SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a clinical disease correlated with a deficiency of insulin secretion or action.It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The global burden of diabetes is rising dueto increasing obesity and population aging. Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common microbial infections knownto affect the different parts of the urinary tract accounting for major antibacterial drug consumption. About 150million UTI cases were diagnosed every year. Urinary tract infections are the most important and most commonsite of infections in a diabetic patient. Diabetic patients have been found to have a 5-fold frequency of acutepyelonephritis at autopsy than non-diabetics. Most of the urinary tract infections in patients with diabetes arerelatively asymptomatic. The presence of this syndrome predisposes to much more severe infections,particularly in patients with acute ketoacidosis, poor diabetic control, diabetic complications such as neuropathy,vasculopathy, and nephropathy. The Gram-negative aerobic bacilli are the large group of bacterial pathogensthat cause UTI with few species of Gram-positive bacteria. However, some fungi, parasites, and viruses havealso been reported to invade the urinary tract. Urinary tract infection affects women more than men due toseveral factors such as proximity of the genital tract to the urethra, anatomy of the female urethra, sexualactivity, menopause, and pregnancy. Other possible risk factors of UTI include allergy, obesity, diabetes, pasthistory of UTI, contraceptive use, catheter use, and family history. 

Background: This study explores the potential use of biomass residues from soybean pressing via static pyrolysis to produce carbonaceous materials for pesticide adsorption. It emphasizes concerns regarding the environmental impact of agroindustrial waste and the persistent nature of pesticides in soil and water systems. Aims: To investigate the efficacy of biochar obtained from soybean waste in adsorbing pesticides. Specifically, to analyze the gas products generated during pyrolysis and characterize the obtained carbonaceous material for its adsorption capabilities. Methods: Soybean residue underwent static pyrolysis at various temperatures and durations. Gas analysis utilizing FTIR spectroscopy identified the gaseous products generated during the pyrolysis process. The obtained biochar underwent successive washes and characterization through FTIR spectra comparison with commercial activated carbon. Through absorption assays, using UV-VIS spectroscopy, investigations were conducted on the solid biocarbon fractions to evaluate their capacity for absorbing pesticides. Results: Gas Analysis: The study revealed the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and highlighted the prevalence of mono-carbon compounds with increased temperature and pyrolysis time. The analysis demonstrated consistent carbon mass percentages across different reaction conditions. Characterization of Biochar: Comparison with activated carbon indicated structural similarities with heightened intensity in certain bands, suggesting the presence of incomplete cellulose cracking in the obtained biochar. Regarding the Chlorothalonil, Atrazine and DIcamba remotion, notably, the concentration of Chlorothalonil in a 7:3 water: acetonitrile solution decreases by 77 % through adsorption on the carbons. Discussion: The investigation examined the adsorption efficiency of the biochar for Chlorothalonil, Atrazine, and Dicamba from aqueous solutions. Chlorothalonil exhibited substantial retention by the biochar, while Atrazine showed comparatively lower adsorption effectiveness. Remarkably, Dicamba did not demonstrate retention by either the biochar or activated carbon. Conclusion: The study underscores the potential of pyrolyzed soybean waste for pesticide adsorption, particularly highlighting Chlorothalonil's strong affinity with the carbonaceous structure. Further research is needed to optimize adsorption properties and explores potential enhancements of these materials through additional treatment methods, offering promising avenues for environmental remediation.

Background: Due to population growth and increased use of water resources, there has been a need to implement management measures to control and monitor river parameters. Aims: This study aims to demonstrate the application of mathematical modeling using the QUAL-UFMG model for studying nitrogen concentration in the Paraíba do Sul River located in Volta Redonda. Methods: Through mathematical modeling, it is possible to identify areas of greater impact, evaluate the effectiveness of control measures, and propose a strategy to improve water quality and preserve the balance of local aquatic ecosystems. Results: The results obtained during the study showed that the nitrogen parameters and their derivatives are within the pre-established limits set by CONAMA. Discussion: During the modeling, it was observed that there is a tendency for nitrate levels to increase along the points, indicating good self-purification of the river. Organic nitrogen values increase along the points, which is due to the contribution of sewage discharge along the course of the river, as organic nitrogen and ammonia have a physiological origin in domestic sewage. Conclusions: Through the QUAL-UFMG model, it was possible to validate the conducted analyses and create future projections of the water quality in the Paraíba do Sul River along the studied points.