Exposure to radon gas in groundwater in southwest Angola (Lubango-Huíla): Implications of geology and climate change.

In southern African countries most of the population uses groundwater collected in dug wells for domestic consumption instead of water from public distribution systems. To investigate the impact of natural and human factors on urban groundwater quality, 276 samples were collected in the Lubango region (Angola) in water distribution systems and dug wells ranging from a few meters to almost one hundred meters in depth. Radon concentrations (RC) were determined by liquid scintillation counting according to ISO 13164-4:2015. Geology is the main source of the variability of RC, with median values higher than 100 Bq/L in granitoid units and lower values in mafic and sedimentary units (ranging from 5 to 38 Bq/L). On average, RC was higher in dug wells compared to public water distribution systems. The annual effective dose due to ingestion of radon in water is, on average, ten times lower in the later compared to dug wells. Therefore, from a public exposure perspective, water distribution systems are preferred as means for water distribution. A severe multi-year meteorological drought over the past decade affecting 76-94 % of the population in southern Angola has been linked with climate change. Consequently, a regional lowering of the water table was observed, as well as a reduction in the productivity of shallower wells, leading to a search for water at greater depths. This work demonstrates an increase in median RC from 66 Bq/L in wells shallower than 30 m to values over 100 Bq/L with increasing depth of water extraction and for the same geological unit. The highest RC observed were also observed at the deepest wells. The dose ingested is proportional to RC, being also higher at deeper water extraction depths. The increase in public radiation exposure from radon ingestion due to water extraction at greater depths is attributed to the underlying issue of climate change. Monitoring water quality in terms of radionuclide concentration is advised to ensure the exposure to ionizing radiation remains at acceptable levels in the future.

Efficacy, Complications and Effects of Alcides Pereira's Sutures in the Management of Uterine Atony: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Uterine compressive sutures are conservative measures applied in cases of severe postpartum hemorrhage unresponsive to uterotonics. Pereira's suture was introduced in 2005 and consists of two longitudinal and three transverse non-transfixes sutures. Previous studies reported favorable results, highlighting its benefits and value. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, complications, and impact on fertility and future pregnancies of Pereira's suture applied in cases of uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage. METHODS: An observational retrospective study was performed by consulting the medical records of women treated with Pereira's compressive sutures in a tertiary center between January 2013 and December 2022. We registered demographic data, pregnancy outcomes, short-term complications, and outcomes of subsequent pregnancies. RESULTS: A total of 50 women were treated with Pereira's suture. The overall success rate was 96% and no hysterectomies were performed. Women who had sutures performed during an intra-cesarean section had better outcomes than those who had an after-cesarean section. Complications were reported in 12% (n = 6) of women, with the most frequent being pelvic infection (n = 3) and abdominal pain (n = 3). Regarding fertility, all women desiring a future pregnancy (n = 5) were able to conceive, resulting in three live births. CONCLUSION: Pereira's suture is a type of suture that provides numerous advantages and should be considered when first-line medical treatment fails. When applied at an early stage, the sutures may prevent maternal morbidity. The Alcides Pereira's suture is a safe technique and appears to preserve fertility.

A perceção dos enfermeiros sobre um programa de formação certificada em hemodiálise / Nurses' perceptions of a certified hemodialysis training program

A educação desempenha um papel crucial no desenvolvimento individual e no progresso das sociedades. No âmbito da área da saúde, especialmente na formação de enfermeiros, a busca incessante pela excelência educacional visa aprimorar a qualidade dos cuidados de saúde prestados à população. Nesse contexto, a avaliação dos programas de formação é essencial, não só para garantir a eficácia das estratégias educativas, mas também para atingir os objetivos organizacionais. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a perceção dos enfermeiros em relação a um Programa de Formação Certificado (PFC) em Hemodiálise (HD), caracterizar os enfermeiros que o concluíram, identificar fatores positivos e menos positivos referidos por eles, assim como pontos de melhoria considerados e avaliar a satisfação global em relação ao PFC. Realizou-se um estudo descritivo transversal, incorporando componentes quantitativas e qualitativas. A colheita de dados foi efetuada por meio de questionários eletrónicos na plataforma Google Forms®. Os resultados obtidos demonstram a perceção dos enfermeiros em relação ao PFC. A amostra inclui 52 enfermeiros que concluíram com sucesso o PFC. A análise dos dados revela diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p=0,035) e correlações (r=-0,293) entre a idade e a satisfação com o PFC, assim como entre a experiência profissional e a satisfação (p=0,034, r=-0,298). Observou-se que a tutoria desempenha um papel fundamental no desenvolvimento profissional dos enfermeiros. Os formandos também valorizam positivamente o envolvimento de toda a equipa na sua formação. Foi possível verificar que os formandos avaliam de forma positiva a organização do PFC, demonstrando elevados níveis de satisfação. Contudo, constatou-se que o acesso tardio à plataforma de E-learning pode prejudicar o desempenho dos formandos no contexto do PFC. A avaliação do PFC permite a sua melhoria e adequação às necessidades reais dos formandos, preenchendo as lacunas identificadas. Essa abordagem possibilita a obtenção de perspetivas dos formandos, enriquecendo a compreensão dos fatores que mais influenciam a sua satisfação em relação ao PFC.

Gamma spectroscopy study of soil-plant transfer factor characteristics of 40K, 232Th and 226Ra in some crops cultivated in southwestern region of Nigeria.

Soil-plant transfer factor (TF) is one of the vital variables employed in assessing plants uptake of radionuclides and their transfer to food chain for predictive ingestion dose and risk evaluation. To further this goal, the TF characteristics of natural 40K, 232Th and 226Ra were thus investigated in some crops (yam, cassava, rice, maize, groundnut, cowpea, okra, pumpkin leaf, banana and pawpaw) cultivated in southwestern part of Nigeria using HPGe gamma spectroscopy. The obtained results of activity concentration (AC) of the radionuclides across all the cultivated soil samples indicated average values that are less than the global average, whereas in the crops, average values of 226Ra and 232Th, were higher than reference values for different crops group. The overall range of the calculated TF of 40K, 232Th and 226Ra across all the crops was 0.05 (in maize and cowpea) to 15.01 (in banana), 0.01 (in pumpkin leaf and groundnut) to 19.80 (in pawpaw), and 0.04 (in cassava) to 21.30 (in cowpea), respectively. Overall arithmetic mean and geometric mean were estimated as 2.66 and 1.60, 1.11 and 0.43, and 1.10 and 0.54 for 40K, 232Th and 226Ra, respectively. TFs mostly correlated negatively with soil radionuclides, while positive correlation was mostly noticeable in the case of crop. Log normal transform of the TFs data indicated a near normal distribution as against the calculated data. The derived results of this study is here presented as a baseline data suggested for possible radiological risk assessment of food chain of the local population.

Radon and thoron concentrations in the southwest region of Angola: dose assessment and implications for risk mapping.

Indoor radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) are the most important natural sources of ionizing radiation to the public. Radiological studies that assess simultaneously 222Rn and 220Rn, and their controlling factors are particularly scarce in African countries. Hence, we conducted a survey of indoor 222Rn and 220Rn in buildings located in the SW region of Angola. Bedrock samples were also collected, and a borehole was executed to assess 226Ra and 224Ra activity concentration, 222Rn and 220Rn exhalation and emanation potential in the surface and at depth. The aim of this study was to determine the factors (geological and anthropogenic) that may influence the annual inhalation dose (AID) received by the population. Overall, the sum of indoor radon and indoor thoron concentrations, labelled the total indoor radon concentration (TIRC), was higher than 300 Bq/m3 in only 5% of the buildings studied. The contribution of 220Rn to the TIRC averaged 35% but may reach 95%, demonstrating the relevance of discriminating radon and thoron in indoor radon surveys. Indoor 222Rn and 220Rn were not correlated, indicating both must be estimated to properly assess the AID. Indoor 220Rn concentrations were statistically different according to the building materials and type of usage. Higher 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations were observed in dwellings compared to workplaces. The median AID estimated for dwellings was 1.50 mSv/y compared to 0.26 mSv/y for workplaces, which are lower than the estimated average radiation exposure due to natural sources of 2.4 mSv/y. AID values higher than 1 mSv/y effective dose threshold established in the Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM for the purpose of radiation protection in workplaces were observed in 12% of the workplaces studied suggesting the need for mitigation measures in those buildings. The analysis of bedrock samples revealed statistically significant correlations between 224 and 226Ra activity concentration, and 220Rn and 222Rn exhalation and emanation potential. The borehole samples indicated a strong influence of weathering processes in the distribution of radioisotopes. The highest 226Ra and 224Ra activity concentration, and 222Rn and 220Rn exhaled per unit mass, TIRC and AID were observed in association with A-type red granites and porphyries. We conclude that both geological and anthropic factors, such as the type of building usage and building materials, must be considered in dose assessment studies and for the development of risk maps.

Distribution dynamics and descriptive statistical analysis of radionuclides in the farmland soils near mining areas in Southwestern Nigeria.

Human exposure to ionizing radiation in the environment is mainly due to naturally occurring radionuclides in the soils, building materials and rocks, but the level may vary depending on the anthropogenic activities prevalent in each location. Presently, in Nigeria, there are concerns due to environmental health implications of all sorts of mineral mining and processing spreading across the southwestern states of the country. This work determines the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclide materials (NORMs) in the farmland soil with the aim of evaluating the radiation hazards. A total of 200 composite soil samples were taken from five states in the southwest of Nigeria, close to active mining sites at the root (0.2 m) and at deep planting zones (0.5 m) for analysis by gamma-ray spectrometry using NaI(Tl) detector. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in the composite soil samples were determined to vary in the order of 40 K > 232Th > 226Ra/238U for all locations. In contrast to the other locations, Olode and Igbokoda had average radium equivalent activities (Raeq) to be 1.6 and 1.8 times, respectively, higher than the reference limit of 370 Bqkg-1. The estimated excess life cancer risk values were lower than the 0.29 × 10-3 global average value for soil by United Nations on Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) and International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Negative and low skewness values of 0.61 and 1.20 were obtained for 40 K in Itagunmodi, and also 0.47 and 0.66 for 232Th were obtained in Sagamu. The kurtosis analysis of the activity concentrations was low and negative for soil at Itagunmodi for 40 K and 226Ra/238U; Olode for 40 K and 232Th; and Igbokoda for 226Ra/238U and 232Th where mining activities are commonly practiced. The variation in the results has been attributed to different agriculture practices and artisanal mining operations in each location.

Radiometric evaluation of indoor radon levels with influence of building characteristics in residential homes from southwestern Nigeria.

Indoor radon (222Rn) measurements were carried out using solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) in some dwellings from southwestern Nigeria. This was aimed at statistically assessing influence of building characteristics on the measured radon and estimating excess lifetime cancer risks (ELCR). The measured radon concentrations followed lognormal distribution and were significantly influenced by some building properties. The arithmetic mean (1.60 mSv) of annual effective doses (AEDs) due to indoor radon was observed to be higher than the world average level (1.15 mSv) but less than lower limit (3 mSv) of International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The evaluated excess lifetime cancer risk ranged from 1.5 to 28.1 (MPy)-1 with an average value of 6.3 (MPy)-1, indicating that after exposure to indoor radon for 70 years, 6 people in every 1000 are likely to suffer the risk of developing lung cancer. Adequate ventilation systems were recommended for houses with high level of radon to avoid unnecessary exposure to radon. However, the investigated data would form important component of the database required to set up guidelines and policy of controlling radon at home.

Hemoperitoneum during Pregnancy: A Rare Case of Spontaneous Rupture of the Uterine Artery.

Spontaneous rupture of the uterine artery is a rare cause of hemoperitoneum during pregnancy. This is a life-threatening condition associated with maternal and fetal mortality. We describe a case of spontaneous rupture of the left uterine artery in a 32-year-old healthy pregnant woman with an uneventful pregnancy.

Validation of a database of mean uranium, thorium and potassium concentrations in rock samples of Portuguese geological units, generated of literature data.

The European Atlas of Natural Radiation, recently published, contains a collection of maps of Europe showing the levels of natural sources of radiation. Among the lacunae of the Atlas are maps of U, Th and K concentrations in rocks due to lack of European-wide geochemical surveys of bedrock units. The objective of this paper is to investigate the usability of scattered geochemical data of rock samples for large-scale mapping of U, Th and K concentrations in geological units. For this purpose, geochemical data were compiled from literature sources to produce a geochemical database (LIT database) that includes 2817 entries of U, Th and K concentrations measured in rock samples of geological units outcropping in Portugal. Given the methodical heterogeneity within LIT database, the influence of the geochemical analysis techniques was assessed through a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using geological units, geochemical analysis techniques and loss on ignition (LOI) as categorical variables. The percentage of variation explained by geological factors was large (>35%), while the percentage of variation explained by the geochemical analysis techniques and LOI was generally lower than 5%. The geological factors were the main source of variability in the data, followed by the error component which can be assumed to represent the true spatial variability of geochemical concentrations. The pairwise comparison of the least square (LS) means computed through the ANOVA for each geochemical analysis technique indicates that LIT database can be considered consistent within itself, thus, reliable. In order to validate the usability of literature data the terrestrial gamma dose rate (TGDR) calculated from LIT database (TGDRcalc) was compared to the TGDR displayed in the Radiometric Map of Portugal (TGDRobs). The correlation between TGDRcalc and TGDRobs was highly significant (p < 0.001) and the results of a paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon median tests indicate that the differences between the arithmetic means of TGDRcalc and TGDRobs were not statistically significant (p = 0.126 and p = 0.14, respectively). Distributions of TGDRcalc and TGDRobs were seemingly equal according to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling tests. Although, systematic discrepancies between TGDRcalc and TGDRobs were observed for sedimentary rocks, the compatibility of the RMP and LIT databases can be considered acceptable, which implies that the estimation of the contents of terrestrial radionuclides using literature data for large-scale mapping of U, Th and K contents in geological units is reasonable.

Estimation of the radon production potential in sedimentary rocks: A case study in the Lower and Middle Jurassic of the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal).

The correlation between radon exposure and the increased probability of lung cancer is widely recognized. In Portugal, several efforts have been made to estimate the radon potential in granitic rocks, however, existing knowledge on sedimentary rocks is limited. For this reason, extensive representative sampling was conducted in the well-known Lower and Middle Jurassic of the Lusitanian Basin (Central Portugal) to evaluate the radon potential of latter type of rocks. This paper compares the variability of 226Ra and 222Rn activity, emanation coefficient, and radon production rate in several lithologies deposited on paleoenvironments ranging from distal continental to deep marine. To reach this goal, 190 samples were collected in 16 well-studied outcrop sections. 226Ra and 222Rn activity varies between 2.8-119.6 and 0.1-19.6 Bq/kg, respectively. Higher values are linked to sandstones, fine-grained siliciclastics, marls and black shales. The emanation coefficient is lower in lithologies presenting a low siliciclastic/carbonate ratio, namely in dolostones, dolomitic limestones, limestones and marly limestones, with median values ranging between 6.5 and 9.7%. The distribution of radon production rate in the different lithological groups varies between 1.7 and 241.1 Bq.m-3.h-1, increasing in samples of continental source (sandstones and fine-grained siliciclastics) and proximal marine with major continental influence (dolostones), as well as from marls and black shales associated to deeper marine environments. The variability of the radon potential in sedimentary rocks varies according to lithology but, since the typical organization of these rocks in layers, the dip of these ones in each structural block also contribute to increase the variability.

Tailings microbial community profile and prediction of its functionality in basins of tungsten mine.

In a circular economy concept, where more than 300 million tons of mining and quarrying wastes are produced annually, those are valuable resources, supplying metals that are extracted today by other processes, if innovative methods and processes for efficient extraction of these elements are applied. This work aims to assess microbiological and chemical spatial distribution within two tailing basins from a tungsten mine, using a MiSeq approach targeting the 16S rRNA gene, to relate microbial composition and function with chemical variability, thus, providing information to enhance the efficiency of the exploitation of these secondary sources. The tailings sediments core microbiome comprised members of family Anaerolineacea and genera Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Cellulomonas, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus and Rothia, despite marked differences in tailings physicochemical properties. The higher contents of Al and K shaped the community of Basin 1, while As-S-Fe contents were correlated with the microbiome composition of Basin 2. The predicted metabolic functions of the microbiome were rich in genes related to metabolism pathways and environmental information processing pathways. An in-depth understanding of the tailings microbiome and its metabolic capabilities can provide a direction for the management of tailings disposal sites and maximize their potential as secondary resources.

Implications of alteration processes on radon emanation, radon production rate and W-Sn exploration in the Panasqueira ore district.

Alteration processes have strong impacts on the chemical and physical properties of rock masses. Because they can affect the contents and the distribution of U as well as enhance the permeability of the bedrock, they may lead to a significant increase of radon release to the environment. However, their influence on radon emanation and radon production rate has yet to be properly assessed. To investigate the impact of alteration processes on the radiological properties, samples were collected in the Panasqueira region under the influence of surface weathering, deuteric, hydrothermal and fault related alteration. Major and trace elements (U, Th), physical, and radiological properties were measured in metasedimentary and fault rocks. The degree of alteration and weathering progress were assessed through indices of alteration, porosity and bulk density. Overall, an increase of the radon emanation coefficient from (approximately) 0.1 to 0.4 and radon production rate (from 40 to over 160Bq·m-3·h-1) is observed with the progress of physicochemical alteration. Decoupling of physical and chemical alteration however implies both must be quantified towards a proper assessment of the degree of alteration. The behavior of radiogenic elements upon alteration is shown to be complex and contingent upon the alteration process. An atypical increase of radon emanation in the ore district due to U mobilization was caused by hydrothermal alteration. Because radon emanation is not dependent upon the pelitic nature of the metasedimentary rocks, it may thus become a proxy for W-Sn exploration. The dependency of radon production rate from the latter constrains its use for exploration. Nevertheless, it may provide a reliable estimation of the bedrock contribution to indoor radon concentrations. Higher indoor radon concentrations, hence, a higher risk of exposure to radon are expected in the ore district as well as within fault zones.

Negative ßhCG and Molar Pregnancy: The Hook Effect.

Molar pregnancy, included in gestational trophoblastic disease, is a benign pathology with ability to metastasize, usually occurring with excessively high ßhCG levels. Clinical scenario is usually a woman in extremes of reproductive age presenting with amenorrhoea, pain and vaginal blood loss; signs derived from high ßhCG levels may be present (hyperthyroidism, hyperemesis). Diagnosis is based on a positive pregnancy test - usually a qualitative urinary test. The limitation of this test results from its inability to become positive in presence of markedly high levels of ßhCG, saturating the antigens used - known as the 'hook effect'. With the widespread use of gynaecological ultrasound cases of molar pregnancy have been diagnosed in timely fashion. We describe a case referred as a degenerating fibroid, with a negative urinary pregnancy test. Transvaginal ultrasound was highly suggestive of molar pregnancy, which was confirmed with a quantitative ßhCG test, allowing for timely treatment. The importance of a high index of suspicion for this pathology is tremendous to avoid the devastating consequences of a delayed diagnosis.

A gravidez molar, incluída na doença gestacional do trofoblasto, é uma patologia benigna com capacidade de metastização, cursando com níveis excessivamente elevados de ßhCG. O quadro clínico traduz-se por amenorreia, dor e perda de sangue vaginal numa mulher frequentemente no extremo da idade reprodutiva, podendo estar presentes sinais decorrentes dos níveis de ßhCG (hipertiroidismo, hiperemese). O diagnóstico é histológico, e suspeitado por um teste de gravidez positivo, sendo normalmente realizado um teste urinário qualitativo. A limitação deste advém da incapacidade de se tornar positivo na presença de níveis exageradamente altos de ßhCG, que satura os antigénios utilizados ­ 'efeito hook'. Com a ecografia ginecológica os casos de gravidez molar têm sido diagnosticados mais atempadamente. Descrevemos um caso referenciado como um mioma degenerescente, com teste de gravidez urinário negativo. A ecografia transvaginal realizada foi altamente sugestiva de gravidez molar, confirmada com um teste quantitativo de ßhCG e permitindo tratamento atempado. A importância de um elevado índice de suspeição para esta patologia é fulcral para evitar as consequências devastadoras de um diagnóstico tardio.

Radon in indoor air of primary schools: determinant factors, their variability and effective dose.

Radon is a radioactive gas, abundant in granitic areas, such as in the city of Porto at the north-east of Portugal. This gas is a recognized carcinogenic agent, being appointed by the World Health Organization as the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The aim of this preliminary survey was to determine indoor radon concentrations in public primary schools, to analyse the main factors influencing their indoor concentration levels and to estimate the effective dose in students and teachers in primary schools. Radon concentrations were measured in 45 classrooms from 13 public primary schools located in Porto, using CR-39 passive radon detectors for about 2-month period. In all schools, radon concentrations ranged from 56 to 889 Bq/m(3) (mean = 197 Bq/m(3)). The results showed that the limit of 100 Bq/m(3) established by WHO IAQ guidelines was exceeded in 92 % of the measurements, as well as 8 % of the measurements exceeded the limit of 400 Bq/m(3) established by the national legislation. Moreover, the mean annual effective dose was calculated as 1.25 mSv/y (ranging between 0.58 and 3.07 mSv/y), which is below the action level (3-10 mSv). The considerable variability of radon concentration observed between and within floors indicates a need to monitor concentrations in several rooms for each floor. A single radon detector for each room can be used, provided that the measurement error is considerably lower than variability of radon concentration between rooms. The results of the present survey will provide useful baseline data for adopting safety measures and dealing effectively with radiation emergencies. In particular, radon remediation techniques should be used in buildings located in the highest radon risk areas of Portugal. The results obtained in the current study concerning radon levels and their variations will be useful to optimize the design of future research surveys.

Utilização de placa de silicone após tratamento cirúrgico de torus palatino: relato de caso / Use of Silicon Plaque After Surgery Treatment of Torus Palatino: Case Report

O torus palatino é uma alteração de desenvolvimento, resultante de um crescimento ósseo (exostose) e está localizado na linha média do palato duro. A patogênese ainda não está definida, podendo estar associado à origem genética, a fatores ambientais e/ou as características raciais, apresentando maior prevalência no sexo feminino. Clinicamente, o toro palatino é assintomático e de pequenas dimensões, mas pode aumentar lentamente de tamanho ao longo da vida, causando queixas ao paciente. A remoção cirúrgica está indicada quando há intervenção nas funções de fonação, mastigação, deglutição, trauma recorrente e para correção de deformidades ósseas que impeçam a adaptação de próteses. Este trabalho visa relatar o uso de uma placa de silicone confeccionada a partir da cirurgia de modelo pré-operatória para tratamento cirúrgico de um torus palatino com finalidade protética... (AU)

The palatal torus is a development change, a result of bone growth (exostosis) and is located in the midline of the hard palate. The pathogenesis is not yet defined, may be associated with genetic, environmental factors and / or racial characteristics, with higher prevalence in females. Clinically, palatal torus is small and asymptomatic, but can slowly increase in size throughout life causing patient complaints. Surgical removal is indicated when there is intervention in the function of speech, chewing, swallowing, and repeated trauma to correct bone deformities that prevent denture fitting. This article describes the use of a silicon plate made from the surgery preoperative model for surgical treatment of torus palatal prosthetic purposes... (AU)

Aerobic uranium immobilization by Rhodanobacter A2-61 through formation of intracellular uranium-phosphate complexes.

Severe environmental problems arise from old uranium mines, which continue to discharge uranium (U) via acid mine drainage water, resulting in soil, subsoil and groundwater contamination. Bioremediation of U contaminated environments has been attempted, but most of the conceptual models propose U removal by cell suspensions of anaerobic bacteria. In this study, strain Rhodanobacter A2-61, isolated from Urgeiriça Mine, Portugal, was shown to resist up to 2 mM of U(vi). The conditions used (low nutrient content and pH 5) potentiated the interaction of the toxic uranyl ion with the tested strain. The strain was able to remove approximately 120 µM of U(vi) when grown aerobically in the presence of 500 µM U. Under these conditions, this strain was also able to lower the phosphate concentration in the medium and increased its capacity to take up inorganic phosphate, accumulating up to 0.52 µmol phosphate per optical density unit of the medium at 600 nm, after 24 hours, corresponding approximately to the late log phase of the bacterial culture. Microscopically dense intracellular structures with nanometer size were visible. The extent of U inside the cells was quantified by LS counting. EDS analysis of heated cells showed the presence of complexes composed of phosphate and uranium, suggesting the simultaneous precipitation of U and phosphate within the cells. XRD analysis of the cells containing the U-phosphate complexes suggested the presence of a meta-autunite-like mineral structure. SEM identified, in pyrolyzed cells, crystalline nanoparticles with shape in the tetragonal system characteristic of the meta-autunite-like mineral structures. U removal has been reported previously but mainly by cell suspensions and through release of phosphate. The innovative Rhodanobacter A2-61 can actively grow aerobically, in the presence of U, and can efficiently remove U(vi) from the environment, accumulating it in a structural form consistent with that of the mineral meta-autunite inside the cell, corresponding to effective metal immobilization. This work supports previous findings that U bioremediation could be achieved via the biomineralization of U(vi) in phosphate minerals.

Pullulanibacillus uraniitolerans sp. nov., an acidophilic, U(VI)-resistant species isolated from an acid uranium mill tailing effluent and emended description of the genus Pullulanibacillus.

Two Gram-positive-staining, rod-shaped, endospore-forming isolates (UG-2(T) and UG-3), with an optimum growth temperature of around 37 °C and an optimum pH for growth of about 4, were recovered from an acidic effluent of the uranium mill tailing at Urgeiriça in Central Portugal. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the strains belonged to the family Sporolactobacillaceae and were closely related to Pullulanibacillus naganoensis ATCC 53909(T) (97.9 %). Unlike P. naganoensis, strains UG-2(T) and UG-3 grew in medium containing up to 5000 p.p.m. U(VI) but did not hydrolyse pullulan. Chemotaxonomic data also supported the affiliation of strains UG-2(T) and UG-3 to the genus Pullulanibacillus. Physiological and biochemical tests along with fatty acid composition allowed differentiation of strains UG-2(T) and UG-3 from P. naganoensis. It is suggested that strains UG-2(T) and UG-3 represent a novel species, for which the name Pullulanibacillus uraniitolerans is proposed; the type strain is UG-2(T) (=DSM 19429(T) = LMG 24205(T)). An emended description of the genus Pullulanibacillus is also proposed.

Human exposure to indoor radon: a survey in the region of Guarda, Portugal.

Radon ((222)Rn) is a radioactive gas, abundant in granitic areas, such as the city of Guarda at the northeast of Portugal. This gas is recognised as a carcinogenic agent, being appointed by the World Health Organization as the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoke. Therefore, the knowledge of radon concentrations inside the houses (where people stay longer) is important from the point of view of radiological protection. The main goal of this study was to assess the radon concentration in an area previously identified with a potentially high level of residential radon. The radon concentration was measured using CR-39 detectors, exposed for a period of 2 months in 185 dwellings in the Guarda region. The radon concentration in studied dwellings, ranged between 75 and 7640 Bq m(-3), with a geometric mean of 640 Bq m(-3) and an arithmetic mean of 1078 Bq m(-3). Based on a local winter-summer radon concentration variation model, these values would correspond to an annual average concentration of 860 Bq m(-3). Several factors contribute to this large dispersion, the main one being the exact location of housing construction in relation to the geochemical nature of the soil and others the predominant building material and ventilation. Based on the obtained results an average annual effective dose of 15 mSv y(-1) is estimated, well above the average previously estimated for Portugal.

Compressive uterine sutures to treat postpartum bleeding secondary to uterine atony.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the usefulness of a new method of applying compressive sutures to treat postpartum bleeding secondary to uterine atony. METHODS: Multiple sutures were applied longitudinally and transversally around the uterus of 7 women with postpartum uterine atony and postpartum bleeding. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all cases. CONCLUSION: Compressive sutures of the uterus were effective in treating uterine atony with postpartum bleeding. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

[Thrombasthenia of Glanzmann. Vaginal hysterectomy treated with recombinant factor VIIa]. / Trombastenia de Glanzmann. Histerectomia vaginal de urgência tratada com factor VIIa recombinante.

In the present article, regarding a clinical case of Thrombasthenia of Glanzmann with severe anaemia by menometrorrhagia, the authors propose the vaginal hysterectomy and the administration of the recombinant factor VIIa on the immediate pre and postoperative as effective therapeutical alternatives.