RESUMO
The quantity and composition of litter at riversides and in the surface waters, as well as the occurrence of illegal dumping sites, were studied along four rivers in Chile. Data generated by volunteers were compared to the results from a professional survey, using an identical protocol. Litter was found in considerable quantities at the riversides and in the surface waters at all the sites investigated. A generalized linear mixed model analysis showed that the recorded litter densities did not differ between volunteers and professionals, even after controlling for river, site, or distance between sampling locations, demonstrating that the volunteers successfully applied the sampling protocol. Differences occurred with respect to litter composition, which is most likely due to difficulties in the classification of litter items and particles and to the underestimation of litter present in surface water samples. Even though this study was only conducted at a small number of rivers and sites, a comparatively consistent pattern of direct and intentional litter deposition at riversides was recorded, highlighting that river basins require more protection. The results also show that the citizen science approach can be a suitable means for more extensive litter surveys at riversides and in other natural environments.
Assuntos
Participação da Comunidade , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Rios/química , Resíduos/análise , Chile , Meio AmbienteRESUMO
Composition and abundance of persistent buoyant litter (plastics, polystyrene and manufactured wood) were investigated at riversides and on adjacent coastal beaches of four rivers flowing into the SE Pacific Ocean. Persistent buoyant litter made up the main share of litter at riversides (36-82%) and on coastal beaches near the river mouths (67-86%). The characteristic litter composition of each river is attributable to human influences along its course. Riverine litter items were deposited to both sides of the river mouths on coastal beaches, and their abundance generally declined with distance from the river mouth. However, maximum litter accumulations were often found on beaches north of the river mouth, suggesting a long-term influence of the prevailing equatorward low-level jet along the Chilean coast. The results confirm that riverine transport has an important impact on litter abundances on coastal beaches.
Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental , Plásticos/análise , Poliestirenos/análise , Resíduos/análise , Poluentes da Água/análise , Madeira/análise , Chile , Oceano PacíficoRESUMO
Anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) is frequently studied on sandy beaches and occasionally in coastal waters, but links between these two environments have rarely been studied. High densities of AMD were found in coastal waters and on local shores of a large bay system in northern-central Chile. No seasonal pattern in AMD densities was found, but there was a trend of increasing densities over the entire study period. While plastics and Styrofoam were the most common types of AMD both on shores and in coastal waters, AMD composition differed slightly between the two environments. The results suggest that AMD from coastal waters are deposited on local shores, which over time accumulate all types of AMD. The types and the very low percentages of AMD with epibionts point to mostly local sources. Based on these results, it can be concluded that a reduction of AMD will require local solutions.
Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental , Água do Mar/química , Resíduos/análise , Poluentes da Água/análise , Poluição da Água/estatística & dados numéricos , Plásticos/análise , Resíduos/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
The prevalence of urinary incontinence is around 20% of healthy middle-aged women. Incontinence causes a negative impact on the quality of life and sexuality. From August 2002 to January 2004, 30 patients (mean age 43 years) with stress urinary incontinence (59%), overactive bladder (15%) and mixed incontinence (26%) answered the ICIQ-SF(International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnarie-Short Form) and FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) questionnaires before and after treatment for urinary incontinence. The follow-up ranged from 12 to 53 months. Mean ICIQ score was 17 and 7 before and after treatment respectivelly (p<0,001). Overactive bladder showed the worst scores in all domains. The patients who underwent surgery increased their scores of desire (p=0,02), satisfaction (p=0,05) and total score (p=0,02). Thirteen patients which ICIQ was zero increased: desire (p<0,01), satisfaction (p=0,05) and total score (p=0,01). Urinary incontinence significantly affects the quality of life. Therefore sexual evaluation in incontinence patients is recommended.
Assuntos
Sexualidade , Incontinência Urinária/terapia , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Prospectivos , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
PURPOSE: To analyse the success of transvaginal urethrolysis in resolving voiding dysfunction in patients following an anti-incontinence procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 20 patients who had undergone transvaginal urethrolysis for urethral obstruction following an anti-incontinence procedure. Preoperatively, a history was taken, pelvic examination and urodynamic were done. Mean patient age was 48 years, and the median time between the anti-incontinence procedure and the urethrolysis was nine months. Four patients had urinary retention and had irritative voiding symptoms. Previous surgery included pubovaginal sling in eleven patients, retropubic urethropexy in three and bladder neck suspension in six cases. Mean length of follow up after urethrolysis was 14 months. The urodynamic study demonstrated voiding flow rate of 9.9 ml/s and detrusor pressures at maximum flow of 48cmH20. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients 14 (70%) had relief of symptoms after a single urethrolysis, while two patients underwent a second transvaginal urethrolysis, with placement of a Martius flap between the urethra and the symphysis. There was no correlation between preoperative parameters examined and the outcome from urethrolysis. CONCLUSION: Our data support transvaginal urethrolysis for the treatment of urethral obstruction after anti-incontinence surgery. It is effective and minimally invasive technique with good results that should be considered if voiding dysfunction does not resolve spontaneously.
Assuntos
Obstrução Uretral/etiologia , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Urológicos/efeitos adversos , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Complicações Pós-Operatórias , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Uretra/patologia , Uretra/cirurgia , Incontinência Urinária por Estresse/cirurgia , Retenção Urinária/etiologia , Urodinâmica , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Urológicos/métodos , Vagina/cirurgiaRESUMO
Herein we report on the abundance and composition of floating marine debris (FMD) in coastal waters of the SE-Pacific (off the Chilean coast) during the austral summer 2002. The observed FMD consisted mainly of plastic material (86.9%). Densities of FMD were highest between 20 degrees S and 40 degrees S, corresponding to the main concentrations of human population and activities. Low densities of FMD were found in the south between 40 degrees S and 50 degrees S (<1 item km(-2)). Generally, the highest densities were recorded in nearshore waters of major port cities (>20 items km(-2)), but occasionally high concentrations of debris were also found 50 km offshore. Densities of FMD in coastal waters of the SE-Pacific are of similar magnitudes as those found in coastal waters or inland seas of highly populated regions in the northern hemisphere, indicating the need for improved regulation and legislation in the countries of the SE-Pacific.