Characterization of wet precipitation by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, Brazil.

The purpose of this study is to assess the composition of wet precipitation in three sites of the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre. Besides the variables usually considered, such as pH, conductivity, major ions (Cl(-), NO(3)(-), F(-), SO(4)(2-), Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), NH(4)(+) and Ca(2+)) and metallic elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Ni), the suspended matter was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with energy dispersive system (EDS), for better identification of possible anthropogenic material in this wet precipitation. Results showed an alkaline pH in the samples analyzed and higher concentrations for Na(+), Cl(-) and SO(4)(2-).

Study of wet precipitation and its chemical composition in South of Brazil.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the chemical composition of wet precipitation in samples collected at three stations in the Candiota region in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Samples were collected in 2004. Variables analyzed in wet precipitation were pH, conductivity, and concentration of Cl-, NO3-, SO4(2-) F-, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, NH4+, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co, and Cr.

Discordance between proxy-reported and observed assessment of functional ability of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Objective: To determine the level of agreement between parents and clinicians in rating dysfunction in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods: A parent of each patient completed the Italian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ). Subsequently, an examiner assessed, in a specially equipped room, the child's performance of tasks as described by the CHAQ.

Height, bone mineral density and bone markers in congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Aim: To evaluate height, bone growth, areal bone mineral density (aBMD), volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and markers of bone turnover in a group of patients affected by congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

Patients: There were 50 patients (23 males, 27 females), aged 1-28 years, affected by CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency: 27 with the salt-wasting (SW); 14 with the simple virilizing (SV), and 9 with the nonclassical (NC) forms.

Methods: Bone morphometry was evaluated with the metacarpal index (MI) and lumbar aBMD and vBMD (L2-L4) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Nephrotic-range proteinuria, the major risk factor for early atherosclerosis in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To determine the presence of early carotid atherosclerosis and associated risk factors in patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: The carotid intima-media wall thickness (IMT) was measured by B-mode ultrasound in patients with SLE onset before the age of 16 years and in sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects. Risk factors for atherosclerosis were determined at the time of the ultrasound scan and included traditional cardiovascular and SLE-related risk factors.