ENSO effects on the relationship between aerosols and evapotranspiration in the south of the Amazon biome.

The effects of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events have local, regional, and global consequences for water regimes, causing floods or extreme drought events. Tropical forests are strongly affected by ENSO, and in the case of the Amazon, its territorial extension allows for a wide variation of these effects. The prolongation of drought events in the Amazon basin contributes to an increase in gas and aerosol particle emissions mainly caused by biomass burning, which in turn alter radiative fluxes and evapotranspiration rates, cyclically interfering with the hydrological regime. The ENSO effects on the interactions between aerosol particles and evapotranspiration is a critical aspect to be systematically investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the ENSO effect on a site located on the southern portion of the Amazonian region. In addition to quantifying and testing possible differences between aerosols and evapotranspiration under different ENSO classes (El Niño, La Niña and Neutrality), this study also evaluated possible variations in evapotranspiration as a function of the aerosol load. A highly significant difference was found for air temperature, relative humidity and aerosol load between the El Niño and La Niña classes. For evapotranspiration, significant differences were found for the El Niño and La Niña classes and for El Niño and Neutrality classes. Under the Neutrality class, the aerosol load correlated significantly with evapotranspiration, explaining 20% of the phenomenon. Under the El Niño and La Niña classes, no significant linear correlation was found between aerosol load and evapotranspiration. However, the results showed that for the total data set, there is a positive and significant correlation between aerosol and evapotranspiration. It increases with a quadratic fit, i.e., the aerosol favors evapotranspiration rates up to a certain concentration threshold. The results obtained in this study can help to understand the effects of ENSO events on atmospheric conditions in the southern Amazon basin, in addition to elucidating the role of aerosols in feedback to the water cycle in the region.

Assessing over decadal biomass burning influence on particulate matter composition in subequatorial Amazon: literature review, remote sensing, chemical speciation and machine learning application.

A study on aerosols in the Brazilian subequatorial Amazon region, Tangará da Serra (TS) and Alta Floresta (AF) was conducted and compared to findings in an additional site with background characteristics (Manaus, AM). TS and AF counties suffer from intense biomass burning periods in the dry season, and it accounts for high levels of particles in the atmosphere. Chemical characterization of fine and coarse particulate matter (PM) was performed to quantify water-soluble ions (WSI) and black carbon (BC). The importance of explanatory variables was assessed using three machine learning techniques. Average concentrations of PM in AF and TS were similar (PM2.0, 17±10 µg m-3 (AF) and 16±11 µg m-3 (TS) and PM10-2.0, 13±5 µg m-3 (AF) and 11±7 µg m-3 (TS)), but higher than the background site. BC and SO4 2- were the prevalent components as they represented 27%-68% of particulates chemical composition. The combination of the machine learning techniques provided a further understanding of the pathways for PM concentration variability, and the results highlighted the influence of biomass burning for key sample groups and periods. PM2.0, BC, and most WSI presented higher concentrations in the dry season, providing further support for the influence of biomass burning.

Tracking de 10 anos da aptidão física e capacidade funcional de mulheres adultas praticantes de atividade física / 10-Year tracking of fitness and functional capacity of adult women practicing physical activity of physical activity

Contexto e objetivo: Diversos benefícios são advindos da prática da atividade física durante o envelhecimento, porém poucos são os achados que apresentem os dados ao longo do tempo. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a estabilidade das variáveis da aptidão física e capacidade funcional de mulheres adultas praticantes de atividade física em um período de 10 anos. Desenho e local: Estudo longitudinal com mulheres de São Caetano do Sul. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 157 mulheres com idade entre 45 e 86 anos (65,7 ± 6,7), analisadas em quatro intervalos de tempo: baseline, 6, 8 e 10 anos, todas praticantes de atividade física. A avaliação incluiu variáveis antropométricas, neuromotoras e de capacidade funcional. A análise estatística utilizada foi o teste t de Student, correlação de Spearman Rho e delta percentual. O nível de significância adotado foi de P < 0,01. Resultados: Os resultados apresentaram correlações de estabilidade alta e significante (rho = 0,64 a 0,87) nos três grupos nas variáveis índice de massa corporal, adiposidade, força de membros superiores, flexibilidade e agilidade. O acompanhamento de 6 a 10 anos evidenciou diferenças significantes de força de membros superiores, inferiores, agilidade e equilíbrio, sendo expressa pela redução da força de membros superiores de 8% a 13%, força de membros inferiores de 18% a 21%, agilidade de 18% a 19% e equilíbrio de 28% a 34%. Conclusão: Houve estabilidade das variáveis antropométricas, neuromotoras, capacidade funcional e equilíbrio de mulheres adultas praticantes de atividade física, mesmo apresentando redução significativa nas variáveis citadas anteriormente.

Influence of microstructure and physical characteristics in the performance of non-professional masks sold in São Paulo.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the performance of eight non-professional face masks sold in São Paulo, Brazil, to prevent aerial transmission of the SARS-CoV-2. STUDY DESIGN: This was a case report with comparative testing. METHODS: The masks manufactured with different materials and designs were quantified according to their performance to prevent COVID-19 using two indicators: filtration efficiency (FE) and differential pressure. The fabric grammage and microscopy of the layers were analyzed to understand their influence on the performance indicators. RESULTS: The results show no correlation between grammage in the FE and increasing grammage can compromise breathability indicator. Masks manufactured with cotton widely commercialized during the pandemic have non-uniformized results in FE indicators. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence between grammage and the number of layers in the FE indicator. The results pointed out that the layer's composition and the microstructure are the best way to evaluate the performance of non-professional masks used to prevent the aerial transmission of the SARS-CoV-2.

Decontamination and re-use of surgical masks and respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic increased global demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) and resulted in shortages. The study evaluated the re-use of surgical masks and respirators by analysing their performance and safety before and after reprocessing using the following methods: oven, thermal drying, autoclave, and hydrogen peroxide plasma vapour. METHODS: In total, 45 surgical masks and 69 respirators were decontaminated. Visual integrity, air permeability, burst resistance, pressure differential and particulate filtration efficiency of new and decontaminated surgical masks and respirators were evaluated. In addition, 14 used respirators were analysed after work shifts before and after decontamination using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and viral culturing. Finally, reprocessed respirators were evaluated by users in terms of functionality and comfort. RESULTS: Oven decontamination (75 °C for 45 min) was found to be the simplest decontamination method. Physical and filtration assays indicated that all reprocessing methods were safe after one cycle. Oven decontamination maintained the characteristics of surgical masks and respirators for at least five reprocessing cycles. Viral RNA was detected by RT-PCR in two of the 14 used respirators. Four respirators submitted to viral culture were PCR-negative and culture-negative. Reprocessed respirators used in work shifts were evaluated positively by users, even after three decontamination cycles. CONCLUSION: Oven decontamination is a safe method for reprocessing surgical masks and respirators for at least five cycles, and is feasible in the hospital setting.

Aerosol properties in the atmosphere of Natal/Brazil measured by an AERONET Sun-photometer.

We analyzed data measured by a Sun-photometer of the RIMA-AERONET network with the purpose to characterize the aerosol properties in the atmosphere over Natal, state capital of Rio Grande do Norte, at the coast of Northeast Brazil. Aerosol Optical Depth, Ångström Exponent, Volume Size Distribution, Single Scattering Albedo, Complex Refractive Index, Asymmetry Factor, and Precipitable Water were analyzed from August 2017 to March 2018. In addition, MODIS and CALIOP observations, local Lidar measurements, and modeled backward trajectories were analyzed in a case study on February 9, 2018, that consistently confirmed the identification of a persistent aerosol layer below 4 km agl. Aerosols present in the atmosphere of Natal showed monthly mean Aerosol Optical Depth at 500 nm below 0.15 (~ 75%), monthly means of the Ångström Exponent at 440-670 nm between 0.30 and 0.70 (~ 69%), bimodal Volume Size Distribution is dominantly coarse mode, Single Scattering Albedo at 440 nm is 0.80, Refractive Index - Real Part around 1.50, Refractive Index - Imaginary Part ranging from 0.01 to 0.04, and the Asymmetry Factor ranged from 0.73 to 0.80. The aerosol typing during the measurement period showed that atmospheric aerosol over Natal is mostly composed of mixed aerosol (58.10%), marine aerosol (34.80%), mineral dust (6.30%), and biomass burning aerosols (0.80%). Backward trajectories identified that 51% of the analyzed air masses over Natal originated from the African continent.

High risk of respiratory diseases in children in the fire period in Western Amazon.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the toxicological risk of exposure to ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) among schoolchildren.. METHODS: Toxicological risk assessment was used to evaluate the risk of exposure to O3 and PM2.5 from biomass burning among schoolchildren aged six to 14 years, residents of Rio Branco, Acre, Southern Amazon, Brazil. We used Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the potential intake dose of both pollutants. RESULTS: During the slash-and-burn periods, O3 and PM2.5 concentrations reached 119.4 µg/m3 and 51.1 µg/m3, respectively. The schoolchildren incorporated medium potential doses regarding exposure to O3 (2.83 µg/kg.day, 95%CI 2.72-2.94). For exposure to PM2.5, we did not find toxicological risk (0.93 µg/kg.day, 95%CI 0.86-0.99). The toxicological risk for exposure to O3 was greater than 1 for all children (QR = 2.75; 95%CI 2.64-2.86). CONCLUSIONS: Schoolchildren were exposed to high doses of O3 during the dry season of the region. This posed a toxicological risk, especially to those who had previous diseases.

Atmospheric mercury concentrations observed at ground-based monitoring sites globally distributed in the framework of the GMOS network.

Long-term monitoring of data of ambient mercury (Hg) on a global scale to assess its emission, transport, atmospheric chemistry, and deposition processes is vital to understanding the impact of Hg pollution on the environment. The Global Mercury Observation System (GMOS) project was funded by the European Commission (http://www.gmos.eu) and started in November 2010 with the overall goal to develop a coordinated global observing system to monitor Hg on a global scale, including a large network of ground-based monitoring stations, ad hoc periodic oceanographic cruises and measurement flights in the lower and upper troposphere as well as in the lower stratosphere. To date, more than 40 ground-based monitoring sites constitute the global network covering many regions where little to no observational data were available before GMOS. This work presents atmospheric Hg concentrations recorded worldwide in the framework of the GMOS project (2010-2015), analyzing Hg measurement results in terms of temporal trends, seasonality and comparability within the network. Major findings highlighted in this paper include a clear gradient of Hg concentrations between the Northern and Southern hemispheres, confirming that the gradient observed is mostly driven by local and regional sources, which can be anthropogenic, natural or a combination of both.

High risk of respiratory diseases in children in the fire period in Western Amazon / Alto risco de doenças respiratórias em crianças no período de incêndios na Amazônia

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the toxicological risk of exposure to ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) among schoolchildren.. METHODS Toxicological risk assessment was used to evaluate the risk of exposure to O3 and PM2.5 from biomass burning among schoolchildren aged six to 14 years, residents of Rio Branco, Acre, Southern Amazon, Brazil. We used Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the potential intake dose of both pollutants. RESULTS During the slash-and-burn periods, O3 and PM2.5 concentrations reached 119.4 µg/m3 and 51.1 µg/m3, respectively. The schoolchildren incorporated medium potential doses regarding exposure to O3 (2.83 μg/kg.day, 95%CI 2.72-2.94). For exposure to PM2.5, we did not find toxicological risk (0.93 μg/kg.day, 95%CI 0.86-0.99). The toxicological risk for exposure to O3 was greater than 1 for all children (QR = 2.75; 95%CI 2.64-2.86). CONCLUSIONS Schoolchildren were exposed to high doses of O3 during the dry season of the region. This posed a toxicological risk, especially to those who had previous diseases.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar os riscos toxicológicos da exposição ao ozônio (O3) e a partículas finas (PM2,5) em escolares. MÉTODOS Avaliação do risco toxicológico foi aplicada para verificar o risco de exposição ao O3 e PM2,5 a partir da queima de biomassa, em escolares de seis a 14 anos, moradores de Rio Branco, Acre, no sul da Amazônia. Nós usamos a simulação de Monte Carlo para estimar a dose potencial de ingresso do poluente. RESULTADOS As concentrações de O3 e PM2,5 atingiram 119,4 mg/m3 e 51,1 mg/m3, respectivamente, durante os períodos de queimadas. Os escolares incorporaram doses potenciais médias relativas à exposição ao O3 (2,83 μg/kg.dia, IC95% 2,72-2,94). Para a exposição a PM2,5, não encontramos risco toxicológico (0,93 μg/kg.dia; IC95% 0,86-0,99). O O3 apresentou risco toxicológico maior que 1 para todas as crianças (Quociente de Risco [QR] = 2,75; IC95% 2,64-2,86). CONCLUSÕES Escolares são expostos a altas doses de O3 durante a estação seca. Isso representa risco toxicológico, principalmente para aqueles com agravos à saúde pregressa.

Conhecimento ecológico tradicional sobre fruteiras para pesca na Comunidade de Estirão Comprido, Barão de Melgaço - Pantanal Matogrossense / Traditional ecological knowledge of fruit trees used for fishery at Estirão Comprido Community, Barão de Melgaço - Panatanal Matogrossense

Esta pesquisa aborda o conhecimento ecológico tradicional de fruteiras na comunidade de Estirão Comprido, localizada às margens do Rio Cuiabá, Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal Matogrossense. Foram entrevistados 20 pescadores, utilizando-se a técnica de listagem livre, a qual foi analisada pelo índice de saliência de Smith e análise de consenso cultural, com o programa ANTHROPAC 4.0. Os resultados mostraram que o conhecimento ecológico tradicional sobre fruteiras foi de 30 espécies distribuídas em 21 famílias de plantas. A análise de índice de saliência de Smith mostrou quatro rupturas quanto à ordenação e frequência de respostas, sendo que a primeira contemplou uma espécie, a segunda oito espécies, a terceira quatro espécies e a quarta ruptura 17 espécies. O consenso cultural dos pescadores sobre o conhecimento ecológico tradicional concentrou-se em nove espécies de fruteiras: parada, coquinho, marmelada, roncador, sardinha, timbó, acaiá, jenipava e taiuiá, verificado pela relação entre fatores, onde o primeiro fator foi aproximadamente nove vezes maior que o segundo fator com probabilidade = 0,951. O estudo evidenciou que esta comunidade pantaneira apresenta um conhecimento sobre as fruteiras que são a base da cadeia alimentar das espécies de peixes de valor comercial.

This study deals with traditional ecological knowledge on fruit trees at Estirão Comprido community, located on the banks of Cuiabá River, in Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal Matogrossense. Twenty fishermen were interviewed, using free lists, which were evaluated by Smith's Salience Index and cultural consensus analysis, using the software ANTHROPAC 4.0. Results indicated that traditional ecological knowledge on fruit trees involves 30 species distributed in 21 families. Smith's Salience Index showed four ruptures on the rank and frequency of answers; the first rupture included one species, the second eight species, the third four species and fourth 17 species. The cultural consensus of fishermen on such traditional knowledge concentrated on nine fruit tree species: "parada", "coquinho", "marmelada", "roncador", "sardinha", "timbó", "acaiá", "jenipava" and "taiuiá", verified by the relationship between factors, where the first factor was approximately nine-fold higher than the second one, pseudo-reliability = 0.951. This study indicated that Pantanal community presents knowledge about fruit trees, the base of the food chain for commercially important fish.

Síndrome de Churg-Strauss (vasculite sistêmica alérgica) / Syndrome of Churg-Strauss

Os autores apresentam uma revisão de literatura sobre a síndrome de Churg-Strauss, uma vasculite secundária de médios e pequenos vasos, de baixa incidência, que vem ganhando importância, principalmente depois de relatos de casos após uso de inibidor de leucotrienos, medicação indicada para tratamento de manutenção de asma moderada e grave, isoladamente ou em associação, portanto de uso cada vez mais frequente.Vasculites são entidades de relativa ocorrência na prática clínica, sendo as mais frequentes as secundárias ao uso de drogas (sulfas, aspirina, penicilinas etc.), aos agentes infecciosos (vírus da hepatite B e C etc.) e em menor número às doenças difusas do tecido conjuntivo (lúpus) e diagnosticá-las corretamente e em tempo hábil, para tratamento ou encaminhamento ao especialista, é primordial para o sucesso da terapêutica e prognóstico.A SCS é uma vasculite alérgica, sistêmica, com características próprias, passível de ser identificada e tratada, através de exames e medicamentos acessíveis. Apresenta uma forte associação com asma, que normalmente precede o acometimento de outros órgãos e costuma se manifestar após a suspensão de corticosteroide. Apresenta alteração característica à histopatologia, caracterizada por infiltrado perivascular de eosinófilos, bem como eosinofilia, normalmente acima de 10%, no hemograma. Costuma responder bem ao uso de corticosteroides, isolados ou em associação com outras drogas, como a ciclofosfamida nos casos refratários.

Retinal toxic reactions following photopheresis.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP), also known as photopheresis, is a generally well-tolerated therapeutic, immunomodulatory approach successfully used in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and other diseases produced by T-lymphocytes such as graft vs host disease. OBSERVATIONS: On 2 separate occasions, a 54-year-old white man with Sézary syndrome developed cutaneous phototoxic reactions and chorioretinitis after being treated with ECP. A pharmacokinetic study showed therapeutic blood levels of 8-methoxypsoralen as long as 18 weeks after therapy had been terminated. However, the analysis of mutations in genes involved in the drug's disposition could not explain these abnormal levels. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, there has been no previous description of ECP-related retinal toxic effects. This adverse effect was probably linked to impaired drug elimination. Further studies would be needed to determine the underlying mechanism.