Synthetic microfibers in the marine environment: A review on their occurrence in seawater and sediments.

The objective of this review is to summarize information on microfibers in seawater and sediments from available scientific information. Microfibers were found in all reviewed documents. An heterogeneous approach is observed, with regard to sampling methodologies and units. Microfibers in sediments range from 1.4 to 40 items per 50mL or 13.15 to 39.48 items per 250g dry weight. In the case of water, microfibers values ranges from 0 to 450items·m-3 or from 503 to 459,681items·km-2. Blue is the most common color in seawater and sediments, followed by transparent and black in the case of seawater, and black and colorful in sediments. Related with polymer type, polypropylene is the most common in water and sediments, followed by polyethylene in water and polyester in water and sediments. Some polymers were described only in water samples: high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene and cellophane, whilst only rayon was reported in sediments.

Latent structure of the symptomatology of hospitalized patients with bipolar mania.

Several studies have attempted to understand the dimensions of psychiatric symptoms in manic episodes, but only a few have been able to model the latent structure of mania in bipolar disorder patients using confirmatory factor analysis. The objective of the present study was to search for the best model of the symptomatology of hospitalized manic patients. To achieve this goal, 117 manic inpatients during a manic crisis participated in this research. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted followed by confirmatory factor analysis using an exploratory factor analysis solution and three other theory-based models. The exploratory factor analysis results revealed a six-factor structure: depression, suicide, insomnia, mania, psychosis, and anxiety. This solution also presented the best fit to the data when tested with confirmatory factor analysis. A five-factor solution, without suicide as a separate dimension, appeared to be more theoretically suitable. Another important finding was that anxiety was an independent dimension in mania. Some hypotheses are discussed in light of contemporary theories, and future studies should investigate this aspect further.

Diversity of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli genotypes from human and animal sources from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

To compare the genotypes of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolates of human and animal origin collected in Rio de Janeiro City, 30 C. jejuni and 35 C. coli isolates from animal sources (n=45) and human patients with gastroenteritis (n=20) were genotyped by PCR-based techniques, namely random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence (ERIC-PCR). RAPD-PCR identified 50 types and ERIC-PCR identified 22 genotypes, among the 65 Campylobacter isolates. Both PCR methods discriminated the C. jejuni and C. coli groups of isolates. Combining the results of both methods, no single genotype was shared between isolates from human and animal sources. Two groups of two C. coli isolates each with identical genotypes were found among poultry and pig isolates. A high level of genetic diversity observed among the Campylobacter isolates suggests lack of overlap between isolates from different sources.

Presença de Campylobacter spp. em macacos-de-cheiro (Saimiri spp.) assintomáticos cativos e sua correlação com as condições de manejo / Campylobacter spp. in asymptomatic captive squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) and its correlation with the handling conditions

Avaliou-se a circulação de Campylobacter spp. em uma criação de primatas neotropicais macacos-de-cheiro (Saimiri spp.), clinicamente saudáveis, utilizados em investigações biomédicas. A análise foi feita no decorrer de sete anos não consecutivos, de 1995 a 1999, 2002 e 2003. Os resultados revelaram um maior índice de positividade no ano de 1996, em contraste com a ausência do agente em 2003. Os dados sugerem que as alterações realizadas no manejo animal, ao longo deste estudo, foram eficazes para a eliminação do Campylobacter spp. na criação de macacos-de-cheiro, levando os animais a uma melhor qualidade de vida e, consequentemente, obtendo-se um melhor produto para fins de pesquisas.

The circulation of Campylobacter spp. in a breeding colony of clinically healthy neotropical primates squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) used in biomedical investigation was evaluated. Analyses were undertaken during seven non-consecutive years: 1995 to 1999, 2002 and 2003. Results revealed a higher rate of positivity in 1996, in contrast to the absence of the agent in 2003. The data suggest that the changes made in the animal management during this study were effective for the Campylobacter spp. elimination of the squirrel monkeys breeding colony, leading to a better quality of life and, hence, resulting in a better animal for research.

Evaluation of distribution, mobility and binding behaviour of heavy metals in surficial sediments of Louro River (Galicia, Spain) using chemometric analysis: a case study.

Contents of total and extractable heavy metals, carbonates, MnO and Fe2O3, organic matter, and matrix components such as SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, Na2O, MgO, TiO2, K2O and P2O5 are used along with principal component analysis (PCA) for studying distribution, mobility and binding behaviour of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in the Louro River (Galicia, Spain). Eleven surficial sediment samples were taken along the beds of the river course. Total metal concentrations were obtained after microwave-assisted digestion whilst extractable metal contents were obtained following a three-stage sequential extraction scheme (i.e. soluble, reducible and oxidisable fractions). Loading plots of heavy metals bound to carbonates, Fe-Mn oxides, organic matter and aluminosilicates allowed determination of binding behaviour. Correlations found indicate that Pb and Cu are mainly discharged from urban wastes, whereas Cr and Ni are from electroplating and galvanizing industries. The occurrence of diffuse pollution sources along the river can account for the binding behaviour of Cd. Metal mobility decreased in the order: Cd > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cr. Despite total contents indicating moderate-to-high heavy metal pollution in this river, metals are mostly distributed in the residual fraction, hence showing a low risk of mobility.

Comparison of the standard SM&T sequential extraction method with small-scale ultrasound-assisted single extractions for metal partitioning in sediments.

A single extraction method based on the reagents employed in the SM&T (standards, measurement and testing programme) sequential extraction scheme for partitioning of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb in sediments has been developed. Small-scale extractions adapted to electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determinations (i.e. 25 mg mass in 1 mL extractant) have been used for the first time in conjunction with selective reagents using conventional operating conditions (i.e. conductive heating, magnetic stirring) or ultrasound-assisted extraction. Small-scale slurry preparations were implemented for determination of the residual/total metal content. The methodology developed enabled drastic reduction of extraction times, yielding extractable contents in accordance with those obtained by application of the conventional SM&T method, which can be regarded as a standard method. An important saving in the amount of sample and reagents is also achieved with small-scale extractions. Homogeneity of sediments at the mg level proved acceptable - precision was similar for between-batch and within-batch measurements. Method development was performed with CRM BCR 601 lake sediment for which extractable amounts of several metals are known. An application to a "real-world" sediment is also presented.

Antimicrobial resistance and plasmid profiles of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli from human and animal sources.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine the susceptibility of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolates to antimicrobial agents and to investigate the presence of plasmid DNA. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 15 clinical isolates from children faeces, and 29 animal isolates of Campylobacter jejuni (n=22) and Campylobacter coli (n=22) were tested for susceptibility to 9 antimicrobial agents using a disc diffusion method, and screened for the presence of plasmid DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis. Of the 44 isolates, 56.8% were resistant to sulphonamide, 25% to norfloxacin, 18.2% to erythromicin, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin, and 13.6% to tetracycline. All isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, chloramphenicol and cefotaxime. Plasmids were detected in one Camp. jejuni (4.54%) strain isolated from sheep and in six (27.27%) Camp. coli strains isolated from rhesus monkey(3), swine(2), and poultry(1) with sizes ranging from 3.4 to 50 kb. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the human isolates were susceptible to antibiotics commonly used for the treatment of campylobacteriosis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The origin and spread of Campylobacter resistance to antibiotics are discussed, with particular respect to the current situation in Brazil.

Chemical sequential extraction for metal partitioning in environmental solid samples.

A comprehensive review of the sequential extraction schemes for metal fractionation in environmental samples (ie., sediment, soil, sewage sludge, fly ash, etc.) is presented. The review contains more than 400 references and covers principally the literature published over the last decade. The use of each reagent involved in these schemes is looked at critically, and guidelines for their selectivity and extraction capacity are given. The operational character of these schemes is emphasised. Topics such as comparability between sequential extraction schemes of widespread use, harmonisation, acceleration, validation, etc. are addressed and future developments outlined.

Ultrasound-assisted solubilization of trace and minor metals from plant tissue using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in alkaline medium.

A simplified and fast sample pretreatment method based on ultrasound-assisted solubilization of metals from plant tissue with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in alkaline medium is described. Powdered unknown and certified plant samples (particle size < 50 microns) were slurried in the solubilization medium and subjected to high intensity ultrasonication by a probe ultrasonic processor (20 kHz, 100 W). Metal solubilization can be accomplished within 3 min using a 30% vibrational amplitude and 0.1 M EDTA at pH 10, the supernatant obtained upon centrifugation being used for analysis. The method is applied to several food plants with unknown metal contents and certified plant samples such as CRM GBW07605 tea leaves, BCR CRM 61 aquatic moss and BCR CRM 482 lichen, with good trueness and precision. Intensive treatments with concentrated acids involving total matrix decomposition can be avoided. Metal determination (Ca, Cd, Mg, Mn, Pb and Zn) in the alkaline extracts was carried out by flame and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

Comparison of ultrasound-assisted extraction and microwave-assisted digestion for determination of magnesium, manganese and zinc in plant samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry.

In this paper, a sample preparation method based on acid extraction of magnesium, manganese and zinc from plant tissue by means of high intensity probe ultrasonication is described. Acid extracts obtained upon sonication were directly nebulised into an air-acetylene flame for fast metal determination by atomic absorption spectrometry. Parameters influencing extraction such as sonication time, ultrasound amplitude, sample mass, particle size, extractant composition and volume were fully optimised. Optimum conditions for metal extraction were as follows: a 3-min sonication time, a 30% ultrasonic amplitude, a 0.1-g sample mass, a particle size less than 50 mum, a 0.3% m/v HCl concentration in the extractant solution and a 5-ml extractant volume. Six plant samples used in the human diet were analysed, the concentration range of the three metals approximately being in the range of 1500-3000 mug g(-1) for Mg, 30-735 mug g(-1) for Mn and 20-45 mug g(-1) for Zn. Limits of detection corresponding to the ultrasound-assisted extraction method were 0.10, 1.26 and 0.65 mug g(-1) for Mg, Mn and Zn, respectively. Between-batch precision, expressed as R.S.D., was about 0.5, 1.5 and 1% for Mg, Mn and Zn, respectively. Analytical results for the three metals by ultrasound-assisted extraction and microwave-assisted digestion showed a good agreement, thus indicating the possibility of using mild conditions for sample preparation instead of intensive treatments inherent with the digestion method. The advantages and drawbacks of ultrasound-assisted extraction in respect to the microwave-assisted digestion are discussed.

Comparison of digestion methods for determination of trace and minor metals in plant samples.

In this paper, three dissolution methods using pressure digestion vessels (low-, medium-, and high-pressure vessels) for the determination of metals in plant samples are described. The Plackett-Burman saturated factorial design was used to identify the significant factors influencing wet ashing and to select optimized dissolution conditions. The three methods were statistically compared (on-way ANOVA) on the same sample; no significant differences were obtained. In all cases the relative standard deviation values were <3%. The digestion method based on the use of low-pressure vessels and a microwave oven was validated against CRM GBW07605 tea leaves. This method was applied to the determination of Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mg, and Ca in 22 different medicinal, aromatic, and seasoning plants by flame-atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration intervals of metal in the plants analyzed were the following: Cu, 4 (Allium sativum)-35 (Thea sinensis) microg g(-1); Zn, 7 (Piper nigrum)-90 (Betula alba) microg g(-1); Mn, 9 (Allium sativum)-939 (Caryophylus aromaticus) microg g(-1); Fe, 33 (Allium sativum)-2486 (Anethum graveolens) microg g(-1); Mg, 495 (Allium sativum)-7458 (Ocimum basilicum) microg g(-1); Ca, 386 (Allium sativum)-21500 (Ocimum basilicum) microg g(-1).

Solid-liquid extraction of copper from slurried samples using high intensity probe sonication for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

A fast and simple method is proposed for determination of copper by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry in biological samples. Pulverized solid samples were placed in autosampler cups, slurried in an acidic diluent and subsequently treated by sonication under optimized conditions. Parameters influencing extraction such as sonication time, ultrasound amplitude, acid concentration and particle size were optimized so that quantitative copper recovery could be achieved. Quantitative recoveries for copper in mussel tissue were obtained using a 3 min sonication time, a 60% ultrasound amplitude, a 3% V/V HNO(3) concentration along with a particle size of the solid particles less than 50 microm. Under these extraction conditions, quantitative recovery of copper was also seen to be achieved for several certified reference materials such as BCR 278 mussel tissue, NRCC DORM-2 dogfish muscle and BCR CRM 60 (Lagarosiphon major) aquatic plant. The LOD of copper in the biological samples was 0.16 microg g(-1) when a sample mass of 10 mg were slurried in a volume of 1.5 ml. When comparing within- and between-batch precision values no significant differences occurred, hence indicating good homogeneity at the 10 mg mass level. Potential advantages of the method proposed over conventional slurry sampling such as an improved precision, since the representative subsample is the whole mass weighed in the autosampler cup, a decreased build-up of carbonaceous residues inside the graphite tube and the removal of volumetric and sedimentation errors can be anticipated.

Diversity of Campylobacter isolates from three activated sludge systems.

Thermophilic campylobacters were isolated from three sewage plants in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil and identified. Laboratory analysis of 390 sewage samples showed the presence of 169 thermophilic strains. The results demonstrated that human and animal pathogenic biotypes could be isolated from activated sludge during the initial processing steps. The aeration tank could be considered a barrier to Campylobacter survival. C. jejuni was the prevalent species isolated (40.8%). The most common biotypes were C. jejuni biotype I (21.3%), C. coli biotype I (16%) and C. jejuni biotype II (14.8%).

Pesquisa de Vibrio cholerae O1 em amostras fecais da população urbana de Manacapuru, AM / Vibrio cholerae O1 in fecal samples from the urban population of Manacapuru, AM

O estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de identificar portadores assintomáticos do vibrião colérico em Manacapuru, AM, 1249 amostras fecais foram obtidas por swab retal e submetidas à análise bacteriológica. Vibrio cholerae O1 não foi detectado. Foram isolados e identificados: V. funissii em 12 (0,9%) amostras, V. fluvialis, em 4 (0,3%) e V. hollisae em 1 (0,1%).

The study was carried out to identify asymptomatic carriers of V. cholerae O1 in Manacapuru, AM. 1249 feces samples was obtained by rectal swab and cultivated. Had no growth of V. cholerae. On the other hand were isolated and identified: V. furnissii in 12 (0.9%) samples, V. fluvialis in 4 (0.3%) and V. hollisae in 1 (0.1%).

[Vibrio cholerae O1 in fecal samples from the urban population of Manacapuru, AM]. / Pesquisa de Vibrio cholerae O1 em amostras fecais da população urbana de Manacapuru, AM.

The study was carried out to identify asymptomatic carriers of V. cholerae O1 in Manacapuru, AM. 1249 feces samples was obtained by rectal swab and cultivated. Had no growth of V. cholerae. On the other hand were isolated and identified: V. furnissii in 12 (0.9%) samples, V. fluvialis in 4 (0.3%) and V. hollisae in 1 (0.1%).

Out-of-school youth: a need for NGO and governmental collaboration.

PIP: Millions of young people worldwide do not attend school for a variety of social, economic, and political reasons. Like all youths, those not attending school are still developing their personalities and behavioral patterns, and experimenting with sex. Often loosely connected or not connected to the families in which their early childhoods were spent, these youths develop alternative families of peers in which values and strategies are adapted to meet the immediate emotional and economic needs of life on the street. Socially apart youth are especially vulnerable to HIV/STDs because of their need to fulfill immediate survival needs, residents in tourist areas or places controlled by drug trafficking, a lack of housing and secure sleeping place, a high incidence of STDs and lack of access to treatment, forced mobility, and social prejudice and institutional barriers. Government agencies and nongovernmental organizations must integrate their efforts to reduce the impact of HIV/STDs and AIDS upon this population. Suggestions are offered. Out-of-school youths must also be involved in designing and pre- and post-testing educational resources made for them.^ieng

Defending children's rights: an AIDS prevention strategy.

PIP: In Brazil, the murder of seven homeless children sleeping near a cathedral in the heart of Rio de Janeiro shocked the international community but came as no surprise to Brazilians who were aware of the risks faced by their country's approximately seven million street children. Now, in addition to the threat of violence and abuse, street children in cities around the world also face the danger of becoming infected with HIV. Estimates of seroprevalence in Rio range from 1.5% to 7.5%, and the children place themselves at risk by engaging in prostitution for survival as well as by having sex with each other. Their vulnerability is also increased by their use of inhalant drugs, which can lead to a loss of control. The Brazilian Center for the Defense of Children and Adolescents (CDCA), which has been working with street children since 1987, added HIV prevention to its mandate in 1989. CDCA gets each youth a birth certificate as a first step in building self-esteem. For a time, CDCA operated a permanent "drop-in" center that offered health treatment and counseling and provided special services to young transvestites and girls. Local authorities forced CDCA to close the center when the children began sleeping in its doorway (indicating that their primary need was for shelter). After the drop-in center closed, CDCA began identifying health professionals in governmental and nongovernmental clinics who agreed to treat the street children. In return, CDCA shares its resources with clinic staff. CDCA also encouraged the government to open its first shelters for the children and advised shelter staff on how to work with the children. In 1990, CDCA achieved legislation that requires the government to give the children access to free medical care, food, and shelter. This action has multiplied the number of youth who receive services and the number of professionals trained to work with them.^ieng

Needs of Rio street children.

PIP: Millions of children and adolescents live on the streets of urban Brazil and are being bypassed by existing social services. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, for example, there are only 2 shelters for street children. Many of these children are from single-parent households that could not produce enough income to support them; others are the victims of intrafamilial sexual abuse or violence. Early initiation into sexual activity is nearly universal among these street children, and provides gratification in an atmosphere of deprivation and a source of emotional connectedness. Many are forced into prostitution as a means of survival. The absence of familial support leads these marginalized adolescents vulnerable to pregnancy and illegal abortion; their illiteracy and non-school attendance isolates them from sources of information about sexuality and birth control. Government agencies must assume responsibility for providing these citizens with shelter, food, access to the public school system with a culturally sensitive curriculum, and health services that address the special needs of this population. Nongovernmental organizations, on the other hand, are urged to develop innovative programs for street children, including outreach programs, educational strategies and materials, legal advocacy, hot-lines, and itinerant van units.^ieng

Taking health promotion on to the streets.

In Brazil, until 1990, the authorities could legally arrest a child found alone in the streets, and put them in prison-like institutions. Their crime? To be poor, usually black and living on the streets. The Brazilian Center for the Defense of the Rights of Children and Adolescents (SOS Crianca) was set up a few years ago with the aim of changing this legislation. Together with other nongovernment organizations, SOS Crianca drew up new legislation, lobbied politicians and policymakers, and publicized the issue at a new Child and Adolescent Statute, based on the International Declaration of Children's Rights, was made law. Lawyers volunteered their services to SOS Crianca, making sure that young people had access to legal support, so that the new law could be put into practiced. AIDS has added to the difficulties of young people living on the streets. In 1988, using a strategy similar to the one above, SOS Crianca started to work with key organizations and the children themselves, to draw up an HIV prevention strategy for street children. As well as being threatened with violence and police arrest, these children lack a basic human right--access to health care. Public health services in Brazil do not reach the 40% of the population who live in absolute poverty, which includes young people on the streets. Preventing AIDS is seen by SOS Crianca to be just a part of promoting better health and providing overall healthcare. Educational activities will not work if children do not have access to treatment, or to basic needs like food and shelter. SOS Crianca does not employ doctors because it is not the role of nongovernment organizations to take over the state's responsibility to provide basic health care. But how can the public clinics, staffed with underpaid professionals and lacking basic equipment meet the needs of street children? Meetings were organized with different health professionals, involving those most sensitive to the problem in setting up a referral system. Little by little we made progress. One day a doctor would make the appointment timetable more flexible, and the next a nurse would come to help develop counselling sessions. This support has helped to change the attitude of other health professionals towards these young people. Now a child on the streets can be told: "Go to this hospital, and you will be well treated." Our street educators try to give the children themselves an awareness of their right to use public health care facilities. The educators work every night on the streets, giving advice and counselling and assessing the children's health problems. In the mornings and afternoons the educators go with them to the clinics or follow up with other types of referrals. SOS Crianca also has an ongoing prenatal care program for girls and an STD diagnosis, counselling and treatment program, which includes HIV/AIDS. How many young people does SOS Crianca reach? The answer is not only to do with the numbers seeking health care, but also how many clinic doors are open to them. More and more young people, not just those living on the streets where SOS Crianca works, but others in poor communities, are using the service. It is called "Health Maloca," because the children call their makeshift homes--shelters made of cardboard and newspaper--"malocas." The name also symbolizes that these young people need to find their own ways of taking more control over their bodies and lives.