Acute exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate exacerbates heat-induced oxidative stress in a tropical coral species.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is among the most commonly per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in environmental samples. Nevertheless, the effect of this legacy persistent organic contaminant has never been investigated on corals to date. Corals are the keystone organisms of coral reef ecosystems and sensitive to rising ocean temperatures, but it is not understood how the combination of elevated temperature and PFOS exposure will affect them. Therefore, the aims of the present study were (1) to evaluate the time-dependent bioconcentration and depuration of PFOS in the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata using a range of PFOS exposure concentrations, and (2) to assess the individual and combined effects of PFOS exposure and elevated seawater temperature on key physiological parameters of the corals. Our results show that the coral S. pistillata rapidly bioconcentrates PFOS from the seawater and eliminates it 14 days after ceasing the exposure. We also observed an antagonistic effect between elevated temperature and PFOS exposure. Indeed, a significantly reduced PFOS bioconcentration was observed at high temperature, likely due to a loss of symbionts and a higher removal of mucus compared to ambient temperature. Finally, concentrations of PFOS consistent with ranges observed in surface waters were non-lethal to corals, in the absence of other stressors. However, PFOS increased lipid peroxidation in coral tissue, which is an indicator of oxidative stress and enhanced the thermal stress-induced impairment of coral physiology. This study provides valuable insights into the combined effects of PFOS exposure and ocean warming for coral's physiology. PFOS is usually the most prevalent but not the only PFAS defected in reef waters, and thus it will be also important to monitor PFAS mixture concentrations in the oceans and to study their combined effects on aquatic wildlife.

Historical trends of organochlorine pesticides in a sediment core from the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba.

Sediments can be natural archives to reconstruct the history of pollutant inputs into coastal areas. This is important to improve management strategies and evaluate the success of pollution control measurements. In this work, the vertical distribution of organochlorine pesticides (DDTs, Lindane, HCB, Heptachlor, Aldrin and Mirex) was determined in a sediment core collected from the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba, which was dated by using the (210)Pb dating method and validated with the (239,240)Pu fallout peak. Results showed significant changes in sediment accumulation during the last 40 years: recent mass accumulation rates (0.321 g cm(-2) yr(-1)) double those estimated before 1970 (0.15 g cm(-2) yr(-1)). This change matches closely land use change in the region (intense deforestation and regulation of the Colon River in the late 1970s). Among pesticides, only DDTs isomers, Lindane and HCB were detected, and ranged from 0.029 to 0.374 ng g(-1) dw for DDTs, from<0.006 to 0.05 ng g(-1) dw for Lindane and from<0.04 to 0.134 ng g(-1) dw for HCB. Heptachlor, Aldrin and Mirex were below the detection limits (∼0.003 ng g(-1)), indicating that these compounds had a limited application in the Coloma watershed. Pesticide contamination was evident since the 1970s. DDTs and HCB records showed that management strategies, namely the banning the use of organochlorine contaminants, led to a concentration decline. However, Lindane, which was restricted in 1990, can still be found in the watershed. According to NOAA guidelines, pesticides concentrations encountered in these sediments are low and probably not having an adverse effect on sediment dwelling organisms.

Patterns of self-management practices undertaken by cancer survivors: variations in demographic factors.

The study purpose was to examine self-management (SM) use among cancer survivors; and to explore variations in uptake of SM in survivorship and whether these differed in relation to age, income, gender, ethnicity, cancer type and treatment type. This is an important area for exploration as SM utilisation has the potential to impact on the health status, health behaviours and quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors. A postal survey was conducted among 445 cancer survivors identified from a hospital in the West Midlands, UK. Demographic data were collected and respondents were asked to identify which practices across six SM categories - diet, exercise, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), psychological therapies, support groups and spirituality/religion - they had used (if any). The findings indicate that the large majority (91%) had used some form of SM after their cancer treatment. Exercise (84%) and diet (56%) were the most popular SM interventions for cancer survivors and socio-demographic and cancer-related factors were associated with SM uptake. These findings can form the basis for designing and implementing appropriate SM interventions aimed at improving the health, well-being and QoL of cancer survivors.

Steroid markers to assess sewage and other sources of organic contaminants in surface sediments of Cienfuegos Bay, Cuba.

Analyses of faecal steroids in coastal sediments from Cienfuegos Bay Cuba indicate chronic sewage contamination at the main outfalls from the city, where concentrations of coprostanol up to 5400ngg(-)(1) (dry wt) were measured. In contrast, steroid concentrations and compositions from sites from the south part of the Bay are characteristic of uncontaminated sewage environments. The levels of coprostanol in the Cienfuegos sediments compares to the lower to mid-range of concentrations reported for coastal sediments on a world-wide basis, with sedimentary levels markedly below those previously reported for heavily impacted sites. This study delivers baseline data for further investigation of the effectiveness of the proposed sewerage plan promoted by the GEF project in Cienfuegos. Investigations on the correlations between faecal steroids and other organic contaminants confirmed that the major source of petroleum hydrocarbons within the bay was associated with the sewage effluents from the Cienfuegos city.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediments from the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba.

The spatial distribution of various organochlorinated compounds, e.g. PCBs, DDTs, HCB and HCHs, were investigated in sediments of the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba. Among the target organochlorine compounds measured, ΣDDT isomers were the predominant contaminant with concentrations ranging from 0.019 to 1.27 ng g(-1)dry wt. Lindane was present at very low concentrations in the range n.d. to 0.05 ng g(-1), while PCBs and other organochlorine pesticide residues, such as HCB, Heptaclor, Aldrin and Mirex were lower than detection limits (∼0.010 ng g(-1)). According to established sediment quality guidelines, the OCPs concentrations encountered in the surface sediments are probably not having an adverse effect on sediment dwelling organisms. Compared to concentrations reported in coastal environments from other parts of the world, PCBs and OCs concentrations in surface sediments of Batabanó Gulf were low and similar to the reported for remote and pristine environments. These results contribute to the sparse regional database for organochlorinated compounds in the Caribbean marine environment.

Organochlorine contamination (PCBs, DDTs, HCB, HCHs) in sediments from Cienfuegos bay, Cuba.

The spatial distribution of various organochlorinated compounds, e.g. PCBs, DDTs, HCB and HCHs, were investigated in sediments from Cienfuegos bay, Cuba. Their concentrations appeared to be relatively low by global standards and only sediments receiving the impact from the residual waters of the city and thermoelectrical power approached the sediment quality guidelines for PCBs and DDTs. Relatively higher SigmaDDT concentrations and high DDT/DDE+DDD ratios in two sites near the outfalls of the city indicated a current DDT usage, probably linked to public health emergencies. These results contribute to the sparse regional database for organochlorinated compounds in the Caribbean marine environment.

Inputs and sources of hydrocarbons in sediments from Cienfuegos bay, Cuba.

The spatial distribution of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated in sediments from the Cienfuegos bay. The highest anthropogenic hydrocarbon inputs were found near the city of Cienfuegos with an unresolved complex mixture (UCM) of aliphatic hydrocarbons and alkylated PAHs, indicative of petrogenic inputs. Parent PAHs, which are typical of high-temperature combustion processes, were evenly distributed in the whole basin and largely prevailing in the southern part of the Cienfuegos city. Biomarker fingerprints assign the sources of pollution to mixes of national and non-national crude oils. The overall levels of anthropogenic hydrocarbons are relatively high compared to relevant areas worldwide and reveal a moderate/high level of hydrocarbon pollution. The Cienfuegos bay sediments received over a period of 5 yr, 50 T/yr of petrogenic unresolved hydrocarbons (UCM) and 2 T/yr of PAHs, being deposited the 80% in the sediments of the north basin.

Agrochemical and polychlorobyphenyl (PCB) residues in the Mekong River delta, Vietnam.

An environmental survey on pesticide residues and polychlorobyphenyl compounds (PCBs), encompassing more than 70 polar and non-polar compounds quantifiable by the techniques used, was performed in the Mekong River delta based on analyses of water, sediment and bivalve mollusc samples. Few polar compounds, such as diazinon and fenotrothion, were detected in water but a high number of non-polar chlorinated compounds, such as DDT, HCH, endosulfan and PCBs, were detected in sediments and biota. The highest concentrations measured were of DDT with an average 6.3 ng g(-1) dry weight (range 0.32-67 ng g(-1)) in sediments and 38.6 ng g(-1) (range 5.5-123 ng g(-1)) in molluscs' soft tissues. Amongst chlorinated compounds, DDT concentrations were followed in decreasing order by those of PCB, endosulfan, hexachlorocyclohexane and chlordane. Residues of organochlorine compounds originate from local usage of agrochemicals although with a likely contribution also of atmospheric deposition of residues (not measured) originated elsewhere. Concentrations of PCB and pesticide residues in the aquatic environment of the Mekong River delta are lower than values reported for other regions of Vietnam and Asia. Nevertheless, current concerns about the effects of chlorinated compounds on public health advise improved control of chemical residue discharges in order to abate environmental contamination.

The use of steroid markers to assess sewage contamination of the Black Sea.

Analyses of faecal steroids in coastal sediments taken from throughout the Black Sea indicate chronic sewage contamination at some locations. These include Sochi, where concentrations of coprostanol up to 5400 ng g(-1) (dry wt) were recorded, and in the coastal areas adjacent to the Danube delta (2600 ng g(-1) dry wt). Comparatively high values of 5beta/(5beta+5alpha) isomeric ratios of cholestan-3-ol and cholestan-3-one are reported at these locations and are characteristic of sediments contaminated with sewage. Lower concentrations of coprostanol are reported for Bosphorus sediments (12-440 ng g(-1) dry wt) and in the region of Odessa (130-290 ng g(-1) dry wt). Isomeric ratios at these locations also confirm sewage as a significant contributor to steroids in the Bosphorus, but lower values of the ratios indicate only minor sewage inputs in Odessa. In contrast, steroid concentrations and compositions from most Ukrainian sites are characteristic of uncontaminated environments. To place these results into perspective, the range in levels of coprostanol in the Black Sea sediments compares to the lower to mid-range of concentrations reported for coastal sediments on a world-wide basis, with Black Sea sedimentary levels substantially below those previously reported for heavily impacted sites.

Toxaphene residues from cotton fields in soils and in the coastal environment of Nicaragua.

Toxaphene (camphechlor) was intensively used in the cotton growing fields of Nicaragua for decades with application rates as high as 31 kg ha(-1) in 1985. Although the use of this compound has recently been discontinued in the country, its intensive use in the past and its long persistence in soil allowed for the build up of large reservoirs of toxaphene in agriculture soils and a wide dispersal of residues in the environment. Measurements of toxaphene in coastal areas on the coast of the Pacific Ocean show that environmental concentrations are particularly high in the district of Chinandega, the traditional cotton growing region. Toxaphene residues measured in soils attained 44 microg g(-1) (dry weight) while concentrations in lagoon sediments attained 6.9 microg g(-1) (dry weight) near the mouth of the rivers flowing across the agricultural region. Measurements in aquatic biota showed concentrations as high as 1.6 microg g(-1) (dry weight) in the soft tissues of clams. The toxaphene reservoir in soils combined with the obvious persistence of this compound in soils and lagoon sediments allows predicting that toxaphene will remain in the coastal ecosystem at relatively high concentrations for many years. Toxic effects in lagoon fauna are likely to be observed especially in benthic species that may recycle this compound from sediments. Consumption of seafood, in particular of clams (Anadara spp.) from the more contaminated areas, may expose the population to unacceptably high intake of toxaphene, 30 microg d(-1) per person, with the diet.

[Cystic pancreatic tumours and pseudo-tumoural lesions]. / Tumores quísticos pancreáticos y lesiones pseudotumorales.

Cystic lesions of the pancreas are infrequent, estimated at only some 1% of all pancreatic tumours and at some 10% of all pancreatic cysts. The pre-operational diagnosis is important for a suitable treatment, with valuable radiological techniques available today such as ultrasound, computerised tomography and magnetic resonance. In spite of this we have to accept that we are facing a group of tumours whose diagnosis is difficult, due to the great variety of cellular types existing within them.

Tumores quísticos pancreáticos y lesiones pseudotumorales / Cystic pancreatic tumours and pseudo-tumoural lesions

Las lesiones quísticas de páncreas son infrecuentes, estimándose en sólo un 1 por ciento de todos los tumores pancreáticos y en un 10 por ciento de todos los quistes pancreáticos. El diagnóstico preoperatorio es importante para un adecuado tratamiento, existiendo en la actualidad valiosas técnicas radiológicas como son los ultrasonidos, la tomografía computarizada y la resonancia magnética. A pesar de todo tenemos que aceptar que nos encontramos ante un grupo de tumores de difícil diagnóstico, debido a la gran variedad de tipos celulares que existen en los mismos. (AU)

Persistent organochlorine residues in sediments from the Black Sea.

The extent of contamination of the Black Sea by selected organochlorine compounds has been assessed through the analysis of surficial sediments taken from throughout the region. Concentrations of HCHs at sites influenced by the Danube delta are among the highest recorded on a global basis (up to 40 ng g(-1) dry wt). The ratio between the alpha- and gamma-isomers was relatively low indicating contamination through the use of lindane. Concentrations of DDTs (0.06-72 ng g(-1) dry wt) and PCBs (0.06-72 ng g(-1) dry wt) were not especially high in comparison to levels reported from throughout the world. The DDE/DDT ratio was, however, low indicating fresh inputs and hence current usage of DDT within the Black Sea region.

Petroleum and PAH contamination of the Black Sea.

Concern has been expressed regarding the extent of contamination of the Black Sea. Analyses of coastal sediments taken from throughout the region indicate, however, that levels of petroleum hydrocarbons (2-300 microg g(-1) dry wt total hydrocarbons) are generally comparable to those encountered in the Mediterranean and are lower than concentrations reported for highly contaminated areas such as the Gulf, Hong Kong, Taiwan and New York Bight. Highest concentrations of total hydrocarbons (>100 microg g(-1) dry wt) were associated with discharges from Odessa, Sochi and the River Danube. Chronic/degraded petroleum was the major contributor at these sites. Samples from the Ukrainian coastline were comparatively clean (<10 microg g(-1) dry wt total hydrocarbons). Major contributions of fresh oil (as indicated by sigma n-C14-34) occur through the River Danube. Concerning total PAH, concentrations (7-638 ng g(-1) dry wt) compare to relatively unpolluted locations in the Mediterranean and are much lower than levels reported for polluted UK estuaries (e.g. Mersey, Tyne, Thames). Both pyrolytic and petrogenic PAH are present in most samples, although petroleum derived PAH are dominant at Sochi and pyrolytic sources are prevalent in the Bosphorus region. The absence of a correlation between total hydrocarbons and PAH (R2 = 0.04) indicates different primary sources for the two.

Carbon isotope ratio monitoring-gas chromatography mass spectrometric measurements in the marine environment: biomarker sources and paleoclimate applications.

Some applications in the use of compound-specific isotopic analyses (CSIA) for biomarker source elucidation in the marine environment and its potential applications to paleoclimatology are evaluated in the present study. The potential use of the carbon isotope ratios of marine biomarkers as recorders of CO2 levels has been considered. A significant correlation between delta 13C cholesterol of suspended particulates and seawater CO2 concentrations from the south Indian Ocean has been found. delta 13C composition in biomarkers of different functionalities from three photosynthetic organisms has been examined. Small variations within and between biosynthetically related compound classes have been observed in cyanobacteria. In algae, e.g. diatoms and dinoflagellates, significant differences between the average delta 13C composition of fatty acids and sterols were observed (7.5/1000 and 2/1000, respectively). These differences can be attributed to diverse isotope effects associated with different biosynthetic reactions. Isotopic variations among homologues of the same lipid class have also been observed. In diatoms, variations were up to 5/1000 within each class of fatty acids and sterols and in the dinoflagellate species, these variations were lower than 3/1000. These differences, and particularly the intra-specific shifts in delta 13C lipid composition, must be considered for the correct interpretation of changes in delta 13C molecular signatures in the marine environment.

Comparison of the performance of graphitized carbon black and poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) cartridges for the determination of pesticides and industrial phosphates in environmental waters.

The determination of polar and nonpolar organophosphorus compounds, triazines and their metabolites, molinate and chlorothalonil in 1 l water samples was investigated using off-line solid-phase extraction followed by gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus and flame photometric detection. The ethylvinylbenzene-divinylbenzene copolymer (LiChrolut EN) and the commercial graphitized carbon black (GCB) of Envi-Carb were tested as solid-phase sorbents. The matrix effect was studied by extracting the compounds spiked in water samples of different types (Milli-Q, tap, salted tap water, river and sea water). The polymeric sorbent LiChrolut EN allowed the determination at low ng/l of all 40 compounds tested, except the very polar atrazine-desethyl-deisopropyl (DDA). Recoveries of compounds from the Envi-Carb sorbent are comparable to those obtained for LiChrolut EN with the exception of chlorothalonil and the more hydrophobic organophosphorus compounds (coumaphos, leptophos), which were strongly sorbed in the Envi-Carb cartridges. Envi-Carb, however, enabled the determination of DDA with a limit of detection of 14 ng/l.