Adsorção de Cd, Cu, Ni e Zn em solos tropicais em sistemas competitivo e não-competitivo

A adsorção de metais pesados em solos afeta seu comportamento e biodisponibilidade às plantas. O conhecimento dos mecanismos de adsorção em sistemas competitivos permite uma avaliação mais realista do comportamento dos metais no solo do que estudos com adsorção de cada metal, isoladamente. Os objetivos desse trabalho foram: (i) avaliar a adsorção de Cd, Cu, Ni e Zn em amostras superficiais (0-0,2 m) de 14 solos representativos da região tropical úmida, em sistema competitivo e não-competitivo, e (ii) estabelecer sequências de afinidade metálica para cada solo, com base nos valores de capacidade máxima de adsorção (CMA) dos metais estimados por meio do modelo de Langmuir. O Rhodic Eutrudox, o Kandiudalfic Eutrudox, o Arenic Hapludalf (Alf2), o Arenic Hapludult (Ult2) e o Typic Argiudoll apresentaram elevadas capacidades de adsorção dos metais, ocorrendo o inverso para o Typic Quartzipsamment e para o Arenic Hapludult textura arenosa. No geral, a CMA dos metais aos solos foi menor no sistema competitivo. A sequência de afinidade mais comumente encontrada no sistema não-competitivo foi Cu >; Zn >; Ni >; Cd. No sistema competitivo, a sequência foi Cu >; Cd >; Zn >; Ni. Em geral, o modelo de Langmuir simulou de maneira satisfatória a adsorção dos metais nas amostras de solo.The adsorption of heavy metals in soils affects their behavior in the environment and their bioavailability to plants. The knowledge of the adsorption mechanisms in competitive systems allows a more realistic evaluation of the metals' behavior in the soil than the single metal adsorption. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn adsorption in 14 surface samples (0-0.2 m) of representative soils of the Brazilian humid-tropical region, in competitive and non-competitive systems, and (ii) to establish metal affinity sequences for each soil, based in the maximum adsorption capacity (MAC) estimated by the Langmuir model. The Rhodic Eutrudox, the Kandiudalf Eutrudox, the Arenic Hapludalf, the Arenic Hapludult and the Typic Argiudoll had the highest metals' adsorption capacity, whereas the Typic Quartzipsamment and the sandy-textured Arenic Hapludult had the lowest values. In general, the MAC values for metals were lower in the competitive than in the non-competitive system. In the non-competitive system, the most common affinity sequence was Cu >; Zn >; Ni >; Cd, whereas the most common sequence was Cu >; Cd >; Zn >; Ni in the competitive system. In general, the Langmuir model fitted well the adsorption data of metals on the studied soils

Greenhouse Gas Assessment and Strategies to Achieve CO₂ Sequestration in the Brazilian Palm Oil Life Cycle

As the palm oil production is expanding in Brazilian Amazon region, this study aimed to determinate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since the agricultural phase to transportation of crude palm oil (CPO) and then indicate strategies to achieve the CO2 sequestration. The scope of this study comprised since the stage of oil palm seedlings production until the transportation of CPO. Inventory data for the year of 2009 included the agricultural production of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) and the extraction and transportation of CPO. The management of palm oil mill effluent (POME), use of fertilizers, fuels, pesticides, and electricity contributed to 66.5, 17.9, 15.1, 0.4, and 0.1% of the total emissions, respectively. Agricultural phase, CPO extraction, and transportation emitted 32,131, 79,590, and 1,104 t CO2-eq, respectively. The carbon (C) footprint was 0.79 t CO2-eq / t CPO, and the highest GHG emissions were associated to the management of POME. On the other hand, the use of all residues from the mill as fertilizer substitute can minimize the GHG emissions and increase soil C stocks. In addition, the methane (CH4) from POME captured and used for steam or electricity is also a viable alternative to reduce the GHG emissions

Opções de mitigação de gases do efeito estufa na mudança do uso da terra, pecuária e agricultura no Brasil

National inventories of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (implementation of the National Communications) are organized according to five main sectors, namely: Energy, Industrial Processes, Agriculture, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LUCF) and Waste. The objective of this study was to review and calculate the potential of greenhouse gas mitigation strategies in Brazil for the Agricultural and LUCF. The first step consisted in an analysis of Brazilian official and unofficial documents related to climate change and mitigation policies. Secondly, business as usual (BAU) and mitigation scenarios were elaborated for the 2010-2020 timeframe, and calculations of the corresponding associated GHG emissions and removals were performed. Additionally, two complementary approaches were used to point out and quantify the main mitigation options: a) following the IPCC 1996 guidelines and b) based on EX-ACT. Brazilian authorities announced that the country will target a reduction in its GHG between 36.1 and 38.9% from projected 2020 levels. This is a positive stand that should also be adopted by other developing countries. To reach this government goal, agriculture and livestock sectors must contribute with an emission reduction of 133 to 166 Mt CO2-eq. This seems to be reachable when confronted to our mitigation option values, which are in between the range of 178.3 to 445 Mt CO2-eq. Government investments on agriculture are necessary to minimize the efforts from the sectors to reach their targets.Inventários nacionais acerca de emissões de gases do efeito estufa (GEE) (refinamentos das Comunicações Nacionais) são organizadas de acordo com cinco principais setores, a saber: Energia, Processos Industriais, Agropecuária, Mudanças do Uso da Terra e Florestas e Tratamento de Resíduos. O objetivo dessa revisão foi calcular o potencial das estratégias de mitigação de GEE no Brasil para agropecuária e mudança de uso da terra e florestas. A primeira etapa consistiu na análise de documentos oficiais e não-oficiais do Brasil relacionados a mudanças climáticas e políticas de mitigação. O cenário atual, sem adoção de ações mitigadoras (BAU), e os cenários de mitigação foram elaborados para o período 2010-2020. Efetuaram-se os cálculos associados às emissões e remoções de GEE. Adicionalmente, duas estratégias foram utilizadas para destacar e quantificar as principais opções de mitigação: a) seguindo metodologia do IPCC 1996 e b) baseando-se no EX-ACT. Autoridades brasileiras anunciaram que o país buscará reduzir sua taxa de emissão de GEE em 36.1 a 38.9% em relação a 2020. Este é um posicionamento positivo que deve ser adotado por outros países em desenvolvimento. Para alcançar essa meta governamental, os setores agricultura e pecuária devem contribuir reduzindo a emissão em 133 a 166 Mt CO2-eq. Tal redução parece ser atingível quando confrontada com os valores do presente trabalho sobre opções de mitigação os quais estão entre 178,3 e 445 Mt CO2-eq. Investimentos governamentais nos setores agrícola, pecuária e silvicultura são necessários para minimizar os esforços para atingir as metas de redução de emissão pelos outros setores do país.CNPqFAPESPCAPES - COFECU

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new thalidomide–donepezil hybrids as neuroprotective agents targeting cholinesterases and neuroinflammation

A new series of eight multifunctional thalidomide–donepezil hybrids were synthesized based on the multi target-directed ligand strategy and evaluated as potential neuroprotective, cholinesterase inhibitors and anti neuroinflammatory agents against neurodegenerative diseases. A molecular hybridization approach was used for structural design by combining the N-benzylpiperidine pharmacophore of donepezil and the isoindoline 1,3-dione fragment from the thalidomide structure. The most promising compound, PQM-189 (3g), showed good AChE inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 3.15 μM, which was predicted by docking studies as interacting with the enzyme in the same orientation observed in the AChE–donepezil complex and a similar profile of interaction. Additionally, compound 3g significantly decreased iNOS and IL-1β levels by 43% and 39%, respectively, after 24 h of incubation with lipopolysaccharide. In vivo data confirmed the ability of 3g to prevent locomotor impairment and changes in feeding behavior elicited by lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, the PAMPA assay evidenced adequate blood–brain barrier and gastrointestinal tract permeabilities with an Fa value of 69.8%. Altogether, these biological data suggest that compound 3g can treat the inflammatory process and oxidative stress resulting from the overexpression of iNOS and therefore the increase in reactive nitrogen species, and regulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β. In this regard, compound PQM-189 (3g) was revealed to be a promising neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory agent with an innovative thalidomide–donepezil-based hybrid molecular architectur

Estoques de carbono e nitrogênio no solo devido a mudança do uso da terra em áreas de cultivo de café em minas gerais

The type of previous land use to the coffee cultivation and the adopted management practices of coffee pruning may affect the dynamics of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). Thus, the aim of this study was to quantify soil C and N stocks in the three main coffee production regions of Minas Gerais State, evaluating different management systems and coffee cultivation time compared to cultivated pastures. For the calculation of C and N stocks, soil samples were collected to determine the content of C and N, in addition to soil density at different depths. Evaluated situations included management of coffee areas with and without pruning, and the type of previous land use to the coffee crop currently in the areas (i.e. pasture or coffee). The results indicated that coffee cultivation under grazing areas along with the adoption of good agricultural practices such as proper management of pruning and good weed control led to the maintenance of soil C and N stocks over time. Through this fact, it is possible to state that coffee cultivation positively affects soil health.O tipo de uso da terra anterior ao plantio de café e o manejo de podas adotado no cafezal podem condicionar a dinâmica do carbono (C) e do nitrogênio (N) no solo. Desta forma, o objetivo neste trabalho foi quantificar os estoques de C e N do solo nas três principais regiões produtoras de café de Minas Gerais, avaliando diferentes sistemas de manejo e cultivo do café em comparação com pastos cultivados. Para o cálculo dos estoques foram coletadas amostras de solo para determinação dos teores de C e N, além da densidade em diferentes profundidades. As avaliações incluem manejo das áreas com e sem podas, e o tipo de uso da terra anterior ao cultivo do café. Os resultados indicam que o cultivo do café sobre áreas de pastagem, com adoção de boas práticas agrícolas como um manejo adequado de podas e bom controle do mato, propicia a manutenção dos estoques de carbono e nitrogênio do solo. Através deste fato pode-se mencionar que a cafeicultura reflete positivamente na saúde do solo

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Competitive adsorption of cadmium, copper, nickel and zinc in soils.

Dentre os processos envolvidos no comportamento e biodisponiblidade dos metais pesados nos solos, aqueles relacionados com a adsorção são de grande importância. Tendo em vista a natureza multielementar do sistema solo-solução e a complexidade das reações envolvidas, o conhecimento dos mecanismos de adsorção em sistemas competitivos permite uma avaliação mais realista do comportamento dos metais no solo. Os objetivos desse trabalho foram (i) avaliar a adsorção competitiva de cádmio, cobre, níquel e zinco, tomadas da camada mais superficial (horizonte A) de 14 solos representativos dos do Estado de São Paulo; (ii) obter isotermas de adsorção em sistemas competitivo e não-competitivo, utilizando a equação matemática de Langmuir para simular a adsorção; (iii) estabelecer seqüências de afinidade metálica para cada solo e (iv) estabelecer a relação entre o comportamento adsortivo dos metais e alguns atributos dos solos, mediante estudos de correlações simples e regressões múltiplas. Ao correspondente a 2,0 g de terra foram adicionados 20 mL de solução 0,01 mol L-1 de NaNO3 (relação 1:10) contendo concentrações equimolares (0,017; 0,034; 0,085; 0,17; 0,255; 0,51; 0,85 e 1,275 mmol L-1) de Cu, Ni, Cd e Zn, na forma isolada (sistema não competitivo) e em conjunto (sistema competitivo). O conjunto foi agitado por 1 h e, em seguida, as amostras foram centrifugadas a 1.100 rpm durante 10 minutos e filtradas. As concentrações dos metais em solução foram determinadas por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica. A quantidade de metal adsorvida foi estimada pela diferença entre a concentração inicial e a concentração de equilíbrio. O Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico, o Nitossolo Vermelho eutroférrico, o Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo (textura argilosa e muito argilosa) e o Chernossolo Argilúvico foram os solos que apresentaram maior capacidade de adsorção dos metais, enquanto que os menores valores de metais adsorvidos foram do Neossolo Quartzarênico e do Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo (textura arenosa). A competição entre os metais diminuiu, de maneira, a adsorção máxima dos mesmos. A seqüência de afinidade mais comum encontrada no sistema não-competitivo foi Cu > Zn > Ni > Cd. No sistema competitivo, a seqüência mais comum foi Cu > Cd > Zn > Ni. Em geral, o modelo de Langmuir simulou de maneira satisfatória a adsorção dos metais. Os atributos que apresentaram correlação positiva com a adsorção máxima dos metais foram pH, MnO, CTC efetiva e silte. A correlação foi negativa com os teores de areia dos solos. Na regressão múltipla, as adsorções máximas de Zn, Cd e Ni estiveram relacionadas a CTC efetiva e com MnO. Para o Cu, somente o conteúdo de MnO relacionou-se com a adsorção máxima. Tais resultados reforçam a importância desse óxido no comportamento de metais pesados em solos de regiões tropicais úmidas.Among the processes involved in the behavior and the bioavailabilty of heavy metals in soil, those related with the adsorption are of great importance. Despite of the multielementary nature of the soil-solution system and the complexity of the involved reactions, the knowledge of the adsorption mechanisms in competitive systems allows a more realistic evaluation of the metals behavior in the soil. The objectives of this work was (i) to evaluate the competitive adsorption of cadmium, copper, nickel and zinc in surface samples (A horizons) of 14 representative soils of the State of São Paulo, Brazil; (ii) to obtain adsorption isotherms in competitive and non-competitive systems, using the Langmuir model in order to simulate the adsorption; (iii) to establish metal affinity sequences for each soil and (iv) to establish relationships between the adsorptive behavior of metals and some soils attributes using simple correlations and multiple regressions analysis. Two grams soil subsamples were set into 50 mL centrifuge tubes, adding 20 mL of 0.01 mol L-1 NaNO3 solution (relation 1:10) at equimolar concentrations (0.017; 0.034; 0.085; 0.17; 0.255; 0.51; 0.85 and 1.275 mmol L-1) of Cu, Ni, Cd and Zn, in the isolated form (non-competitive system) and in set (competitive system). The obtained suspensions were shaked during one hour, centrifuged afterwards (1,100 rpm) through 10 min and filtered. The metals concentrations in solution were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The adsorbed metal amounts were assumed to be equal to the difference between the initial amount and the metal remaining content at the ending of the reaction period. The Rhodic Eutrudox, Kandiudalf Eutrudalf, Typic Hapludult-2 (clayey-textured), Typic Hapludult (clayeytextured) and Typic Haplaquoll presented the highest metals adsorption capacity, whereas the lowest was observed for Typic Quartzipsamment and for Arenic Hapludult. In general, the competition between metals diminished their maximum adsorption. In the non-competitive system, the most common affinity sequence was Cu > Zn > Ni > Cd, whereas in the competitive system, the most common sequence was Cu > Cd > Zn > Ni. In general, the Langmuir model simulate satisfactorily the adsorption of metals of the studied soils. The soils attributes presenting positive correlation with the maximum adsorption of metals were pH, MnO, CTC and silt. The correlation was negative with the soil sand content. Employing the multiple regression, the maximum adsorption of Zn, Cd and Ni was found to be related with CTC and MnO, while for Cu only the MnO content was related with it maximum adsorption. Such results pointed out the importance of the manganese interactions as a controlling factor related to the behavior of heavy metals in soils from tropical humid areas