Methane oxidation in heavy metal contaminated Mollic Gleysol under oxic and hypoxic conditions.

Soils are the largest terrestrial sink for methane (CH4). However, heavy metals may exert toxicity to soil microorganisms, including methanotrophic bacteria. We tested the effect of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) on CH4 oxidation (1% v/v) and dehydrogenase activity, an index of the activity of the total soil microbial community in Mollic Gleysol soil in oxic and hypoxic conditions (oxia and hypoxia, 20% and 10% v/v O2, respectively). Metals were added in doses corresponding to the amounts permitted of Pb, Zn, Ni in agricultural soils (60, 120, 35 mg kg(-1), respectively), and half and double of these doses. Relatively low metal contents and O2 status reflect the conditions of most agricultural soils of temperate regions. Methane consumption showed high tolerance to heavy metals. The effect of O2 status was stronger than that of metals. CH4 consumption was enhanced under hypoxia, where both the start and the completion of the control and contaminated treatment were faster than under oxic conditions. Dehydrogenase activity, showed higher sensitivity to the contamination (except for low Ni dose), with a stronger effect of heavy metals, than that of the O2 status.

Harmonisation of food categorisation systems for dietary exposure assessments among European children.

Within the European project called EXPOCHI (Individual Food Consumption Data and Exposure Assessment Studies for Children), 14 different European individual food consumption databases of children were used to conduct harmonised dietary exposure assessments for lead, chromium, selenium and food colours. For this, two food categorisation systems were developed to classify the food consumption data in such a way that these could be linked to occurrence data of the considered compounds. One system served for the exposure calculations of lead, chromium and selenium. The second system was developed for the exposure assessment of food colours. The food categories defined for the lead, chromium and selenium exposure calculations were used as a basis for the food colour categorisation, with adaptations to optimise the linkage with the food colour occurrence data. With this work, an initial impetus was given to make user-friendly food categorisation systems for contaminants and food colours applicable on a pan-European level. However, a set of difficulties were encountered in creating a common food categorisation system for 14 individual food consumption databases that differ in the type and number of foods coded and in level of detail provided about the consumed foods. The work done and the problems encountered in this project can be of interest for future projects in which food consumption data will be collected on a pan-European level and used for common exposure assessments.

[Treatment of trochanteric fractures of the femur in elderly patients using Ender rods]. / Leczenie zlaman kretarzowych kosci udowej metoda Endera u osób starszych i w wieku podeszlym.

The paper presents the outcome of treatment of patients older than years who sustained trochanteric fractures. Thirty-four females and ten males underwent surgical procedure according to Ender's method. Average age among females was 81 years and among male 72 years. In 63% of the cases a good or excellent functional result was noted. No deaths were noted, neither during hospitalization nor during follow-up. Poor fracture healing nor malunions were noted. Only few local and general complications were observed. The cost of Ender rods is much lower in comparison with DHS, Spiral-Blade or intramedullary implants.

[Evaluation of remote results in 80 intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated by various methods]. / Ocena odleglych wyników 80 stawowych zlaman kosci pietowej leczonych róznymi sposobami.

The studies were done in 69 patients in whom 80 intra-articular calcaneus fractures were diagnosed of tongue or crush type. In the analysis of the remote results a subjective three-grade evaluation of the results was used as reported by the patients. The good results in 60% were closely related to the reconstruction of the shape of the calcaneus and its articular surface with simultaneous restoration of functional fitness of the foot. It was found that the fractures of tongue type were to be reduced by the Westhues method, while the crush fractures were to be treated surgically or functionally. Poor results were observed in all fractures not reduced and not immobilised additionally in plaster casts.