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Melastomataceae comprises to 5,858 plant species across 173 genera globally. Brazil hosts the highest diversity for this family, including 1,453 species, with a great number of endemics. The Brazilian Caatinga is an important domain for Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests, Shrubs and Woodlands in South America, highlighting exceptional environmental diversity and hosting endemic and rare species. While the representation of Melastomataceae in the Caatinga is limited, the colonization of xeric environments by select species has garnered attention. One of these is Pleroma caatingae, a threatened species previously thought to be endemic to the state of Bahia, and recently collected in the Ceará state. This study provides an updated morphological description and uses a predictive Species Distribution Model (SDM) to predict potential species' distribution and conservation status. The findings not only enhance knowledge of neotropical species distribution patterns, but also highlight the importance of preserving overlooked arid habitats, such as the inselbergs, which harbor intriguing biodiversity as well.

In the search for more sustainable remediation strategies for PAH-contaminated soils, an integrated application of thermal remediation and bioremediation (TEB) may allow the use of less impacting temperatures by associating heating to biological degradation. However, the influence of heating on soil microbiota remains poorly understood, especially in soils from tropical regions. This work investigated the effects of low-temperature heating on creosote-contaminated soil bacteria. We used culture-dependent and 16 S rRNA sequencing methods to compare the microbial community of soil samples heated to 60 and 100 o C for 1 h in microcosms. Heating to 60 °C reduced the density of cultivable heterotrophic bacteria compared to control soil (p < 0.05), and exposure to 100 °C inactivated the viable heterotrophic community. Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia (BCP) group and Sphingobium were the predominant genera. Temperature and incubation time affected the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index (p < 0.05). At 60 °C and 30 days incubation, the relative abundance of Sphingobium decreased and BCP increased dominance. The network of heated soil after 30 days of incubation showed fewer nodes and edges but maintained its density and complexity. Both main genera are associated with PAH degradation, suggesting functional redundancy and a likely potential of soil microbiota to maintain biodegradation ability after exposure to higher temperatures. We concluded that TEB can be considered as a potential strategy to bioremediate creosote-contaminated soils, allowing biodegradation in temperature ranges where thermal remediation does not completely remove contaminants. However, we recommend further research to determine degradation rates with this technology., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest

A new species of Tetraopes Dalman, 1817 (Lamiinae: Tetraopini) is described and illustrated. The specimens were found associated with an asclepiad vine in a remnant patch of disturbed seasonally dry tropical forest from Mrida, Yucatn, Mexico. Photos of dorsal, ventral, lateral, and frontal habitus of holotype and allotype, as well as dorsal habitus from most paratypes, are included. Photos of leaves, flower, and fruit of the host plant, Dictyanthus yucatanensis Standl., are also included.

Objective: This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the influence of two caries diagnosis strategies, and subsequent management, on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschoolers. Additionally, the association of the OHRQoL outcomes with the clinician-centred primary outcome used in the main study was also explored., Materials and Methods: This study refers to the OHRQoL secondary outcomes analyses of the so-called RCT 'CARDEC-1'. Three- to 6-year-old children were randomly allocated in two caries detection strategies in primary molars: visual inspection (VIS) or visual + radiographic (RAD) assessment. Participants were diagnosed and treated according to the allocated group and followed up for 2 years. Caregivers answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) at baseline and after 2 years. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. ECOHIS scores at baseline and 2 years later were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Effect sizes, change scores and the minimally important difference (MID) were also compared between groups. Additional analysis was performed to assess if OHRQoL variables could reflect the primary clinical outcome (number of new operative interventions during the follow-up), observing if these met the Prentice criteria., Results: Two hundred and five children had the ECOHIS answered in both period times (18.7% attrition rate). There was a decrease in total ECOHIS scores, as well as for different domains for both trial groups, with effect sizes varying from 0.43 to 0.77. Comparisons between groups, however, did not show significant differences. In the additional analysis, the OHRQoL variables met the Prentice criteria and presented the same trends observed with the clinician-centred primary endpoint., Conclusion: Caries detection performed by visual inspection alone or associated with radiographic method does not influence the long-term impact on OHRQoL. Furthermore, OHRQoL variables reflect clinical outcomes in this type of clinical trial., Clinicaltrials: gov NCT02078453., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The treatment of multiple myeloma has profoundly changed with the introduction of several innovative therapies. The optimization of therapeutic sequencing through the combined use of the various drugs developed in recent years and the attention given to the characteristics of patients have allowed the reduction of toxicities and increased survival and quality of life of patients with multiple myeloma. These treatment recommendations from the Portuguese Multiple Myeloma Group offer guidance for first-line treatment and progression/relapse situations. These recommendations are given highlighting the data that justify each choice and referring to the respective levels of evidence that support these options. Whenever possible, the respective national regulatory framework is presented. These recommendations constitute an advance towards the best treatment of multiple myeloma in Portugal.

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common problem in the population that can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from the condition., Objectives: Compare the efficacy of two treatments for DH: Ca/PO 4 - /F - varnish (Clinpro White Varnish) and ionomeric sealant (IS) (Clinpro XT Varnish) with a placebo., Methods: Participants (121) with at least one tooth with visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 4 and above were randomly and blindly allocated to the groups. Treatments were performed by a trained researcher. DH was evaluated by another blind researcher after the treatment and after 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. After 4 weeks, placebo received the DH treatment with IS; thus, the participants were not assessed after 3 and 6 months. Primary outcome was DH reduction after 4 weeks. Differences in VAS scores in the other time intervals and entire values of VAS were considered secondary outcomes. Comparisons were made among the groups (α = 0.05)., Results: IS showed the highest VAS value difference between baseline and 4 weeks (mean ± SD: 3.7 ± 2.2), differing significantly from placebo (2.3 ± 1.7) and Ca/PO4/F - varnish (2.6 ± 2.0). Ca/PO4 - /F - varnish did not differ from placebo. In all time intervals, VAS values of all groups were significantly lower than the baseline value, without differences among groups. For the long-term differences in VAS values (3 and 6 months), the IS exhibited significantly higher values than Ca/PO4 - /F - varnish., Conclusions: The IS was the most efficacious product for reducing DH, whereas Ca/PO4 - /F - varnish did not differ from placebo. Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04591444)., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Some remediation techniques, such as thermal remediation, can significantly change the soil properties. These changes can be beneficial or detrimental to the sequential application of Nature-based Solutions. This work evaluated the effects of thermal remediation on the properties of two tropical soils (Technosol and Oxisol), and discuss how these changes might impact both biotic and abiotic degradation processes. Bench tests using disturbed samples were performed under oxic and anoxic conditions, whereas 3D physical models were used to simulate the heat distribution along undisturbed samples. The changes in soils texture, density, hydraulic conductivity, iron concentration, mineralogy and microbiota were evaluated. The properties of Oxisol were more affected than those of Technosol due to the higher levels in Fe(III), organic carbon and finer texture. When heated in the range of 120 to 300 °C under oxic and anoxic conditions, the Fe(II) content and the magnetism intensity increased in Oxisol, probably due to the formation of magnetite. Under oxic conditions, the burning of Oxisol organic matter promoted an anoxic atmosphere, favoring the formation of Fe(II). However, the continuous increase of the temperature (>300 °C) lead to the decrease of Fe(II) due to the transformation of magnetite to maghemite, and then to hematite. The heating process also promoted some minerals decomposition and cementation of the clay fraction, increasing the soil texture. Bacterial populations were impacted, but showed ability to recover at 60 °C. However, above 100 °C no culturable cells were recovered and at temperatures above 270 °C soil sterilization occurred. The changes observed, especially in Oxisol samples, indicated that mild heating (between 120 and 240 °C), in turn, can increase the potential for abiotic degradation of some contaminants, such as chlorinated solvents. Therefore, heating conditions up to 240 °C during thermal remediation can be defined as to promote beneficial changes in soil properties, increasing its potential for natural attenuation by abiotic processes even when the microbiota is affected, and improving its sustainability., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: To evaluate the clinical course and interventions required during two years of follow-up of dental surfaces of deciduous molars diagnosed, and consequently treated, by two different strategies: diagnosis made by clinical examination alone or associated with radiographs., Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a two-arm randomized clinical trial with parallel groups related to the diagnostic strategy for caries detection in preschool children. 216 children (3-6 years old) were followed-up for two years. All dental surfaces were diagnosed by visual inspection and later, through radiographic assessment. Baseline treatment was made in accordance with the results obtained by visual inspection performed alone or combined with radiographic method, considering the allocated group. Dental surfaces with no restoration needs, or those restored at the beginning of the study were followed-up for two years. The treatment decision was made according to the allocated group. The outcome was the occurrence of failure (a new caries lesion or a restoration replacement) during the follow-up., Results: 4383 proximal and occlusal surfaces of deciduous molars in 216 preschool children were diagnosed and treated according to the abovementioned diagnostic strategies and followed-up for 24 months. The assessment of radiographs made change the initial decision reached by visual inspection in about 30% of the surfaces when all types of interventions were considered. However, most disagreements occurred for initial lesions, where radiographs tended to underestimate them. Discordances between methods occurred in less than 5% of all surfaces when considered lesions requiring operative treatment. For discrepancy cases, the placed interventions guided by following the radiographic results did not present less failures against those made following only visual inspection. As a matter of fact, the use of radiographs in the diagnostic strategy for caries detection in children brought more harms than benefits due to the occurrence of false-positives, overdiagnosis and lead-time bias., Conclusions: Simultaneous association of visual inspection and radiographic assessment for caries detection in preschool children causes more harms than benefits, and therefore, visual inspection should be conducted alone in the regular clinical practice. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov platform: NCT02078453, registered on 5th March 2014.

In tropical environments, nutrient-poor soils are commonly found, leading to high fertilizers application rates to support agricultural activities. In contrast, anthropogenic activities generate large amounts of effluents containing nitrogen. In this study, two minerals (natural zeolite and vermiculite) were tested to remove NH 4 + from an industrial effluent with high pH and contents in Na + and K + . Afterwards, they were tested as an alternative slow-release fertilizer in the soil. To verify the best conditions to adsorb NH 4 + , batch tests were conducted using synthetic solutions and an industrial effluent. In general, the efficiency of both minerals in removing NH 4 + was high (85% for zeolite and almost 70% for vermiculite) as well as the ability to decrease the industrial effluent pH. In this process, more NH 4 + and K + ions were removed in comparison with Na + , which remained in solution. These minerals were tested as slow-release fertilizers by leaching with distilled water (both minerals releasing 2 mg L -1 NH 4 + ) and with an acid solution (releasing 10 mg L -1 NH 4 + from zeolite and 50 mg L -1 NH 4 + from vermiculite-corresponding only to 12% of total NH 4 + retained by zeolite and 29% by vermiculite). During the test of soil incubation with zeolite-NH 4 + , the NH 4 + ions of the exchangeable sites were retained for a longer period, minimizing their loss by leaching and biological nitrification. Consequently, soil acidification was prevented. Therefore, both minerals showed high efficiency in removing NH 4 + from solution which can then be slowly released as a nutrient in the soil.

Objective: to describe the teaching strategy based on the Multiple Victims Incident (MVI) simulation, discussing and evaluating the performance of the students involved in the initial care of trauma victims., Methods: a cross-sectional, and quantitative study was performed. A realistic MVI simulation involving students, and professionals from nursery and medical schools, as well as a prehospital care team was performed., Results: it was possible to notice that the classification according to the START method (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) was correct in 94.1% of the time from the analysis of 17 preestablished checklists. Following the primary evaluation with the ABCDE mnemonic, all steps were performed correctly in 70%. However, there was only supply of oxygen in high flow in 64.7% of the examination. The search for visible and hidden bleeding was performed in 70.6% of the examination. The neurological evaluation with the Glasgow coma scale and pupillary evaluation occurred in 70.6% of the victims. The victims exposure was performed in 70.6% of the examination., Conclusion: a simulated environment allows the consolidation and improvement of professional skills, especially when we are talking about a poorly trained area during the undergraduate program, such as the MVI. Early training and teamwork encourage clinical thinking, integration and communication, essential abilities when facing chaotic situations.

The aim of the study was the investigation of bacterial diversity from sediments collected at Santos Estuarine System, regarding to their abilities for hexadecane biotransformation. Hexadecane is a medium-chain linear alkane, considered as a model molecule for hydrocarbon biodegradation studies. It is a component from aliphatic fraction of crude petroleum, commonly related to environmental contamination by diesel oil. Santos Basin is an area with historical petroleum contamination. In the present work, sediment samples from this area were inoculated in artificial seawater (ASW), containing hexadecane as carbon source. Six bacterial isolates were selected as resistant to hexadecane. Chromatographic results showed biodegradation indexes above 97%. After 48 h of culture, five of them could degrade >80% of the initial hexadecane added. These isolates were characterized by 16S rDNA gene sequencing analysis. The following species were found: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, Nitratireductor aquimarinus, and Bacillus pumilus., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We report a case of a 90-year-old man with hypereosinophilia, lymphadenopathies and skin lesions, namely lichenification and pruritus. An aetiological investigation was performed, and a bone marrow (BM) biopsy and aspirate showed a hypercellular marrow with hypereosinophilia without dysmorphia or abnormal elements, and the BM and inguinal node's immunophenotyping denied any presence of abnormal lymphoid cell population. The inguinal node biopsy revealed a multinodular proliferation of large cells S100 and CD1a + , and a diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis was made. The hypereosinophilia and skin lesions were managed with corticotherapy with substantial improvement of cutaneous lesions and lymphadenopathies and normalisation of eosinophil count. Finally, to define if it is a single or multisystem disease, a skin biopsy will be necessary., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Background: The responsiveness of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) has varied greatly across studies; hence, we hypothesized that this discrepancy could be related to the complexity of dental treatment received. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the responsiveness of the ECOHIS to changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) following dental treatments of varying complexity in preschool children., Methods: Preschool children aged 3 to 6 years were selected; their parents responded to the ECOHIS at baseline. The parents responded to the ECOHIS again and a global transition question 30 days after the children were treated. The type of treatment received by the children was categorized according to complexity, as follows: 1) non-operative treatment only, 2) restorative treatment, and 3) endodontic treatment and/or tooth extraction. Change scores and effect sizes (ES) were calculated for total scores, as well as considering the different treatment types and global transition question responses., Results: Of the 152 children who completed the study, the ECOHIS yielded large ES for total scores (0.89). The children showed increasing ES values associated with better perception of improvement, assessed by the global transition question. The magnitude of ES after treatment was related to treatment complexity (0.53, 0.92 and 1.43, for children who received non-operative treatment only, restorative treatment, and endodontic treatment and/or tooth extraction, respectively)., Conclusions: Parents whose children required more complex dental treatment are more likely to perceive treatment-related changes to OHRQoL assessed with the ECOHIS.

Objective: To characterize the scientific production on Burnout Syndrome in the Nursingcontext, systematizing the location where the studies were carried out, the related constructs, the employed methods and their main results., Method: An integrative review of the literature with a bibliometric approach of articles published in Portuguese, Spanish and English between 2005 and 2016., Results: 106 articles wereincluded. Mostinvolvedprevalence, and were descriptive, quantitative studies performed in hospitals.The Southeastern and Southern regions of Brazil had the largest number of publications, and stress was the construct most related to burnout.Most of the studies used the Maslach Burnout Inventory to investigate the presence of the syndrome., Conclusion: New case-control and cohort studies should be carried out.Qualitative-exploratory studies are necessary to better understand Burnout Syndrome among nursing professionals usingfocus groups or interviews, as well as comparative causal studies, with the purpose of exploring the syndrome'smanifestations., Objetivo: Caracterizar a produção científica sobre a Síndrome do Esgotamento Profissionalno contexto da enfermagem, sistematizando os locais onde as pesquisas foram realizadas, os construtos relacionados, os métodos empregados e seus principais resultados., Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura, com abordagem bibliométrica, em artigos na língua portuguesa, espanhola e inglesa publicados entre 2005 e 2016., Resultados: Foram selecionados 106 artigos.A maioria estudos de prevalência, descritivos, quantitativos e realizados em hospitais. Nas regiões Sudeste e Sul do Brasil encontram-se o maior número de publicações, sendo o estresse o construto mais relacionado com o esgotamento profissional. A maior parte dos estudos utilizou o Maslach Burnout Inventory como meio de averiguação da presença da síndrome., Conclusão: Novos estudos de caso controle e coorte devem ser realizados. Pesquisas de cunho qualitativo-exploratório são necessárias para poder compreender melhor a Síndrome do Esgotamento Profissionalentre os profissionais de enfermagem com grupos focais ou entrevistas, como também pesquisas causais comparativas, com o intuito de explorar as manifestações da síndrome.

The typically elevated natural attenuation capacity of riverbed-hyporheic zones is expected to decrease chlorinated hydrocarbon (CHC) groundwater plume discharges to river receptors through dechlorination reactions. The aim of this study was to assess physico-chemical processes controlling field-scale variation in riverbed-hyporheic zone dechlorination of a TCE groundwater plume discharge to an urban river reach. The 50-m long pool-riffle-glide reach of the River Tame in Birmingham (UK) studied is a heterogeneous high energy river environment. The shallow riverbed was instrumented with a detailed network of multilevel samplers. Freeze coring revealed a geologically heterogeneous and poorly sorted riverbed. A chlorine number reduction approach provided a quantitative indicator of CHC dechlorination. Three sub-reaches of contrasting behaviour were identified. Greatest dechlorination occurred in the riffle sub-reach that was characterised by hyporheic zone flows, moderate sulphate concentrations and pH, anaerobic conditions, low iron, but elevated manganese concentrations with evidence of sulphate reduction. Transient hyporheic zone flows allowing input to varying riverbed depths of organic matter are anticipated to be a key control. The glide sub-reach displayed negligible dechlorination attributed to the predominant groundwater baseflow discharge condition, absence of hyporheic zone, transition to more oxic conditions and elevated sulphate concentrations expected to locally inhibit dechlorination. The tail-of-pool-riffle sub-reach exhibited patchy dechlorination that was attributed to sub-reach complexities including significant flow bypass of a low permeability, high organic matter, silty unit of high dechlorination potential. A process-based conceptual model of reach-scale dechlorination variability was developed. Key findings of practitioner relevance were: riverbed-hyporheic zone CHC dechlorination may provide only a partial, somewhat patchy barrier to CHC groundwater plume discharges to a surface water receptor; and, monitoring requirements to assess the variability in CHC attenuation within a reach are expected to be onerous. Further research on transient hyporheic zone dechlorination is recommended., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: to assess the ability of mothers to take care of children exposed to HIV, using the Assessment Scale of Care Skills for Children Exposed to HIV at Birth and to check the association between the scale dimensions and maternal characteristics., Method: this cross-sectional study involved 62 HIV+ mothers whose children of up to one year old had been exposed to the virus at birth. The Assessment Scale of Care Skills for Children Exposed to HIV at Birth consists of 52 items and five dimensions, indicating high, moderate or low care ability., Results: 72.7% of the mothers appropriately offered zidovudine syrup; 86.0% were highly skilled to prepare and administer milk formula; 44.4% were moderately able to prepare and administer complementary feeding; 76.5% revealed high ability to administer prophylactic treatment against pneumonia and 95.3% demonstrated high abilities for clinical monitoring and immunization. Significant associations were found between some maternal variables and the scale dimensions., Conclusion: the scale permits the assessment of maternal care delivery to these children and the accomplishment of specific child health interventions.

When denatured ethanol (E95) is spilled in a site with previous gasoline contamination, it modifies the source distribution (Part 1). But it can also impact the transport and fate of hydrocarbons in the groundwater. Ethanol could cause an increase in dissolved concentrations and more persistent plumes due to cosolvency and decreased hydrocarbon biodegradation rates. To investigate these possibilities, two controlled releases were performed: first of E10 (gasoline with 10% ethanol) and one year later of E95 on top of the gasoline. Groundwater concentrations were monitored above and below the water table in multilevel wells. Soil cores and vapor samples were also collected over a period of approximately 400 days. Surprisingly, ethanol transport was very limited; at wells located 2.3m downgradient from the mid-point of the release trench, the maximum concentration measured was around 2400 mg/L. After 392 days, only 3% of the ethanol released migrated past 2.3 m, and no ethanol remained in the source. The processes that caused ethanol loss were likely volatilization, aerobic biodegradation in the unsaturated zone, and anaerobic biodegradation. Evidence that biodegradation was significant in the source zone includes increased CO2 concentrations in the vapor and the presence of biodegradation products (acetate concentrations up to 2300 mg/L). The position of the dissolved hydrocarbon plumes was slightly shifted, but the concentrations and mass flux remained within the same range as before the spill, indicating that cosolvency was not significant. Hydrocarbons in the groundwater were significantly biodegraded, with more than 63% of the mass being removed in 7.5m, even when ethanol was present in the groundwater. The impacts of ethanol on the hydrocarbon transport and fate were minimal, largely due to the separation of ethanol and hydrocarbons in the source (Part 1)., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

With the increasing use of ethanol in fuels, it is important to evaluate its fate when released into the environment. While ethanol is less toxic than other organic compounds present in fuels, one of the concerns is the impact ethanol might have on the fate of gasoline hydrocarbons in groundwater. One possible concern is the spill of denatured ethanol (E95: ethanol containing 5% denaturants, usually hydrocarbons) in sites with pre-existing gasoline contamination. In that scenario, ethanol is expected to increase the mobility of the NAPL phase by acting as a cosolvent and decreasing interfacial tension. To evaluate the E95 behaviour and its impacts on pre-existing gasoline, a field test was performed at the CFB-Borden aquifer. Initially gasoline contamination was created releasing 200 L of E10 (gasoline with 10% ethanol) into the unsaturated zone. One year later, 184 L of E95 was released on top of the gasoline contamination. The site was monitored using soil cores, multilevel wells and one glass access tube. At the end of the test, the source zone was excavated and the compounds remaining were quantified. E95 ethanol accumulated and remained within the capillary fringe and unsaturated zone for more than 200 days, despite ~1m oscillations in the water table. The gasoline mobility increased and it was redistributed in the source zone. Gasoline NAPL saturations in the soil increased two fold in the source zone. However, water table oscillations caused a separation between the NAPL and ethanol: NAPL was smeared and remained in deeper positions while ethanol moved upwards following the water table rise. Similarly, the E95 denaturants that initially were within the ethanol-rich phase became separated from ethanol after the water table oscillation, remaining below the ethanol rich zone. The separation between ethanol and hydrocarbons in the source after water table oscillation indicates that ethanol's impact on hydrocarbon residuals is likely limited to early times., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this study was to understand the coping mechanisms of men living with HIV/AIDS in terms of their work environment. A qualitative study was carried out at a specialized outpatient clinic in Fortaleza-Ceará between March and June 2010, involving eleven men infected with the virus. Semi-structured and audio-recorded interviews were used. The statements were categorized through content analysis into the following categories: absence from work due to the infection; subterfuges used to hide the disease; disrespect for confidentiality in the work environment; suffering associated with the fear of rejection and prejudice; ways of coping after diagnosis of the disease; and the importance of work for personal accomplishment. In conclusion, men infected with HIV face counterproductive situations in the work environment, mainly evidenced by fear of discovery of the infection and prejudice. Associated with coping, absences for health monitoring purposes interfered with performance at work and increased the risk of losing their job.

Oxygenates present in gasoline, such as ethanol and MTBE, are a concern in subsurface contamination related to accidental spills. While gasoline hydrocarbon compounds have low solubility, MTBE and ethanol are more soluble, ethanol being completely miscible with water. Consequently, their fate in the subsurface is likely to differ from that of gasoline. To evaluate the fate of gasoline containing oxygenates following a release in the unsaturated zone shielded from rainfall/recharge, a controlled field test was performed at Canadian Forces Base Borden, in Ontario. 200L of a mixture composed of gasoline with 10% ethanol and 4.5% MTBE was released in the unsaturated zone, into a trench 20cm deep, about 32cm above the water table. Based on soil cores, most of the ethanol was retained in the source, above the capillary fringe, and remained there for more than 100 days. Ethanol partitioned from the gasoline to the unsaturated pore-water and was retained, despite the thin unsaturated zone at the site (~35cm from the top of the capillary fringe to ground surface). Due to its lower solubility, most of the MTBE remained within the NAPL as it infiltrated deeper into the unsaturated zone and accumulated with the gasoline on top of the depressed capillary fringe. Only minor changes in the distribution of ethanol were noted following oscillations in the water table. Two methods to estimate the capacity of the unsaturated zone to retain ethanol are explored. It is clear that conceptual models for sites impacted by ethanol-fuels must consider the unsaturated zone., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The chemical composition of the essential oils from Protium giganteum and P. aracouchine was determined, for the first time, using GC-MS analysis. From the oil of P. giganteum, 32 components were identified, representing 93.9% of the oil, and from P. aracouchine, 29 components, representing 97.8% of the oil. Among the compounds identified in the P. giganteum oil, 93.6% were sesquiterpenes, with beta-caryophyllene (26.0 +/- 0.8%), globulol (9.3 +/- 0.2%), alpha-cadinol (7.0 +/- 0.5%), alpha-humulene (6.4 +/- 0.1%) and germacrene D (6.2 +/- 0.3%) as the major components. Among the 29 compounds identified in the P. aracouchine oil, 95.9% were sesquiterpenes as well, with spathulenol (31.8 +/- 1.6%), alpha-cis-bergamotene (8.8 +/- 0.2%) and viridiflorol (9.7 +/- 0.7%) as the major components.

In the event of a gasoline spill containing oxygenated compounds such as ethanol and MTBE, it is important to consider the impacts these compounds might have on subsurface contamination. One of the main concerns commonly associated with ethanol is that it might decrease the biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, leading to an increase in the hydrocarbon dissolved plume lengths. The first part of this study (Part 1) showed that when gasoline containing ethanol infiltrates the unsaturated zone, ethanol is likely to partition to and be retained in the unsaturated zone pore water. In this study (Part 2), a controlled field test is combined with a two-dimensional laboratory test and three-dimensional numerical modelling to investigate how ethanol retention in the unsaturated zone affects the downgradient behaviour of ethanol and aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. Ethanol transport downgradient was extremely limited. The appearance of ethanol in downgradient wells was delayed and the concentrations were lower than would be expected based on equilibrium dissolution. Oscillations in the water table resulted in minor flushing of ethanol, but its effect could still be perceived as an increase in the groundwater concentrations downgradient from the source zone. Ethanol partitioning to the unsaturated zone pore water reduced its mass fraction within the NAPL thus reducing its anticipated impact on the fate of the hydrocarbon compounds. A conceptual numerical simulation indicated that the potential ethanol-induced increase in benzene plume length after 20 years could decrease from 136% to 40% when ethanol retention in the unsaturated zone is considered., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study was performed with the purpose to analyze the communication between nursing students and patients with AIDS during peripheral venous puncture. Video recordings were made of six pairs (student-patient) while performing the venous puncture procedure in May 2009 at a day-hospital in Fortaleza-Ceará. As a group, four judges evaluated the interactions established between the pairs. The analyses were categorized in: Valuing technique over communication; Mask: a barriers to communication; Private space invasion; Interference of the environment in the communication. It was concluded that different factors increase the difficulty establishing an effective communication, especially the need for students to be trained about the importance of establishing communication during care, so as to promote humanized and individual care, in which sensitivity and empathy overlap fear and insecurity.

Ethanol use as a gasoline additive is increasing, as are the chances of groundwater contamination caused by gasoline releases involving ethanol. To evaluate the impact of ethanol on dissolved hydrocarbon plumes, a field test was performed in which three gasoline residual sources with different ethanol fractions (E0: no ethanol, E10: 10% ethanol and E95: 95% ethanol) were emplaced below the water table. Using the numerical model BIONAPL/3D, the mass discharge rates of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, trimethylbenzenes and naphthalene were simulated and results compared to those obtained from sampling transects of multilevel samplers. It was shown that ethanol dissolved rapidly and migrated downgradient as a short slug. Mass discharge of the hydrocarbons from the E0 and E10 sources suggested similar first-order hydrocarbon decay rates, indicating that ethanol from E10 had no impact on hydrocarbon degradation. In contrast, the estimated hydrocarbon decay rates were significantly lower when the source was E95. For the E0 and E10 cases, the aquifer did not have enough oxygen to support complete mineralization of the hydrocarbon compounds to the extent suggested by the field-based mass discharge. Introducing a heterogeneous distribution of hydraulic conductivity did little to overcome this discrepancy. A better match between the numerical model and the field data was obtained assuming partial degradation of the hydrocarbons to intermediate compounds. Besides depending on the ethanol concentration, the impact of ethanol on hydrocarbon degradation appears to be highly dependent on the availability of electron acceptors., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Biodegradation of organic compounds in groundwater can be a significant source of methane in contaminated sites. Methane might accumulate in indoor spaces posing a hazard. The increasing use of ethanol as a gasoline additive is a concern with respect to methane production since it is easily biodegraded and has a high oxygen demand, favoring the development of anaerobic conditions. This study evaluated the use of stable carbon isotopes to distinguish the methane origin between gasoline and ethanol biodegradation, and assessed the occurrence of methane in ethanol fuel contaminated sites. Two microcosm tests were performed under anaerobic conditions: one test using ethanol and the other using toluene as the sole carbon source. The isotopic tool was then applied to seven field sites known to be impacted by ethanol fuels. In the microcosm tests, it was verified that methane from ethanol (δ¹³C = -11.1‰) is more enriched in ¹³C, with δ¹³C values ranging from -20‰ to -30‰, while the methane from toluene (δ¹³C = -28.5‰) had a carbon isotopic signature of -55‰. The field samples had δ¹³C values varying over a wide range (-10‰ to -80‰), and the δ¹³C values allowed the methane source to be clearly identified in five of the seven ethanol/gasoline sites. In the other two sites, methane appears to have been produced from both sources. Both gasoline and ethanol were sources of methane in potentially hazardous concentrations and methane could be produced from organic acids originating from ethanol along the groundwater flow system even after all the ethanol has been completed biodegraded., (Copyright © 2010 The Author(s). Journal compilation © 2010 National Ground Water Association.)

Blending of ethanol into gasoline as a fuel oxygenate has created the scenario where inadvertent releases of E95 into soil previously contaminated by gasoline may remobilize these pre-existing NAPLs and lead to higher dissolved hydrocarbon (BTEX) concentrations in groundwater. We contribute to the development of a risk-based corrective action framework addressing this issue by conducting two laboratory experiments involving the release of ethanol into a gasoline source zone established in the capillary fringe. We then develop and apply the numerical model CompFlow Bio to replicate three specific experimental observations: (1) depression of the capillary fringe by the addition of the gasoline fuel mixture due to a reduction in the surface tension between the gas and liquid phases, (2) further depression of the capillary fringe by the addition of ethanol, and (3) remobilization of the gasoline fuel mixture LNAPL source zone due to the cosolvent behaviour of ethanol in the presence of an aqueous phase, as well as a reduction in the interfacial tension between the aqueous/non-aqueous phases due to ethanol. While the simulated collapse of the capillary fringe was not as extensive as that which was observed, the simulated and observed remobilized non-aqueous phase distributions were in agreement following ethanol injection. Specifically, injection of ethanol caused the non-aqueous phase to advect downwards toward the water table as the capillary fringe continued to collapse, finally collecting on top of the water table in a significantly reduced area exhibiting higher saturations than observed prior to ethanol injection. Surprisingly, the simulated ethanol and gasoline aqueous phase plumes were uniform despite the redistribution of the source zone. Dissolution of gasoline into the aqueous phase was dramatically increased due to the cosolvency effect of ethanol on the non-aqueous phase source zone. We advocate further experimental studies focusing on eliminating data gaps identified here, as well as field-scale experiments to address issues associated with ethanol-BTEX biodegradation and sorption within the development of a risk-based corrective action framework.

The nematode Lagochilascaris minor is the causative agent of lagochilascariosis, a human disease that affects the neck region causing exudative abscesses with eggs, larvae, and adult parasites. Mice are currently considered intermediate hosts for the parasite. To determine the pattern of infection and the possibility of mice as definitive hosts for L. minor, experimental lagochilascariosis was studied in two distinct isogenic mouse strains: BALB/c and C57BL/6. Our results indicate that BALB/c mice are more resistant to L. minor infection than C57BL/6, having less intense lesions in the lungs, a lower number of nodules with encysted larvae and fewer adult worms, and displaying a higher serum level of IFN gamma. Both mouse strains had low levels of serum IL-10. We also observed adult parasites in both mouse strains, raising the possibility that mice are definitive hosts of L. minor. This is the first description of adult parasite development of L. minor in mice.