[Rejection of the preventive discussion and at-risk sexual behavior: a qualitative study among gay men in Portugal]

The dominant preventive discourse imposed on sexual minorities is one that orders and prescribes condom use and an adjusted lifestyle. High-risk sexual behaviors seem to express, in part, the rejection of this dominant discourse. The objective of this study is to better understand the links between the risky sexual behaviors of gays and the socio-cultural context that leads to the rejection of preventive practices. An ethnological study was carried out in Portugal This study included seven gay men aged between 19 and 64 years old. The study also included accounts from interviews of three lesbian and bisexual women. The results show that the social pressure of a hetero-normative environment can result in the refusal or denial of prevention practices. Thus, risky sexual behaviors can reflect desire and aspirations for more rights and freedoms. New and alternative spaces for meeting gays, namely on the Internet, also seem to create more opportunities for sexual liberation and open the way for relaxed prevention practices and engaging in risky sexual behavior. However, preventive practices are not entirely absent; the reduction of risks is being expressed by the choice of sexual partners and the avoidance of certain sexual practices when a condom is not used. Through this study, the importance of peer groups in the acceptance and internalization of the preventive discourse is re-affirmed.

Evaluation of the potential of the common cockle (Cerastoderma edule L.) for the ecological risk assessment of estuarine sediments: bioaccumulation and biomarkers

Common cockles (Cerastoderma edule, L. 1758, Bivalvia: Cardiidae) were subjected to a laboratory assay with sediments collected from distinct sites of the Sado Estuary (Portugal). Cockles were obtained from a mariculture site of the Sado Estuary and exposed through 28-day, semi-static, assays to sediments collected from three sites of the estuary. Sediments from these sites revealed different physico-chemical properties and levels of metals and organic contaminants, ranging from unimpacted (the reference site) to moderately impacted, when compared to available sediment quality guidelines. Cockles were surveyed for bioaccumulation of trace elements (Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) and organic contaminants (PAHs, PCBs and DDTs). Two sets of potential biomarkers were employed to assess toxicity: whole-body metallothionein (MT) induction and digestive gland histopathology. The bioaccumulation factor and the biota-to-soil accumulation factor were estimated as ecological indices of exposure to metals and organic compounds. From the results it is inferred that C. edule responds to sediment-bound contamination and might, therefore, be suitable for biomonitoring. The species was found capable to regulate and eliminate both types of contaminants. Still, the sediment contamination levels do not account for all the variation in bioaccumulation and MT levels, which may result from the moderate metal concentrations found in sediments, the species' intrinsic resistance to pollution and from yet unexplained xenobiotic interaction effects.

Use of biological indicators to assess water quality of the Ul River (Portugal)

Diatoms and macroinvertebrates have been extensively used as water quality indicators in Europe for the last two decades. In Portugal, the use of biological indicators to assess water quality in rivers has increased greatly. The aim of this work was to assess the water quality and ecological status of the Ul River in order to evaluate its ability for the establishment of a fluvial beach, using periphytic diatoms and macroinvertebrates as indicators. Four sites were selected along the Ul River. At each site, biological, physical, and chemical parameters were investigated. Epilithic diatoms and macroinvertebrates were sampled. The Specific Polluosensitivity Index and the Biological Diatom Index were applied to diatom data, while for macroinvertebrates, the Iberian Biological Monitoring Working Party (IBMWP) was used. According to the results obtained, it was possible to conclude that up to now, this river does not possess the ideal conditions for the establishment of a fluvial beach. We concluded that epilithic diatoms and macroinvertebrates provided consistent information on water quality assessment and can be used as biological indicators of the water quality in Ul River.

Syllable structure in dysfunctional Portuguese children's speech

The goal of this work is to investigate whether children with speech dysfunctions (SD) show a deficit in planning some Portuguese syllable structures (PSS) in continuous speech production. Knowledge of which aspects of speech production are affected by SD is necessary for efficient improvement in the therapy techniques. The case-study is focused on PSS as C1C2V syllable sequences (consonant-consonant-vowel), in which C2 is [l] or [r]. To identify specific speech patterns that are sensitive to SD, coarticulation effects using formant trajectories, intensity, and durational structure are investigated. To explore the characteristics of continuous speech processes in SD speech output, the methodology uses acoustic analysis. Preliminary findings show systematic specific coarticulation in the child with SD when compared to the normal speech (NS) child. This also suggests that the traditional focus on a single word production in the SD assessment needs to be modified to allow more detailed consideration of speech production in continuous speech. It is the purpose of the authors in the future to develop an application that can be an optimal start for SD treatment/counselling programmes. The work reported here proves the importance of clinic linguistic knowledge in that way. This study is the result of a multidisciplinary-team whose work allies linguist, clinical therapy and engineering knowledge.

[Economic analysis of rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone in the treatment of patients with advanced follicular lymphoma in Portugal]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate costs and benefits of rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide/vincristine/prednisolone chemotherapy regimen (R-CVP), in previously untreated patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), compared to CVP alone from a Portuguese National Health System (NHS) perspective.

METHODS

Cost-effectiveness (Life Years Gained--LYG) and cost-utility analysis (Quality Adjusted Life Years--QALYs) were performed for a time horizon of 10 years, according to a Markov economic model with three health states (progression free survival, progression and death) and monthly cycles for a population of previously untreated patients with indolent NHL. Data from a phase III clinical trial was used and expanded to include unpublished 53-month median follow-up data. Survival after first-line therapy was estimated from the Scotland and Newcastle Lymphoma Group registry data and utilities were derived from a study in the UK performed in patients with follicular lymphoma. Resource consumption was estimated by a Portuguese expert panel (Delbecq Panel). Costs were calculated from the Portuguese NHS perspective through official data with prices updated to 2008. Only direct medical costs were considered. Costs and clinical outcomes were discounted at 5% per annum. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed around assumptions on the time horizon, costs, utilities and excess mortality rate due to progression applied in the base-case analysis.

RESULTS

The 10-year base-case analysis showed a lower total cost per patient with CVP alone (€ 85,838) in comparison with R-CVP (€ 87,774). Life expectancy and Quality adjusted life expectancy per patient were higher with R-CVP (6.361 and 4.166, respectively) than with CVP alone (5.557 and 3.438, respectively), representing increases of 0.804 in LYG and 0.728 (8.7 months) in QALYs gained. The incremental cost per LYG was € 2,407 and the incremental cost per QALY gained was € 2,661. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the base-case analysis results.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the combination R-CVP in previously untreated indolent NHL patients improves life expectancy and is a cost-effective alternative to CVP in Portugal.

Identification of nanominerals and nanoparticles in burning coal waste piles from Portugal

A range of carbon nanoparticles, agglomerates and mineral phases have been identified in burning coal waste pile materials from the Douro Coalfield of Portugal, as a basis for identifying their potential environmental and human health impacts. The fragile nature and fine particle size of these materials required novel characterization methods, including energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) techniques. The chemical composition and possible correlations with morphology of the nanominerals and associated ultra-fine particles have been evaluated in the context of human health exposure, as well as in relation to management of such components in coal-fire environments.

Portuguese Journal of Pulmonology: year-in-review 2009

The Portuguese Journal of Pulmonology is progressively achieving an important status in Portuguese medical literature. The present editors thought it would be an enriching task to revise the main topics published during 2009. The invited members of the Editorial Board covered and commented the most relevant articles and gave us an important picture of the quality of the science it was published in Portuguese Pulmonology.

Organic pollutants in microplastics from two beaches of the Portuguese coast

Microplastics pose a threat to coastal environments due to their capacity to adsorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These particles (less than 5 mm in size) are potentially dangerous to marine species due to magnification risk over the food chain. Samples were collected from two Portuguese beaches and sorted in four classes to relate the adsorption capacity of pollutants with color and age. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDTs were analysed on pellets through gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and types of plastic were identified using Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy (micro-FTIR). Microplastics were mostly polyethylene and polypropylene. Regarding sizes, some fibres ranged from 1 to 5 μm in diameter and were 500 μm in length. The majority of samples collected had sizes above 200 μm. Black pellets, unlike aged pellets, had the highest concentrations of POPs except for PAHs in Fonte da Telha beach. PAHs with higher concentrations were pyrene, phenantrene, chrysene and fluoranthene. Higher concentrations of PCBs were found for congeners 18, 31, 138 and 187. Further investigation is necessary to understand the relationship between plastic degradation and adsorption for different pollutants.

Separation of packaging plastics by froth flotation in a continuous pilot plant

The objective of the research was to apply froth flotation to separate post-consumer PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) from other packaging plastics with similar density, in a continuously operated pilot plant. A representative sample composed of 85% PET, 2.5% PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and 11.9% PS (Polystyrene) was subjected to a combination of alkaline treatment and surfactant adsorption followed by froth flotation. A mineral processing pilot plant, owned by a Portuguese mining company, was adapted for this purpose. The experimentation showed that it is possible to produce an almost pure concentrate of PET, containing 83% of the PET in feed, in a single bank of mechanical flotation cells. The concentrate grade attained was 97.2% PET, 1.1% PVC and 1.1% PS. By simulation it was shown that the Portuguese recycling industry specifications can be attained if one cleaning and one scavenger stages are added to the circuit.

Simulation for teaching normal delivery and shoulder dystocia to midwives in training

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

The cognitive impact of using simulation sessions in midwifery training has not been the subject of previous research. The aim of this study was to compare the effect on students' knowledge of a simulation session versus an image-based lecture, for teaching routine management of normal delivery and resolution of shoulder dystocia to midwives in training.

METHODS

Sixty students were enrolled three weeks after a "labour and delivery" class, and randomly assigned to two groups. Ten were subsequently excluded as they were not able to attend the whole session and/or did not complete the tests. In the simulation group (n=26), students were divided into pairs and attended a 30-minute hands-on session in the simulation centre. In the lecture group (n=24), students participated in a 30-minute image-based interactive lecture. A ten-question multiple-choice test was taken before (pre-test) and after (post-test) both sessions, to evaluate students' knowledge of labour and delivery and shoulder dystocia. Learner satisfaction was evaluated by adding a six question Likert scale questionnaire to the post-test. Independent t-test, paired samples t-test, and Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical analysis, setting significance at p<0.05.

RESULTS

The simulation group showed a significantly higher mean post-test score (6.38 vs. 5.16; p=0.003) and a significantly greater inter-test score progression (p<0.0001). Overall learner satisfaction was also higher in this group (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

A significantly higher short-term reinforcement of knowledge and greater learner satisfaction was obtained using simulation sessions compared to image-based lectures when teaching routine management of normal delivery and resolution of shoulder dystocia to midwives in training.

[Ethical, technical and legal procedures of the medical doctor responsibility to accomplish the road enforcement law about driving under the influence of alcohol and psychotropic substances]

The forensic toxicology (TF) is a science of analytical basis, aiming to clarify legal issues related to poisoning, whether or not fatal, within the various areas of law (criminal, civil, labor, etc.). The analysis that are more often requested (with a tendency to increase and gaining rising attention) are those concerning the procedures involving supervision of driving under the influence of alcohol and psychotropic substances, in the living individual and in the cadaver. The key players in this process, are: (a) the police agents carrying out the screening and quantification of alcohol on the exhaled breath and the screening of psychotropic and stupefacient substances in saliva; (b) the public health services that perform qualitative analysis of these substances in urine (if the test was not previously performed in saliva); (c) the doctor that collects blood samples from the living, or the dead victim; (d) the forensic toxicologist who conducts toxicological analysis in blood (or, eventually in another biological sample) and (e) the magistrate prosecutors that ultimately will receive the toxicological report to apply the law. Therefore it is important to understand and be acquainted with the road law enforcement of driving under the influence of alcohol and psychotropic substances, particularly in what concerns to the role of the medical doctor. Consequently, this paper aimed to review these topics, namely highlighting the necessary information to clarify the interested parties about the technical, ethical and legal procedures to consider.

Spatiotemporal distribution of pharmaceuticals in the Douro River estuary (Portugal)

The amount and distribution of six pharmaceutical compounds belonging to distinct therapeutic classes were investigated along the navigation channel of the Douro River estuary. Distinct spatial and temporal trends were considered and a total of 87 water samples were pre-concentrated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with an ion trap (IT) analyzer and electrospray ionization (ESI). The maximum concentrations found were 178ng/L for carbamazepine, 3.65ng/L for diazepam, 70.3ng/L for fenofibric acid, 3.18ng/L for propranolol, 15.7ng/L for trimethoprim and 53.3ng/L for sulfamethoxazole. Carbamazepine was the most ubiquitous compound with 100% positive detection frequency followed by propranolol (38%), trimethoprim (34%) and sulfamethoxazole (33%). The pharmaceutical compounds were quantified at higher levels in the lower stretch of the estuary, especially near the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The data proves that pollution of the Douro River estuary by pharmaceuticals is consistent and is occurring in a fairly constant manner in time, covering a wide area and displaying hot-spots. Individually, the concentration levels are not likely to cause acute effects, based on reference experimental data. However, the fact that complex mixtures exist gives cause for concern as regards potentially relevant toxicological risks. The study points out the need for continuous monitoring of contamination levels not only in the Douro River estuary but also in other major estuaries. Finally, the scenario supports the need for experimental studies on toxicological impacts on aquatic organisms at environmentally relevant concentrations.

[Nutritional status of patients with critical ischemia of the lower extremities]

INTRODUCTION

Critical limb ischemia is a manifestation of peripheral arterial disease and in Portugal the profile of these patients is yet unknown as well as the frequency of hospital malnutrition. The present study aims to contribute to the updating of knowledge on the nutritional status of patients with this condition.

AIM

To evaluate the frequency of malnutrition in hospitalized patients with critical lower limb ischemia.

METHODOLOGY

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in the University Clinic of Vascular Surgery of Hospital Santa Maria between November 2010 and February 2011. Data were collected using PG-SGA ( Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment ) to assess nutritional status.

RESULTS

71 patients were evaluated of whom 21 % ( 22 ) were identified as malnourished, 40.8 % ( 29 ) at risk of malnutrition and 28.2 % ( 20 ) with normal nutritional status. According to the data, the risk of malnutrition is higher in people aged over 75 years ( OR: 5.12, 95 % CI: 3.03-51.47 ) and diabetic ( OR: 2.73, 95 % CI: 0.88-8.46 ). Concerning to education and occupation, the retired individuals ( OR: 3.85, CI: 0.86-17.15 ) and with an education level between 1 and 4 years ( OR: 2.64, 95 %CI: 0.78-8.90 ), had an increased risk of malnutrition.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of malnutrition in patients with critical lower limb ischemia was quite high. Data have revealed that factors associated with malnutrition in these patients are age, low level of education ( less than 4 years ), diabetes and hypertension. To assess nutritional status of these patients the most suitable protocol was NRS-2002.

[Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prescription in General Practice in the centre of Portugal from 2007 to 2009]

BACKGROUND

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs computer-assisted prescription in General Practice/Family Medicine (GP/FM) ambience can give information about the prescription profile during a period of time and understand its trend. Such prescription profile could vary according to the urban (city) vs non urban (village) setting of the GP/FM practice.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the prescription trends of non steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in General Practice, from 2007 to 2009, by public sales price per inscript, daily defined doses (DDD) per inscript and price of DDD. To verify differences of the three fractions according to the urban vs non urban health centre.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective observational study conducted in February 2010, by the analysis of prescription informatic files automatically generated when the prescription was made. Population calculated at the middle point of each period of study. The differences in volume prescription in Daily Defined Dose (DDD) per registered patient in the middle of 2006 and 2007 two semesters, as well as the value of prescription measured by the price per registered patient were calculated and medicines were studied by the third level of the Portuguese medicines classification very similar to the ATC. The price per DDD was calculated as well.

RESULTS

The studied population was of 315.377 subjects in 2007, 321.784 in 2008 and 331.106 in 2009. In price per inscript urban health centres showed a growth from 2007 to 2009 in "Indol and Inden" derivatives (+51.6%), in "Propionic acid derivatives" (+39.4%) and in "Selective cox-2 inhibitors" (+33.6%). For "Sulfanilamidic derivatives, a reduction of 3.8% was verified. For non urban Health Centres prescription a generalised reduction in price per inscript was observed. For DDD/per inscript from 2007 to 2009 we found a generalised increase for urban health centres, except for "Oxicans". For non urban Health Centres there is a generalised decrease of DDD/per inscript from 2007 to 2009, with a special decrease for non-acidic compounds. As for Price of DDD from 2007 to 2009 there is a generalised reduction of such ratio with the only exception of "non acidic compounds" (+9,1%) for urban Health Centres. In view of the calculated ratios, the differences by urban vs non urban Health Centre in each of the studied years there is a significant higher value in non urban health centre, with the exception of Price of DDD for 2008 and 2009 where such ratio is non significantly higher in urban heath centre.

CONCLUSIONS

During the study period, demographic growth was higher than the prescription growth in volume and in value. Prescription was more frequent and expensive in non-urban Health Centres. Price of DDD decreases from 2007 to 2009 signifying a much cheaper NSAIDs therapeutics.

Bioethanol from the Portuguese forest residue Pterospartum tridentatum--an evaluation of pretreatment strategy for enzymatic saccharification and sugars fermentation

Under the current energy scenario, the development of alternatives to fossil fuels, like bioethanol from lignocellulosic materials, is highly relevant. Therefore it is important to search and study new raw materials and to optimize the different steps that lead to bioethanol production. In this work, acid diluted pretreatment was optimized considering the release of sugars. Under the optimal conditions, the reducing sugars yield was of 293.4mg/g of dry biomass in liquid fraction. The tested pretreated samples of Pterospartum tridentatum that presented a higher glucose yield in enzymatic saccharification where those that were subject to a pretreatment at 180°C for 75min with 2.75% (w/w) of sulfuric acid when using a biomass/liquid ratio of 2.25g/10mL leading to a maximum yield of glucose that was 92% of the theoretical maximum. From the fermentation of filtrates it was possible to obtain a maximum ethanol yield of 0.26g ethanol/g total sugars, without previous detoxification.

Antioxidant responses versus DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in golden grey mullet liver: a field study at Ria de Aveiro (Portugal)

The present work aimed to investigate golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) liver protection versus damage responses at a polluted coastal lagoon, Ria de Aveiro (Portugal), as a tool to evaluate the human impacts on environmental health at five critical sites in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal) in comparison to a reference site (Torreira; TOR). Protection was evaluated by measuring non-enzymatic [total glutathione (GSHt) and non-protein thiols (NPT)] and enzymatic [catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR)] antioxidant defenses. Damage was assessed as DNA integrity loss and lipid peroxidation (LPO). No significant differences were found between sites in terms of non-enzymatic defenses (GSHt and NPT). CAT did not display significant differences among sites. However, GPx at Barra (BAR, associated with naval traffic), Gafanha (GAF, harbor and dry-dock activities area), Laranjo (LAR, metal contaminated associated with chlor-alkali plant), and Vagos (VAG, contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) was significantly lower than the reference site. GST was lower at GAF, Rio Novo do Príncipe (RIO, pulp mill effluent area), LAR, and VAG, whereas GR was lower at RIO. The loss of antioxidant defenses was paralleled by higher LPO levels only at GAF and VAG. However, no DNA integrity loss was found. Results highlight the importance of the adopted multibiomarkers as applied in the liver of L. aurata in coastal water pollution monitoring. The integration of liver antioxidant defense and damage responses can improve the aquatic contamination assessment.

Daily availability of nutrients and metals in a eutrophic meso-tidal coastal lagoon (Obidos lagoon, Portugal)

This baseline reports daily variations of physico-chemical parameters, nutrients and metals in water of two sites [eutrophic conditions (BB) versus reference (LL)] in Obidos coastal lagoon (Portugal). Dissolved oxygen in BB varied between 40% saturation levels (night) and 190% (daylight). NH(4)(+), PO(4)(3-) and ratios to Al of Mn, Fe and Pb in suspended particulate matter increased during the period of lower oxygenation, indicating exportation of nutrients and metals from the sediment to water at night. At LL, O(2) values oscillated always around 100%. PO(4)(3-) and Mn/Al ratio at LL were always lower than at BB and no increases were found during the night. The input of PO(4)(3-) and Mn provided from the sediment at BB during the night could surpass the contribution of freshwater discharges. PCA confirmed the separation of most samples from BB and LL. These results pointed to the importance of assessing chemical conditions over day-night cycles.

Use of coarse-resolution models of species' distributions to guide local conservation inferences

Distribution models are used increasingly for species conservation assessments over extensive areas, but the spatial resolution of the modeled data and, consequently, of the predictions generated directly from these models are usually too coarse for local conservation applications. Comprehensive distribution data at finer spatial resolution, however, require a level of sampling that is impractical for most species and regions. Models can be downscaled to predict distribution at finer resolutions, but this increases uncertainty because the predictive ability of models is not necessarily consistent beyond their original scale. We analyzed the performance of downscaled, previously published models of environmental favorability (a generalized linear modeling technique) for a restricted endemic insectivore, the Iberian desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), and a more widespread carnivore, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), in the Iberian Peninsula. The models, built from presence-absence data at 10 × 10 km resolution, were extrapolated to a resolution 100 times finer (1 × 1 km). We compared downscaled predictions of environmental quality for the two species with published data on local observations and on important conservation sites proposed by experts. Predictions were significantly related to observed presence or absence of species and to expert selection of sampling sites and important conservation sites. Our results suggest the potential usefulness of downscaled projections of environmental quality as a proxy for expensive and time-consuming field studies when the field studies are not feasible. This method may be valid for other similar species if coarse-resolution distribution data are available to define high-quality areas at a scale that is practical for the application of concrete conservation measures.

Mullet and gudgeon liver histopathology and macroinvertebrate indexes and metrics upstream and downstream from a wastewater treatment plant (Febros River--Portugal)

The increased pollution in ecosystems reinforces the importance of both chemical monitoring and biological monitoring of streams and rivers, as an effective water quality-based approach to assess aquatic ecosystem health. In this study, gudgeon (Gobio gobio) and mullet (Mugil cephalus) liver histopathology (biomarker) and some macroinvertebrate community indexes and metrics (bioindicator) were used to evaluate the effect of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of Febros (Avintes) in Febros River water quality and ecosystem health. Regarding macroinvertebrate communities, the Belgian Biotic Index (BBI) and Iberian Biological Monitoring Working Party (IBMWP) indexes suggested that Febros water was slightly polluted, even though the worst situation was found downstream the WWTP discharge. Concerning community metrics, upstream percent of individuals in five numerically dominant taxa (80%) was slightly more superior than the downstream (78%). The presence of intolerant or sensible individuals, determined by percent of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera individuals and number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera families metrics, was higher upstream WWTP, reflecting a better water quality. The histopathology shows the presence of hepatic lesions in gudgeon and mullet. The statistical analysis of the lesion gradation showed that only necrosis was significantly higher in gudgeon captured downstream the WWTP, while differences were not observed for mullet. The multivariate analysis of data confirmed the existence of differences in hepatic lesions between gudgeon and mullet and between sampling sites. Regarding macroinvertebrate community, this analysis showed that the organic contamination reflected by the BBI and IBMWP indexes values was a determinant factor in the spatial distribution of macroinvertebrates. This work showed that the study of different biological organization levels can be used for a better assessment of ecosystem ecological integrity and can be used as a tool to reveal anthropogenic activity effects in macroinvertebrate diversity and in fish liver pathology from Febros River.

Seasonal Liza aurata tissue-specific DNA integrity in a multi-contaminated coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal)

In this study, the DNA integrity of golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) collected in differently contaminated sites of a coastal lagoon, Ria de Aveiro (Portugal), was assessed, over the period of 1 year, using the DNA alkaline unwinding assay, in four different tissues (gill, kidney, liver and blood) and compared to a reference site. The four tissues displayed different DNA integrity basal levels, clearly affected by seasonal factors. Gill and kidney were, respectively, the most and least sensitive tissues. All sites demonstrated the capacity to interfere with DNA integrity. The sites displaying the highest and lowest DNA damage capability were, respectively, Barra (subject to naval traffic) and Vagos (contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). In terms of seasonal variability, autumn seems to be the more critical season (more DNA damage) unlike summer when no DNA damage was found in any tissue. Data recommend the continued monitoring of this aquatic system.

Bentazon triggers the promotion of oxidative damage in the Portuguese ricefield cyanobacterium Anabaena cylindrica: response of the antioxidant system

Rice fields are frequently exposed to environmental contamination by herbicides and cyanobacteria, as primary producers of these aquatic ecosystems, are adversely affected. Anabaena cylindrica is a cyanobacterium with a significantly widespread occurrence in Portuguese rice fields. This strain was studied throughout 72 h in laboratory conditions for its stress responses to sublethal concentrations (0.75-2 mM) of bentazon, a selective postemergence herbicide recommended for integrated weed management in rice, with special reference to oxidative stress, role of proline and intracellular antioxidant enzymes in herbicide-induced free radicals detoxification. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) increased in a time- and herbicide dose-response manner and were higher than those in the control samples after 72 h. A time- and concentration-dependent increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the enhanced cell membrane leakage following bentazon exposure are indicative of lipid peroxidation, free radicals formation, and oxidative damage, while increased amounts of SOD, CAT, APX, GST, and proline indicated their involvement in free radical scavenging mechanisms. The appreciable decline in the reduced glutathione (GSH) pool after 72 h at higher bentazon concentrations could be explained by the reduction of the NADPH-dependent glutathione reductase (GR) activity. The obtained results suggested that the alterations of antioxidant systems in A. cylindrica might be useful biomarkers of bentazon exposure. As the toxic mechanism of bentazon is a complex phenomenon, this study also adds relevant findings to explain the oxidative stress pathways of bentazon promoting oxidative stress in cyanobacteria.

Monitoring of firefighters exposure to smoke during fire experiments in Portugal

Forest fires represent a serious threat to public security in Europe due to the large burned area. Moreover, smoke pollution due to forest fire events is an important public health issue for the communities directly affected, and particularly for the personnel involved in firefighting operations. Aiming to contribute to the scientific knowledge concerning firefighters exposure to forest fires smoke, data of individual exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter were obtained during experimental field fires for a group of 10 firefighters equipped with portable "in continuum" measuring devices. Measured values are very high exceeding the Occupational Exposure Standard limits, in particular for peak limit thresholds. These are the first measurements and analysis of firefighter's individual exposure to toxic gases and particles in fire smoke experiments in Europe. However, they already indicate that urgent measures to avoid these levels of exposure are needed.

On the influence of faulting on small-scale soil-gas radon variability: a case study in the Iberian Uranium Province

In order to evaluate the influence of faulting on the variability of geogenic radon at detailed scale (1:2000), data on gamma ray fluxes, U and Th concentrations in rocks, radon in soil-gas and radon in groundwater were collected in three target areas on the Oliveira do Hospital region (Central Portugal). This region stands on the Iberian Uranium Province, and is dominantly composed of Hercynian granites and metasedimentary rocks of pre-Ordovician age, crosscut by faults with dominant strike N35 degrees E, N55 degrees E and N75 degrees E. Radiometric anomalies are frequent, associated with faults of the referred systems and metasedimentary enclaves; the analytical data confirms that these anomalies are produced by local high uranium contents in rocks and fault-filling materials (n=34, range 13-724 ppm), while other radiogenic elements are relatively constant (e.g. Th 4-30 ppm). Radon concentration in soil can be extremely high, up to 12,850 kBq m(-3) (n=215), with a large proportion of results above 100 kBq m(-3). Unsurprisingly, groundwater also shows high radon concentrations, with observed values in the range 150-4850 Bq.L(-1) (n=17). From the results it is concluded that metasedimentary enclaves, as well as faults, can accumulate uranium from circulating fluids, and as a consequence, strongly locally enhance geogenic radon potential. Due to this fact, for the purpose of land use planning in such uranium-enriched regions, very detailed geological mapping is needed to precisely recognize radon high risk areas. A correlation between radon concentration in soil or in groundwater and gamma ray fluxes was established pointing to the possible use of these fluxes as a first step in assessing geogenic radon potential, at least to geological setting similar to the study area.

Iodine intake in Portuguese pregnant women: results of a countrywide study

BACKGROUND

Iodine is the key element for thyroid hormone synthesis, and its deficiency, even moderate, is harmful in pregnancy, when needs are increased, because of its potential deleterious effects on fetal brain development. In Portugal, no recent data on iodine intake exists. The objective of this countrywide study was to analyze iodine status in pregnant Portuguese women in order to propose adequate measures to the health authorities.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Using a fast colorimetric method, urine iodine concentration (UIC) was evaluated in 3631 pregnant women followed in 17 maternity hospitals from hinterland and coastal areas in Continental Portugal and the Portuguese islands of Açores and Madeira.

RESULTS

Median UIC value was 84.9 μg/l (range 67.6-124.1) in Continental Portugal, 69.5 μg/l in Madeira, and 50.0 μg/l in Açores. The percentage of satisfactory values (>150 μg/l) was 16.8, ranging from 8.8 to 34.1 in the Continent, and being 8.2 in Madeira and 2.3 in Açores. The percentage of values below 50 μg/l was 23.7, ranging from 14.0 to 37.4 in the Continent, 33.7 in Madeira, and 50.0 in Açores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results point to an inadequate iodine intake in pregnant women assisted in most Portuguese maternity hospitals. Considering the potential deleterious effects of inadequate iodine supply in pregnancy, iodine supplementation is strongly recommended in this period of life.