Short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in fish from an anthropized south-western Atlantic estuary, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are synthetic organic compounds of growing environmental and social concern. Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) were listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in 2017. Further, in 2021, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) were proposed to be listed as POPs. We investigated SCCP and MCCP amounts and homolog profiles in four wild fish species from Bahía Blanca Estuary, a South Atlantic Ocean coastal habitat in Argentina. SCCPs and MCCPs were detected in 41% and 36% of the samples, respectively. SCCP amounts ranged from <12 to 29 ng g-1 wet weight and <750-5887 ng g-1 lipid weight, whereas MCCP amounts ranged from <7 to 19 ng g-1 wet weight and <440-2848 ng g-1 lipid weight. Amounts were equivalent to those found in fish from the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans and from some North American and Tibetan Plateau lakes. We performed a human health risk assessment and found no direct risks to human health for SCCP or MCCP ingestion, according to present knowledge. Regarding their environmental behavior, no significant differences were observed among SCCP amounts, sampling locations, species, sizes, lipid content, and age of the specimens. However, there were significant differences in MCCP amounts across species, which could be attributed to fish size and feeding habits. Homolog profiles in all fish were dominated by the medium-chlorinated (Cl6 and Cl7) CPs and shorter chain length CPs were the most abundant, with C10Cl6 (12.8%) and C11Cl6 (10.1%) being the predominant SCCPs and C14Cl6 (19.2%) and C14Cl7 (12.4%) the predominant MCCPs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the presence of CPs in the environment in Argentina and the South Atlantic Ocean. CP occurrence in the environment, particularly in the food chain, promotes the need for further research on their occurrence and behavior, and the impact of CPs in marine ecosystems in Argentina.

Large-scale spatiotemporal variations, sources, and risk assessment of banned OCPs and PAHs in suspended particulate matter from the Negro river, Argentina.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) threaten the environment due to their wide environmental resistance. Environmental paradigms coexist along the Negro River (NR) in Argentina, South America, which flows to the sea below the latitude of 40o S; however, this is the first environmental assessment of OCPs and PAHs in water of the NR for more than 15 years. With 21 sampling sites covering a range of 600 km of river extension, we assessed 16 OCPs and 16 PAHs in suspended particulate material (SPM) with regard to their levels, seasonality, sources, and potential biological risk assessment. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detection, we found an overall mean value for Σ16 OCPs of 648.56 ng. g-1, d.w. Despite a ban spanning 25 years, an increasing trend of accumulation of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and endosulfan was shown in the lower valley. The ɑ-HCH/ɤ-HCH and ß-HCH/(ɑ + É¤)-HCH ratios indicated a prevalent usage of technical HCH over lindane and recent HCH inputs. The most abundant compound, α-endosulfan, averaged 141.64 ng. g-1, d.w. and DDX (Σ 4,4'-DDE, 4,4'-DDD, and 4,4'-DDT) averaged 99.98 ng. g-1, d.w. Winter OCP loads in the NR reflected the runoff of the heaviest pesticide application period. We estimated the total discharge of DDT into the Atlantic ocean was 96 g.day-1, added to 458 g of HCHs and 257 g of endosulfans (ɑ + ß + epoxide) adsorbed by the SPM. PAHs occurred widely along the river (38.83 ± 43.52 µg. g-1) and the highest levels coincided with locations with marked anthropogenic-related activity, such as petroleum/gas exploitation facilities. Risk quotient analysis showed a low risk posed by OCPs, but a high risk of potential effects on biota posed by the PAHs, highlighting the need for mitigation measures.

Occurrence, behavior and the associated health risk of organochlorine pesticides in sediments and fish from Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were assessed for their occurrence, behavior and the associated human health and ecological risks in four fish species (Micropogonias furnieri, Cynoscion guatucupa, Mustelus schmitti, and Ramnogaster arcuata) and sediments from the Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina, an important coastal environment of South America. Total OCPs values ranged from 0.86 to 6.23 ng/g dry weight in sediments and from

Seasonal distribution pattern and bioaccumulation of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in four bioindicator coastal fishes of Argentina.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are pollutants of global concern in coastal environments. They have a wide range of biological toxicity and due to their inherent properties, can easily bioaccumulate in organisms and concentrate in the environment. This work evaluated, in an integrated way, the seasonal PAH distribution patterns in sediments and four bioindicators fish species in a highly impacted estuary of Argentina; besides, their bioaccumulation patterns were assessed for the first time as indicator of ecological risk. The highest PAH levels in fish were found for Ramnogaster arcuata with an average of 64 ng g-1 w.w., followed by Micropogonias furnieri (45 ng g-1 w.w.), Cynoscion guatucupa (28 ng g-1 w.w.), and Mustelus schmitti (16 ng g-1 w.w.). Fish presented the highest PAH levels in fall with a predominance of petrogenic PAHs in colder seasons and pyrolytic PAHs in warmer seasons. Sediments presented an average of 233 ng g-1 d.w. with the same seasonal composition pattern of the fish tissues. Additionally, the data suggested that the main source of PAHs are wastewater discharges. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of PAHs in the tested fishes were found to range from 0.3 to 8. The highest values were observed during fall and winter, while bioaccumulation did not occur in moist spring and summer samples, which would suggest a high biotransformation process during these seasons. Results suggested that class III of juvenile C. guatucupa and M. furnieri, and adults R. arcuata are more sensitive bioindicators of chronic PAH contamination and that their bioaccumulation is independent of the compound hydrophobicity; this could have a positively influence on the criteria used for biological monitoring programs along the Atlantic coast. In addition, the presented BAF data on the target species will serve as a useful pollution indicator for South Atlantic coastal fish.

First evidence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from a marine protected area within Argentinean Continental Shelf.

This study evaluated for the first time, the distribution, sources, and ecological risk assessment of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments collected along the northern Patagonian shelf in the Argentine Sea -included in a Marine Protected Area (MPA). Total concentration of the PAHs varied from 19.47 to 183.17 ng/g dry weight and low molecular weight compounds, such as Anthracene and Naphthalene were the dominants. The selected PAHs ratios suggested a predominance of petrogenic sources and ecotoxicological risk evaluation based on the sediment quality guidelines model, indicated that some PAHs might cause occasional adverse biological effects in the study area.

Spatial Distribution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Residual Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in South American Marine Environments.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been intensely used and produced in South America. Although they were banned before the year 2000 (excepting endosulfan, which has been recently banned in several countries), OCPs remain detectable in marine environments of this continent, sometimes at risky levels for biota. This manuscript summarizes studies on OCP levels in the air, water, sediment, bivalves, fish, and marine mammals of the South American coasts and open waters over the last 20 years, tackling their spatial distribution and analyzing their associated ecotoxicological risk. RECENT FINDINGS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study integrating all available information on current levels of OCPs in South American marine environments. The 63 researches reviewed studied punctual sites or environmental compartments. The OCP levels were higher in semi-enclosed environments such as bays and estuaries, close to large cities. In terms of individual OCPs, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its degradation products were more abundant than other OCPs in all the environmental compartments, excepting air, for which the most abundant OCP was endosulfan. Depending on the location and the environmental matrix, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), heptachlors, mirex, and endosulfans followed DDTs. Aldrin, dieldrin and endrin, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and chlordanes were found at very low levels in most matrices and sites, with some exceptions. Considering their potential ecotoxicological risk, most sites would be safe for biota; however, the levels of some OCPs could damage the structure and function of the communities of several coastal sites in a short or long term, mainly in southeastern Brazil and on the coast of the Argentine Pampas. Moreover, it remains to evaluate many sites potentially contaminated by OCPs.

Characterization of atmospheric and soil polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and evaluation of air-soil relationship in the Southwest of Buenos Aires province (Argentina).

Sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) proposed by the US EPA as priority were analyzed in air and soil samples in the Southwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in order to study the levels, distribution, sources and fugacity ratios of PAHs, evaluating the relationship between them. For this, 10 passive air samplers (XAD-2® resin) were deployed along the area and replaced three-monthly from January to December 2015. PAHs were analyzed through gas chromatography -mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results obtained showed that total PAHs levels (∑16) ranged from 27.97 to 1052.99 ng m-3 and from 52.40 to 2118.34 ng. g-1 d.w. for air and soil samples, respectively. The highest air- PAHs levels were registered in Bahía Blanca city (1052.99 ng. m-3, d.w.) an urban-industrial site, while the highest soil-PAHs levels were found in La Vitícola (2118.34 ng. g-1, d.w.), a rural location closed to a high traffic national route. For all sites the highest levels were observed during the winter; however, both spatial and temporal variations were only statistically significant for certain specific PAHs. Diagnostic ratios + PCA, determined dominance of pyrolytic sources. Further, data showed that source of PAHs could be attributed to vehicular and industrial emissions (observed in all periods), biomass combustion (linked mainly to warm period) and domestic emissions (linked mainly to cold period). Finally, fugacity ratios resulted <1, indicating that soil and air samples were not in equilibrium for the majority of PAHs determining a net tendency of air PAHs towards deposition while soil acted principally as a sink.

Tratamiento de la Psoriasis vulgar con Autohemoterapia menor. Hospital Celia Sánchez Manduley. 2016-2018 / Treatment of vulgar Psoriasis with minor autohemotherapy. Hospital Celia Sánchez Manduley. 2016-2018

Se realizó un estudio cuasi experimental con Autohemoterapia menor a los pacientes con Psoriasis vulgar, en el hospital Celia Sánchez Manduley desde marzo 2016-mayo 2018; con el objetivo de describir la respuesta de estos pacientes a dicho tratamiento. La población objeto de estudio quedó conformada por 71 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión/exclusión establecidos. Los datos se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas y encuestas realizadas a los pacientes y los resultados se presentaron en tablas de contingencias mediante el sistema Windows Vista. Se estudiaron las variables: respuesta clínica, tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad, número de sesiones, efectos adversos, tiempo de aparición de brotes. Se realizó el cálculo inicial del PASI y en cada consulta de evaluación y al final del tratamiento; se calculó el porciento del cambio del PASI, pues la respuesta clínica se realizó teniendo en cuenta las categorías de éste. Se concluyó que en el estudio predominaron los pacientes respondedores al tratamiento con Autohemoterapia menor, sin influir en la respuesta el tiempo de evolución de su enfermedad. Necesitó la mayoría de los psoriásicos la mayor cantidad de sesiones para la mejoría o desaparición de las lesiones y se logró con esta terapéutica espaciar los brotes sin efectos adversos en ningún enfermo(AU)

A quasi-experimental study with less autohemotherapy was performed on patients with vulgar Psoriasis, at the Celia Sánchez Manduley hospital from March 2016-May 2018; with the objective of describing the response of these patients to said treatment. The study population consisted of 71 patients who met the established inclusion/exclusion criteria. The data were obtained from the clinical histories and surveys made to the patients and the results were presented in contingency tables using the Windows Vista system. The variables were studied: clinical response, time of disease evolution, number of sessions, adverse effects, time of appearance of outbreaks. The initial calculation of the PASI was performed and in each evaluation consultation and at the end of the treatment; the percentage of the PASI change was calculated, since the clinical response was made taking into account the categories of the latter. It was concluded that in the study the patients responding to treatment with minor autohemotherapy predominated, without influencing the response time of their disease evolution. The majority of psoriatics needed the most sessions for the improvement or disappearance of the lesions and this therapy was achieved by spacing the outbreaks without adverse effects in any patient(EU)

Evidence of Microplastic Ingestion by Fish from the Bahía Blanca Estuary in Argentina, South America.

The aim of this study was to assess - for the first time - the occurrence and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of a marine commercial fish species (Micropogonias furnieri) from the Bahía Blanca Estuary (BBE) in Argentina, and to evaluate fish potential associated stress. In order to do this, juveniles were sampled using artisanal fishing arts at two sampling locations. Basic measurements of individual fish were taken (total length, total weight, weight of the liver) and GITs were subsequently removed, digested with 30% H2O2 for 5 days at 60°C, filtered on Whatman paper and then dried. Samples were observed with a stereomicroscope, and it was demonstrated that 100% of the individuals contained microplastic particles in their GITs. In total, 241 microplastic particles were removed from the GITs of all fish. They were categorized as fibers (60.8%), pellets (28.9%), fragments (8.6%) and laminas (1.4%), and they ranged in size from 0.98 to > 5 mm. The average number of particles per fish was higher than that reported in previous global marine studies. Moreover, a positive correlation between the number of MPs per fish and hepatosomatic index was found, suggesting a probable stress in their health condition. These findings provide the first and southernmost evidence of microplastic contamination in biota from the Argentinean sea, which is found in the South Atlantic sea.

Safety and Quality Assessment of Smallholder Farmers' Maize in the Western Highlands of Guatemala.

Maize ( Zea mays) is a staple in many developing countries but is known to be prone to pest (insects, birds, and rodents) and fungal infestation. In Guatemala, mycotoxin contamination of cultivated products may occur owing to such factors as environmental conditions and the use of traditional agriculture operations. To assess the current maize conditions in Guatemala, a small-scale study was performed. Mold and insect counts and mycotoxin (aflatoxin and fumonisin) concentrations were determined on 25 farms in two townships (Chiantla and Todos Santos) of the Huehuetenango Department. Total fungal counts were 3.6 to 6.83 log CFU/g with no significant differences ( P > 0.05) across farms at different altitudes. Farms where maize was not produced but was purchased were at higher risk of fumonisin contamination, whereas local producers were mostly affected by aflatoxins. Aflatoxin was present in maize from 100% of farms at 1.0 to 85.3 ppb, and fumonisin was detected on 52% of farms at 0.4 to 31.0 ppm. Average mycotoxin consumption amounts were above the recommended maximum intake for aflatoxin in both produced and purchased maize and above the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake for fumonisin in purchased maize. Estimated daily intake was 0.01 to 0.85 µg/kg of body weight per day for aflatoxin and 2.9 to 310.0 µg/kg of body weight per day for fumonisin. An entomological analysis revealed overall 32% prevalence of Ephestia kuehniella (flour moth), 16% prevalence of Sitophilus zeamais (maize weevil), and 8% prevalence of Tribolium sp. (flour beetle) on the analyzed farms. This study highlighted poor agricultural practices used in the highlands of Guatemala. Current practices should be revised for the production of maize that is safe for consumption by the population in this region.

Fast and Feasible Ultrasound-Assisted Pretreatment for the Determination of Organotin Compounds in Environmental Samples.

The goal of this study was to improve an already established reference method, such as the one devoted to organotin compounds determination (Reference Method for Marine Pollution Studies, No. 59, UNEP). The proposed upgrade consists of replacing the mechanical shaking by ultrasound energy and applying low temperature throughout the whole procedure. The optimization of the new operational conditions was performed by using a factorial design. Quality control was performed using a certified sediment reference material (PACS-2) for sediments (82.5-97% of recovery) and recoveries on spiked samples for suspended particulate matter (SPM) and mussels (94-100%). The proposed procedure was applied to surface sediment samples, SPM, and native bivalve mollusks (Brachidontes rodriguezii) collected in Bahia Blanca estuary, a very industrialized zone. The relative standard deviation (RSD %) of the environmental samples were less than 7.9%. It is important to note that the proposed procedure reduced the sample pretreatment time about seven times.

Organotin compounds in Brachidontes rodriguezii mussels from the Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina.

Levels of tributyltin and its breakdown compounds, including the first record of monobutyltin (MBT) in history for Latin America, were determined in native mussels (Brachidontes rodriguezii) by means of CG-MS, after extraction/derivatization assisted by ultrasound. The samples were collected in 2013 in Bahía Blanca Estuary (Argentina) at 6 sites, which reflect different levels of maritime activities. Total butyltins (TBts = TBT+ DBT+ MBT) levels ranged from 19.64 to 180.57ng Sn g-1 dry weight. According to the Oslo-Paris commission, the results indicated that 73.9% of mussels could be under biological effects risks associated with TBT pollution. In accordance with the calculated bioaccumulation factors, approximately 56% of samples appeared to have accumulated TBT through the sediments. All sampling sites were shown to be impacted by organotin compounds (OTCs) showing variable levels through seasons, which could be related with the variation of the water temperature. Degradation index analyses suggested aged inputs of TBT possibly under a general degradation process at the area of study. In addition, the occurrence of DBT and MBT could not be uniquely attributed to the degradation pathway of the TBT; in fact, results outlined the possible contribution of some punctual and diffuse sources at the area such as proximity to plastic industries, industrial effluents, sewage outlets and domestic wastewaters.

Distribution and human health risk assessment of PAHs in four fish species from a SW Atlantic estuary.

The aim of this study is to assess-for the first time-the concentration of the 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the muscle tissues of four fish species (Micropogonias furnieri, Cynoscion guatucupa, Ramnogaster arcuata, and Mustelus schmitti) from Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina and to evaluate their sources, distribution, and the human health risks implicated. Considering the four species under study, mean total PAH concentrations showed the following decreasing accumulation trend: M. schmitti, R. arcuata, C. guatucupa, and M. furnieri. Low molecular weight PAHs, such as naphthalene and phenanthrene, were generally predominant, displaying properties of PAH mixtures generated from petrogenic pollution. Of the four fish species analyzed, M. furnieri was the only one that did not raise any human consumption warning. In the case of the other species, exceeding values were found above the safety human consumption guidelines. Nevertheless, the screening criteria for carcinogenic PAHs proposed by the USEPA indicated a good quality status for these fish species.

Assessment of trace metal accumulation in native mussels (Brachidontes rodriguezii) from a South American temperate estuary.

The present work provides the first results in heavy metal bioaccumulation in the autochthonous mussel Brachidontes rodriguezii from the Bahía Blanca Estuary (Argentina), one of the most important coastal environments of South America, subjected to different anthropogenic pressure. The study is based on the detection of Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, and Fe in mussels' soft tissue and sediments' fine fraction by means of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), in order to analyze the potential relationship between both components of the aquatic system. Additionally, different indices are calculated with the purpose of obtaining detailed data. The heavy metal burden in mussels varied seasonally, showing a clearer pattern for the stations located in the internal area of the estuary. Metals exhibited maximum values in summer and to a lesser extent in winter, followed by a decrease during spring. Multiple international guideline assessment allowed classifying the area as moderately polluted, including a low range for Cd and medium for Cu and Pb. Moreover, the average detected levels were within the measured ranges in other coastal areas. Regarding human health, trace metal content in mussels met the national and international standards for safe consumption.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Mussels from a South American Estuary.

Bivalves, especially mussels, have been pointed as putative species to monitor polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in marine environment. After several environmental PAHs baseline reports, the present study was conducted to assess for the first time the levels of PAHs in native mussels (Brachidontes rodriguezii) collected from a critical industrialized estuary of Argentina. Under this objective, after an 18-month sampling period, 34 pools of mussels were assessed for 17 PAHs, including the 16 compounds prioritized by United States Environmental Protection Agency. By means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, results showed total PAHs concentrations in mussel's tissue ranged from under laboratory detection limits to 482.4 ng/g dry weight. Mussel body burdens were dominated by lower molecular weight PAHs, such as phenanthrene, naphthalene, and pyrene, whereas the overall PAHs profile suggested the predominance of petrogenic sources. Finally, the potential ecotoxicological impact was evaluated by applying Environmental Assessment Criteria and benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalent factors.

Tracing Cr, Pb, Fe and Mn occurrence in the Bahía Blanca estuary through commercial fish species.

Over the last decades the anthropogenic contamination impact has substantially increased in the Bahía Blanca estuarine area, and scarce information exists regarding metals in the biotic compartment of this estuary. Thus, fish tissues were used to evaluate metal accumulation within this aquatic environment. The study focused on the determination of Cr, Pb, Fe and Mn in the gills, liver and muscle tissues of six commercial fish species (Brevoortia aurea, Odontesthes argentinensis, Micropogonias furnieri, Cynoscion guatucupa, Mustelus schmitti and Paralichthys orbignyanus). From the results it can be summarized that C. guatucupa tends to accumulate higher metal levels in the liver tissues, mostly Cr and Fe, than the other studied species. O. argentinensis and P. orbignyanus, both permanent inhabitants of the BBE, achieved the highest metal values in the gill tissues, mostly in comparison to M. schmitti. The gill tissues were found to be the main organ of Mn and Ni accumulation for most species, whereas in general, minimum concentrations were found for all the analyzed metals in the muscle tissues. Nevertheless, and according to the guidelines, all fish species showed at least one sample with concentrations of Mn and/or Cr above the permissible levels for human consumption. Finally, it was highlighted the usefulness of selecting these fish species as bioindicators of metal pollution, since they are either permanent inhabitants of the estuary or, according to the sizes under analyses, spend much of their time in this coastal waters.

Perfil dos diagnósticos de enfermagem de pacientes internados em unidade de clínica médica / Perfil de los diagnósticos de enfermería de pacientes internados en unidad de clínica médica / Profile of nursing diagnoses of patients hospitalized at a medical clinic unit

RESUMO O objetivo foi identificar a frequência dos diagnósticos de enfermagem em clientes hospitalizados em unidade de clínica médica. Tratou-se de um estudo quantitativo do tipo descritivo-exploratório realizado na unidade de clínica médica do Hospital Universitário Regional de Maringá (HURM) com amostra de 25 participantes. Dos 13 domínios descritos pela NANDA-I, todos foram representados por pelo menos um diagnóstico. Foram levantados 530 diagnósticos, com uma média de 21,2 por paciente. Os diagnósticos predominantes foram risco de infecção (100%), integridade da pele prejudicada (88%), manutenção ineficaz da saúde (76%), deambulação prejudicada (76%), conforto prejudicado (76%), padrões de sexualidade ineficazes (72%), mobilidade física prejudicada (68%), integridade tissular prejudicada (68%), déficit no autocuidado para banho (64%), para higiene íntima (64%), para vestir-se (64%) e mobilidade prejudicadano leito (60%). Esses resultados contribuíram para a identificação das necessidades mais afetadas dos pacientes internados facilitando a elaboração de planos de cuidados de enfermagem mais eficazes.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue identificar la frecuencia de los diagnósticos de enfermería en clientes hospitalizados en unidad de clínica médica. Se trató de un estudio cuantitativo del tipo descriptivo-exploratorio realizado en la unidad de clínica médica del Hospital Universitario Regional de Maringá con muestra de 25 participantes. De los 13 dominios descriptos por la NANDA II, todos fueron representados por al menos un diagnóstico. Fueron recopilados 530 diagnósticos, con un promedio de 21,2 por paciente. Los diagnósticos predominantes fueron: Riesgo de infección (100%), Integridad de la piel perjudicada (88%), Mantenimiento inefectivo de la salud (76%), Deambulación perjudicada (76%), Confort perjudicado (76%), Patrones de sexualidad inefectivos (72%), Movilidad física perjudicada (68%), Integridad de la tisular perjudicada (68%), Déficit de autocuidado para baño (64%), para higiene íntima (64%), para vestirse (64%) y Movilidad en la cama perjudicada (60%). Estos resultados contribuyeron para la identificación de las necesidades más afectadas de los pacientes internados, facilitando la elaboración de planificaciones de cuidados de enfermería más eficaces.

ABSTRACT This research aimed to identify the frequency of main nursing diagnoses (ND) among patients hospitalized at a medical unit. This was a quantitative research of descriptive-exploratory typewith a sample of 25 participants. Of the 13 fields described by NANDA II, all were represented by at least one diagnosis. A total of 530 diagnoses were surveyed, with an average of 21.2 per patient. Predominant diagnoses were: Risk of infection (100%), Impaired skin integrity (88%), Ineffective health maintenance (76%), Impaired walking (76%), Impaired comfort (76%), Ineffective sexuality patterns(72%), Impaired physical mobility (68%), Impaired tissue integrity (68%), Deficient self-care for showering (64%), for personal hygiene (64%), for dressing (64%), and Impaired mobility in bed (60%). These results contributed to the identification of the most affected needs of the hospitalized patients, facilitating the development of more efficient nursing care plans.

Ethnic and adoption attitudes among Guatemalan University students.

Intercountry adoptions from Guatemala were highly controversial, because of the large numbers of children being adopted to the USA, along with evidence of corruption and child theft. Since the implementation of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption in 2008, Guatemala's central authority for adoption has prioritized domestic placements for children over intercountry adoption. A possible attitudinal barrier to domestic adoption in Guatemala-negative attitudes and prejudice against Indigenous people-was investigated through questionnaires measuring attitudes toward adoption and attitudes toward and social distance from the two major ethnic groups (Ladino and Indigenous). Guatemalan university students (N = 177, 61 % men) were recruited from basic required courses at a private university. Results showed that attitudes toward adoption in general were more favorable than toward interethnic adoption, with the most negative attitudes toward adoption of Ladino children by Indigenous parents. Multiple regression and analysis of covariance models revealed that female gender, experience with adoption and more positive attitudes about Indigenous persons were associated with more positive attitudes toward adoption. The findings imply that negative attitudes toward Indigenous persons are associated with negative attitudes toward adoption, and serve as barriers to promoting domestic adoption in Guatemala.

Distribution, Sources, and Potential Ecotoxicological Risk of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Sediments from Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina.

Thirty-four surface sediment samples were collected from Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina, to evaluate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination and ecotoxicity risk by applying sediment-quality guidelines (SQGs) and toxic equivalent factors (TEQ). Total concentrations of 17 parent PAHs, including the 16 United States Environmental Protection Agency priority PAHs, were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and their levels ranged from 19.7 to 30,054.5 ng/g dry weight. The greatest values were found near the urban/industrial core and decreasing as the distance from that site increased. Molecular ratios determined mixed sources of PAHs with a slight imposition of pyrolitic over the petrogenic inputs. The ecotoxicological evaluation, based on the SQG model, showed that some of the individual PAHs were in excess of the effects range low (ERL) and the effects range median's threshold; then, predicted occasional (ERL) and frequent adverse effects over the surrounding biota at the area of study were determined. Total PAH levels were expressed as benzo-a-pyrene TEQ and compared with literature data.

Diagnósticos de enfermagem em clínica cirúrgica / Nursing diagnoses in surgical clinic

Objetivo Identificar a frequência dos diagnósticos de enfermagem em pacientes de clínica cirúrgica. Métodos Estudo transversal, descritivo e exploratório, de abordagem quantitativa, com dados referentes a 28 pacientes. O instrumento de coleta de dados foi desenvolvido pelos pesquisadores, com base em padrões funcionais de saúde. Resultados Foram encontrados 301 diagnósticos de enfermagem, com média de 12 por paciente. Somente quatro diagnósticos apresentaram frequência acima de 50%. Os mais frequentes foram: “risco de infecção”, “integridade da pele/tissular prejudicada”, “disposição para bem-estar espiritual”, “disfunção sexual” e “padrão do sono perturbado”. Diagnósticos que se enquadram no domínio 13 (Crescimento/Desenvolvimento) não foram documentados nesta amostra. Conclusão Os achados demostraram ampla variedade de diagnósticos na população estudada, reflexo da diversidade de cuidados a serem prestados. A identificação das necessidades de cuidados favorece a implantação de intervenções específicas, contribuindo para a qualidade da assistência de enfermagem...

Objective To identify the frequency of nursing diagnosis in patients in surgical clinic. Methods A transverse, descriptive and exploratory study of quantitative approach, with data referring to 28 patients. The data collection instrument was developed by the researchers based on health functional patterns. Results In total, 301 nursing diagnosis were found, with an average of 12 per patient. Only four diagnoses showed frequency above 50 percent. The most frequent were ‘risk for infection’, ‘impaired skin/tissue integrity’, ‘readiness for enhanced spiritual well-being’, ‘sexual dysfunction’ and ‘disturbed sleep pattern’. The diagnoses that fit in domain 13 (Growth/Development) were not documented in this sample. Conclusion The findings demonstrated a wide variety of diagnoses in the study population, a reflex of the diversity of care provided. Identifying the care needs favors the implantation of specific interventions, contributing to the quality of nursing assistance...