Storage of purified biogas (biomethane) at low pressure

ABSTRACT The global use of fossil energy sources has led to the need to develop technologies capable of mitigating its consequences. One such option is anaerobic biodigestion, which is already scientifically well-established, although the use of its main products (biogas and biomethane) still requires further development before they can be employed in automotive vehicles, largely due to technical issues concerning their storage. The storage of methane using adsorption (Adsorbed Natural Gas - ANG) is a technology that requires less energy and moderate pressures and temperatures. However, the main storage techniques continue to be those that involve high pressures and/or cryogenic temperatures. The present work evaluates the performance of an unprecedented prototype developed by UFPR for the storage of methane by adsorption, employing commercial activated carbon. The factorial design (2²) indicated that the storage capacity of the system was 39.41 V /V using activated carbon, and the desorption process was effective at 60ºC. Thus, the use of adsorbents of low cost and easy access can provide very interesting results (>100 V / V), which contributes to make the technology viable.

Management of exogenous intoxication by carbamates and organophosphates at an emergency unit / Manejo de intoxicação exógena por carbamatos e organofosforados em uma unidade de emergência

Summary Objectives: to evaluate and indicate the procedure to be followed in the health unit, both for diagnosis and the treatment of acute exogenous intoxications by carbamates or organophosphates. Methods: a descriptive study based on retrospective analysis of the clinical history of patients diagnosed with intoxication by carbamates or organophosphates admitted at the emergency unit of the Hospital de Urgências de Sergipe Governador João Alves (HUSE) between January and December of 2012. Some criteria were evaluated, such as: intoxicating agent; patient's age and gender; place of event, cause, circumstances and severity of the intoxication; as well as signs and symptoms of the muscarinic, nicotinic and neurological effects. Results: seventy patients (average age: 25±19.97) formed the study's population. It was observed that 77.14% of them suffered carbamate intoxication. However, organophosphate intoxications were more severe, with 68.75% of patients presenting moderate to severe forms. Suicide attempt was the leading cause of poisoning, with 62 cases (88.57% of total). Atropine administration was an effective therapeutic approach for treating signs and symptoms, which included sialorrhea (p=0.0006), nausea (p=0. 0029) and emesis (p lt0.0001). The use of activated charcoal was shown effective, both in combating the signs and symptoms presented by both patient groups (p <0.0001). Conclusion: it is concluded that the use of atropine and activated charcoal is highly effective to treat the signs and symptoms developed by patients presenting acute exogenous intoxication by carbamates or organophosphates.

Resumo Objetivo: avaliar e indicar os procedimentos a serem seguidos na unidade de saúde tanto para o diagnóstico como para o tratamento de intoxicações agudas exógenas por carbamatos ou organofosforados. Métodos: estudo descritivo baseado na análise retrospectiva da história clínica de pacientes diagnosticados com intoxicação por carbamatos ou organofosforados admitidos em uma unidade de emergência, entre janeiro e dezembro de 2012. Foram avaliados alguns critérios, como: agente intoxicador; idade do paciente e gênero; causa de envolvimento, circunstâncias e gravidade da intoxicação; sinais e sintomas dos efeitos neurológicos muscarínicos e nicotínicos. Resultados: setenta pacientes (idade média: 25±19,97 anos) formaram a população de estudo. Foi observado que 77,14% deles sofreram intoxicação por carbamatos. Os casos mais graves foram intoxicados por organofosforados, com 68,75% dos pacientes apresentando formas moderadas a graves. Tentativa de suicídio foi a causa principal de envenenamento, com 62 casos (88,57% do total). A administração de atropina foi uma medida terapêutica efetiva para tratamento de sinais e sintomas, como sialorreia (p=0,0006), náusea (p=0,0029) e êmese (p<0,0001). O uso do carvão ativado mostrou efetividade para o combate dos sinais e sintomas apresentados por pacientes em geral (p<0,0001). Conclusão: o uso de atropina e de carvão ativado é uma medida terapêutica altamente efetiva para combater os sinais e sintomas apresentados por pacientes vítimas de intoxicação aguda exógena por carbamatos ou organofosforados.

Ingestão acidental de brodifacoum por um cão / Brodifacoum accidental ingestion by a dog

Produtos utilizados para controle de roedores ocupam a terceira posição entre as causas mais comuns de exposições a agentes tóxicos em cães. Cerca de 20% dessas exposições resultam em intoxicação (OSWEILER, 1998). A terapêutica adequada e o tempo decorrido entre a ingestão e os primeiros procedimentos são os principais fatores determinantes do sucesso do tratamento, o qual pode ocasionar distúrbios de coagulação e morte do paciente, se não for bem conduzido. Este trabalho relata um caso de ingestão acidental de brodifacoum por um cão e a subsequente abordagem terapêutica emergencial.

A simplified acute physiology score in the prediction of acute aluminum phosphide poisoning outcome.

Background : Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is used as a fumigant. It produces phosphine gas, which is a mitochondrial poison. Unfortunately, there is no known antidote for AlP intoxication, and also, there are few data about its prognostic factors. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II ) in the prediction of outcome in patients with acute AlP poisoning requiring admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Materials and Methods : This was a prospective study in patients with acute AlP poisoning, admitted to the ICU over a period of 12 months. The demographic data were collected and SAPSII was recorded. The patients were divided into survival and non-survival groups due to outcome. Statistical Analysis : The data were expressed as mean ± SD for continuous or discrete variables and as frequency and percentage for categorical variables. The results were compared between the two groups using SPSS software. Results : During the study period, 39 subjects were admitted to the ICU with acute AlP poisoning. All 39 patients required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation in addition to gastric decontamination with sodium bicarbonate, permanganate potassium, and activated charcoal, therapy with MgSO 4 and calcium gluconate and adequate hydration. Among these patients, 26 (66.7%) died. SAPSII was significantly higher in the non-survival group than in the survival group (11.88 ± 4.22 vs. 4.31 ± 2.06, respectively) (P < 0.001). Conclusion : SAPSII calculated within the first 24 hours was recognized as a good prognostic indicator among patients with acute AlP poisoning requiring ICU admission.

Efecto del carbón activado y ácido indol acético en el desarrollo de protocormos de masdevallia coccinea linden ex lindl. y maxillaria nutans lindl: in vitro / Effect of activated charcoal indol and acetic acid in the development of masdevallia coccinea linden ex lindl y maxillaria nutans lindl. protocorm like bodies under in vitro

En esta investigación se pretende estimular el desarrollo de protocormos de Masdevallia coccinea y Maxillaria nutans bajo condiciones in vitro utilizando diferentes concentraciones de ácido indol acético y carbón activado. El protocolo obtenido es una alternativa de la conservación de orquídeas que se encuentran en vías de extinción, y además permite contribuir con el mejoramiento medioambiental. En la evaluación del desarrollo vegetativo bajo condiciones in vitro de los protocormos de Masdevallia coccinea y Maxillaria nutans, orquídeas en vías de extinción, se obtuvo que solamente Maxillaria nutans alcanzará su desarrollo exitoso mediante el cultivo in vitro en el medio Murashige y Skoog (1962), donde se evaluó el efecto de la interacción entre el carbón activado (0,0; 0,5, 1,0 % (p/v)) y el ácido indol acético (0,0; 0,5; 1,0 mg/L-1). El medio de cultivo empleado fue enriquecido con sacarosa al 3% y el Myo inositol al 0,1 g/L-1. Los protocormos de Masdevallia coccinea evidenciaron que se encontraban inmaduros, situación por la cual no lograron su desarrollarlo vegetativo en el experimento planteado, en atención a que se encontraban en el periodo de latencia. Por esta razón, es de gran importancia tener en cuenta que las cápsulas de las orquídeas deben estar bien maduras, a fin de garantizar que los protocormos que se forman in vitro sean maduros y completen con facilidad su morfofisiológía. Mientras que los protocormos de Maxillaria nutans dieron un mayor rendimiento en su desarrollo vegetativo. En esta investigación se determinó que el efecto de la interacción de 0,5% de carbón activado con 0,5 mg/L-1 de AIA es positivo sobre la tasa de crecimiento para el desarrollo de los protocormos de Maxillaria nutans bajo condiciones in vitro.

The evaluation of protocorms growth of Masdevallia coccinea and Maxillaria nutans under in vitro conditions, endangered orchids, it got only Maxillaria nutans reached its successful development by culture in vitro in Murashige and Skoog (1962), which evaluated the effect of the interaction between the activated carbon (0.0, 0.5, 1,0% (w / v)) and indole acetic acid (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 mg.L-1). The culture medium used was enriched with 3% sucrose and 0.1 g/L-1 Myo inositol. Protocorms of Masdevallia coccinea, showed that they were immature, state why they did not achieve their vegetative development in the experiment raised, considering that they were in the latency period. It is therefore very important to note that the capsules of the orchid should be ripe, to ensure that protocorms formed in vitro are mature and they respond with ease morphphysiology development. While protocorms of Maxillaria nutans, gave a higher yield in its vegetative development. This research found that the interaction effect of 0.5% activated carbon with 0.5 mg/L-1 of IAA is positive on the growth rate for the development of Maxillaria nutans protocorms under in vitro conditions. The protocol obtained in this investigation is an alternative of conservation of orchids that are endangered and can contribute to further environmental improvement.

Management of acute paracetamol poisoning in a tertiary care hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the management of acute paracetamol poisoning with the best evidence available, and to determine the effect of plasma paracetamol level estimation on the management. DESIGN: Descriptive study with an intervention. SETTING: Medical wards of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. PATIENTS: Patients admitted with a history of acute paracetamol poisoning. INTERVENTION: Measurement of plasma paracetamol. METHODS: Data were obtained from the patients, medical staff and medical records. Plasma paracetamol was estimated between 4-24 hours of paracetamol ingestion. The current management practices were compared with the best evidence on acute paracetamol poisoning management. RESULTS: 157 patients were included. The mean ingested dose of paracetamol was 333 mg/kg body weight. Majority of the patients (84%) were transfers. Induced emesis and activated charcoal were given to 91% of patients. N-acetylcysteine was given to 66, methionine to 55, and both to 2. Aclinically important delay in the administration of antidotes was noted; 68% of patients received antidotes after 8 hours of the acute ingestion. Only 31 (26%) had paracetamol levels above the Rumack-Matthew normogram. 74 patients received an antidote despite having a plasma paracetamol level below the toxic level according to the normogram. INTERPRETATION: Management of acute paracetamol poisoning could be improved by following best available evidence and adapting cheaper methods for plasma paracetamol estimation.

Activated charcoal and baking soda to reduce odor associated with extensive blistering disorders.

BACKGROUND: Skin disease leading to extensive blistering and loss of skin is associated with a characteristic smell. Odor can cause physiologic disturbances such as increase in heart rate and respiratory rate. It can also cause nausea and vomiting and is disturbing to bystanders. AIMS: To test odor reducing capability of activated charcoal. METHODS: In this blinded experimental study we used putrefied amniotic membrane to produce odor and studied the effectiveness of activated charcoal and soda-bi-carbonate to reduce odor. RESULTS: Statistical analysis with Kruskal Wall's Chi Square Test and Man Whitney U test showed significant reduction of odor using activated charcoal by itself or along with soda-bi-carbonate. CONCLUSION: We recommend the usage of activated charcoal with/without soda bicarbonate as an inexpensive practical measure to reduce foul odor associated with extensive skin loss.

Mushroom poisoning.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to review characteristics of mushrooms and mushroom poisoning and compare clinical picture, laboratory data, treatment modalities and prognostic factors in children with amanita intoxication and non-amanita mushroom poisoning. METHODS: We analyzed 39 pediatric patients through 1994-2004, retrospectively from the patient files and evaluated the patients in two groups as patients with amanita intoxication and patients with non-amanita mushroom poisoning. All of the cases were admitted to the hospital in autumn. Twenty three (59%) of the patients were female and 16 (41%) were male. Mean age of the patients was 8.05 +/- 2.10 years. RESULTS: Amanita phalloides toxin was detected in the serum in 8 patients. Eleven (28%) of the cases were strongly suggestive of amanita poisoning but alpha amanitin level could not be studied. The average time of appearance of symptoms after mushroom consumption, duration of symptoms, hospital stay, serum AST, ALT, PT and creatinine levels were significantly higher in patients with amanita poisoning (p<0.01). Conventional therapy, antidote therapy together with hemoperfusion were carried out in 16 (41%) of the patients. Four of the patients in whose blood amatoxin was detected (50%) and 3 of the patients highly suggestive of amanita poisoning (30%), totally 7 patients died of hepatic coma. The average time of admission to hospital, mean AST, ALT, creatinine and PT values at 3rd day were significantly higher in patients who died of hepatic coma. Prognosis was better in case of early admittance to hospital in patients with amanita poisoning. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and treatment in mushroom poisoning can be life saving. Public awareness is very important in prevention of intoxication as well as encouraging early admission to hospitals.

Activated Charcoal Suppresses Breeding of the House Dust Mite, Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus, in Culture

House dust mite sensitized asthmatics are advised to practice allergen avoidance. Charcoal pillows are used in Korea with unsubstantiated claims regarding their efficacy in alleviating asthma symptoms. We tested the effects of activated charcoal on breeding of house dust mites in culture. Twenty live adult house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) were inoculated, 10 replicates, on culture media containing 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and 20% activated charcoal and incubated at 25 degrees C and a relative humidity of 75%. After four weeks, the mean numbers of live house dust mites were 286, 176, 46, 16, 7, and 0 for the 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and 20% charcoal-containing culture media, respectively. Thus, activated charcoal suppresses breeding of house dust mites and offers a new promising method for house dust mite control.

Desenvolvimento de forma farmacêutica contendo gangliosídeo-GM1 e avaliação in vitro de sua atividade como antídoto para lítio e ferro / Development of pharmaceutical preparation containing ganglioside-GM1 and in vitro evaluation of its activaty as antidote for lithium and iron

Intoxicações constituem sério problema na prática médica, sendo que intoxicações por medicamentos, acidentais ou intencionais, são consideradas principal ocorrência em medicina. Nos casos de intoxicações orais, a conduta geral de emergência corresponde a métodos de descontaminação gastrintestinal visando a diminuição da quantidade de substância absorvida. Neste caso, destaca-se a utilização de carvão ativado como agente adsorvente. Embora seja considerado "antidoto universal", sua efetividade é reduzida ou nula em casos de intoxicações por íons, como, por exemplo, lítio e ferro...

Oxiuros, gyardias y parasitosis intestinales en general / Oxyuris, giardias and intestinal parasitosis

Se presenta una proposición de tratamiento de las PARASITOSIS, cuyo origen es un trabajo realizado por los Dres. Giúdici y Nóbile, médicos pediatras, que tienen muy buenos resultados, debiendo remarcarse su falta de toxicidad y lo barato del mismo. Y en cuanto al motivo de su repetición y comprobación por parte de un médico homeópata tiene además la intencionalidad de poner en el tapete el tema de la falsa interpretación del tan mentado, por no comprendido, problema de la supresión en el tratamiento de las ecto y endoparasitosis

El tratamiento de las intoxicaciones agudas causadas por carbamazepina, digoxina y ácido acetilsalicílico, mediante la administración de dosis repetidas de carbón activado / Treatment of acute intoxication caused by carbamazepine, digoxin and acetylsalycilic acid with repeated dose of activated charcoal

Se informa de doce pacientes pediátricos intoxicados en forma aguda, cuatro con carbamazepina, cuatro con digoxina y cuatro más con ácido acetilsalicílico. El tratamiento, además de las medidas generales de sostén y sintomáticas, consistió en la administración de dosis múltiples de carbón activado (superficie de adsorción aproximado de 950 m2/g), y un catártico salino al inicio, a la mitad y al final del tratamiento, cuya duración total fue de 24 a 36 horas. El procedimiento se consideró eficaz, pues además de la mejoría clínica de los pacientes, concomitantemente redujo las cifras plasmáticas de los fármacos responsables. Las cifras promediadas inicales de carbamazepina fueron de 21.64 ug/ml y las finales de 0.9 ug/ml, con un descenso neto de 95.8 por ciento (p<0.05). La digoxina de 5.14 y 1.1 ng/ml, con descenso de 78.6 por ciento (p<0.05), y finalmente, el ácido acetilsalicílico, cifra de 418.5 y 57.5 ug/ml respectivamente, con descenso de 86.3 por ciento (p<0.05). Estos resultados sugieren el papel del carbón activado en la depuración sistemática de los fármacos estudiados

Dermatosis perforantes: estudio casuístico y experimental / Perforating dermatoses: cases and experimental study

Los autores reprodujeron experimentalmente el proceso de eliminación transepidérmica en piel de cobayo. La técnica utilizada fue la inyección de carbón animal a nivel dérmico, en piel pilosa y glabra. Las biopsias realizadas a partir del cuarto día después del procedimiento mostraron distintos patrones de eliminación transepidérmica. En piel pilosa se observó una imagen similar a foliculitis perforante mientras que en piel glabra se reprodujo el fenómeno de la colagenosis perforante reactiva. La microscopia electrónica mostró desmosomas intactos en las zonas de extrusión y macrófagos activados con partículas de carbón intracelulares

Manejo inicial de intoxicaciones con jarabe ipeca, carbón activado y diálisis enteral / First management of ipeca syrup intoxication, active carbon and enteral dyalisis

Ya en el siglo XVI Paracelso escribió: cualquier sustancia puede ser tóxica y todo depende de la dosis administrada. La intoxicaciones son un motivo frecuente de consulta, el 82 por ciento de ellas se producen vía digestiva, el 70 por ciento del total son de tal gravedad, que requieren hospitalización y de éstas la mitad debe hacerlo en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos