Alternatives to Cs for Pb dating validation in south America and in the Carribean region: Point and diffuse sources.

As today the Cs fallout peak, in sediment cores, corresponds only to 25% of its initial concentration, alternatives to the use of Cs as aPb sediment dating validation tool are proposed. In highly industrialized bays, such as Guanabara Bay in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region, several chemical/compounds from the surrounding industry releases may be applied as validation tools. Chromium and copper profiles in a sediment core adequately fit the expected pattern due to the implementation of a chemical plant in 1958, reaching their maximum discharge in 1982 and subsequently decreasing due to the operation of a new wastewater treatment plant.

Ecotoxicological assessments of atmospheric biomonitors exposed to urban pollution in a Brazilian metropolis.

Subcellular metal distribution assessments are the most adequate biomonitoring approach to evaluate metal toxicity, instead of total metal assessments This study aimed to assess subcellular metal distributions and associations to the main metal exposure biomarker, metallothionein (MT), in two bromeliad species (Tillandsia usneoides and Tillandsia stricta) exposed established in industrial, urban, and port areas in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, through an active biomonitoring approach conducted one year. Metals and metalloids in three subcellular fractions (insoluble, thermolabile and thermostable) obtained from the MT purification process were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Lower MT concentrations were observed both during the dry sampling periods, associated to the crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) and during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to reduced urban mobility, decreasing pollutant emissions.

Assessing over decadal biomass burning influence on particulate matter composition in subequatorial Amazon: literature review, remote sensing, chemical speciation and machine learning application.

A study on aerosols in the Brazilian subequatorial Amazon region, Tangará da Serra (TS) and Alta Floresta (AF) was conducted and compared to findings in an additional site with background characteristics (Manaus, AM). TS and AF counties suffer from intense biomass burning periods in the dry season, and it accounts for high levels of particles in the atmosphere. Chemical characterization of fine and coarse particulate matter (PM) was performed to quantify water-soluble ions (WSI) and black carbon (BC).

Biochemical metal accumulation effects and metalloprotein metal detoxification in environmentally exposed tropical Perna perna mussels.

Marine bivalves have been widely applied as environmental contamination bioindicators, although studies concerning tropical species are less available compared to temperate climate species. Assessments regarding Perna perna mytilid mussels, in particular, are scarce, even though this is an extremely important species in economic terms in tropical countries, such as Brazil. To this end, Perna perna mytilids were sampled from two tropical bays in Southeastern Brazil, one anthropogenically impacted and one previously considered a reference site for metal contamination.

Historic variation of trace elements in pinnipeds with spatially segregated trophic habits reveals differences in exposure to pollution.

Marine mammals and the ecological functions they provide to coastal and pelagic ecosystems are increasingly threatened by the intensification of anthropogenic impacts. The Uruguayan coastline throughout the 20th century, like other coastal environments worldwide, has been the sink of a variety of trace metals derived from the rapid urbanization and industrialization of related land areas. This coastline is inhabited by two species of pinnipeds trophically and spatially segregated.

Decadal and spatial variation of Hg concentrations in sediments of a multi-stressor impacted estuary.

The present study has evaluated temporal and spatial mercury trends based on surficial sediment samples and Pb-dated sediment profiles. The obtained results show that there are areas close to the main bay's tributary rivers where the Hg content has doubled during the last 15 years and regions where it has decreased by a factor of 2, mainly the area close to the navigation channel, which is submitted to periodic dredging. In the inner part of the bay, the most contaminated region, mercury shows a strong association with sulfide.

Inter-laboratory test for oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope analyses of geothermal fluids: Assessment of reservoir fluid compositions.

Rationale: Knowledge of the accuracy and precision for oxygen (δ O values) and hydrogen (δ H values) stable isotope analyses of geothermal fluid samples is important to understand geothermal reservoir processes, such as partial boiling-condensation and encroachment of cold and reinjected waters. The challenging aspects of the analytical techniques for this specific matrix include memory effects and higher scatter of delta values with increasing total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations, deterioration of Pt-catalysts by dissolved/gaseous H S for hydrogen isotope equilibration measurements and isotope salt effects that offset isotope ratios determined by gas equilibration techniques.

Methods: An inter-laboratory comparison exercise for the determination of the δ O and δ H values of nine geothermal fluid samples was conducted among eleven laboratories from eight countries (CeMIEGeo2017).

Clinical Treatment of Penile Fibrosis After Penoscrotal Lymphedema.

Genital lymphedema in men can affect the penis and/or scrotum, causing deformity and causing sexual limitations, social isolation, poor quality of life and recurrent subcutaneous infections due to difficulties in hygiene. There are few studies in the literature emphasizing the treatment of penile fibrosis after penoscrotal lymphedema. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of penile fibrosis treated using a new compression method.

Evolution of Skin during Rehabilitation for Elephantiasis Using Intensive Treatment.

The objective of this study is to describe the evolution of the skin during rehabilitation for elephantiasis using intensive treatment. We report on the case of a 55-year-old patient with a seven-year history of leg edema. The patient reported that it began with repeated outbreaks of erysipelas over several years.

Bioimpedance to screen for abdominal fat in patients with breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema.

Background: One of the dreaded complications after the treatment of breast cancer is lymphedema. Therapies used in the treatment of breast cancer such as surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy may be adversely affected by obesity.

Aim: The objective of this study was to use bioimpedance to assess abdominal fat in women with breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema and suggest this as a screening method.

Lymphedema in Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: Is It Possible to Normalize?

The aim of this study is to report the results of intensive therapy of lymphedema associated with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. A 24-year-old female patient reported that her family had observed edema in her right leg and port wine stains from birth. For ten years, they consulted with different specialists in the region but the prognosis did not change and no specific treatment was found.

Association of Hypertension With Erectile Function in Chronic Peripheral Arterial Insufficiency Patients.

Background: Risk factors may influence the improvement or worsening of erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of systemic hypertension on ED in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Methods: The effect of hypertension on ED was assessed in 125 consecutive patients in a cross-sectional quantitative study.

Selenium Levels in the Whole Blood of Children and Teenagers from Two Riparian Communities at the Madeira River Basin in the Western Brazilian Amazon.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient that exerts multiple functions in the organism, and both its deficiency and excess can cause health impairments. Thus, it is important to monitor its levels in the population, especially in vulnerable groups, such as children from the Brazilian Amazon region, where there is a lack of information in this regard. The aim of this research was to study Se levels in the whole blood of children and teenagers (5-16 years old) from two riparian communities at the Madeira River (Cuniã RESEX and Belmont).

Determination of (226)Ra in produced water by liquid scintillation counting.

It is proposed a method for the determination of (226)Ra in offshore platform liquid effluent samples (produced water). The method is based on a two-phase liquid scintillation counting system and allows for the direct and simple determination of (226)Ra content. Samples with high barium content may also have high (226)Ra concentration.

Differential metallothionein, reduced glutathione and metal levels in Perna perna mussels in two environmentally impacted tropical bays in southeastern Brazil.

Mussel farming is an important economic activity in Brazil, and these organisms are consumed by the majority of the population in most coastal zones in the country. However, despite the increasing pollution of aquatic ecosystems in Brazil, little is known about the biochemical activity in mussels in response to metal exposure. In this context, the aim of the present study was to investigate metal and metalloid exposure effects in Perna perna mussels, by determining metal levels, the induction of metallothionein (MT) synthesis, and oxidative stress, in the form of reduced glutathione (GSH) in 3 contaminated areas from the Guanabara Bay in comparison to a reference site, Ilha Grande Bay, both in summer and winter.

Investigation of thermostable metalloproteins in Perna perna mussels from differentially contaminated areas in Southeastern Brazil by bioanalytical techniques.

Metallomic studies regarding environmental contamination by metals are of value in elucidating metal uptake, trafficking, accumulation and metabolism in biological systems. Many proven bioindicator species, such as bivalves, have not yet, however, been well-characterized regarding their metalloprotein expression in response to environmental contaminants. In this context, the aim of the present study was to investigate metalloprotein expressions in the thermostable protein fraction of muscle tissue and digestive glands from mussels (Perna perna) from three differentially metal-contaminated sites in Southeastern Brazil in comparison with a reference site.

Vehicular Emission Ratios of VOCs in a Megacity Impacted by Extensive Ethanol Use: Results of Ambient Measurements in São Paulo, Brazil.

The São Paulo Metropolitan Area (SPMA) is a megacity with 20 million people and over 8 million vehicles. Over the past decade a large increase in biofuel usage, more notably ethanol by light-duty vehicles, has made Brazil, and in particular São Paulo, a unique case worldwide. This study presents the first assessment of emission ratios of a selected group of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) relative to carbon monoxide (CO) under ambient conditions.

Assessment of trace elements, POPs, (210)Po and stable isotopes ((15)N and (13)C) in a rare filter-feeding shark: The megamouth.

With less than 60 records being reported worldwide, the megamouth (Megachasma pelagios) is today one of the least known shark species inhabiting our oceans. Therefore, information concerning the biology and ecology of this enigmatic organism is very scarce and limited to feeding behaviour and preferred habitat. The present work reports new data on the concentrations of trace elements, organic mercury, POPs and (210)Po in hepatic and muscular tissues of a specimen found stranded in the southeastern coast of Brazil.

Pain in breast cancer treatment: aggravating factors and coping mechanisms.

The objective of this study was to evaluate pain in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema and the characteristics of aggravating factors and coping mechanisms. The study was conducted in the Clinica Godoy, São Jose do Rio Preto, with a group of 46 women who had undergone surgery for the treatment of breast cancer. The following variables were evaluated: type and length of surgery; number of radiotherapy and chemotherapy sessions; continued feeling of the removed breast (phantom limb), infection, intensity of pain, and factors that improve and worsen the pain.

Familial mixed nephrocalcinosis as a cause of chronic kidney failure: two case reports.

Introduction: Nephrocalcinosis consists of the deposition of calcium salts in the renal parenchyma and is considered the mixed form when it involves the renal cortex and medulla. The main etiological agents of this condition are primary hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, medullary sponge kidney, hyperoxaluria and taking certain drugs. These factors can lead to hypercalcemia and/or hypercalciuria, which can give rise to nephrocalcinosis.

Synergistic effect of adjustments of elastic stockings to maintain reduction in leg volume after mechanical lymph drainage.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of elastic compression stockings on volumetric variations of lymphedematous limbs between mechanical lymph drainage sessions. Eleven patients with Grade II leg lymphedema, regardless of etiology, were evaluated in a randomized clinical trial. The ages ranged from 47 to 83 years old with a mean of 62.

Synergistic effect of elastic stockings to maintain volume losses after mechanical lymphatic therapy.

The objective of the current study was to assess whether Venosan elastic stockings have a synergistic effect on the maintenance of results after Mechanical Lymphatic Therapy. Eleven patients with grade II lymphedema of the legs, regardless of cause, were evaluated in the Clinica Godoy between September and November 2012. The participants' ages ranged from 53 to 83 years old with a mean of 65.

Tritium ((3)H) as a tracer for monitoring the dispersion of conservative radionuclides discharged by the Angra dos Reis nuclear power plants in the Piraquara de Fora Bay, Brazil.

Presently, two nuclear power plants operate in Brazil. Both are located at Itaorna beach, Angra dos Reis, approximately 133 km from Rio de Janeiro city. The reactor cooling circuits require the input of seawater, which is later discharged through a pipeline into the adjacent Piraquara de Fora Cove.