Terapia de remediación cognitiva en bulimia nerviosa: Un estudio de caso / Cognitive remediation therapy in bulimia nervosa: A case study

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una evaluación preliminar de la terapia de remediación cognitiva (TRE) en una paciente con bulimia nerviosa (BN). Bajo un diseño pre-post-tratamiento, la paciente (20 años de edad e índice de masa corporal [IMC] de 22.41) completó cuatro pruebas neuropsicológicas, tres medidas de síntomas de BN y dos de sintomatología psiquiátrica (depresión y ansiedad). Con base a las puntuaciones pre y post TRE fue calculado el cambio clínico objetivo (CCO). Los principales efectos neuropsicológicos se registraron en: flexibilidad de pensamiento, proceso visocontructivo, coherencia central y planificación (CCO = 0.39-0.99). También se identificaron cambios relevantes en las medidas de sintomatología psiquiátrica y de BN (CCO = 0.53-0.88), no así en el IMC. Este estudio suma evidencias respecto a la utilidad de la CRT en el tratamiento multidisciplinario, ya no solo de la anorexia nerviosa, sino que extiende su aplicabilidad a la BN.

Abstract The aim of this study was to perform a preliminary evaluation of cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) in a patient with bulimia nervosa (BN). The participant was 20 years old with a 22.41kg/m2 body mass index (BMI). Under a pre-post treatment design, the patient was administered four neuropsychological tests, three measures of BN symptoms and two of psychiatric symptomatology (depression and anxiety). Based on the pre and post CRT scores, the objective clinical change (OCC) was calculated. The main neuropsychological effects were observed in cognitive flexibility, visoconstructive processing (memory and central coherence) and working memory (OCC = 0,39-0,99). Relevant changes were also identified in the measures of psychiatric symptomatology and BN (OCC = 0,53-0,88), with no change in BMI. This study adds evidence regarding the usefulness of CRT in the multidisciplinary treatment not only of anorexia nervosa, but also extends its applicability to another eating disorder, BN.

Psychoeducational module on Neurocognitive impairments - Mild and Severe. Module of the neuropsychological intervention program for the elderly, REHACOG / Módulo Psicoeducativo sobre Transtornos Neurocognitivos - Leve e Maior. Módulo do programa de intervenção neuropsicológica para o idoso, REHACOG

Objective The purpose is to present a neuropsychological intervention program, aimed at the broader person, the Psychoeducation Module, directed fundamentally at one's support network, family members and even intervention agents. Method The Cognitive Rehabilitation Program, given the acronym REHACOG, can work as a remedial and/or preventive tool that is very structured but flexible and complete because it includes varied tasks that promote multiple cognitive, linguistic and socio-emotional processes. REHACOG has an active character, also having a module more oriented to information and awareness for all the themes inherent to the larger individuals, potentially more oriented to caregivers or the elderly support network. Results Emphasizing this last topic, which has not yet been disseminated, which is the main objective of this article, we present the training module and the psychoeducational module, which includes six rubrics that cover topics ranging from conceptualization(s) of dementia, neurocognitive disorders, to symptomatology, assessment, intervention, caregivers and their roles, and response resources. Conclusion Although this material has not yet been published and disseminated, we expect to use and test it very soon.We look forward to its usefulness among professionals and future professionals in the area.

Objetivo Apresentar um programa de intervenção neuropsicológica, orientado para a pessoa maior, especificamente, o módulo Psicoeducação, vocacionado, fundamentalmente, para a sua rede de suporte, familiares e mesmo agentes interventores. Método O Programa de Reabilitação Cognitiva, com acrónimo REHACOG, pode funcionar enquanto ferramenta remediativa e/ou preventiva, bastante estruturado, mas flexível, porque inclui inúmeras e variadas tarefas promotoras de múltiplos processos cognitivos, linguísticos e socio emocionais. Genericamente, o REHACOG tem caráter ativo, possuindo, também, um módulo mais orientado para a informação, divulgação e sensibilização para todas as temáticas inerentes aos indivíduos maiores, potencialmente, mais orientado para os cuidadores ou rede de suporte dos idosos. Resultados Enfatizando este último tópico, ainda não disseminado, maior objetivo do presente artigo, temos o módulo informativo/formativo, Módulo Psicoeducativo, que contempla seis rubricas que perpassam tópicos desde a concetualização(ões) de demência, os transtornos neurocognitivos, à sintomatologia, à avaliação, à intervenção, aos cuidadores e seus papéis e aos recursos de resposta. Conclusão Embora este material ainda não esteja publicado e disseminado, contamos vir a utilizá-lo e a testá-lo muito em breve. Almejamos a sua utilidade junto de profissionais e futuros profissionais da área.

Programa de intervención con la técnica de cloze: Elaboración y Significancia Clínica / Programa de intervenção com a técnica de cloze: elaboração e significância clínica / Intervention program with the cloze technique: elaboration and clinical significance

RESUMO A hipótese deste estudo está pautada no fato de que um programa de remediação com a Técnica de Cloze, nivelado por diferentes graus de dificuldades, pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento da compreensão leitora de escolares com dificuldades de compreensão leitora. Sendo assim, objetivou-se elaborar este programa e analisar a significância clínica. Para isto, elaborou-se um programa de intervenção por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica e após foi realizado um estudo piloto e aplicado em 28 escolares ensino fundamental I, divididos em Grupo I Estudo (escolares com dificuldade em texto narrativo submetidos à intervenção); Grupo I Controle (escolares com dificuldade em texto narrativo não submetidos à intervenção); Grupo II Estudo (escolares com dificuldade em texto expositivo submetidos à intervenção); Grupo II Controle (escolares com dificuldade em texto expositivo não submetidos à intervenção). Os resultados analisados pelo Método JT apontaram mudança confiável positiva e com significância clínica para escolares do Grupo I Estudo, e de forma significativa para escolares do Grupo II Estudo.

RESUMEN La hipótesis de este estudio está centrada en el hecho de que un programa de remediar con la Técnica de Cloze, nivelado por distintos grados de dificultades, puede contribuir para el desarrollo de la comprensión lectora de escolares con dificultades de comprensión lectora. Por eso, se tuvo por objetivo elaborar este programa y analizar la significancia clínica. Para ello, se elaboró un programa de intervención por intermedio de una revisión bibliográfica y después se realizó un estudio piloto y aplicado en 28 escolares enseñanza básica I, divididos en Grupo I Estudio (escolares con dificultad en texto narrativo sometidos a la intervención); Grupo I Control (escolares con dificultad en texto narrativo no sometidos a la intervención); Grupo II Estudio (escolares con dificultad en texto expositivo sometidos a la intervención); Grupo II Control (escolares con dificultad en texto expositivo no sometidos a la intervención). Los resultados analizados por el Método JT apuntaran cambio fiable positivo y con significancia clínica para escolares del Grupo I Estudio, y de forma significativa para escolares del Grupo II Estudio.

ABSTRACT The hypothesis of this study is based on the fact that a remediation program with the Cloze Technique, leveled by different degrees of difficulties, it can contribute to the development of reading comprehension of students with reading comprehension difficulties. Therefore, the objective was to develop this program and analyze the clinical significance. For this, an intervention program was developed through a bibliographic review and after that a pilot study was carried out and applied in 28 elementary school students, divided into Group I Experimental (students with difficulty in narrative text submitted to the intervention); Group I Control (students with difficulty in narrative text not submitted to the intervention); Group II Experimental (students with difficulty in expository text submitted to the intervention); Group II Control (students with difficulty in expository text not submitted to the intervention). The results analyzed by the JT Method showed a reliable positive change with clinical significance for students in Group I Study, and significantly for students in Group II Experimental.

Effect of cognitive retraining treatment in mild to moderate depressive disorders

Abstract Background Cognitive retraining or remediation approaches dispense high levels of stimulation and new learning tasks, leading to an increased neural connections, which facilitate rapid recovery in patients with neurological as well as psychiatric conditions. Objectives The current study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive retraining (CR) in depressive disorders. We assigned 40 patients with mild to moderate depression to two sample groups, with 20 participants each: CR alone and CR with medicine. A 6-week CR module was delivered, and participants' scores on measures such as the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Metacognition Questionnaire 30, World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief, and Global Assessment of Functioning were compared. Results Analysis using Stata/IC version 16 included descriptive statistics, paired and independent t-tests, analysis of covariance, and propensity score matching. Cohen's d was computed to determine the effect size. Within-group analysis revealed statistically significant differences in pre-post scores of the outcome measures (p < .05) and large effect size (d = 3.41; d = 3.60) in both groups. The difference in scores of outcome measures between the groups was not significant (p > .05) even when covariates were controlled, or nearest neighbor match analysis was carried out. CR is effective in alleviating symptoms and dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs in addition to enhancing functioning and quality of life. Conclusions CR-based interventions may be essential mental health services owing to growing research in psychotherapy via virtual modes such as tele- and video-conferencing. These interventions can substantiate both prevention and remedy.

Microbial remediation of cadmium-contaminated soils and its mechanisms: a review / 生物工程学报

Excessive levels of cadmium (Cd) in soil exert serious negative impacts on soil ecosystems. Microorganisms are a common component of soil and show great potential for mitigating soil Cd. This review summarizes the application and remediation mechanisms of microorganisms, microbial-plants, and microbial-biochar in Cd-contaminated soil. Microorganisms such as Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can change the biological validity of Cd through adsorption, mineralization, precipitation and dissolution. Different factors such as pH, temperature, biomass, concentration, and duration have significant effects on Cd bioavailability by microorganisms. Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, and Flavobacterium can promote the uptake of Cd2+ by hyperaccumulator through promotion and activation. Biochar, a soil amendment, possesses unique physicochemical properties and could act as a shelter for microorganisms in agriculture. The use of combined microbial-biochar can further stabilize Cd compared to using biochar alone.

Microorganisms capable of degrading neonicotinoids and their metabolic pathways: a review / 生物工程学报

Neonicotinoid compounds are usually considered harmless and eco-friendly in terms of their targeted toxicity compared to that of pyrethroids and phosphorus-containing pesticides. However, overuse of neonicotinoid insecticides resulted in the accumulation of its residuals or intermediates in soil and water, which consequently affected beneficial insects as well as mammals, yielding pollution and secondary risks. This review summarized the recent advances in neonicotinoid degrading microorganisms and their metabolic diversity, with the aim to address the urgent need for degrading these insecticides. These advances may facilitate the development of controllable and reliable technologies for efficiently transforming neonicotinoid insecticides into value-added products by synthetic biology and metagenomics.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhanced cadmium uptake in Photinia frase through altering root transcriptomes and root-associated microbial communities / 生物工程学报

As a non-essential metal, cadmium (Cd) pollution poses severe threats to plant growth, environment, and human health. Phytoextraction using nursery stocks prior to their transplantation is a potential useful approach for bioremediation of Cd contaminated soil. A greenhouse pot experiment was performed to investigate the growth, Cd accumulation, profiles of transcriptome as well as root-associated microbiomes of Photinia frase in Cd-added soil, upon inoculation of two types of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Sieverdingia tortuosa and Funneliformis mosseae. Compared with the control, inoculation of F. mosseae increased Cd concentrations in root, stem and leaf by 57.2%, 44.1% and 71.1%, respectively, contributing to a total Cd content of 182 μg/plant. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that hundreds of genes involved in 'Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway', 'plant hormone signal transduction', 'biosynthesis of secondary metabolites' and 'glycolysis/gluconeogenesis' were enriched upon inoculation of F. mosseae. The relative abundance of Acidobacteria was increased upon inoculation of S. tortuosa, while Chloroflexi and Patescibacteria were increased upon inoculation of F. mosseae, and the abundance of Glomerales increased from 23.0% to above 70%. Correlation analysis indicated that ethylene-responsive transcription factor, alpha-aminoadipic semialdehyde synthase, isoamylase and agmatine deiminase related genes were negatively associated with the relative abundance of Glomerales operational taxonomic units (OTUs) upon inoculation of F. mosseae. In addition, plant cysteine oxidase, heat shock protein, cinnamoyl-CoA reductase and abscisic acid receptor related genes were positively associated with the relative abundance of Patescibacteria OTUs upon inoculation of F. mosseae. These finding suggested that AMF can enhance P. frase Cd uptake by modulating plant gene expression and altering the structure of the soil microbial community. This study provides a theoretical basis for better understanding the relationship between root-associated microbiomes and root transcriptomes of P. frase, from which a cost-effective and environment-friendly strategy for phytoextraction of Cd in Cd-polluted soil might be developed.

Estudo de propriedades físico-químicas na avaliação da adsorção em biocarvão produzido com folhas de amendoeira-da-praia / Study of physico-chemical properties in the evaluation of adsorption in biochar produced from leaves of amendoeira-da-praia

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou as propriedades físico-químicas envolvidas no processo de adsorção para subsidiar o potencial uso de biocarvão produzido com folhas secas de amendoeira-da-praia, Terminalia catappa, como remediador em águas contaminadas com metais. O biocarvão utilizado foi produzido por conversão à baixa temperatura e caracterizado por apresentar bandas de O-H, CH2, C-O e C-O-C; teores de 48,8% de carbono, 46,6% de oxigênio, 3,3% de hidrogênio e demais entre enxofre e nitrogênio; presença de macroporos e passado em peneira (100 mesh). Para o estudo, preparou-se um coquetel de radiotraçadores (Co-57, Mn-54 e Zn-65), que foi adicionado à água deionizada e massas de biocarvão com o objetivo de obter parâmetros tais como pH, tempo de equilíbrio e capacidade de adsorção por meio das isotermas de Langmuir e Freundlich. O detector de Germânio Hiperpuro foi utilizado para quantificar as atividades dos radiotraçadores por meio da técnica de espectroscopia gama para geração e tratamento de dados. Os resultados obtidos mostraram aumento na adsorção do pH 3,8 em diante e tempo de equilíbrio de 30 minutos ou mais. As isotermas de Langmuir e Freundlich construídas apresentaram bons ajustes, com valores de n maiores que 1, indicando preferência dos metais pelo material adsorvente. Além disso, levando-se em conta a competição pelos sítios ativos e a concentração inicial das soluções (ordem de picogramas), foram encontradas capacidades de adsorção de 1,273 ng.g-1 para o Zn-65, de 3.271 ng.g-1 para o Co-57 e de 9,026 ng.g-1 para o Mn-54.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the physical-chemical properties of the adsorption process in biochar produced from dry leaves of beach-almond, Terminalia catappa, as a useful tool for remediation purposes in water contaminated with metals. The biochar was characterized by having: bands of O-H, CH2, C-O, and C-O-C; contents of 48.8% carbon, 46.6% oxygen, 3.3% hydrogen and the others between sulfur and nitrogen; the presence of macropores; and being sieved (100 mesh). Parameters such as pH, equilibrium time and adsorption capacity by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were determined from experiments using a radiotracer cocktail (Co-57, Mn-54 and Zn-65) which was added to deionized water and a constants mass of biochar. The high-purity germanium detector (HPGe) was used to quantify the radiotracer activity by gamma spectroscopy. The results showed better adsorption from pH 3.8 and 30 minutes equilibrium time. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms had a good model fit, with n values higher than 1, and showed affinity between the metals and the biochar. The adsorption capacities of Zn-65, Co-57 and Mn-54 were 1.273 ng.g−1, 3.271 ng.g−1 and 9.026 ng.g−1, respectively.

Medical students with performance difficulties need wide support: Initial results of an academic tutoring program

BACKGROUND: Even students with previous academic success may face challenges that affect their academic performance. Many medical schools offer programs to students at the risk of academic failure, to ensure that they succeed in the course. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: In this report we describe a pioneering academic tutoring program developed at a Brazilian medical school and discuss the initial results of the program based on the feedback from tutors and data regarding the progression of students in the medical course. RESULTS: In 2018, 33 students enrolled into the program. Students' performance difficulties were mainly associated with mental health problems and socioeconomic vulnerability. Of the 33 students, 27 (81.8%) were assisted by the Mental Health Support Service and 16 (48.5%) were assisted by the Social Assistance Service. In addition to the planning academic activity class load, tutors were able to assist students in solving socioeconomic issues, carrying out personal support interventions with the promotion of self-esteem, and presenting suggestions for behavioral changes in their routine. For most students (72%), the action plan proposed by the tutors was successful. Eight of the 14 (57%) students in the fourth year progressed to the final two years of in-hospital practical training (internship). CONCLUSIONS: The Academic Tutoring Program showed positive results for most of the students. Close monitoring and tutor intervention allowed students with poor academic performance to overcome the low performance cycle. These important tasks demand time and energy from tutors, and institutional recognition of these professionals is essential for the successful maintenance of the program.

Successful Academic Remediation of Undergraduate Medical Students for Exit Examination: Lessons Learned

@#Introduction: To ensure that they will be the safe health-care providers, the medical schools must guarantee that their students meet the predetermined criteria before graduating. To fulfil this condition, usually a small proportion of students, need remedial training before they could graduate. In October 2018 we designed an academic remediation programme for 24 students who were to re-appear in their Final Professional MBBS Examination (FPE) in March/ April 2019. Aim of the remediation programme was not only to help the students to pass the examination but also to train them as safe future doctors. Methods: A rotational programme was drawn to cover all the relevant disciplines. A number of well-planned interventions were applied. A clinical examination in various combinations of a long case, short cases and OSCE stations was conducted at the end of each rotation and the written examination was conducted after completing the full 24 weeks of the programme before they sat in the FPE. Results: The five most useful interventions identified in the students’ feedback included: “Patient to book approach”; Mentoring; Group study; Mock examinations and Flipped class-rooms. Eighteen of the 24 (75%) students passed the FPE. The five of the six students failed because of the poor performance in the clinical examination. Conclusion: Remedial interventions can be successful by having clear goals and directions. Individualized approach in identifying and addressing the issues and by seeking help from the relevant professionals ensures the success.

Physiological and enrichment characteristics of Paulownia fortunei seedlings under zinc, cadmium and their combined stress / 生物工程学报

The hydroponic culture test method was used to study the physiological and biochemical responses of Paulownia fortunei seedlings under Zn stress, Cd stress, and combined Zn and Cd stress as well as changes in the enrichment and transfer characteristics of heavy metals. Under single and combined heavy metal stress, the biomass, plant height, and peroxidase (POD) activity of P. fortunei decreased as the treatment concentration increased. Combined Zn and Cd affected adversely plant height and biomass. As the concentration of Zn increased when applied alone, the chlorophyll content and catalase (CAT) activity of P. fortunei first increased and then decreased, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased, and the aboveground malondialdehyde (MDA) content first decreased and then increased. As the concentration of Cd increased when applied alone, chlorophyll content and CAT activity increased, and SOD activity and aboveground MDA content first increased and then decreased. Under both Cd and Zn, the physiological response was more complex. Cd in the seedlings of P. fortunei was concentrated in the root. In contrast, Zn was concentrated in the upper part of the ground, and its transfer coefficient was greater than 1.00. Thus, the addition of Zn promotes the transfer of heavy metals to the above-ground portions of plants. Generally, P. fortunei can effectively promote ecological restoration under complex forms of heavy metal pollution.

Advances in bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil / 生物工程学报

With continuous improvement of people's living standards, great efforts have been paid to environmental protection. Among those environmental issues, soil contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons has received widespread concerns due to the persistence and the degradation difficulty of the pollutants. Among the various remediation technologies, in-situ microbial remediation enhancement technologies have become the current hotspot because of its low cost, environmental friendliness, and in-situ availability. This review summarizes several in-situ microbial remediation technologies such as bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and integrated remediation, as well as their engineering applications, providing references for the selection of in-situ bioremediation technologies in engineering applications. Moreover, this review discusses future research directions in this area.

Symbiosis between hyperaccumulators and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their synergistic effect on the absorption and accumulation of heavy metals: a review / 生物工程学报

The remediation of heavy-metal (HM) contaminated soil using hyperaccumulators is one of the important solutions to address the inorganic contamination widely occurred worldwide. Hyperaccumulators are able to hyperaccumulate HMs, but their planting, growth, and extraction capacities are greatly affected by HM stress. The application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhances the function of hyperaccumulators by combining the functional advantages of both, improving the efficiency of remediation, shortening the remediation cycle, and maintaining the stability and persistence of the remediation. Thus, the combined use of AMF with hyperaccumulators has broad prospects for application in the management of increasingly complex and severe HM pollution. This review starts by defining the concept of hyperaccumulators, followed by describing the typical hyperaccumulators that were firstly reported in China as well as those known to form symbioses with AMF. This review provides a systematic and in-depth discussion of the effects of AMF on the growth of hyperaccumulators, as well as the absorption and accumulation of HMs, the effects and mechanism on the hyperaccumulator plus AMF symbiosis to absorb and accumulate HMs. AMF enhances the function of hyperaccumulators on the absorption and accumulation of HMs by regulating the physicochemical and biological conditions in the plant rhizosphere, the situation of elements homeostasis, the physiological metabolism and gene expression. Moreover, the symbiotic systems established by hyperaccumulators plus AMF have the potential to combine their abilities to remediate HMs-contaminated habitat. Finally, challenges for the combined use of remediation technologies for hyperaccumulator plus AMF symbiosis and future directions were prospected.

Advances in microbial remediation of the re-dissolved chromium contaminated sites / 生物工程学报

Wet detoxification has traditionally been seen as the most promising technology for treating chromium-contaminated sites. However, the addition of chemicals in the wet detoxification process not only increases the cost but also introduces extra pollutants. Moreover, the chromium-containing slag may be re-dissolved in the form of Cr(VI), and the increased concentration of Cr(VI) results in a serious "returning to yellow" phenomenon in the chromium-contaminated sites, causing undesirable secondary pollution. Microbial remediation is a promising technology to address the re-dissolution of chromium-containing slag after wet detoxification, and this article reviews the advances in this area. Firstly, the toxicity, current situation and conventional technologies for treating the chromium-containing slag were briefly summarized. The mechanisms of the inevitable re-dissolution of chromium-containing slag after wet detoxification were summarized. Three main mechanisms, namely bioreduction, biosorption and biomineralization, which are involved in the environmental-friendly and efficient microbial remediation technology, were reviewed. The variation of microbial species and the succession of microbial community during the bioremediation of chromium-contaminated sites were discussed. Finally, future research directions were prospected with the aim to develop long-term, stable and sustainable technologies for remediating the chromium-contaminated sites.

Advances in degradation mechanisms of 1,2,3-trichloropropane and remediation technology of contaminated sites / 生物工程学报

1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) is an industrially synthesized aliphatic chlorinated hydrocarbon and an intermediate product in the industrial production of epichlorohydrin, which can be used as a precursor for the manufacture of soil fumigant and organic solvents. Due to its biological toxicity, environmental persistence and strong environmental migration ability, 1,2,3-TCP is listed as an emerging organochlorine pollutant in the environment and regulated by many international organizations. Currently, the degradation of 1,2,3-TCP and the remediation of 1,2,3-TCP-contaminated sites receive great attention, but the degradation mechanism of 1,2,3-TCP has not been summarized in depth. This article discussed the origin of 1,2,3-TCP, its environmental impact and ecological effects, and the physical and chemical degradation techniques. This was followed by summarizing the degradation mechanisms of 1,2,3-TCP (e.g., aerobic co-biodegradation, anaerobic biodegradation). Specially, the pathways and mechanisms of microbial biodegradation and transformation of 1,2,3-TCP in anoxic environments (e.g., groundwater) were thoroughly reviewed. The feasibility of using 1,2,3-TCP as an electron acceptor by organohalide-respiring bacteria under anoxic conditions was predicted based on thermodynamic analysis. Last but not least, in situ bioremediation of 1,2,3-TCP contaminated sites was summarized, and prospects for future research were discussed.

Advances in bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contaminated soil / 生物工程学报

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of persistent pollutants that are widely distributed in the environment. Due to their stable structure and poor degradability, PAHs exhibit carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic toxicity to the ecological environment and organisms, thus increasing attentions have been paid to their removals and remediation. Green, safe and economical technologies are widely used in the bioremediation of PAHs-contaminated soil. This article summarizes the present status of PAHs pollution in soil of China from the aspects of origin, migration, fate, and pollution level. Meanwhile, the types of microorganisms and plants capable of degrading PAHs, as well as the underlying mechanisms, are summarized. The features of three major bioremediation technologies, i.e., microbial remediation, phytoremediation, and joint remediation, are compared. Analysis of the interaction mechanisms between plants and microorganisms, selection and cultivation of stress-resistant strains and plants, as well as safety and efficacy evaluation of practical applications, are expected to become future directions in this field.

Environmental risks of antibiotics in soil and the related bioremediation technologies / 生物工程学报

Antibiotics are widely used and prevalently distributed in the environment. The issue of antibiotic resistance genes has posed a huge threat to the global public health. Soil is an important sink of antibiotics in the environment. Antibiotic exposure may introduce adverse effects on soil organisms, and bring indirect but potential risks to human health. Therefore, it is urgent to take actions to remediate antibiotics-contaminated soil. This review summarized effects of antibiotics on phenotype growth of plants, physiological characteristics and community structure of animals, composition and structure of microbial communities, and transmission of antibiotic resistance genes among organisms in soil. Additionally, the potential and prospects of employing antibiotic-resistant soil plants, animals, microorganisms, and their combinations to treat antibiotics-contaminated soil were illustrated. Last but not least, the unaddressed issues in this area were proposed, which may provide insights into relevant research directions in the future.

Advances in bacterial Rieske non-heme iron ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases that initiate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons degradation / 生物工程学报

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants, which have received widespread attentions due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic toxicity. The microbial degradation of PAHs are usually started from the hydroxylation, followed by dehydrogenation, ring cleavage and step-by-step removal of branched chains, and finally mineralized by the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Rieske type non-heme iron aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases (RHOs) or cytochrome P450 oxidases are responsible for the conversion of hydrophobic PAHs into hydrophilic derivatives by the ring hydroxylation. The ring hydroxylation is the first step of PAHs degradation and also one of the rate-limiting steps. Here, we review the distribution, substrate specificity, and substrate recognition mechanisms of RHOs, along with some techniques and methods used for the research of RHOs and PAHs.

Remediação de áreas contaminadas: uma avaliação crítica da legislação brasileira / Remediation of contaminated sites: a critical analysis of Brazilian legislation

RESUMO Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar, de forma crítica, a legislação brasileira que regulamenta o tema das áreas contaminadas. A legislação paulista também foi avaliada pelo fato de o Estado de São Paulo ter sido o pioneiro no enfrentamento do problema. A metodologia utilizada nesta pesquisa foi a bibliográfica de cunho qualitativo, com utilização de doutrina nacional e internacional, bem como sítios da internet. Concluiu-se que é urgente que se chegue a um consenso nacional sobre o conceito de solo; que as legislações nacional e paulista, ao adotarem critérios e metodologias de investigação próprios de países desenvolvidos, deixam de conformar a realidade e as especificidades brasileiras; que é essencial a participação da comunidade envolvida em todas as etapas do processo de remediação; que a tomada de decisão não deve ser realizada apenas com base nos valores orientadores, mas na realização de análises detalhadas de risco ecológico e à saúde humana no local contaminado.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to critically examine the Brazilian legislation that regulates the theme of contaminated areas. The legislation of São Paulo State was also assessed because this state was the pioneer in facing the problem. This study's methodology involves a qualitative overview of the bibliography, using both international and national legal doctrine, as well as websites. It was concluded that a national consensus regarding the concept of soil is required; the Brazilian and São Paulo State legislations, by adopting rules and guidelines established in the developed countries, failed to disregard Brazilian reality and specificities; the participation of the community involved at all stages of the remediation process is essential; the decision-making should not be based solely on the generic quality soil standards, but also on the ecological and human health risk analyses at a specific contaminated site.

Cognitive stimulation in people with mental disorders in the community: an integrative review / Estimulación cognitiva en personas con enfermedades mentales en la comunidad: revisión integrativa / Estimulação cognitiva em pessoas com doença mental na comunidade: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze Cognitive Stimulation techniques effectiveness in the community and at home, in people with stabilized mental illness and their families. Method: an Integrative Literature Review, with inclusion criteria for primary studies that assess the Cognitive Stimulation techniques effectiveness in people with stable mental illness, older than 18 years, in the community and at home. Six articles were selected. Results: improvement of cognitive abilities such as attention, work memory and executive functions was observed. No conceptual differences or results were found among Cognitive Stimulation programs for people with different pathologies; computer tools are increasingly being used; sample size is limiting gain analysis; the nurse's role has not been clarified; family gains were not studied. Final considerations: the results obtained in this review reveal the need to know more about the theme.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la efectividad de las técnicas de Estimulación Cognitiva en el contexto de la comunidad y el hogar en la persona con enfermedad mental estabilizada y sus familias. Método: Revisión Integrativa de la Literatura, con los criterios de inclusión como estudios primarios que evalúan la efectividad de las técnicas de Estimulación Cognitiva en personas con enfermedad mental estable, mayores de 18 años, en la comunidad y en el hogar. Se seleccionaron seis artículos. Resultados: se observó una mejora de las capacidades cognitivas como la atención, la memoria de trabajo y las funciones ejecutivas; no se encontraron diferencias conceptuales ni resultados entre los programas de Estimulación Cognitiva para personas con diferentes patologías; las herramientas informáticas son cada vez más utilizadas el tamaño de las muestras está limitando el análisis de las ganancias; el papel de la enfermera no ha sido aclarado; Las ganancias para las familias no fueron estudiadas. Consideraciones finales: los resultados obtenidos en esta revisión revelan la necesidad de saber más sobre el tema.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a efetividade das técnicas de Estimulação Cognitiva em contexto comunitário e domiciliário, na pessoa com doença mental estabilizada e suas famílias. Método: Revisão Integrativa da Literatura, tendo como critérios de inclusão estudos primários que avaliem a efetividade das técnicas de Estimulação Cognitiva em pessoas com doença mental em fase estável, com idade superior a 18 anos, na comunidade e domicílio. Foram selecionados seis artigos. Resultados: verificou-se melhoria de capacidades cognitivas como atenção, memória de trabalho e funções executivas; não se apuraram diferenças conceptuais, nem nos resultados, entre os programas de Estimulação Cognitiva para pessoas com diferentes patologias; as ferramentas informáticas são cada vez mais utilizadas; o tamanho das amostras é limitador da análise dos ganhos; o papel do enfermeiro não foi esclarecido; os ganhos para as famílias não foram estudados. Considerações finais: os resultados obtidos nesta revisão revelam a necessidade de se conhecer mais sobre a temática.