Airborne concentrations and chemical considerations of radioactive ruthenium from an undeclared major nuclear release in 2017.

In October 2017, most European countries reported unique atmospheric detections of aerosol-bound radioruthenium (106Ru). The range of concentrations varied from some tenths of µBq·m-3 to more than 150 mBq·m-3 The widespread detection at such considerable (yet innocuous) levels suggested a considerable release. To compare activity reports of airborne 106Ru with different sampling periods, concentrations were reconstructed based on the most probable plume presence duration at each location. Based on airborne concentration spreading and chemical considerations, it is possible to assume that the release occurred in the Southern Urals region (Russian Federation). The 106Ru age was estimated to be about 2 years. It exhibited highly soluble and less soluble fractions in aqueous media, high radiopurity (lack of concomitant radionuclides), and volatility between 700 and 1,000 °C, thus suggesting a release at an advanced stage in the reprocessing of nuclear fuel. The amount and isotopic characteristics of the radioruthenium release may indicate a context with the production of a large 144Ce source for a neutrino experiment.

[Surgical delivery in multiple pregnancy]. / Operativno rodorazreshenie pri mnogoplodna bremennost.

During the period 1986-1990, 142 women with multiple pregnancy were treated with the following methods: normal delivery--104 women (73.2%), sectio caesarea--35 women (24.7%), internal versio--2 women (1.4%), forceps operation--1 woman (0.7%). In 81 cases with premature delivery (before 37 week of gestation) was done: normal delivery--64 women (79%), sectio caesarea--15 women (18.5%), internal versio--2 women (2.5%). n 45 cases with unfavourable positions of foetuses it was performed: normal delivery--18 women (40%), sectio caesarea--25 women (55.6%), internal versio-2 women (4.4). (In 10 cases with sectio caesarea and 2 cases with internal versio the indications were prematurity as well as unfavourable positions of the foetuses). The authors consider that it is necessary to increase the operative interventions (sectio caesarea) in cases of multiple pregnancy.

[The ultrasonic diagnosis of an early abnormal pregnancy]. / Ultrazvukova diagnoza na ranna abnormalna bremennost.

During the period of January 1993 to February 1994, 70 pregnant women had an ultrasonic diagnosis of abnormal pregnancy. 111 ultrasound examinations were made--mean 1.6 of each woman. The ultrasonic diagnosis up to 70 women was: missed abortion--35 women (50%), blighted ovum--30 women (42.9%), other diagnosis--5 women (7.1%). Histological examination of material was made with 64 women (91.4%). Comparing the ultrasonic diagnosis to histological results, authors do not recommend a final diagnosis before eight gestation week.

[The diagnosis and complications of pregnancy in uterine malformation]. / Diagnoza i uslozhneniia na bremennostta pri matochna malformatsiia.

During the period from January 1985 until May 1990, 56 pregnant women with malformed uterus were observed for the clinical curse of pregnancy: 22 women in the first, 26 in the second and 8 in the third trimester. The diagnosis was made by complex investigations: vaginal examination--in 48 cases, ultrasound examination-in 51 cases, previous hysterosalpingography--in 14 cases. In 17 women the performance of a cerclage was needed. In 17 women a hormonal treatment with gravibinon was applied. The results prove the reliability and validity of ultrasound examination, especially through the second trimester of pregnancy and the need of adequate hormonal (gravibinon) and operative treatment (cerclage).

[The lead concentration of the maternal serum in cases of missed abortion]. / Kontsentratsiia na olovo v maichiniia serum pri sluchai s missed abortion.

The neurotoxic effect of lead is well known, but the investigations of the pregnant women are still few. The aim of the present study is to establish whether there is difference in the concentration of lead in the blood of the pregnant women with missed abortion in comparison with women with normally developing pregnancy in the same gestational age. There were examined 35 patients with missed abortion and a control group of 26 women with normal pregnancy in the same gestational age. There were established statistically significant higher levels of lead (p < 0.001) in women with normal pregnancy (124.46 +/- 46.65 micrograms/l) in comparison with cases with missed abortion (183.73 +/- 24.16 micrograms/l). There were discussed the possible mechanisms, which can be responsible for the observed changes.