Degradation of estriol (E3) and transformation pathways after applying photochemical removal processes in natural surface water.

Steroidal hormones such as estriol (E3), are resistant to biodegradation; hence their removal by conventional treatment systems (aerobic and anaerobic) facilities is limited. These substances are detected in surface water, and present risks to the aquatic ecosystem and humans via potential biological activity. Photochemical treatments can be used to remove E3; however, just a few studies have analyzed the kinetics, intermediates, and E3 degradation pathways in natural surface water. In this study, the behavior of E3 under ultraviolet irradiation associated with H2O2, O3 or TiO2 was investigated to determine the degradation potential and the transformation pathways in reactions performed with a natural surface water sample. E3 degradation kinetics (200 ppb) fitted well to the pseudo-first-order kinetics model, with kinetic constant k in the following order: kUV/O3 > kUV/TiO2 > kUV/H2O2 > kUV. The mechanism of degradation using different advanced oxidative processes seemed to be similar and 12 transformation byproducts were identified, with 11 of them being reported here for the first time. The byproducts could be formed by the opening of the aromatic ring and addition of a hydroxyl radical. A possible route of E3 degradation was proposed based on the byproducts identified, and some of the byproducts presented chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms, demonstrating the risks of exposure.

Invasive aspergillosis in an alpaca (Lama pacos).

An invasive form of aspergillosis in an alpaca (Lama pacos) is described, with dissemination causing small abscesses and multifocal areas of necrosis in the lung, heart, spleen and kidneys. Histological sections showed hyphae morphologically compatible with an Aspergillus species. Direct immunofluorescent testing confirmed the diagnosis of aspergillosis.

Fluroide concentration in enamel treated with 50% phosphoric acid and NaF with subsequent decalcification in "acid-gel".

Fluoride concentration of enamel surfaces treated with 50% H3PO4, together with high NaF contents or etched with 50% H3PO4 followed by application with a water solution of high NaF content, was examined. In addition, the degree of decalcification and the fluoride content of subsequently incubated enamel samples in acid-gel at 37 degrees C were determined. Generally, incubation highly increased the fluoride contents of the etched and fluoridated (experimental), control (etched only), and untreated (vaseline) enamel samples. An increasing demineralization effect was observed in the samples of the following order: experimental, control, and baseline. It appears does not predispose to an increased caries challenge in vitro.