Occurrence and removal of organophosphate esters in municipal wastewater treatment plants in Thessaloniki, Greece.

An integrate study regarding the occurrence and fate of eleven organophosphate esters (OPEs) was conducted at two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the area of Thessaloniki, Greece. Both plants employed conventional activated sludge process whereas as last treatment step the first unit use chlorination and the second one ozonation. OPEs were determined in dissolved fraction, total suspended solids and sludge from various treatment stages of WWTPs. Tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP), tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TClPP) and triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) were the most abundant compounds in influent and treated effluent. Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) was also abundant in suspended solids and sludge. Total concentrations of ∑11OPEs ranged from 2144 to 9743 ng L-1 in influents, 1237-2909 ng L-1 in effluents and 3332-14294 ng g-1 dw in sludge. Removal rates from 55% to 80% were observed for most OPEs, whereas chlorinated OPEs, especially for tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) exhibited low removal efficiency. Mass balance analysis showed that biodegradation was the dominant removal mechanism contributing up to 85%. Sorption onto sludge was also relevant removal pathway for most compounds. Emissions of OPEs through effluents and sludge did not pose considerable risk to the aquatic and terrestrial environment.

Occurrence of Disinfection By-Products in Swimming Pools in the Area of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. Assessment of Multi-Pathway Exposure and Risk.

This study investigated the occurrence of disinfection by-products (DBPs) (trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), halonitriles (HANs), halonitromethane (TCNM) and haloketones (HKs)) in different type of swimming pools in the area of Thessaloniki, northern Greece by employing the EPA methods 551.1 and 552.3. Moreover, general water quality parameters (pH, residual chlorine, dissolved organic carbon, UV254 absorption, total nitrogen, alkalinity and conductivity) were also measured. The concentrations of DBPs showed great variability among swimming pools as well as within the same pool between sampling campaigns. HAAs exhibited the highest concentrations followed by THMs, HANs, TCNM and HKs. Exposure doses for four age groups (3-<6 y, 6-<11 y, 11-<16 y and adults) were calculated. Route-specific exposures varied among DBPs groups. Inhalation was the dominant exposure route to THMs and TCNM (up to 92-95%). Ingestion and dermal absorption were the main exposure routes to HAAs (40-82% and 18-59%, respectively), depending on the age of swimmers. HANs contributed up to 75% to the calculated cytotoxicity of pool water. Hazard indices for different exposure routes were <1, suggesting non-carcinogenic risk. Inhalation posed the higher carcinogenic risk for THMs, whereas risk via oral and dermal routes was low. Ingestion and dermal contact posed the higher risk for HAAs. Risk management strategies that minimise DBPs exposure without compromising disinfection efficiency in swimming pools are necessary.

The histone demethylase Jumonji domain-containing protein 3 (JMJD3) regulates fibroblast activation in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) fibroblasts remain activated even in the absence of exogenous stimuli. Epigenetic alterations are thought to play a role for this endogenous activation. Trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27me3) is regulated by Jumonji domain-containing protein 3 (JMJD3) and ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat on chromosome X (UTX) in a therapeutically targetable manner. The aim of this study was to explore H3K27me3 demethylases as potential targets for the treatment of fibrosis. METHODS: JMJD3 was inactivated by small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown and by pharmacological inhibition with GSKJ4. The effects of targeted inactivation of JMJD3 were analysed in cultured fibroblasts and in the murine models of bleomycin-induced and topoisomerase-I (topoI)-induced fibrosis. H3K27me3 at the FRA2 promoter was analysed by ChIP. RESULTS: The expression of JMJD3, but not of UTX, was increased in fibroblasts in SSc skin and in experimental fibrosis in a transforming growth factor beta (TGFß)-dependent manner. Inactivation of JMJD3 reversed the activated fibroblast phenotype in SSc fibroblasts and prevented the activation of healthy dermal fibroblasts by TGFß. Pharmacological inhibition of JMJD3 ameliorated bleomycin-induced and topoI-induced fibrosis in well-tolerated doses. JMJD3 regulated fibroblast activation in a FRA2-dependent manner: Inactivation of JMJD3 reduced the expression of FRA2 by inducing accumulation of H3K27me3 at the FRA2 promoter. Moreover, the antifibrotic effects of JMJD3 inhibition were reduced on knockdown of FRA2. CONCLUSION: We present first evidence for a deregulation of JMJD3 in SSc. JMJD3 modulates fibroblast activation by regulating the levels of H3K27me3 at the promoter of FRA2. Targeted inhibition of JMJD3 limits the aberrant activation of SSc fibroblasts and exerts antifibrotic effects in two murine models.

Organophosphate esters in the urban atmosphere of Thessaloniki city, Greece.

The occurrence of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in the atmosphere of the urban area of Thessaloniki city, Greece was studied. OPEs were determined in particulate matter (PM2.5) and precipitation during the period 2020-2021. ∑OPEs in rainwater ranged from 520 to 4719 ng L-11 (mean: 1662 ng L-1) with tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) and tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TClPP) being the most abundant compounds. TBOEP and TClPP as well as triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) and tris (chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) were the dominant OPEs in PM2.5. Concentrations of ∑OPEs in PM2.5ranged from 2.82 to 13.3 ng m-3 (mean: 5.93 ng m-3). Wet deposition fluxes of OPEs were estimated and air mass back trajectories were used to elucidate possible source profiles. An overall low health risk for local population via inhalation of OPEs was revealed.

Childhood blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm treated with allogenic stem cell transplantation.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm is an uncommon malignancy with a high incidence of cutaneous involvement, risk of leukemic dissemination, and poor prognosis. We report a 15-year-old boy with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm who was treated with acute myeloid leukemia-based polychemotherapy and subsequent allogenic stem cell transplantation.

Hazardous organic pollutants in indoor dust from elementary schools and kindergartens in Greece: Implications for children's health.

Children spend a significant portion of their day in school, where they may be exposed to hazardous organic compounds accumulated in indoor dust. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of major hazardous organic contaminants in dust collected from kindergartens and elementary schools in Northern Greece (n = 20). The sum concentrations of 20 targeted polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners (∑20PBDEs) in dust varied from 58 ng g-1 to 1480 ng g-1, while the sum of 4 novel brominated fire retardants (∑4NBFRs) ranged from 28 ng g-1 to 555 ng g-1. Correspondingly, the sum concentrations of phthalate esters (∑9PAEs) ranged between 265 µg g-1 and 2120 µg g-1, while the sum of organophosphate esters (∑11OPEs) was found between 2890 ng g-1 and 16,100 ng g-1. Finally, the sum concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (∑16PAHs) were found within in the range 212 ng g-1 and 6960 ng g-1. Exposure to indoor dust contaminant via inhalation, ingestion and dermal absorption was investigated for children and adults (teachers). Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were also estimated. Children's estimated intakes of individual hazardous chemicals via the three exposure routes, were lower than the available health-based reference values.

Organophosphate esters in inland and coastal waters in northern Greece.

The occurrence and distribution of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in inland and coastal waters in Thessaloniki, Greece, were studied during the period 2019-2020. Samples from rivers and streams as well as coastal waters, were analyzed for the presence of 11 OPEs in dissolved and particulate fraction. OPEs were ubiquitous pollutants in the aquatic environment. Concentrations of dissolved fraction of ΣOPEs concentrations ranged from 400 to 2158 ng L-1 in rivers, 400-1270 in coastal sites and 377-30,560 ng L-1 in streams. TBOEP showed the highest concentrations followed by TPHP, TNBP and TClPP. Significant particulate fractions were determined for TNBP, TClPP TPHP and TCP. Field partition coefficients in inland waters were dependent on the concentration of total suspended solids. Risk assessment did not show potential threat due to OPEs in rivers and coastal sites, however, potential adverse effects were found in streams.

Occurrence, analysis and risk assessment of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in biota: A review.

Due to their widespread use, organophosphate esters (OPEs) are commonly detected in various environmental matrices and have been identified as emerging contaminants. In this review article, the occurrence and analytical techniques of OPEs in the biotic environment have been compiled and reviewed. Data from studies published the last decade all over the world covering a variety of species in trophic chain have been synthesized and evaluated. OPEs are among the most frequent detected flame retardants and high concentrations are detected in biota to date. Knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research are discussed emphasizing on further monitoring, advanced analytical methodologies, and risk assessment studies to completely understand the science of OPEs in biota.

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs): A review on analytical methods and occurrence in wastewater and aquatic environment.

Nowadays, there is an increasing concern for organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) due to high production and use following the phase out and stringent regulation in the use of brominated flame retardants. OPFRs represent a group of compounds with a wide range in their polarity, solubility and persistence. OPFRs are widely used as flame retardants in various consumer products such as textiles, electronics, industrial materials and furniture to prevent the risk of fire. They are also utilized as plasticizers, antifoaming or anti-wear agents in lacquers, hydraulic fluids and floor polishing agents. The present review outlines the current state of knowledge regardimg the analytical methodology applied for their determination in wastewater and aquatic environment as well as their occurrence in water, wastewater, sediments and sludge. Knowledge gaps and future perspectives have been identified, which include the elucidation of sources, pathways and fate of OPFRs in aquatic environment and possible risks.

Formation of iodinated THMs during chlorination of water and wastewater in the presence of different iodine sources.

The formation potential of iodinated trihalomethanes (I-THMs) during chlorination of different organic precursors in the presence of various iodine sources was studied. Organic precursors included humic acid, natural organic matter from river water and wastewater effluent organic matter. Inorganic iodide and two iodinated X-ray contrast media compounds (iopamidol and diatrizoate) were used as iodine sources. The formation potential of I-THMs under different experimental conditions (chlorination contact time, iodide and bromide concentrations) was investigated. The formation of I-THM species upon chlorination of river water and humic acids rapidly increased up to 24h and then a decreasing trend was observed. Wastewater, showed a rapid formation of I-THMs within the first 6h, followed by a lower rate with extended time. Formation of I-THMs in the presence of iopamidol was more favorable regarding the other two iodine sources. CHBrClI was the dominant specie followed by CHCl2I and CHBr2I. Increasing iodide concentrations result in higher I-THMs formation. The presence of bromide enhanced the I-THMs yields and shifted towards bromine-containing species (CHBrClI and CHBr2I).

Deep intronic point mutations of the KIT gene in a female patient with cutaneous clear cell sarcoma and her family.

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) of tendons and aponeuroses is an aggressive neoplasm that is characterized by a pathognomonic translocation, t(12;22)(q13;q12), resulting in an EWSR1-ATF1 chimeric gene. We report for the first time a female patient with CCS exhibiting both EWSR1-ATF1 fusion transcripts and hereditary homozygous point mutations in introns 11 and 16 of the KIT gene. Her parents and two brothers each had heterozygous point mutations in intron 11 or intron 16 of the KIT gene. The functional significance of these germline deep intronic point mutations and their relationship to the pathogenesis of CCS are unclear. Future studies investigating KIT intron mutations in a larger cohort of CCS patients are warranted.