This study investigated the feasibility of H2 production by acid corrosion, employing a by-product from the fertilizer industry (Hexafluorsilic acid - H2SiF6) and waste iron sources. Different masses of metal from three different sources: iron powder (waste from metal workshops), steel wool and rebar (construction waste), were reacted with various proportions of H2SiF6 with HCl. The influence of the variables was evaluated by factorial design, verifying greater production of H2 for materials with higher contact areas. The lowest production was observed for construction industry waste (rebar) probably due to the presence of protective films and lower contact area. The gas produced was analyzed by gas chromatography and was found to consist only of H2 (up to 99%) and air. The results indicate a promising application of H2SiF6, which is generated in large quantities during phosphate fertilizer production and has few commercial applications. The method proposed is promising, it does not emit toxic or polluting gases, contributing to the sustainable generation of H2.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O linfedema consiste de retenção de fluido extracelular causada por obstrução linfática. Nas formas crônicas, observa-se acúmulo de tecido adiposo e fibrose. O linfedema genital é uma doença rara em países desenvolvidos e pode ter etiologia primária ou adquirida, em geral cursando com disfunções urinária e sexual, bem como com prejuízo do convívio social. O tratamento clínico é, em geral, pouco efetivo, indicando-se com frequência a abordagem cirúrgica, com excisão da área afetada. RELATO DE CASO: Relata-se o caso de paciente feminina transgênero, encaminhada para tratamento de linfedema genital crônico. Havia antecedente pessoal de tratamento de câncer de canal anal com radioterapia pélvica e de injeções de silicone líquido em glúteos e coxas com finalidade estética. Exames radiológicos mostraram tanto sinais de infiltração tecidual por silicone líquido como granulomas e linfadenopatia como de linfedema. Foi realizado o tratamento cirúrgico da área afetada, com excisão do tecido linfadenomatoso do escroto, preservando o pênis e testículos, com resultado satisfatório. A análise histopatológica mostrou achados compatíveis com infiltração tecidual por material exógeno, bem como com linfedema crônico. CONCLUSÃO: O linfedema genital pode ser causado pela associação de lesão por injeção de silicone líquido e radioterapia na região pélvica. As decisões no tratamento de neoplasias em pacientes previamente submetidos a injeção de silicone líquido devem levar em conta esse fato, já que pode representar fator de risco para complicações de tratamento radioterápico.

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Lymphedema consists of extracellular fluid retention caused by lymphatic obstruction. In chronic forms, fat and fibrous tissue accumulation is observed. Genital lymphedema is a rare condition in developed countries and may have primary or acquired etiology. It generally leads to urinary, sexual and social impairment. Clinical treatment usually has low effectiveness, and surgical resection is frequently indicated. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a male-to-female transgender patient who was referred for treatment of chronic genital lymphedema. She had a history of pelvic radiotherapy to treat anal cancer and of liquid silicone injections to the buttock and thigh regions for esthetic purposes. Radiological examinations showed signs both of tissue infiltration by liquid silicone and of granulomas, lymphadenopathy and lymphedema. Surgical treatment was performed on the area affected, in which lymphedematous tissue was excised from the scrotum while preserving the penis and testicles, with satisfactory results. Histopathological examination showed alterations compatible with tissue infiltration by exogenous material, along with chronic lymphedema. CONCLUSION: Genital lymphedema may be caused by an association of lesions due to liquid silicone injections and radiotherapy in the pelvic region. Cancer treatment decisions for patients who previously underwent liquid silicone injection should take this information into account, since it may represent a risk factor for radiotherapy complications.

Resumo A contaminação de águas por espécies tóxicas ou recalcitrantes gera grandes impactos ambientais. Nesse contexto, os Processos Oxidativos Avançados (POAs), tecnologias que utilizam principalmente o radical hidroxila (HO●) para a oxidação dos poluentes, têm se destacado como métodos alternativos promissores no tratamento de águas residuais e efluentes industriais. Os POAs têm sido considerados uma estratégia eficaz do ponto de vista técnico, econômico e ambiental para a degradação de poluentes presentes em águas residuais e efluentes industriais, apesar de possuir limitações como alto custo das fontes de energia, desenvolvimento de novos materiais catalíticos de baixo custo e construção de reatores em escala real. Há uma grande relevância na aplicação desses processos em escala industrial mediante a otimização desses fatores de eficácia. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um levantamento bibliográfico sobre os POAs e apresentar dados a respeito da eficiência desses processos na degradação de poluentes, comparando os embasamentos teóricos e a sua aplicação industrial. Diante disso, os fundamentos e aplicações dos principais POAs (químicos, fotoquímicos, eletroquímicos, sonoquímicos, sonoeletroquímico e processos baseados em ozônio), bem como suas vantagens e desvantagens foram descritos nesta revisão da literatura.

Abstract Contamination of water by toxic and/or recalcitrant species has great environmental impacts. In this context, Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) - technologies that principally use the hydroxyl radical (HO●) for oxidation - have emerged as promising alternatives in treating urban and industrial wastewaters. This study reviewed the literature on POAs and presented data regarding the efficiency of these processes in pollutant degradation, comparing the theoretical reasoning and its industrial applications. The fundamentals and major applications of AOPs (chemical, photochemical, electrochemical, sonochemical and ozone-based processes), as well as their advantages and disadvantages, are described in this review. AOPs have been considered an effective alternative from a technical, economic and environmental viewpoint for the degradation of pollutants in effluents and industrial wastewater, despite having limitations such as high cost of available energy sources, development of new low-cost catalytic materials and construction of full-scale reactors. It is greatly important to the industrial application of AOPs to optimize the effectiveness of these factors.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: Mechanical ventilation is frequently necessary, in which case the use of an endotracheal tube is mandatory. The tube has an inflatable balloon in its distal extremity, whose aim is, among other functions, an efficient arterialization. However, serious injuries in the place of contact of the balloon with the trachea can be frequent. Some studies point out that balloons with permanent pressure may reduce this complication. Nevertheless, air scape, expressed by the inspiratory (IV) and expiratory volume (EV) variation (Δ IV-EV), may occur, possibly leading to hypoxemia. Thus, the goal of this study was to verify the efficiency of a modified endotracheal tube on arterializations compared to the traditional endotracheal tube. METHODS: The modified endotracheal tube presents intermittent insufflation, with three drillings in the internal region of the cuff, allowing for insufflation in the inspiratory phase of the mechanical ventilation. Three animals were used for the control group, with a cuff pressure of 30 cmH2O, and seven pigs had the modified endotracheal tube. Each animal was kept under mechanical ventilation (FIO2=0.21) for 6 hours. Arterial and venous gases were measured every three hours (T0; T3; T6). RESULTS: The gases confirmed the lack of hypoxia between the Groups, with a difference in the ΔIV-EV at T0 (P=0.0486). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the lack of hypoxia showed the efficiency of the modified endotracheal tube. However, new studies are necessary, particularly in diseased lungs, in order to evaluate the real efficiency of the mentioned device on the pulmonary gas exchange.

Introdução: A pressão de insuflação do balonete (cuff) do tubo endotraqueal tanto pode causar isquemia de mucosa traqueal em pressões elevadas, e assim ocasionar morbidade traqueal importante, quanto pode causar microaspiração traqueal de secreção de orofaringe ou, ainda, ocasionar pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, caso a pressão do balonete seja insuficiente. Objetivo: A fim de investigar a eficácia do balonete do tubo endotraqueal RUSCH® 7,5mm, este estudo foi desenhado para investigar aspectos físicos e mecânicos do balonete em contato com a traqueia. Métodos: Para isto, foi desenvolvido modelo experimental in vitro para avaliar o escoamento de corante (azul de metileno) pelo balonete insuflado na parede de material artificial. Também foi desenhado estudo in vivo com 12 porcos da raça Large-White sob intubação endotraqueal. Foi instilado o mesmo corante na cavidade oral do animal e após óbito (sacrifício do animal) foi analisada a presença ou não de vazamento deste na traqueia pós-região do balonete. Todos os balonetes foram insuflados na pressão de 30 cmH2O. Resultados: Houve passagem de fluidos pelo balonete em todos os modelos experimentais in vitro e in vivo. Conclusão: Podemos concluir que, assim como diversos outros modelos de balonetes na literatura, balonetes do tubo RUSCH® 7,5mm também não são capazes de vedar completamente a traqueia e com isso prevenir aspiração de secreções orofaríngeas. Outras medidas para a prevenção devem ser tomadas.

Introduction: The inflation pressure of the endotracheal tube cuff can cause ischemia of the tracheal mucosa at high pressures; thus, it can cause important tracheal morbidity and tracheal microaspiration of the oropharyngeal secretion, or it can even cause pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation if the pressure of the cuff is insufficient. Objective: In order to investigate the effectiveness of the RUSCH® 7.5 mm endotracheal tube cuff, this study was designed to investigate the physical and mechanical aspects of the cuff in contact with the trachea. Methods: For this end, we developed an in vitro experimental model to assess the flow of dye (methylene blue) by the inflated cuff on the wall of the artificial material. We also designed an in vivo study with 12 Large White pigs under endotracheal intubation. We instilled the same dye in the oral cavity of the animals, and we analyzed the presence or not of leakage in the trachea after the region of the cuff after their deaths (animal sacrifice). All cuffs were inflated at the pressure of 30 cmH2O. Results: We observed the passage of fluids through the cuff in all in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Conclusion: We conclude that, as well as several other cuff models in the literature, the RUSCH® 7.5 mm tube cuffs are also not able to completely seal the trachea and thus prevent aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. Other prevention measures should be taken.