Environmental vulnerability assessment of the Doce River basin, southeastern Brazil.

Environmental vulnerability is an important tool to understand the natural and anthropogenic impacts associated with the susceptibility to environmental damage. This study aims to assess the environmental vulnerability of the Doce River basin in Brazil through Multicriteria Decision Analysis based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS-MCDA). Natural factors (slope, elevation, relief dissection, rainfall, pedology, and geology) and anthropogenic factors (distance from urban centers, roads, mining dams, and land use) were used to determine the environmental vulnerability index (EVI). The EVI was classified into five classes, identifying associated land uses. Vulnerability was verified in water resource management units (UGRHs) and municipalities using hot spot analysis. The study employed the water quality index (WQI) to assess the EVI and global sensitivity analysis (GSA) to evaluate the model input parameters that most influence the basin's environmental vulnerability. The results showed that the regions near the middle Doce River were considered environmentally more vulnerable, especially the UGRHs Guandu, Manhuaçu, and Caratinga; and 35.9% of the basin has high and very high vulnerabilities. Hot spot analysis identified regions with low EVI values (cold spot) in the north and northwest, while areas with high values (hot spot) were concentrated mainly in the middle Doce region. Water monitoring stations with the worst WQI values were found in the most environmentally vulnerable areas. The GSA determined that land use and slope were the primary factors influencing the model's response. The results of this study provide valuable information for supporting environmental planning in the Doce River basin.

Modeling of surface sediment concentration in the Doce River basin using satellite remote sensing.

Surface sediment concentration (SSC) is linked to several problems related to water quality and its monitoring is costly because of the required fieldwork and laboratory analyses. Thus, sediment measurements are often sporadic, punctual, and performed during a short period. Orbital remote sensing allows the monitoring of SSC along the river channel permitting continuous and spatial information. This work had two objectives: (1) to model the surface concentration of sediments in the main channel of the Doce river using data from Multispectral Instrument (MSI)/Sentinel 2 and Operational Land Imager (OLI)/Landsat 8 satellite sensors; and (2) to compare different linear modeling approaches to select the best variables for SSC monitoring. For comparison with actual field data, we used mean SSC measurements in 14 sediment gauge stations from 2013 to 2020. Reflectance data of the MSI/Sentinel 2 and OLI/Landsat 8 satellites bands and spectral indices related to the monitoring of water resources were used as explanatory variables. Simple and multiple linear regression models (SLR and MLR), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and Elastic Net regression were used to predict the SSC. The near-infrared band images from both MSI/Sentinel 2 and OLI/Landsat 8 satellites showed a strong linear relationship with the SSC. Multiple linear regression, LASSO and Elastic Net regressions showed good performance for SSC prediction. Sediment flow maps show an SSC reduction in the Doce river channel in recent years, indicating that part of the material from the Fundão tailings dam rupture may have been transported through sediment resuspension and transport processes.

Influence of the Near-Cortical Over-Drilling Technique on the Mechanical Behaviour of Locking Plate Constructs Applied in Maned Wolf's Femur.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of near-cortical over-drilling holes on the mechanical behaviour of locking plate constructs applied in maned wolf's femur by using mechanical testing and finite element method (FEM). STUDY DESIGN: Seven pairs of adult maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) femur bones were randomly distributed into four groups. In all groups, a 3.5 mm locking compression plate, designed with 12 combi-holes and one locked, was applied to the lateral surface of the femur. G1 (n = 4) received bicortical locking screws placed in holes 1, 3, 5, 8, 10 and 12. In G2 (n = 5), the plate was applied as used in G1, but the application of the locked screws involved the near-cortical over-drilling technique. In G3 (n = 4), the plate was applied as used in G2, but the size of the near-cortical over-drilling was larger. The combi-holes 6 and 7 were maintained over a 10 mm fracture gap without screws. All constructs were tested for failure in the axial load. The axial load was applied eccentrically to the femoral head. RESULTS: Statistical differences were observed in the maximum load with G3 > G1 and G3 > G2, and in the deflection with G2 > G1 and G2 > G3. The FEM showed the lowest total displacement of the bone-plate constructs as well as of the plate in G1 compared with G2 and G3. CONCLUSION: The near-cortical over-drilling technique used in unstable fractures induced in the maned wolf's femur showed by static axial compression test that maximum load and deflection are dependent on drill hole size induced in the near-cortex. Based on FEM, the lowest total displacement of the bone-plate constructs was observed in Group 1.

Estudo da poluição pontual e difusa na bacia de contribuição do reservatório da usina hidrelétrica de Funil utilizando modelagem espacialmente distribuída em Sistema de Informação Geográfica / Study of point and diffuse pollution in the Funil reservoir hydropower plant contribution basin using spatially distributed Geographic Information System modeling

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou o potencial poluidor da bacia de contribuição do reservatório de Funil (BCRF), localizado na bacia hidrográfica do rio Paraíba do Sul, considerando a geração da carga de nutrientes, nitrogênio (N) e fósforo (P), por fontes pontuais e difusas, a partir de uma modelagem distribuída utilizando Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG). As cargas e concentrações médias anuais desses nutrientes foram geradas a partir do acoplamento de equações empíricas, em SIG, considerando informações espaciais de uso e cobertura do solo, população residente na bacia e vazão média anual de longo período, obtida por equações do tipo chuva vazão. Os resultados indicaram que 80% da carga total de nitrogênio foram provenientes de fontes pontuais e 20% de fontes difusas, enquanto que, da carga total de fósforo, 89,1% foram originadas de fontes pontuais e 10,9% de fontes difusas. As concentrações de nutrientes estimadas pelo modelo empírico apresentaram bons ajustes em relação aos valores observados de fósforo e de nitrogênio no rio Paraíba do Sul, com R²=0,96 (p<0,01) e R²=0,70 (p<0,01), respectivamente. Dessa forma, o modelo foi capaz de detectar, de forma significativa, a tendência das variações nas concentrações de nutrientes ao longo de diferentes trechos da BCRF.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the potential polluter of the Funil Reservoir Contribution Basin (BCRF), located in the Paraíba do Sul River basin, considering the generation of nutrient loading, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), due to point and diffuse sources from a distributed modeling using Geographic Information System (GIS). Loads and annual average concentrations of these nutrients were generated from the coupling of empirical equations, in GIS, considering spatial information such as land use/cover, population living in the basin and long period average annual flow obtained by equations of rainfall runoff. The results indicated that 80% of the total load of nitrogen was generated from point sources and 20% from diffuse sources, while 89.1% were originated from point sources and 10.9% from diffuse sources for the corresponding total load of phosphorus. The model estimated adequately the concentration when compared to the ​​observed values and it was able to detect the trend of changes in nutrient concentrations along different sections of the BCRF highlighting significant correlations between the observed and simulated concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen with R²=0.96 (p<0.01) and R²=0.70 (p<0.01), respectively.

Desenvolvimento e validação de equação para determinação do coeficiente de dispersão longitudinal em rios de médio porte / Development and validation of an equation to estimate longitudinal dispersion coefficient in medium-sized rivers

No presente trabalho, desenvolveu-se equação para predição do coeficiente de dispersão longitudinal (D L) em rios de médio porte, com vazões entre 16,20 e 98 m³ s-1, a partir de ensaios experimentais utilizando traçadores fluorescentes. A equação foi deduzida utilizando-se análise dimensional e ajustada aos dados de campo pela técnica de regressão linear múltipla. Em seguida, realizou-se a validação da equação testando-a em outra base de dados, diferente daquela para a qual foi desenvolvida, com vazões entre 19,57 a 48,54 m³s-1. Adicionalmente, foram comparados os desempenhos de outras quatro equações empíricas de predição do D L, utilizando-se três métodos comparativos. A equação desenvolvida apresentou ajuste estatístico adequado e bom resultado, com melhor desempenho geral quando comparada a outras equações propostas na literatura.

In this paper, an equation has been developed to estimate the longitudinal dispersion coefficient (D L) in medium-sized rivers, with flow between 16.20 and 98 m³s-1, from experimental tests using fluorescent tracers. The equation was deduced by dimensional analysis and adjusted to the field data by the multiple linear regression technique. Thereafter, the validation of the equation was performed by testing it in another database, which is different from the one it had been developed for, with flow between 19.57 and 48.54 m³s-1. Additionally, the performance of four other empirical equations was compared for D L prediction using three comparative methods. The developed equation showed appropriate statistical adjustment and good result, with better overall performance when compared with other equations proposed in literature.

Ultrasensitive microchip sensor based on boron-containing polyfluorene nanofilms.

A fluorene-based π-conjugated copolymer with on-chain dibenzoborole units was used in the development of a nanocoated gold interdigitated microelectrode array device which successfully detects fluoride in a broad range of concentrations (10(-11)-10(-4) M) in aqueous solution, upon impedance spectroscopy measurements. A calibration curve obtained over this range of concentrations and a new analytical method based on impedance spectroscopy measurements in aqueous solution is proposed. The sensor nanofilm was produced by spin-coating and diagnosed via spectroscopic ellipsometry, AFM, and electrically conductivity techniques. Changes in the conductivity due to the boron-fluoride complex formation seem to be the major mechanism behind the dependence of impedimetric results on the fluoride concentration.

Presumed prevalence analysis on suspected and highly suspected breast cancer lesions in São Paulo using BIRADS criteria.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer screening programs are critical for early detection of breast cancer. Early detection is essential for diagnosing, treating and possibly curing breast cancer. Since there are no data on the incidence of breast cancer, nationally or regionally in Brazil, our aim was to assess women by means of mammography, to determine the prevalence of this disease. DESIGN AND SETTING: The study protocol was designed in collaboration between the Department of Diagnostic Imaging (DDI), Institute of Diagnostic Imaging (IDI) and São Paulo Municipal Health Program. METHODS: A total of 139,945 Brazilian women were assessed by means of mammography between April 2002 and September 2004. Using the American College of Radiology (ACR) criteria (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, BIRADS), the prevalence of suspected and highly suspected breast lesions were determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of suspected (BIRADS 4) and highly suspected (BIRADS 5) lesions increased with age, especially after the fourth decade. Accordingly, BIRADS 4 and BIRADS 5 lesions were more prevalent in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh decades. CONCLUSION: The presumed prevalence of suspected and highly suspected breast cancer lesions in the population of São Paulo was 0.6% and it is similar to the prevalence of breast cancer observed in other populations.

Presumed prevalence analysis on suspected and highly suspected breast cancer lesions in São Paulo using BIRADS® criteria

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer screening programs are critical for early detection of breast cancer. Early detection is essential for diagnosing, treating and possibly curing breast cancer. Since there are no data on the incidence of breast cancer, nationally or regionally in Brazil, our aim was to assess women by means of mammography, to determine the prevalence of this disease. DESIGN AND SETTING: The study protocol was designed in collaboration between the Department of Diagnostic Imaging (DDI), Institute of Diagnostic Imaging (IDI) and São Paulo Municipal Health Program. METHODS: A total of 139,945 Brazilian women were assessed by means of mammography between April 2002 and September 2004. Using the American College of Radiology (ACR) criteria (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, BIRADS®), the prevalence of suspected and highly suspected breast lesions were determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of suspected (BIRADS® 4) and highly suspected (BIRADS® 5) lesions increased with age, especially after the fourth decade. Accordingly, BIRADS® 4 and BIRADS® 5 lesions were more prevalent in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh decades. CONCLUSION: The presumed prevalence of suspected and highly suspected breast cancer lesions in the population of São Paulo was 0.6 percent and it is similar to the prevalence of breast cancer observed in other populations.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Os programas de rastreamento para câncer de mama são fundamentais para a detecção precoce da doença. A detecção precoce de lesões suspeitas é essencial para diagnóstico, tratamento e possível cura do câncer de mama. Como no Brasil não há dados nacionais ou regionais sobre a prevalência do câncer de mama, nosso objetivo foi avaliar mulheres através da mamografia para determinar a prevalência da doença no Brasil no período de abril de 2002 a setembro de 2004. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Este trabalho foi realizado com a colaboração do Departamento de Diagnóstico por Imagem (DDI), Instituto de Diagnóstico por Imagem e da Prefeitura da cidade de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Um total de 139.945 mulheres brasileiras foram avaliadas através de mamografias no período de abril de 2002 a setembro de 2004. Utilizando o sistema Birads® ACR (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, American College), a prevalência de lesões suspeitas e altamente suspeitas foi determinada. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de lesões suspeitas (BIRADS® 4) e altamente suspeitas (BIRADS® 5) aumentou com a idade, especialmente após a quarta década. De acordo com isso, as lesões BIRADS® 4 e BIRADS® 5 são mais prevalentes nas quarta, quinta, sexta e sétima décadas de vida. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência presumida de lesões suspeitas e altamente suspeitas de câncer de mama na população da cidade de São Paulo é 0,6 por cento e esta prevalência é similar a de outras populações observadas.

Cisto de duplicaçäo do esôfago: relato de dois casos / Esophageal duplication cyst: report of 2 cases

Cistos de duplicaçäo de esôfago säo tumores benignos, que freqüentemente näo apresentam sintomatologia, mas podem tornar-se sintomáticos quando aumentam de volume, causando disfagia, desconforto respiratório e outros sintomas. O tratamento cirúrgico é a enucleaçäo do cisto. Säo apresentados dois casos de cistos de duplicaçäo de esôfago, tratados cirurgicamente por meio de toracotomia e enucleaçäo do cisto

Tratamento do câncer do colo do útero estádio III com adriamicina, Bleomicina e Cisplatinum (ABC) neo-adjuvante, histerectomia radical modificada e ABC adjuvante / Treatment of cancer of the cervix uteri stage III with neo-adjvant adriamycin, bleomicyn and cisplatinum (ABC) modified radical histerectomy and adjvant ABC

Quarenta e oito pacientes com carcinoma do colo do útero estádio III A e B foram tratadas com a associaçäo de adreamicina (ADR), bleomicina (BLEO) e cisplatinum (CDDP), três a cinco ciclos neo-adjuvante, seguidos de histerectomia radical modificada e seis ciclos de ABC adjuvante. Quarenta doentes foram consideradas avaliáveis. Os primeiros 17 casos receberam ADR 50 mg/m2, BLEO 10 mg/d x 5 e CDDP 100 mg/m2 administrados no dia 1 e repetidos de 21/21 dias (ABCDA). A toxicidade neste grupo foi considerada inaceitável, com dois óbitos, sendo reduzidas as doses de CDDP e BLEO, respectivamente, 50 mmg/m2 e 6 mg/d x 5 (ABD DB) nas 23 seguintes. Das 17 tratadas com o ABC DA, 12 (70%) foram elegíveis para a cirurgia e o exame da peça revelou resposta completa (RC) em dois (11%) e resposta parcial (RP) em 10 (59%). Das 23 tratadas com ABC DB, 16(69%) foram operadas com RC confirmada em três (13%) e RP em 13 (56%). Após 38 meses, no grupo ABC DA, duas (12%) estäo sem evidência de doença, quatro (23%) estäo vivas com recorrência, sete (41%) morreram pela neoplasia, duas (12%) morreram por toxicidade (cardíaca e pulmonar), uma (5%) morreu de causa desconhecida e uma (5%) foi perdida do seguimento. No grupo ABC DB, em 36 meses, nove (39%) estäo sem evidência de doença, sete (30%) estäo vivas com recorrência, cinco (22%) morreram pela neoplasia e duas (9%) foram perdidas do seguimento. A sobrevida média estimada pelo método de Kaplan-Meier do grupo ABC DA é de 29% e do controle histórico de 102 pacientes tratadas pela radioterapia no mesmo período é de 52% (p < 0,01) e no ABC DB 63% (p < 0,070 N.S.). Os resultados do grupo ABC DB, em 36 meses, analisados nas tabelas de vida e comparados com os controles demonstram similares, porém, com melhor qualidade de sobrevida para as tratadas pelo ABC DA por sua toxicidade näo é recomendado. Das 28 que se submeteram à histerectomia radical modificada, 24 completaram pelo menos três ciclos adjuvantes do ABC e decorridos 38 meses, 20 das operadas estäo vivas (71%) comparado com 52% do grupo da RT (p = 0,004). O presente programa parece ser uma melhor alternativa de tratamento do câncer do útero E III, necessitando, contudo, maior observaçäo

Cisto de duplicaçäo de esôfago: relato de dois casos / Duplication cysts of esophagus: report of 2 cases

Cistos de duplicaçäo de esôfago säo tumores benignos, freqüentemente assintomáticos, que tornam-se sintomáticos quando aumentam de volume, causando disfagia, desconforto respiratório e outros sintomas. O tratamento cirúrgico de escolha é a enucleaçäo do cisto. Apresentamos dois casos de cistos de duplicaçäo de esôfago observados no Serviço, que causaram disfagia nas pacientes. Ambos os casos foram tratados por toracotomia e enucleaçäo do cisto