Topsoil pollution in highway medians in the State of São Paulo (Brazil): determination of potentially toxic elements using synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence.

The presence of metals in vehicle emissions is due to several factors, such as the composition of fuels and lubricating oils, the wear of engine components, and their use in catalytic converters. It is known that the soil near highways is greatly affected by heavy vehicle traffic, since the use of highways is of fundamental importance for the flow of goods and public transport, especially in Brazil, street transport being the main form of transport in the country. Considering the scenario described, the main objective of this study was to monitor the concentration of potentially toxic elements in surface soils located on the medians of the main access highways in the city of Campinas (SP-Brazil) and classify the soils through geoaccumulation index. Using SR-TXRF it was possible to detect and determine the concentrations of 5 elements of toxic-environmental interest (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb) and 11 natural soil composition elements (Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Rb, and Sr). To evaluate the influence of highway distance on elementary concentrations, ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests were applied. Nickel, Cu, and Zn showed a decrease in their concentrations moving away from the highway, indicating their relation with vehicular emissions. Applying principal components analysis (PCA), it was possible to identify four groups of the quantified elements: those mainly related to the soil itself, those produced by traffic of automotive vehicles, and those emitted by industrial activities.

Citrus species and hybrids depicted by near- and mid-infrared spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Citrus trees are among the most cultivated plants in the world, with a high economic impact. The wide sexual compatibility among relatives gave rise to a large number of hybrids that are difficult to discriminate. This work sought to explore the ability of infrared spectroscopy to discriminate among Citrus species and/or hybrids and to contribute to the elucidation of its relatedness. RESULTS: Adult leaves of 18 distinct Citrus plants were included in this work. Near- and mid-infrared (NIR and FTIR) spectra were acquired from leaves after harvesting and a drying period of 1 month. Spectra were modelled by principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis. Both techniques revealed a high discrimination potential (78.5-95.9%), being the best results achieved with NIR spectroscopy and air-dried leaves (95.9%). CONCLUSION: Infrared spectroscopy was able to successfully discriminate several Citrus species and/or hybrids. Our results contributed also to enhance insights regarding the studied Citrus species and/or hybrids. Despite the benefit of including additional samples, the results herein obtained clearly pointed infrared spectroscopy as a reliable technique for Citrus species and/or hybrid discrimination. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Anatomical variations in primary teeth microelements with known differences in lead content by micro-Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Fluorescence (µ-SRXRF) - A preliminary study.

Shed teeth have been proposed as trace element biomarkers. This study determined variations in the spatial distribution of Ca, K, Zn, Pb, Mn, Cu, and Sr in four anatomical locations: superficial enamel (SE, 0-10µm), subsuperficial enamel (SSE, 10-30µm), primary dentin (PD), and secondary dentin (SD). Five primary incisors were analyzed by micro Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Fluorescence (µ-SRXRF). Two teeth had low concentrations of lead in the SE (<250µg/g), while three contained very high lead concentrations in the SE (>2000µg/g). Teeth were sliced, and five spot measurements (20µm beam diameter) were accomplished in each location. The data are shown as absolute values and as the ratio between the different elements and Ca. The distribution of K was close to that of Ca. Zn was the third most abundant element, with the highest levels being found in the SE and SD and low levels detected in the PD. Increasing Sr levels were found progressing from the enamel to the dentin, with the highest levels being found in the SD, a distribution that was unique. Pb, Mn, and Cu exhibited a similar trend, with higher signals for these elements detected in the SE. This study provides preliminary data on the heterogeneous distribution of different elements in the tooth, highlighting the importance of the first 10µm of the SE for determination of some elements, such as Zn, Pb, Mn, and Cu.

Situación de la formación en las escuelas de enfermería terciarias no universitarias de la República Argentina, 2007 / State of the education in tertiary non university nursing schools of Argentina, 2007

INTRODUCCION: la formación en enfermería en Argentina se realiza en universidades públicas y privadas (título de enfermero/a y de licenciado/a) y en escuelas de enfermería terciarias no universitarias (título de enfermero/a). El informe de la Federación Argentina de Enfermería (FAE. 2004) señala que la formación en enfermería se caracteriza por la falta de un sistema de acreditación profesional y por un diseño curricular que se centra en la enfermedad en detrimento de la salud comunitaria. También refiere la existencia de una deficiente información sobre los programas de formación. OBJETIVOS: el objetivo del estudio fue describir la situación de la formación de las escuelas de enfermería terciarias no universitarias, principalmente a partir de indicadores de estructura, recursos y planes de estudios. METODOS: estudio descriptivo de tipo cuantitativo. Se realizó un relevamiento de las escuelas de enfermería terciarias existentes en Argentina. Posteriormente, se encuestó a los directivos, docentes y alumnos de 66 de los 109 establecimientos identificados, los que fueron seleccionados según criterios de factibilidad y accesibilidad. RESULTADOS: 27 (40,9%) instituciones pertenecían al estado provincial y 39 (59,1%) eran de dependencia privada. El 51% de los directores señaló que los planes de estudios no están orientados hacia la Atención Primaria de la Salud. Sólo el 38% de los establecimientos tienen convenios firmados con universidades estatales o privadas para la obtención del título de licenciado en enfermería. El 76,8% del personal docente posee la licenciatura en enfermería. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados muestran la necesidad de revisar y ordenar los planes de estudio, a través de una formación innovadora, interdisciplinaria, centrada en los intereses de los alumnos y orientada también a las problemáticas de salud comunitaria (AU)

INTRODUCTION: Nursing education in Argentina takes place in public and private universities (title of nurse andlicensed) and nursing school non university tertiary (diploma nurse). The report of the Argentina Federation of Nursing (FAE, 2004) notes that nursing education is characterized by the absence of a system of professional accreditation and a curricula that focuses on the disease at the expenseof community health. He also notes the existence of poor information on training programs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the situation of vocational nursing school non-university tertiary, mainly based on indicators of structure, resources and curricula. METHODS: A descriptive quantitative study. We conducted a survey of existing tertiary nursing schools in Argentina. Subsequently, we interviewed the principals, teachers and students from 66 of the 109 facilities identified, which were selected on the basis of feasibility and affordability. RESULTS: 27 (40.9%) belonged to the provincial government institutions and 39 (59.1%) were private agency. 51% of the directors noted that the curricula are not oriented towards primary health care. Only 38% of establishments have signed agreements with state and private universities to obtain a bachelorÆs degree in nursing. 76.8% of teachers has a degree in nursing. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the need to review and organize the curriculum through innovative training, interdisciplinary, focusing on student interests and aimed also to community health problems (AU)

Situación de la formación en las escuelas de enfermería terciarias no universitarias de la República Argentina, 2007 / State of the education in tertiary non university nursing schools of Argentina, 2007

INTRODUCCIÓN: la formación en enfermería en Argentina se realiza en universidades públicas y privadas (título de enfermero/a y de licenciado/a) y en escuelas de enfermería terciarias no universitarias (título de enfermero/a). El informe de la Federación Argentina de Enfermería (FAE. 2004) señala que la formación en enfermería se caracteriza por la falta de un sistema de acreditación profesional y por un diseño curricular que se centra en la enfermedad en detrimento de la salud comunitaria. También refiere la existencia de una deficiente información sobre los programas de formación. OBJETIVOS: el objetivo del estudio fue describir la situación de la formación de las escuelas de enfermería terciarias no universitarias, principalmente a partir de indicadores de estructura, recursos y planes de estudios. MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo de tipo cuantitativo. Se realizó un relevamiento de las escuelas de enfermería terciarias existentes en Argentina. Posteriormente, se encuestó a los directivos, docentes y alumnos de 66 de los 109 establecimientos identificados, los que fueron seleccionados según criterios de factibilidad y accesibilidad. RESULTADOS: 27 (40,9%) instituciones pertenecían al estado provincial y 39 (59,1%) eran de dependencia privada. El 51% de los directores señaló que los planes de estudios no están orientados hacia la Atención Primaria de la Salud. Sólo el 38% de los establecimientos tienen convenios firmados con universidades estatales o privadas para la obtención del título de licenciado en enfermería. El 76,8% del personal docente posee la licenciatura en enfermería. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados muestran la necesidad de revisar y ordenar los planes de estudio, a través de una formación innovadora, interdisciplinaria, centrada en los intereses de los alumnos y orientada también a las problemáticas de salud comunitaria.

INTRODUCTION: Nursing education in Argentina takes place in public and private universities (title of nurse andlicensed) and nursing school non university tertiary (diploma nurse). The report of the Argentina Federation of Nursing (FAE, 2004) notes that nursing education is characterized by the absence of a system of professional accreditation and a curricula that focuses on the disease at the expenseof community health. He also notes the existence of poor information on training programs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the situation of vocational nursing school non-university tertiary, mainly based on indicators of structure, resources and curricula. METHODS: A descriptive quantitative study. We conducted a survey of existing tertiary nursing schools in Argentina. Subsequently, we interviewed the principals, teachers and students from 66 of the 109 facilities identified, which were selected on the basis of feasibility and affordability. RESULTS: 27 (40.9%) belonged to the provincial government institutions and 39 (59.1%) were private agency. 51% of the directors noted that the curricula are not oriented towards primary health care. Only 38% of establishments have signed agreements with state and private universities to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 76.8% of teachers has a degree in nursing. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the need to review and organize the curriculum through innovative training, interdisciplinary, focusing on student interests and aimed also to community health problems.

X-ray fluorescence with synchrotron radiation to elemental analysis of lead and calcium content of primary teeth.

Primary teeth were analyzed by micro-SRXRF. The aim of this study was to determine the elemental distribution of lead and calcium in different regions of primary incisor of children living in a notoriously contaminated area (Santo Amaro da Purificação, Bahia State, Brazil). The measurements were performed in standard geometry of 45 degrees incidence, exciting with a white beam and using a conventional system collimation (orthogonal slits) in the XRF beamline at the Synchrotron Light National Laboratory (Campinas, Brazil).

Avaliação de multielementos em amostras de sangue humano usando SR-TXRF / Evaluation of multielements in human blood samples using synchrotron radiation

A técnica de fluorescência de raios X por reflexão total usando radiação síncrotron (SR-TXRF) é uma poderosa ferramenta utilizada para a determinação das concentrações elementares presentes em amostras biológicas. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as possíveis alterações causadas por processos de irradiação na concentração de elementos-traço em amostras de sangue humano. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas no Laboratório de Análises Clínicas Dr. Elilel Figueiredo, Rio de Janeiro, e divididas em dois grupos. O primeiro grupo foi irradiado com doses de 1.500, 2.500 e 3.000 cGy, utilizando o irradiador Gammacell 220 Excel, e o segundo foi irradiado com doses que variaram de 2 cGy a 100 cGy, utilizando uma bomba de cobalto Theratron 780 C do Inca, Rio de Janeiro. Todas as amostras de sangue total, plasma e matriz celular foram então liofilizadas e, em seguida, passaram pelo procedimento padrão de digestão. Todas as medidas foram realizadas na linha de fluorescência de raios X do Laboratório Nacional de Luz Síncrotron (LNLS), em Campinas, Brasil. Não se verificou variação significativa na concentração de Ca e, em contrapartida, o K foi o único elemento que sofreu alterações significativas para todas as amostras analisadas em função da dose. A concentração de Fe diminuiu apenas para as amostras de sangue total e plasma. A concentração de Zn apresentou uma diminuição significativa somente para as amostras de sangue total.

Total-reflection X-ray fluorescence using synchrotron radiation (SR-TXRF) is a powerful analytical technique to study trace elements in biomedical samples. The aim of this study was to investigate possible changes in essential trace element concentrations caused by irradiation procedures. Fresh blood samples were obtained from the Dr. Eliel Figueiredo Laboratory, Rio de Janeiro. The samples were separated in two groups. The first was irradiated with doses of 1500, 2500 and 3000cGy, using a Gammacell 220 Exce irradiator, and the second was irradiated with doses of from 2 to 100 cGy, using gamma radiation in a Theraton 780 C irradiator. After irradiation, all samples were lyophilized to remove the water and then submitted to standard chemical digestion by adding nitric acid. All the measurements were carried out by X-Ray Fluorescence beamline at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS) in Campinas. While no positive association was found for variations in calcium, the variations in potassium were positively associated with the radiation dose for all analyzed samples. On the other hand, iron levels decreased for whole blood and plasma and zinc levels decreased only in whole blood as the dose increased.

Associação entre concentrações séricas de minerais, índices antropométricos e ocorrência de diarréia entre crianças de baixa renda da região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro / Association among serum concentration of minerals, anthropometric indices and diarrhea in low-income children in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a associação entre concentrações séricas de ferro, zinco e cobre, perfil nutricional e ocorrência de diarréia entre crianças residentes em uma comunidade de baixa renda no município de Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, que avaliou 104 crianças, na faixa etária de 1 a 5 anos, selecionadas entre os meses de abril a dezembro de 2004, pelo projeto Vila Rosário. Avaliou-se o perfil socioeconômico das famílias e de saúde das crianças, incluindo a ocorrência de diarréia. A avaliação nutricional incluiu peso, estatura/comprimento, índices peso-para-idade e estatura-para-idade, expressos em escores-Z e classificação do estado nutricional segundo estes índices. As concentrações séricas de zinco, ferro e cobre foram determinados em uma sub-amostra (n=59) a partir da técnica de florescência de raios x por reflexão total com radiação síncroton. RESULTADOS: As crianças residiam em domicílios caracterizados por condições sanitárias insatisfatórias, com famílias numerosas e com baixo poder aquisitivo. A prevalência de diarréia no último mês foi de 55,7 por cento. Cerca de 28,4 por cento das crianças apresentaram déficit ponderal e 4,9 por cento delas déficit estatural. A deficiência de ferro, zinco e cobre encontrada na amostra foi de, respectivamente, 13 por cento, 7,5 por cento e 8,9 por cento. Não foi observada associação significante entre os indicadores do perfil nutricional e os valores séricos dos minerais. As crianças com relato de diarréia apresentaram valores séricos médios de minerais inferiores aos daquelas sem relato, sendo significante para os valores de zinco. CONCLUSÃO: As crianças com episódios de diarréia podem apresentar comprometimento das concentrações séricas de zinco.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association among blood serum concentrations of iron, zinc, copper, nutritional status and occurrence of diarrhea in children from a low-income community in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that evaluated 104 children aging from 1 to 5 years, selected in the months of April and December 2004, by the project Vila Rosário. The socioeconomic profile of the families and health of the children were assessed, including the occurrence of diarrhea. Nutritional assessment included weight, height/length, weight-for-age and height-for-age indices expressed in Z-scores and classification of the nutritional status based on these indices. Serum concentrations of zinc, iron and copper were determined in a sub-sample (n=59) by synchrotron total reflection x-ray fluorescence. RESULTS: The children lived in crowded households with unsatisfactory sanitary conditions and were from low-income families. The prevalence of diarrhea in the last moth was 55.7 percent; 28.4 percent of the children were underweight and 4.9 percent were stunted. Iron, zinc and copper deficiencies in the sample were 13.0 percent, 7.5 percent and 8.9 percent respectively. There was no significant association between nutritional indicators and serum concentration of the minerals. Blood serum levels of zinc in children without diarrhea were significantly higher than among those with diarrhea. CONCLUSION: Episodes of diarrhea can compromise blood serum levels of zinc in children.

Avaliação da presença de corantes azóicos em medicamentos para uso pediátrico comercializados no Brasil / Evaluation of the presence of azoic dye compounds in medications for pediatric use commercialized in Brazil

Os corantes são compostos empregados em formulações farmacêuticas com a finalidade de lhes conferir cor. Os corantes azóicos subdividem-se em monoazóicos e bis-azóicos. Os corantes azóicos, quando biotransformados, podem originar por separação do grupo nitrogenado,substâncias com efeito carcinogênico como a benzidina e o 1-amino-2-naftol. Avalia nas formulações de medicamentos pediátricos, comercializados no Brasil, a presença de corantes azóicos, cujo uso em medicamentos foi proibido pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária(ANVISA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) e Farmacopéia Brasileira IV. As informações foram coletadas durante o ano de 2001 e os dados relativos às formulações dos medicamentos pediátricos foram obtidas de 417 preparações farmacêuticas líquidas, produzidos por IndústriasNacionais (45 por cento) e Multinacionais (55 por cento). A coleta de dados foi feita nas seguintes unidades: distribuidoras e drogarias situadas no Distrito Federal (DF), Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária-ANVISA, no Dicionário de Especialidades Farmacêuticas (DEF) e PR Váde Mecum. Cerca de 84 por cento dos medicamentos pesquisados não apresentavam nenhuma informação Dentre os corantes azóicos, cujo uso em medicamentos não é permitido pela Farmacopéia Brasileira. Foi encontrado o amaranto em 10 por cento dos medicamentos provenientes das indústrias nacionais e 4,5 por cento dos medicamentos provenientes de indústrias multinacionais. Existe no Brasil legislação específica regulamentando o uso destes corantes, mas os resultados demonstram o descaso das empresasem cumprir as determinações legais. Palavras-chave: Corantes azóicos, amaranto, medicamentos pediátricos.

Multielement analysis of soft drinks by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

Several commercial soft drinks and respective plastic bottles were analyzed for their multielement contents employing the synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry technique (SRTXRF). The SRTXRF method has been developed and validated, and about 20 elements were detected in the investigated samples, including some trace elements, which can be toxic for human beings, such as Ti, Cr, Sb, As, and Pb in soft drinks and Al, Sb, As, and Pb in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) containers. Statistical analysis was performed using chemometric techniques (principal component analysis and cluster analysis), and similarities were verified in the multielement contents of the samples. The results demonstrated that the SRTXRF offers a good multielemental approach for the quality control of food products. Moreover, on the basis of enrichment factors, the possibility of the trace elements in the PET container may be leached to the beverages under normal commercial situations and other results were discussed.

Characterization of hypoglycemiant plants by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

In this work, synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (SRTXRF) was used to determine trace elements in eight hypoglycemiant plants (Trigonella foenum graecum, Panax ginseng, Pfaffia paniculata, Myrcia speciosa, Zea mays, Harpagophytum procumbens, Syzygium jambolona, and Bauhinia forficate). The elements P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr were detected in all medicinal plants investigated, whereas Si, S, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Se, Nb, Mo, Sn, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb were detected only in some of the samples. The concentration of elements in hypoglycemiant plants varied from 0.15 microg/g of Co to 3.0 x 10(4) microg/g of K and the mean of experimental limit of detection for these elements were 0.14 and 3.6 microg/g, respectively.

Cárie Rampante em pacientes com Hiperceratose Epidermolítica: relato de dois casos clínicos / Rampant caries in patients with Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis: two case report

Os autores relatam dois casos clínicos de Cárie Rampante em pacientes com Hiperceratose Epidermolítica, em duas crianças leucodermas, gêmeas monozigóticas, sexo feminino, de quatro anos de idade. As pacientes apresentavam um quadro clínico grave de eritema e descamaçäo cutânea generalizada, hiperceratose palmo-plantar e grande sensibilidade dérmica, acompanhado de odor desagradável e infecçöes secundárias. As pacientes apresentavam um quadro odontológico de cáries rampantes, com atividade cariogênica positiva, decorrente de uma severa negligência para com sua saúde bucal. Foi proposto um tratamento clínico para o quadro sistêmico apresentado. Ambas as pacientes apresentavam um comportamento introspectivo, o qual se tornava agressivo e fóbico frente a qualquer intervençäo médico-odontológica, tendo sido realizado tratamento odontológico sob anestesia geral. O exame histopatológico mostrou alteraçöes a nível de mucosa bucal