Short-term stability of wastewater samples for storage and shipment in the context of the EU Sewage Sentinel System for SARS-CoV-2.

In the context of an EU-wide surveillance system for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, recommended by the European Commission, this study aims to provide scientific support to the adequacy of transport and storage conditions of samples both in terms of duration and samples temperature. Three laboratories in Slovenia, Cyprus and Estonia investigated the short-term, one-week, isochronous stability of wastewater samples by RT-qPCR based detection of SARS-CoV-2 genes. The results were tested for statistical significance to determine uncertainty of quantification and shelf-life, at testing temperatures of + 20 °C and - 20 °C, relative to reference at + 4 °C. Samples were collected from three urban wastewater treatment plant influents and analysed respectively for SARS-CoV-2 genes N1, N2 (Laboratory 1), N2, E (Laboratory 2) and N3 (Laboratory 3), with various analytical methods. For a period of 7/8 days at + 20 °C, decreasing trends of measured concentrations were observed for all genes resulting in instability according to the statistical analysis, while at - 20 °C the trend of variation was stable only for N1, N2 (Laboratory 1) and N3 (Laboratory 3). Trends for gene E concentrations at - 20 °C (Laboratory 2) could not be tested statistically for stability because of lack of data. Over a period of just 3 days at + 20 °C, the variation was statistically non-significant indicating stability for genes N1, E and N3 for laboratories 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Nonetheless, the outcome of the study presents evidence to support the choice of the selected temperature at which samples shall be preserved during storage before analysis or transport to the laboratory. The conditions (+4 °C, ∼ few days) chosen for EU wastewater surveillance are in accordance with these results, highlighting the importance of stability testing of environmental samples to determine the short-term analytical uncertainty.

Atmospheric concentrations, occurrence and deposition of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in a Mediterranean coastal site (Etang de Thau, France).

Atmospheric concentrations and deposition fluxes of PCDD/F and PCB have been evaluated over a 1-year period in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Etang de Thau, France). Indicative PBDE air concentrations in the hot season are also reported in this work. ∑2,3,7,8-PCDD/Fs and ∑18PCBs (gas+particulate) air concentrations ranged from 67 to 1700 fg m(-3) and from 13 to 95 pg m(-3), respectively whereas ∑8PBDEs (gas+particulate) summer time levels varied from 158 to 230 pg m(-3). The PCDD/F and PCB atmospheric occurrence over Thau lagoon and subsequent inputs to the surface waters are determined by an assemble of factors, being the seasonality of atmospheric concentration, the air mass origin and meteorological conditions important drivers. Total (wet+dry) ∑2,3,7,8-PCDD/Fs and ∑18PCBs deposition fluxes to Thau Lagoon waters are 117 and 715 pg m(-2)d(-1), respectively.

Atmospheric occurrence and deposition of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the open Mediterranean Sea.

The overall objective of this work is to provide the first evaluation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) occurrence and deposition to Mediterranean open seawater. sigma2,3,7,8-PCDD/F air (gas+aerosol) concentrations over the Mediterranean Sea ranged from 60 to 1040 fg m(-3). The highest value (1555 fg m(-3)) was measured in a reference sample taken in the SW Black Sea. No consistent trend regarding the diel cycle of PCDD/Fs was observed. PCDD/Fs transported to the open sea waters from continental areas and across the Atlantic as well as ship emissions may be significant sources to the open Mediterranean. Seawater concentrations in the Mediterranean ranged from 42 to 64 fg L(-1). The sigma2,3,7,8-PCDD/F dry deposition fluxes in the Marmara and Black Seas (210 kg year(-1)) are from 2 to 55 times higher than dry fluxes in the Mediterranean Sea (4-156 kg year(-1)). Analysis of estimated diffusive air-water fluxes and air/water fugacity ratios show that a net volatilization of some PCDD congeners is feasible. However, evidence of a net absorption flux for the rest of PCDD/F is found. When both atmospheric deposition processes are considered together the open Mediterranean Sea is a net sink of PCDD/F, due to the importance of dry deposition fluxes of aerosol-bound PCDDFs.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the atmosphere of sub-alpine northern Italy.

The main objective of this work was to assess the atmospheric concentrations and seasonal variations of selected POPs in a sub-alpine location where few data are available. A monitoring and research station was set up at the JRC Ispra EMEP site (Italy). We present and discuss a one-year data set (2005-2006) on PCB air concentrations. Sigma 7PCBs monthly averaged concentration varied from 31 to 76 pgm(-3). Concentrations in the gas phase (21-72 pgm(-3)) were higher than those in the particulate phase (3-10 pgm(-3)). Advection of air masses and re-volatilization from local sources seem to play a dominant role as drivers of PCB atmospheric concentrations in the area. Indications of seasonal variation affecting PCB congener patterns and the gas/particulate partitioning were found. Modeling calculations suggest a predominant importance of the wet deposition in this region (1 microgm(-2)yr(-1) Sigma 7PCBs yearly total wet deposition flux; 650-2400 pgL(-1) rainwater concentrations).

Atmospheric input of POPs into Lake Maggiore (Northern Italy): PBDE concentrations and profile in air, precipitation, settling material and sediments.

Large lakes are sinks for many chemical pollutants but the role of the atmosphere in delivering PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) is not well known. In this study we estimated inputs of PBDEs from the atmosphere to Lake Maggiore and the delivery via settling material to accumulated bottom sediments. Sampling consisted of one simultaneous week of air and bulk deposition during Spring 2005, an integrated 4-month period of collected settling material (via sediment trap), and superficial bottom sediments near the sediment trap deployment and tributary mouths of the lake. Concentration of total PBDEs (Sigma 8) in the sediments ranged between 0.06 and 27 ng g(-1), and two different patterns were observed. One pattern was dominated by BDE-47 and BDE-99 and a second by BDE-209. The latter pattern suggested input from local source(s). Total PBDEs in air were 107 pg m(-3) with a pattern dominated by BDE-47. The bulk deposition rate of total PBDEs for precipitation was measurated to be 17.6 ng m(-2) day(-1) where BDE-209 exhibited the highest concentration. For aquatic settling material the flux was 3.57 ng m(-2) day(-1) and was dominated by congeners BDE-47 and BDE-99. The bulk deposition and settling material fluxes were in the same range for the less brominated congeners, while for the hepta- and deca-brominated PBDEs the fluxes in the settling material were one order of magnitude lower. This suggests different sedimentation processes among congeners and/or the presence of local sources that influence the relative distribution in water column.

Atmospheric input of POPs into Lake Maggiore (Northern Italy): PCDD/F and dioxin-like PCB profiles and fluxes in the atmosphere and aquatic system.

The delivery and accumulation of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) as recorded in sediments from the Lake Maggiore (LM) in Northern Italy and the influence of the atmosphere in contaminating this subalpine ecosystem were studied. PCDD/Fs (17 congeners) and DL-PCBs (12 congeners) concentrations, congener profiles and fluxes in air, bulk deposition, aquatic settling material and surface sediments are presented. Our strategy was to obtain surface sediment from areas near riverine inputs and in the depositional basins, settling material in sediment traps at one site and air, aerosol and bulk deposition profiles. PCDD/F concentrations in air of 25 WHO-TEQ fg m(-3) and DL-PCBs of 7 WHO-TEQ fg m(-3) were measured. Bulk atmospheric deposition yielded 140 and 28 WHO-TEQ pg m(-2) per week for dioxins/furans and DL-PCBs, respectively. Aquatic settling material exhibited concentrations of 11 WHO-TEQ pg g(-1) for PCDD/Fs and 2 WHO-TEQ pg g(-1) for DL-PCBs. Weekly settling material fluxes of 50 WHO-TEQ pg m(-2) and 10 WHO-TEQ pg m(-2) were obtained for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs, respectively. PCDD/Fs concentrations in surface sediments varied from 0.1 to 17 WHO-TEQ pg g(-1) whereas values ranged from 0.03 to 6 WHO-TEQ pg g(-1) for DL-PCBs. The concentrations obtained in the environmental compartments studied suggest a situation of low level contamination. PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs congener profiles in atmospheric air, bulk deposition, aquatic settling matter and surface sediment point to an important if not dominant contribution from atmospheric deposition to Lake Maggiore, especially derived from wet deposition of aerosol-bound PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs. Flux estimates support this hypothesis.

PCDD/F and PCB multi-media ambient concentrations, congener patterns and occurrence in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Etang de Thau, France).

Ambient concentrations, congener patterns and multi-media distribution of PCDD/Fs and PCBs were determined in air, water, sediment and mussels in a semi-enclosed marine ecosystem (Thau lagoon, France). Sigma2,3,7,8-PCDD/F and sigma7ICES PCB air concentrations (0.2-1.4 and 31-57 pg m(-3), respectively) were typical of rural areas. Concentrations in the water column were very low for PCDD/Fs (163-476 fg L(-1)) and low for PCBs (138-708 pg L(-1)). PCDD/F and PCB concentrations found in surface sediment (0.15-1.6 and 2.5-33 ng g(-1) d.w., respectively) and mussel (13-21 pg g(-1) d.w. and 10-39 ng g(-1) d.w., respectively) were medium levels. PCDD/F congener patterns observed in air, water particulate phase and sediments were similar suggesting direct coupling among these compartments and atmospheric inputs of PCDD/Fs into the lagoon. Conversely, for the same set of samples, similar patterns were not observed for PCBs in the mentioned compartments.

MR imaging with gadolinium in patients with and without post-lumbar puncture headache.

PURPOSE: To study frequency and extent of meningeal enhancement in patients with and without post-lumbar puncture headache (PLPH) with cerebral MR with Gd-DTPA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten consecutive patients with PLPH and 9 consecutive patients without PLPH were included in the study. Nine of the PLPH patients were reinvestigated when the PLPH was over and all non-PLPH patients during the week after the lumbar puncture. RESULTS: Eight of the 9 patients with PLPH showed more enhancement of meningeal structures during PLPH than when PLPH had disappeared. The differences were slight in 5, more marked in 2, and pronounced in 1 patient. The 9th patient showed no change at all. In the 9 patients without PLPH, there was mainly slight enhancement before lumbar puncture and no change in enhancement after lumbar puncture as compared with before. CONCLUSION: PLPH is related to increased Gd-DTPA enhancement of the meninges, although the increase in enhancement during PLPH is minor in most cases. Pronounced enhancement of the meninges after lumbar puncture may predict long duration of the PLPH.

[Atraumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head in adults. Diagnosis and treatment]. / Atraumatisk avaskulaer nekrose i caput femoris hos voksne. Diagnostik og behandling.

Atraumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a well-known disease which in the majority of cases is associated with conditions like alcohol abuse or steroid therapy. Early diagnosis is important, in particular in younger patients, in order to preserve the femoral head. Plain radiography, computed tomography, scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging are the radiological methods used for detection of avascular necrosis, and especially magnetic resonance imaging has like scintigraphy been found to be well suited for diagnosis in early stages. Characteristic magnetic resonance scan patterns are described. Surgical treatment is necessary in most cases. Various methods are used, according to the stage of the disease.

[Primary cerebral non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Intensive chemotherapy supported by crania radiotherapy]. / Primaert cerebralt non-Hodgkins lymfom. Intensiv kombinationskemoterapi suppleret med kranial stråleterapi.

Four cases of primary central nervous system lymphomas treated with high dose cytosine arabinoside and high dose methotrexate prior to cranial irradiation are described. All patients achieved a complete clinical and radiological remission following treatment with chemotherapy alone. Three patients are alive with a follow-up period of 60, 45 og 24 months, respectively. One patient died 12 months after diagnosis at another hospital. Autopsy was not performed.

[Caroli's disease]. / Carolis sygdom.

Caroli's disease (CS) is a rare malformation of the bile duct with multiple segmental communicating dilatations of intrahepatic bile ducts affecting the whole of or parts of the liver. The disease is presumably of autosomal recessive hereditary character. Caroli described two types: the rare isolated variety (type 1), is characterized by recurring episodes of cholangitis. The more frequently occurring type 2 is associated with congenital hepatic fibrosis, and consequently there are also symptoms of portal hypertension. Both types may make their first appearance at a very early age. A case story is presented. In the light of the development of carcinoma in 7% of the patients, the authors recommend that patients who cannot be operated radically should have regular, clinical follow-ups including ultrasonography and biopsies if necessary.