Multiple environmental problems are caused by the accumulation of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in river water on its way to the ocean. The objective of this work was to determine the N and P loads in 12 hydrographic basins that flow into estuaries along the northeastern coast of Brazil using established methods. Additionally, natural and anthropogenic loads trends in the hydrographic basins of 12 tropical rivers in northeastern Brazil over 27 years (1990-2016) were evaluated. The results indicated an annual average increase of +1.1% in population density, while precipitation showed no significant trend. The anthropogenic loads were 21 and 112 times higher than natural inputs for N and P, respectively. Anthropogenic sources accounted for ~ 96% of all contributions. The positive trends of these loads (mainly wastewater) represented an annual average increase of 1.1% for N and 1.2% for P, for all river basins included in this study. These percentages represent average annual loads of 251 t N yr-1 and 54.8 t P yr-1. The time series of N and P in the study region showed trends that point to a constant increase, implying a greater contribution of these loads to the adjacent coastal region year after year.

Abstract Background: Urethroplasty management of urethral stricture is a fundamental surgical option, and comparing urethroplasty with oral mucosal graft with end-to-end urethroplasty is important to know the difference between both techniques. Objective: To compare urethroplasty with oral mucosal graft with end-to-end urethroplasty in patients with urethral stricture type Jordan C, D and E. Method: Quasi-experiment performed in patients with anterior urethral stricture operated with urethroplasty with end-to-end anastomosis or with oral mucosal graft. Results: Twenty-nine patients with a mean age of 50.7 years, 6 diabetic, 9 hypertensive, mean stenosis length of 3.6 cm, 10 with end-to-end urethroplasty (group 1) and 19 operated with urethroplasty with buccal mucosa (group 2). The average preoperative International Prostatic Symptom Index was severe in most patients (93%). There was significant improvement postoperatively in both groups (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0011), as well as in uroflowmetric results (p = 0.0046 and p = 0.00062). Conclusions: Both procedures achieved significant improvements in urinary symptomatology at 6 months compared to preoperative values.

Resumen Antecedentes: El manejo con uretroplastía de la estenosis uretral es una opción quirúrgica fundamental, y comparar la uretroplastía con injerto de mucosa oral con la uretroplastía término-terminal tiene trascendencia para conocer la diferencia entre ambas técnicas. Objetivo: Comparar la uretroplastía con injerto de mucosa oral con la uretroplastía término-terminal en pacientes con estenosis uretral tipo Jordan C, D y E. Método: Cuasiexperimento realizado en pacientes con estenosis uretral anterior operados de uretroplastía con anastomosis término-terminal o con injerto de mucosa bucal. Resultados: Veintinueve pacientes con una media de edad de 50.7 años, 6 diabéticos, 9 hipertensos, longitud media de la estenosis de 3.6 cm, 19 operados con uretroplastía termino-terminal (grupo 1) y uretroplastía con mucosa bucal (grupo 2). El Índice Internacional de Síntomas Prostáticos promedio preoperatorio fue grave en la mayoría de los pacientes (93%). Hubo mejoría significativa en el posoperatorio en ambos grupos (p = 0.0001 y p = 0.0011), así como en los resultados uroflujométricos (p = 0.0046 y p = 0.00062). Conclusiones: Ambos procedimientos lograron mejorías significativas en la sintomatología urinaria a los 6 meses en comparación con los valores preoperatorios.

Resumen La mucosectomía endoscópica ha probado ser una alternativa efectiva para el tratamiento del cáncer gástrico temprano; sin embargo, se requiere de un seguimiento estricto para asegurar una conducta de manejo adecuada en caso de recurrencia. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 54 años, con hallazgo incidental de un carcinoma gástrico temprano, a quien se le realizó mucosectomía endoscópica, con un reporte final de histopatología compatible con adenocarcinoma gástrico temprano y márgenes de resección negativos, con un seguimiento endoscópico e histopatológico a 2 meses negativos para malignidad.

Abstract Endoscopic mucosal resection has proven to be an effective alternative for the treatment of early gastric cancer. However, strict follow-up is necessary to ensure adequate management in the event of recurrence. This is the case of a 54-year-old patient with an incidental finding of early gastric carcinoma. He underwent endoscopic mucosal resection, with a final histopathology report compatible with early gastric adenocarcinoma and negative resection margins. Endoscopic and histopathological follow-up at 2 months showed negative results for malignancy.

RESUMEN. Este artículo aborda el tema de la participación de las fuerzas armadas en tareas de seguridad pública a partir del análisis de los casos latinoamericanos de México, Colombia y Perú. Actualmente varios países emplean sus fuerzas armadas como apoyo a la policía o les asignan una función directa, especialmente cuando la policía es sobrepasada o hay graves problemas de corrupción institucional. Cada país es soberano en esta asignación de roles, pero en situaciones de crisis política y social se recurre a ellas sin contar siempre con un marco legal que respalde las decisiones. Este artículo analiza la posibilidad de que las fuerzas armadas combatan las nuevas amenazas en seguridad a partir de estos tres casos, y explica los pros y contras de esta alternativa.

ABSTRACT. This article analyzes cases in Latin America of Mexico, Colombia, and Peru to understand the participation of the armed forces in public security efforts. Currently, various countries employ their armed forces to support the police. Especially when the police are overwhelmed, or there are serious problems of institutional corruption, they are assigned a direct role. Although each country has the sovereignty to assign these roles, in situations of political and social crisis, they are ascribed without having a legal framework to support the decisions. This article analyses the possibility of the armed forces combating new security threats based on these three cases. It also explains the pros and cons of this alternative.

Abstract Suction caissons are used to fix submarine systems of production into the seafloor for exploding hydrocarbons. The foundations of submarine systems are subjected to combined or multiaxial loading, which consists in applying combinations of horizontal and vertical loading (H,V) with driving moments (M). The main objective of this research work was to estimate numerically the combined capacity by means of failure envelopes of a suction pile installed in normally consolidated soil and subjected to combined loading applied at the head. The failure envelope represents the boundary of the combination of loading that the pile-soil can withstand. Finite element program ANSYS® 14.5 was used to model the caisson-soil system and evaluate the capacity of the caissons subjected to 17 combinations of HM failure loading and 22 linked values of VM maximum loading. Each numerical result permit to conform failure surfaces, which for the HM capacity exhibit rotated elliptical shapes with clear symmetry, while failure envelopes of the MV plane exhibit thong-shape failure and are clearly non-symmetrical. In this research, the pure compressional capacity was 72% higher than the pure extensional capacity. The mechanisms of failure of the caissons loaded at the head meet very well with the modes reported in the oil industry. Caissons subjected to horizontal loading in positive convention (applied from left to right direction) and clockwise moment exhibited “external-scoop” mechanisms, while caisson under positive lateral loading and counter-clockwise moments might experience translational or rotational failure mechanisms. Finally, this research work permits to quantify the impact of the variation of the mechanical properties of the soil on the caisson capacity as well as the type and size of the failure modes of the foundation.

Resumen Los pilotes de succión son utilizados para fijar a los sistemas submarinos de producción en el lecho marino para explotar hidrocarburos costa afuera. Las cimentaciones de los sistemas submarinos están sujetos a carga combinada que consiste en aplicar combinaciones de carga lateral y vertical (H,V) así como momentos (M). El principal objetivo de este trabajo de investigación fue estimar numéricamente la capacidad de carga combinada por medio de superficies de falla de un pilote de succión instalado en suelo fino normalmente consolidado, sujeto a carga combinada aplicada en la cabeza. La superficie de falla representa la frontera de la máxima carga que puede soportar un pilote de succión. Se utilizó el programa de elemento finito ANSYS® 14.5 para modelar el sistema pilote-suelo y evaluar la capacidad de carga de los pilotes sujetos a 17 combinaciones de carga máxima HM y 22 combinaciones de solicitaciones de falla MV. Cada resultado numérico contribuye a conformar las superficies de falla, en el plano HM se presentan superficies de falla simétricas con forma de elipses rotadas, mientras que las envolventes en el espacio MV exhiben formas tipo “lengua” no simétricas. En esta investigación, la capacidad a la compresión pura fue 72% mayor que la capacidad en extensión. Los mecanismos de falla de pilotes con carga aplicada en la cabeza coinciden con los reportados por la industria petrolera. Los pilotes bajo carga horizontal pura en convención positiva (dirección de izquierda a derecha) o únicamente bajo momentos en sentido de las manecillas del reloj pueden exhibir mecanismos de falla tipo “cuchara-externa”, mientras que pilotes sujetos a carga lateral positiva y simultáneamente momentos opuestos a las manecillas del reloj pueden exhibir modos de falla de traslación o rotación. Finalmente, esta investigación permite cuantificar el impacto de la variación de las propiedades mecánicas del suelo sobre la capacidad de carga combinada de pilotes de succión, así como el tipo y tamaño de los mecanismos de falla de este tipo de cimentación.

Abstract: This paper focused on the use of the biogeochemical LOICZ (Land Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone) to investigate the dynamics of DIN and DIP nutrients among three highly urbanized tropical estuaries (Barra das Jangadas (BJ), Recife (RE) and Timbó (TB)), located in the northeastern region of Brazil. The input data were obtained through in situ measurements (2007) and governmental agency databases (2001-2007). The balances of the non-conservative elements showed that the RE and TB systems alternated between sources and sinks during the observation periods (0.2-0.8 mmoles DIP m-2 d-1 and 0.1-10 mmoles DIN m-2 d-1). The metabolism rates in the systems indicated that the BJ system was autotrophic during the two observation periods (10-26 mmoles C m-2 d-1), while the RE system was heterotrophic (9-12 mmoles C m-2 d-1). The river discharge rates observed during the period 2001-2007 showed averages ranging from 9.4±3.8 to 18.4±7.7 m3s-1. Measurements of the trophic status in the RE system during 2007 characterized the system as eutrophic, thereby demonstrating high levels of chlorophyll-a and inorganic nutrients. The applications of balance sheets modeling proved to be very useful toward understanding the dynamics of estuarine systems dominated by large urban centers.

Resumo A suscetibilidade dos ambientes costeiros às mudanças nos ciclos biogeoquímicos do carbono e nutrientes impulsionados pela pressão antrópica e mudanças climáticas é um verdadeiro desafio para a comunidade científica. Este artigo avaliou os efeitos de um evento de precipitação extrema sobre os parâmetros de oxigênio, nutrientes e do sistema carbonato em dois estuários tropicais poluídos. As amostras de água superficial foram retiradas sazonalmente ao longo de um gradiente de salinidade nos estuários do Capibaribe e Barra de Jangadas, a fim de investigar a variabilidade espacial e sazonal dos nutrientes dissolvidos, clorofila-a, oxigênio dissolvido, alcalinidade total, carbono inorgânico, pressão parcial de CO2 (pCO2) e fluxos de CO2. O aumento da influência ribeirinha causada pelas inundações fluviais durante a estação de precipitação extrema aumentou as concentrações de nitrogênio nas plumas dos estuários, que também apresentaram valores reduzidos de salinidade, alcalinidade e oxigênio dissolvido. Na pluma do Capibaribe o valor médio de fluxo de CO2 também mudou, passou de - 4,01 mmolC m-2 d-1 durante a estação seca, para um fluxo médio positivo de + 5,7 mmolC m-2 d-1 durante a estação chuvosa. Dentro dos estuários, os valores de BOD5,20 e fosfato dissolvido foram maiores durante a estação seca (p<0,0001) e apresentaram correlação positiva com os blooms fitoplanctônicos que atingiram um valor de chl-a de 85 mg m-3 no Capibaribe. A alta alcalinidade encontrada em ambos os estuários, com valores médios entre estações seca e chuvosa, respectivamente, de 1808 a 1373 µmol kg-1 no estuário Capibaribe e 1616 a 1058 µmol kg-1 no estuário Barra de Jangadas, pode atuar como um amortecedor para o processo de acidificação costeira devido à eutrofização. O aumento da descarga dos rios levou a um maior transporte de matéria orgânica e nutrientes para o litoral, diminuindo a disponibilidade de oxigênio e deslocando o estado metabólico da pluma estuarina para heterotrófico, enquanto aumentou a qualidade da água dentro dos estuários devido ao aumento de descarga promovido pela precipitação extrema.

Abstract The susceptibility of coastal environments to shifts in the biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nutrients driven by anthropogenic pressure and climate change is a real challenge for the scientific community. This paper evaluated the effects of an extreme rainfall event over the nutrients and carbonate parameters in two polluted tropical estuaries. Surface water samples were taken seasonally along a salinity gradient in the Capibaribe and Barra de Jangadas estuaries in order to investigate the spatial and seasonal variability of dissolved nutrients, chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, inorganic carbon, partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and CO2 fluxes. The increased riverine influence caused by the fluvial flooding during the extremely rainy season augmented the nitrogen concentrations in the plumes, which also presented reduced salinity, alkalinity and dissolved oxygen values. In the Capibaribe plume it has also shifted the mean CO2 flux value of - 4.01 mmolC m-2 d-1 during the dry season, to a positive mean flux of + 5.7 mmolC m-2 d-1 during the rainy season. Within the estuaries the BOD5,20 and dissolved phosphorus values were higher during the dry season (p<0.0001), they showed positive correlation with the phytoplanktonic blooms that reached a chl-a value of 85 mg m-3 in the Capibaribe. The high alkalinity found in both estuaries, with mean values between dry and wet seasons respectively from 1808 to 1373 µmol kg-1 in the Capibaribe estuary and 1616 to 1058 µmol kg-1 in Barra de Jangadas estuary, may act as a buffer to the process of coastal acidification due to eutrophication. The increased rivers discharge lead to a greater transport of organic matter and nutrients to the coast, decreasing the oxygen availability and shifting the metabolic status of the estuarine plume to heterotrophic, whereas increased the water quality within the estuaries due the flushing promoted by the extreme rainfall event.

Nine surface water surveys were performed in the Formoso estuary (Brazil) during 2012-2013 mainly in summer and winter periods and during spring tide. Temporal variations of temperature, salinity, phosphate, silicate, total alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon, partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and water-air CO2 fluxes were analyzed. Low rates of water-air CO2 fluxes (4.7 ± 8.0 mmol C m-2 d-1) were estimated despite the different climate conditions. pCO2 values ranged from 190 to 988 matm. These values are lower than those observed in other tropical estuaries. CO2 fluxes presented in this study contribute to the characterization of humid tropical estuarine systems, thus filling an important geographical information gap.

Este trabalho se focalizou na dinâmica de nutrientes de um estuário tropical na costa nordeste brasileira, usando o protocolo LOICZ de balanços biogeoquímicos. Nós descrevemos a metodologia e os pressupostos subjacentes a este modelo. Os dados de entrada (precipitação e evaporação mensal, vazão do rio, e as concentrações de sal, fósforo e nitrogênio) foram obtidos durante as campanhas de campo no estuário de Barra das Jangadas - Brasil durante um período de 5 anos (1999 a 2003). Os resultados indicam grandes entradas de nutrientes ao sistema. O modelo mostrou que a variação sazonal do Metabolismo do Ecosistema (NEM) indica que o sistema passa de uma fase de produção de líquido da matéria orgânica, durante a estação seca (-0,5 mmoles C m-2 d-1) para uma mineralização líquida durante a estação chuvosa (-19 mmol m-2 C d-1). Sugerimos que o sistema varia ligeiramente entre autotrófica e heterotrófica durante o ano, devido ao regime de chuvas, as atividades antrópicas na bacia (densidade populacional e as plantações de cana de açúcar), e as cargas ribeirinhas de DIP associadas. A alta carga de N e P per capita, indica uma alta densidade populacional e um alto runoff. A aplicação da modelagem de balanço de fluxos foi útil para o entendimento da dinâmica de nutrientes em um pequeno estuário tipicamente tropical

This paper focuses on the nutrient dynamics of a tropical estuary on the northeastern Brazilian coast, studied using the LOICZ biogeochemical budgeting protocol. We describe the methodology and assumptions underlying this model. Input data (monthly for rainfall, evaporation, river discharge, and concentrations of salt, phosphorus and nitrogen) were obtained during field campaigns in the Barra das Jangadas Estuary (BJE) over a 5 years period (1999 to 2003). Mass balance results indicate large inputs of nutrients to the system. The model shows that the seasonal variation of the Net Ecosystem Metabolism (NEM) indicates that the system passes from a stage of organic matter liquid production and mineralization during the dry season (-0.5 mmoles C m-2 d-1) to liquid mineralization during the rainy season (-19 mmoles C m-2 d-1). We suggest that the system varies slightly between autotrophy and heterotrophy during the year due to the rainfall regime, human activities in the basin (density population and sugarcane plantations), and associated DIP riverine loads. High per capita loads of N and P indicate a high population density and high runoff. The application of flux balance modeling was useful to understand the nutrient dynamics of this typical small tropical estuary

ABSTRACT This paper presents a hydrobiological time series at Barra de Jangadas estuary in Northeastern Brazil. Studies were carried out during seven consecutive days from a spring to a neap tide, in one fixed station during the dry (January) and rainy (July) seasons, in 2001. The meteorology (rainfall, evaporation, wind intensity), hydrology (temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen-DO and relative saturation, BOD5, nutrients (NH3+NH4, NO2-, NO3-, PO4-3, SiO2)), bathymetry, current intensity and, chlorophyll-α, were studied. The principal component analysis (PCA) explained 80% of the total variance showing an inverse relationship between nutrients and DO, salinity and pH. This analysis showed a positive correlation between low tide and nutrients, indicating anthropogenic pollution. The water temperature presented low seasonal variation, similar to chlorophyll-α, which presented values over 20 mg m-3, characterizing a eutrophic environment. Higher salt concentrations were registered during the dry season with no vertical stratification. DO varied significantly in both seasons. Total dissolved inorganic nitrogen and dissolved inorganic Phosphorus values in July were in general 2 to 5 times higher than values registered in January, respectively. The average N/P ratio varied from 35:1 in January to 8:1 in July, being both phosphate and nitrogen limiting for phytoplankton growth. Night/day differences showed that in January, ammonia decreased in higher proportion than the other nitrogen compounds indicating assimilation by the autotrophic organisms during the day.

RESUMEN Este trabajo muestra los resultados de series temporales en el estuario de Barra de Jangadas en el Noreste de Brasil. El estudio fue realizado durante siete días consecutivos desde una marea de sicigia a una de cuadratura, en una estación fija durante el periodo seco (enero) y lluvioso (julio), en 2001. Se analizaron parámetros meteorológicos (precipitación pluviométrica, evaporación, intensidad de los vientos), hidrológicos (temperatura, salinidad, pH, oxígeno disuelto-OD y tasa de saturación, DBO5, nutrientes (NH3+NH4, NO2-, NO3- , PO4-3, SiO2)), batimetría, intensidad de las corrientes y clorofila-α. El análisis de componentes principales (ACP), explicó el 80% de la varianza total, mostrando una relación inversa entre nutrientes y OD, salinidad y pH. Este análisis mostró una correlación positiva entre la bajamar y los nutrientes, indicativo de polución de origen antropogénica. La temperatura del agua varió poco estacionalmente, similar a la clorofila-α que caracterizó un ambiente eutrófico con valores superiores a 20 mg m-3. Mayores concentraciones de sal ocurrieron en el mes estival y sin mostrar estratificación vertical. El oxígeno disuelto varió significativamente entre ambos períodos. Los valores totales de nitrógeno y fósforo inorgánico disuelto en julio fueron en promedio 2 y 5 veces superiores a los de enero, respectivamente. Las medias de N:P variaron de 35:1 en enero a 8:1 en julio, siendo ambos, el fosfato y el nitrógeno limitantes para el crecimiento del fitoplancton. Diferencias día/noche evidenciaron que, en enero, el amonio decreció en mayor proporción que el resto de los compuestos nitrogenados, indicativo de la asimilación por los organismos autotróficos durante el día.

Se demuestra en este trabajo que la privación de tiamina determina un discreto aumento de la sensibilidad del organismo a la cocaína; y que la administración cotidiana de coca en las palomas sometidas a dieta sir. tiamina agrava los síntomas avitaminósicos.

The action of cocaine on the resistance to fatigue has been studied on a group of dogs by means of a swimming test. The following have been the results: 1. A cocaine dose of 4 mgrs. per Kgr. administered subcutaneously, increases the resistance to fatigue. The increments in the activity period fluctuate between 69 and 150 % of the control activity period. 2. A cocaine dose of 8 mgrs. per Kgr. also increases the resistance to fatigue (increments from 3.9 to 75 % ), but the results are inferior to the results obtained with the first dose. 3. It was observed that while the untreated dogs try to evade the work imposed on them, the cocaine treated dogs do their work without attempting to evade it. 4. A caffeine dose of 10 mgr. per Kgr. increases the resistance to fatigue. The increments in the activity period fluctuate from 36.6 to 103 % of the control activity period. 5. A cardiazole dose of 5 mgrs. per Kgr. does not modify the resistance to fatigue.

Se ha estudiado la acción de la cocaína sobre la resistencia a la fatiga en un grupo de perros, empleando como test un ejercicio de natación. Los resultados son los siguientes : 1. A la dosis de 4 mgr. x Kgr. por vía subcutánea la cocaína aumentó en los animales estudiados la resistencia a la fatiga, con una sola excepción. Los incrementos del período de actividad fluctúan entre 69 y 150%. 2. A la dosis de 8 mgr. x Kgr. la cocaína también aumenta la resistencia a la fatiga, pero los resultados son inferiores a la primera dosis (3.9 a 75 % ). 3. Se observó que mientras los perros en los experimentos de control tratan de escapar del trabajo que se les impone, el perro cocainizado realiza este trabajo sin realizar ninguna tentativa de evasión. 4. La cafeína, a la dosis de 8 mgr. x Kgr., aumenta la resistencia a la fatiga. Los incrementos del período de actividad fluctúan entre 36.6 y 103 %. 5. El cardiazol a la dosis de 5 mgr. x Kgr. no modifica la resistencia a la fatiga.

Rhythmic movements of flexion and extension of the extremities (stepping movements) were studied in decerebrated cats by means of longitudinal median section and unilateral ablation or hemiablation of the brain stem and hypothalamus. The following results were observed : 1. Longitudinal median section does not alter the coordination of movements. 2. Unilateral ablation of the brain stem and hypothalamus weakens the energy of the movements of the extremities on the side of the ablation. The alteration occurs principally in the movements of flexion of the distal segments of the extremities of the same side, but the rhythmicity of the proximal segments remains. 3. Destruction of the superior and inferior colliculus does not alter the rhythmicity, but destruction of the region situated between right and left colliculus definitely does destroy rhythmicity. 4. In accordans with the results obtained with these experiments, an explanation of the neurophysiological mechanism of rhythmic movements is offered.

Se han estudiado los movimientos rítmicos de flexión y extensión de las extremidades (movimientos de la marcha) en gatos descerebrados con sección longitudinal mediana o con ablación unilateral o hemiablación del tallo cerebral. Los resultados fueron los siguientes : 1. La sección longitudinal mediana no altera la coordinación de los movimientos. 2. La hemiablación longitudinal o ablación unilateral del tallo cerebral debilita la intensidad de los movimientos en los miembros del lado de la ablación, pero no los suprime. Se debilitan, y en algunos casos hasta se extinguen, principalmente los movimientos de flexión de los segmentos distales de los miembros del lado de la hemiablación, sin modificarse la ritmicidad de los segmentos proximales. 3. La destrucción de los tubérculos cuadrigéminos no altera la ritmicidad. La destrucción de la substancia intercolicular la suprime definitivamente. 4. De acuerdo a los resultados experimentales se ofrece una explicación del mecanismo neurofisiológico de los movimientos rítmicos.