Determinação do teor de íons paramagnéticos, Cu+2 e Ni+2 por RMN no domínio do tempo.

Nas fórmulas Cu+2 e Ni+2 os símbolos [+2] são sobrescritos

MODELING AND SIMULATION OF THERMOELECTRIC PLANT OF COMBINED CYCLES AND ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The impact any power plant has upon the environment must be minimized as much as possible. Due to its high efficiency, low emission levels and low cooling requirements, combined cycle plants are considered to be environmentally friendly. This study evaluates the effect of operational conditions on pollutants (CO, CO2, SOx, NOx) emissions levels, waste-heat and wastewater of a combined-cycle natural gas and steam power plant. The HYSYS process simulation was used for modelling and simulation. The study clearly shows that the absolute quantity of pollutants emitted is high. Also, it was possible to verify that the unit operate in the condition of minimal emissions regarding the maximum possible, and thus a reduction or elimination of such pollutants is not possible

Arsenic accumulation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and broad bean (Vicia faba L.) crops and its potential risk for human consumption

Exposure to arsenic (As) is considered one of the primary health risks humans face worldwide. This study was conducted to determine As absorption by broad beans and lettuce crops grown in soil with As contents and irrigated with water contaminated with this toxic element, in Pastos Chicos, Jujuy (Argentina). Total dry biomass (TDB) and total As were determined in soils, roots, leaves, pods and seeds. These data were used to determine several parameters, such as translocation (TF) and bioconcentration (BCF) factors, target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR). Broad bean plants had the lowest biomass production when exposed to As in irrigation water and soil. Lettuce plants presented TDB reductions of 33.3 and 42.8% when grown in soil polluted with As, and in control soil under irrigation with contaminated water, respectively. The presence of this toxicant in broad bean seeds and lettuce leaves (edible parts) exceeded the limits established by Código Alimentario Argentino, i.e. 0.10 and 0.30 mg/kg, respectively. THQ values for lettuce leaves were higher than 1, the same as those for broad bean seeds when grown in soil with As contents and irrigated with arsenic-contaminated water, thus suggesting that consumers would run significant risks when consuming these vegetables. Furthermore, this type of exposure to As implied a CR that exceeded the acceptable 1 × 10−4 risk level. Hence, we may conclude that consuming lettuce and broad beans grown at the evaluated site brings about considerable health risks for local residents.Fil: Yanez, Luciano Matias. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta; ArgentinaFil: Alfaro, J. A.. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Avila Carreras, Natalia Maria Elisa. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Bovi Mitre, G.. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentin

Learning robotic pyeloplasty without simulators: an assessment of the learning curve in the early robotic era

OBJECTIVE: To analyze our experience and learning curve for robotic pyeloplasty during this robotic procedure. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients underwent 100 consecutive procedures. Cases were divided into 4 groups of 25 consecutive procedures to analyze the learning curve. RESULTS: The median anastomosis times were 50.0, 36.8, 34.2 and 29.0 minutes (p=0.137) in the sequential groups, respectively. The median operative times were 144.6, 119.2, 114.5 and 94.6 minutes, with a significant difference between groups 1 and 2 (p=0.015), 1 and 3 (p=0.002), 1 and 4 (po0.001) and 2 and 4 (p=0.022). The mean hospital stay was 7.08, 4.76, 4.88 and 4.20 days, with a difference between groups 1 and 2 (po0.001), 1 and 3 (po0.001) and 1 and 4 (po0.001). Clinical and radiological improvements were observed in 98.9% of patients. One patient presented with recurrent obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate a high success rate with low complication rates. A significant decrease in hospital stay and surgical time was evident after 25 cases

A protocol for an international, multicentre pharmacokinetic study for Screening Antifungal Exposure in Intensive Care Units: The SAFE-ICU study

Antifungal agents; Critically ill; DosingAgentes antifúngicos; Enfermo crítico; DosificaciónAgents antifúngics; Malalt crític; DosificacióObjective To describe whether contemporary dosing of antifungal drugs achieves therapeutic exposures in critically ill patients that are associated with optimal outcomes. Adequate antifungal therapy is a key determinant of survival of critically ill patients with fungal infections. Critical illness can alter an antifungal agents’ pharmacokinetics, increasing the risk of inappropriate antifungal exposure that may lead to treatment failure and/or toxicity. Design, setting and participants This international, multicentre, observational pharmacokinetic study will comprise adult critically ill patients prescribed antifungal agents including fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin, and amphotericin B for the treatment or prophylaxis of invasive fungal disease. A minimum of 12 patients are targeted for enrolment for each antifungal agent, across 12 countries and 30 intensive care units to perform descriptive pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetic sampling will occur during two dosing intervals (occasions): firstly, between days 1 and 3, and secondly, between days 4 and 7 of the antifungal course, collecting three samples per occasion. Patients’ demographic and clinical data will be collected. Main outcome measures The primary endpoint of the study is attainment of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target exposures that are associated with optimal efficacy. Thirty-day mortality will also be measured. Results and conclusions This study will describe whether contemporary antifungal drug dosing achieves drug exposures associated with optimal outcomes. Data will also be used for the development of antifungal dosing algorithms for critically ill patients. Optimised drug dosing should be considered a priority for improving clinical outcomes for critically ill patients with fungal infections.Funding for this study has been provided by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Research Foundation. Gilead Fellowship to Dr FB Sime