The energetic characterization of pineapple crown leaves.

Energetic characterization of biomass allows for assessing its energy potential for application in different conversion processes into energy. The objective of this study is to physicochemically characterize pineapple crown leaves (PC) for their application in energy conversion processes. PC was characterized according to ASTM E871-82, E1755-01, and E873-82 for determination of moisture, ash, and volatile matter, respectively; the fixed carbon was calculated by difference. Higher heating value was determined by ASTM E711-87 and ash chemical composition was determined by XRF. The thermogravimetric and FTIR analyses were performed to evaluate the thermal decomposition and identify the main functional groups of biomass. PC has potential for application in thermochemical processes, showing high volatile matter (89.5%), bulk density (420.8 kg/m(3)), and higher heating value (18.9 MJ/kg). The results show its energy potential justifying application of this agricultural waste into energy conversion processes, implementing sustainability in the production, and reducing the environmental liabilities caused by its disposal.

[Inter-hospital transfer in pediatrics]. / Transporte inter-hospitalar em pediatria.

We present the results of a prospective study of the technical and human characteristics of the transport of children transferred from other Hospitals to our PICU. During eight months of 1994, 153 children were transferred and 138 included in our study. Their ages varied between one month and fourteen years and the majority (60%) were males. 67% of the patients transferred required Pediatric specialties and 30% required surgical specialties. Accidents were the most common pathology (40%), followed by neurologic, respiratory and infectious situations (15% each) The most frequently used means of transport was an ambulance, in 88% of the cases. Only 12% of these were medically equipped and 10% had CPR material available. In 23% of the transports the patient was accompanied by both a nurse and a medical doctor. In 25% by a nurse only and in 14% by a medical doctor. None of them had training in transport medicine. The length of the transport varied between 30 min. and 14 h, with a mean of 2h. Ten patients had major complications during transfer. Their CCS on arrival at the PICU was > or = 3 in 55% of the cases. Based on these results we discuss the obvious need for a Pediatric Transport System in our country.

Imaging methods in the study of urinary tract infections in children.

UNLABELLED: When studying a child with urinary tract infection it is important to detect and localize any renal (scar) or urologic anomaly. Here we study the information obtained using: renal and vesical ultrasound (US), DMSA scan and radiologic or isotopic cystogram. METHODS: We studied 148 children with more than one urinary infection and/or pyelonephritis; their mean age was 35.9 months (1-148 months); 55% were girls. The three diagnostic examinations--US, DMSA scan and cystogram were made in this order; the DMSA scan or cystogram was never made sooner than one month after the UTI. RESULTS: In 42% of the children the three exams were normal; 4 of these children had another UTI and the urodynamic study revealed vesical disfunction. 11% had renal scars (DMSA scan) with normal US and cystogram; 30% had VUR, 50% of which had an altered US and 57% had renal scars on the DMSA scan. 12% of the children had an altered US with a cystogram showing no VUR; 66% of these had renal scars. 4% had vesical anomalies in the US and cystogram. CONCLUSION: The three exams chosen were able to direct the diagnostic approach of UTI, being sufficient in most of the cases. We would like to emphasize the importance of the DMSA scan in diagnosing unsuspected renal scars.

[Imaging methods in the study of urinary tract infections in children]. / Métodos de imagem no estudo das infecções urinárias da criança.

UNLABELLED: When studying a child with urinary tract infection it is important to detect and localize any renal (scar) or urologic anomaly. Here we study the information obtained using: renal and vesical ultrasound (US), DMSA scan and radiologic or isotopic cystogram. METHODS: We studied 148 children with more than one urinary tract infection and/or pyelonephritis; their mean age was 35.9 months (1-148 months); 55% were girls. The three diagnostic examinations--US, DMSA scan and cystogram were made in the order; the DMSA scan or cystogram was never made sooner than one month after the UTI. RESULTS: In 42% of the children the three exams were normal; 4 of these children had another UTI and the urodynamic study revealed vesical disfunction. 11% had renal scars (DMSA scan) with normal US and cystogram; 30% had VUR, 50% of which had an altered US and 57% had renal scars on the DMSA scan. 12% of the children had an altered US with a cystogram showing no VUR; 66% of these had renal scars. 4% had vesical anomalies on the US and cystogram. CONCLUSION: The three exams chosen were able to direct the diagnostic approach of UTI, being sufficient in most of the cases. We would like to emphasize the importance of the DMSA scan in diagnosing unsuspected renal scars.