A low protein diet alters the balance of islet cell replication and apoptosis in the fetal and neonatal rat and is associated with a reduced pancreatic expression of insulin-like growth factor-II

A programmed turnover of pancreatic beta cells occurs in the neonatal rat involving a loss of beta cells by apoptosis, and their replacement by islet cell replication and neogenesis. The timing of apoptosis is associated with a loss of expression of a survival factor, insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II), in the pancreatic islets. Offspring from rats chronically fed a low protein isocalorific diet (LP) exhibit a reduced pancreatic beta cell mass at birth and a reduced insulin secretion in later life. This study therefore investigated the impact of LP on islet cell ontogeny in the late fetal and neonatal rat, and any associated changes in the presence of IGFs and their binding proteins (IGFBPs). Pregnant Wistar rats were fed either LP (8% protein) or normal (C) (20% protein) chow from shortly after conception until the offspring were 21 days postnatal (PN). Bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered 1 h before rats were killed and pancreata removed from animals between 19.5 days fetal life and postnatal day 21. Offspring of rats given LP diet had reduced birthweight, pancreatic beta cell mass, and pancreas insulin content, with smaller islets compared with control fed animals, which persisted to weaning. Histological analysis showed that islets from pups given LP diet had a lower nuclear labeling index with BrdU in the beta cells, although, paradoxically, more beta cells showed immunoreactivity for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Because PCNA is present in G1 as well as S phase of the cell cycle, we quantified the number of beta cells immunopositive for cyclin D1, a marker of G1, and NEK2, an indicator of cells in G2 and mitosis. More beta cells in islets from LP-fed animals contained cyclin D1, but less contained NEK2 than did those in controls. This suggests that the beta cell cycle may have a prolonged G1 phase in LP-fed animals in vivo. Offspring of rats given C diet had a low rate of islet cell apoptosis detected by the TUNEL method in fetal and neonatal life (1-2%), with a transient increase to 8% at PN day 14. Offspring of rats receiving LP diet demonstrated a significantly greater level of islet cell apoptosis at every age, rising to 15% at PN 14. IGF-II mRNA was quantified in whole pancreas and was significantly reduced in LP-fed animals at ages up to PN day 10. IGF-II immunoreactivity within the islets of LP-fed rats was also less apparent, but no changes were seen in immunoreactive IGF-I or IGFBPs-2 to -5. These findings show that LP diet changes the balance of beta cell replication and apoptosis in fetal and neonatal neonatal life, which may involve an altered length of beta cell cycle, and contribute to the smaller islet size and impaired insulin release seen in later life. A reduced pancreatic expression of IGF-II may contribute to the lower beta cell proliferation rate and increased apoptosis seen in the fetus and neonate after feeding LP diet.

The Drosophila protein Dof is specifically required for FGF signaling

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) transmit signals to the cell nucleus via the MAP kinase (MAPK) cascade, using specific molecules to link the activated receptors to the MAPK cascade activator, Ras. We have identified a component of the FGF receptor (FGFR) signal transduction pathway, Downstream of FGFR (Dof). Dof is an intracellular protein that is essential for signal transmission by the FGFR and acts downstream of the receptor and upstream of Ras. Unlike other signaling molecules that act downstream of RTKs, Dof is not expressed ubiquitously but is present exclusively in cells that express FGFRs. Dof is needed in these cells for activation of the MAPK cascade via FGF signaling, but not for activation via other RTK ligands. Dof therefore appears to be committed exclusively to FGFR-mediated signal transduction.

Risk assessment for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in urban soils: chemical availability as the central concept

To assess the geochemical reactivity and oral bioaccessibility of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in urban soils from the Porto area, four extractions were performed including Aqua Regia (AR; pseudototal), 0.43 M HNO3 (reactive), 0.01 M CaCl2 (available), and 0.4 M glycine at pH = 1.5, SBET method (oral bioaccessible pool). Oral bioaccessibility in urban soils was higher than in samples from rural, industrial and mining areas which is most likely related to sources of metals and parent materials of corresponding soils. The availability and reactivity were described well by non-linear Freundlich-type equations when considering differences in soil properties. The resulting empirical models are able to predict availability and reactivity and can be used to improve the accuracy of risk assessment. Furthermore, a close 1:1 relationship exists between results from the 0.43 M HNO3 method and the SBET method which substantially facilitates risk assessment procedures and reduces analytical costs.

Efficiency of the Refocused31P−29Si MAS-J-INEPT NMR Experiment for the Characterization of Silicophosphate Crystalline Phases and Amorphous Gels

One- and two-dimensional refocused MAS-J-INEPT NMR experiments in the solid state (through-bond polarization transfer) involving the highly abundant 31P spin and the rare 29Si spin are described for the crystalline silicophosphate phase Si5O(PO4)6 and complex mixtures of SiP2O7 polymorphs. The evaluation of the 2JP-O-Si coupling constants for all 29Si sites is obtained by the careful analysis of the INEPT build-up curves under fast MAS. The results are in agreement with the crystallographic data, taking into account the various J coupling paths. The efficiency of the experiment is demonstrated by its application to more complex systems such as silicophosphate amorphous gels (obtained by the sol-gel process).

Treatment of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome periodontitis

BACKGROUND, AIMS

Conventional mechanical treatment of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome periodontitis has a poor prognosis. This report describes an effective antimicrobial treatment of rapidly progressing periodontitis in an 11-year old girl having Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome.

METHOD

Clinical examination included conventional periodontal measurements and radiographic analysis. Occurrence of major suspected periodontopathic bacteria was determined by selective and non-selective culture and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification. Presence of cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr type 1 virus was determined by a nested-PCR detection method. Therapy included scaling and root planing, oral hygiene instruction, and systemic amoxicillin-metronidazole therapy (250 mg of each/3 times daily/10 days) which, based on follow-up microbiological testing, was repeated after 4 months. Supportive periodontal therapy took place at 2 visits during a 16-month period.

RESULTS

At baseline, 10 of 22 available teeth demonstrated severe periodontal breakdown. At 16 months, probing and radiographic measurements revealed no teeth with additional attachment loss, and several teeth exhibited significant reduction in gingivitis and pocket depth, increase in radiographic alveolar bone height and clinical attachment level, and radiographic evidence of crestal lamina dura. Baseline subgingival microbiota included Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (3.4% of total isolates), Prevotella nigrescens (16.4%), Fusobacteriumnucleatum (14.3%) and Peptostreptococcus micros (10.6%), as well as cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr type 1 virus. At termination of the study, culture and PCR examinations showed absence of A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. micros and herpesviruses, and P. nigrescens and F.nucleatum each comprised less than 0.1 % of subgingival isolates.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that controlling the periodontopathic microbiota by appropriate antibiotic and conventional periodontal therapy can arrest Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome periodontitis.

Microbiological features of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome periodontitis

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome patients exhibit hyperkeratosis palmo-plantaris and severe periodontitis. The syndrome is an autosomal recessive trait, but the mechanism of periodontal destruction is not known. This report presents the clinical and microbiological features of an 11-year old girl with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome. Clinical examination included conventional periodontal measurements and radiographic analysis. In samples from 3 deep periodontal lesions, the occurrence of major suspected periodontopathic bacteria was determined by selective and non-selective culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification, and the presence of cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr type 1 virus by a nested-PCR detection method. 10 of 22 available teeth demonstrated severe periodontal breakdown. Major cultivable bacteria included Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (3.4% of total isolates), Prevotella nigrescens (16.4%), Fusobacterium nucleatum (14.3%) and Peptostreptococcus micros (10.6%). A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. nigrescens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Eikenella corrodens were identified by PCR analysis. The patient's non-affected parents and older brother revealed several periodontal pathogens but not A. actinomycetemcomitans. The viral examination demonstrated cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr type 1 virus in the subgingival sample of the Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome patient. The father and brother yielded subgingival cytomegalovirus but not Epstein-Barr type 1 virus. We hypothesize that human herpesviruses in concert with A. actinomycetemcomitans play important rôles in the development of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome periodontitis.

Hepatitis E Virus in Sylvatic and Captive Wild Boar from Portugal

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic agent today considered a major Public Health issue in industrialized countries. HEV strains belonging to zoonotic genotype 3 are widely present in swine, being today considered important reservoirs for human disease. Unlike in swine, only scarce data are available on the circulation of HEV in wild boar. This study describes the detection and molecular characterization of HEV in livers from sylvatic wild boar hunted in Portugal and destined for consumption. Additionally, the detection of HEV in stools of a confined wild boar population also destined for consumption is also described. A total of 80 liver samples collected during the hunting season of 2011/2012 and 40 stools collected in February 2012 from a wild boar breeding farm in Portugal were tested by a nested broad-spectrum RT-PCR assay targeting open reading frame (ORF) 1. Twenty livers (25.0%) and 4 stools (10%) were positive for HEV. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all strains clustered with sequences classified as HEV genotype 3 subgenotype e. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting the occurrence and molecular analysis of HEV in sylvatic and captive wild boar destined for human consumption in Portugal. This report demonstrates for the first time the circulation of HEV in wildlife reservoirs of Portugal adding knowledge to the epidemiology of HEV in wild boar populations.

ERECT WING, the Drosophila member of a family of DNA binding proteins is required in imaginal myoblasts for flight muscle development

The erect wing locus of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster encodes a protein, EWG, that shares extensive homology with the P3A2 DNA binding protein of sea urchin and a recently identified mammalian transcription factor. Loss-of-function erect wing alleles result in embryonic lethality. Viable alleles of erect wing cause severe abnormalities of the indirect flight muscles. We have analyzed the spatial pattern of erect wing expression in the developing indirect flight muscles during postembryonic development. EWG is detected, 10 hours after puparium formation, in myoblasts that will form the indirect flight muscles. The early events of muscle development are normal in ewg mutants. However, a few hours after the onset of erect wing expression in myoblasts, defects are seen in the developing indirect flight muscles which subsequently degenerate. We present results that show that the normal development of the indirect flight muscles requires erect wing expression in the progenitor myoblasts themselves. Finally, we examine the role of target muscles in the arborization of motor axons by studying the developing innervation to the flight muscle in erect wing mutants. Our study demonstrates, for the first time, a role for a regulatory gene expressed in imaginal myoblasts in Drosophila.

Hepatitis A virus detection in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction

Shellfish are readily contaminated with viruses present in water containing sewage because of the concentration effect of filter feeding. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the main cause of acute hepatitis worldwide and may lead to severe illness or even death. It is transmitted through fecal and oral routes and causes widespread endemic and asymptomatic infections in young children. Here we describe a method for the detection of HAV RNA in shellfish involving the extraction of total RNA from oyster meat followed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Virus recovery from oyster extracts artificially seeded with HAV strain HM 175 was examined by RT-PCR. The minimum detection limit was 3.3 focus-forming units of HAV, and the recovery rate was 75.7%. This method was used to assess the viral contamination of four shellfish beds in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, over a 1-year period. Six (22%) of 27 samples collected in autumn and winter from one shellfish bed tested positive for HAV.

Bioavailability and bioaccumulation of heavy metals of several soils and sediments (from industrialized urban areas) for Eisenia fetida

Soils and sediments are susceptible to anthropogenic contamination with Metallic Trace Elements (MTEs) and it can present some risks to ecosystems and human health. The levels of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn were assessed in soils (C, G, K, L) from Estarreja (Portugal) and sediments from a stormwater basin in Lyon (DJG), a harbour (LDB) and a Rhône river site (TRS) (France). An ecotoxicological study was performed with Eisenia fetida (E. fetida) to infer about potential transfer risks to the soil invertebrates. To assess risks associated with MTEs contamination, it is important to know their total concentrations, fractionation and the potential available fractions. CaCl₂, DTPA and NaOAc extractions were performed to assess the extractable and available MTEs fractions. The studied sediments were much more contaminated than the soils for all the MTEs analysed. The trace elements fraction linked with DTPA extraction shows higher values when compared with the NaOAc and the CaCl₂ pools. Low mortality effects were recorded in the tests with E. fetida. The MTEs levels in soils and sediments and the concentrations bioaccumulated in adult earthworms contributed to a reduction in the number of juveniles produced. E. fetida adults and juveniles accumulated ETMs as follows: Cd > Cu = Zn > Ni > Pb > Fe. Determined BAFs were mostly lower than 1 with some higher values for Cd, Cu and Zn. Calculated SET and ERITME indexes allowed to classify the samples from the most to the less toxic for E. fetida as: LDB > DJG > L > G > C > K > TRS. Despite this order of toxicity, the earthworms exposed to the sediment TRS presented the lowest reproduction rate. The combination of "chemical" measurements with the calculation of BAFs, but especially SET and ERITME indexes can be a useful tool in risk assessment.

Association between the Degree of Processing of Consumed Foods and Sleep Quality in Adolescents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between food consumption by the degree of processing and sleep quality in adolescents from São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. A cross-sectional study with 2499 adolescents (aged 18 to 19 years) was developed. Exposure variables included energy contributions of food groups stratified by the NOVA classification: fresh or minimally processed foods (FMPF), processed foods (PF), and ultra-processed foods (UPF), categorized into quartiles. The outcome variable was sleep quality assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Associations between these variables were estimated by Poisson regression, with robust estimation of variance. Most of the adolescents had poor sleep quality (57.1%). There were associations between FMPF in the third (57.1%-66.0% of total calories; prevalence ratio PR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.97) and fourth quartile (66.1%-95.8% of total calories; PR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.96) and lower prevalence of poor sleep quality. The fourth quartile of UPF (44.3%-81.8% of total calories; PR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.27) was associated with a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality. Higher intake of FMPF is a protective factor for poor sleep quality, whereas higher UPF consumption is a risk factor for poor sleep quality.

First principles NMR calculations of phenylphosphinic acid C6H5HPO(OH): assignments, orientation of tensors by local field experiments and effect of molecular motion

The complete set of NMR parameters for (17)O enriched phenylphosphinic acid C(6)H(5)HP( *)O(*OH) is calculated from first principles by using the Gauge Including Projected Augmented Wave (GIPAW) approach [C.J. Pickard, F. Mauri, All-electron magnetic response with pseudopotentials: NMR chemical shifts, Phys. Rev. B 63 (2001) 245101/1-245101/13]. The analysis goes beyond the successful assignment of the spectra for all nuclei ((1)H, (13)C, (17)O, (31)P), as: (i) the (1)H CSA (chemical shift anisotropy) tensors (magnitude and orientation) have been interpreted in terms of H bonding and internuclear distances. (ii) CSA/dipolar local field correlation experiments have allowed the orientation of the direct P-H bond direction in the (31)P CSA tensor to be determined. Experimental and calculated data were compared. (iii) The overestimation of the calculated (31)P CSA has been explained by local molecular reorientation and confirmed by low temperature static (1)H-->(31)P CP experiments.

Frequent occurrence of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole hetero-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates in different African countries

High rates of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SXT) resistance, a combination of two antifolate antibiotics trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), have been reported among Staphylococcus aureus isolates in Portuguese-speaking African countries. Our study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of TMP resistance markers in major SXT^R methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) clones from these countries. We accessed also different fitness traits that could explain the success of these isolates over the Brazilian MRSA (the most successful SXT^R MRSA clone worldwide but never identified in these countries). Minimum inhibitory concentrations for SXT, TMP and SMZ were determined, and genes encoding TMP resistance (dfrG, dfrA, dfrK and dfrB) were searched. Representatives of the Brazilian clone and of the major MRSA African clones were evaluated for their fitness by individual growth curves, competition assays, survival under desiccation, autolytic activity, resistance to oxidative stress, and also growth at high osmolarity and in acid and alkaline environments. Although all African isolates showed high-level resistance to TMP, the majority presented hetero-resistance to SXT. TMP resistance was linked to the presence of dfrG (78%), dfrA (19%) or both (3%) genes. Compared to the Brazilian clone, the African isolates showed higher growth rates and autolytic activity, and better survival to desiccation and alkaline conditions. Since isolates exhibiting SXT hetero-resistance are frequent in Africa, the implementation of standardized guidelines to detect this phenomenon is of major interest. The predominant MRSA clones in Portuguese-speaking African countries likely possess significant advantages over other clones, such as the Brazilian MRSA, that may explain their epidemiological success.

Laryngeal function in postpolio patients

Of the 250,000 survivors of the polio epidemics, approximately 25% experience progressive muscle weakness known as postpolio syndrome (PPS). Laryngeal function in postpolio patients previously has not been studied. This paper presents data detailing laryngeal function in a group of postpolio patients who had been evaluated for swallowing complaints. Nine patients underwent comprehensive history and physical exam, acoustical voice analysis, and laryngeal videostroboscopic endoscopy. Three patients underwent laryngeal electromyography (EMG) evaluation. Results indicated some degree of phonatory or laryngeal deficit in all subjects. Subjects with dysphagia also demonstrated vocal fold paralysis. EMG revealed decreased recruitment and increased amplitude, findings consistent with EMG studies in skeletal muscle in postpolio patients. Results suggest that postpolio patients who complain of swallowing difficulties are at risk for laryngeal pathology.

Oral bioaccessibility and human exposure to anthropogenic and geogenic mercury in urban, industrial and mining areas

The objective of this study was to characterize the link between bioaccessibility and fractionation of mercury (Hg) in soils and to provide insight into human exposure to Hg due to inhalation of airborne soil particles and hand-to-mouth ingestion of Hg-bearing soil. Mercury in soils from mining, urban and industrial areas was fractionated in organometallic forms; mobile; semi-mobile; and non-mobile forms as well as HCl-extractable Hg. The in vitro bioaccessibility of Hg was obtained by extracting soils with (1) a simulated human gastric fluid (pH1.5), and (2) a simulated human lung fluid (pH7.4). Total soil Hg concentrations ranged from 0.72 to 1.8 mg kg(-1) (urban areas), 0.28 to 94 mg kg(-1) (industrial area) and 0.92 to 37 mg kg(-1) (mining areas). Both organometallic Hg as well as 0.1M HCl extractable Hg were lower (<0.5% of total Hg) than Hg extracted by gastric fluid (up to 1.8% of total Hg) and lung fluid (up to 12% of total Hg). In addition, Hg extracted by lung fluid was significantly higher in urban and industrial soils (average 5.0-6.6% of total Hg) compared to mining soils. Such differences were related to levels of mobile Hg species in urban and industrial soils compared to mining soils. These results strengthen the need to measure site-specific Hg fractionation when determining Hg bioaccessibility. Results also show that ingestion and/or inhalation of Hg from soil particles can contribute up to 8% of adult total Hg intake when compared to total Hg intake via consumption of contaminated fish and animal products from contaminated areas.

Staphylococcus aureus in former Portuguese colonies from Africa and the Far East: missing data to help fill the world map

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal carriage among patients and healthcare workers in Angola (ANG), São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), Cape Verde (CV) and East Timor (ET), and to characterize the antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence content and population structure of all S. aureus. Despite the importance of MRSA as a major human pathogen, data from these former Portuguese colonies in Africa and Asia are scarce. A total of 2065 nasal swabs recovered between 2010-14 were included in the study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular characterization of S. aureus showed: (i) a very high MRSA prevalence in ANG (61.6%), moderate in STP (25.5%), low in CV (5.6%) and null in ET; (ii) a high prevalence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin in STP (36.8%), ET (29.2%) and CV (28.3%) contrasting with ANG (7.9%); (iii) ST5-SCCmecIVa, ST8-IV/V and ST5-VI were the major MRSA clones in ANG (65.2%), STP (44.8%) and CV (50%), respectively; (iv) a high resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in ANG (66.5%) and STP (50.9%), to rifampin in ANG (77.3%), and to tetracycline in STP (26.3%) and ET (20.8%); (v) three major methicillin-susceptible S. aureus clones (ST15, ST508, ST152) were present in all four countries. Age <18 years (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.24-3.31), previous surgery (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.24-4.83), no smoking (OR 4.04, 95% CI 1.05-15.50), and longer hospitalization (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.49-4.28) were risk factors for MRSA carriage. This study provided the first comprehensive overview on MRSA in former Portuguese colonies in Africa and Asia, missing data in the world map.

Risks associated with the transfer of toxic organo-metallic mercury from soils into the terrestrial feed chain

Although the transfer of organo-metallic mercury (OrgHg) in aquatic food webs has long been studied, it has only been recently recognized that there is also accumulation in terrestrial systems. There is still however little information about the exposure of grazing animals to OrgHg from soils and feed as well as on risks of exposure to animal and humans. In this study we collected 78 soil samples and 40 plant samples (Lolium perenne and Brassica juncea) from agricultural fields near a contaminated industrial area and evaluated the soil-to-plant transfer of Hg as well as subsequent trophic transfer. Inorganic Hg (IHg) concentrations ranged from 0.080 to 210mgkg(-1) d.w. in soils, from 0.010 to 84mgkg(-1) d.w. in roots and from 0.020 to 6.9mgkg(-1) d.w. in shoots. OrgHg concentrations in soils varied between 0.20 and 130μgkg(-1) d.w. representing on average 0.13% of the total Hg (THg). In root and shoot samples OrgHg comprised on average 0.58% (roots) and 0.66% (shoots) of THg. Average bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for OrgHg in relation to soil concentrations were 3.3 (for roots) and 1.5 (for shoots). The daily intake (DI) of THg in 33 sampling sites exceeded the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of THg of both cows (ADI=1.4mgd(-1)) and sheep (ADI=0.28mgd(-1)), in view of food safety associated with THg in animal kidneys. Estimated DI of OrgHg for grazing animals were up to 220μgd(-1) (for cows) and up to 33μgd(-1) (for sheep). This study suggested that solely monitoring the levels of THg in soils and feed may not allow to adequately taking into account accumulation of OrgHg in feed crops and properly address risks associated with OrgHg exposure for animals and humans. Hence, the inclusion of limits for OrgHg in feed quality and food safety legislation is advised.

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of cystic lesions of neurocysticercosis: a preliminary study

Neurocysticercosis is an endemic disease in some developing countries. It has pleomorfic clinical and imaging findings, which are variable from patient to patient. In this preliminary note, we studied the magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted images (DWI) of sixteen patients presenting with cystic lesions of this disease diagnosed by clinical and laboratorial findings. All the lesions had hypointense signal and the similar apparent diffusion coeficient (ADC) values as the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Application of the MAS-J-HMQC experiment to a new pair of nuclei {29Si,31P}: Si5O(PO4)6 and SiP2O7 polymorphs

We report the results of the two-dimensional MAS-J-HMQC experiment providing scalar correlations between 29Si and 31P nuclei in solid state NMR, and we give the first evaluation of the 2JSi-O-P coupling constants (approximately 15 Hz) for a crystalline silicophosphate phase Si5O(PO4)6. The experiment is applied to the characterization of complex mixtures of SiP2O7 phases, through editing of 31P spin pairs by the heteronuclear 2JP-O-Si interaction.

Evaluation and selection of indicators for land degradation and desertification monitoring: methodological approach

An approach to derive relationships for defining land degradation and desertification risk and developing appropriate tools for assessing the effectiveness of the various land management practices using indicators is presented in the present paper. In order to investigate which indicators are most effective in assessing the level of desertification risk, a total of 70 candidate indicators was selected providing information for the biophysical environment, socio-economic conditions, and land management characteristics. The indicators were defined in 1,672 field sites located in 17 study areas in the Mediterranean region, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Based on an existing geo-referenced database, classes were designated for each indicator and a sensitivity score to desertification was assigned to each class based on existing research. The obtained data were analyzed for the various processes of land degradation at farm level. The derived methodology was assessed using independent indicators, such as the measured soil erosion rate, and the organic matter content of the soil. Based on regression analyses, the collected indicator set can be reduced to a number of effective indicators ranging from 8 to 17 in the various processes of land degradation. Among the most important indicators identified as affecting land degradation and desertification risk were rain seasonality, slope gradient, plant cover, rate of land abandonment, land-use intensity, and the level of policy implementation.

Evaluation and selection of indicators for land degradation and desertification monitoring: types of degradation, causes, and implications for management

Indicator-based approaches are often used to monitor land degradation and desertification from the global to the very local scale. However, there is still little agreement on which indicators may best reflect both status and trends of these phenomena. In this study, various processes of land degradation and desertification have been analyzed in 17 study sites around the world using a wide set of biophysical and socioeconomic indicators. The database described earlier in this issue by Kosmas and others (Environ Manage, 2013) for defining desertification risk was further analyzed to define the most important indicators related to the following degradation processes: water erosion in various land uses, tillage erosion, soil salinization, water stress, forest fires, and overgrazing. A correlation analysis was applied to the selected indicators in order to identify the most important variables contributing to each land degradation process. The analysis indicates that the most important indicators are: (i) rain seasonality affecting water erosion, water stress, and forest fires, (ii) slope gradient affecting water erosion, tillage erosion and water stress, and (iii) water scarcity soil salinization, water stress, and forest fires. Implementation of existing regulations or policies concerned with resources development and environmental sustainability was identified as the most important indicator of land protection.

Ultra-processed food consumption is associated with increase in fat mass and decrease in lean mass in Brazilian women: A cohort study

Objective

To investigate the association between ultra-processed food consumption at 23–25 years of age and measurements of body composition–fat mass, fat mass distribution and lean mass at 37–39 years of age in Brazilian adults.

Methods

1978/1979 birth cohort study conducted with healthy adults from Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 1,021 individuals participated in the fat mass analysis (measured by air displacement plethysmography) and 815 in the lean mass analysis and fat mass distribution (assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry). Food consumption was evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire. Food items were grouped according to the level of processing as per the NOVA classification. Ultra-processed food consumption was expressed as a percentage of total daily intake (g/day). Linear regression models were used to estimate the effect of ultra-processed food consumption (g/day) on body mass index, body fat percentage, fat mass index, android fat, gynoid fat, android-gynoid fat ratio, lean mass percentage, lean mass index and appendicular lean mass index. Marginal plots were produced to visualize interactions.

Results

The mean daily ultra-processed food consumption in grams was 35.8% (813.3 g). There was an association between ultra-processed food consumption and increase in body mass index, body fat percentage, fat mass index, android fat and gynoid fat and decrease in lean mass percentage, only in women.

Conclusion

A high ultra-processed food consumption is associated with a long-term increase in fat mass and a decrease in lean mass in adult women.

Indoor air pollution in old people's homes related to some health problems: a survey study

The present research reports on a survey of 96 subjects between the ages of 60 and 95 years, living close to Paris in a social collective habitat. The aim was to show, using goodness-of-fit statistical tests (P < 0.1), how old people lifestyles can subject them to generated chemical or bacteriological indoor pollutants. Risk factors due to lifestyles were analyzed in relation to complaints and to health condition. There are many ways that old people are exposed to pollutants: difficulty in maintaining the residence, preference for staying in the kitchens, substantial use of cleaning chemicals. However, the principal risk for health problems is arguably inadequate ventilation (unclean screens, blocked air vents, etc.), which increases the concentration of indoor pollutants. These risks are amplified by ignorance about the hazards of inadequate ventilation.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The present investigation suggests that the lifestyle and the behavior of old people could be the cause of an interior air pollution of their housing. Measures realized in representative dwellings selected in relation to results must confirm that these risks would require the installation of an automatic monitoring system of the indoor air near these people.

Availability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to earthworms in urban soils and its implications for risk assessment

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a global problem, and in urban soils they can be found at potentially hazard levels. Nevertheless, the real risks that these contaminants pose to the environment are not well known, since the bioavailability of PAHs in urban soils has been poorly studied. Therefore, the bioavailability of PAHs in some selected urban soils from Lisbon (Portugal) was evaluated. Moreover, the applicability of a first screening phase based on total contents of PAHs was assessed. Results show that bioavailability of PAHs is reduced (low levels in earthworms, low accumulation percentages, and low biota-to-soil accumulation factors values), especially in more contaminated soils. The aging of these compounds explains this low availability, and confirms the generally accepted assumption that accumulation of PAHs in urban areas is mostly related with a long-term deposition of contaminated particles. The comparison of measured PAHs concentrations in earthworm tissues with the ones predicted based on theoretical models, reinforce that risks based on total levels are overestimated, but it can be a good initial approach for urban soils. This study also highlights the need of more reliable ecotoxicological data.