Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures: Primary or delayed after failed treatment?

BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has recently become an option for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) or as a salvage procedure after failure of another treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare primary RTSA with delayed RTSA in the treatment of displaced PHFs. STUDY DESIGN & METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with PHFs who were treated between May 2013 and December 2021 with primary or delayed RTSA after failure of conservative treatment or osteosynthesis. Clinical data were withdrawn from our local computerized database. Complications, active range of motion, as well as the functional outcome were recorded at the end of the follow-up period. Differences between clinical outcomes were analyzed using a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 70 individuals were included in this study (41 primary RTSA and 29 delayed RTSA). The mean of follow-up time was of 112 and 60 months, respectively. There were no differences between groups regarding fracture type according Neer Classification, ASA score or the presence of complications. Q-DASH and Oxford Shoulder scores were significantly better when patients underwent a primary RTSA (49.8 vs 31.4, p = 0.006 and 37.2 vs 27.5, p = 0.004 respectively). In addition, primary RTSA achieved more degrees of flexion and abduction than delayed RTSA (96.8 vs 72.9, p < 0.001 and 94.1 vs 69.3, p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Primary RTSA for PHFs achieved better functional outcomes and a wider range of motion when compared with delayed RTSA. However, primary and delayed RTSA have similar complication and reintervention rates. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 3.

Nanostructured fibrin-based hydrogel membranes for use as an augmentation strategy in Achilles tendon surgical repair in rats.

Hydrogels are polymeric biomaterials characterised by their promising biological and biomechanical properties, which make them potential alternatives for use in tendon repair. The aim of the present study was to generate in vitro, and determine the therapeutic efficacy in vivo, of novel nanostructured fibrin-based hydrogels to be used as an augmentation strategy for the surgical repair of rat Achilles tendon injuries. Fibrin, fibrin-agarose and fibrin-collagen nanostructured hydrogels (NFH, NFAH and NFCH, respectively) were generated and their biomechanical properties and cell-biomaterial interactions characterised ex vivo. Achilles tendon ruptures were created in 24 adult Wistar rats, which were next treated with direct repair (control group) or direct repair augmented with the generated biomaterials (6 rats/group). After 4 and 8 weeks, the animals were euthanised for macroscopical and histological analyses. Biomechanical characterisation showed optimal properties of the biomaterials for use in tendon repair. Moreover, biological analyses confirmed that tendon-derived fibroblasts were able to adhere to the surface of the generated biomaterials, with high levels of viability and functionality. In vivo studies demonstrated successful tendon repair in all groups. Lastly, histological analyses disclosed better tissue and extracellular matrix organisation and alignment with biomaterial-based augmentation strategies than direct repair, especially when NFAH and NFCH were used. The present study demonstrated that nanostructured fibrin-collagen hydrogels can be used to enhance the healing process in the surgical repair of tendon ruptures.

A 2-year follow-up of a novel Fracture Liaison Service: can we reduce the mortality in elderly hip fracture patients? A prospective cohort study.

Osteoporosis is an underdiagnosed disease that results in bone fragility and risk of fractures. Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is a secondary prevention model which identifies patients at risk for fragility fractures. The introduction of a FLS protocol showed an increase of anti-osteoporotic drug prescription and significant reduction of all-cause mortality. INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are the most severe osteoporotic fracture due to their associated disability and elevated risk of mortality. FLS programs have enhanced the management of osteoporosis-related fractures. Our objective is to analyze the effect of the FLS model over survival and 2-year mortality rate following a hip fracture. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study on patients over 60 years of age who suffered a hip fracture during 3 consecutive years, before and after the implementation of the FLS in our center (i.e., between January 2016 and December 2018). Patients' information was withdrawn from our local computerized database. Patients were followed for 2 years after the hip fracture. Mortality and re-fracture rates were compared between the two groups using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: A total of 1101 patients were included in this study (i.e., 357 before FLS implementation and 744 after FLS implementation). Anti-osteoporotic drugs were more frequently prescribed after FLS implementation (583 (78.4%) vs 44 (12.3%); p < 0.01). There was an increase of adherence to treatment after FLS implementation (227 (38.9%) vs 12 (3.3%); p = 0.03). A total of 222 (29.8%) patients after FLS implementation and 114 (31.9%) individuals before FLS implementation (p = 0.44) died during the follow-up period. A second fracture occurred in 49 (6.6%) patients after FLS implementation and in 26 (7.3%) individuals before FLS implementation (p = 0.65). Patients who were treated with anti-osteoporotic drugs after the implementation of the FLS protocol had a lower all-cause 1-year and 2-year mortality compared with patients managed before the implementation of the FLS protocol (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.96; HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.69-1.09, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a FLS protocol was associated with an increase of anti-osteoporotic treatment, higher adherence, and greater survival in elderly hip fracture patients. There was a significant reduction of all-cause mortality in the FLS patients treated with anti-osteoporotic. However, the application of the FLS did not affect the risk of suffering a second fragility fracture.

Efectos de la adición de probiótico Saccharomyces cerevisiae sobre histomorfología intestinal en pollos de engorde / Effects of addition of probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae on intestinal histomorphology in broilers

RESUMEN Este trabajo describe los efectos del probiótico Saccharomyces cerevisiae sobre el área, número de criptas de Lieberkühn en duodeno y yeyuno, y producción de moco en ambas secciones intestinales de pollos de engorde. Fueron empleados los tejidos de un total de 27 individuos clasificados en un grupo control GC (n=12) y un grupo suplementado con probióticos GP (n=15). Los resultados revelaron que los grupos suplementados con el S. cerevisiae presentaron una mayor amplitud del área de las criptas en duodeno (p= 0,0119) y yeyuno (p= 0,0355), menor número de criptas por milímetro en duodeno (p= 0,0420) y mayor producción de moco en duodeno respecto al grupo control (p= 0,0185), mientras que en yeyuno no se observaron diferencias significativas. Se concluyó que el uso de Saccharomyces cerevisiae aumentó el tamaño del área de las criptas en ambas secciones intestinales y aumentó la producción de moco en duodeno; lo cual, al aumentar la superficie de absorción intestinal, seguramente podría resultar en mejoras de los parámetros productivos.

ABSTRACT This work describes the effects of the probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the area, number of Lieberkühn crypts in the duodenum and jejunum, and mucus production in both intestinal sections. Tissues from a total of 27 individuals were used, classified in control group - GC (n = 12) and group supplemented with probiotics - GP (n = 15). The results revealed that the group supplemented with S. cerevisiae presented a greater area of the crypts in the duodenum (p = 0.0119) and jejunum (p = 0.0355), less number of crypts per millimeter in the duodenum (p = 0.0420) and higher mucus production in the duodenum compared to the control group (p = 0.0185), while in the jejunum no significant differences were observed. It was concluded that the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae increased the size of the crypt area in both intestinal sections and increased mucus production in the duodenum; which by increasing the intestinal absorption surface could surely result in improvements in the productive parameters.

Age related changes in the bone microstructure in patients with femoral neck fractures.

BACKGROUND: The risk of femoral neck fracture progressively increases with age. However, the reasons behind this consistent increase in the fracture risk can't be completely justified by the decrease in the bone mineral density. The objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between various bone structural features and age. STUDY DESIGN & METHODS: A total of 29 consecutive patients who suffered an intracapsular hip fracture and underwent joint replacement surgery between May 2012 and March 2013 were included in this study. A 2 cm × 1 cm Ø cylindrical trabecular bone sample was collected from the femoral heads and preserved in formaldehyde. Bone mineral density (BMD), microarchitecture, organic content and crystallography were analyzed using a Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, micro-CT scan, and high resolution magic-angle-spinning-nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR), respectively. Statistical correlations were made using Spearman´s or Pearson´s correlation tests depending on the distribution of the continuous variables. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 79.83 ± 9.31 years. A moderate negative correlation was observed between age and the hydrogen content in bone (1H), which is an indirect estimate to quantify the organic matrix (r = -0.512, p = 0.005). No correlations were observed between BMD, trabecular number, trabecular thickness, phosphorous content, apatite crystal size, and age (r = 0.06, p = 0.755; r = -0.008, p = 0.967; r = -0.046, p = 0.812; r = -0.152, p = 0.430, respectively). A weak positive correlation was observed between Charlson´s comorbidity index (CCI) and c-axis of the hydroxiapatite (HA) crystals (r = -0.400, p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: The femoral head relative protein content progressively decreases with age. BMD was not correlated with other structural bone parameters and age. Patients with higher comorbidity scores had larger HA crystals. The present results suggest that the progressive increase in the hip fracture risk in elderly patients could be partially explained by the lower bone protein content in this age group.

Análisis del gasto de bolsillo ante la enfermedad de menores de 5 años según su condición de pobreza en Paraguay / Analysis of out-of-pocket expenses in the face of the disease of children under 5 according to their poverty status in Paraguay

Introducción: Reducir la pobreza, reducir la mortalidad de menores de 5 años (< 5 años) y lograr cobertura universal de salud son parte de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS). Objetivo: determinar el gasto de bolsillo de salud (GBS) ante la enfermedad de < 5 años y su inci-dencia económica en los hogares según su condición de pobreza en Paraguay. Material y Método: se analizó la Encuesta Permanente de Hogares del 2014, considerando la defi-nición oficial de pobreza y la referencia de enfermedad o accidente en un trimestre. Se calculó el promedio de GBS por hogar, la incidencia sobre el ingreso monetario trimestral (IM), sobre los sub-sidios estatales por pobreza (IS) y el equivalente de subsistencia o alimentación (EA). Resultados: Entre los hogares no pobres: 41,1% (IC 37,3 a 45,0) tuvo al menos 1 enfermo < 5 años, de los cuales 76,6% (IC 71,5 a 81,0) tuvo GBS, siendo en promedio 223.455 Gs. (DE 37.445). Los medicamentos fueron 68,9% (IC 61,7 a 76,1) del total. La IM fue 1,7% (IC 1,1 a 2,3). Entre los ho-gares pobres: 50,0% (IC 44,7 a 52,2) tuvo al menos 1 enfermo < 5 años, de los cuales 71,2% (IC 64,7 a 76,9) tuvo GBS, siendo en promedio 125.545 Gs. (DE 14.749). Los medicamentos fueron 77,5% (IC 69,2 a 85,7) del total. La IM fue 4,0% (IC 2,3 a 5,8). La IS fue 54,6% (IC 13,0 a 96,2) y el EA fue el equivalente a 7 días de alimentación en promedio (DE 1,5). Conclusión: Ante los retos de los ODS, Paraguay requiere de mayor protección financiera en salud para niñas y niños < 5 años, mediante sinergias de las políticas de reducción de pobreza y de salud. Palabras Clave: gasto de bolsillo de salud, cobertura universal de salud, derecho a la salud, pobreza, menores de 5 años.

Introduction: Reducing poverty, reducing the mortality of children under 5 years (<5 years) and achieving universal health coverage are part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Objective: to determine the out-of-pocket health expenditure (GBS) for the disease of <5 years and its economic impact on households according to their poverty status in Para-guay. Material and Method: the 2014 Permanent Household Survey was analyzed, considering the official definition of poverty and the reference of illness or accident in a quarter. The average of GBS per household, the incidence on quarterly monetary income (IM), on state subsidies for poverty (IS) and the equivalent of feeding (EA) were calculated. Results: Among non-poor households: 41.1% (CI 37.3 to 45.0) had at least 1 <5 years ill or injured, of which 76.6% (CI 71.5 to 81.0) had GBS , being on average 223,455 Gs. (DE 37,445). The medications were 68.9% (CI 61.7 to 76.1) of the total. The IM was 1.7% (CI 1.1 to 2.3). Among poor households: 50.0% (CI 44.7 to 52.2) had at least 1 <5 years ill or injured, of which 71.2% (CI 64.7 to 76.9) had GBS, being in average 125,545 Gs. (DE 14,749). The medications were 77.5% (CI 69.2 to 85.7) of the total. The IM was 4.0% (CI 2.3 to 5.8). The IS was 54,6% (IC 13,0 a 96,2) and the EA was the equivalent of 7 days of feeding on av-erage (SD 1.5). Conclusion: Given the challenges of the SDGs, Paraguay requires greater financial protection in health for children under 5 years, through synergies of poverty reduction and health policies. Keywords: out-of-pocket health expenditure, universal health coverage, right to health, pov-erty, children under 5 years.

Fracture liaison service and mortality in elderly hip fracture patients: a prospective cohort study.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disorder that results in increased bone fragility and risk of fractures. Hip fracture is the most important fragility fracture. Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is a secondary prevention model which identifies patients at risk for fragility fractures. The introduction of an intensive FLS model could decrease 1-year-mortality of hip fracture patients. INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are a clinical manifestation of osteoporosis, and these patients are at risk of premature death and suffering subsequent fractures. FLS is an approach for secondary facture prevention by identifying patients with fragility fractures and initiating the appropriate treatment. Our objective is to analyze the effect of the FLS model over the first-year mortality rates following a hip fracture. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study on patients over 60 years of age who suffered a hip fracture during two consecutive years, before and after the implementation of the FLS in our center (i.e., between January 2016 and December 2017). Patients' information was withdrawn from our local computerized database. Patients were followed for 1 year after the hip fracture. Mortality and re-fracture rates were compared between the two groups using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: A total of 724 individuals were included in this study (i.e., 357 before FLS implementation and 367 after FLS implementation). Anti-osteoporotic drugs were more frequently prescribed after FLS implementation [275 (74.9%) vs 44 (12.3%); p < 0.01]. A total of 74 (20.2%) patients after FLS implementation and 92 (25.8%) individuals before FLS implementation (p = 0.07) died during the follow-up period. A second fracture occurred in 17 (4.6%) patients after FLS implementation and 13 (3.6%) individuals before FLS implementation (p = 0.50). Patients who were treated with anti-osteoporotic drugs after the implementation of the FLS protocol had a lower 1-year mortality compared with patients managed before the implementation of the FLS protocol (treated or not treated with anti-osteoporotic drugs) [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-0.94; p < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe significant 1-year-mortality differences following a hip fracture between patients treated before the implementation of an FLS protocol and patients treated after its implementation. The application of the FLS did not affect the risk of suffering a second osteoporotic fracture. However, patients treated with anti-osteoporotic drugs in an FLS context had a lower mortality rate compared with patients managed before the implementation of the FLS. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 2.

Association between heart rate, heart rate variability, cortisol, glucose and electrolytes in healthy newborn calves / Associação entre frequência cardíaca, variabilidade da frequência cardíaca, cortisol, glicose e eletrólitos em bezerros recém-nascidos saudáveis

This study aims at evaluating the effects of electrolytes, glucose and cortisol levels over heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy newborn calves. Seventeen healthy Holstein calves were evaluated during their first month of life, and the plasma concentrations of glucose, cortisol, calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphorus, sodium and potassium were analyzed. HRV indexes were determined in the time and frequency domains through the analysis of neonatal electrocardiogram recordings. In the first day, low blood levels of phosphorus presented a strong correlation with the HR and the increased high-frequency components of HRV. The plasma concentrations of magnesium decreased significantly throughout the 35 days, revealing a positive association with a decreasing low-frequency components of HRV at day 28. There was a strong correlation between HR, HRV indexes, some plasma electrolytes, glucose and cortisol during the studied period. Variations in the concentrations and correlations observed may be attributed to the adaptive neonatal period in calves.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos dos níveis de eletrólitos, glicose e cortisol sobre a frequência cardíaca (FC) e a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) em bezerros recém-nascidos e saudáveis. Dezessete bezerros da raça Holandesa foram avaliados durante o primeiro mês de vida e foram analisadas as concentrações plasmáticas de glicose, cortisol, cálcio, magnésio, fósforo inorgânico, sódio e potássio. Os índices VFC foram determinados em domínios de tempo e frequência por meio da análise de gravações do eletrocardiograma neonatal. No primeiro dia, baixos níveis sanguíneos de fósforo correlacionaram-se fortemente com FC e aumento dos componentes de alta frequência da VFC. As concentrações plasmáticas de magnésio diminuíram significativamente ao longo dos 35 dias, revelando correlação positiva com a diminuição dos componentes de baixa frequência da VFC no dia 28. Houve uma forte correlação entre FC, índices de VFC, eletrólitos plasmáticos, glicose e cortisol durante o período estudado. As variações nas concentrações e correlações observadas podem ser atribuídas ao período neonatal adaptativo em bezerros.(AU)

Tissue engineering strategies for the treatment of tendon injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal models.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, the field of tissue engineering has made numerous advances towards achieving artificial tendon substitutes with excellent mechanical and histological properties, and has had some promising experimental results. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy of tissue engineering in the treatment of tendon injuries. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for the time period 1999 to 2016 for trials investigating tissue engineering used to improve tendon healing in animal models. The studies were screened for inclusion based on randomization, controls, and reported measurable outcomes. The RevMan software package was used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 388 references were retrieved and 35 studies were included in this systematic review. The different biomaterials developed were analyzed and we found that they improve the biomechanical and histological characteristics of the repaired tendon. At meta-analysis, despite a high heterogeneity, it revealed a statistically significant effect in favour of the maximum load, the maximum stress, and the Young's modulus between experimental and control groups. In the forest plot, the diamond was on the right side of the vertical line and did not intersect with the line, favouring experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: This review of the literature demonstrates the heterogeneity in the tendon tissue engineering literature. Several biomaterials have been developed and have been shown to enhance tendon healing and regeneration with improved outcomes.Cite this article: D. González-Quevedo, I. Martínez-Medina, A. Campos, F. Campos, V. Carriel. Tissue engineering strategies for the treatment of tendon injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal models. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:318-324. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.74.BJR-2017-0326.

Sinovitis vellonodular pigmentada en rodilla y asociación a material extraño / Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee related to foreing material

Objetivos: Se pretende ver la asociación entre SVNP y la exposición a material extraño. Material y método: Analizamos retrospectivamente 201 pacientes sometidos a cirugía abierta durante 2016, dividiendo dicha muestra en 2 grupos, los pacientes con algún implante previo (PTR u osteosíntesis), y los que no habían tenido ningún material, las muestras de tejido sospechoso de proliferación fueron enviadas al anatomopatólogo, analizando los resultados con test Chi². Resultados: Se obtienen 7 casos de SVNP, de los cuales 6 de ellos habían estado en contacto con material extraño, tras analizar la asociación estadística, se obtiene una significación suficiente para aceptar que pueda haber relación entre la exposición a material y SVNP. Conclusión: La SVNP es una enfermedad rara, de etiología incierta, varías hipótesis intenta explicar el origen: alteraciones citogenéticas o cromosómicas, enfermedades que cursen con hemorragias articulares, traumatismos de repetición hiperplasia inflamatoria del tejido sinovial. Comunicaciones recientes han relacionado la etiología de la SVNP con una reacción del tejido sinovial a cuerpo extraño en cadera y rodilla, y con el presente trabajo se recalca la asociación entre material extraño y la aparición de esta rara entidad

Objectives: It is intended to approach the association between PVNS and exposure to foreign material. Material and method: We retrospectively analyzed 201 patients undergoing open surgery during 2016, dividing the sample into 2 groups, those with a previous implant (TKA or osteosynesis), and those who had not had any material, samples of tissue suspected of proliferation were sent to the anatomopathologist, analyzing the results using Chi² test Results: 7 cases of PVNS were obtained, of which 6 had been in contact with foreign material, after analyzing the statistical association, a sufficient significance was obtained to accept that there may be a relationship between the exposure to material and PVNS. Conclusion: PVNS is a rare disease of uncertain etiology, several hypotheses try to explain the origin: cytogenetic or chromosomal alterations, diseases that occur with joint hemorrhages, recurrent trauma, inflammatory hyperplasia of synovial tissue. Recent reports have linked the etiology of PVNS with a reaction of foreign body synovial tissue in the hip and knee, and the present work emphasizes the association between foreign material and the appearance of this rare entity

Physical characterization of a watershed through GIS: a study in the Schmidt stream, Brazil.

Remote sensing and geoprocessing are essential tools for obtaining and maintaining records of human actions on space over the course of time; these tools offer the basis for diagnoses of land use, environmental interference and local development. The Schmidt stream watershed, located in the Sinos River basin, in southern Brazil, has an environmental situation similar to that of the majority of small streams draining rural and urban areas in southern Brazil: agricultural and urbanization practices do not recognize the riparian area and there is removal of original vegetation, disregarding the suitability of land use; removal of wetlands; intensive water use for various activities; and lack of control and monitoring in the discharge of wastewater, among other factors, deteriorate the quality of this important environment.This article aims to achieve a physical characterization of the Schmidt stream watershed (Sinos river basin) identifying elements such as land use and occupation, soil science, geology, climatology, extent and location of watershed, among others, so as to serve as the basis for a tool that helps in the integrated environmental management of watersheds. By applying geographic information system - GIS to the process of obtaining maps of land use and occupation, pedologicaland geological, and using climatological data from the Campo Bom meteorological station, field visit, review of literature and journals, and publicly available data, the physical characterization of the Schmidt stream watershed was performed, with a view to the integrated environmental management of this watershed. Out of the total area of the Schmidt stream watershed (23.92 km(2)), in terms of geology, it was observed that 23.7% consist of colluvial deposits, 22.6% consist of grass facies, and 53.7% consist of Botucatu formation. Major soil types of the watershed: 97.4% Argisols and only 2.6% Planosols. Land use and occupation is characterized by wetland (0.5%), Native Forest (12.83%), Native Forest + Rural Anthropic + Secondary Vegetation + Forestry (43.81%), Urban Anthropic/Urban Area (39.85%), and also Urban Anthropic/Expansion areas (3.01%). Mean annual rainfall is 1337 mm, maximum temperatures range from 10.5°C to 41.6°C and minimum temperatures range from -1.80°C and 26°C, weak winds, occasionally over 5 m/s. Conducting an environmental assessment in this watershed is essential for environmental and land management. However, these assessments are not conducted in all watersheds and, when they are, their frequency is not sufficiency to allow for continuous monitoring, in order to model and predict scenarios, with a view to adopt medium and long-term measures for environmental protection.

Physical characterization of a watershed through GIS: a study in the Schmidt stream, Brazil / Caracterização física de microbacia hidrográfica através de SIG como ferramenta de apoio a gestão: um estudo no Arroio Schmidt – RS

Remote sensing and geoprocessing are essential tools for obtaining and maintaining records of human actions on space over the course of time; these tools offer the basis for diagnoses of land use, environmental interference and local development. The Schmidt stream watershed, located in the Sinos River basin, in southern Brazil, has an environmental situation similar to that of the majority of small streams draining rural and urban areas in southern Brazil: agricultural and urbanization practices do not recognize the riparian area and there is removal of original vegetation, disregarding the suitability of land use; removal of wetlands; intensive water use for various activities; and lack of control and monitoring in the discharge of wastewater, among other factors, deteriorate the quality of this important environment.This article aims to achieve a physical characterization of the Schmidt stream watershed (Sinos river basin) identifying elements such as land use and occupation, soil science, geology, climatology, extent and location of watershed, among others, so as to serve as the basis for a tool that helps in the integrated environmental management of watersheds. By applying geographic information system - GIS to the process of obtaining maps of land use and occupation, pedologicaland geological, and using climatological data from the Campo Bom meteorological station, field visit, review of literature and journals, and publicly available data, the physical characterization of the Schmidt stream watershed was performed, with a view to the integrated environmental management of this watershed. Out of the total area of the Schmidt stream watershed (23.92 km2), in terms of geology, it was observed that 23.7% consist of colluvial deposits, 22.6% consist of grass facies, and 53.7% consist of Botucatu formation. Major soil types of the watershed: 97.4% Argisols and only 2.6% Planosols. Land use and occupation is characterized by wetland (0.5%), Native Forest (12.83%), Native Forest + Rural Anthropic + Secondary Vegetation + Forestry (43.81%), Urban Anthropic/Urban Area (39.85%), and also Urban Anthropic/Expansion areas (3.01%). Mean annual rainfall is 1337 mm, maximum temperatures range from 10.5°C to 41.6°C and minimum temperatures range from –1.80°C and 26°C, weak winds, occasionally over 5 m/s. Conducting an environmental assessment in this watershed is essential for environmental and land management. However, these assessments are not conducted in all watersheds and, when they are, their frequency is not sufficiency to allow for continuous monitoring, in order to model and predict scenarios, with a view to adopt medium and long-term measures for environmental protection.

Resumo O sensoriamento remoto e geoprocessamento de imagens se constituem em ferramentas fundamentais para a obtenção e manutenção de registros das ações humanas no espaço ao longo do tempo subsidiando diagnósticos no uso do solo, na interferência ambiental e no desenvolvimento local. A microbacia do Arroio Schmidt, localizada na bacia do Rio dos Sinos, no Rio Grande do Sul, apresenta situação ambiental semelhante a da maioria dos pequenos cursos d'agua que drenam áreas rurais e urbanas no sul do Brasil: práticas agrícolas e urbanização que não reconhecem a área ciliar com a remoção da cobertura vegetal original desrespeitando a aptidão do uso dos solos, remoção de áreas úmidas, uso intenso da água para diversas atividades e falta de controle e monitoramento no lançamento de efluentes entre outros, deterioram a qualidade deste importante ambiente. O objetivo deste trabalho é a caracterização física da Microbacia do Arroio Schmidt (Bacia do Rio dos Sinos) identificando elementos como uso e ocupação do solo, pedologia, geologia, climatologia, extensão e localização da Microbacia entre outros, a fim de instrumentalizar uma ferramenta auxiliar de gestão ambiental integrada de bacias hidrográficas. Através da aplicação do geoprocessamento no processo de obtenção dos mapas de uso e ocupação do solo, pedológico e geológico e uso de dados climatológicos da estação climatológica de Campo Bom-RS, visita a campo, revisão bibliográfica e de periódicos, dados públicos disponíveis, foi realizada a caracterização física da microbacia hidrográfica do Arroio Schmidt, visando a gestão ambiental integrada desta microbacia. Da área total da microbacia hidrográfica do Arroio Schmidt (23,92 km2) observou-se quanto à geologia que 23,7% são Colúvios, Fácies Gramado 22,6% e Formação Botucatu 53,7%. Principais tipos de solos da microbacia: Argissolos 97,4% e os Planossolos que ocupam apenas 2,6%. O uso e ocupação do solo é caracterizado por área úmida (0,5%), Mata Nativa (12,83%), Mata Nativa + Antrópico Rural + Vegetação Secundária + Silvicultura (43,81%), Antrópico Urbano/Área Urbana (39,85%) e ainda Antrópico Urbano/Áreas de expansão (3,01%). Precipitação média anual de 1337 mm, temperaturas máximas entre 10,5°C e 41,6°C e as mínimas entre –1,8°C e 26°C, Ventos fracos, eventualmente passam de 5 m/s. A realização da avaliação ambiental nesta microbacia é fundamental na gestão ambiental e territorial. No entanto, estas avaliações não ocorrem em todas as microbacias e, quando ocorrem, não apresentam a frequência adequada para permitir o monitoramento contínuo a fim de modelar e prever cenários objetivando a adoção de medidas de médio e longo prazo para a proteção ambiental.

Physical characterization of a watershed through GIS: a study in the Schmidt stream, Brazil

Remote sensing and geoprocessing are essential tools for obtaining and maintaining records of human actions on space over the course of time; these tools offer the basis for diagnoses of land use, environmental interference and local development. The Schmidt stream watershed, located in the Sinos River basin, in southern Brazil, has an environmental situation similar to that of the majority of small streams draining rural and urban areas in southern Brazil: agricultural and urbanization practices do not recognize the riparian area and there is removal of original vegetation, disregarding the suitability of land use; removal of wetlands; intensive water use for various activities; and lack of control and monitoring in the discharge of wastewater, among other factors, deteriorate the quality of this important environment.This article aims to achieve a physical characterization of the Schmidt stream watershed (Sinos river basin) identifying elements such as land use and occupation, soil science, geology, climatology, extent and location of watershed, among others, so as to serve as the basis for a tool that helps in the integrated environmental management of watersheds. By applying geographic information system - GIS to the process of obtaining maps of land use and occupation, pedologicaland geological, and using climatological data from the Campo Bom meteorological station, field visit, review of literature and journals, and publicly available data, the physical characterization of the Schmidt stream watershed was performed, with a view to the integrated environmental management of this watershed. Out of the total area of the Schmidt stream watershed (23.92 km2), in terms of geology, it was observed that 23.7% consist of colluvial deposits, 22.6% consist of grass facies, and 53.7% consist of Botucatu formation. Major soil types of the watershed: 97.4% Argisols and only 2.6% Planosols. Land use and occupation is characterized by wetland (0.5%), Native Forest (12.83%), Native Forest + Rural Anthropic + Secondary Vegetation + Forestry (43.81%), Urban Anthropic/Urban Area (39.85%), and also Urban Anthropic/Expansion areas (3.01%). Mean annual rainfall is 1337 mm, maximum temperatures range from 10.5°C to 41.6°C and minimum temperatures range from 1.80°C and 26°C, weak winds, occasionally over 5 m/s. Conducting an environmental assessment in this watershed is essential for environmental and land management. However, these assessments are not conducted in all watersheds and, when they are, their frequency is not sufficiency to allow for continuous monitoring, in order to model and predict scenarios, with a view to adopt medium and long-term measures for environmental protection.

Resumo O sensoriamento remoto e geoprocessamento de imagens se constituem em ferramentas fundamentais para a obtenção e manutenção de registros das ações humanas no espaço ao longo do tempo subsidiando diagnósticos no uso do solo, na interferência ambiental e no desenvolvimento local. A microbacia do Arroio Schmidt, localizada na bacia do Rio dos Sinos, no Rio Grande do Sul, apresenta situação ambiental semelhante a da maioria dos pequenos cursos d'agua que drenam áreas rurais e urbanas no sul do Brasil: práticas agrícolas e urbanização que não reconhecem a área ciliar com a remoção da cobertura vegetal original desrespeitando a aptidão do uso dos solos, remoção de áreas úmidas, uso intenso da água para diversas atividades e falta de controle e monitoramento no lançamento de efluentes entre outros, deterioram a qualidade deste importante ambiente. O objetivo deste trabalho é a caracterização física da Microbacia do Arroio Schmidt (Bacia do Rio dos Sinos) identificando elementos como uso e ocupação do solo, pedologia, geologia, climatologia, extensão e localização da Microbacia entre outros, a fim de instrumentalizar uma ferramenta auxiliar de gestão ambiental integrada de bacias hidrográficas. Através da aplicação do geoprocessamento no processo de obtenção dos mapas de uso e ocupação do solo, pedológico e geológico e uso de dados climatológicos da estação climatológica de Campo Bom-RS, visita a campo, revisão bibliográfica e de periódicos, dados públicos disponíveis, foi realizada a caracterização física da microbacia hidrográfica do Arroio Schmidt, visando a gestão ambiental integrada desta microbacia. Da área total da microbacia hidrográfica do Arroio Schmidt (23,92 km2) observou-se quanto à geologia que 23,7% são Colúvios, Fácies Gramado 22,6% e Formação Botucatu 53,7%. Principais tipos de solos da microbacia: Argissolos 97,4% e os Planossolos que ocupam apenas 2,6%. O uso e ocupação do solo é caracterizado por área úmida (0,5%), Mata Nativa (12,83%), Mata Nativa + Antrópico Rural + Vegetação Secundária + Silvicultura (43,81%), Antrópico Urbano/Área Urbana (39,85%) e ainda Antrópico Urbano/Áreas de expansão (3,01%). Precipitação média anual de 1337 mm, temperaturas máximas entre 10,5°C e 41,6°C e as mínimas entre 1,8°C e 26°C, Ventos fracos, eventualmente passam de 5 m/s. A realização da avaliação ambiental nesta microbacia é fundamental na gestão ambiental e territorial. No entanto, estas avaliações não ocorrem em todas as microbacias e, quando ocorrem, não apresentam a frequência adequada para permitir o monitoramento contínuo a fim de modelar e prever cenários objetivando a adoção de medidas de médio e longo prazo para a proteção ambiental.

History of water quality parameters - a study on the Sinos River/Brazil.

Water is increasingly becoming a valuable resource, constituting one of the central themes of environmental, economic and social discussions. The Sinos River, located in southern Brazil, is the main river from the Sinos River Basin, representing a source of drinking water supply for a highly populated region. Considering its size and importance, it becomes necessary to conduct a study to follow up the water quality of this river, which is considered by some experts as one of the most polluted rivers in Brazil. As for this study, its great importance lies in the historical analysis of indicators. In this sense, we sought to develop aspects related to the management of water resources by performing a historical analysis of the Water Quality Index (WQI) of the Sinos River, using statistical methods. With regard to the methodological procedures, it should be pointed out that this study performs a time analysis of monitoring data on parameters related to a punctual measurement that is variable in time, using statistical tools. The data used refer to analyses of the water quality of the Sinos River (WQI) from the State Environmental Protection Agency Henrique Luiz Roessler (Fundação Estadual de Proteção Ambiental Henrique Luiz Roessler, FEPAM) covering the period between 2000 and 2008, as well as to a theoretical analysis focusing on the management of water resources. The study of WQI and its parameters by statistical analysis has shown to be effective, ensuring its effectiveness as a tool for the management of water resources. The descriptive analysis of the WQI and its parameters showed that the water quality of the Sinos River is concerning low, which reaffirms that it is one of the most polluted rivers in Brazil. It should be highlighted that there was an overall difficulty in obtaining data with the appropriate periodicity, as well as a long complete series, which limited the conduction of statistical studies such as the present one.

Water quality assessment of the Sinos River, Southern Brazil.

The Sinos River basin is located Northeast of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (29º 20' to 30º 10' S and 50º 15' to 51º20'W), Southern Brazil, covering two geomorphologic provinces: the Southern plateau and central depression. It is part of the Guaíba basin and has an area of approximately 800 km², encompassing 32 municipalities. The objective of this study was to monitor water quality in the Sinos River, the largest river in this basin. Water samples were collected at four selected sites in the Sinos River, and the following parameters were analysed: pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), turbidity, fecal coliforms, total dissolved solids, temperature, nitrate, nitrite, phosphorous, chromium, lead, aluminum, zinc, iron, and copper. The results were analysed based on Resolution No. 357/2005 of the Brazilian National Environmental Council (CONAMA) regarding regulatory limits for residues in water. A second analysis was performed based on a water quality index (WQI) used by the Sinos River Basin Management Committee (COMITESINOS). Poor water quality in the Sinos River presents a worrying scenario for the region, since this river is the main source of water supply for the urban core. Health conditions found in the Sinos River, mainly in its lower reaches, are worrying and a strong indicator of human activities on the basin.

Lipidic matrix of albendazole: an alternative for systemic infections.

Albendazole is a poorly water soluble drug, with low oral bioavailability, used in pharmacological treatment of a systemic disease as hydatid parasitosis. Lipidic matrices of Gelucires (44/14 and 35/02) were developed. After "in vitro" studies, one formulation was chosen for a single dose study in 8 healthy volunteers, with a cross-over and randomised design, taking a commercially available tablet as reference. Drug absorption was followed by albendazole sulphoxide dosage in urine by high pressure liquid chromatography. Neither albendazole nor albendazole sulphoxide were recovered in urine after tablet administration while 0.18% (+/- 0.06) of dose was recovered after lipidic matrix administration in the first 24 hours. Besides ageing control were performed up to 18 months post-elaboration. Lipidic matrix with Gelucire 44/14 was revealed as a promising attempt for oral pharmaceutical form in albendazole systemic treatment.

Lipidic matrix of albendazole sulphoxide: is it an alternative for systemic infections?

As albendazole sulphoxide (ABZS) shows better dissolution properties than albendazole (ABZ), a lipidic matrix with this drug was formulated in order to evaluate if its absorption and so systemic infection chemotherapy could be improved. A cross-over, randomised study in 8 healthy volunteers was carried out, after single administration of 1 g of albendazole or albendazole sulphoxide in lipidic matrix of Gelucire 44/14 (ABZLM and ABZSLM). Absorption was followed performing albendazole sulphoxide dosage in urine samples by high pressure liquid chromatography analysis, during 48 hours. Significant differences were found (p = 0.02) between the urinary recoveries (% E48), being 1.74% and 0.19% the percentage of dose recovered when ABZSLM or of ABZLM were respectively administered. In a previous study of our group similar values were obtained of urinary recovery percentages after albendazole sulphoxide powder administered to another group of healthy volunteers. Lipidic matrix does not improve the physicochemical properties of albendazole sulphoxide powder.