RESUMEN
Abstract Aim This study characterizes Colorectal Cancer (CRC) incidence in the University Hospital Ramon and Cajal, Madrid, and analyzes variations over time. It establishes risk groups, aiming to discover whether diagnosis can be determined in less advanced stages of disease. Method Evolutionary epidemiological study of genetic and environmental factors contributing to the development of CRC in this district that enables the comparison of two cohorts of patients separated by 37 years: G1 (patients of current group) and G2 (patients of historical group). The main risk variables gleaned retrospectively were analyzed and the statistical association between cohorts was determined. Results The mean age of patients increased significantly from 64 to 71 along with the incidence of ascending colon cancer. G1 scored higher than G2 for: the incidence of colon cancer in men, detection of adenomatous polyps (48.1%), percentage of resectability with curative intent (80.4%), and Dukes A stage (34.1%) (p < 0.001). Conclusion Biological aspects of CRC have been compared against its profile three decades earlier. We can confirm the existence of concrete changes in the manifestation and staging at the time of diagnosis or following earlier treatment. (AU)
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Neoplasias Colorrectales/epidemiología , Factores de Riesgo , Pólipos Adenomatosos , Anamnesis , Estadificación de NeoplasiasRESUMEN
This research aimed at determining reference sites in southern Brazilian lotic systems, using the Water Quality Trophic Index (WQTI), based on epilithic diatom communities. Within the period of 2012 and 2016, 140 epilithic diatom samples from seven sampling sites within the spring area of the Andreas Stream Hydrographic Basin, Vera Cruz County, RS, Brazil, were analyzed quarterly. Similarly, from 2012 and 2014, water samples in these sampling sites were collected for determination of physicochemical and microbiological parameters, such as water temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, phosphate, total dissolved solids, and fecal coliforms. The results indicated the occurrence of two diatom samples groups with significant differences (p < 0.05). Group 1 (sampling sites P1, P4, and P5) was classified in the oligotrophic category with an average WQTI of 1.3 ± 0.2, while group 2 (sampling sites P2, P3, P6, and P7) was classified in the ß-mesotrophic category with an average value of 2.0 ± 0.4). Achnanthidium minutissimum and Platessa hustedtii the dominant species were classified as oligotrophic taxa. Thus, we proposed the upper limit of the first interval of the WQTI score scale, equal to 1.5, as a reference value to differentiate the limits between the "high" and "good" ecological status to determine "reference sites" for subtropical and temperate Brazilian aquatic systems. The physical, chemical, and microbiological water quality evaluation gives support to this proposal, as far as the results indicated a significant improvement in the water quality, classifying sampling sites P1, P4, and P5 as having good quality appropriate for multiple uses.
Asunto(s)
Diatomeas , Brasil , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Ríos , Calidad del AguaRESUMEN
In the Basin of Mexico, one of the most important economic regions in the country with over 22 million inhabitants, peri-urban streams have been transformed into sewers, drains, and pipes to avoid flooding or unsanitary conditions; the change affects not only the ecosystem's goods and services but also the aquatic communities that support the natural ecological processes. We aimed to develop a diatom-based diagnosis of the ecological quality of these aquatic ecosystems through the study of epilithic diatom response to regional environmental gradients. Samples of epilithic diatoms and water were collected in 45 sites representing 12 perennial streams, and multivariate analyses were performed on environmental and biological data. The ecological quality gradient to which diatoms responded was related to oxygen saturation, soluble reactive phosphorous, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, and hydromorphological quality. Three species groups were recognized according to their ecological preferences along CCA1 axis, indicators of high and low ecological quality, and tolerant species. By assigning an indicator value to each species group, we calculated the DEQI using the formula adapted from Pantle and Buck, indicating five different ecological quality classes. This index is proposed for complementing the ecological quality evaluation as a biological metric that responds to multiple regional stressors of the structure and function of these peri-urban streams in the Basin of Mexico.
Asunto(s)
Diatomeas , Ríos , Ecosistema , Monitoreo del Ambiente , MéxicoRESUMEN
The accumulation of environmental pesticides can cause problems in aquatic ecosystems and adverse effects in humans. These compounds can be found in water due to runoff from agricultural, industrial and domestic applications. In Southern Brazil, tobacco cultivation is one of the most important economic agricultural activities. The bifenthrin pesticide, classified as having moderate toxicity (class II), is commonly used as an insecticide in this culture. In this context, the present research aimed to study the performance of microalgae-induced bioremediation processes. Microalgae were isolated from a natural water source in the city of Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil, which is an artificial reservoir used for public water supply. For this purpose, biodegradation, biosorption, influence of pH, percentage of inoculum and photoperiod were evaluated in batch experiments for 20 cultivation days. After the phycoremediation process, the bifenthrin pesticide (m/z = 181) was quantified by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results indicated that microalgae isolated from the water of the lake were able to contribute to the removal of approximately 99% of bifenthrin through biodegradation and biosorption processes. Photodegradation was identified (>77%) and the best condition for the phycoremediation was 20% inoculum with a photoperiod of 18:6 h.
Asunto(s)
Microalgas , Piretrinas , Brasil , EcosistemaRESUMEN
Diatom identification is a key step in using these microorganisms as water quality bioindicators. Morphological diagnosis is a difficult task due to the enormous number of species and their microscopic size. This can be overcome using molecular tools to complement the diagnosis. The main goal of this work was to obtain the DNA barcode of Ecuadorian epilithic diatoms with a wide geographical distribution, a well-defined ecological range and characteristics that allow them to be reliable indicator species. Unialgal diatom cultures were obtained from environmental samples of Ecuadorian Andean streams. Morphological characterization of cultures was carried out under SEM microscopy. For molecular characterization, 18SV4 and rbcL barcodes were sequenced from each strain and blasted against a GenBank database. A phylogenetic tree for each barcode was constructed using the ML method including sequences of strains of the studied species from different geographical locations. The results showed the following five species to be suitable as bioindicators and these were isolated. Sellaphora seminulum (strain JA01b, c), Nitzschia fonticola (strain SP02a) and N. palea (strain CA01a) are tolerant to eutrophication; Eolimna minima (strain CH02a) is a mesotrophic water bioindicator, and Achnanthidium minutissimum (strain JA01a) is an oligotrophic water bioindicator. The comparison with the GenBank database of the barcoding regions supported the morphological identification. The barcoding sequences of the strains showed a high percentage of identity with the sequences reported in INSDC databases for the same species. The topology of the phylogenetic trees demonstrates that epilithic diatoms from Ecuador are closely related to those of same species isolated from other geographical regions. This study is a first attempt to establish a morphological and molecular taxonomic reference library for neotropical diatoms. This study demonstrates that it would be feasible to use the existing barcoding data for diatoms to develop molecular tools for the bioassessment of aquatic ecosystems in the Ecuadorian Andean region.
L'identification des diatomées est une étape clé dans l'utilisation de ces microorganismes comme bioindicateurs de la qualité de l'eau. Le diagnostic morphologique est une tâche difficile en raison du nombre considérable d'espèces et de leur dimension microscopique. Il est possible de surmonter cette difficulté en utilisant des techniques moléculaires pour compléter le diagnostic. L'objectif principal de ce travail était d'obtenir le code-barre de l'ADN des diatomées épilithiques équatoriennes ayant une large distribution géographique, une niche écologique bien définie et des caractéristiques leur permettant d'être des espèces indicatrices fiables. Des cultures de diatomées unialgales ont été obtenues à partir d'échantillons environnementaux de cours d'eau des Andes équatoriennes. La caractérisation morphologique des cultures a été réalisée sous microscopie MEB. Pour la caractérisation moléculaire, les codes-barres 18SV4 et rbcL ont été séquencés à partir de chaque souche et comparés à la base de données GenBank. Pour chaque code-barres, un arbre phylogénétique a été construit à partir de la méthode ML comprenant des séquences de souches des espèces étudiées, provenant de différents lieux géographiques. Les résultats ayant montré que les cinq espèces suivantes étaient appropriées comme bioindicateurs, elles ont été isolées. Sellaphora seminulum (souche JA01b, c), Nitzschia fonticola (souche SP02a) et N. palea (souche CA01a) sont tolérantes à l'eutrophisation ; Eolimna minima (souche CH02a) est un bioindicateur d'eau mésotrophe, et Achnanthidium minutissimum (souche JA01a) est un bioindicateur d'eau oligotrophe. La comparaison avec la base de données GenBank des régions de code-barres a supporté leurs identifications morphologiques. Les séquences de code-barres des souches ont montré un pourcentage élevé d'identité génétique avec les séquences signalées dans les bases de données de l'INSDC pour la même espèce. La topologie des arbres phylogénétiques démontre que les diatomées épilithiques de l'Équateur sont étroitement liées à celles des mêmes espèces isolées d'autres régions géographiques. Cette étude est une première tentative d'établir une bibliothèque de référence morphologique et taxonomique moléculaire pour les diatomées néotropicales. Cette étude démontre qu'il serait possible d'utiliser les données de code-barres existantes pour les diatomées afin de développer des instruments moléculaires pour la bioévaluation des écosystèmes aquatiques dans la région andine équatorienne.
Asunto(s)
Diatomeas/clasificación , Biomarcadores Ambientales , Calidad del Agua , Código de Barras del ADN Taxonómico/métodos , Diatomeas/genética , Ecosistema , Ecuador , Eutrofización , Filogenia , RíosRESUMEN
Water contamination by discharge of untreated or poorly treated wastewater into water bodies is a current issue that may cause harm to humans. Water quality assessment targets general parameters, which often misleads to underestimation of their implication in the environment. Acute and genotoxicity assays using Daphnia magna is a reliable tool for testing deleterious effects of wastewater exposure. This paper aimed at evaluating acute ecotoxicity as well as genotoxicity of a biological treatment system composed by an anaerobic bioreactor (AR), algal turf scrubber (ATS), followed by two downflow constructed wetlands (CW). The university's wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) composed by an equalization tank (ET), an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB), followed by an aerobic bioreactor (AB) was also assessed for acute and genotoxicity. Our results showed the acute ecotoxicity ranged from moderately to extremely toxic, and from nontoxic to moderately toxic for ET and AB. For AR, most samples were moderately toxic. The outflow from ATS and CW's tanks completely eliminated acute toxicity and genotoxicity evidencing that the proposed system combining ATS and vertical CWs is suitable for treating sanitary wastewater.
Asunto(s)
Aguas Residuales/análisis , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Animales , Daphnia , Aguas del Alcantarillado , Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos , HumedalesRESUMEN
The spread of the exotic species Hovenia dulcis known as Japanese raisin tree, coming from Asia, detected in a protected area of 465.0 ha surrounding the city of Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil, named "Green Belt." In this context, this research aimed at developing an aerial monitoring system able to identify and quantify the extension in the Green Belt area that this species invaded, as well as describing the impacts caused on the local forest community. We collected data from an ultralight Flyer GT aircraft equipped with a vertical camera. The images were taking in June and July 2015, when H. dulcis trees have shed their leaves, displaying a gray color, and September and October 2015, when the leaves are young and with a light green color. Based on the methodology proposed trough aerial monitoring by photogrammetry, the results indicated that the total invaded area by H. dulcis in the Green Belt of Santa Cruz do Sul County, RS, was 131.8 ha, corresponding to 20.9% of the total area. To validate this method, a quantitative comparison between the result from a terrestrial fieldwork carried out and the proposed method showed no significant differences in the estimated area occupied by H. dulcis. We concluded that these results validate the proposed aerial assessment method.
Asunto(s)
Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Especies Introducidas , Fotogrametría , Dispersión de las Plantas , Rhamnaceae/fisiología , BrasilRESUMEN
Water shortage is a current problem faced by many regions. The deterioration of water bodies driven by the directly discard of untreated wastewater worsens the water shortage and implies in more costly treatments to meet local standards for water quality. In rural areas, the problem is even worse, once conventional centralized treatment plants do not encompass them. Decentralized treatment systems must present low-cost, local availability, standards-meeting efficiency, and simplified operation. The present study examines the combined use of algae turf scrubber and down-flow vertical constructed wetlands for a University's sanitary wastewater treatment. After a hydraulic detention time of 21 days, the unit was able to reach 49%, 48%, 98%, 82%, 99.2%, 70.1%, 44%, 83%, 72%, 86%, 69%, 95%, and 99.9% for conductivity, total soluble solids, turbidity, apparent color, N-NH3, total nitrogen, P-soluble, total carbon, chemical oxygen demand, inorganic carbon, TOC, Escherichia coli, and total coliforms. In accord to the Brazilian standard ABNT 13969/97, the treated effluent is eligible for reuse in floor and sidewalks washing, garden irrigation, and landscaping purposes.
Asunto(s)
Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos/métodos , Humedales , Análisis de la Demanda Biológica de Oxígeno , Brasil , Carbono , Microalgas , Nitrógeno/análisis , Aguas Residuales/química , Purificación del AguaRESUMEN
To monitor water quality and investigate relationships between downstream nutrient increases and diatom communities in the Pardo River Basin, Brazil, water and diatom samples were collected between 2005 and 2009. There were significant differences in diatom community composition among all river zones, with the greatest differences found between the upper and lower reaches. Significant changes were detected in relative abundances of diatom species and spatial structuring was evident. Dissolved oxygen, phosphates, turbidity, Eicherichia coli, and total dissolved solids were the most important variables shaping diatom communities, characterizing an organic pollution and eutrophication gradient. However, the hypothesis of sensitive species prevailing upstream and their gradual downstream replacement for more tolerant species was not confirmed because shifts in relative abundances of the same group of species in both the upper and lower reaches of the rivers were identified.
Asunto(s)
Diatomeas/fisiología , Ríos/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/farmacología , Brasil , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Eutrofización , Estaciones del Año , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/químicaRESUMEN
This research aimed at developing the Trophic Water Quality Index (TWQI) for subtropical temperate Brazilian lotic systems based on a review of the indicative values of diatom species obtained using multivariate analysis techniques and considering the environmental gradient defined by a series of measured physical, chemical, and microbiological variables. Sampling was conducted from 2005 to 2009 in the Pardo River Hydrographic Basin, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and in the Andreas Stream Hydrographic Basin, RS, from 2012 to 2013. A total of 140 biological samples and 211 abiotic samples were collected. Data were analyzed by cluster analysis based on the Ward method and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The results indicated that total phosphate, turbidity, ammonia nitrogen, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and thermotolerant coliforms showed a significant correlation with the sample ordination made by CCA, in relation to a gradient of eutrophication. Eutrophication was operationally defined in a broad sense, including the problem of organic pollution and eutrophication of the water. The determination of the different tolerance degrees to eutrophication of the diatom taxa was used to assign trophic values of 1, 2.5, and 4 to species, corresponding to levels of low, medium, and high tolerance, respectively. By using the trophic values obtained for each diatom species, the TWQI constituted a new technological tool for environmental monitoring studies and showed a consistent, robust, and objective database for water quality assessment in subtropical temperate Brazilian lotic systems.
Asunto(s)
Eutrofización , Contaminación del Agua/estadística & datos numéricos , Calidad del Agua/normas , Brasil , Diatomeas/clasificación , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Análisis Multivariante , RíosRESUMEN
The microalgae Desmodesmus subspicatus (Chlorophyta) was cultivated in a tubular photobioreactor using effluent from the wastewater treatment plant of the University of Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil to demonstrate the reactor's operation. The algae's ability to remove nutrients from wastewater and the oleaginous potential of the algae's biomass were also evaluated. Total phosphorus and ammonia nitrogen were measured. The photobioreactor consisted of a system of three acrylic tubes, a reservoir, connections and a CO2 supply. The gas supply was semicontinuous with CO2 added from a cylinder. The culture's growth was estimated from cell numbers counted on a daily basis. Lipid content in the biomass was analysed using gas chromatography. A maximum cell density of 9.11 x 10(6) cellsmL-1 and a dry weight of 234.00 mg L-1 were obtained during cultivation without CO2, and these values rose to 42.48 x 10(6) cells mL-1 and 1277.44 mg L-1, respectively, when CO2 was added to the cultivation. Differences in the quality of the effluent and the presence of CO2 did not result in different lipid profiles. The presence ofpalmitic acid and oleic acid was notable. The average extracted oil content was 18% and 12% for cultivation with and without the input of CO2, respectively.
Asunto(s)
Biocombustibles/análisis , Biocombustibles/microbiología , Chlorophyta/fisiología , Chlorophyta/efectos de la radiación , Fotobiorreactores/microbiología , Purificación del Agua/instrumentación , Biodegradación Ambiental , Proliferación Celular/efectos de la radiación , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de la radiación , Diseño de Equipo , Análisis de Falla de Equipo , Luz , Aguas Residuales/microbiologíaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Chordoma is a rare malignant bone tumor. The outcome depends on the adequate surgical treatment with complete excision of the tumor with microscopic clear margins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 13 cases of chordomas operated in our center between 1988 and 2009. RESULTS: All cases were treated with wide excision. Inadequate margins were found in seven patients. There were complications in ten patients and long-term sequels in 11 patients. Nine had recurrence within the first 2 years, six of which had inadequate margins. Five had metastatic disease, three of them with inadequate margins. During the follow-up, four patients died. In a posterior review, three patients survive and all of them had clear margins. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the best treatment is complete excision of the tumor with clear microscopic margins. When this is not possible, local recurrences increase and survival rate decreases.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias Óseas/terapia , Cordoma/terapia , Enfermedades Raras/terapia , Sacro/patología , Anciano , Neoplasias Óseas/epidemiología , Neoplasias Óseas/patología , Neoplasias Óseas/cirugía , Cordoma/epidemiología , Cordoma/patología , Cordoma/cirugía , Estudios de Cohortes , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/epidemiología , Enfermedades Raras/epidemiología , Enfermedades Raras/patología , Enfermedades Raras/cirugía , Estudios Retrospectivos , Sacro/cirugía , Centros de Atención Terciaria/estadística & datos numéricos , Resultado del Tratamiento , Carga TumoralRESUMEN
The aim of the present study was to assess the efficiency of advanced oxidative processes based on photocatalytic ozonation (O(3), UV, UV/O(3), UV/O(3)/Fe(2+) 50 mg L(-1) and 150 mg L(-1)) in the treatment of hospital laundry wastewaters. The analysis of the investigated wastewater revealed high chemical oxygen demand (COD - 3343.8 mg L(-1)), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD(5) - 1906.4 mg L(-1)), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN - 79.8 mg L(-1)) and Daphnia magna toxicity (EC50=1.73). Genotoxic effects were also detected for Allium cepa. Reductions of some parameters occurred after photocatalytic ozonation. The UV/O(3)/Fe(2+) 150 mg L(-1) method was more efficient in reducing COD (59.1%), BOD(5) (50.3%) and TKN (86.8%). There was significant reduction (p<0.05) in D. magna toxicity, O(3) (EC50=47.3%), UV (EC50=50.6%) and UV/O(3)/Fe(2+) 150 mg L(-1) (EC50=45.4%) processes. Normalization of the mitotic index and reduction of micronucleated cells were observed in A. cepa after the treatments. Results demonstrate that these methods were efficient in the degradation of hospital laundry wastewaters, representing a thriving alternative for the removal of pollutants that cause toxicity and genotoxicity.
Asunto(s)
Servicio de Lavandería en Hospital , Mutágenos/toxicidad , Ozono/química , Aguas Residuales/toxicidad , Catálisis , Procesos FotoquímicosRESUMEN
O estetoscópio é um dos instrumentos mais utilizados por médicos e enfermeiros para realizar exameclínico de pacientes e esse aparelho pode atuar como veículo de transmissão de micro-organismos. Nestetrabalho, foi avaliada a prevalência da contaminação bacteriana em estetoscópios utilizados em diferentesunidades de saúde em Santa Cruz do Sul - RS, nas práticas de limpeza utilizadas pelos usuários, bemcomo o grau de informação dos profissionais sobre os procedimentos de limpeza. Foi realizado estudoobservacional, transversal e analítico em 2011, foram analisados 81 estetoscópios usados em unidadesbásicas de saúde e unidades de terapia intensiva, pediátricos e adultos, e um questionário foi aplicado.Dos 81 estetoscópios, 96,2 % estavam contaminados e Staphylococcus aureus foi o micro-organismo maisfrequentemente detectado; 55,2 % dos profissionais afirmaram que realizam a desinfecção de estetoscópios,sendo 58,8 % médicos e 52,3 % profissionais de enfermagem. Ademais, 85,7 % dos funcionários daenfermagem e 64,7 % dos médicos afirmaram que não receberam orientação por parte de instituições emque trabalham sobre os procedimentos para a limpeza dos estetoscópios. A significativa prevalência decontaminação bacteriana detectada nos estetoscópios analisados (96,2 %) demonstra a existência de riscopotencial de contaminação cruzada de infecções nosocomiais.
Asunto(s)
Atención Primaria de Salud , Contaminación de Equipos , Estetoscopios/microbiología , Infección Hospitalaria , Personal de Salud , Prevalencia , Cuidados Críticos , Brasil , Staphylococcus aureusRESUMEN
O estetoscópio é um dos instrumentos mais utilizados por médicos e enfermeiros para realizar exame clínico de pacientes e esse aparelho pode atuar como veículo de transmissão de micro-organismos. Neste trabalho, foi avaliada a prevalência da contaminação bacteriana em estetoscópios utilizados em diferentes unidades de saúde em Santa Cruz do Sul - RS, nas práticas de limpeza utilizadas pelos usuários, bem como o grau de informação dos profissionais sobre os procedimentos de limpeza. Foi realizado estudo observacional, transversal e analítico em 2011, foram analisados 81 estetoscópios usados em unidades básicas de saúde e unidades de terapia intensiva, pediátricos e adultos, e um questionário foi aplicado.Dos 81 estetoscópios, 96,2 % estavam contaminados e Staphylococcus aureus foi o micro-organismo mais frequentemente detectado; 55,2 % dos profissionais afirmaram que realizam a desinfecção de estetoscópios,sendo 58,8 % médicos e 52,3 % profissionais de enfermagem. Ademais, 85,7 % dos funcionários da enfermagem e 64,7 % dos médicos afirmaram que não receberam orientação por parte de instituições em que trabalham sobre os procedimentos para a limpeza dos estetoscópios. A significativa prevalência de contaminação bacteriana detectada nos estetoscópios analisados (96,2 %) demonstra a existência de risco potencial de contaminação cruzada de infecções nosocomiais.(AU)
The stethoscope is widely used by doctors and health professionals for clinical examination of patients,and this medical device can act as vehicle for transmitting microorganisms from a patient to another. Thus, the present study evaluated the prevalence of bacterial contamination on stethoscopes used in different health units in Santa Cruz do Sul, RS; the stethoscopes cleaning practices utilized by users; the degree of information of health professional on the cleaning and disinfection procedures. An observational cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted in 2011, analyzing 81 stethoscopes used by professionals in the pediatric and adult primary care units and intensive care units, and a specific questionnaire was applied. Of 81 stethoscopes, 96.2 % were contaminated, and Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently foundmicroorganism; and 55.2 % of professionals stated that they do the disinfection of the stethoscopes, being 58.8 % physicians and 52.3 % nursing professionals. Besides, 85.7 % of nurses and 64.7 % of physicians stated that they had not received any guidance on the stethoscopes cleaning and sterilization procedures from the institution where they work. The significant prevalence of bacterial contamination detected in the analyzed stethoscopes (96.2 %) demonstrates the occurrence of a potential risk of transmission of nosocomial infections.(AU)
Asunto(s)
Prevalencia , Contaminación de Equipos , Estetoscopios/microbiología , Infección Hospitalaria , Atención Primaria de Salud , Cuidados Críticos , Personal de Salud , Staphylococcus aureus , BrasilRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The regression of similarity against distance unites several ecological phenomena, and thus provides a highly useful approach for illustrating the spatial turnover across sites. Our aim was to test whether the rates of decay in community similarity differ between diatom growth forms suggested to show different dispersal ability. We hypothesized that the diatom group with lower dispersal ability (i.e. periphyton) would show higher distance decay rates than a group with higher dispersal ability (i.e. plankton). METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Periphyton and phytoplankton samples were gathered at sites distributed over an area of approximately 800 km length in the Negro River, Amazon basin, Brazil, South America (3°08'00"S; 59°54'30"W). Distance decay relationships were then estimated using distance-based regressions, and the coefficients of these regressions were compared among the groups with different dispersal abilities to assess our predictions. We found evidence that different tributaries and reaches of the Negro River harbor different diatom communities. As expected, the rates of distance decay in community similarity were higher for periphyton than for phytoplankton indicating the lower dispersal ability of periphytic taxa. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our study demonstrates that the comparison of distance decay relationships among taxa with similar ecological requirements, but with different growth form and thus dispersal ability provides a sound approach to evaluate the effects of dispersal ability on beta diversity patterns. Our results are also in line with the growing body of evidence indicating that microorganisms exhibit biogeographic patterns. Finally, we underscore that clumbing all microbial taxa into one group may be a flawed approach to test whether microbes exhibit biogeographic patterns.
Asunto(s)
Biota , Diatomeas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Clima Tropical , Brasil , Geografía , Fitoplancton/crecimiento & desarrollo , RíosRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Radiation enteritis is a complication of radiation therapy for pelvic tumours. It appears after a variable period of time and is often progressive. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyse our experience of 77 cases (52 females and 25 males) diagnosed with radiation enteritis or proctitis between 1986 and 2006. RESULTS: The most frequent location of radiation injury is ileum (55 patients, 71%), followed by rectum (22 patients, 28%). Twenty-eight patients (36%) were medically managed and 49 (64%) required surgical treatment. In 41 (53%) of the patients the affected region was resected, in 5 (7%) a by-pass was performed and in 3 (4%) a terminal colostomy. Surgical mortality was 4% (3 cases) and the complication rate 9% (7 cases). Twelve patients (16%) presented recurrence of radiation-related illness. Excluding those cases deceased because of tumoral progression, 5-year survival rate was 90% and 10-year survival rate 83%. CONCLUSION: Radiation enteritis must be initially conservatively managed, but in those cases without response, surgery is indicated. Surgical treatment should not be delayed fearing postoperative complications, which are more susceptible to appear in deteriorated patients. If technically possible, the affected region should be resected, because complications may appear later at this damaged location.
Asunto(s)
Enteritis/etiología , Enteritis/cirugía , Neoplasias Pélvicas/radioterapia , Traumatismos por Radiación/cirugía , Enteritis/diagnóstico , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias Pélvicas/complicaciones , Traumatismos por Radiación/diagnóstico , Traumatismos por Radiación/etiología , Radioterapia Adyuvante/efectos adversosRESUMEN
Visando avaliar os distintos efluentes do processo produtivo de um curtume da Região do Vale do Rio Pardo, RS, coletaram-se amostras do efluente final durante 7 meses consecutivos. Estas foram submetidas a provas físicas, químicas e ecotoxicológicas utilizando Daphnia magna. Paralelamente, investigou-se os diferentes efluentes do processo produtivo e o efluente do tanque de homogeneização, totalizando 5 amostras que foram testadas ecotoxicologicamente em triplicata. As normas ISO 6341 (1996) e DIN 38412 (1989) foram seguidas para a realização do teste. Estimou-se a CE(I)50 48h utilizando os métodos estatísticos Probit e Trimmed Spearman-Karber. O efluente final caracterizou-se como tóxico, apresentando uma CE(I)50 48h média de 37,0 ± 17,9. Já a CE(I)50 48h média do efluente do tanque de homogeneização foi de 4,1 ± 5,0, indicando redução significativa da toxicidade ao longo do tratamento aplicado. O efluente do processo produtivo píquel/curtimento caracterizou-se como a vertente de maior potencial tóxico