Inflamabilidade de espécies florestais do Cerrado Sensu Stricto e seu potencial para implantação de cortina de segurança

Forest fires can be considered as one of the major environmental problems today, causing damage on a local and even global scale. Studies involving the determination of flammability of plant species as well as their potential for application as safety curtains are still scarce. Safety curtains consist of plantings with less flammable species than the main crop, which aims to reduce and / or prevent the spread of fire. The study of the flammability of the main species of a plant formation is essential and helps to draw a profile of the behavior of the fire, as well as to establish which species can be used in this protection method. In this sense, this article aimed to evaluate the flammability characteristics of six forest species in the Cerrado in Tocantins: Tartarena (Tachigali aurea Tul.), White Velvet (Guettarda viburnoides), Redondinha (Antonia ovata Pohl), Pau de Leite (Himatanthus obovatus) and Pau Pombo (Tapirira obtusa), using the methodology proposed by Petriccione (2006) and Valette (1992) and their potential in application as safety curtains. The experimental burns were carried out in an Epirator with a nominal power of 500 W, with a controlled temperature range around 600 ° C. The humidity (%) of each species was determined and then the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for each species was carried out to compare the means and Pearson's correlation analysis. From the analyzes it was possible to obtain the species flammability data by determining the ignition frequency (FI), the ignition time (TI), the combustion time (TC) and the flame height (HC). Regarding the studied species, no significant correlation was observed between the moisture and flammability data. However, further studies are needed to analyze the correlation of species flammability data with specific plant characteristics, both physiological and ecological. It was found that only one of the studied species was considered to be low flammable (Tachigali aurea), standing out with values ​​significantly lower than the others, which suggests its potential for use in safety curtains, with the remaining five studied being considered moderately or highly flammable.Os incêndios florestais podem ser considerados como um dos grandes problemas ambientais atualmente, causando danos em escala local e até global. Ainda são escassos os estudos envolvendo a determinação de inflamabilidade das espécies vegetais bem como o seu potencial para aplicação como cortinas de segurança. As cortinas de segurança consistem em plantios com espécies de menor inflamabilidade em relação ao cultivo principal, que tem como objetivo reduzir e/ou prevenir a propagação do fogo. O estudo da inflamabilidade das principais espécies de uma formação vegetal é essencial e ajuda traçar um perfil do comportamento do fogo, como também estabelecer quais espécies podem ser utilizadas neste método de proteção. Neste sentido, o presente artigo teve como objetivo avaliar as características da inflamabilidade de seis espécies florestais do cerrado no Tocantins: Tartarena (Tachigali aurea Tul.), Veludo Branco (Guettarda viburnoides), Redondinha (Antonia ovata Pohl), Pau de Leite (Himatanthus obovatus) e Pau Pombo (Tapirira obtusa), utilizando a metodologia proposta por Petriccione (2006) e Valette (1992) e sua potencialidade na aplicação como cortinas de segurança. As queimas experimentais foram realizadas em um Epirradiador com potência nominal de 500 W, com uma faixa de temperatura controlada em torno de 600 °C. Foi determinada a umidade (%) de cada espécie e posteriormente procedeu-se a análise de variância (ANOVA) para cada espécie para comparação entre médias e a Análise de correlação de Pearson. A partir das análises foi possível se obter os dados de inflamabilidade das espécies pela determinação da frequência de ignição (FI) o tempo de ignição (TI), o tempo de combustão (TC) e a altura da chama (HC). Em relação às espécies estudadas não foi observada uma correlação significativa entre os dados de umidade e de inflamabilidade. No entanto, são necessários estudos mais aprofundados para analisar a correlação dos dados de inflamabilidade das espécies com as características específicas da planta, tanto fisiológicas e ecológicas. Verificou-se que somente uma das espécies estudadas foi considerada pouco inflamável (Tachigali aurea), se destacando com valores significativamente abaixo que as demais, o que sugere o seu potencial para utilização em cortinas de segurança, sendo que as cinco demais estudadas foram considerados moderadamente ou altamente inflamável

Identificação molecular de espécies de vírus e reação fenotípica de famílias de melancia a um isolado do vírus da mancha anelar do mamoeiro, estirpe melancia (Pappaya ringspot virus – strain watermelon - PRSV-W)

The curcubit, including watermelon, are affected by various diseases caused by viruses. In Brazil, has predominated species of the Potyvirus. This study aimed was molecular identification of the virus species from four producer regions of watermelon the state of Tocantins and test through artificial inoculation, the reaction of the progenies selected for phenotypic resistance to one of those characterized as isolated from PRSV-W. Of the nine isolates tested, six presented bands for PRSV-W. One of the isolates presented bands for PRSV-W and SqMV which can be a mixed infection. In phenotypic analysis, access PI 595201 showed a high level of resistance. The progenies had different behavior, and was identify within each progenies plants with similar resistance to the resistant parent.As curcubitaceas, incluindo a melancia, estão sujeitas a várias doenças causadas por vírus. No Brasil, tem predominado espécies de Potyvirus. O objetivo do trabalho foi efetuar a identificação molecular de espécies de vírus provenientes de quatro regiões produtoras de melancia do estado do Tocantins e verificar através da inoculação artificial, a reação fenotípica de famílias selecionadas para resistência a um desses isolado caracterizado como sendo de PRSV-W. Dos nove isolados utilizados, seis apresentaram bandas para PRSV-W. Um dos isolados apresentou bandas para PRSV-W e SqMV que pode ser uma infecção mista. Na avaliação fenotípica, o acesso PI 595201 apresentou alto nível de resistência. As famílias apresentaram comportamento diferenciado, sendo possível identificar plantas dentro de cada família com resistência semelhante ao genitor resistente

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure <= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure <= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.13Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

Characterisation of microbial attack on archaeological bone

As part of an EU funded project to investigate the factors influencing bone preservation in the archaeological record, more than 250 bones from 41 archaeological sites in five countries spanning four climatic regions were studied for diagenetic alteration. Sites were selected to cover a range of environmental conditions and archaeological contexts. Microscopic and physical (mercury intrusion porosimetry) analyses of these bones revealed that the majority (68%) had suffered microbial attack. Furthermore, significant differences were found between animal and human bone in both the state of preservation and the type of microbial attack present. These differences in preservation might result from differences in early taphonomy of the bones. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved

Critical care admission following elective surgery was not associated with survival benefit: prospective analysis of data from 27 countries

This was an investigator initiated study funded by Nestle Health Sciences through an unrestricted research grant, and by a National Institute for Health Research (UK) Professorship held by RP. The study was sponsored by Queen Mary University of London

The surgical safety checklist and patient outcomes after surgery: a prospective observational cohort study, systematic review and meta-analysis

© 2017 British Journal of Anaesthesia Background: The surgical safety checklist is widely used to improve the quality of perioperative care. However, clinicians continue to debate the clinical effectiveness of this tool. Methods: Prospective analysis of data from the International Surgical Outcomes Study (ISOS), an international observational study of elective in-patient surgery, accompanied by a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature. The exposure was surgical safety checklist use. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and the secondary outcome was postoperative complications. In the ISOS cohort, a multivariable multi-level generalized linear model was used to test associations. To further contextualise these findings, we included the results from the ISOS cohort in a meta-analysis. Results are reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: We included 44 814 patients from 497 hospitals in 27 countries in the ISOS analysis. There were 40 245 (89.8%) patients exposed to the checklist, whilst 7508 (16.8%) sustained ≥1 postoperative complications and 207 (0.5%) died before hospital discharge. Checklist exposure was associated with reduced mortality [odds ratio (OR) 0.49 (0.32–0.77); P\u3c0.01], but no difference in complication rates [OR 1.02 (0.88–1.19); P=0.75]. In a systematic review, we screened 3732 records and identified 11 eligible studies of 453 292 patients including the ISOS cohort. Checklist exposure was associated with both reduced postoperative mortality [OR 0.75 (0.62–0.92); P\u3c0.01; I2=87%] and reduced complication rates [OR 0.73 (0.61–0.88); P\u3c0.01; I2=89%). Conclusions: Patients exposed to a surgical safety checklist experience better postoperative outcomes, but this could simply reflect wider quality of care in hospitals where checklist use is routine

Prospective observational cohort study on grading the severity of postoperative complications in global surgery research

Background The Clavien–Dindo classification is perhaps the most widely used approach for reporting postoperative complications in clinical trials. This system classifies complication severity by the treatment provided. However, it is unclear whether the Clavien–Dindo system can be used internationally in studies across differing healthcare systems in high- (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods This was a secondary analysis of the International Surgical Outcomes Study (ISOS), a prospective observational cohort study of elective surgery in adults. Data collection occurred over a 7-day period. Severity of complications was graded using Clavien–Dindo and the simpler ISOS grading (mild, moderate or severe, based on guided investigator judgement). Severity grading was compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Data are presented as frequencies and ICC values (with 95 per cent c.i.). The analysis was stratified by income status of the country, comparing HICs with LMICs. Results A total of 44 814 patients were recruited from 474 hospitals in 27 countries (19 HICs and 8 LMICs). Some 7508 patients (16·8 per cent) experienced at least one postoperative complication, equivalent to 11 664 complications in total. Using the ISOS classification, 5504 of 11 664 complications (47·2 per cent) were graded as mild, 4244 (36·4 per cent) as moderate and 1916 (16·4 per cent) as severe. Using Clavien–Dindo, 6781 of 11 664 complications (58·1 per cent) were graded as I or II, 1740 (14·9 per cent) as III, 2408 (20·6 per cent) as IV and 735 (6·3 per cent) as V. Agreement between classification systems was poor overall (ICC 0·41, 95 per cent c.i. 0·20 to 0·55), and in LMICs (ICC 0·23, 0·05 to 0·38) and HICs (ICC 0·46, 0·25 to 0·59). Conclusion Caution is recommended when using a treatment approach to grade complications in global surgery studies, as this may introduce bias unintentionally