Occurrence of UV filters, fragrances and organophosphate flame retardants in municipal WWTP effluents and their removal during membrane post-treatment.

Membrane filtration using ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF) or reverse osmosis (RO) membranes was evaluated as an efficient effluent polishing step at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for the removal of selected contaminants of emerging concern and for improvement of water quality according to water reuse requirements. In samples collected at two largest WWTPs in Norway, 12 out of 14 selected personal care products and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) were found above analytical detection limit. The highest concentrations were observed for BP3, OC (UV filters), HHCB, AHTN (fragrances), TCPP and TBP (OPFRs), exceeding the predicted no-effect concentration for BP3 in one sample and AHTN in five samples. Independently of the membrane type used, membrane filtration effectively (>60%) removed BP3, UV-329, OC, HHCB, AHTN and DBPP. However, UF was insufficient (<20%) for removal of DEET, TCPP and TCEP. UF was sufficient to remove 30-50% of COD, 80-95% of TP, up to 30% of TN and NH4, and a min of 2log reduction of E. coli. Water quality improved further with application of NF and RO. The results indicate that membrane filtration can be effective post-treatment to improve overall water quality and a measure to reduce potential risk in the receiving aquatic environment.

Modelling micro-pollutant fate in wastewater collection and treatment systems: status and challenges.

This paper provides a comprehensive summary on modelling of micro-pollutants' (MPs) fate and transport in wastewater. It indicates the motivations of MP modelling and summarises and illustrates the current status. Finally, some recommendations are provided to improve and diffuse the use of such models. In brief, we conclude that, in order to predict the contaminant removal in centralised treatment works, considering the dramatic improvement in monitoring and detecting MPs in wastewater, more mechanistic approaches should be used to complement conventional, heuristic and other fate models. This is crucial, as regional risk assessments and model-based evaluations of pollution discharge from urban areas can potentially be used by decision makers to evaluate effluent quality regulation, and assess upgrading requirements, in the future.

Second interlaboratory exercise on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug analysis in environmental aqueous samples.

Several interlaboratory exercises were organised within the framework of European FP6 project NORMAN. Among others, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were investigated in different aqueous samples in two sequential ring studies. The aim of both studies was to evaluate the state-of-art in Europe and to determine possible sources of variation, while also attempting to diminish them. In the present paper we discuss the results of the 2nd Interlaboratory study, while the results of 1st round were presented before. The main scope of the 1st exercise organised within NORMAN project was to assess the laboratory proficiency regardless of the analytical method applied, to evaluate the stability of the target compounds during sample storage, and to define possible sources of variation during sample shipment, storage and analysis. In the 2nd round we primarily aimed to diminish these sources of variation by applying two predetermined analytical protocols based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The two analytical protocols were compared in terms of their ability to determine individual analytes in matrices of different complexity, i.e. tap water, river water and wastewater. Furthermore, the 2nd exercise addressed also the filtration and compared the influence of different filter material categories on the analysis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Results presented herein evaluate laboratory performance using z-score, bias, proximity and Youden plots. Overall, the laboratory performances were found to be satisfactory for determining NSAIDs in aqueous samples. The two analytical protocols, LC-MS and GC-MS, are assessed according to their sensitivity and measurement uncertainty, where the GC-MS proved superior for the analysis of Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen and Naproxen in matrices with higher complexity. Finally, neither the filtration itself, nor the filter materials were shown to significantly affect the determination of NSAIDs.

Effect-directed identification of naphthenic acids as important in vitro xeno-estrogens and anti-androgens in North sea offshore produced water discharges.

Produced water from offshore oil production platforms represents the largest direct discharge of effluent into the offshore environment. Produced water effluents contain a complex mixture of substances which are known to bind to the estrogen receptor (ER) and antagonize the androgen receptor (AR). Short-chain petrogenic alkylphenols have been identified as responsible for around 35% of the ER agonist activity measured in vitro while the compounds responsible for antagonizing the androgen receptor are unknown. For the first time we report that petrogenic naphthenic acids are weak ER agonists that account for much of the 65% of the "unknown" ER agonist potency in North Sea produced waters while also disrupting the binding of AR agonists to the AR ligand receptor. We also report other known petrogenic components such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylphenols as environmental AR antagonists. Our investigation shows that these petrogenic components are responsible for the majority of the ER and AR receptor mediated activity in produced waters. This hypothesis is supported by data from an effects-directed analysis of produced water using normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation in combination with the yeast estrogen and androgen assays as well as androgen receptor binding assays of commercially available mixtures of naphthenic acids.

Inputs of chemicals from recreational activities into the Norwegian coastal zone.

Wastewater treatment works effluent is often considered to be one of the most important point sources of a wide range of anthropogenic contaminants to aquatic systems, however, this paper discusses other potential sources. With the aim of establishing the important sources of UV filters, insect repellent and biocides to the aquatic environment, samples were collected from sites with direct (bathing areas and marinas) and indirect (sites receiving wastewater effluent) human influences. Sunscreens containing UV filters are used in large volumes during the summer months and often applied shortly before a person enters the water for swimming activities. The results presented here demonstrate that washing directly from the skin is an important point source of 4 UV filters to the Oslofjord. The insect repellent, diethyl toluamide, was also measured and it was concluded that washing from the skin was not such an important point source into the fjord. Concentrations of the biocide Irgarol 1051 were also measured and were elevated in the small boat marina and surrounding enclosed area. This work demonstrates that man recreational water-based activities are a diffuse source of some contaminants into coastal and fjord environments and this study provides an initial assessment of the levels being released.

MCAK associates with EB1.

The microtubule (MT)-associated protein EB1 localizes to and promotes growth at MT plus ends. The MT depolymerizing kinesin MCAK has also been reported to track growing MT plus ends. Here, we confirm that human MCAK colocalizes with EB1 at growing MT ends when expressed as a GFP fusion protein in transfected cells. We show that MCAK associates with the C-terminus of EB1 and EB3 but much less efficiently with RP1. EB1 associates with the N-terminal localization and regulatory domain in MCAK but not with the motor domain of the protein. The interaction is competitive with the binding of other EB1 ligands and does not require MTs. Knockdown of EB1 expression using siRNA impaired the ability of GFP-MCAK to localize to MT tips in transfected cells. We propose that MCAK is targeted to growing MT ends by EB1, that MCAK is held in an inactive conformation when associated with EB1 and that this could provide the basis for a mechanism that facilitates rapid switching between phases of MT growth and depolymerization.

Adenomatous polyposis coli localization is both cell type and cell context dependent.

The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor protein is mutated in most colorectal carcinomas. In addition to its role in WNT signaling it is proposed to be involved in both cell migration and mitosis. Although a variety of studies have shown an APC localization along lateral membranes of adjacent epithelial cells the existence of a cortical APC localization in mammalian cells remains controversial. To address this we have used matched rat epithelial (NRK-52E) and fibroblast (NRK-49F) cell lines to investigate the localization of APC. Subconfluent cultures of NRK-52E and -49F cells displayed microtubule-associated APC populations by immunostaining. However, confluent NRK-52E, but not -49F monolayers, exhibited a cortical APC distribution. Cortical APC localized in close proximity to a number of cell junction proteins in a microtubule-independent manner while calcium switch experiments suggested that APC was recruited to the cortex only when junction assembly was complete. Confluent NRK-49F and -52E cells also showed contrasting APC localizations in response to monolayer wounding. Our data suggests APC cortical localization is a feature of confluent epithelioid cells and that the subcellular distribution of APC is therefore dependent upon both cell type and context.

Use of a multi-stage exercise test to assess the responsiveness of rate-adaptive pacemakers in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the ventricular rate response of rate-adaptive (VVIR) pacemakers in dogs using a multi-stage exercise test. METHODS: The rate-responsiveness of VVIR pacemakers was assessed in seven dogs with complete atrioventricular (AV) block and implanted with various models of pulse generators (six motion sensors and one automatic dual-sensor rate-response pacemaker). Response activity was assessed with a multi-stage exercise test on a treadmill. Atrial and ventricular rate were analysed retrospectively at the end of the test and the AV ratio was calculated after each minute of exercise. RESULTS: During exercise, the mean (sd) AV ratio recorded in all paced dogs was 1.7 (0.5) (expected physiological ratio 1.0), although a variety of individual performances was observed. A poor response (AV ratio 2.8 [0.2]) was obtained with the automatic dual-sensor pacemaker, suggesting that this type of rate-responsive device may not be indicated for implantation in dogs with complete AV block. The overall AV ratio for the six dogs implanted with motion sensors was 1.4 (0.2), showing a better performance of these pacemakers during exercise. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This multi-stage exercise test represents an easy and repeatable method for assessing the accuracy of rate-responsive sensors and offers valuable information for the correct setting of VVIR pacemakers in dogs.

Analytical methods for the determination of alkylphenolic surfactants and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in wastewaters and sewage sludges. II method development.

Analytical methods for the determination of two groups of compounds, the non-polar alkyl phenols along with their more polar ethoxylates, and the hydrophobic polybrominated flame retardants in wastewater samples have been developed. The methods allow for determination of the analytes in both the aqueous and solid phases, which were separated by centrifugation and filtration. Extraction from the aqueous phase involved the use of SPE for the surfactants, however, liquid-liquid extraction was found to be more efficient for the PBDE. Alkyl phenols and their ethoxylates were extracted from the solid phase by shaking with solvent and Soxhlet was used for extraction of PBDE. Sample cleanup was based on alumina columns for the PBDE and surfactants when extracted form solids. Quantification of surfactants utilised LC-MS with ESI in both positive and negative ionisation mode, and GC-MS (NCI) was used to determine the PBDE, with the exception of the deca congener, where a 10 m column installed on GC-ECD resulted in short run times and reduced thermal decomposition. Method recoveries for the surfactants were above 80%, and for PBDE 92.5% from the solid phase and 95+/-5% from the liquid phase.

Analytical methods for the determination of alkylphenolic surfactants and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in wastewaters and sewage sludges. I a review of methodologies.

Alkylphenolic surfactants (alkylphenol polyethoxylates) and the polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants are important environmental contaminants and have been implicated as endocrine disrupters. Both groups of compounds have come under increasing scrutiny from legislators and there are proposals to curb their use. However, these compounds continue to enter the environment and there is a need to determine their occurrence, fate and behaviour throughout the hydrosphere and in wastewater treatment processes to determine mass fluxes and sources. This paper reviews analytical methods for their determination in the aqueous and solid (sediment / sludge) phase. Extraction, cleanup and quantification by gas and liquid chromatographic (GC and LC) techniques linked to mass spectrometric (MS) detectors are considered. The literature indicates that for the alkylphenols research papers favour the use of LC/MS which is more amenable to determination of more highly ethoxylated oligomers, however, standard methods focus on GC/MS and the less ethoxylated oligomers and parent alkylphenols. The use of GC with negative chemical ionisation MS techniques predominates for the analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers.

Intraobserver and interobserver variation in the sonographic grading of placental maturity.

OBJECTIVES: The appearance of Grannum Grade III changes in the placenta at around 34-36 weeks is a predictor of adverse perinatal outcome, which may be reduced by reporting to the clinician. This has led to the suggestion that the placental grade should be noted during any third-trimester scan. There are no published data on the reproducibility of sonographic Grannum grading of the placenta; the objective of this study was to evaluate intra- and interobserver variation. METHODS: Fifty-five placental images from normal and complicated pregnancies of several different gestational ages were collected between April and October 2001. Three fetal medicine consultants and three experienced sonographers graded the images as 0, I, II, III or ungradeable. They then regraded the same images, presented in a different order and with different codes, 4-6 weeks later. Observers were blinded to their previous grading and to each others'. Weighted kappa (kappa), with linear weights, was used to look for strength of agreement. RESULTS: There was good agreement between the two observations of each placental image for five observers (kappa = 0.61 to 0.90), and moderate agreement for one observer (kappa = 0.56). However, the kappa-values for comparisons between the 15 pairs of observers ranged from 0.24 to 0.69 with six values below 0.41, indicating only fair agreement. This was confirmed by the overall kappa-value of 0.24 between all six observers. The agreement between the observers for Grade III placenta was poor, with an overall kappa-value of 0.09. CONCLUSIONS: Although intraobserver agreement was generally good, interobserver agreement was only fair for all grades and poor for Grade III placenta. This may be an indication that Grannum grading is not reproducible or it may reflect a need for training in those performing grading. Such variation may limit the effectiveness of reporting Grannum grades in clinical practice.

Performance evaluation of the Sysmex XT-2000i automated hematology analyzer.

The Sysmex XT-2000i automated hematology analyzer was evaluated at Saint Louis Children's Hospital (SLCH), St. Louis, MO, USA. Complete blood count results from the Sysmex XT-2000i were compared to results from the Sysmex XE-2100 for 114 pediatric and adult patient samples. Manual differentials were performed on each specimen by 2 experienced medical technologists using guidelines established in the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) document H20-A. Carryover, precision, linearity, correlation, stability, and mixing-test studies were also performed. The XT-2000i results showed excellent correlation with the results from the XE-2100 for the following parameters: white blood cells; red blood cells; hemoglobin; hematocrit; mean corpuscular volume; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; red blood cell distribution width by standard deviation; red blood cell distribution width by coefficient of variation; mean platelet volume; platelets; percent neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils; and reticulocyte percent and number. In our evaluation of the XT-2000i the correlation coefficients for all complete blood counts and differential parameters compared well with those of the XE-2100. We concluded that the XT-2000i demonstrated comparable analytical performance to its predecessor, the XE-2100.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments, mussels and crustacea around a former gasworks site in Shoreham-by-Sea, UK.

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been determined in sediments, mussels and crustacea in the vicinity of a former gasworks site by Shoreham Harbour, UK. Very high concentrations of PAH were found in the substrate, an ash-like material deposited on the former gasworks site, which exhibited a profile consistent with the major source of contamination being coal or coke tar produced during the period of gas production at the site. Elevated PAH concentrations were also found in mussels both from the beach below the former gasworks site, and from sites further to the east in Portslade and Hove. The significance of these concentrations were assessed using an approach which involved the calculation of benzo[a]pyrene equivalent conoentrations (BaPEs), summing concentrations of individual PAH on the basis of their comparative potency as carcinogens. BaPE ranged from values of, or close to, zero for crustacea, to 336 microg kg(-1) wet weight in mussels from Southwick Beach. The contaminated mussels are not exploited commercially but may be taken by casual gatherers, and notices have been posted to warn potential consumers.

Antiphospholipid antibodies do not a syndrome make.

The association of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) with a poor obstetric history and/or thrombotic event is typical of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). We report four cases of poor pregnancy outcome where a diagnostic label of APS resulted in delayed recognition of other causes of pregnancy loss. Pregnancy outcomes in these women were not improved with antithrombotic therapy alone. Successful outcomes were achieved only when other causes of recurrent miscarriage were considered and treated.

Syncope associated with paroxysmal atrioventricular block an ventricular standstill in a cat.

A four-and-a-half-year-old neutered male shorthair cat was presented with a three-week history of episodic fainting. Twenty-four hour electrocardiographic (Holter) recording revealed frequent prolonged episodes of complete atrioventricular (AV) block with ventricular standstill. The fainting episodes coincided with the longest periods of ventricular inactivity. A permanent transjugular pacemaker was placed to prevent further life-threatening episodes of syncope. Three months after discharge, the patient was re-presented with sudden onset dyspnoea associated with chylothorax and electrocardiography showed a third degree (complete) AV block. The pacemaker was reprogrammed in view of the third degree AV block and the chylous effusion was successfully treated by repeated thoracocentesis and long-term diuresis. However, the patient's general condition deteriorated progressively and the cat was euthanased five and a half months after implantation of the pacemaker.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether, PBDE, flame retardants are now a world-wide pollution problem reaching even remote areas. They have been found to bioaccumulate and there are concerns over the health effects of exposure to PBDEs, they also have potential endocrine disrupting properties. They are lipophilic compounds so are easily removed from the aqueous environment and are predicted to sorb onto sediments and particulate matter or to fatty tissue, aiding their distribution throughout the environment. PBDEs are structurally similar to PCBs and DDT and, therefore, their chemical properties, persistence and distribution in the environment follow similar patterns. Concentrations of PBDEs found in environmental samples are now higher than those of PCBs. Evidence to date demonstrates that PBDEs are a growing problem in the environment and concern over their fate and effects is warranted. The manufacture of reactive and additive flame retardants is briefly discussed and their fate and behaviour in the environment is assessed. PBDE toxicology is reviewed and methods of analysis are evaluated.

Screening for trisomy 21: the significance of a positive second trimester serum screen in women screen negative after a nuchal translucency scan.

Screening of pregnancies for trisomy 21 is now an accepted part of antenatal care. Measurement of fetal nuchal translucency in the first trimester and analysis of maternal serum biochemistry in the second trimester are both established methods of screening. The performance characteristics of both tests in an unselected population are well described and the choice of test offered is usually determined by local policy and resources. We present data from a screening programme offering women with a low risk result from nuchal translucency measurement a second trimester serum screen. There were eight cases of trisomy 21 in the 2683 women screened, all of which presented with a high-risk nuchal screen result. Serum screening of 1057 women who screened negative by nuchal translucency gave 46 high-risk results, all of which were, therefore, false positive for trisomy 21. Second trimester biochemistry screening following a negative nuchal translucency screen did not increase the detection of trisomy 21.

Late termination for fetal abnormality: providing essential information for parents.

Termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality in the second half of pregnancy is a distressing experience for parents who are often fearful of the process of termination. Some of this fear may be engendered by a lack of information, and staff caring for couples in this situation may not feel sufficiently sure of the likely course of late termination to answer their questions. There is little existing literature to provide guidance. We studied all late terminations for abnormality occurring in our unit over an 18-month period in order to provide parents and staff with appropriate information.

Pallister-Killian syndrome presenting through nuchal translucency screening for trisomy 21.

Pallister-Killian syndrome (tetrasomy 12p) is an uncommon aneuploidy, which may present in the prenatal period with an ultrasonographically detected fetal abnormality or following karyotyping for maternal age. We report a case that presented with increased nuchal translucency and hydrops at a first trimester screening scan for trisomy 21.