Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in indoor dust from Brazil: assessing demographic differences and human health exposure.

Indoor house dust is considered an important human exposure route to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which has raised concern about their environmental persistence and toxicity properties. In this study, eight PBDEs (BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183, and -209) were determined in house dust from two cities with different socio-demographic characteristics from Brazil, examining possible relationships with factors that potentially influence contamination (population density, economic activities, presence of electronic equipment, and so on) and also estimating the risk of human exposure through oral ingestion and dermal contact. The Σ8PBDE concentration in Sorocaba city ranged between 380 and 4269 ng/g dw, while in Itapetininga city ranged from 106 to 1000 ng/g dw. In both regions, BDE-209 was the most abundantly found congener, followed by BDE-99. House dust from Sorocaba presented significantly greater concentrations of BDE-183 and BDE-209 than Itapetininga. Regarding risk exposure assessment, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of PBDEs was much lower than their respective reference doses (RfDs) in all pathways estimated (non-dietary ingestion and dermal contact). This study provided valuable data to improve the knowledge about the presence and exposure to PBDEs in Brazilian house dust in comparison to other developing countries and the need to control environmental pollution and protect human health.

The effects of microalgae use as a biofertilizer on soil and plant before and after its anaerobic (co-)digestion with food waste.

The increase in food waste generation has resulted in significant challenges for its sustainable management. Anaerobic digestion coupled with microalgae-based ponds for digestate treatment can be used as a low-cost eco-friendly technology approach. In this case, microalgal biomass harvested from the ponds may be valorized into bioenergy (biogas) and soil conditioner and/or biofertilizers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the microalgal biomass produced from a food waste digestate treatment ponds as agricultural fertilizer. For this purpose, microalgal biomass was tested before and after anaerobic digestion and co-digestion with food waste, exploring its potential for valorization. The inorganic fertilizer urea and soil with no fertilization were also used as treatments. The experimental design consisted of applying the treatments in pots cultivated with hybrid grass Brachiaria cv. Sabiá and distributed in randomized blocks in a controlled greenhouse. Microalgal biomass was mainly composed by Scenedesmus sp.. The assessed parameters showed comparable results on plant growth (i.e. number of tillers, fresh and dry matter and Chlorophyll content index) for fresh and digested microalgal biomass and inorganic fertilizer. Furthermore, it was observed that fresh microalgae provided the highest Phosphorus content in the leaf (21 %). Additionally, there were increases of 9 % in Nitrogen and 12 % in organic matter in the soil after applying digested microalgae compared to the control group without any fertilization. Finally, experimental data obtained suggests that microalgae-based biofertilizer holds the potential to replace inorganic fertilizer as a nutrient source. Moreover, it contributes to the valorization of by-products from organic waste treatment.

Exploring clozapine use in severe psychiatric symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience severe psychiatric symptoms, often unresponsive to conventional pharmacological therapies, highlighting the need for more effective alternatives. AIMS: This study aims to map and synthesize evidence on the use of clozapine as a therapeutic option for managing severe psychiatric symptomatology co-occurring with ASD. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review on multiple sources following the JBI guidelines. The search strategy was inclusive, targeting both peer-reviewed publications and gray literature presenting empirical data on the use of clozapine therapy for patients with ASD accompanied by comorbid psychiatric symptoms. Two independent evaluators performed the selection of studies, data extraction, and critical appraisal. RESULTS: The review included 46 studies, encompassing 122 ASD individuals who received clozapine therapy. The sources of evidence comprise 31 case reports, 8 case series, 6 retrospective observational studies, and 1 quasi-experimental prospective study. The tables present the findings along with a narrative summary. Clozapine treatment demonstrated benefits in four groups of severe and treatment-resistant psychiatric symptoms in ASD patients: disruptive behaviors, psychotic symptoms, catatonia, and mood symptoms. Although side effects were common, tolerability was generally satisfactory. However, severe adverse events, such as seizures, moderate neutropenia, and myocarditis, underscore the need for intensive clinical monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: While clozapine shows promise as a pharmacological intervention for severe psychopathologies in ASD, more rigorous clinical studies are required to elucidate its efficacy and safety in this population. The limited robustness of the evidence calls for caution, signaling an early research stage into this topic.

Neural network for evaluation of the impact of the UK COVID-19 national lockdown on atmospheric concentrations of PAHs and PBDEs.

The impact of measures to restrict population mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic on atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) is poorly understood. This study analyses the effects of meteorological parameters and mobility restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic on concentrations of PAH and BFRs at the University of Birmingham in the UK utilising a neural network (self-organising maps, SOM). Air sampling was performed using Polyurethane Foam (PUF) disk passive samplers between October 2019 and January 2021. Data on concentrations of PAH and BFRs were analysed using SOM and Spearman's rank correlation. Data on meteorological parameters (air temperature, wind, and relative humidity) and mobility restrictions during the pandemic were included in the analysis. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) was the most abundant polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) (23-91% Σ7PBDEs) but was detected at lower absolute concentrations (4.2-35.0 pg m-3) than in previous investigations in Birmingham. Air samples were clustered in five groups based on SOM analysis and the effects of meteorology and pandemic-related restrictions on population mobility could be visualised. Concentrations of most PAH decreased during the early stages of the pandemic when mobility was most restricted. SOM analysis also helped to identify the important influence of wind speed on contaminant concentrations, contributing to reduce the concentration of all analysed pollutants. In contrast, concentrations of most PBDEs remained similar or increased during the first COVID-19 lockdown which was attributed to their primarily indoor sources that were either unaffected or increased during lockdown.

Effect of the association of coagulation/flocculation, hydrodynamic cavitation, ozonation and activated carbon in landfill leachate treatment system.

Mature landfill wastewater is a complex effluent due to its low biodegradability and high organic matter content. Currently, mature leachate is treated on-site or transported to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Many WWTPs do not have the capacity to receive mature leachate due to its high organic load leading to an increase in the cost of transportation to treatment plants more adapted to this type of wastewater and the possibility of environmental impacts. Many techniques are used in the treatment of mature leachates, such as coagulation/flocculation, biological reactors, membranes, and advanced oxidative processes. However, the isolated application of these techniques does not achieve efficiency to meet environmental standards. In this regard, this work developed a compact system that combines coagulation and flocculation (1st Stage), hydrodynamic cavitation and ozonation (2nd Stage), and activated carbon polishing (3rd Stage) for the treatment of mature landfill leachate. The synergetic combination of physicochemical and advanced oxidative processes showed a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of over 90% in less than three hours of treatment using the bioflocculant PGα21Ca. Also, the almost absolute removal of apparent color and turbidity was achieved. The remaining CODs of the treated mature leachate were lower when compared to typical domestic sewage of large capitals (COD ~ 600 mg L-1), which allows the interconnection of the sanitary landfill to the urban sewage collection network after treatment in this proposed system. The results obtained with the compact system can help in the design of landfill leachate treatment plants, as well as in the treatment of urban and industrial effluents which contains different compounds of emerging concern and persistence in the environment.

Impact of aquatic humic substances on speciation and toxicity of arsenic and cobalt to Ceriodaphnia dubia.

Humic substances (HS) interact with trace metals such as As and Co, affecting their mobility and availability in aquatic systems. However, their combined effects on toxicity to aquatic organisms are not totally understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of Co(II) and As(III) to the water flea Ceriodaphnia dubia in the presence of HS, considering element speciation. Toxicity assays were performed in the presence and absence of HS at two different concentrations of As(III) (10 and 20 µg/L) and Co(II) (50 and 100 µg/L). The free As(III) and Co(II) (< 1 kDa, fraction most potentially bioavailable) in the test solutions were determined via ultrafiltration. While free Co(II) decreased by approximately 80% in the presence of HS, free As(III) decreased just by 1%. Despite the higher percentage of As(III) potentially bioavailable, the presence of HS reduced significantly the toxicity of As at 20 µg/L (no toxicity was observed at 10 µg/L). This was attributed to direct effects of HS such as hormesis, hormone-like effects of HS and/or formation of protective coating. These effects also stimulated the reproduction, including in the assays in the absence of As and Co. HS reduced the toxicity of Co(II) at both test concentrations. The results of this investigation support that HS should be considered when safe limits for As and Co are defined.

Prolene Hernia System Maximum Repair: A New Concept in Sports Hernia Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and present the clinical results of a new surgical treatment for sports hernia. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Athletes who underwent sports hernia repair using the proposed technique between July 2006 and June 2020. INTERVENTION: The surgery consists of a combination of a mini-open incision and preperitoneal placement of a three-dimensional bilayer permanent mesh (PHS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main clinical outcomes of the procedure were reviewed, including incidence of complications, long-term results, and recurrence rate. RESULTS: Ninety-two sports hernia repairs were performed on 87 patients (79 male and 8 female patients, median age 30.2 ± 7.8 years). No intraoperative complications were observed. The mean follow-up was 15 months. Seventy-seven patients (88.5%) successfully resumed preinjury physical activities within 8 weeks; 80 patients (91.9%) within 12 weeks; and 83 (95.4%) within 6 months (median time of 10 weeks). Only one patient reported recurrence of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Mini-open incision PHS repair seems to be a safe and effective method for treatment of sports hernia, resulting in early return to physical activities, with few complications, and low recurrence rate.

Elevated concentrations of halogenated flame retardants in waste childcare articles from Ireland.

Concentrations of legacy and alternative halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) including chlorinated organophosphate esters (Cl-OPEs), were measured in waste childcare articles (n = 275 for Cl-OPEs, n = 187 for other HFRs) from the Republic of Ireland between 2019 and 2020. Articles studied comprised foams and fabrics from: child car seats, cot mattresses, changing mats, pushchairs, prams, and related items. Fifteen articles (7.7%) exceeded the European Union limit value of 1000 mg/kg for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (all due to BDE-209), an additional 15 exceeded the limit for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), with 7 articles exceeding the limit for both PBDEs and HBCDD. An even greater proportion of articles contained concentrations exceeding 1000 mg/kg for: tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) (n = 73, 27%) and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) (n = 58, 21%), with concentrations greater than 1000 mg/kg also observed for: tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) (n = 14, 5.1% articles), 2-ethylhexyl tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) (n = 7, 3.7%), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), and bis(2-ethylhexyl)tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP) (both n = 5, 2.7%). Overall, 120 samples contained at least one HFR at a concentration exceeding 1000 mg/kg. In addition to the waste management implications of our findings, our data raise concerns about child exposure to HFRs during the use phase of these everyday items.

Chlorinated organophosphate esters in Irish waste foams and fabrics: Concentrations, preliminary assessment of temporal trends and evaluation of the impact of a concentration limit value.

Concentrations of the chlorinated organophosphate esters (Cl-OPEs): tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP), and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) were measured in 273 waste synthetic foam and fabric articles collected in Ireland between 2019 and 2020. Articles examined comprised: polystyrene building insulation foam, as well as foam fillings and fabric coverings from furniture, mattresses, end-of-life vehicles, curtains, and carpets. Cl-OPEs were also measured in 156 samples from the same categories (except for building insulation foam) collected in 2015-16. Concentrations of TCIPP and TDCIPP in most samples exceeded those of TCEP; with those of TCIPP and TDCIPP generally and for some waste categories significantly (p < 0.05) higher in samples collected in 2019-20. Given potential future restrictions on use of these Cl-OPEs, we identified articles containing concentrations that exceeded 1000 mg/kg, in line with a similar limit that at the time of sample collection existed for some brominated flame retardants within the European Union. In 2019-20, 82 articles contained at least one Cl-OPE above 1000 mg/kg, with at least one article exceeding this concentration in each waste category examined. By comparison, only 28 samples collected in 2015-16, contained at least one Cl-OPE >1000 mg/kg, and articles exceeding this concentration were restricted to furniture and mattress foam, along with foams and fabrics from end-of-life vehicles. In the event of the introduction of such a limit on Cl-OPE concentrations in waste, it will result in 7200 t/year of such waste (24 % of the total) being rendered unrecyclable, while removing 98 % of the estimated ∼147,000 kg/year of Cl-OPEs from the recycling stream.

Ecotoxicology and geostatistical techniques employed in subtropical reservoirs sediments after decades of copper sulfate application.

Spatial distribution linked to geostatistical techniques contributes to sum up information into an easier-to-comprehend knowledge. This study compares copper spatial distribution in surface sediments and subsequent categorization according to its toxicological potential in two reservoirs, Rio Grande (RG) and Itupararanga (ITU) (São Paulo-Brazil), where copper sulfate is applied and not applied, respectively. Sediments from 47 sites in RG and 52 sites in ITU were collected, and then, copper concentrations were interpolated using geostatistical techniques (kriging). The resulting sediment distributions were classified in categories based on sediment quality guides: threshold effect level and probable effect level; regional reference values (RRVs) and enrichment factor (EF). Copper presented a heterogenic distribution and higher concentrations in RG (2283.00 ± 1308.75 mg/kg) especially on the upstream downstream, associated with algicide application as well as the sediment grain size, contrary to ITU (21.81 ± 8.28 mg/kg) where a no-clear pattern of distribution was observed. Sediments in RG are predominantly categorized as "Very Bad", whereas sediments in ITU are mainly categorized as "Good", showing values higher than RRV. The classification is supported by the EF categorization, which in RG is primarily categorized as "Very High" contrasting to ITU classified as "Absent/Very Low". Copper total stock in superficial sediment estimated for RG is 4515.35 Ton of Cu and for ITU is 27.45 Ton of Cu.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: progression of untreated cases / Escoliose idiopática do adolescente: progressão de casos não tratados / Escoliosis idiopática del adolescente: progresión de casos no tratados

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to evaluate angular progression of patients with a diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), that await surgical treatment. Methods: This is an observational and descriptive study. Data were collected for age at initial surgical indication, initial date and Cobb angle, date and Cobb angle of the follow-up visit, time elapsed between the initial and follow-up visit, and type of curve. All recorded Cobb angles were reviewed by the authors. Results: 86.1% of the individuals were women, the mean age of indication for surgical treatment was 13.34 years. The most common type of curve was Lenke 3 and the one that progressed the most was Lenke 4. The general average of annual progression was 9.89 degrees for the primary curves and 12.32 for the secondary curves, and the follow-up was, on average, 35.77 months. Conclusion: The progression of the magnitude of the curve increases during the wait for the definitive treatment of AIS, no matter which group of the Lenke classification the curve belongs to. The secondary curves present a progression rate of 12.32º/year, higher than the main curve, which presents a rate of 9.89º/year. The waiting time has been increasing over the years, which is evident compared to older publications. Level of Evidence IV; Type of Study: Prognostic Study.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a progressão do valor angular de indivíduos com diagnóstico de Escoliose Idiopática do Adolescente (EIA) não tratada, aguardando procedimento cirúrgico. Métodos: Este é um estudo observacional e descritivo. Foram coletados os seguintes dados dos pacientes: idade da indicação cirúrgica inicial, data da avaliação inicial e ângulo de Cobb, data e ângulo de Cobb nas consultas de seguimento, tempo decorrido entre as consultas inicial e de seguimento, bem como os tipos de curva. Todos os ângulos de Cobb registrados foram revisados pelos autores. Resultados: 86,1% dos indivíduos eram mulheres, a idade média de indicação de tratamento cirúrgico foi de 13,34 anos. O tipo de curva mais comum foi a Lenke 3 e a que mais progrediu foi a Lenke 4. A média geral de progressão anual foi de 9,89 graus para as curvas primárias e 12,32 para as curvas secundárias e o acompanhamento foi em média de 35,77 meses. Conclusão: A progressão da magnitude da curva aumentou durante a espera pelo tratamento definitivo da EIA, não importando em qual grupo da classificação de Lenke a curva pertence. As curvas secundárias apresentaram taxa de progressão de 12,32º/ano que é maior se comparada com a curva principal que apresenta taxa de 9,89º/ano. O tempo de espera vem aumentando com o passar dos anos, sendo evidente quando comparado com as publicações mais antigas. Nível de Evidência IV; Tipo de Estudo: Estudo Prognostico.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la progresión del valor angular de individuos no tratados diagnosticados con Escoliosis Idiopática del Adolescente (EIA), que están en espera de un procedimiento quirúrgico. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio observacional y descriptivo. Se recogieron datos de edad de indicación quirúrgica inicial, fecha inicial y ángulo de Cobb, fecha y ángulo de Cobb de la visita de seguimiento, tiempo transcurrido entre la visita inicial y de seguimiento y tipo de curva. Todos los ángulos de Cobb registrados fueron revisados por los autores. Resultados: El 86,1% de los individuos eran mujeres, la edad media de indicación del tratamiento quirúrgico fue de 13,34 años. El tipo de curva más común fue Lenke 3 y el que más progresó fue Lenke 4. El promedio general de progresión anual fue de 9,89 grados para las curvas primarias y 12,32 para las curvas secundarias y el seguimiento fue en promedio de 35,77 meses. Conclusión: La progresión de la magnitud de la curva aumenta durante la espera del tratamiento definitivo de la EIA, independientemente del grupo de la clasificación de Lenke al que pertenezca la curva. Las curvas secundarias presentan una tasa de progresión de 12,32º/año, superior a la curva principal que presenta una tasa de 9,89º/año. El tiempo de espera ha ido aumentando a lo largo de los años, lo cual es evidente al compararlo con publicaciones más antiguas. Nivel de Evidencia IV; Tipo de Estudio: Estudio Pronostico.

Comparing preoperative quality of life questionnaire in lumbar stenosis / Comparando questionários de qualidade de vida pré-operatórios na estenose lombar / Comparando cuestionarios de calidad de vida preoperatoria en estenosis lumbar

ABSTRACT: Objective: To correlate the four quality of life questionnaires: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), SF-36, Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire (SSS), and EQ-5D in patients who have not received surgical treatment of lumbar stenosis. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study. Forty patients diagnosed with lumbar stenosis at a university hospital answered four quality-of-life questionnaires in a preoperative consultation. The scores of each questionnaire were tabulated and then compared. In statistical analysis, the Spearman correlation was performed. Results: 17 female and 23 male patients with a mean age of 56.5 years. ODI had an average dysfunction of 44.9%; the PCS score averaged 29.9, and the MCS score of 41.3. The general symptoms of SSS presented a mean of 3.2, and the EQ-5D presented an average of 0.491. The EQ-5D presented the best correlation with the other questionnaires. The score that presented a worse correlation with the other questionnaires was the neuroischemic symptomatology of SSS. Conclusion: quality-of-life questionnaires can be correlated; thus, the evaluation of preoperative patients can be simplified. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic Studies.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Correlacionar os quatro questionários de qualidade de vida: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), SF-36, Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire (SSS) e EQ-5D em pacientes que não foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de estenose lombar. Métodos: Estudo transversal prospectivo. Quarenta pacientes com diagnóstico de estenose lombar acompanhados em hospital universitário responderam a quatro questionários de qualidade de vida em consulta pré-operatória. As pontuações de cada questionário foram tabuladas e depois comparadas. Na análise estatística, foi realizada a correlação de Spearman. Resultados: 17 pacientes do sexo feminino e 23 do sexo masculino com idade média de 56,5 anos. ODI teve uma disfunção média de 44,9%, a pontuação do PCS foi em média de 29,9 e a pontuação do MCS de 41,3. Os sintomas gerais de SSS apresentaram média de 3,2 e o EQ-5D apresentou média de 0,491. O EQ-5D apresentou a melhor correlação com os demais questionários. A pontuação que apresentou pior correlação com os demais questionários foi a sintomatologia neuroisquêmica do SSS. Conclusão: os questionários de qualidade de vida podem ser correlacionados e, assim, simplificar a avaliação dos pacientes no pré-operatório. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo diagnóstico.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Correlacionar los cuatro cuestionarios de calidad de vida: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), SF-36, Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire (SSS) y EQ-5D en pacientes que no han sido sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico de estenosis lumbar. Métodos: Estudio transversal prospectivo. Cuarenta pacientes con diagnóstico de estenosis lumbar acompañados en un hospital universitario respondieron cuatro cuestionarios de calidad de vida en una consulta preoperatoria. Las puntuaciones de cada cuestionario fueron tabuladas y luego comparadas. En el análisis estadístico se realizó la correlación de Spearman. Resultados: 17 pacientes del sexo femenino y 23 del sexo masculino con una edad media de 56,5 años. ODI tuvo una disfunción promedio de 44,9%, el puntaje PCS promedió 29,9 y el puntaje MCS de 41,3. Los síntomas generales de SSS presentaron una media de 3,2 y el EQ-5D presentó una media de 0,491. El EQ-5D presentó la mejor correlación con los demás cuestionarios. La puntuación que presentó una peor correlación con los demás cuestionarios fue la sintomatología neuroisquémica del SSS. Conclusión: los cuestionarios de calidad de vida se pueden correlacionar y, por lo tanto, se puede simplificar la evaluación de los pacientes preoperatorios. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudios de diagnósticos.

Epidemiological portrait of pediatric scoliosis in a tertiary hospital in brazil / Retrato epidemiológico de escoliose pediátrica em um hospital terciário no brasil / Retrato epidemiológico de escoliosis pediátrica en un hospital terciario en brasil

ABSTRACT: Objective: To trace the epidemiological profile of patients with pediatric scoliosis in a tertiary hospital in the region of Campinas - SP, seeking to understand and evaluate the demand of these patients, the results of delay in treatment, and its impact on the progression of the deformity. Methods: An epidemiological, observational, and cross-sectional study was carried out in a digital database, including patients from 0 to 18 years of age, where sociodemographic variables, scoliosis classification, and institutional follow-up and treatment data were collected. Results: The sample had 30 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The age of the patients ranged from 5 years to 18 years, with a mean of 12.8 years. Neuromuscular scoliosis was the most prevalent etiology (40%), followed by congenital scoliosis (36.6%) and, to a lesser extent, idiopathic scoliosis (23.3%). The patient follow-up time between the first and last appointment has an average of 74.7 months. When the specialty monitors the patient, the initial and final Cobb angles are evaluated in degrees, with a percentage increase of 40.3%. Delay in care (outpatient care, conservative treatment, or surgery) was identified in 25 patients (83.3% of the sample). Conclusion: Most of the patients evaluated showed evolution of the scoliosis condition, especially due to the delay in care, failure to obtain surgical treatment, or even conservative treatment in an adequate time, with an increase in the magnitude of the curve and greater severity of the case. Level of Evidence III; Observational, Cross-Sectional Study.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Traçar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes portadores de escoliose pediátrica em um hospital terciário na região de Campinas - SP, buscando conhecer e avaliar a demanda destes pacientes, os resultados do atraso no tratamento e seus impactos na progressão da deformidade. Método: Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico, observacional e transversal em um banco de dados digital, incluindo pacientes de 0 a 18 anos de idade, onde foram coletadas avaliação, variáveis sociodemográficas, classificação da escoliose e dados do acompanhamento e tratamento institucional. Resultados: A amostra contou com 30 pacientes que preenchiam os critérios de inclusão. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 5 anos e 18 anos, com média de 12,8 anos. A escoliose neuromuscular a foi a etiologia mais prevalente (40%), seguido de escoliose congênita (36,6%) e, em menor número a escoliose idiopática (23,3%). O tempo de acompanhamento do paciente entre a primeira e última consulta possui média de 74,7 meses. Durante o tempo que o paciente é acompanhado pela especialidade, avaliou-se o ângulo de Cobb inicial e o final, em graus, com aumento percentual de 40,3%. Foi identificado atraso na assistência (atendimento ambulatorial, tratamento conservador ou cirurgia), em 25 pacientes (83,3% da amostra). Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes avaliados apresentou evolução do quadro de escoliose, especialmente devido ao atraso na assistência, na falta de obtenção de tratamento cirúrgico ou mesmo de tratamento conservador em tempo adequado, com aumento da magnitude da curva e maior gravidade do caso. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo Observacional, Transversal.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Rastrear el perfil epidemiológico de pacientes con escoliosis pediátrica en un hospital terciario en la región de Campinas - SP, buscando comprender y evaluar la demanda de estos pacientes, los resultados de la demora en el tratamiento y su impacto en la progresión de la deformidad. Método: Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico, observacional y transversal en una base de datos digital, incluyendo pacientes de 0 a 18 años, donde se recolectaron variables sociodemográficas, clasificación de la escoliosis y datos de seguimiento y tratamiento institucional. Resultados: La muestra estuvo conformada por 30 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La edad de los pacientes osciló entre 5 y 18 años, con una media de 12,8 años. La escoliosis neuromuscular fue la etiología más prevalente (40%), seguida de la escoliosis congénita (36,6%) y, en menor medida, la escoliosis idiopática (23,3%). El tiempo de seguimiento del paciente entre la primera y la última cita tiene una media de 74,7 meses. Durante el tiempo que el paciente está en seguimiento por la especialidad se evaluaron los ángulos de Cobb inicial y final, en grados, con un porcentaje de incremento del 40,3%. Se identificó retraso en la atención (ambulatoria, tratamiento conservador o cirugía) en 25 pacientes (83,3% de la muestra). Conclusión: La mayoría de los pacientes evaluados presentaron evolución del cuadro de escoliosis, sobre todo por la demora en la atención, la no obtención de tratamiento quirúrgico o incluso en el tratamiento conservador en tiempo adecuado, con un aumento de la magnitud de la curva y una mayor gravedad del caso. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio Observacional, Transversal.

POP-BFRs in consumer products: Evolution of the efficacy of XRF screening for legislative compliance over a 5-year interval and future trends.

In 2015-16, a study of approximately 500 waste plastic articles showed that portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was up to 95 % effective in screening for compliance with low persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentration limits (LPCLs) on brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in waste. The present study conducted in 2019-20 mirrors that conducted five years prior on a similar number and range of articles, testing the hypothesis that increased use of alternative BFRs as replacements for POP-BFRs will reduce the effectiveness of XRF as a tool for monitoring compliance with LPCLs. In comparing the results, the overall screening efficacy for LPCL compliance reduced from ~95 % to ~88 %, due in part to decreased prevalence of POP-BFRs and potentially increased presence of alternative flame retardants, particularly in goods with shorter lifecycles such as electronics. We additionally examined the impacts of a number of modifications to the XRF measurement protocol on its efficacy, including: using elemental Sb as a qualifier in detecting POP-BFRs in hard plastics; reduced XRF analysis time; and the elimination of background interference using a test stand. The rate at which hard plastics from electronic waste may be analysed by XRF can be substantially improved by reducing analysis time to 5 s, with minimal increase in false exceedances of the LPCL. Monitoring Sb does not appear an effective qualifier for the presence of POP-BFRs, as Sb seems to be used with a range of BFRs. Use of the test stand, while reducing interference, appeared to reduce accuracy when screening low density and thin samples. Despite a seeming increased use of alternative BFRs, screening of waste for compliance with LPCLs using rapid and low-cost screening methods such as portable XRF is still necessary as methods such as GC-MS cannot be scaled up to match the quantities of waste requiring screening.

Halogenated flame retardants in Irish waste polymers: Concentrations, legislative compliance, and preliminary assessment of temporal trends.

Halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) were measured in 470 waste plastic articles from Ireland between 2019 and 2020. We identified articles containing concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), and tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A) exceeding European Union limits. Enforcement of existing limits of 1000 mg/kg will render an estimated 3.1% (2800 t) of articles in the waste categories studied unrecyclable, increasing to: 4.0, 4.9, and 5.6% if limits were reduced to 500, 200, and 100 mg/kg respectively. Meanwhile, enforcing limits of 1,000, 500, 200, and 100 mg/kg will respectively remove 78, 82, 84, and 85% of PBDEs, HBCDD, and TBBP-A present in such waste. Other FRs targeted were detected infrequently and predominantly at very low concentrations. However, 2,4,6-tris(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine (TTBP-TAZ) was detected in 3 display/IT product samples at 14,000 to 32,000 mg/kg, indicating elevated concentrations of FRs used as alternatives to PBDEs and HBCDD, will likely increase in future. Comparison with data for Ireland in 2015-16, revealed concentrations and exceedances of limits for PBDEs, HBCDD, and TBBP-A were similar or have declined. For end-of-life vehicle fabrics and foams, HBCDD and ΣPBDE concentrations declined significantly (p < 0.05) since 2015-16. Moreover, ΣPBDE concentrations in waste small domestic appliances are significantly lower in 2019-20, with a similarly significant decline for TBBP-A in waste IT and telecommunications articles. In contrast, HBCDD concentrations in waste extruded polystyrene increased significantly between 2015-16 and 2019-20. For other waste categories studied, no statistically significant temporal trends are evident (p > 0.05). Fewer samples exceeded PBDE and HBCDD limits in 2019-20 (7.8%) than 2015-16 (8.7%), while exceedances for TBBP-A fell from 2.4% in 2015-16 to 0.57% in 2019-20. While comparison between the 2015-16 and 2019-20 datasets provide a preliminary indication of changes, further monitoring is required if the impact of legislation designed to eliminate HFRs from the waste stream is to be fully evaluated.

Statistical process control in assessing water quality in the Doce river basin after the collapse of the Fundão dam (Mariana, Brazil).

The process of extracting information from data generated in environmental monitoring programs is often carried out using statistical tools, with Statistical Process Control (SPC) showing great potential for application in environmental monitoring. In November 2015, millions of cubic metres of tailings were dumped into the basin of the River Doce with the collapse of the Fundão dam. A study of the impact of this incident requires new approaches in data monitoring and processing, so it was sought to evaluate, using SPC tools, changes in water quality in the basin of the River Doce following the collapse of the dam. Using process charts and the process capability index (PCI), water quality parameters in the Doce and Carmo rivers were evaluated between 2009 and 2020. There, turbidity has improved since 2018, and Mn since 2016. Control charts showed that by December 2020 dissolved Fe was still not within normal pre-event fluctuation patterns. The PCI value showed that the situation worsened after the event for each of the parameters, with the lowest values for Mn and E. coli. By using a reference period, SPC makes it possible to infer the permanence of the impact of extreme pollution on the waterbody, which can be used in the routine monitoring of water quality in such events.

Analyses of colloidal, truly dissolved, and DGT-labile metal species and phosphorus in mining area surrounded by tailing dams using self-organising maps.

The knowledge of size-distribution and lability of metals and nutrients in freshwater systems is important for estimation of the ecological effects of mining. However, it is still limited in several mining areas such as the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Brazil) which was severely polluted by the collapse of the Fundão tailings dam in November 2015. In this study, results of an investigation from 2014 using a neural network named self-organising map (SO-Map) into the conditions of selected trace metals that are of particular importance to mining areas (Cr, Cu, Co, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) are presented. Additionally, P was considered by its high importance as a nutrient and sites later affected by the dam burst were also included by chance. Water samples were collected at six sites in dry and rainy seasons and filtered and ultrafiltered for determination of total dissolved (<0.45 µm) and truly dissolved (<1 kDa) fractions. Diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) devices were deployed in situ for determination of the DGT-labile fraction. All data were analysed using SO-Map and Spearman's rank correlation. Phosphorus in the Carmo River occurred mainly in the truly dissolved and DGT-labile fractions. The higher amounts of this element in the river water (up to 263 µg L-1 of total P) might be related to untreated sewage discharge. Moreover, the concentrations of other trace metals (Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Zn) were high, even under the "natural" conditions (before the dam failure) due to natural and anthropogenic factors such as local lithology and mining.

Human risk assessment of toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) in marine fish from the Amazon.

The present study evaluated As, Hg, Pb and Cd burdens in both ecologically and commercially important 314 marine fishes belonging to 47 species sampled along the Amazon Coast. We specifically investigated variations in these four elements among different habitats and their relationships with trophic position and estimated potential human health risk by calculating the hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TR). Our analyses revealed that Hg concentrations in reef-associated fish were over 2-fold those recorded in demersal fish (p < 0.001). A stable isotope analysis indicated that most of the fish species analyzed herein are secondary consumers (i.e., TP > 2.9) and their trophic positions exhibited a significant negative correlation to As, Pb and Cd. Positive significant relationships were noted between As-Cd, As-Pb, As-Hg, Hg-Cd and Cd-Pb, suggesting that these elements exhibit similar dispersion properties and bioaccumulation homology, probably arising from natural fluvial inputs from the Amazon basin system. Detected As concentrations were higher than established guidelines and legal limits in 63.8% of the examined species (n = 30), whereas Cd, Hg and Pb levels were generally very low. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of iAs, Hg and Pb were above reference dose (RfD) in more almost half of species analyzed and HQ values were each found to pose potential non-carcinogenic health risks if high amounts are consumed over time. HI indicates that the determined elements attained levels considered as potential human health hazards trough consumption of eight cartilaginous fish. The TR values of iAs and Pb were higher than the guideline value and given this, individuals who continuously consume cartilaginous fish contaminated with the toxic elements determined here will likely be under increased cancer risks in the long term.

Tyrosine-protein kinase Yes controls endothelial junctional plasticity and barrier integrity by regulating VE-cadherin phosphorylation and endocytosis.

Vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin in endothelial adherens junctions is an essential component of the vascular barrier, critical for tissue homeostasis and implicated in diseases such as cancer and retinopathies. Inhibitors of Src cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase have been applied to suppress VE-cadherin tyrosine phosphorylation and prevent excessive leakage, edema and high interstitial pressure. Here we show that the Src-related Yes tyrosine kinase, rather than Src, is localized at endothelial cell (EC) junctions where it becomes activated in a flow-dependent manner. EC-specific Yes1 deletion suppresses VE-cadherin phosphorylation and arrests VE-cadherin at EC junctions. This is accompanied by loss of EC collective migration and exaggerated agonist-induced macromolecular leakage. Overexpression of Yes1 causes ectopic VE-cadherin phosphorylation, while vascular leakage is unaffected. In contrast, in EC-specific Src-deficiency, VE-cadherin internalization is maintained, and leakage is suppressed. In conclusion, Yes-mediated phosphorylation regulates constitutive VE-cadherin turnover, thereby maintaining endothelial junction plasticity and vascular integrity.

Permanent occurrence of Raphidiopsis raciborskii and cyanotoxins in a subtropical reservoir polluted by domestic effluents (Itupararanga reservoir, São Paulo, Brazil).

Toxic cyanobacteria blooms are a frequent problem in subtropical reservoirs and freshwater systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of potentially toxic cyanobacteria and the environmental conditions associated with the presence of cyanotoxins in a Brazilian subtropical reservoir. Five collections were carried out at seven sampling locations in the reservoir, during the rainy and dry seasons, between the years 2016 and 2017. There was permanent occurrence of Raphidiopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Aguilera, Berrendero Gómez, Kastovsky, Echenique & Salerno (Phycologia 57(2):130-146, 2018), ranging between dominant and abundant, with an average biomass of 38.8 ± 29.9 mg L-1. Also abundant were Dolichospermum solitarium, D. planctonicum, Planktothrix isothrix, and Aphanizomenon gracile. Saxitoxin (STX) was detected in all the collected samples (0.11 ± 0.05 µg L-1). Microcystin (MC) was also detected, but at lower concentrations (0.01 ± 0.0 µg L-1). Low availability of NO3- and phosphorus limitation had significant effects on the R. raciborskii biomass and the levels of STX and MC. It was observed that R. raciborskii was sensitive to thermal stratification, at the same time that STX levels were higher. This suggested that STX was produced under conditions that restricted the growth of R. raciborskii. These are important findings, because they add information about the permanent occurrence of STX and R. raciborskii in an aquatic ecosystem limited by phosphorus, vulnerable to climatic variations, and polluted by domestic effluents.