Evaluation of the Efficiency of a Septic Tank Combined with Anaerobic Filter, Filled with Plastic Residue, Including a Root Zone

Considering the damages resulting from the dumping of waste in natura in the bodies of water and soil, an alternative system of treatment of domestic effluent with septic tank and an anaerobic filter was installed, following a root zone. The evaluation of the efficiency of the system was based on analyzes of the physical, chemical, biological variables and ecotoxicological tests (toxicity tests with Ceriodaphnia dubia). The conductivity values decreased after treatment (83.4%), from 3380 to 561 µS cm-1. The average efficiency of removal of organic matter was 88.75% and there was a significant decrease in BOD. The removal of phosphorus was 97.68% and nitrogen was 94.7%. The toxicity tests determined an LC50 = 1.70% for the raw effluent and in the treated effluent, an LC50 = 16.63%. The system achieved good efficiency in the reduction of all analyzed parameters. The use of a plastic residue as a filter element has proved quite feasible

[Covid-19 in the Northeast of Brazil: from lockdown to the relaxation of social distancing measures].

Even in the period when the Covid-19 pandemic was on the rise in the Northeast of Brazil, the relaxation of social distancing measures was introduced. The scope of the study is to assess, in the light of the epidemiological-sanitary situation in the region, the suitability of relaxation of social distancing measures. Based on the WHO guidelines for relaxation of social distancing, operational indicators were created and analyzed for each guideline in the context of the Northeast. To analyze the behavior of the epidemic, according to selected indicators, Joinpoint trend analysis techniques, heat maps, rate ratios and time trends between capitals and the state interior were compared. The weekly growth peak of the epidemic occurred in May-July 2020 (epidemiological weeks 19 to 31). In most capitals, there was no simultaneous downward trend in the number of cases and deaths in the 14 days prior to flexibilization. In all states the number of tests performed was insufficient. In epidemiological week 24, the state percentages of ICU/Covid-19 bed occupancy were close to or above 70%. The epidemiological situation of the nine Northeastern state capitals analyzed here did not meet criteria and parameters recommended by the World Health Organization for the relaxation of social distancing measures

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

Estudo da variação horizontal das condições químicas, físicas e biológicas no reservatório de Itupararanga, Votorantim-SP e suas potenciais influências na toxicidade do sistema

This study aimed to analyze the limnological and ecotoxicological aspects in Itupararanga reservoir - Votorantim (SP) and their potential influences on the system toxicity, with emphasis on natural cyanobacterial blooms. Therefore, there were four samples in dry periods seeking a chemical, biological and toxicological approaches of surface water and sediment samples. In addition, the isolation and cultivation of the predominant cyanobacteria in the water samples. In order to assess the potential toxicity of strains and identify possible cianotoxins present in the reservoir's water. The results demonstrated the predominance of cyanobacteria compared to other phytoplankton groups in two study periods, markedly the domain of the species Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, with the amount of cyanobacteria in violation of the CONAMA resolution 357/05. The ecotoxicological tests with superficial water and Ceriodaphnia dubia ascertained that caused acute toxicity in the first and third samples in the same collection site, and chronic toxicity earlier in the system in the first collection. Regarding the sediment samples taken in points 2 and 3 had acute toxicity in the first reporting year with high capacity to retain pollutants, which may be contributing to the installation of the system toxicity. Furthermore, the strains isolated from two species of cyanobacteria were proved to produce microcystin and saxitoxin. Subsequently, ecotoxicological assays with the isolated strains showed that same consistent concentrations in Brazilian law for potability (ordinance 2914/2011), these cyanotoxins can cause disturbances to environmental health. The reduction of the toxicity of microcystin and saxitoxin by means of ultrasound was efficient. Given the above, it is evident the possibility of compromising the quality of the water resources, which limits their multiple uses, considering both human consumption and the possibility of injury to the protection of ...Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os aspectos limnológicos e ecotoxicológicos no reservatório de Itupararanga - Votorantim (SP) e suas potenciais influências na toxicidade do sistema, com ênfase para as proliferações naturais de cianobactérias. Para tanto, foram realizadas quatro amostragens em períodos secos buscando uma abordagem química, biológica e toxicológica de amostras de água superficial e sedimento. Além do isolamento e cultivo das cianobactérias predominantes nas amostras de água. A fim de avaliar o potencial tóxico das cepas e identificar as possíveis cianotoxinas presentes na água do reservatório. Os resultados demonstraram o predomínio de cianobactérias, em relação aos demais grupos fitoplanctônicos em dois períodos de estudo, com domínio da espécie Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska, 1912) Senayya & Subba Raju, estando a quantidade de cianobactérias em desacordo com a resolução CONAMA nº 357/05. Os testes ecotoxicológicos com Ceriodaphnia dubia averiguaram que água superficial causou toxicidade aguda na primeira e terceira amostragens no mesmo local de coleta, e toxicidade crônica no início do sistema na primeira coleta. Com relação ao sedimento, as amostras obtidas nos pontos 2 e 3 apresentaram toxicidade aguda no primeiro ano avaliado, apresentando elevada capacidade para retenção de poluentes, os quais podem estar contribuindo para a instalação da toxicidade do sistema. Foram isoladas duas espécies de cianobactérias que demonstraram-se produtoras de microcistina e saxitoxina. Os ensaios ecotoxicológicos com as cepas isoladas comprovaram que mesmos em concentrações condizentes com a legislação brasileira para potabilidade (portaria nº 2.914/2011), tais cianotoxinas podem causar distúrbios à saúde ambiental. A redução da toxicidade de microcistina e saxitoxina por meio do ultrassom demonstrou-se eficiente. Diante do exposto, evidencia-se a possibilidade de..

Plantas utilizadas no paisagismo no litoral do Nordeste

O paisagismo em áreas litorâneas nem sempre é uma atividade fácil devido às condições ambientais em que as plantas são cultivadas, associado ao desconhecimento na escolha das espécies adequadas, proporcionando projetos mais interessantes e adaptados à estas condições, facilitando a manutenção e conservação destes. Apesar da grande diversidade de plantas nativas com potencial ornamental, estas ainda são pouco utilizadas no paisagismo em áreas litorâneas do nordeste, sendo observado utilização predominantemente de espécies exóticas. Este fato demonstra que há muito ainda a ser pesquisado a fim de proporcionar maiores conhecimentos técnicos para a indicação de plantas nativas em projetos de paisagismo no litoral do nordeste

Can a one-sampling campaign produce robust results for water quality monitoring? A case of study in Itupararanga reservoir, SP, Brazil

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct a rapid and comprehensive analysis of the reservoir using physical, chemical and biological variables comprising water and sediment as also to verify if a one-sampling campaign can produce information that is robust enough for monitoring purposes. Methods One-sampling campaign was performed along the central body of Itupararanga reservoir comprising five sampling points. The following physico-chemical and biological variables were measured in each of them from water samples: temperature, pH, concentration of dissolved oxygen, electric conductivity, suspended matter, total nitrogen and phosphorus and fecal coliforms. A genotoxicity assay with Allium cepa was also performed with water from each one of the five sampling points. As a complement, the phytoplankton and benthic macroinvertebrates communities were also analyzed in the two most distant sampling points (P1 and P5). Results Results indicate a scenario with eutrophication and toxicity. High concentrations of fecal coliforms were recorded and there is a worrying prevalence of cyanobacteria - potential toxin producers - in phytoplankton community. Benthic macroinvertebrates analysis suggests poor quality of the water and sediments. Genotoxicity tests suggest the presence of toxic substances along the waterbody. Conclusions It is concluded that Itupararanga reservoir has water with poor quality that could be related to the land uses around the reservoir. The comprehensive approach performed here - where distinct sources of monitoring variables was considered - despite the rapid protocol (one campaign), was enough to respond to the distinct anthropic impacts received by the reservoir. Considering it, this approach is recommended as a rapid diagnostic tool

AVALIAÇÃO DA BIOMASSA DE MACROALGAS NO PLATÔ RECIFAL DAS PRAIAS DE PIEDADE E PORTO DE GALINHAS - PERNAMBUCO, BRASIL

Recifes costeiros são ecossistemas com alta diversidade biológica, porém, como muitas vezes estão próximos a centros urbanos e áreas turísticas, são afetados pelo efeito da poluição e do pisoteio. O presente trabalho visou avaliar a biomassa dos diferentes filos de macroalgas como indicador de impacto ambiental nas praias de Piedade e Porto de Galinhas. Foram feitas coletas aleatórias de dez quadrados de 20 x 20 cm no platô recifal da região entremarés de cada local afetado pelo pisoteio. A média da biomassa de macroalgas em Porto de Galinhas foi de aproximadamente 206 g de peso seco/m2, enquanto em Piedade foi próxima de 165 g de peso seco/m2. Entretanto, a biomassa total de algas amostrada nos quadrados não foi diferente, em termos estatísticos, entre os locais de coleta. No recife de Porto de Galinhas, a maior biomassa foi de clorófitas calcárias como Halimeda, porém as algas pardas não foram amostradas nesse local. O teste de Mann-Whitney indicou que a biomassa média de rodófitas foi significativamente maior no recife de Piedade do que no de Porto de Galinhas (p < 0,05). O número mínimo de amostras para comparar as áreas recifais estudadas foi de sete quadrados por subambiente, levando em conta os impactos ambientais dos locais estudados e a estabilização da média da biomassa algal

Benznidazole microcrystal preparation by solvent change precipitation and in vivo evaluation in the treatment of Chagas disease.

Benznidazole (BNZ) is traditionally used to treat Chagas disease. Despite its common use, BNZ has a poor water solubility and a variable bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to prepare BNZ microcrystals by solvent change precipitation and to study the effects of BNZ micronisation on therapeutic efficiency using a murine model of Chagas disease. The solvent change precipitation procedure was optimised in order to obtain stable and homogeneous particles with a small particle size, high yield and fast dissolution rate. The thermal and crystallographic analysis showed no polymorphic change in the microcrystals, and microscopy confirmed a significant reduction in particle size. A marked improvement in the drug dissolution rate was observed for micronised BNZ particles and BNZ tablets in comparison with untreated BNZ and commercial Rochagan_. In vivo studies showed a significant increase in the therapeutic efficacy of the BNZ microparticles, corroborating the dissolution results