Contamination from an affluent of Furnas reservoir by trace metals / Contaminação de um afluente do Reservatório de Furnas por metais traço

This study aims to determine concentrations and characterize trace metals distribution in an affluent of Furnas reservoir, Alfenas-MG. Water and sediment samples were taken monthly, 2010/10-2011/07 in five sites of Córrego do Pântano for subsequent determination of Pb, Cd and Zn levels by chemical analysis. The stream studied is in disagreement with Brazilian legislation for Class II water bodies (CONAMA 357). The highlights are the unsuitable concentrations of Pb for human consumption, according to Ministry of Health 2914 decree, providing risk for population.

Este trabalho objetiva determinar as concentrações e caracterizar a distribuição de metais traço em um afluente do Reservatório de Furnas, em Alfenas-MG. Foram coletadas amostras de água e sedimento de Outubro de 2010 a Julho de 2011 em cinco pontos do Córrego do Pântano para posterior determinação dos níveis de Cd, Pb e Zn através da análise química. O córrego estudado encontra-se em desacordo com a legislação brasileira para corpos de água Classe II (CONAMA 357). Destacam-se as concentrações de Pb inadequadas para consumo humano, conforme a portaria n° 2914 do Ministério da Saúde, oferecendo risco à população.

Safety evaluation of Elixir Paregorico in healthy volunteers: a phase I study.

A liquid alcoholic extract of Papaver somniferum named Elixir Paregorico is extensively used for diarrheal diseases in Brazil. Its increased popularity has brought concerns and fears over the safety of this herbal product. Given the lack of investigative clinical studies, in this regard, this study investigated whether Elixir Paregorico administration causes any noticeable toxic effects in healthy volunteers. In all, 28 middle-aged healthy male (n = 14) and female (n = 14) were enrolled. After screening and a washout period, eligible subjects received four oral doses per day of Elixir Paregorico (3 mL diluted in 30 mL of water) over a 10-day period. Altogether, all 28 participants completed the study. The results of hematological and biochemical tests performed pre and post-treatment were within the normal range. In both male and female volunteers, there were no statistical differences (P > 0.05) in the results of clinical and laboratory tests performed at screening, on 5th and 10th day visits, and at final assessment. Although mild adverse events were related, which subsided spontaneously, no serious untoward reactions were reported following Elixir Paregorico administration. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that Elixir Paregorico administered four times a day for 10 days is safe and does not cause any noticeable toxic effect in healthy volunteers.