Evidence of Covid-19 lockdown effects on riverine dissolved organic matter dynamics provides a proof-of-concept for needed regulations of anthropogenic emissions.

The fast spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus in Italy resulted in a 3-months lockdown of the entire country. During this period, the effect of the relieved anthropogenic activities on the environment was plainly clear all over the country. Herein, we provide the first evidence of the lockdown effects on riverine dissolved organic matter (DOM) dynamics. The strong reduction in anthropogenic activities resulted in a marked decrease in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration in the Arno River (-44%) and the coastal area affected by its input (-15%), compared to previous conditions. The DOM optical properties (absorption and fluorescence) showed a change in its quality, with a shift toward smaller and less aromatic molecules during the lockdown. The reduced human activity and the consequent change in DOM dynamics affected the abundance and annual dynamics of heterotrophic prokaryotes. The results of this study highlight the extent to which DOM dynamics in small rivers is affected by secondary and tertiary human activities as well as the quite short time scales to return to the impacted conditions. Our work also supports the importance of long-term research to disentangle the effects of casual events from the natural variability.

Tracing mercury pathways in Augusta Bay (southern Italy) by total concentration and isotope determination.

The mercury (Hg) pollution of sediments is the main carrier of Hg for the biota and, subsequently, for the local fish consumers in Augusta Bay area (SE Sicily, Italy), a coastal marine system affected by relevant sewage from an important chlor-alkali factory. This relationship was revealed by the determination of Mass Dependent (MDF) and Mass Independent Fractionation (MIF) of Hg isotopes in sediment, fish and human hair samples. Sediments showed MDF but no MIF, while fish showed MIF, possibly due to photochemical reduction in the water column and depending on the feeding habitat of the species. Benthic and demersal fish exhibited MDF similar to that of sediments in which anthropogenic Hg was deposited, while pelagic organisms evidenced higher MDF and MIF due to photoreduction. Human hair showed high values of δ(202)Hg (offset of +2.2‰ with respect to the consumed fish) and Δ(199)Hg, both associated to fish consumption.

Trace element concentrations in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and surface sediments in Lake Preola and Gorghi Tondi natural reserve, SW Sicily.

Concentrations of trace elements (Cd, Pb, As, V, Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn) were determined in superficial sediments and in muscle and hepatopancreas tissues of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii from Lake Preola and Gorghi Tondi Natural Reserve (SW Sicily). In particular, hepatopancreas showed a decidedly higher content of all analysed trace elements with respect to muscles (two- to threefold higher for Cd, Cu, As, Zn and V; four- to fivefold higher for Pb and Cr and seven times higher for Ni). However, no statistically reliable differential accumulation pattern emerged with regard to length and weight for trace elements (except for Cd for which significant positive correlations with length were recorded). Trace element concentrations found in crayfish tissues were in the range considered harmful to human health (except for Cd and Cr). Moreover, the As and Pb concentrations, either in sediment or crayfish tissues, are clearly related to intense agricultural activities, with extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides, that significantly affect the levels of these toxic metals in the study area.

Mercury in fishes from Augusta Bay (southern Italy): risk assessment and health implication.

Our study reports on the total mercury (HgT) concentrations measured in the muscles and livers of several benthic, demersal and pelagic fish species caught inside and outside of Augusta Bay (southern Italy), a semi-enclosed marine area, highly contaminated by the uncontrolled (since the 1950s to 1978s) discharge of the largest European petrochemical plant. Mercury levels in fish tissues are discussed with regard to specific habitat, size and/or age of the specimens and HgT distribution in the bottom sediments. Results suggest a still active Hg release mechanism from the polluted sediments to the marine environment. Also, the high HgT concentrations measured in fishes caught in the external area of the bay imply a potential role of Augusta Bay as a pollutant source for the Mediterranean ecosystem. Finally, values of hazard target quotient (THQ) and estimated weekly intake (EWI) demonstrate that consumption of fishes caught inside the bay represents a serious risk for human health. Also, data indicate that intake of fishes caught from the external area of the bay, especially for that concern demersal and benthic species, could be represent a significant component of risk for the local population.

Stable isotopes and C/N ratios in marine sediments as a tool for discriminating anthropogenic impact.

Sources of anthropogenic pollution were categorised by combining elemental and isotopic techniques (C/N ratios and δ(13)C, δ(15)N) on samples of surficial sediments in the harbour of Naples (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). The study area, due to the intense and diversified industrial and commercial activities, is an appropriate natural laboratory to verify reliability and relevance of geochemical methodologies applied to exploration of sources, pathways and fate of contaminants in highly polluted coastal marine systems. Application of cluster analysis to the whole dataset and resolution of a δ(13)C and δ(15)N Moore-Penrose system equation provided information to reliably discriminate and identify anthropogenic point sources in the studied sediments. In particular, effects of oil spilling and wastewater discharge within the area of the harbour of Naples were clearly discriminated thus suggesting high-potential of the two numerical techniques, applied to the C and N elemental and isotopic values, to explore effects of anthropogenic impact in marginal and confined coastal basins. The δ(15)N values showed high sensitivity to discriminate sewage discharges (treated or untreated organic matter), clearly indicating the point of emissions. The δ(13)C shows indirect capability of discriminating crude oil and petroleum products.

Distribution of rare earth elements in marine sediments from the Strait of Sicily (western Mediterranean Sea): evidence of phosphogypsum waste contamination.

Concentrations of rare earth elements (REE), Y, Th and Sc were recently determined in marine sediments collected using a box corer along two onshore-offshore transects located in the Strait of Sicily (Mediterranean Sea). The REE+Y were enriched in offshore fine-grained sediments where clay minerals are abundant, whereas the REE+Y contents were lower in onshore coarse-grained sediments with high carbonate fractions. Considering this distribution trend, the onshore sediments in front of the southwestern Sicilian coast represent an anomaly with high REE+Y concentrations (mean value 163.4 µg g(-1)) associated to high Th concentrations (mean value 7.9 µg g(-1)). Plot of shale-normalized REE+Y data of these coastal sediments showed Middle REE enrichments relative to Light REE and Heavy REE, manifested by a convexity around Sm-Gd-Eu elements. These anomalies in the fractionation patterns of the coastal sediments were attributed to phosphogypsum-contaminated effluents from an industrial plant, located in the southern Sicilian coast.

[Lipoprotein (a) and stroke]. / Lipoproteina (a) e stroke.

The Lp(a) is a low density lipoprotein produced by the liver and it seems to be related to vascular diseases. There is a large individual variability of Lp(a) in the blood levels in the different subjects. The mechanism of the Lp(a) in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is not completely clear. There are a lot of different hypotheses and, one of these, is based on the structural analogy of apo(a) with plasminogen. According to current knowledge, it seems that there is a strong relationship between Lp(a) levels and coronary artery disease. Instead, there are still doubts about the real relationship between Lp(a) and stroke. Furthermore, Lp(a) levels seems to be influenced by some other cardiovascular risk factors: fibrinogen, cigarette smoke, and other. Actually, the dosage of the protein is not very useful in clinical practice.

Heavy metals in coastal water systems. A case study from the northwestern Gulf of Thailand.

A geochemical survey of the northwestern part of the Thailand Gulf (Inner Gulf) was carried out in order to define concentrations and distribution patterns of selected heavy metals (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and U) in the coastal system and estuarine area of the Mae Klong river. The results indicate the presence of two different sources of heavy metals in the studied environment and allowed us to identify a lithogenic component that significantly influences the composition of coastal waters and suspended particulate matter (SPM). Comparison of the normalized heavy metals concentrations both in the studied samples and in those reported for the Sn-W ores present in the surrounding areas suggests an important anthropogenic contribution to the chemistry of the seafloor sediments. Vanadium and nickel enrichment factors (EF) calculated for coastal waters indicate that contamination by hydrocarbons discharge took place in the investigated area.

Benthic foraminifera and heavy metals distribution: a case study from the Naples Harbour (Tyrrhenian Sea, Southern Italy).

The analysis of 90 surficial sediments from three docks of the Naples Harbour (Levante, Granili, and Diaz) permits to compare the distribution modes of heavy metals with grain sizes, total organic carbon content (TOC) and distribution patterns of benthic foraminifera. Foraminiferal density and species richness decrease with the increasing toxic elements concentrations from the Levante to the Diaz dock. Median concentrations of Ni, Pb, Zn, and Hg (medians of 21.43 mg/kg, 270.24 mg/kg, 489.65 mg/kg, and 1.18 mg/kg, respectively) were reported for the Diaz dock where foraminifera are absent, thus suggesting a possible impact of toxic elements on the benthic ecosystem balance. Compared to the unpolluted marine sediments of the Granili dock, the Levante area shows higher heavy metals levels and a quasi-oligotypic benthic assemblage. This is dominated by the tolerant species Ammonia tepida that may be used as bio-indicator of pollution of anthropised marine sediments.

[Family dynamics of autistic children]. / Dinâmica familiar de crianças autistas.

We studied 15 families with autistics, 15 with Down's syndrome and 15 asymptomatic children. Patients' age ranged from 5 to 15 years-old. The parents of these three families' groups were appraised in regard to their family dynamics, to relate those symptoms to the functioning of an autistic family, in a comparative study. Details were provided of the families, the overall autistic features, the autistic's family, the family and the mental health, their limitations and difficulties throughout the vital cycle. An attempt was made to locate the factors that aid the family in hindering the healthy emotional development of its members. The field research was achieved by use of the instruments of the Family Dynamics Evaluation, (Carneiro, 1983). The data gathered were statistically compared. Considering the family population studied (n = 45), we found that the autistics' families and victims of Down's syndrome made it difficult to sustain the emotional health of group members. We conclude that the autistic's family dynamics caused difficulties to the emotional health of the group's members.

[Quality of life evaluation scale (AUQEI--Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant Imagé). Validity and reliability of a quality of life scale for children 4 to 12 years-old]. / Escala de avaliação de qualidade de vida: (AUQEI--Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant Imagé). Validade e confiabilidade de uma escalapara qualidade de vida em crianças de 4 a 12 anos.

It should take into account the pediatric context and the child's development moment to evaluate the quality of life in childhood from a standardized instrument. We present the questionnaire AUQEI validation by its application in 353 children, between 4 and 12 years-old, obtaining a cut off point of 48, internal consistency with a Crombach's alpha of 0.71 and construct validity (r = 0.497). With these psychometrical qualities, the scale shows its importance as a diagnostic tool.

Deficiência mental em São Paulo: perfil de uma população atendida institucionalmente / Mental retardation in Säo Paulo, Brazil: profile of an attended institutionalized population

A deficiência mental, por sua prevalência e sua importância em termos de estruturaçäo e atendimento, é um tema de suma importância. No Brasil, poucos säo os estudos a ela dedicados e pouquíssimos os dados que refletem as características da populaçäo por ela afetada. Em funçäo disso, os autores analisam a populaçäo de 178 instituiçöes especializadas no atendimento à deficiência mental no Estado de Säo Paulo, a partir de sua idade, sexo, cor, nível de deficiência e hipótese etiológica. Essa análise foi realizada através de questionários enviados às instituiçöes com questöes referentes aos dados estudados. Os resultados mostram predomínio de sexo masculino, cor branca, deficiência mental moderada e causas ambientais como as mais importantes em sua etiologia, ficando a síndrome de Down como a mais importante causa genética observada. Tais dados mostram algumas distorçöes na populaçäo atendida institucionalmente, bem como a importância das causas ambientais em sua gênese. Isso nos leva a mostrar, mais uma vez, a necessidade dos cuidados básicos dirigidos à populaçäo infantil

[Facial recognition and autism]. / Reconhecimento facial e autismo.

Through the presentation of four facial expressions' illustrations, we evaluate the capacity of autistic children recognition, comparing with normal intelligence children and adults. The comparison of results was accomplished through the qui-square test. The differences observed were significant, showing that a disturbance of the facial expressions' perception is present in autistic children, and that it interferes directly in the social relationships.

[Epidemiological aspects of mental retardation]. / Los aspectos epidemiológicos de la deficiencia mental.

This paper covers a population from 0 up to 50 years old, considered as 'handicapped', at the A.P.A.E. in São Paulo, Brazil. Many differences in the characteristics of both social and family environment were analyzed, as well as diagnosis and etiologies regarding associated problems. An appraisal of the different influences on both social and individual factors was outlined so that strategies of attendance could be modified accordingly.

Los aspectos epidemiológicos de la deficiencia mental. / [Epidemiological aspects of mental retardation]

This paper covers a population from 0 up to 50 years old, considered as handicapped, at the A.P.A.E. in SÒo Paulo, Brazil. Many differences in the characteristics of both social and family environment were analyzed, as well as diagnosis and etiologies regarding associated problems. An appraisal of the different influences on both social and individual factors was outlined so that strategies of attendance could be modified accordingly.

[Tuberous sclerosis: a multidisciplinary study of 15 cases]. / Esclerose tuberosa: estudo multidisciplinar de 15 casos.

Report of a multidisciplinary study of patients affected with tuberous sclerosis, 8 of them males and 7 females, with ages ranging from 19 months to 23 years; 11 of these cases were sporadic, while the remaining 4 cases lacked information regarding family data. The following skin signs were observed: Pringle's adenoma in 9 cases; achromatic spots in 9 cases; periungueal fibroma in 3 cases. One of the patients had a heart tumor. Two patients had borderline intelligence, while the other 13 were mentally retarded of varying degrees. Epileptic seizures were present in 13 patients, atypical absence and tonus crises were frequent. Three of the patients had had infantile spasms in the first year of life as the first neurological symptom of the disease. Computer assisted axial tomography was performed in 7 cases and was positive in all of them, by revealing intracranial calcifications even in 4 cases in which the standard X-ray pictures had been silent about this eventuality.

Esclerose tuberosa: estudo multidisciplinar de 15 casos / Tuberose esclerosis: a multidisciplinary study of 15 cases

Sao apresentados os resultados de estudo multidisciplinar de 15 pacientes con esclerose tuberosa, 8 do sexo masculino e 7 do sexo feminino, com idades entre 19 meses e 23 anos; 11 foram considerados como casos esporadicos e, em 4, nao foi possivel precisar os antecedentes familiares.Foram observadas as seguintes manifestacoes cutaneas: adenoma de Pringle em 9 casos; manchas acromicas em 9 casos; fibroma periungueal em 3 casos. Dos 15 casos 13 apresentaram D.M., deficiencia mental, enquanto os outros 2 tinham inteligencia limitrofe. Com excecao de 2 pacientes, todos tinham crises epilepticas e os tipos de crises mais frequentemente observados foram as ausencias atipicas e as crises tonicas. Espasmos infantis estavam presentes em 3 casos e em apenas um caso o eletrencefalograma apresentou aspecto hipsarritmico. A tomografia axial computadorizada, realizada em 7 casos, revelou calcificacoes periventriculares em todos, mesmo naqueles que apresentaram RX simples de cranio normal (4 casos)