Exposure to particulate matter (PM) has been associated with adverse health outcomes, particularly in susceptible population groups such as children. This study aims to characterise children's ...exposure to PM and its chemical constituents. Size-segregated aerosol samples (PM0.25, PM0.25–0.5, PM0.5–1.0, PM1.0–2.5 and PM2.5–10) were collected in the indoor and outdoor of homes and schools located in Lisbon (Portugal). Organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC) were determined by a thermo-optical method, whereas major and trace elements were analysed by X-Ray Fluorescence. In school, the children were exposed to higher PM concentrations than in home, which might be associated not only to the elevated human occupancy but also to outdoor infiltration. The pattern of PM mass size distribution was dependent on the location (home vs. school and indoor vs. outdoor). The presence of EC in PM0.25 and OC in PM0.25–0.5 was linked to traffic exhaust emissions. OC and EC in PM2.5–10 may be explained by their adhesion to the surface of coarser particles. Generally, the concentrations of mineral and marine elements increased with increasing PM size, while for anthropogenic elements happened the opposite. In schools, the concentrations of mineral matter, anthropogenic elements and marine aerosol were higher than in homes. High mineral matter concentrations found in schools were related to the close proximity to busy roads and elevated human occupancy. Overall, the results suggest that exposure to PM is relevant and highlights the need for strategies that provide healthier indoor environments, principally in schools.
•Assessment of concentrations and chemical composition of PM in homes and schools.•In school the children were exposed to much higher PM concentrations than in home.•PM concentrations were frequently higher indoors than outdoors.•PM mass size distribution depended on the location (home vs. school; indoor vs. outdoor).•Contributions from chemical constituents varied by PM size.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Access to detailed comparisons in air quality variations encountered when commuting through a city offers the urban traveller more informed choice on how to minimise personal exposure to inhalable ...pollutants. In this study we report on an experiment designed to compare atmospheric contaminants inhaled during bus, subway train, tram and walking journeys through the city of Barcelona. Average number concentrations of particles 10-300 nm in size, N, are lowest in the commute using subway trains (N<2.5×104part.cm−3), higher during tram travel and suburban walking (2.5×104cm−3<N<5.0×104cm−3), and highest in diesel bus or walking in the city centre (N>5.0×104cm−3), with extreme transient peaks at busy traffic crossings commonly exceeding 1.0×105cm−3 and accompanied by peaks in Black Carbon and CO. Subway particles are coarser (mode 90nm) than in buses, trams or outdoors (<70nm), and concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and Black Carbon are lower in the tram when compared to both bus and subway. CO2 levels in public transport reflect passenger numbers, more than tripling from outdoor levels to >1200ppm in crowded buses and trains. There are also striking differences in inhalable particle chemistry depending on the route chosen, ranging from aluminosiliceous at roadsides and near pavement works, ferruginous with enhanced Mn, Co, Zn, Sr and Ba in the subway environment, and higher levels of Sb and Cu inside the bus. We graphically display such chemical variations using a ternary diagram to emphasise how “air quality” in the city involves a consideration of both physical and chemical parameters, and is not simply a question of measuring particle number or mass.
•Big differences in the aerosols inhaled in bus, subway, tram and walking journeys•Particle number concentration is lowest in subway trains and highest in diesel bus•City centre traffic crossings show particle transient peaks >1×105part./cm3•Tram is the cleanest form of city public transport when compared to bus and subway•Subway particles are rich in Fe–Mn, and diesel bus particles are richer in Sb–Cu
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Motor stereotypies are frequently reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, but determinants of stereotypies remain poorly understood. In this study, a randomized sample of children with ...diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder was investigated to identify the prevalence and determinants of stereotypies. A total of 134 children who carried the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder were included (aged 2.3–17.6 years; 79.1% male). Stereotypies were classified during a standardized protocol with video recording. The prevalence of stereotypies was 56.7%. Among 1198 captured stereotypies, hand/arm stereotypies were the most frequent. Thirty-five morphology patterns were identified, the most frequent being hand flapping, tapping, and jumping. In univariate analysis, an association was found between stereotypies and younger age (odds ratio = 0.74), developmental delay, or intellectual disability (odds ratio = 5.25), being nonverbal (odds ratio = 0.06), epilepsy (odds ratio = 3.89), Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised-A score (odds ratio = 1.17), Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised-C score (odds ratio = 1.25), and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–2 score (odds ratio = 1.65). After multivariate analysis, only younger age, being nonverbal, and Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised-A and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–2 scores remained as determinants of stereotypies. The prevalence of stereotypies in autism spectrum disorder was close to the values obtained in a previous meta-analysis and seems to represent a valid value. The combination of younger age, being nonverbal, and autism severity seems to increase the odds of stereotypies.
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Motor stereotypies are one of the most frequent features in children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. They may disrupt children’s functioning and development and be a potential source of stress for families. Several factors, including sex, age, cognitive ability, and severity of autism spectrum disorder, may influence the presence and intensity of stereotypies. The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of motor stereotypies in a group of children with autism spectrum disorder. In addition, it sought to investigate whether sex, age, cognitive ability, verbal language, neurological comorbidities, and severity of autism spectrum disorder were associated with an increased probability and higher number, duration, and variability of stereotypies. A total of 134 participants aged 2.3–17.6 years underwent a clinical protocol with standardized video-recorded sessions. Stereotypies were identified and classified by two independent evaluators. The prevalence of stereotypies was 56.7%, and a total of 1198 motor stereotypies were captured. Children who were younger, nonverbal, and had higher severity of autism spectrum disorder had an increased probability of presenting stereotypies. Being nonverbal or having higher severity of autism spectrum disorder was also associated with presenting a higher number of stereotypies. Children with developmental delay, intellectual disability, or epilepsy displayed longer stereotypies, and children with developmental delay or intellectual disability additionally presented more diverse stereotypies. As part of the study, the authors present a clinical classification model, a glossary, and video samples of motor stereotypies. The findings of this study suggest that children who are younger, nonverbal, have lower cognitive ability, and have higher severity of autism spectrum disorder may have a higher burden of stereotypies. Earlier intervention and monitoring of these children have the potential to improve their long-term outcomes.
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NUK, OILJ, SAZU, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Evaluate the celiac disease (CD) markers, within the scope of its screening, in a pediatric population with diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) at Hospital de Braga (HB) and determine the prevalence ...of CD in the sample. Reflect on CD screening algorithm applied in this pediatric population.
Retrospective observational study with 94 patients diagnosed with T1D at age 10 years or younger, followed up at the HB Outpatient Diabetology Consultation, including those referred from other hospitals. Record of clinical information, IgA anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomysium and HLA DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes.
We obtained positive serological test for CD in 4 patients. This test had 100% sensitivity and specificity. The prevalence of CD was 4.3% (n = 4). Positive HLA screening in 84.6% of patients, with both sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100% and specificity of 16.67%. Diagnosis of CD was made on average 3.40 ± 3.32 years after the diagnosis of TD1. All cases of CD registered non-gastrointestinal manifestations, none had gastrointestinal symptoms.
This study proved that there is a higher prevalence of CD in pediatric population with TD1, when compared to general population, and clarified the importance of CD screening. Furthermore, it was observed that serological screening for CD antibodies is an excellent screening test and HLA typing, although not the most suitable first line test, can be useful in excluding the possibility of patients with T1D developing CD.
PM10 samples were collected at the Kraków air quality traffic monitoring station during two periods: February–May 2018 and February–June 2020. The PM10 concentrations dropped by 50% from 74 ± 29 ...µg/m3 to 37 ± 13 µg/m3 in 2018 and 2020, respectively. The elemental concentrations were determined by the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) method, and the ion concentrations were determined by ion chromatography (IC). The concentration ratios in 2018 to 2020 were greater than 1.7 for the following elements: S, Cl, K, Zn, Br, and the ions SO42−, Na+, and NH4+. Similar concentrations were observed in 2018 and 2020 for the following chemical species: Ca, Ti, Mn, Ni, Rb, Sr, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and PO43−. The Cr concentration was higher in 2020 compared to 2018. Four source profiles were obtained from the PMF (Positive Matrix Factorization) modelling. The following sources were attributed to this: solid fuel combustion, secondary inorganic aerosols, traffic/industry/construction work, and soil. The contributions of solid fuel combustion and secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA) were significantly lower in February and March 2020 than in February and March 2018. The relative differences were in the range 70–98%. Traffic/industry/construction work contributions were 6% and 36% lower in March and May 2020 compared to the same months in 2018, respectively. Two factors affected the characteristics of PM10: one was the ban of using coal and wood for heating purposes introduced in Krakow in September 2019, observed mainly in February and March, and the COVID-19 pandemic that was observed mainly in April and May.
•GLE data for N2O, CH4 and N2 in C4C1imN(CN)2 up to 363K and 70MPa reported.•Low N2 and CH4 solubility in C4C1imN(CN)2 with positive deviations to ideality.•Low CO2 and N2O solubility but ...selectivities higher than those of traditional solvents.•Soft-SAFT describes the GLE data using transferable molecular model and parameters.
The society and industry commitment to progressively reduce Green House Gases (GHGs) emissions forged important challenges that conventional gas separation processes are unable to overcome. Ionic liquids (ILs) have been attracting an outstanding attention during the last decade as a promising class of viable solvents to capture pollutants and for gas separation processes. Being the IL-based membranes gas separation controlled by the gas solubility in the IL rather than by its diffusivity, the solubility of gases in ILs stands as highly relevant input for their application in liquid membranes. As part of a continuing effort to develop an IL based process for high pressure capture of GHGs, the phase equilibria of nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and nitrogen (N2) were investigated in this work. Experimental gas–liquid equilibrium data for N2O, CH4 and N2 in C4C1imN(CN)2 were determined in the (293 to 363) K temperature range, for pressures up to 70MPa and gas mole fractions up to 35 %.
Unfavorable interactions towards the studied gases, with positive deviations to ideality, were observed for all the studied gases, placing the studied IL among those with the lowest selectivities reported. The observed behavior highlights that a delicate balance between the solvent polarity and its molar volume must be ascertained when a highly selective solvent for N2 or CH4 separation is envisaged. The soft-SAFT EoS successfully described the high pressure phase behavior data using the molecular model and parameters sets reported in previous works. A good description of the binary systems studied, including the small CH4 temperature dependency and the N2 reverse temperature dependency on the solubility were achieved using just one binary interaction parameter. This reinforces the use of soft-SAFT as an accurate model to describe the behavior of gases in ILs for different applications.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Terra firma-forme dermatosis is a dermatological condition characterized by the presence of hyperpigmented plaques, which are easily cleared with 70% isopropyl alcohol.CASE 1: A 14-year-old boy, with ...no relevant past medical history, presented with a brown-colored skin lesion on his chest, which had appeared one year earlier. The lesion was cleared with 70% isopropyl alcohol, proving the diagnosis of terra firma-forme dermatosis.CASE 2: A 12-year-old girl was referred to our consultation. She was obese and had insulin-resistance. On physical examination she had significant hyperpigmentation on her neck and axillae, which was interpreted as acanthosis nigricans. Nonetheless, we performed swabbing of the lesions with 70% isopropyl alcohol, which immediately cleared the skin, confirming the diagnosis of terra firma-forme dermatosis. In conclusion, terra firma-forme dermatosis is a benign and easily solved dermatosis. Nonetheless, its unesthetic appearance is often a cause of great distress to the patient. We aim to increased awareness of this entity.
The exposure to particles and bioaerosols has been associated with the increase in health effects in children. The objective of this study was to assess the indoor exposure to bioburden in the indoor ...microenvironments more frequented by children. Air particulate matter (PM) and settled dust were sampled in 33 dwellings and four schools with a medium volume sampler and with a passive method using electrostatic dust collectors (EDC), respectively. Settled dust collected by EDC was analyzed by culture-based methods (including azole resistance profile) and using qPCR. Results showed that the PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in classrooms (31.15 μg/m3 and 57.83 μg/m3, respectively) were higher than in homes (15.26 μg/m3 and 18.95 μg/m3, respectively) and highly exceeded the limit values established by the Portuguese legislation for indoor air quality. The fungal species most commonly found in bedrooms was Penicillium sp. (91.79%), whereas, in living rooms, it was Rhizopus sp. (37.95%). Aspergillus sections with toxigenic potential were found in bedrooms and living rooms and were able to grow on VOR. Although not correlated with PM, EDC provided information regarding the bioburden. Future studies, applying EDC coupled with PM assessment, should be implemented to allow for a long-term integrated sample of organic dust.
Poor sleep quality in childhood can lead to socio-emotional and academic problems. In early childhood, sleep is mostly influenced by environmental factors, such as the mother’s mental health.
The aim ...of this case report is to expand the body of knowledge surrounding the association between sleep disturbances in toddlers and maternal depression.
An 18-month-old child was referred to a Child Psychiatry consultation due to multiple nocturnal awakening almost every night since he was 3 months old. The mother reports depressive symptoms. It was concluded that the child met criteria for night awakening disorder. The treatment plan included sessions to promote parenting skills and the use of prolonged-release melatonin.
The literature shows that maternal depressive symptoms are related to difficulties in initiating and maintaining sleep in young children, and it is important to diagnose and treat this symptomatology to mitigate its impact on these children’s sleep.
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