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Background Complications of cirrhosis may persist after liver transplantation. When indicated, partial splenic embolization (PSE) is an alternative to splenectomy but can cause severe infection. The identification of modifiable risk factors when performing PSE in immunocompromised liver transplant recipients may help reduce the risk of severe infection. Methods Data were collected retrospectively for all PSE performed after liver transplantation at a single institution and included demographics, etiology of liver disease, indication for PSE, vaccination status, laboratory findings, procedural details, extent and pattern of splenic infarction, hospital length-of-stay, readmissions, procedural complications, and mortality. Statistical analysis included 2-tailed t test, Fisher exact test, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves, with significance defined as P Results Sixteen patients received 22 embolizations, with 11 patients undergoing a single session and 5 patients undergoing multiple sessions. Indications included hypersplenism, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, ascites, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. PSE produced significant and sustained cell count increases, improved ascites, and controlled hemorrhage. Splenic abscess, septic shock, need for splenectomy, and PSE-related mortality were seen in the group with large confluent splenic infarction but not in peripheral/wedge-shaped infarction. Multiple-session PSE exclusively using particles for embolization correlated with the pattern of peripheral/wedge-shaped infarction and avoided severe infection and PSE-related mortality. Conclusions PSE in the immunosuppressed liver transplant recipient is an effective alternative to splenectomy, but carries substantial infectious risk. The risk is decreased when PSE performed with polyvinyl alcohol particles results in a pattern of peripheral/wedge-shaped infarction, which correlates with smaller infarction volumes, favorable length-of-stay, and minimal risk of abscess, sepsis, and mortality.

Here we present the case of an 80-year-old man who developed a type II endoleak following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Initial attempts at treating the endoleak via a transarterial approach were unsuccessful; therefore the patient underwent percutaneous translumbar endoleak embolization. Approximately 1 month following the translumbar procedure, he developed back pain, with subsequent workup revealing osteomyelitis and discitis as a complication following repair via the translumbar approach.

Aquatic macrophytes are well known accumulators for heavy metals, the reason why they are used as bioindicators for water quality and in phytoremediaton strategies. This study reports on the elemental concentrations in four free-floating aquatic macrophytes (S. auriculata; P. stratiotes; E. crassipes and E. azurea) growing in two water reservoirs (Santana e Vigario, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil) of an electric power plant that receive input from the polluted Paraiba do Sul River. Filtered water samples and water suspended solids from these environments were also analysed. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used as the principal method, allowing the determination of up to 41 elements, including the rare-earth elements (REEs) and other trace metals not assayed before in these macrophytes. The results show that all elements studied are accumulated by the macrophytes with concentration ratios (CR = [plant]: [water]) varying from about 1,000 to 200,000, based on the dry weight of the plant species. With a few exceptions, highest accumulations were observed in E. crassipes in which CRs increase in the sequence: Cu < Mo < Cr < Pb < Tl < Fe < La < Zn < Ce< Mn. Surprisingly high CRs (e.g. Ce: 74,000) and corresponding mass concentrations were observed for the rare-earth elements (e.g. ∑REE: 112 mg kg−1), also measured in the water suspended particle fraction. The results show that this fraction acts as an effective sink for trace metals in the aquatic system studied and seems to play also an important role in the transfer of metals from water to the plant species.

This work evaluates Hg, Zn, Fe and Mn transfer from the leachate of a refuse tip based on their accumulation in a sediment core of 17 cm collected in a leachate pond of a small refuse tip ageing approximately 10 years. Sediment samples were digested with an acid mixture (50% acqua regia solution), heated at 70 °C during 1 h, in a thermal-kinetic reactor “cold finger”. The extract was analysed to obtain Hg content by cold vapour absorption atomic spectrometry (CVAAS). Fe, Mn and Zn contents were obtained by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) after total decomposition of the samples. Concentration ranges along the core varied from 0.16 to 0.58 μg g − 1 ; 7.3 to 145 μg g − 1 ; 11.7 to 116 μg g − 1 and 0.21% to 1.82% for Hg, Zn, Mn and Fe, respectively. All metals showed enrichment in the upper layers (above 6 cm) which probably correspond to the year 1996. Results indicated that Hg transfer is one order of magnitude higher than Zn and suggest that metals accumulation in sediments probably reduce their migration to groundwater.

In this work, the atmospheric concentration of selected trace elements (Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, V and Zn) was determined in total suspended material (TSP) from three sampling sites located at Niteroi, an urban medium city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. TSP samples were collected with a high volume air sampler and glass fibber filters. The determinations of Cd, Pb and Zn were performed by ICP-AES while V was determined by ETA-AAS and Fe and Mn were measured by FAAS. Among all elements, Fe showed the highest concentrations (0.5–12.5 μg/m3) during the study but the concentrations of all elements varied along the week. The maximum levels of TSP, Fe, Mn, Cd and V were observed on Wednesday which was characterised by the highest winds frequency with higher speeds coming from the North quadrant, mainly from the Northeast direction. Enrichment factors showed that Cd, Pb and Zn are enriched in all sites suggesting that anthropogenic sources play important roles for those elements. Statistical analysis has been carried out to evaluate the effect of meteorological parameters and characterisation of sampling sites.

In-phantom absorbed dose is imaged by measuring the optical transmittance through ferrous-sulphate and xylenol-orange infused gel, in form of layers. Images are acquired with a CCD camera provided with a suitable optical filter. The dependence of dosimeter sensitivity and of linearity range on the amount of xylenol orange and on parameters of optical analysis has been inspected. In order to check the capability of the method, dose profiles in the central axis of a phantom irradiated with a collimated γ-beam have been compared with the results obtained with a ionisation chamber.

We investigated the role of plankton in the vanadium (V) cycle at Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, a region with high V concentration in the atmospheric particles due to marine aerosol. The concentrations of V in plankton vary from 0.08 to 20.9 µg g-1 (zooplankton), 0.1 to 28.4 µg g-1 (phytoplankton > 64 µm) and < 0.0005 to 49.0 µg g-1 (small phytoplankton > 20 µm). The V speciation in biomolecules was performed by the use of two strategies: (i) coupling of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) for the fractionation of species with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and (ii) with size exclusion anionic exchange chromatography with UV-Vis detector coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SEC-AE-UV-Vis-ICP-MS). The results showed a single fraction containing V associated with a biomolecule in the range of 8 to 16 kDa, with isoeletric points above 8. The preliminary analyses using matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) do not permit to identify such biomolecule, considering the broader size range of the proteins obtained. Nós investigamos o papel do plâncton no ciclo do vanádio (V) em Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, uma região com alta concentração de V nas partículas atmosféricas, devido ao aerossol marinho. As concentrações de V no plâncton variaram de 0,08-20,9 µg g-1 (zooplâncton), 0,1-28,4 µg g-1 (fitoplâncton > 64 µm) e < 0,0005-49,0 µg g¹ (pequeno fitoplâncton > 20 µm). A especiação de V associado a biomoléculas foi realizada por duas estratégias: (i) o acoplamento de cromatografia de exclusão de tamanho (SEC) para o fracionamento de espécies com espectrometria de massas com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-MS) e (ii) cromatografia de exclusão de tamanho por troca aniônica com detector UV-Vis acoplado a espectrometria de massas com plasma indutivamente acoplado (SEC-AE-UV-Vis-ICP-MS). Os resultados mostraram uma única fração contendo V associada a uma biomolécula na faixa de 8 a 16 kDa, com ponto isoelétrico acima de 8. Resultados preliminares usando MALDI-TOF não permitem identificar a biomolécula, considerando a larga faixa de massa molecular obtida.

Based on a comparative analysis of genetic diversity at 7 microsatellite loci in ancient (archived skeletal specimens) and modern (freshly collected individuals) samples of Thunnus thynnus collected in the Mediterranean Sea, we assessed temporal changes and spatial variation of genetic and demographic (genetically-related) features in the overexploited Mediterranean stock of bluefin tuna. From the analysis of more than 300 individuals, a temporal stability of genetic diversity over about 90 years but significant changes in the genetic structure of the stock were achieved. Such results argue for an evidence that, in the Mediterranean, stock overexploitation has not yet corrupted the genetic potential of such living resource and that bluefin tunas are not fully panmictic.

The estimation of genetic variability and the identification of temporal variation in genetic structure of a population is crucial for the conservation of endangered species undergoing strong overexploitation, such as the Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus. Fishery is having strong impact on bluefin tuna population abundance and serious consequences on genetic potential of Mediterranean populations may occur. Owing to the interest in the conservation and ownership of bluefin tuna stocks, it becomes critical to resolve structure and dynamics of populations over time. A molecular approach becomes fundamental to unlock ancient genetic features of populations and for genetic comparisons to modern populations. This can be decisive for assessing genetic and demographic changes in fishery resources overexploited since decades. The demonstration of loss of genetic variability in wild populations is empirically limited by lack of samples before heavy overexploitation started. Although rare, archived samples represent a unique opportunity to access ancient populations. Comparative analyses of genetic diversity at 8 microsatellite loci in ancient (skeletal records collected from 1911 to 1926 by Massimo Sella) and modern samples (from fishery vessels) of Mediterranean bluefin tunas revealed a temporal stability of genetic diversity over about 90 years and more than 50 years of industrial exploitation of the stock. On the other hand, significant changes in the genetic structure of Central Mediterranean bluefin tuna samples were detected. The results of such work can argue for an evidence that, in the Mediterranean, stock overexploitation has not yet corrupted the genetic potential of such relevant fishery resource and that bluefin tunas are not fully panmictic. Overall, the results did outcome from analysis of temporal genetic variation in fishery resources that include comparisons between ancient unexploited and modern (over)exploited populations can really contribute to assess the conservation of fish stock.

An on-line preconcentration method, based on complex formation with ammonium diethyldithiphosphate (DDTP-NH4) and sorption on a C18-bonded silica reversed phase sorbent, for the determination of Pb, Cd and Cu in potable water and biological samples was investigated. Preconcentration factors of 25; 38 and 86 and detection limits of 7, 3" acceptdate="and 7 μg/L for Pb, Cd and Cu, respectively, were obtained, with sample throughputs of 26, 38" acceptdate="and 29 samples/h. The system was efficient at low pH ranges and good agreement between found and certified values was observed in the analysis of certified reference materials.

A flow injection on-line preconcentration system coupled to an electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer for the determination of trace metals in saline media is described. The filterless, magnetic collection of coprecipitated analytes is based on the tetrahydroborate reductive precipitation of added iron and palladium in alkaline medium at a sample flow rate of 1.7 ml min–1. The precipitate is dissolved in a 20 µl volume of mixed acid and transported direct to the graphite furnace. With the exception of Cr (33% recovery in seawater), recoveries of Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb and Tl averaged 84% from deionized water and 67% from coastal seawater with a frequency of 12 measurements h–1. The sensitivity of the graphite furnace technique can be enhanced over 400-fold (for an 11 ml sample volume) compared to a standard 20 µl injection volume. Detection limits in the low pg (absolute) or pg ml–1 (relative) range can be reached. Results, presented for the determination of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Ni in 1 ml volumes of CASS-3 NRCC Certified Reference Material seawater, are not statistically different (t-test, 95% confidence limit) from the certified values for these elements.

This long-term study, performed during the years 2003–2005 and 2008–2009, investigated the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) contents of the phyto- and zooplankton communities and the nutrient regime of Cabo Frio Bay, SE Brazil. The information intends to serve as baseline of the plankton C, N, and P stoichiometry for the calibration of biogeochemical and ecological models in support to future findings related to the local and regional phenomena of climatic change. Cabo Frio Bay is a small semienclosed system set adjacent to a region subject to sporadic coastal upwelling. Zooplankton exhibited average annual C, N, and P contents of 11.6 ± 6.9 %, 2.8 ± 1.8 %, and 0.18 ± 0.08 %, and phytoplankton (>20 μm) 6.8 ± 6.0 %, 1.6 ± 1.5 %, and 0.09 ± 0.08 %, respectively. The C/N/P ratios correspond to the lowest already found to date for a marine environment. The low C contents must have been brought about by a predominance of gelatinous zooplankton, like Doliolids/ Salps and also Pteropods. Average annual nutrient concentrations in the water were 0.21 ± 0.1 μM for phosphate, 0.08 ± 0.1 μM for nitrite, 0.74 ± 1.6 μM for nitrate, and 1.27 ± 1.1 μM for ammonium. N/P ratios were around 8:1 during the first study period and 12:1 during the second. The plankton C/N/P and N/P nutrient ratios and elemental concentrations suggest that the system was oligotrophic and nitrogen limited. The sporadic intrusions of upwelling waters during the first study period had no marked effect upon the systems metabolism, likely due to dilution effects and the short residence times of water of the bay.

Recent studies have shown that some toxic metals have been associated with neurological diseases. The binding and transport of these metals in the blood may occur by species of High Molecular Mass (HMM) and Low Molecular Weight Species (LMM) of proteins. These main species are known to be responsible for aluminum transporting is the case of transferrin and citrate. It seems that autistic children may have a genetic predisposition to accumulate large amounts of metals as it is has been proposed. This study seeks to understand the toxic mechanism of selected metals in autistic children and its correlation with the psycho-metabolic implications of the syndrome. Preliminary results have indicated that some metals such as chromium, arsenic and particularly aluminum were elevated in the blood of an autistic child, as compared to reference values of a normal child. A case-control study is under investigation. Furthermore, the consequences of the disease, as such the difficulties in socialization and language skill disabilities may also be related to the burden of toxic metals in general, particularly aluminum.

Objetivos Evaluar la evolucion morfologica de la pared aortica despues de reparacion de diseccion con trompa de elefante congelada (TEC). Metodos Evaluacion seriada con tomografia computarizada. Medicion del diametro aortico total, luz verdadera (LV), luz falsa (LF), en el arco (nivel 1), bifurcacion pulmonar (nivel 2) y tronco celiaco (nivel 3). Estudios antes del alta (TC0), a 6 (TC1) y 12 meses (TC2). Resultados De marzo de 2006 – marzo de 2011 se trataron 10 pacientes (7M-3F) (edad media 54,8, 33–71) por diseccion tipo A (7) y tipo B (3) con la TEC. El seguimiento medio fue 396 dias (220–593). La trombosis de LF fue completa en todos en los niveles 1 y 2. Los cambios en los diametros desde TC0 (media 13 dias) a TC2 (media 396 dias) fueron: nivel 1, diametro medio de LV estable (29,8 ± 6,2 a 29,8 ± 4,2 mm), diametro medio de LF reducido (19,6 ± 18,0 a 10,2 ± 8,6 mm) y aumento de relacion LV/LF (1,47–2,98). Nivel 2, diametro medio de LV aumento (25,7 ± 5,2 a 27,2 ± 3,7 mm), diametro medio de LF reducido (16,2 ± 16,1 a 7,37 ± 5,6 mm) (p = 0,118), y aumento de relacion LV/LF (1,58–3,69). Nivel 3, diametro medio de LV estable (16,46 ± 9,34 a 17,1 ± 8,4 mm); diametro medio de LF reducido (13,26 ± 11,4 a 11,15 ± 10,5 mm), y aumento de relacion LV/LF (1,24–1,53). Conclusion La TEC promueve el remodelado aortico con estabilizacion de LV, reduccion de LF y aumento de relacion LV/LF. Hay tendencia, sin llegar a la significacion estadistica, al ano postoperatorio probablemente por el tamano de la muestra. La TEC podria reducir la necesidad de intervenciones tardias para tratar la FL residual.

The abandoned industrial site at the Sepetiba Bay (SE-Brazil) is one of the most heavily contaminated sites on the earth's surface concerned to Zn, but also presents As in alarming concentrations. Vegetation on this site is scarce and under the surviving species Pityrogramma calomelanos and Nephrolepis biserrata are the most abundant ones. Total As concentrations up to 2271 mg kg-1 in P. calomelanos were determined, being this specie more efficient in arsenic accumulation than N. bisserata. The size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with UV-Vis detector coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to screen the distribution of As between different molar mass fractions. Highest concentration of As was found after extraction with TRIS-HCl, pH 7.4 (about 60-100% of total As) characterizing an association of this element with bioligands including phytochelatins and glutathione. O sítio industrial abandonado na Baía de Sepetiba (SE-Brasil) está entre os maiores passivos ambientais contaminados com Zn no mundo e o As também se encontra em concentrações alarmantes. A vegetação no local é escassa e das espécies que sobrevivem no local Pityrogramma calomelanos e Nephrolepis biserrata são as mais abundantes. Concentrações de As de até 2271 mg kg-1 foram detectadas na espécie Pityrogramma calomelanos, sendo que essa espécie foi mais eficiente que N. Bisserata no acúmulo desse elemento. Utilizou-se cromatografia de exclusão por tamanho (SEC) com detecção UV-Vis e espectrometria de massas com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-MS) em sistema "on line" para monitorar a distribuição de As na fração orgânica. As maiores concentrações de As foram determinadas na fração extraída com TRIS-HCl, pH 7,4 (entre 60-100% da concentração total de As) mostrando uma evidente associação desse elemento com bioligantes, entre eles, fitoquelatinas e glutationa.

Amostras de MP2,5 e MP2,5-10 foram coletadas em São José dos Campos (São Paulo) de fevereiro de 2004 a fevereiro de 2005. Nesse período ocorreram duas longas estiagens, com durações de 25 e 38 dias consecutivos. As concentrações de MP foram maiores na segunda do que na primeira. Os dados foram divididos em dois grupos, um contendo resultados das medições efetuadas durante as duas estiagens (período seco) e outro contendo os dados do restante do ano (período regular). As concentrações médias do MP2,5 e MP2,5-10 foram respectivamente 23 ± 7,5 µg m-3 e 19 ± 7,9 µg m-3 no período seco e 14±7,9 µg m-3 e 13 ± 7,9 µg m-3 no período regular. Houve variação entre os dias da semana, com concentrações médias de MP maiores na quarta-feira (MP2,5) e quinta-feira (MP2,5-10) e menores no domingo. A variação mais acentuada ocorreu para o MP2,5-10, sugerindo uma relação com emissões veiculares. Durante os períodos seco e regular, as concentrações de SO4(2-) e NH4+ foram aproximadamente 5 vezes maiores no MP2,5 do que no MP2,5-10. No MP2,5, as concentrações iônicas foram maiores no período seco (exceto Cl-, Na+ e Mg2+), especialmente K+. Análise de agrupamentos e trajetórias reversas de massas de ar para o MP2,5 sugere influência continental de origem significativa para os íons NO3-, SO4(2-), NH4+ e K+. PM2,5 and PM2,5-10 samples were collected at São José dos Campos (São Paulo) from February 2004 to February 2005. During this time there were two periods of drought, one lasting for 25 consecutive days and a second one for 38 days. The later exhibited higher PM concentrations values than the first one. Data were divided into two groups, one comprising all measurements carried out during the 63 days without rain (dry period) and a second one comprising the remaining data (regular period). The PM2,5 and PM2,5-10 average concentrations were respectively 23 ± 7.5 and 19 ± 7.9 µg m-3 during dry period and 14 ± 7.9 and 13 ± 7.9 µg m-3 during regular period. There was a day-of-week variation with highest average concentrations on Wednesday (PM2.5) and Thursday (PM2.5-10) and lowest on Sunday. The PM2,5-10 exhibited the most pronounced variation suggesting an association with vehicular emissions. During both dry and regular periods, average SO4-2 and NH4+ concentrations were about 5 times higher in the fine than in the coarse fraction. PM2,5 ionic concentrations, especially that of K+, were higher in the dry period compared to regular one (except for Cl-, Na+ and Mg2+). Hierarchical cluster analysis and backward air mass trajectories indicate that during the dry period NO3-, SO4(2-), NH4+ and K+ associated with PM2.5 are significantly influenced by continental sources.

Air samples of fine (PM2,5) and coarse (PM2,5-10) particulate matter were collected in São José dos Campos from February 2004 to February 2005. Average PM10 mass concentrations was 31.2 ± 14.0 μg m-3, half of which belonging to the PM2.5 fraction. Ammonium and SO4(2-) were predominantly found in the fine fraction. Average (NH4)2SO4 concentration was estimated to be about 2.9 μg m-3. Chloride, Na+ and NO3- were mostly associated with PM2,5-10. Chloride deficits with respect to sea-salt Cl/Na ratio were found in both size fractions.

International audience; Although the inhabitants of the studied area have been complaining of increasing salinity of the water and lowered water table, indicating reduction of groundwater quality, no scientific studies had been carried out to understand the degradation processes. In the present work, a geochemical characterization of the coastal aquifer from the Oceanic Region of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil, was carried out, using hydrogeochemical and isotopic (δ18O) data, correlation matrices and factor analysis. Based on the hydrochemistry, the groundwater was classified into three types: Group 1 (53%) belongs to Na–Ca–Cl–HCO3 facies, Group 2 (20%) belongs to Na–Ca–Cl–SO4 facies and Group 3 (27%) belongs to an intermediate Na–Mg–Ca–HCO3–Cl–SO4 facies. The water geochemical evolution, from crystalline (bicarbonate facies) to a sedimentary aquifer (sulfate facies) seem to be controlled by environmental characteristics. The descriptive statistics and isotopic tracers indicate that the increasing salinity in the shallow coastal aquifer is caused by domestic wastewater and not by marine water encroachment.

Hepatic aluminum (Al) accumulation in association with hepatobiliary dysfunction has been described in children receiving contaminated parenteral alimentation solutions and in aluminum-overloaded experimental animals. The mechanisms of hepatic Al uptake are not clearly understood, and it is not known whether Al is directly toxic to the hepatic cell or if toxicity occurs from the effect of Al on hepatic iron (Fe) metabolism. Al causes a microcytic hypochromic anemia and concomitant hepatic Al and Fe can accumulate in dialysis patients, suggesting that Al may alter Fe metabolism. Therefore, Al uptake and toxicity were studied in mouse hepatocytes in culture. Al accumulation, cell growth, media hepatic enzyme concentrations, and cell malonyldialdehyde concentrations, a marker of membrane lipid peroxidation, were measured in mouse hepatocytes grown in media containing either Al citrate, transferrin-Al (Tf-Al), or no additions over 96 h. Al uptake occurred only in cells grown in Tf-Al and Al citrate at 24 h and increased linearly achieving cellular concentrations at 96 h of 522 +/- 36 and 186 +/- 12 micrograms/L, respectively, compared with 31 +/- 3 micrograms/L (P less than 0.001) in control media. Inhibition of cell growth occurred at 48, 72, and 96 h (P less than 0.001), and media lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations increased starting at 48 and 72 h, respectively (P less than 0.001), only in media containing Tf-Al. Cell malonyldialdehyde levels were significantly higher in Tf-Al-loaded mouse hepatocytes compared with control cells at 96 h (P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The paper presents the first document regarding concentration, distribution and possible sources of selected trace elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, Pb, Al, B and Ba) in core sediments (

Atmospheric Hg transfer to the forest soil through litterfall was investigated in a primary rainforest at Ilha Grande (Southeast Brazil) from January to December 1997. Litter mass deposition reached 10.0 t ha −1 y −1 , with leaves composing 50–84% of the total litter mass. Concentrations of Hg in the total fallen litter varied from 20 to 244 ng g −1 , with higher concentrations during the dry season, between June and August (225 ± 17 ng g −1 ), and lower concentrations during the rainy season (99 ± 54 ng g −1 ). This seasonal variability was reflected in the Hg flux through litterfall, which corresponded to a Hg input to the forest floor of 122 μg m −2 y −1 , with average Hg deposition of 16.5 ± 1.5 μg m −2 month −1 during and just after the dry season (June–September) and 7.0 ± 3.6 μg m −2 month −1 in the rest of the year. The variability in meteorological conditions (determining atmospheric Hg availability to foliar scavenging) may explain the pulsed pattern of Hg deposition, since litterfall temporal variability was generally unrelated with such deposition, except by a peak in litterfall production in September. Comparisons with regional data on Hg atmospheric deposition show that litterfall promotes Hg deposition at Ilha Grande two to three orders of magnitude higher than open rainfall deposition in non-industrialized areas and approximately two times higher than open rainfall deposition in industrialized areas in Rio de Janeiro State. The observed input suggests that atmospheric Hg transfer through litterfall may explain a larger fraction of the total Hg input to forest soils in Southeast Brazil than those recorded at higher latitudes.

This paper provides the first quantitative information on mercury in soil, coastal sediment, and in characteristic organisms of terrestrial and shallow coastal marine ecosystems from Admiralty Bay (King George Island, Antarctica). As expected for a remote area, mercury content is low in abiotic components of the ecosystem, and probably similar to natural levels. Mercury also occurs in very low concentrations in the vegetation, invertebrates and fish. These low mercury levels may be due to sulphide formation in reducing sediments of this environment. Higher concentrations of mercury occurred in bird feathers and mammal hair, indicating biomagnification. This was not found for Zinc. These results may be useful as a reference background to detect future inputs of trace elements in this remote area of the earth. Terrestrial vegetation and bird feathers are suggested as target regional biomonitors.

The CROP 1A Profile corresponds to the southern section (in Italy) of the Central European Profile (CEP), which the following geophysical-geological institutions have acquired as part of their seismic exploration studies of the lithosphere: DEKORP (Germany), OEKORP (Austria), and CROP (Italy). The joint program, which consists mainly of seismic reflection acquisition along the profile from the Bavarian foreland (München) down to the Adriatic Venetian Plain (Treviso), was brought under the umbrella of the TRANSALP Project in 1998; the seismic acquisition part of this Project has now been completed, as most of the data processing. The seismic profile was acquired during 1998, by the contractor THOR in the Bavarian segment, and by the contractor GEOITALIA in the southernmost Venetian sector (between Conegliano and Peron, a village north of Belluno). The Profile was completed in 1999 by THOR. In order to integrate the seismic data of the Transalp Profile, shown in figure 6 and in Plates 68-71, which are the main topic of this paper, we include a brief description conditions in the zones crossed by the Profile. The various from south to north, from the “Venetian Molasse” of Montello and the Belluno mountains in the Italian Dolomites and, N of the Insubric Line, to the eastern sector of the Northern Alps, including the Tauern window, and the Northern Calcareous Alps and, in the foreland, the Bavarian Molasse structural settings.

An alternative method to acid digestion is presented for the preparation of marine biological tissues and botanical samples for trace metal determination by ETAAS. Samples were solubilized using a methanolic solution of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), either overnight at room temperature or by the application of heat and/or ultrasonic agitiation. Following dilution with water, aliquots were sampled into a graphite furnace using a conventional autosampler. External calibration was used for all analyte determinations. Limits of detection, characteristic mass and precision are reported for copper, cadmium, nickel, lead, manganese and chromium. Measured concentrations are in satisfactory agreement with certified values for the biological reference materials DORM-2, DOLT-2, TORT-2 and BCR 060. Samples prepared with TMAH can be stored for up to 3 years at room temperature without any change in analyte concentrations.

In the end-stage renal disease patient, certain uremic compounds could influence the cellular accumulation of aluminum (Al). In this study, we examined the effect of 15 uremic ultrafiltrate fractions obtained by HPLC on the uptake and toxicity of Al in mouse hepatocytes (MH) in culture, a model system in which Al is taken up bound to transferrin (Tf). Uremic fractions 4 to 8, 12, 14, and 15 increased cellular Al uptake and aspartate aminotransferase release and decreased cell growth when Tf-Al, not Al citrate, was added to culture media. Compounds that have been extracted previously from these ultrafiltrate fractions (p-cresol, xanthine, tryptophan, hippuric acid, and o-hydroxyhippuric acid) were then tested for their effect on Al uptake and toxicity in MH at concentrations found in uremic serum. Significant Al uptake by MH was observed only when p-cresol was added together with Tf-Al. Time-response curves showed increased Al uptake and toxicity at p-cresol concentrations of 3 mg/dl in culture media. Dose-response curves confirmed that Al uptake and cell toxicity were proportional to p-cresol from 1.5 mg/dl to 3 mg/dl in culture media. p-Cresol was not toxic to MH in the absence of Tf-Al in media. p-Cresol increased Tf-associated Al uptake only because there was no effect on Al uptake when Al citrate was substituted, and studies with Tf-I125-Al in the presence of this compound showed increased Tf-I125 taken up by MH. p-Cresol did not increase Tf saturation with Al. p-Cresol also increased Tf-Al uptake in Friend erythroleukemia and neuroblastoma cells in culture. Our studies suggest that p-cresol and uremic fractions 4 to 8, 12, 14, and 15 increase the uptake and toxicity of Al in cultured MH. These compounds may play a role in the accumulation and toxicity of Al in the liver of end-stage renal disease patients and possibly in all cells that express Tf receptors.

Purpose To compare the unexpected admissions and hospital days of pre-transplant hepatic transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as managed by 23 hour observation and same day discharge. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective review of 56 pre-transplant hepatic TACE procedures at a single hepatic transplant center from September 2011 through September 2012. 20 TACE procedures were managed with intent of 23 hour observation and 36 TACE procedures were managed with intent of same day discharge. Variation between the two discharge groups was assessed by the student’s T test for age, tumor size, bilirubin, INR, Child-Pugh score, and MELD score. Unexpected admissions and hospital days were evaluated for each group. Results 56 pretransplant TACE procedures (51 conventional TACE, 5 drug eluting bead TACE) were performed on 47 patients (mean 62 yrs). Of the 23 hr observation group (mean Child-Pugh score 6.7, range 5-9), there were 4 unexpected admissions who were hospitalized for a total of 11 (range 2-4) days. Unexpected admission diagnoses for the 23 hr observation group included pain, fever, encephalopathy and hypotension. 80% (16/20) of the 23 hr discharge group did not experience unexpected admissions or hospital days. The same day discharge group (mean Child-Pugh score 6.9, range 5-12) had 3 unexpected admissions who were hospitalized for a total of 10 (range 1-6) days. Admission diagnoses for the same day discharge group included pain, nausea/vomiting and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. 92% (33/36) of the same day discharge group were discharged on the day of the procedure without unexpected admissions or hospital days. The student’s T-test demonstrated no statistical difference between the two discharge groups when comparing age (p=0.19), tumor size (p=0.40), bilirubin (p=0.48), INR (p=0.47), Child-Pugh score (p=0.31) or MELD score (p=0.32). There was no significant difference in unexpected admissions (p=0.88) and hospital days (p=0.61) between the two TACE discharge groups. Conclusion Same-day discharge following hepatic transarterial chemoembolization can be performed in the pre-transplant population with similar rates of unexpected admission and hospital days as 23 hour observation.

the development of a cost-effective diagnostic system for transmitting high-resolution images on normal phone lines.A 486 PC with super VGA screen, 16,800-band external modem and graphic software.the graphic software allows the PC to be connected to the video output of MRI, CT or US units, or to a video camera as in the case of X-ray units. Image spatial resolution is as high as 1,024 x 768 lines. Transmission times are lower than 45 seconds, corresponding to files of 50-80 kbytes. In 6 months, more than 130 Megabytes (500 images) were transmitted between our diagnostic center and our consultants in northern Italy, France and California.this cost-effective teleradiology system allows real-time image transmissions between diagnostic centers all over the world for scientific updating and quick reference purposes. Portable units can be developed.

The diagnostic capacity of computed tomography in a rupture of a thoracic aorta aneurysm complicated by hemothorax is examined. Both the case examined and reports in the literature show the greatest importance and utility of CT for correct emergency diagnosis, in high risk patients, when other systems cannot be used in the first instance.

An unusual case of an aneurysm on the splenic artery diagnosed as an accessory spleen on the basis of sonographic examination triggers a discussion of sonography, CT and angiography in the diagnosis of splenic aneurysms, which though rare in absolute term constitute a real threat to the patient's life giving her [correction of him] a high percentage of spontaneous ruptures when they do occur.

The instability of copper and lead in kerosene and in analytical organic solutions is the main problem with their direct determination. When propan-1-ol is added to a mixture of kerosene and water a homogenous three-component solution is obtained. It was verified that the metals in this solution placed in an autosampler cup are stable for at least 3 h in a closed calibrated flask and remain stable for at least 24 h. The three-component solutions containing purified kerosene and enriched with metallic ions in aqueous solution or with copper or lead cyclohexanebutyrate or tetraethyllead are also stable. In spite of some differences in the absorption pulses, the maximum pyrolysis temperatures, characteristic masses and precision are similar for the three-component solutions in comparison to aqueous solutions.

A recently observed case of bronchial fibroleiomyoma is described from the early radiological findings to fiberbronchoscopic observation and histological typing and on to post-operative anatomopathological confirmation.