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Arsenic and other heavy metal concentrations in post mortem soft tissues from a Portuguese King of the nineteenth century were studied by energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis. This work is an attempt to clarify the strange death of the King, through the analysis of his post mortem soft tissue remains, which were kept inside a Chinese porcelain container since his death in 1826. The container was put in a wooden coffin and buried underground in a chapel of the St Vicente de Fora Monastery in Lisbon. Quantitative elemental analysis of the remains showed very high concentrations of arsenic and lead, which on average correspond to a few hundred times the mean normal values for contemporary human soft tissues. Increased levels of Cu were found, and also small enrichments for Fe and Zn, probably due to either enrichment during the 175 years or contamination by direct intake from the container, or both. The results obtained are consistent with acute arsenic poisoning, reinforcing the conclusions from the medical anatomical-pathological report, based on the analysis of the fragments by scanning electron microscopy.

Biomonitoring studies of elements (Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr and Pb) in leaves of Nerium oleander were performed using energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The samples were collected at different locations in Lisbon, some with light and others with heavy traffic. The results were compared with those obtained for samples from the same species collected in an unpolluted region. Significant differences in the concentrations of some elements, particularly iron, titanium, zinc, strontium and lead, were found for samples from different locations. Titanium and iron concentrations had similar variations from one site to another with an almost constant ratio (TiFe z 0.2). The concentrations of lead were, as expected, higher at locations with heavier traffic.

Fucus vesiculosus L. seaweeds from three estuarine stations were analyzed by X‐ray fluorescence, providing results for the concentration of total K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Sr, and Pb. Four different structures of the algae (base, stipe, reproductive organs, and growing tips) were analyzed to study the differential accumulation of heavy metals by different parts of Fucus. Some elements (e.g., Cu and Fe) are preferentially accumulated in the base of the algae, whereas others (e.g., As) exhibit higher concentrations in the reproductive organs and growing tips. The pattern of accumulation in different structures is similar for Cu, Zn, and Pb, but for other metals there is considerable variability in accumulation between parts of the plant. This is important in determining which structures of the plant should be used for biomonitoring. For samples collected at stations subject to differing metal loads, the relative elemental composition is approximately constant, notwithstanding significant variation in absolute values. The proportion of metals in Fucus is similar to that found in other estuaries, where metal concentrations are significantly lower. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence has been shown to be a suitable technique for multielement analysis in this type of sample. No chemical pretreatment is required, minimizing sample contamination. The small amount of sample required, and the wide range of elements that can be detected simultaneously make energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence a valuable tool for pollution studies.

A 11-month-old, intact male, Rhodesian Ridgeback was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with signs of inappetence, lethargy, and abdominal pain for 3 days. A large and well-defined abdominal retroperitoneal mass, related with the left kidney, at the expected location of the adrenal gland, was revealed by radiography, ultrasound, and computed tomography. The mass extended caudally to the iliac artery bifurcation, compressing the aorta, caudal vena cava, and both kidneys. Cytology findings were compatible with a malignant round cell tumor. The most probable diagnosis was neuroblastoma. Following a comprehensive discussion with the owners about a treatment plan, surgical excision was performed. Because a wide excision would compromise major vessels, excision was performed after careful dissection of the aorta and vena cava. The left kidney was removed because the proximal ureter could not be separated from the tumor. The animal recovered successfully. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry, but the owners decided not to pursue any further treatment. Clinical signs of abdominal pain recurred within 1 month following surgery. Therefore, the animal was euthanized upon the owners' request. This report describes the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and follow-up of a dog with an abdominal peripheral neuroblastoma.

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