ABIOTIC DEGRADATION OF IODOSULFURON-METHYL-ESTER IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION

The abiotic degradation of iodosulfuron-methyl-ester was investigated under both alkaline and acidic pH conditions in the dark, and results showed it to be a rather stable molecule in neutral or slightly alkaline environments. Photochemical reactions were studied using a high-pressure mercury arc lamp, and results showed that direct phototransformation is possible under normal environmental conditions (ì > 290 nm). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS) analyses were used to identify the degradates and to study the kinetics of photodecomposition and hydrolysis. Five main products of iodosulfuron-methyl-ester degradation were tentatively identified, and one of them (4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine) was confirmed using an authentic standard. Among the phototransformation mechanisms, photosubstitution of the iodide atom by a hydroxyl group, photodissociation of the N-S bond, and photoassisted hydrolysis were observed. The quantum efficiencies (multiwavelength quantum yield) of the photodegradation under different conditions were determined, and values of 0.054 ( 0.02 (pH 9.6), 0.08 ( 0.02 (pH 7), and 0.044 ( 0.008 (pH 5.3) were obtained

Heterogeneous photochemistry of dicarboxylic acids on mineral dust

SSCI-VIDE+CARE+CEM:CGOInternational audienceDicarboxylic acids have low volatilities and hence are present mostly in the particulate phase, including the surface of dust particles. Mineral dust, globally the mostemitted aerosol, has photocatalytic properties that can initiate photo-induced heterogeneous chemistry of organic compounds, which is still poorly characterized. Weinvestigated the photochemistry offive dicarboxylic acids (DCA) i.e., succinic (butanedioic) acid, glutaric (pentanedioic) acid, adipic (hexanedioic) acid, pimelic(heptanedioic) acid and suberic (octanedioic) acid on Arizona test dust (ATD) particles upon UV-A light irradiation (0–1.4 mW cm−2). Gas-phase products weremonitored by a high-resolution proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS), and surface sorbed products were extracted and analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a heated electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometer (UHPLC-HESI-HRMS). Monoacids and aldehydeswere the main observed and quantified gaseous products. In contrast, shorter chain DCA and highly oxygenated products were found at the surface of the dustparticles. Interestingly, the photochemistry of these DCAs presented an even-odd alternation concerning their heterogeneous reactivity, with odd-numbered carbondiacids being more reactive than their even-numbered homologous ones. We present and discuss a reaction mechanism for the C4–C8DCA heterogeneous photo-oxidation catalysed by TiO2/Fe2O3-rich dust particles. Our results suggest that photochemical processing on dust surfaces should be regarded as a possible efficient pathway for altering their surface properties impacting ice nucleation and cloud condensation propertie

PHOTOCHEMICAL BEHAVIOUR OF OXYFLUORFEN: A DIPHENYL-ETHER HERBICIDE

The photochemical behaviour in different solvents of the herbicide oxyfluorfen [2-chloro-1-(3-ethoxy-4-nitrophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl) benzene (CAS RN 42874–03–3)] was studied. Photochemical reactions were carried out by using a high pressure mercury arc and a solar simulator. Kinetic parameters and quantum yields were determined. Identification of the photoproducts was performed by GC-MS and the main compounds were confirmed by [1H] NMR. The photochemical reactions were also carried out in the presence of either a singlet or a triplet quencher, and in the presence of either a radical initiator or a radical inhibitor. Results indicate that the first excited singlet state can undergo both homolytic and heterolytic cleavage of the ethyl-oxygen bond in the side chain of oxyfluorfen. Moreover, the presence of reduction products in the reaction mixture is supposed to occur via a monoelectron transfer process with the formation of a transient exciplex during the reaction

Real-Time Detection of Gas-Phase Organohalogens from Aqueous Photochemistry Using Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry

SSCI-VIDE+CARE+MRT:CEM:SPR:CGOInternational audienceMarine short-lived halogenated compounds, emitted from algae, phytoplankton, and other marine biota, significantly affect both the troposphere and the stratosphere. Here, we show that such compounds might also be photochemically produced through photosensitized reactions in surface water. Gas-phase products were detected and identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry, more particularly by means of an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source coupled to an Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Under simulated solar irradiation, halogenated organic compounds were produced and detected in the gas phase when a proxy of dissolved organic matter, i.e., 4-benzoylbenzoic acid, was excited into its triplet state. We present a mechanism explaining the formation of a variety of such halogenated compounds. These photochemical reactions take place at the air/sea interface and are, therefore, a potential source of short-lived halogenated compounds in the atmosphere, participating in the tropospheric halogen cycle

The pathway of obstructed labour as perceived by communities in south-western Uganda: a grounded theory study

BACKGROUND: Obstructed labour is still a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in Uganda, where many women give birth at home alone or assisted by non-skilled birth attendants. Little is known of how the community view obstructed labour, and what actions they take in cases where this complication occurs. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to explore community members' understanding of and actions taken in cases of obstructed labour in south-western Uganda. DESIGN: Grounded theory (GT) was used to analyse data from 20 focus group discussions (FGDs), 10 with women and 10 with men, which were conducted in eight rural and two urban communities. RESULTS: A conceptual model based on the community members' understanding of obstructed labour and actions taken in response is presented as a pathway initiated by women's desire to 'protecting own integrity' (core category). The pathway consisted of six other categories closely linked to the core category, namely: (1) 'taking control of own birth process'; (2) 'reaching the limit - failing to give birth' (individual level); (3) 'exhausting traditional options'; (4) 'partner taking charge'; (5) 'facing challenging referral conditions' (community level); and finally (6) 'enduring a non-responsive healthcare system' (healthcare system level). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to understand and acknowledge women's reluctance to involve others during childbirth. However, the healthcare system should provide acceptable care and a functional referral system closer to the community, thus supporting the community's ability to seek timely care as a response to obstructed labour. Easy access to mobile phones may improve referral systems. Upgrading of infrastructure in the region requires a multi-sectoral approach. Testing of the conceptual model through a quantitative questionnaire is recommended

The implications of policy changes on the uptake of a PMTCT programme in rural Malawi: first three years of experience

Objective: To study how the demand for antenatal care (ANC), HIV testing and hospital delivery was influenced by policy changes among pregnant women in rural Malawi. Design: Retrospective analysis of monthly reports. Setting: Malamulo SDA hospital in Thyolo district, Makwasa, Malawi. Methods: Three hospital-based registers were analysed from 2005 to 2007. These were general ANC, delivery and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) registers. Observations were documented regarding the introduction of specific policies and when changes were effected. Descriptive analytical methods were used. Results: The ANC programme reached 4,528 pregnant mothers during the study period. HIV testing among the ANC attendees increased from 52.6 to 98.8% after the introduction of routine (opt-out) HIV testing and 15.6% of them tested positive. After the introduction of free maternity services, ANC attendance increased by 42% and the ratio of hospital deliveries to ANC attendees increased from 0.50:1 to 0.66:1. Of the HIV-tested ANC attendees, 52.6% who tested positive delivered in the hospital and got nevirapine at the time of delivery. Conclusions: Increasing maternity service availability and uptake can increase the coverage of PMTCT programmes. Barriers such as economic constraints that prevent women in poor communities from accessing services can be removed by making maternity services free. However, it is likely, particularly in resource-poor settings, that significant increases in PMTCT coverage among those at risk can only be achieved by substantially increasing uptake of general ANC and delivery services.We thank the Swedish Institute, Sweden for the financial support without which the study would have been a non-starter. We are also grateful for the support given by the unit of Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences, Umea University. Furthermore, we thank the management and staff of Malamulo SDA Hospital, P/Bag 2, Makwasa, Malawi for their support throughout the entire period of carrying out the study. This work was undertaken within the Centre for Global Health at Umea University with support from FAS, the Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research (grant no. 2006-1512).</p

Be SMART:examining the experience of implementing the NHS Health Check in UK primary care

Background: The NHS Health Check was designed by UK Department of Health to address increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease by identifying risk levels and facilitating behaviour change. It constituted biomedical testing, personalised advice and lifestyle support. The objective of the study was to explore Health Care Professionals' (HCPs) and patients' experiences of delivering and receiving the NHS Health Check in an inner-city region of England. Methods: Patients and HCPs in primary care were interviewed using semi-structured schedules. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Results: Four themes were identified. Firstly, Health Check as a test of 'roadworthiness' for people. The roadworthiness metaphor resonated with some patients but it signified a passive stance toward illness. Some patients described the check as useful in the theme, Health check as revelatory. HCPs found visual aids demonstrating levels of salt/fat/sugar in everyday foods and a 'traffic light' tape measure helpful in communicating such 'revelations' with patients. Being SMART and following the protocolrevealed that few HCPs used SMART goals and few patients spoke of them. HCPs require training to understand their rationale compared with traditional advice-giving. The need for further follow-up revealed disparity in follow-ups and patients were not systematically monitored over time. Conclusions: HCPs' training needs to include the use and evidence of the effectiveness of SMART goals in changing health behaviours. The significance of fidelity to protocol needs to be communicated to HCPs and commissioners to ensure consistency. Monitoring and measurement of follow-up, e.g., tracking of referrals, need to be resourced to provide evidence of the success of the NHS Health Check in terms of healthier lifestyles and reduced CVD risk

Behind the silence of harmony: risk factors for physical and sexual violence among women in rural Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Indonesia has the fourth largest population in the world. Few studies have identified the risk factors of Indonesian women for domestic violence. Such research will be useful for the development of prevention programs aiming at reducing domestic violence. Our study examines associations between physical and sexual violence among rural Javanese Indonesian women and sociodemographic factors, husband's psychosocial and behavioral characteristics and attitudes toward violence and gender roles. METHODS: A cohort of pregnant women within the Demographic Surveillance Site (DSS) in Purworejo district, Central Java, Indonesia, was enrolled in a longitudinal study between 1996 and 1998. In the following year (1999), a cross-sectional domestic violence household survey was conducted with 765 consenting women from that cohort. Female field workers, trained using the WHO Multi-Country study instrument on domestic violence, conducted interviews. Crude and adjusted odds ratios at 95% CI were applied for analysis. RESULTS: Lifetime exposure to sexual and physical violence was 22% and 11%. Sexual violence was associated with husbands' demographic characteristics (less than 35 years and educated less than 9 years) and women's economic independence. Exposure to physical violence among a small group of women (2-6%) was strongly associated with husbands' personal characteristics; being unfaithful, using alcohol, fighting with other men and having witnessed domestic violence as a child. The attitudes and norms expressed by the women confirm that unequal gender relationships are more common among women living in the highlands and being married to poorly educated men. Slightly more than half of the women (59%) considered it justifiable to refuse coercive sex. This attitude was also more common among financially independent women (71%), who also had a higher risk of exposure to sexual violence. CONCLUSIONS: Women who did not support the right of women to refuse sex were more likely to experience physical violence, while those who justified hitting for some reasons were more likely to experience sexual violence. Our study suggests that Javanese women live in a high degree of gender-based subordination within marriage relationships, maintained and reinforced through physical and sexual violence. Our findings indicate that women's risk of physical and sexual violence is related to traditional gender norms

Pregnant women's responses to a tailored smoking cessation intervention: turning hopelessness into competence

Background: Cognitive behavioral interventions consisting of brief counseling and the provision of self-help material designed for pregnancy have been documented as effective smoking cessation interventions for pregnant women. However, there is a need to understand how such interventions are perceived by the targeted group. Aim: To understand the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses of pregnant women to a clinic-based smoking cessation intervention. Methods: In-depth interviews with women attending four antenatal clinics in Cape Town, South Africa, who were exposed to a smoking intervention delivered by midwives and peer counselors. Women were purposively selected to represent a variation in smoking behavior. Thirteen women were interviewed at their first antenatal visit and 10 were followed up and reinterviewed later in their pregnancies. A content analysis approach was used, which resulted in categories and themes describing women&#x0027;s experiences, thoughts, and feelings about the intervention. Results: Five women quit, five had cut down, and three could not be traced for follow-up. All informants perceived the intervention positively. Four main themes captured the intervention&#x0027;s role in influencing women&#x0027;s smoking behavior. The process started with &#x2018;understanding their reality,&#x2019; which led to &#x2018;embracing change&#x2019; and &#x2018;deciding to hold nothing back,&#x2019; which created a basis for &#x2018;turning hopelessness into a feeling of competence.&#x2019;Conclusion: The intervention succeeded in shifting women from feeling pessimistic about ever quitting to feeling encouraged to try and quit. Informants rated the social support they received very highly and expressed the need for the intervention to become a routine component of clinic services

The Diesel Exhaust in Miners Study: A Nested Case–Control Study of Lung Cancer and Diesel Exhaust

BACKGROUND Most studies of the association between diesel exhaust exposure and lung cancer suggest a modest, but consistent, increased risk. However, to our knowledge, no study to date has had quantitative data on historical diesel exposure coupled with adequate sample size to evaluate the exposure-response relationship between diesel exhaust and lung cancer. Our purpose was to evaluate the relationship between quantitative estimates of exposure to diesel exhaust and lung cancer mortality after adjustment for smoking and other potential confounders. METHODS We conducted a nested case-control study in a cohort of 12 315 workers in eight non-metal mining facilities, which included 198 lung cancer deaths and 562 incidence density-sampled control subjects. For each case subject, we selected up to four control subjects, individually matched on mining facility, sex, race/ethnicity, and birth year (within 5 years), from all workers who were alive before the day the case subject died. We estimated diesel exhaust exposure, represented by respirable elemental carbon (REC), by job and year, for each subject, based on an extensive retrospective exposure assessment at each mining facility. We conducted both categorical and continuous regression analyses adjusted for cigarette smoking and other potential confounding variables (eg, history of employment in high-risk occupations for lung cancer and a history of respiratory disease) to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Analyses were both unlagged and lagged to exclude recent exposure such as that occurring in the 15 years directly before the date of death (case subjects)/reference date (control subjects). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS We observed statistically significant increasing trends in lung cancer risk with increasing cumulative REC and average REC intensity. Cumulative REC, lagged 15 years, yielded a statistically significant positive gradient in lung cancer risk overall (P (trend) = .001); among heavily exposed workers (ie, above the median of the top quartile [REC ≥ 1005 μg/m(3)-y]), risk was approximately three times greater (OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.33 to 7.69) than that among workers in the lowest quartile of exposure. Among never smokers, odd ratios were 1.0, 1.47 (95% CI = 0.29 to 7.50), and 7.30 (95% CI = 1.46 to 36.57) for workers with 15-year lagged cumulative REC tertiles of less than 8, 8 to less than 304, and 304 μg/m(3)-y or more, respectively. We also observed an interaction between smoking and 15-year lagged cumulative REC (P (interaction) = .086) such that the effect of each of these exposures was attenuated in the presence of high levels of the other. CONCLUSION Our findings provide further evidence that diesel exhaust exposure may cause lung cancer in humans and may represent a potential public health burden