There's something in the air: A review of sources, prevalence and behaviour of microplastics in the atmosphere.

Literature regarding microplastics in the atmosphere has advanced in recent years. However, studies have been undertaken in isolation with minimal collaboration and exploration of the relationships between air, deposition and dust. This review collates concentrations (particle count and mass-based), shape, size and polymetric characteristics for microplastics in ambient air (m3), deposition (m2/day), dust (microplastics/g) and snow (microplastics/L) from 124 peer-reviewed articles to provide a holistic overview and analysis of our current knowledge. In summary, ambient air featured concentrations between <1 to >1000 microplastics/m3 (outdoor) and <1 microplastic/m3 to 1583 ± 1181 (mean) microplastics/m3 (indoor), consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene. No difference (p > 0.05) was observed between indoor and outdoor concentrations or the minimum size of microplastics (p > 0.5). Maximum microplastic sizes were larger indoors (p < 0.05). Deposition concentrations ranged between 0.5 and 1357 microplastics/m2/day (outdoor) and 475 to 19,600 microplastics/m2/day (indoor), including polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate. Concentrations varied between indoor and outdoor deposition (p < 0.05), being more abundant indoors, potentially closer to sources/sinks. No difference was observed between the minimum or maximum reported microplastic sizes within indoor and outdoor deposition (p > 0.05). Road dust concentrations varied between 2 ± 2 and 477 microplastics/g (mean), consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene. Mean outdoor dust concentrations ranged from <1 microplastic/g (remote desert) to between 18 and 225 microplastics/g, comprised of polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polypropylene. Snow concentrations varied between 0.1 and 30,000 microplastics/L, containing polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene. Concentrations within indoor dust varied between 10 and 67,000 microplastics/g, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene. No difference was observed between indoor and outdoor concentrations (microplastics/g) or maximum size (p > 0.05). The minimum size of microplastics were smaller within outdoor dust (p > 0.05). Although comparability is hindered by differing sampling methods, analytical techniques, polymers investigated, spectral libraries and inconsistent terminology, this review provides a synopsis of knowledge to date regarding atmospheric microplastics.

Does size matter? Quantification of plastics associated with size fractionated biosolids.

This study investigated the occurrence and contribution of plastic particles associated with size fractionated biosolids to the total concentration in biosolids (treated sewage sludge) samples collected from 20 wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) across Australia. This was achieved through sequential size fractionation of biosolids samples to quantify the mass concentration of 7 common plastics across a range of biosolids size fractions, including below 25 µm which has not been assessed in many previous studies. Quantitative analysis was performed by pressurized liquid extraction followed by pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Of the total quantified plastics (Σ7plastics), the greatest proportion (27%) of the total mass were identified in the nominal <25 µm sized biosolids fraction. Polyethylene dominated the polymer mass in every size fraction, even though profiles varied between WWTPs. When comparing the sum of all sites for each sized biosolids fraction, the plurality of the polyethylene, polyvinyl-chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polyethylene-terephthalate concentrations were associated with the smallest size fraction (<25 µm). We confirm for the first time the presence of plastic particles in biosolids below a size fraction that is not captured by many methods. This is important, because of the potential greater significance of plastics in the low sizes to environmental and human health.

Evaluating health related quality of life in outpatients receiving anti-cancer treatment: results from an observational, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in outpatients receiving anti-cancer treatment. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, single-center study that assessed HRQOL in cancer patients receiving antineoplastic treatment. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients were included in the study; the median total FACT-G score was 66 ± 12.9; the scores for the physical well-being, social/family well-being, emotional well-being and functional well-being domains were 17.8 + 4.8, 19.1 ± 4.4, 14.8 ± 3.8 and 14.3 ± 4.7 respectively. Patients with adverse events had poorer HRQOL compared to those without them (FACT-G score 62.2 vs. 67.3; p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis the variables associated with poorer HRQOL in the form of a gradient were tumor stage and performance status (ECOG); female sex was also associated with poorer HRQOL. CONCLUSION: In our study, the neoplastic disease and anti-cancer treatment toxicities had an impact on HRQOL. Patients had poorer scores in the functional well-being domain and higher ones in the social/family well-being domain. Variables associated with worse HRQOL were tumor stage, performance status (ECOG) and female sex.

Influence of surface oxidation on the quantification of polypropylene microplastics by pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

The influence of photo-oxidation on the quantification of isotactic polypropylene by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS) was assessed. Beads (oval shape, ~5 mm) and fragments (irregular shaped, 250-50 µm and 500-1000 µm) were subjected to relatively harsh simulated accelerated weathering conditions (using a filtered xenon-arc reproducing sunlight's full spectrum) for up to 37 and 80 days, respectively. Samples collected (n = 10 replicates for each treatment) at increasing number of weathering days were analysed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR), scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry in order to assess the extent and the rate of degradation. The rate of surface oxidation occurred faster for fragments compared to beads, probably due to their higher surface area. Quantification of the polypropylene trimer (2,4-dimethyl-1-heptene) via double shot Pyr-GC/MS, showed that the signal of the trimer relative to the mass of polypropylene was reduced through weathering with a degradation rate of 1:3 faster for fragments over beads. Signal reduction and carbonyl index were correlated to show that polypropylene with a carbonyl index of ≥13 has a significantly reduced 2,4-dimethyl-1-heptene signal when compared to virgin material. Consequently, the quantification of polypropylene subjected to weathering under harsh conditions may be underestimated by 42% (fragments, carbonyl index: 18) to 49% (beads, carbonyl index: 30) when quantified by Pyr-GC/MS and using virgin polypropylene calibration standards. Pyrolysis at a lower temperature (350 °C) identified six degradation specific markers (oxidation products) that increased in concentration with weathering. Further comparisons between virgin and weathered microplastics may need to be considered to avoid underestimation of microplastic concentrations in future studies.

Quantification of selected microplastics in Australian urban road dust.

Microplastics (1 - 5000 µm) are pervasive in every compartment of our environment. However, little is understood regarding the concentration and size distribution of microplastics in road dust, and how they change in relation to human activity. Within road dust, microplastics move through the environment via atmospheric transportation and stormwater run-off into waterways. Human exposure pathways to road dust include dermal contact, inhalation and ingestion. In this study, road dust along an urban to rural transect within South-East Queensland, Australia was analysed using Accelerated Solvent Extraction followed by pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS). Polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, poly (methyl methacrylate) and polyethylene were quantified. Microplastic concentrations ranged from ~0.5 mg/g (rural site) to 6 mg/g (Brisbane city), consisting primarily of polyvinyl chloride (29%) and polyethylene terephthalate (29%). Size fractionation (< 250 µm, 250-500 µm, 500-1000 µm, 1000-2000 µm and 2000-5000 µm) established that the < 250 µm size fraction contained the majority of microplastics by mass (mg/g). Microplastic concentrations in road dust demonstrated a significant relationship with the volume of vehicles (r2 = 0.63), suggesting traffic, as a proxy for human movement, is associated with increased microplastic concentrations in the built environment.

Cutaneous adverse events and quality of life in outpatients receiving anticancer agents: results from an observational, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite growing interest in cutaneous adverse events (CAEs) and their management in patients with cancer, they are often underreported and there are no extensive data on their impact on quality of life (QoL). Healthcare professionals should consider this issue in order to minimize its negative impact on QoL and improve patient outcomes. This study evaluates the impact of CAEs on QoL in outpatients receiving anticancer drugs and aims to determine the differences in QoL between conventional chemotherapy versus targeted therapies. METHODS: A total of 114 cancer patients with CAEs were included in this observational, cross-sectional study. Patient-reported outcomes instruments (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and Skindex-16) were used. RESULTS: Mean scores in QoL indices were 65.3±13.4, 8.4±5, and 30.8±16.9 in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and Skindex-16, respectively. The CAEs that had the greatest impact on dermatologic-related QoL were hand-foot skin reaction, rash, palmo-plantar erythrodysesthesia, and papulopustular eruption. No significant differences in QoL indices according to the type of treatment (conventional chemotherapy versus targeted therapy) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: CAEs, and particularly hand-foot toxicities, rashes, and papulopustular eruptions, can have an impact on QoL in outpatients receiving anticancer drugs as evaluated with three different patient-reported outcomes instruments. No differences in QoL related to CAEs were observed between conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Quantitative Analysis of Selected Plastics in High-Commercial-Value Australian Seafood by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry.

Microplastic contamination of the marine environment is widespread, but the extent to which the marine food web is contaminated is not yet known. The aims of this study were to go beyond visual identification techniques and develop and apply a simple seafood sample cleanup, extraction, and quantitative analysis method using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry to improve the detection of plastic contamination. This method allows the identification and quantification of polystyrene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and poly(methyl methacrylate) in the edible portion of five different seafood organisms: oysters, prawns, squid, crabs, and sardines. Polyvinyl chloride was detected in all samples and polyethylene at the highest total concentration of between 0.04 and 2.4 mg g-1 of tissue. Sardines contained the highest total plastic mass concentration (0.3 mg g-1 tissue) and squid the lowest (0.04 mg g-1 tissue). Our findings show that the total concentration of plastics is highly variable among species and that microplastic concentration differs between organisms of the same species. The sources of microplastic exposure, such as packaging and handling with consequent transference and adherence to the tissues, are discussed. This method is a major development in the standardization of plastic quantification techniques used in seafood.

Identification and quantification of selected plastics in biosolids by pressurized liquid extraction combined with double-shot pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The identification and quantification of selected plastics (polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) in biosolids (treated sewage sludge) was performed by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) combined with double-shot pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Validation of the method yielded recoveries of between 85 and 128% (mean RSD 11%) at a linear range of between 0.01 and 2 µg. The distribution of plastics within 25 biosolid samples from a single wastewater treatment plant in Australia was assessed. The mass concentration of PE, PVC, PP, PS and PMMA was between 0.1 and 4.1 mg/g dry weight (dw) across all samples, with a total plastic concentration Æ©Plastics of between 2.8 and 6.6 mg/g dw (median = 4.1 mg/g dw). PE was the predominant plastic detected (mean concentration of 2.2 mg/g dw), contributing to 50% of the total of all plastics. Overall, this study demonstrates that pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) combined with double-shot pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry can be used to identify and quantify PE, PP, PVC, PS, and PMMA in biosolids.

Studies of the effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms: What do we know and where should we focus our efforts in the future?

The effects of microplastics (MP) on aquatic organisms are currently the subject of intense research. Here, we provide a critical perspective on published studies of MP ingestion by aquatic biota. We summarize the available research on MP presence, behaviour and effects on aquatic organisms monitored in the field and on laboratory studies of the ecotoxicological consequences of MP ingestion. We consider MP polymer type, shape, size as well as group of organisms studied and type of effect reported. Specifically, we evaluate whether or not the available laboratory studies of MP are representative of the types of MPs found in the environment and whether or not they have reported on relevant groups or organisms. Analysis of the available data revealed that 1) despite their widespread detection in field-based studies, polypropylene, polyester and polyamide particles were under-represented in laboratory studies; 2) fibres and fragments (800-1600 µm) are the most common form of MPs reported in animals collected from the field; 3) to date, most studies have been conducted on fish; knowledge is needed about the effects of MPs on other groups of organisms, especially invertebrates. Furthermore, there are significant mismatches between the types of MP most commonly found in the environment or reported in field studies and those used in laboratory experiments. Finally, there is an overarching need to understand the mechanism of action and ecotoxicological effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of MPs on aquatic organism health.

Adherence and safety study in patients on treatment with capecitabine.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of oral antineoplastic agents in therapeutics has caused a change in the treatment strategy against cancer. The objective of this study was to analyze the adherence in patients to treatment with capecitabine, their adverse events, and the overall health status of patients, as well as the relationship of these factors with adherence. METHOD: An observational, prospective study at 7 months, in a cohort of patients on capecitabine treatment, including treatment initiations and continuations, regardless of diagnosis or indication. The data collected were: demographic variables (age, gender), diagnostic (breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, off-label), adherence (tablet count, Morisky test,Sackett test), safety (assessment of adverse events, clinical evaluation by the oncologist) and quality of life (performance status, SF-12 test). DATA SOURCES: electronic clinical records (IANUS®), dispensing program for outpatients (SILICON®) and interviews with patients. RESULTS: There were 111 evaluable patients, with a mean age of 66.7 years (range 32-86), ECOG PS 1 in 76.6%. Adherence level: 78.4% (81.7% in the initiation sub-group vs. 72.5% in the continuation sub-group). Adverse events: skin toxicity (33.33%), asthenia (25.22%), gastrointestinal toxicity (24.32%) and neurological toxicity (24.32%), mostly G1.Health status, SF-12 test: subjective evaluation as "good" in 33.30% of cases. Conclusions: The low level of adherence in the continuation sub-group can be associated with the duration of treatment, toxicities, clinical evolution, and perception of their health status. It is necessary to conduct individualized monitoring in this group of patients in order to obtain a favorable clinical response.

Introducción: La introducción en la terapéutica de antineoplásicos orales ha provocado un cambio en la estrategia de tratamiento frente al cáncer. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la adherencia en pacientes en tratamiento con capecitabina, los acontecimientos adversos y el estado general de salud de los pacientes, así como la relación de estos factores con la adherencia.Método: Estudio observacional prospectivo, de siete meses de duración, en una cohorte de pacientes en tratamiento con capecitabina, incluyendo los inicios y las continuaciones de tratamiento, independientemente del diagnóstico o la indicación. Se registraron variables demográficas (edad, sexo), de diagnóstico (cáncer de mama, colon-recto, gástrico, off-label), deadherencia (recuento de comprimidos, test de Morisky, de Sackett), de seguridad (valoración de acontecimientos adversos, evaluación clínica del oncólogo) y calidad de vida (performance status, test SF-12). Fuentes de datos: historia clínica electrónica (IANUS®), programa de dispensación a pacientes externos (Silicon ®) y entrevistas al paciente. Resultados: 111 pacientes evaluables, media de edad de 66,7 años (rango 32-86), ECOG PS 1 en el 76,6%. Nivel de adherencia: 78,4% (subgrupo inicio 81,7% vs. continuación 72,5%). Acontecimientos adversos: toxicidad cutánea (33,33%), astenia (25,22%), toxicidad gastrointestinal (24,32%) y neurológica (24,32%), en su mayoría G1. Estado de salud, test SF-12: valoración subjetiva "buena" en el 33,30%. Conclusiones: El bajo nivel de adherencia en el subgrupo de continuación puede relacionarse con la duración del tratamiento, las toxicidades, la evolución clínica y la percepción de su estado de salud. Es necesario un seguimiento individualizado en este grupo de pacientes para obtener una respuesta clínica favorable.

Promoção da saúde do homem: uma experiência exitosa na atenção básica / Men's health promotion: a successful experience in primary care

Este trabalho tem como objetivo disseminar uma ferramenta para integração entre ensino-serviço-comunidade, a partir de uma experiência exitosa na criação de um grupo de Saúde do Homem. Pretende-se, por meio deste, criar subsídios para as equipes de saúde da família ampliarem seus cuidados na Atenção Básica, por meio do desenvolvimento de ações de promoção da saúde voltadas para o homem. O grupo de Saúde do Homem da USF Cristo Rei tornou-se referência no município de João Pessoa, beneficiando a população assistida, motivando a equipe de saúde e, consequentemente, formando agentes na comunidade transformadores de suas realidades, a partir da educação popular e baseado na criação de vínculos, contribuindo, assim, para o fortalecimento da integração ensino-servi- ço-comunidade.

This work aims to disseminate a tool for integration between teaching-service-community resulting from a successful experience in the creation of a Men's Health group. Through this the intent is to create the means for family health teams to extend their care in Primary Health Care, through the development of health-promoting actions for men. The Men's Health group of the Cristo Rei Family Health Unit became a point of reference in the city of João Pessoa, benefiting the assisted population, motivating the health team, and consequently training agents in the Community, transforming their realities, coming from popular education and based on the creation of connections, thus contributing to the strengthening of teaching-service-community integration.

A terapia comunitária como estratégia de promoção à saúde mental: o caminho para o empoderamento / Community therapy as strategy for promoting mental health: the path to empowerment / La terapia comunitaria como estrategia para la salud mental: el camiño hacía empoderamiento

Na contemporaneidade, a mulher tem exercido uma diversidade de papéis culturais, seja como cuidadora e mantenedora do lar, ou como empresária administradora e provedora de serviços. O processo saúde doença da mulher é marcado por situações de sofrimento caracterizado pelo estresse constante, independente do papel que ela ocupa socialmente. Experiências da Terapia Comunitária, com mulheres tem sido uma estratégia adotada pelas equipes de saúde da família para enfrentar sofrimentos emocionais originados no cotidiano. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer as contribuições da Terapia Comunitária no cuidado com mulheres usuárias dos serviços da Estratégia saúde da Família. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório realizado no município de Vila Flor, Rio Grande do Norte, com 13 mulheres que participaram das rodas de terapia, durante o período de maio a agosto de 2008. O material empírico foi produzido por meio entrevistas seguido da análise dos discursos. Os dados permitem a afirmação de que as mulheres ao compartilharem seus problemas receberam apoio do grupo, refletindo no alívio do sentimento de dor que estava associado à perda de pessoas queridas. Pode-se inferir que os encontros promoveram o resgate do atributo resiliente, contribuindo para empoderamento, intensificando a autonomia e auto-estima, fortalecendo vínculos familiares, sociais, comunitários e espirituais.

In contemporary times, women have carried a variety of cultural roles either as the family caregiver and keeper, or as businesswoman, head and provider. The woman?s health-disease process is distinguished by situations of stress characterized by constant suffering, regardless of the role she plays socially. Experiences of Community Therapy, with women, have been a strategy adopted by the family health teams to deal with emotional suffering developed in daily life. This study aimed to understand the contributions of Community Therapy in women who attended Family Health Strategy services. This is an exploratory study conducted in the city of Vila Flor/ Rio Grande do Norte, with 13 women who participated in the therapy groups, during the period of May to August of 2008. The empirical material was produced through interviews followed by analysis of discourses. The investigation of this information revealed that when women share their problems they received support from the group, what reflected on the feeling of relief from pain that was associated with the loss of beloved people. Results showed that the group meetings promoted the recovery of the resilient attribute, which contributed to individual empowerment, increased autonomy and self-esteem, strengthen family, social, community, and spiritual ties.

En la contemporaneidad la mujer ha ejercido una diversidad de papeles culturales, sea como cuidadora y mantenedora del hogar, o bien como empresaria, administradora. El proceso salud enfermedad de la mujer está marcado por situaciones de sufrimiento caracterizado por el estrés constante, independientemente del papel que ella ocupe socialmente. Experiencias de la Terapia Comunitaria con mujeres, han sido una estrategia adoptada por los equipos de salud de la familia para enfrentar sufrimientos emocionales originados en lo cotidiano. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer las contribuciones de la Terapia Comunitaria al cuidado con mujeres usuarias de los servicios de la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia. Se trata de un estudio exploratorio realizado en la municipalidad de Vila Flor, Rio Grande do Norte, con 13 mujeres que participaron de las sesiones de terapia comunitaria, durante el período de mayo a junio de 2008. El material empírico fue producido por intermedio de entrevistas seguidas de análisis de los discursos. A través de este material fue revelado que las mujeres al compartir sus problemas recibieron apoyo del grupo, reflejado en el alivio del sentimiento de dolor que estaba asociado a la pérdida de personas queridas. Se puede inferir que los encuentros promovieron el rescate del atributo resiliente, contribuyendo para el empoderamiento, intensificando la autonomía, la auto estima, fortaleciendo los vínculos familiares, sociales, comunitarios y espirituales.

ADEQUAÇÃO TECNOLÓGICA DE FRUTOS DA AMAZÔNIA: LICOR DE ARAÇÁ-BOI (Eugenia stiptata) McVAUGH

The potential of araçá-boi for liquor processing was studied through fruit pulp composition and the effect of processing parameters, such as: extraction liquid type, maceration time, pulp/extraction liquid ratio, proportion of syrup/extract and syrup processing method. The araçá-boi presents good characteristics for liquor processing, such as, acidic pH, high titrable acidity, soluble solids and total carotenoids contents. For the araçá-boi liquor processing the optimized parameters were five days for maceration time; 1:2 (g/ml) of pulp/extraction liquid ratio at maceration; the 1:0.5 (ml/ml) of syrup/extract ratio at the formulation; preparation of the syrup using heat; utilization of the corn alcohol. With this conditions, a good product is obtained.

Para avaliar o potencial do araçá-boi para produção de licores, foi estudada a composição química da polpa e o efeíto de alguns parâmetros do processamento, tais como, tipo de líquido extrator, tempo de maceração, proporção polpa/líquido extrator, proporção xarope/extrato c método de preparo do xarope. O araçá-boi apresentou boas características para o processamento de licor, como o pH ácido, altos teores de acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis e carotcnóides totais. Os parâmetros ideais para obtenção de licor de boa qualidade foram: cinco dias de maceração na proporção de 1:2 (p/v) de polpa:álcool de milho, relação de 1:0,5 (v/v) de xarope:cxtrato na formulação, utilizando-se xarope preparado com dissolução do açúcar sob aquecimento.