Point-source tracking of microplastics in sewerage systems. Finding the culprit.

Prior microplastic (MP) research has focused more on the efficiency of removal techniques within wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), with comparatively less emphasis placed on identifying and understanding the sources of MPs. In this study, the presence of MP in wastewater from various sources and their associated WWTPs was investigated. Utilising focal plane array micro Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FPA-µFTIR), the chemical composition, size distribution, and mass of MPs were quantified. Notably, wastewater generated from an industrial laundry facility exhibited the highest MP concentration of 6900 counts L-1 or 716 µg L-1. Domestic sewage contained MP levels (1534 counts L-1; 158 µg L-1) similar to those at the WWTPs (1640 counts L-1; 114 µg L-1). Polyester was identified as a significant component in most of the sources, predominantly originating from the shedding of fibres during textile washing. Additionally, a post-processing software was employed to compare two methods for fibre identification: aspect ratio and elongation ratio. These findings underscore the potential environmental impact of domestic activities and laundry washing on wastewater MP content.

Clitoral metastasis from ductal breast cancer revealing metastases in multiple sites and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Clitoral metastasis from breast cancer is extremely rare. CASE: A 68-year-old woman with a 6-year previous history of breast cancer consulted her physician regarding a papillary and ulcerated clitoral lesion consistent with the appearance of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. We analyzed the literature. Biopsy showed a ductal breast carcinoma with strongly positive estrogen and progesterone receptors. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic area showed a second site on the right labium majus. Multiples metastases were detected. A right hemivulvectomy including the clitoris was performed, removing the 2 vulvar lesions. A nodule in the right breast and a cutaneaous lesion under the mastectomy scar were also removed. She refused chemotherapy, and initial hormonal therapy with anastrozole was switched to letrozol. CONCLUSIONS: First, breast carcinoma on the vulva has 2 origins: primary breast carcinoma corresponding to ectopic breast tissue and--less frequently--breast cancer metastasis to the vulva. Second, the treatment of vulvar breast metastasis is the same as it would be on other sites: maximal reduction of the tumoral mass followed by chemotherapy-hormonal therapy.