus, it was recommending the urgent adoption of public policies to minimize the environmental impact on this river. Key words: coliforms; Escherichia coli; environmental impact; water quality.
Matheus Fernando Rocha Fonseca de Araujo
Evidence-based approaches to reducing environmental and health risks for riverside communities in Barcarena, Pará
This study examined environmental risk reduction strategies in riverine communities of Barcarena, Pará State, Brazil, affected by heavy metal contamination. The objectives were to: (1) quantify contamination levels and their health impacts, (2) evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation interventions, and (3) develop an integrated environmental management model. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining laboratory analysis of environmental samples, epidemiological data, and semi-structured interviews with 42 participants. Results revealed elevated concentrations of lead (0.078 mg/L) and mercury (0.0024 mg/L), associated with high prevalence of neurological (68%) and dermatological disorders (43%). Low-cost technologies, such as artisanal filters, achieved 72% contamination reduction, while community-based monitoring increased early detection by 310%. The study concludes that an environmental management system based on four complementary pillars, active surveillance, participatory governance, adaptive technologies, and ecological restoration, demonstrates greater effectiveness when integrating scientific and traditional knowledge, requiring specific public policies for sustainable implementation. Key words: environmental health; heavy metals; community-based monitoring; Amazon; sustainable development.
Evaluation of alternative culture media for on-farm multiplication of Bacillus thuringiensis-based bioinputs for use in agriculture
The number of bio-input registrations in Brazil has been growing, as these inputs have a lower environmental impact and lower costs, as well as being a sustainable alternative to the application of synthetic products. Among bio-inputs of microbial origin, bacteria of the Bacillus genus are widely applied in agriculture, with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) being the most widely used bacterium globally in pest control. However, in the production of bio-inputs of microbiological origin, the culture media are responsible for a large part of the production cost. This work therefore aimed to evaluate alternative culture media for Bt cultivars. Bacterial sporulation was quantified in seven liquid culture media, with sugarcane molasses, glucose, sucrose or starch as the main carbon source and soybean meal and yeast extract as the nitrogen source. Cultivation in a solid medium composed of rice and water was also evaluated. Finally, the medium containing sugar cane molasses and yeast extract was evaluated for its preparation in the presence of active chlorine. At the end of the tests, it was concluded that all the media tested were effective for the growth of Bt, with spore counts in the order of 106 UFC mL-1 to 109 UFC mL-1, without contamination by Gram-negative bacteria, making them viable options for the on-farm multiplication of microorganisms for agriculture as they use low-cost and easily accessible inputs. Key words: biological control; biopesticide; submerged fermentation.
Regional development and school health: a respiratory and dietary analysis
Introduction: Allergic diseases are characterized by inflammatory events resulting from hypersensitivity and can have an impact on regional development by affecting the health conditions, school performance and well-being of schoolchildren. Objective: To assess respiratory, maternal and environmental food conditions in schoolchildren in a municipality in northern Santa Catarina and the impact on regional development. Methods: Cross-sectional and exploratory study of 50 schoolchildren, with a study of the mother's gestational period and lung assessment using expiratory flow, Pimax, Pemax and Inspiratory Capacity. Allergic processes were identified using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC II). The School Feeding Index (Ales) was used for dietary characteristics. Results: Expiratory flow was lower than predicted for the sample (p=0.000). There was a correlation between respiratory rate and consumption of ultra-processed foods (p=0.036). There was a predominance of natural childbirth, with birth weight within the reference standards.. Conclusion: It can be concluded that respiratory alterations and the type of food consumed by schoolchildren can influence respiratory rhythm and peak expiratory flow. Key Words: children; health; regional development.
Knowledge of noise harmfulness in hearing health from the workers perspective
This study descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative study analyzed workers' knowledge about the effects of noise on hearing health, based on 158 medical records from the Workers' Health Reference Center (CEREST) ​​of the Joinville/SC macro-region, between 2015 and 2018. The sample was composed mostly of women (61%), with a mean age of 46 years. Hearing complaints were reported by 67% of workers, with tinnitus (56%) and difficulty communicating (54%) being the most frequent symptoms. Occupational exposure to noise was associated with multiple extra-auditory symptoms, such as fatigue (45%), anxiety (42%), and headache (42%). Only 35% of workers reported prior knowledge about the risks of noise, and regular use of Hearing Protection Equipment (HPE) was recorded in only 23% of cases. The analysis of audiometric tests indicated that 58% of the workers had hearing alterations, 11% of which were compatible with Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). The most common losses were sensorineural, with a predominant bilateral distribution. The statistical association revealed that the presence of hearing complaints and altered audiometric results were significantly related to the presence of NIHL (p<0.000). The findings show failures in the prevention of noise exposure and in raising awareness among workers about its effects on hearing health, highlighting the importance of continuous educational strategies and effective preventive actions in the workplace. Key words: audiology; worker health; noise occupational; hearing loss.
Bionematicides in Northeastern Brazil: the use of native microorganisms for sustainable agriculture
There are widespread reports of economic losses in Brazilian agriculture due to nematodes, resulting from inadequate soil management and the improper application of chemicals. In 2023 alone, MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture, Agriculture and Food Supply) registered more than 36 chemical substances with nematicidal action, of which only three pose no environmental risk. Brazil is one of the largest consumers of agrochemicals; over the past 40 years, pesticide use has increased by more than 700%. The search for effective biocontrol is crucial for more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. Plant nematode management using biological products is a viable option. Bionematicides, biocontrol agents that employ antagonistic microorganisms, have proven to be more effective and sustainable in controlling these parasites through competition, antibiosis, and parasitism. The objective of this study is to conduct a bibliographic survey of research developed in the search for new technologies that provide support for the integrated biocontrol of nematodes. These biological pesticides have demonstrated the potential of bioproducts for the biological control of these parasites. The Brazilian biological nematicides market has the potential to become a pioneer in the large-scale use of these types of bioinputs, meeting a growing global demand for more sustainable agricultural expansion. Key words: bionematicides; nematodes; sustainable agriculture; phytonematoids.
Characterization of hospitalizations due to infectious and parasitic diseases in Rio Grande do Sul from 2015 to 2022
Introduction: Despite the decline in morbidity and mortality in Brazil, infectious and parasitic diseases (IPD) are still the main causes of death in the Brazilian population, even in the most developed areas, such as the south and southeast regions. Objective: To characterize hospitalizations due to infectious and parasitic diseases in the state of Rio Grande do Sul from January 2015 to September 2022. Methodology: The data was collected from information provided by the SUS Information Technology Department (DataSUS). For the main diagnosis variable, Chapter I of the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10) was considered, which includes some infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-A99; B00-B99). Results: The group between A00-A09 was the most prevalent (n=54421; 62.4%), which corresponds to intestinal infectious diseases. This group also had the highest number of hospitalizations for PID, and a death rate of approximately 2%, with significant associations between deaths and the variables year, bed specialty, race and age. The highest death rate occurred in the A90-A99 group (10%). The majority of admissions were female (n=44421; 51.0%), white skin color (n=59477; 68.2%) and in the 20-59 age group (n=33288; 38.2). In terms of hospitalizations with deaths, the B20-B24 group stood out from the others (p<0.0001) in terms of the following variables: number of nights, total amount spent on nights and total days in hospital. Conclusion: Even with the decline in morbidity and mortality from PID, it is important to monitor hospitalizations for these diseases, as well as death rates, as the figures are still worrying. Keywords: hospitalization; death; statistical analysis.
Evaluation of acute toxicity and anxiolytic activity of Erythrina velutina willd decocte
Erythrina velutina, known as mulungu, is a species native to the Caatinga, a unique Brazilian biome with semiarid characteristics. This species is popularly used in decoction form as a sedative, anticonvulsant, neuroprotective and anxiolytic. Pathological anxiety is a mental disorder that is currently the most common cause of disability worldwide, a fact that has intensified the search for new treatments with fewer adverse effects and better therapeutic efficacy. Thus, this article aimed to evaluate the acute toxicological effect of Erythrina velutina decoction (DEv) and investigate its possible anxiolytic effect. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated in mice for 14 days. The anxiolytic activity of DEv was investigated through behavioral tests in mice, such as the elevated plus maze test (ECMT) and ethological measures (peeking, standing up, self-grooming and head-diving), spontaneous movement test (SMT) and rota rod test. Acute toxicity in mice did not show signs of toxicity of the decoction at the dose tested. In the ECMT, DEv showed an anxiolytic effect, there was a reduction in ethological factors (peeking, head-diving and self-grooming); in the open field, the decoction increased the number of ambulations, reduced self-grooming and did not change rising up. In the rota rod test, it can be assumed that DEv showed changes in motor activity. Thus, it was possible to prove that DEv has promising anxiolytic activity, corroborating its popular use. Key words: mulungu; elevated plus maze; phytotherapy.
Copyright (c) 2024 Saúde e meio ambiente: revista interdisciplinar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
Cancer mortality in a micro-region of Paraíba between 1989-2018
Introduction: cancer is seen as a public health problem, being the second leading cause of death from chronic non-communicable diseases. Objective: to investigate the distribution of cancer mortality rates in Curimataú Western Paraiba between 1989-2018. Methodology: study of document analysis, using the Online Atlas of Mortality and investigating the cancers with the highest mortality rates investigated in 11 municipalities of Western Curimataú during 30 years, according to gender and age, configuring an analysis of the adjusted rates of mortality and multiple comparisons between mean numbers of deaths. Results: Ten types of cancer with the highest frequency of deaths in the region were listed, during the period from 1989 to 2018, corresponding to 56.05% of the causes of death, with emphasis on stomach cancer (19.63%). For men, there was a percentage of mortality from stomach cancer of 31.03% (1989-1998) and prostate with 31.58% (1999-2008), with a higher number of deaths during 2009-2018 (p= 0.02), compared to females; for women, there was a higher mortality from stomach cancer of 31.58% (1989-1998) and breast cancer 20.32% (2009-2018). There was an increase in mortality with advancing age and over the years, both for men and women (p<0.05). Conclusion: There was a linear increase in cancer mortality in Western Curimataú, for 30 years, with emphasis on stomach, prostate and breast cancers, with high mortality observed in the elderly. Key words: Neoplasms; Mortality; Epidemiology.
Role of the dentist in the Family Health Strategy in a municipality in the countryside of Bahia
The implementation of the Family Health Strategy was considered the priority way to reorganize Primary Health Care and promote significant changes in health care. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of dentists in the Family Health Strategy in a municipality in the countryside of Bahia. This is a qualitative approach, involving of 15 dentists. Data was collected through semi-structured, recorded interviews and the data was processed using the IRAMUTEQ software, using the Descending Hierarchical Classification technique. From the participants' speeches, the significant contribution of internships in health units during training to professional practice was analyzed. Among the collective activities carried out by dentists in their weekly routine, supervised brushing in schools and educational activities with pregnant women and mothers stood out. Some professionals have not yet incorporated home visits into their weekly schedule. Some difficulties were raised by the participants, such as the acquisition of materials for dental care and the preventive maintenance of some equipment, which could limit the use of the municipality's oral health service. Thus, it can be concluded that dentists organize their schedules at health units and do not prioritize preventive and health promotion actions in the community. However, the permanence of curative procedures and the limitations of infrastructure and scarcity of consumables can influence the work of dentists. Key words: family health strategy; dental care; professional practice; dentists.
Common mental disorder in women and its possible impacts on the regional development of the Santa Catarina’s North Plateau
Common mental disorder (CMD) is a health condition that includes non-psychotic symptoms, mental distress, functional disability, and may be related to other commonly known disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Prevalent in women, especially in social groups in situations of vulnerability, it brings the demand for the recognition of this disease scenario according to the territory and regionality, which is known worldwide that reflects on the measures and strategies in health care. Thus, the objective of this study was to study the prevalence of CMD in women assisted by the Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS) in the Northern Plateau Region of Santa Catarina, as well as to reflect on the possible impacts on regional development. For this, semi-structured questionnaires, applied via Google Forms, were used to analyze sociodemographic data and specific domains in the CMD screening (SRQ-20). Here we were able to identify a prevalence above 50% for CMD. In addition, of the ten municipalities analyzed, only two – Bela Vista do Toldo and Papanduva – had a prevalence of CMD lower than 50%. However, no predictive or protective factors for CMD were identified. In summary, it is recognized that these findings interfere in the projection of the regional development of the territory and the population in question. Based on these preliminary findings on this regional scenario, it is suggested that complementary studies be carried out that can elucidate the prevalence of CMD also in women outside the situation of social vulnerability in the Northern Plateau region of Santa Catarina, so that the risk factors and best health strategies for this problem can be analyzed. Key words: mental health; social vulnerability; regional development.
Monitoring of thermotolerant coliforms and their antibiotic resistance in the Marombas river sub-basin
The presence of antibiotic-resistant coliforms, despite not being a criterion considered by legislation, is a serious and worrying aspect because it causes difficult-to-treat illnesses and deaths. The present study evaluated the concentration of thermotolerant coliforms and their resistance to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline in four rivers in the Marombas River Sub-basin, in Santa Catarina. Analyses were carried on bimonthly for one year. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were separated by the Tukey test. The average number of thermotolerant coliforms was 709 . 100 mL-1, corresponding to class 2, indicated for animal consumption and irrigation, in accordance with the water use made by the population. However, 41% of coliform isolates were resistant to ampicillin, while 10% were resistant to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin. Resistant isolates were found in all rivers and in all sampling dates, which indicates a high frequency and abundant spread of these microorganisms. The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water can cause serious human and animal health problems, in addition to contaminating the soil when used for irrigation, causing negative impacts on the environment and the entire ecosystem. Therefore, the importance of monitoring resistant bacteria in water, the need for environmental conservation programs and the rational and correct use of antibiotics is highlighted, in order to minimize the occurrence of microbial resistance. Key words: antimicrobial resistance; microbiological water quality; thermotolerant coliforms.
Evaluation of the genotoxicity of nufosate in Tambaki (Colossoma macropomum) under chronic exposure
Herbicides are widely used chemical products; however, they can cause environmental contamination. The aim of this study was to assess the acute toxicity of nufosate and to analyze chromosomal aberrations in fish exposed to the herbicide. The assessment of acute and chronic toxicity was carried out on Colossoma macropomum. For acute toxicity, the CL50-48h test was used, while chronic toxicity was assessed during 30 days of exposure. Genotoxic effects were observed, including nuclear alterations in fish cells. The methodology included laboratory and statistical analyses to interpret the results. The results indicated that the lethal concentration of nufosate for tambaqui was 14.32 mg/L. In different water depth scenarios, nufosate exhibits a medium risk at a concentration of 0.96 mg/L, corresponding to 100% of the product's recommended dosage, and a low risk in concentration ranges varying from 0.48 to 0.015 mg/L in bodies of water with a depth of 0.3 m and from 0.144 to 0.002245 mg/L in bodies of water with a depth of 2m. After chronic exposure for thirty days at a concentration of 4.77 mg/L, the Mann-Whitney test found a significant difference between the fish exposed to nufosate and the control group, suggesting potential nuclear damage caused by the herbicide. This analysis used the micronucleus test to blindly assess nuclear alterations in erythrocytes. This study emphasizes the importance of responsible use of the herbicide nufosate, indicating that although it can cause nuclear alterations, it does not generate a specific pattern of nuclear changes in fish. Keywords: genetic degeneration; ecotoxicology; herbicide; environmental poisoning; micronucleus; monitoring.
Audiological findings of employees of a multinational after COVID-19 infection
Introduction: COVID-19 is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. Viral infections are known to potentially harm the auditory system, and certain studies suggest the presence of auditory symptoms, such as sensorineural hearing loss, otalgia, aural fullness, tinnitus, and vertigo, in individuals with a history of COVID-19. Objective: This research aimed to probe the auditory complaints ensuing from COVID-19 in workers serviced by the audiology department of a multinational outpatient clinic in southern Brazil. Method: This cross-sectional, observational, retrospective, and comparative study scrutinized 64 medical records of workers exhibiting a shift in hearing threshold in their periodic audiometry, post-infection by SARS-CoV-2 between July 2020 and June 2022. Data were organized in Excel and the mean frequencies of 500Hz, 1000Hz, and 2000Hz (MG1), and 3000Hz, 4000Hz, and 6000Hz (MG2) were compared pre and post COVID-19 infection; complaints post-infection were also noted. Results: The means of G1 and G2 frequencies showed a statistically significant difference for both ears when contrasting the outcomes pre and post coronavirus infection, suggesting an association between the disease and the audiological findings. Moreover, patients reported auditory signs and symptoms, predominantly tinnitus, post-COVID-19. Conclusion: This research has demonstrated that COVID-19 infection can potentially inflict damages on the auditory system, causing shifts in auditory thresholds and eliciting complaints such as tinnitus, otalgia, sensation of aural fullness, and vertigo. Key words: COVID-19; Hearing; Hearing Loss; SARS-CoV-2.
Influence of hemispheric dominance in upper limb recovery on stroke patients
Introduction: The upper limb is widely used in activities of daily living, mainly in bimanual actions. There are indications that after stroke, individuals with dominant upper limb involvement present better recovery, but this is an underexplored aspect of rehabilitation. Objective: To verify whether the manual dominance interferes in upper limb recovery of hemiparetic stroke patients Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study involving 48 patients declared right-handed (24 hemiparetic on the dominant side and 24 on the non-dominant side). Hand Movement Scale (HMS), grip strength (GS), Box and Blocks Test (BBT), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were evaluated. Unpaired t-test with Welch's correction was used to compare dominant hemiparesis versus non-dominant hemiparesis groups to parametric variables. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze non-parametric variables. For some variables, such as grip strength and manual dexterity patients were tested bilaterally, thus, these data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (Tukey's multiple comparisons test). Results: The most important aspects that differed between the groups were about manual function (HMS) and manual dexterity (BBT) for patients with right hemiparesis. And yet, we can consider a minimal clinically important difference favorable to this group for functional independence (MBI). Conclusion: Our results suggest that when there is the involvement of the dominant upper limb, the recovery of manual dexterity, manual function, and functional independence are favored. This better performance may be related to the natural preference of the dominant hand. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring therapy approaches based on hemispheric dominance. Key words: stroke; upper extremity; functional laterality; rehabilitation.
Indoor air quality in healthcare settings has raised significant concerns, as these environments are occupied by a large number of debilitated individuals who are susceptible to diseases linked to airborne contaminants and pollutants. The research aimed to analyze indoor air quality in healthcare units. A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2023 to assess the abundance of filamentous fungi and bacteria, as well as temperature, humidity, CO² levels, and air velocity. The presence of filamentous fungi and bacteria was detected in all sampled locations. All five units exceeded the permitted levels of relative humidity and air velocity according to current regulations. The findings highlight the need for measures to ensure indoor air quality and protect the health of individuals. Keywords: air quality criteria; air quality standards; air pollution; air quality control; air pollution in closed environments.
An analysis of the association on the perception of the state of health and deforestation in the Legal Amazon, through the National Health Survey
This article discusses the influence of deforestation on the perception of health status in the Legal Amazon, through the ”Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS)”, through an exploratory, quantitative study, using analytical structures econometrics. In order to delineate the environmental etiology, the perception of health status in the states of the Legal Amazon with the highest and lowest deforestation rate is described, comparing with the secondary data obtained by the “PNS” in 2013, presented by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The results of the analysis indicate that deforestation is relevant to explain the variability in the rates of the diseases studied perception of health status. The contingency analysis model (the basis of the chi-square test)applied to data on health status makes it possible to conclude that the population living in federal units classified as having a high level of deforestation has a perception of health inferior to the population located in less deforested units. This result infer that the growth of economic activities occurs at the expense of environmental losses and health indicators. As a result, there is a need for further investigation into the relationship between deforestation and the health of the population. Considering that deforestation is a process in full swing and its practice, related to the expectation of rapid financial gains, which do not reflect in the improvement of the populations quality life, reinforces the need to include socio-environmental vulnerability factors in the elaboration of public policies for the sustainable development of the region. Keywords: deforestation. Amazon. health assessment.
Investigation of sarcopenia in the elderly in a large city in Santa Catarina, Brazil
Introduction: Brazil follows the global trend of inversion of the population pyramid. This phenomenon results in the emergence of adverse conditions typical of aging, as observed in the substantial increase in the incidence and prevalence of primary sarcopenia. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a low-cost protocol to detect sarcopenia in the elderly. Methodology: This is a population-based cross-sectional study involving 162 community-dwelling elderly people (102 women). The protocol was based on the latest European Consensus on Sarcopenia (2018). The measuring instruments were grip and quadriceps femoris dynamometry, the sit and stand test, gait speed, timed up and go test, calf (CC) and abdominal (AC) circumferences, total muscle mass index (TMMI), and body mass index (BMI). Results: Of those evaluated, 57.7% were non-sarcopenic, 39.9% pre-sarcopenic and only 2.4% were sarcopenic. Furthermore, it was found that 24.5% of participants were affected by Covid-19 and, among men, BMI, TMMI and AC were higher in those infected. Elderly people who practiced physical activity showed better physical performance. When analyzed by sex, greater strength was observed among men and lower BMI and AC in women. Conclusion: A high percentage of pre-sarcopenic elderly people was found. Despite this, more than half of the participants practiced physical activity and they performed better in the functional tests. This is valuable information, as physical exercise is the main strategy for preventing and treating sarcopenia. Key words: geriatric assessment; sarcopenia; aged; frail elderly.
Therapeutic potential of Egletes viscosa (L.) less: a systematic review
In Brazil, research with medicinal plants grew complete, mainly focused on the area of pharmacology, with application in several areas of health. Several studies have evidenced the capacity of medicinal plants for the development and supply of new drugs. Among these species, the Egletes viscosa (L.) Less, a promising botanical species, used mainly in the Brazilian Northeast, with therapeutic potential used in popular medicine. In this sense, the objective of this work was to compile the studies that reported the therapeutic potential of Egletes viscosa. It is used as electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO and capes journals. The research was carried out between September and December 2021, the keywords were in Portuguese and English, using the following terms: Egletes viscosa or Macela, with the Boolean operator “or”. 217 publications distributed in the databases were identified, 72 duplicate articles were excluded. Only 24 articles were found in relation to the theme and were selected for reading the abstract/abstract. Of these, 21 articles were selected for full reading. After evaluation and reading, the study focused on 13 articles. In general, it was found that this vegetable has antibiotic, antinoceptive, antidermatitis, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anticancer, analgesic, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, anti-anaphylactic, anti-thrombotic and anti-hepatotoxic activities. Its compounds can be used in the development of herbal medicines, however, studies are still underway. Key words: medicinal plants; macela; phytotherapy.
Gestão e atenção perinatal em serviços de saúde: desfechos da regionalização
The fragmentation of perinatal care has prompted debates advocating for the organization of regionalized health services; however, little is known about the outcomes of this process for management and care delivery. This study aims to systematize the knowledge from international and national literature regarding the outcomes of health regionalization in perinatal management and care. It is a systematic review based on the PRISMA-ScR protocol, conducted through the databases PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus, and the CAPES Theses and Dissertations Catalog. The review was structured using the PICO strategy (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome), which guided the formulation of the research question. The inclusion criteria comprised studies published between 2010 and 2025, in English and Portuguese, using the following descriptors: ‘Maternal-Child Health Services’; ‘Maternal-Child Health Centers’; ‘Birthing Centers’; ‘Perinatal Care’; ‘Regional Health Planning’; ‘Health Policy’, and their equivalents in Portuguese. The quality assessment of the articles was based on the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A summary table was used to organize the data from the articles, through a spreadsheet developed in Excel. In terms of perinatal service management, the outcomes of regionalization were associated with strategies ranging from regional agreements to the involvement of maternal and child care management groups within obstetric units. Regarding perinatal care, the implications included initiatives for structuring levels of maternal care and the development of evidence-based best practices. This review identified significant outcomes that may inform potential evaluative categories for future implementation analysis studies. Key Words: Perinatal Care. Health Management. Health Services. Regional Health Planning. Review.
Lymphatic drainage in intestinal constipation
Constipation is the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, having a negative impact due to its recurrent symptoms. The management of constipation remains challenging, and new therapies are needed. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for stimulating intestinal peristalsis in women with constipation. METHODS: Ten women with constipation participated in the MLD protocol twice a week, lasting 30 minutes each, totaling 12 sessions, the first and last being intended for assessment, in which the Visual Analogue Pain Scale instruments were applied. (VAS) and Bristol Scale for Stool Consistency (EBCF), laboratory examination of functional coprology and assessment of peristalsis and abdominal distension. RESULTS: After 10 sessions of DLM, a significant improvement could be observed in the pre- and post-evaluation comparison in intestinal motility (p = 0.000), spontaneous pain (p = 0.000) and during palpation (p = 0.000) in the four intestinal quadrants, in abdominal distension (p < 0.001), normalization of fecal pH, improvement in the intestinal absorption of vegetables, starch and proteins, increase in the number and volume of bowel movements as well as improvement in the type of stool consistency, reaching normal consistency. CONCLUSIONS: DLM is effective for stimulating intestinal peristalsis in women with constipation. Key-words: Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Intestinal Constipation. Dysbiosis. Peristalsis.
Microbiological analyses of bio-inputs propagated from Bacillus and Trichoderma in biofabrics at the region of Curitibanos – SC
The development of Brazilian agribusiness has increasingly relied on the use of microorganisms in agriculture. With the growing demand for biologic products, many farmers began to multiply bacteria and fungi on their properties in biofactories, in a system known as on farm. However, these facilities lack of any sanitary control and this results in very low multiplication of the target microorganism and predominance of contaminants. In this context, the goal of the present work was to analyze the quality of products multiplied from Bacillus and Trichoderma-based products in the region of Curitibanos – SC. The analyses included aspects of pH, coloring and quantification of multiplied microorganisms, both those originating from the original product and contaminants, based on morphological characteristics of the colonies. Most of the samples did not present the microorganism that the producers wanted to propagate, and all samples analyzed presented contaminating microorganisms. Data reveal that multiplication from biofactories was not efficient in generating bioinputs with adequate quality and concentration. Those multiplied microorganisms, if used in agricultural areas, will contaminate soil, plants and possibly water resources, and pose a considerable risk to environmental as well as human health. Key words: inoculants; on-farm system; biological control.
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified emotional and behavioral reactions, such as insomnia, anxiety disorders and depression in individuals. Consequently, the literature points to an increase in the consumption of benzodiazepine drugs to treat this scenario. The objective was to analyze the consumption of benzodiazepines in a municipal public pharmacy, in the interior of the state of Paraíba, in the years 2019 (without a pandemic) and 2020 (with a pandemic). This is a retrospective observational study, with a quantitative approach, using as a data source the dispensing records of the municipal pharmacy of Picuí-PB during the selected years. The research included 348 records benzodiazepine medications users. For statistical analysis, the t test was applied with the objective of testing hypotheses and the Fisher test or the chi-square test were used to examine the relationship between the variables studied. Female users (60%) and residents in urban areas showed a predominance in dispensations. Clonazepam 2 mg (46%), followed by diazepam 10 mg (40%) were the most dispensed. In the comparison between the years 2019 and 2020, no discrepancies were observed in the quantities dispensed, therefore, it was not possible to make a increase correlation as a result of the pandemic period (p = 0.46), however, it was possible to describe the dispensations profile in the research municipality. Thus, broader retrospective studies are necessary to carefully investigate the correlation. Key words: COVID-19; Prescription drugs; Drugs of special control.
The Urinary incontinence and its associated factors in physically active elderly women
INTRODUCTION: Aging brings physiological changes, including loss of muscle strength and challenges such as urinary incontinence (UI) in the elderly. UI, defined as the involuntary loss of urine, can result from several factors, such as childbirth, obesity and perineal muscular atrophy. The classification includes types such as stress UI, common in menopause. Many affected elderly women avoid discussing the topic, impacting their lifestyle. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of urinary incontinence and its associated factors in physically active elderly women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was basic, transversal, prospective, qualitative-quantitative, descriptive, exploratory in nature. Using a sociodemographic questionnaire, anthropometric measurements were measured using the Muscular Mass Index. Also used was the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Short Form (ICIQ-SF), a questionnaire to quantify and classify urinary loss, and the King Health Questionnaire to measure the impact of urinary incontinence on the quality of life of elderly women. RESULTS: The research involved 30 physically active elderly women, with an average age of 69.76 ± 7.17 years. The predominant associated factors were chronic diseases, overweight, and natural birth. Regarding the classification of urinary loss, the predominant type was stress urinary incontinence, and the impact was not significant on quality for the sample studied. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the main factors for urinary incontinence in elderly women include overweight, multiparity and hypertension. The need to overcome taboos and promote knowledge about urinary incontinence is highlighted, emphasizing the role of physiotherapy. Key Words: Elderly; Urinary Incontinence; Quality of life.
Categorization of air pollution by ships in the Port of Santos (Santos, Brazil)
The Port of Santos (Santos, SP) is a protagonist in the city's economy, but its activities generate conflicts with urban residential space. The objective was to measure air pollution from ships in the Port of Santos, to demonstrate to public bodies the importance of this problem, aiming to promote improvements in the health and quality of life of the region's population. The methodology used was the conversion of the volume of cargo transported into fractions of atmospheric pollutants, considering the size of the ships and their navigation paths from the entrance to the port channel to the docking point during FEB/2021 to FEB/2022. Carbon dioxide was the pollutant with the highest emission in the analyzed period, followed by nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. The increase in the volume of transported goods associated with their greater frequency of movements had a direct relationship with the quantities of pollutants. The operating time of the vessels' engines both when entering and leaving the Port impacted the number of pollutants, as well as their navigation speed, since reduced speed when entering the Port channel provides greater fuel savings and, consequently, less pollution. Therefore, the results suggest the presence of many atmospheric polluting sources in the port region of Santos, mainly CO2, with solid bulk transport being the main responsible in the analyzed period. Key words: ecotoxicology; atmospheric pollution; ships.