The environmental quality of sediments of rivers near prospection areas of semiprecious rocks.

Mineral exploration areas are recognized for negatively affecting site environmental quality. The recent contaminations in the cities of Brumadinho, Mariana, Santo Antônio do Grama (Minas Gerais), and Barcarena (Pará) point to the seriousness of this issue in Brazil. However, studies on the influence of mining tailings from the extraction of semiprecious rocks on the quality of the sediments of water systems are rare. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of mining activities (amethyst, quartz, agate, calcite, and gypsum) on the quality of the sediments of Rio de Várzea, southern Brazil, the biggest region of amethyst rock extraction in the world. The concentrations of the chemical species Al2O3, SiO2, P2O5, K2O, CaO, TiO2, Fe2O3, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Zr, Ba, Cd, and Pb were determined by the technique energy-dispersive X-ray emission spectrometry (EDXRF). In the study, moderate contamination of the sediments of the Várzea River was demonstrated by means of background strategies (contamination factor, enrichment factor, and geoaccumulation index). Statistical analysis with the use of ANOVA, Tukey test, and principal component analysis revealed significant differences of concentrations of the chemical species of the sediments at the exit of the mining zone in relation to the other study areas.

Pain management in burn patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite advances, inappropriate analgesic treatment for burn patients is still seen. The objective of this review was to collect data on pain management in burn patients. CONTENT: We reviewed the mechanisms of pain, burn patient assessment, as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. CONCLUSION: Pain management in burn patients is still a challenge for the multidisciplinary team. Frequent and continuous evaluation of the patient's response is very important due to the various stages that the hospitalized burn patient goes through, as well as a combination therapy with analgesic and non-pharmacological measures. Understanding the complexity of the pathophysiological, psychological, and biochemical changes a burn patient presents is the first step to achieve success in analgesic management.

Pain management in burn patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite advances, inappropriate analgesic treatment for burn patients is still seen. The objective of this review was to collect data on pain management in burn patients. CONTENT: We reviewed the mechanisms of pain, burn patient assessment, as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. CONCLUSION: Pain management in burn patients is still a challenge for the multidisciplinary team. Frequent and continuous evaluation of the patient's response is very important due to the various stages that the hospitalized burn patient goes through, as well as a combination therapy with analgesic and non-pharmacological measures. Understanding the complexity of the pathophysiological, psychological, and biochemical changes a burn patient presents is the first step to achieve success in analgesic management.