Assessment of characteristics and treatment processes of wastewater from slaughterhouses in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The state of Minas Gerais is one of Brazil's largest animal protein producers, and its slaughterhouses generate highly polluting wastewater, which needs to be treated for discharge or reuse. As a novelty, this review article focused on assessing the characteristics and methods to treat wastewater from slaughterhouses in the state of Minas Gerais, and verifying its compliance with environmental regulatory agencies. The aim was to present data that helps to better manage this residue in other Brazilian states and countries. By analyzing the literature data, it was found that raw slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW) showed a high concentration of organic matter. For most SWW, the BOD5/COD ratio was above 0.4, which implies that it can be treated biologically. Generally, treated wastewater was in accordance with legal discharge standards, considering COD and BOD5 removals above 70% and 75%, respectively. It was found that wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) consisted of some type of pretreatment (screens, grease traps) to remove coarse solids and fatty material, eventually followed by a flotation step and finally by biological processes, mostly anaerobic and/or aerated (or facultative) ponds. However, the absence of an aerobic process at the end of the treatment in some WWTPs, in addition to a system allowing better removal of biological flocs, might be the reason for ammoniacal nitrogen and suspended solids values being above the allowed maximum in treated wastewater, respectively. Besides the discharge into water bodies, it was verified that fertigation using treated SWW is very common in the state of Minas Gerais.

Influence of angiotensin receptor and converting enzyme blockers therapy in the respiratory outcome of COVID-19 hospitalized patients / Influencia de la terapia con bloqueadores del receptor de angiotensina y de la enzima convertidora en el resultado respiratorio de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19

Objectives: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has spread around the world since 2019. In severe cases, COVID-19 can lead to hospitalization and death. Systemic arterial hypertension and other comorbidities are associated with serious COVID-19 infection. Literature is unclear whether antihypertensive therapy with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors affect COVID-19 outcomes. We aim to assess whether ACEI/ARB therapy is a risk factor for worse respiratory outcomes related to COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. Methods: Retrospective study enrolling admitted COVID-19-diagnosed patients by RT-PCR at the Hospital Geral de Fortaleza, Brazil, during 2021. Patient medical records, sociodemographic, and clinical data were analyzed. Chest CT images were analyzed using CAD4COVID-CT/Thirona™ software. Results: A total of 294 patients took part in the study. A cut-off point of 66% of pulmonary involvement was found by ROC curve, with patients having higher risk of death and intubation and lower 60-day survival. Advanced age (RR 1.025, P=0.001) and intubation (RR 16.747, P<0.001) were significantly associated with a higher risk of death. Advanced age (RR 1.023, P=0.001) and the use of noninvasive ventilation (RR 1.548, P=0.037) were associated with a higher risk of intubation. Lung involvement (>66%) increased the risk of death by almost 2.5-fold (RR 2.439, P<0.001) and by more than 2.3-fold the risk of intubation (RR 2.317, P<0.001). Conclusions: Altogether, our findings suggest that ACEI or ARB therapy does not affect the risk of death and disease course during hospitalization.(AU)

Objetivos: La COVID-19, causada por el SARS-CoV-2, se ha extendido por todo el mundo desde 2019. En casos graves, la COVID-19 puede provocar hospitalización y muerte. La hipertensión arterial sistémica y otras comorbilidades se asocian con una infección grave por COVID-19. La literatura no está clara si la terapia antihipertensiva con bloqueadores de los receptores de angiotensina (BRA) e inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (ECA) afecta los resultados de la COVID-19. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar si la terapia BRA/ECA es un factor de riesgo de peores resultados respiratorios relacionados con COVID-19 en pacientes hospitalizados. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de COVID-19 mediante RT-PCR en el Hospital General de Fortaleza, Brasil, durante 2021. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes, datos sociodemográficos y clínicos. Las imágenes de TC de tórax se analizaron utilizando el software CAD4COVID-CT/ThironaTM. Resultados: Participaron en el estudio un total de 294 pacientes. Mediante curva ROC se encontró un punto de corte del 66% de afectación pulmonar, teniendo los pacientes mayor riesgo de muerte e intubación y menor supervivencia a 60 días. La edad avanzada (RR 1,025; P=0,001) y la intubación (RR 16,747; P<0,001) se asociaron significativamente con un mayor riesgo de muerte. La edad avanzada (RR 1,023; P=0,001) y el uso de ventilación no invasiva (RR 1,548; P=0,037) se asociaron con un mayor riesgo de intubación. La afectación pulmonar (>66%) aumentó el riesgo de muerte casi 2,5 veces (RR 2,439; P<0,001) y más de 2,3 veces el riesgo de intubación (RR 2,317, P<0,001). Conclusiones: Se concluyó que el tratamiento con BRA o ECA no afecta el riesgo de muerte y el curso de la enfermedad durante la hospitalización.(AU)

Influence of angiotensin receptor and converting enzyme blockers therapy in the respiratory outcome of COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVES: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has spread around the world since 2019. In severe cases, COVID-19 can lead to hospitalization and death. Systemic arterial hypertension and other comorbidities are associated with serious COVID-19 infection. Literature is unclear whether antihypertensive therapy with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors affect COVID-19 outcomes. We aim to assess whether ACEI/ARB therapy is a risk factor for worse respiratory outcomes related to COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. METHODS: Retrospective study enrolling admitted COVID-19-diagnosed patients by RT-PCR at the Hospital Geral de Fortaleza, Brazil, during 2021. Patient medical records, sociodemographic, and clinical data were analyzed. Chest CT images were analyzed using CAD4COVID-CT/Thirona™ software. RESULTS: A total of 294 patients took part in the study. A cut-off point of 66% of pulmonary involvement was found by ROC curve, with patients having higher risk of death and intubation and lower 60-day survival. Advanced age (RR 1.025, P=0.001) and intubation (RR 16.747, P<0.001) were significantly associated with a higher risk of death. Advanced age (RR 1.023, P=0.001) and the use of noninvasive ventilation (RR 1.548, P=0.037) were associated with a higher risk of intubation. Lung involvement (>66%) increased the risk of death by almost 2.5-fold (RR 2.439, P<0.001) and by more than 2.3-fold the risk of intubation (RR 2.317, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our findings suggest that ACEI or ARB therapy does not affect the risk of death and disease course during hospitalization.

A Review of Gallic Acid-Mediated Fenton Processes for Degrading Emerging Pollutants and Dyes.

Diverse reducing mediators have often been used to increase the degradation of emerging pollutants (EPs) and dyes through the Fenton reaction (Fe2+ + H2O2 → Fe3+ + HO● + HO-). Adding reductants can minimize the accumulation of Fe3+ in a solution, leading to accelerated Fe2+ regeneration and the enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species, such as the HO● radical. The present study consisted in reviewing the effects of gallic acid (GA), a plant-extracted reductant, on the Fenton-based oxidation of several EPs and dyes. It was verified that the pro-oxidant effect of GA was not only reported for soluble iron salts as a catalyst (homogeneous Fenton), but also iron-containing solid materials (heterogeneous Fenton). The most common molar proportion verified in the studies was catalyst:oxidant:GA equal to 1:10-20:1. This shows that the required amount of both catalyst and GA is quite low in comparison with the oxidant, which is generally H2O2. Interestingly, GA has proven to be an effective mediator at pH values well above the ideal range of 2.5-3.0 for Fenton processes. This allows treatments to be carried out at the natural pH of the wastewater. The use of plant extracts or wood barks containing GA and other reductants is suggested to make GA-mediated Fenton processes easier to apply for treating real wastewater.

Characteristics and treatment of Brazilian pulp and paper mill effluents: a review.

Pulp and paper industries are very important for developing the Brazilian economy. During production processes, many effluents are generated with high polluting potential. The objective of this study is to conduct an extensive literature review on the characteristics of effluents and treatment forms adopted by Brazilian mills in this industrial sector. Most consulted studies address raw (without treatment) and secondary (after biological treatment) effluents, considering their main characteristics like pH, chemical and biochemical oxygen demands (COD and BOD, respectively), color, solids, organochlorines, toxicity, estrogenic activity, and phenols. Raw effluents differ considerably in composition, depending on the type of paper produced, the pulping process employed, and other steps, like pulp bleaching. Raw effluent characteristics indicate that this effluent cannot be directly disposed of into water bodies, because it does not comply with federal and state disposal standards. Secondary effluents normally comply with Brazilian legislations, although some studies have reported COD and total phenol concentrations higher than disposal standards, suggesting that additional treatments are necessary. Treated effluent reuse was verified in some Brazilian mills, while its disposal in eucalyptus plantations has been considered a promising alternative for irrigation purposes.

Localization and Mapping on Agriculture Based on Point-Feature Extraction and Semiplanes Segmentation From 3D LiDAR Data.

Developing ground robots for agriculture is a demanding task. Robots should be capable of performing tasks like spraying, harvesting, or monitoring. However, the absence of structure in the agricultural scenes challenges the implementation of localization and mapping algorithms. Thus, the research and development of localization techniques are essential to boost agricultural robotics. To address this issue, we propose an algorithm called VineSLAM suitable for localization and mapping in agriculture. This approach uses both point- and semiplane-features extracted from 3D LiDAR data to map the environment and localize the robot using a novel Particle Filter that considers both feature modalities. The numeric stability of the algorithm was tested using simulated data. The proposed methodology proved to be suitable to localize a robot using only three orthogonal semiplanes. Moreover, the entire VineSLAM pipeline was compared against a state-of-the-art approach considering three real-world experiments in a woody-crop vineyard. Results show that our approach can localize the robot with precision even in long and symmetric vineyard corridors outperforming the state-of-the-art algorithm in this context.

Effect of cysteine using Fenton processes on decolorizing different dyes: a kinetic study.

Amino acid cysteine has been used as reducing mediator with the aim of improving dye degradation by homogeneous Fenton processes (Fe2+/H2O2 and Fe3+/H2O2). Through its known Fe3+-reducing activity, this amino acid can enhance the production of reactive oxygen species as HO• (hydroxyl radical) and its pro-oxidant properties have been verified while decolorizing diverse dyes in the present work. Its presence enhanced decolorization of Methyl Orange, Phenol Red, Safranin T, Rhodamine B, Reactive Black 5 and Reactive Yellow 2, mainly in reactions initially containing Fe3+ as a catalyst (Fe3+-reactions). E.g. Fe3+/H2O2 and Fe3+/H2O2/cysteine systems decolorized 27% and 44% of Phenol Red after 60 min, respectively. A kinetic modeling analysis has revealed that 1st-order and mainly 2nd-order kinetic models were well fitted to both Fe2+- and Fe3+-reactions data. Improvements in reaction rate constants have been observed by adding cysteine. In experiments performed at varied temperatures, it was found a decrease in activation energy (Ea) due to cysteine addition while decolorizing Safranin T: Ea decreased from 104.6 to 88.9 kJ mol-1 for Fe3+-reactions and from 81.0 to 52.2 kJ mol-1 for Fe2+-reactions. Therefore, it was found that cysteine decreases the energy barrier so as to improve Fenton-based decolorization reactions.

Gallic acid influence on azo dyes oxidation by Fenton processes.

The present work consisted in evaluating the effect of a natural plant reducer, gallic acid (GA), on the discolouration/oxidation of two azo dyes by Fenton processes (Fe3+/H2O2 and Fe2+/H2O2). A kinetic study was performed to better interpret the discolouration data at different temperatures. The 1st-order kinetic model presented the best fit for the experimental data of methyl orange discolouration, while the 2nd-order was better for chromotrope 2R. Due to the addition of GA and the temperature rise, there were increases in discolouration and in the reaction rate constant values. As a highlight, it was possible to verify the reduction of the apparent activation energy (Ea) due to the presence of GA. For example, Ea for discolouring methyl orange corresponded to 81.5 and 53.6 kJ.mol-1 by Fe2+/H2O2 and Fe2+/H2O2/GA, respectively. Thus, it can be inferred that the GA reduces the energy barrier to increase the oxidation of dyes by Fenton processes.

Phosphorus removal in a pilot scale free water surface constructed wetland: hydraulic retention time, seasonality and standing stock evaluation.

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are decentralized wastewater treatment systems considered to be green and low cost. They have the potential to effectively remove pollutants and recycle nutrients with plant composting. However, they need large areas to implement them due to the usual high Hydraulic Retention Times (HRT), reaching up to 50 days. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of HRT (HRT = 3, 7, and 10 days), and seasonality on Total Phosphorus (TP) removal, and standing stock in a pilot scale free water surface CW (FWS CW). Unplanted and planted (Eichhornia crassipes) tanks were evaluated in wet and dry seasons. The FWS CW was set up as a complementary treatment to a secondary level wastewater treatment plant. The system was monitored weekly for ten months, totalizing 29 replicate samplings (n = 58). Planted tanks were harvested every week to keep free space for plant reproduction (∼40%). The mean removal efficiency of TP ranged between 82% and 95% without a significant difference between HRT (pvalue > 0.05). However, when the effects of the sedimentation of the unplanted tanks were disregarded, the lowest HRT (3 days) tank presented the highest standing stock of TP. The wet season presented a significant difference in TP removal results (pvalue < 0.05), associated with higher macrophyte growth rate due to more intense solar irradiation and incorporation of TP by E. crassipes. The results point out advances in P removal and recycling by a low-cost ecological engineering system.

Kinetic Evaluation of Dye Decolorization by Fenton Processes in the Presence of 3-Hydroxyanthranilic Acid.

The fungal metabolite 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA) was used as a redox mediatorwith the aim of increasing dye degradation by Fenton oxidative processes (Fe2+/H2O2, Fe3+/H2O2). ItsFe3+-reducing activity can enhance the generation of reactive oxygen species as HO● radicals.Initially, the influence of 3-HAA on decolorization kinetics of five dyes (methylene blue,chromotrope 2R, methyl orange, phenol red, and safranin T) was investigated using decolorizationdata from a previous work conducted by the present research group. Fe3+-containing reaction datawere well fitted with first-order and mainly second-order kinetic models, whereas the BMG(Behnajady, Modirshahla and Ghanbary) model obtained optimal fit to Fe2+. Improvements inkinetic parameters (i.e., apparent rate constants and maximum oxidation capacity) were observedwith the addition of 3-HAA. In another set of experiments, a decrease in apparent activation energywas observed due to introducing 3-HAA into reactions containing either Fe2+ or Fe3+ in order todecolorize phenol red at different temperatures. This indicates that the redox mediator decreasesthe energy barrier so as to allow reactions to occur. Thus, based on recent experiments and thereaction kinetics models evaluated herein, pro-oxidant properties have been observed for 3-HAAin Fenton processes.

Reconstruction and Mandibular Rehabilitation After Resection of Juvenile Aggressive Ossifying Fibroma Using Undifferentiated Mesenchymal Cells and Osseointegrated Implants: A Case Report.

PURPOSE: The aggressive juvenile ossifying fibroma is a benign fibro-osseous neoplasm that affects the jaws of young patients. The treatment can range from careful curettage to complete bone resection. Early dental rehabilitation through osseointegrated implants is indicated for functional recovery and esthetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This article reports the case of a 20-year-old man submitted to osseous resection, installation of a titanium plate associated with bone graft and osteogenic substances with subsequent installation of osseointegrated dental implants. RESULTS: After 28 months of clinical and radiographic follow-up, there were no signs of tumor recurrence. As the patient showed good graft integration, 3 dental implants could be installed and are now waiting to receive a prosthetic work. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a graft with morphogenetic proteins proved to be stable and efficient as it allowed the rehabilitation with dental implants.

Relação de custo-benefício na prevenção e no controle das infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal / Relationship of cost benefit in the prevention and control of the infections related to health care in an intensive care unit neonatal

Introdução: a infecção relacionada à assistência à saúde propicia o aumento dos gastos econômicos para a instituição hospitalar, tanto em recursos materiais quanto em profissionais. Objetivo: identificar a relação de custo-benefício na prevenção e no controle das infecções hospitalares em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. Método: estudo descritivo, exploratório, retrospectivo, documental, com abordagem quantitativa. Sua amostra compreendeu 54 prontuários de neonatos internados em um hospital universitário, durante o período de janeiro a junho de 2009. Utilizou-se um formulário semiestruturado como instrumento de coleta de dados. Resultados: houve predomínio de neonatos do sexo masculino, idade gestacional de 32-33 semanas e baixo peso ao nascer. Quanto ao tempo de permanência, os pacientes com infecção permaneceram 37,9 dias e os pacientes sem infecção, 26,5 dias. A infecção foi mais prevalente na corrente sanguínea (79,4%), com sepse clínica como sítio específico de maior prevalência (70,3%) e antimicrobiano representado pela combinação de ampicilina + gentamicina (64,9%) com maior prescrição médica. Ao se tratar da média de custo por internação, pacientes com infecção tinham um gasto de R$9.028,24; no entanto, pacientes sem infecção, R$3.737,17. A instituição apresentou gastos adicionais de R$ 5.291,07 por internação. Conclusão: a infecção hospitalar acresce despesas no cuidado ao paciente durante o período de internação. Sugere-se a realização de estratégias educativas que visem à divulgação de medidas de prevenção de infecções e as repercussões que estas trazem para os pacientes e as instituições hospitalares, tendo impacto positivo na economia dos insumos, na qualidade do atendimento profissional, bem como na qualidade de vida neonatal. (AU)

Introduction: infection related to health care leads to an increase in economic expenses for the hospital institution, both in material and professional resources. Objective: to identify the cost-benefit relationship in the prevention and control of nosocomial infections in a neonatal intensive care unit. Method: descriptive, exploratory, retrospective, documental study with a quantitative approach. The sample comprised 54 records of neonates hospitalized in a university hospital during the period from January to June 2009. A semi-structured form was used as a data collection instrument. Results: there was a predominance of male neonates, gestational age of 32-33 weeks and low birth weight. Regarding the length of stay, patients with infection remained 37.9 days and patients without infection 26.5 days. The infection was more prevalent in the bloodstream (79.4%), with clinical sepsis as a specific site of higher prevalence (70.3%) and antimicrobial represented by the combination of ampicillin + gentamicin (64.9%) with higher medical prescription. When considering the average cost for hospitalization, patients with infection had an expense of R$9,028.24; and patients without infection, R$3,737.17. The institution presented additional expenses of R$5,291.07 per hospitalization. Conclusion: the hospital infection increases expenses in the care to the patient during the period of hospitalization. It is suggested to carry out educational strategies aimed at the dissemination of infection prevention measures and the repercussions they bring to patients and hospital institutions, having a positive impact on the economy of the inputs and the quality of professional care, as well as on the quality of life neonatal. (AU)

Influence of aromatic additives on Bismarck Brown Y dye color removal treatment by Fenton processes.

The influence of diverse aromatic additives on Fenton processes (Fe2+/H2O2, Fe3+/H2O2) has been evaluated by using the Bismarck Brown Y (BBY) di azo dye as target pollutant. Results indicate that all tested Fe3+-reducing additives (gallic, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic, and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acids, catechol, and hydroquinone) exhibited pro-oxidant properties during BBY dye color removal, mainly during Fe3+/H2O2 treatments. For example, in the presence of hydroquinone BBY color removal was increased from 22 to 83% for 60 min through the Fe3+/H2O2 process. The effect of non-reducing additives was less pronounced, among which salicylic and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids were more efficient at removing dye color than benzoic acid and methylene blue. It was suggested that OH radicals may have converted non-reducing additives into Fe3+-reducing intermediates, which had a positive effect on the treatments. On the other hand, antioxidant properties were observed during BBY color removal in the presence of higher concentrations of gallic and salicylic acids. These items of data indicate that a minimum amount of aromatic additive was enough to increase BBY dye color removal by Fenton processes.

Alkaline-sulfite pretreatment and use of surfactants during enzymatic hydrolysis to enhance ethanol production from sugarcane bagasse.

Sugarcane bagasse is a by-product from the sugar and ethanol industry which contains approximately 70 % of its dry mass composed by polysaccharides. To convert these polysaccharides into fuel ethanol it is necessary a pretreatment step to increase the enzymatic digestibility of the recalcitrant raw material. In this work, sugarcane bagasse was pretreated by an alkaline-sulfite chemithermomechanical process for increasing its enzymatic digestibility. Na2SO3 and NaOH ratios were fixed at 2:1, and three increasing chemical loads, varying from 4 to 8 % m/m Na2SO3, were used to prepare the pretreated materials. The increase in the alkaline-sulfite load decreased the lignin content in the pretreated material up to 35.5 % at the highest chemical load. The pretreated samples presented enhanced glucose yields during enzymatic hydrolysis as a function of the pretreatment severity. The maximum glucose yield (64 %) was observed for the samples pretreated with the highest chemical load. The use of 2.5 g l(-1) Tween 20 in the hydrolysis step further increased the glucose yield to 75 %. Semi-simultaneous hydrolysis and fermentation of the pretreated materials indicated that the ethanol yield was also enhanced as a function of the pretreatment severity. The maximum ethanol yield was 56 ± 2 % for the sample pretreated with the highest chemical load. For the sample pretreated with the lowest chemical load (2 % m/m NaOH and 4 % m/m Na2SO3), adding Tween 20 during the hydrolysis process increased the ethanol yield from 25 ± 3 to 39.5 ± 1 %.

Metabolite secretion, Fe(3+)-reducing activity and wood degradation by the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor ATCC 20869.

Trametes versicolor is a promising white-rot fungus for the biological pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. In the present work, T. versicolor ATCC 20869 was grown on Pinus taeda wood chips under solid-state fermentation conditions to examine the wood-degrading mechanisms employed by this fungus. Samples that were subjected to fungal pretreatment for one-, two- and four-week periods were investigated. The average mass loss ranged from 5 % to 8 % (m m(-)(1)). The polysaccharides were preferentially degraded: hemicellulose and glucan losses reached 13.4 % and 6.9 % (m m(-)(1)) after four weeks of cultivation, respectively. Crude enzyme extracts were obtained and assayed using specific substrates and their enzymatic activities were measured. Xylanases were the predominant enzymes, while cellobiohydrolase activities were marginally detected. Endoglucanase activity, ß-glucosidase activity, and wood glucan losses increased up to the second week of biodegradation and remained constant after that time. Although no lignin-degrading enzyme activity was detected, the lignin loss reached 7.5 % (m m(-)(1)). Soluble oxalic acid was detected in trace quantities. After the first week of biodegradation, the Fe(3+)-reducing activity steadily increased with time, but the activity levels were always lower than those observed in the undecayed wood. The progressive wood polymer degradation appeared related to the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, as well as to Fe(3+)-reducing activity, which was restored in the cultures after the first week of biodegradation.

Efeito da penicilina G a cada três semanas sobre o surgimento de Streptococcus viridans resistentes à penicilina na microflora oral / Effect of penicillin G every three weeks on oral microflora by penicillin resistant Viridans Streptococci

FUNDAMENTO: Penicilina G benzatina a cada 3 semanas é o protocolo padrão para a profilaxia secundária para febre reumática recorrente. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da penicilina G benzatina em Streptococcus sanguinis e Streptococcus oralis em pacientes com doença valvular cardíaca, devido à febre reumática com recebimento de profilaxia secundária. MÉTODOS: Estreptococos orais foram avaliados antes (momento basal) e após 7 dias (7º dia) iniciando-se com penicilina G benzatina em 100 pacientes que receberam profilaxia secundária da febre reumática. Amostras de saliva foram avaliadas para verificar a contagem de colônias e presença de S. sanguinis e S. oralis. Amostras de saliva estimulada pela mastigação foram serialmente diluídas e semeadas em placas sobre agar-sangue de ovelhas seletivo e não seletivo a 5% contendo penicilina G. A identificação da espécie foi realizada com testes bioquímicos convencionais. Concentrações inibitórias mínimas foram determinadas com o Etest. RESULTADOS: Não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas da presença de S. sanguinis comparando-se o momento basal e o 7º dia (p = 0,62). No entanto, o número existente de culturas positivas de S. oralis no 7º dia após a Penicilina G benzatina apresentou um aumento significativo em relação ao valor basal (p = 0,04). Não houve diferença estatística existente entre o momento basal e o 7º dia sobre o número de S. sanguinis ou S. oralis UFC/mL e concentrações inibitórias medianas. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo mostrou que a Penicilina G benzatina a cada 3 semanas não alterou a colonização por S. sanguinis, mas aumentou a colonização de S. oralis no 7º dia de administração. Portanto, a susceptibilidade do Streptococcus sanguinis e Streptococcus oralis à penicilina G não foi modificada durante a rotina de profilaxia secundária da febre reumática utilizando a penicilina G. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2012; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

BACKGROUND: Benzathine penicillin G every 3 weeks is the standard protocol for secondary prophylaxis for recurrent rheumatic fever. OBJECTIVE: Assess the effect of Benzathine penicillin G on Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus oralis in patients with cardiac valvular disease due to rheumatic fever receiving secondary prophylaxis. METHODS: Oral streptococci were evaluated before (baseline) and after 7 days (day 7) with Benzathine penicillin G in 100 patients receiving routine secondary rheumatic fever prophylaxis. Saliva samples were evaluated for colony count and presence of S. sanguinis and S. oralis. Chewing-stimulated saliva samples were serially diluted and plated onto both nonselective and selective 5% sheep blood agar containing penicillin G. The species were identified using conventional biochemical tests. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined with the Etest. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found in the presence of S. sanguinis comparing baseline and day 7 (p = 0.62). However, the existing number of positive cultures of S. oralis on day 7 after Benzathine penicillin G presented a significant increase compared to baseline (p = 0.04). No statistical difference was found between baseline and day 7 concerning the number of S. sanguinis or S. oralis CFU/mL and median minimal inhibitory concentrations. CONCLUSION: This study showed that Benzathine penicillin G every 3 weeks did not change the colonization by S. sanguinis, but increased colonization of S. oralis on day 7 of administration. Therefore, susceptibility of Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus oralis to penicillin G was not modified during the penicillin G routine secondary rheumatic fever prophylaxis. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2012; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Effect of penicillin G every three weeks on oral microflora by penicillin resistant Viridans Streptococci.

BACKGROUND: Benzathine penicillin G every 3 weeks is the standard protocol for secondary prophylaxis for recurrent rheumatic fever. OBJECTIVE: Assess the effect of Benzathine penicillin G on Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus oralis in patients with cardiac valvular disease due to rheumatic fever receiving secondary prophylaxis. METHODS: Oral streptococci were evaluated before (baseline) and after 7 days (day 7) with Benzathine penicillin G in 100 patients receiving routine secondary rheumatic fever prophylaxis. Saliva samples were evaluated for colony count and presence of S. sanguinis and S. oralis. Chewing-stimulated saliva samples were serially diluted and plated onto both nonselective and selective 5% sheep blood agar containing penicillin G. The species were identified using conventional biochemical tests. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined with the Etest. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found in the presence of S. sanguinis comparing baseline and day 7 (p = 0.62). However, the existing number of positive cultures of S. oralis on day 7 after Benzathine penicillin G presented a significant increase compared to baseline (p = 0.04). No statistical difference was found between baseline and day 7 concerning the number of S. sanguinis or S. oralis CFU/mL and median minimal inhibitory concentrations. CONCLUSION: This study showed that Benzathine penicillin G every 3 weeks did not change the colonization by S. sanguinis, but increased colonization of S. oralis on day 7 of administration. Therefore, susceptibility of Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus oralis to penicillin G was not modified during the penicillin G routine secondary rheumatic fever prophylaxis.

Recuperação completa da doença de Paget extramamária decorrente da vulva (DPEM r-V) após tratamento com Imiquimode / Full recovery of recurrent extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva(rEMPD-V) after imiquimod treatment

Apesar de rara, a doença de Paget extramamária recorrente da vulva (DPEMr-V) é uma condição grave porque, subjacente à malignidade interna, podem acompanhar lesões cutâneas superficiais. A doença de Paget extramamária é uma condição caracterizada por erupção cutânea crônica tipo eczema de pele ao redor da região anogenital em homens e mulheres. Sob o microscópio,é muito parecida com o tipo mais comum da doença de Paget mamária, que ocorrena mama. A doença de Paget extramamária ocorre mais comumente em mulheres com idades entre 50 a 60 anos. Contudo, a excisão cirúrgica é o padrão geralmente aceito para a DPEMr-V. As taxas de recorrência da DPEMr-V são altas, apesar da intervenção cirúrgica agressiva. O tratamento tópico com imiquimod creme a 5% pode ser eficaz na remoção de lesões. Relatamos o caso de uma mulher de 72 anos com DPEMr-V comprovada por biópsia, tratada com sucesso com imiquimod, com aplicações três vezes por semana, durante 6 semanas.

Although rare, extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a serious condition because underlying internal malignancy may accompany superficial cutaneous lesions.Extramammary Paget disease is characterised by a chronic eczema-like rash of the skin around the anogenital regions of males and females. Underthe microscope it looks very similar to the more common type of mammary Paget´s disease that occurs on the breast. Extramammary Paget disease mostcommonly occurs in women aged between 50-60 years. Although surgical excision is the generally accepted standard of care for EMPD. The EMPD-Vrecurrence rates are high despite aggressive surgical intervention, treatment with topical imiquimod 5 percent cream has reportedly been efficacious inclearing lesions.We report the case of a 72-year-old woman with biopsy-proven EMPD-V of the thigh treated successfully with imiquimod application thrice weekly for 6 weeks.

Fe(3+)- and Cu(2+)-reduction by phenol derivatives associated with Azure B degradation in Fenton-like reactions.

Several phenol derivatives were evaluated regarding their capacities for Fe(3+) and Cu(2+) reduction. Selected compounds were assayed in Fenton-like reactions to degrade Azure B. 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic, 2,5-dihydroxyterephtalic, gallic, chromotropic and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acids were the most efficient reducers of both metallic ions. The reaction system composed of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid/Fe(3+)/H(2)O(2) was able to degrade Azure B at higher levels than the conventional Fenton reaction (87% and 75% of decolorization after 20min reaction, respectively). Gallic and syringic acids, catechol and vanillin induced Azure B degradations at lower levels as compared with conventional Fenton reaction. Azure B was not degraded in the presence of 10% (v/v) methanol or ethanol, which are OH radical scavengers, confirming the participation of this radical in the degradation reactions. Iron-containing reactions consumed substantially more H(2)O(2) than reactions containing copper. In iron-containing reactions, even the systems that caused a limited degradation of the dye consumed high concentrations of H(2)O(2). On the other hand, the reactions containing Fe(3+), H(2)O(2) and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid or 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid were the most efficient on degradation of Azure B and also presented the highest H(2)O(2) consumption. These results indicate that H(2)O(2) consumption occurs even when the dye is not extensively degraded, suggesting that part of the generated OH radicals reacts with the own phenol derivative instead of Azure B.

Implantes e suas contra-indicações: protocolo de triagem / Implants and it's contraindications: protocol of screnning

Os autores realizam uma revista da literatura analisando os fatores somáticos sistêmicos que interagem com o sucesso das técnicas de implantodontia oral. Concluem uma conduta protocolar de exames subsidiários, adotada pelo Ceddar - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisas "Prof. Dr. Walter K. Daruge" para a utilização na triagem de pacientes que se submeterão à implantodontia oral com intuito de evitar os efeitos locais da alteração do metabolismo do cálcio geralmente presentes em variadas patologias sistêmicas