Kinetic adsorption of application of carbon nanotubes for Pb（II） removal from aqueous solution

The capability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to adsorb lead (Pb) in aqueous solution was investigated. Batch mode adsorption experiment was conducted to determine the effects of pH, agitation speed, CNTs dosage and contact time. The removal of Pb(II) was reach to maximum value 85% or 83% at pH 5 or 40 mg/L of CNTs, respectively. Higher correlation coefficients from Langmuir isotherm model indicates the strong adsorptions of Pb(II) on the surface of CNTs (adsorption capacity Xm = 102.04 mg/g). From this study, the results indicates that the highest percentage removal of Pb (96.03%) can be achieved at pH 5, 40 mg/L of CNTs, contact time 80 min, and agitation speed 50 r/min.     

Flooding: what is the impact on pregnancy and child health?

Floods are the most common type of natural disaster in both developed and developing countries and have led to extensive morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Worldwide, over the past 30 years, flooding has claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people and affected more than 2.8 billion others. The impact of flooding on health varies among populations and depends primarily on vulnerability and the kind of event experienced. It severely disrupts livelihoods and has a significant impact on the health of pregnant women and children. In addition, it may exacerbate a range of negative psychological and physiological child and reproductive health outcomes. Awareness‐raising, education, and the issuing of warnings appear to be key initiatives to mitigate or prevent flood morbidity and mortality, especially among people living in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Agencies responding to emergencies also need to be more cognisant of the dangers, specifically those engaged in healthcare, nutrition, and water safety programmes.     

An increased incidence of haemangiomas in infants born following chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

The incidence of haemangiomas was ascertained by questionnaire in infants born to 578 consecutive CVS patients and 445 consecutive mid-trimester amniocentesis patients seen at a single institution between 1 January 1989 and 31 May 1991. The incidence of 7·4 per cent reported in the amniocentesis group was comparable to previous estimates of the incidence of haemangiomas in the general population. In contrast, a 21·1 per cent incidence, three-fold higher than that observed in the amniocentesis group, was observed among CVS-exposed infants (P<0·001). This increased incidence was largely confined to patients undergoing a transcervical procedure. No correlation was observed between the incidence of haemangiomas and gestational age at sampling, sample size, number of sampling attempts, or a history of bleeding following the procedure.     

Sonographic depiction of fetal tooth germs

Recently, sonography of the fetal face has gained increasing importance in prenatal diagnosis. It is not yet clear whether sonographic depiction of fetal tooth germs would have an influence on the prenatal diagnosis of ectodermal dysplasia syndromes. During routine malformation screening, horizontal sections of fetal jaws were visualized and examined for tooth germs in 124 pregnant women following sonographic ‘facing’. Histological jaw sections of fetuses that had died in utero at various gestational ages were produced in order to examine the degree of correspondence between the sonographic and histological findings. At least four tooth germs were found in the jaws of all fetuses between 19 and 34 gestational weeks (n=104). Although jaw visualization was possible between 14 and 18 gestational weeks (n=20), the exact number and location of the tooth germs could not be determined. Assessment of tooth germs may become increasingly important, as aplasia of the tooth germs is one of the principal signs of various hereditary ectodermal diseases.     

An association between fetal abdominal wall defects and elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin in mid-trimester

We analysed maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in 16 pregnancies with fetal abdominal wall defects previously identified prenatally by elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) or at birth. The AFP levels had a mean of 6·38 MOM (range 0·34–15·65), as expected with these defects. The hCG levels had a mean of 1·82 MOM (range 0·23–4·11). The hCG levels in five pregnancies (31·25 per cent) were above 2·30 MOM. Elevated levels of hCG may be associated with fetal abdominal wall defects.     

Anencephaly in a fetus with osteogenesis imperfecta: Early diagnosis by transvaginal sonography

Early prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta at 14 weeks' gestation by transvaginal sonography is reported. An anencephalic fetus was found at autopsy, although on sonographic examination complete brain tissue had been observed. A possible explanation for these findings and theories on the pathogenesis of anencephaly are discussed.     

Preterm delivery rate and fetal outcome in structurally affected twin pregnancies: A retrospective matched control study

Data from 23 twin pregnancies with one structurally affected fetus were compared with data from 23 twin pregnancies with proven absence of structural fetal anomalies and matched for maternal age, parity, and year of delivery. The preterm delivery rate ( < 37 weeks) was high in both groups but not significantly different (57 vs. 48 per cent). Perinatal mortality was significantly higher in the structurally affected twin pregnancies (65 vs. 9 per cent). In the affected twins, birth weight of the anomalous fetus was significantly lower than that of the normal co-twin. Since there was no difference in the incidence of maternal disease (hypertensive disorders, diabetes), it was concluded that the higher perinatal mortality was determined mainly by the nature of the anomaly and not by the preterm delivery rate.     

β-Glucuronidase activity in mouse oocytes,mouse preimplantation embryos,and human gametes

A microfluorimetric assay was designed to monitor β-glucuronidase (β-gluc) activity during the early development of mouse embryos and was also applied to measure β-gluc activity in human sperm cells and single human oocytes. Mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos at different stages of development, failed fertilized human oocytes, and human sperm cells were collected, and β-gluc activity was analysed. In the mouse, β-gluc activity could be measured starting from the morula stage on in a pooled sample of 15 embryos and at blasto-cyst formation in one single embryo. β-Gluc activity was low in human sperm cells. The enzyme could be readily demonstrated in 87 per cent of non-fertilized human oocytes. Considerable variation in β-gluc activity was noticed between individual oocytes.     

Congenital generalized cystic lymphangiomatosis diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound

We describe a previously unknown congenital abnormality of the lymphatic system, characterized by multiple cystic lesions of the lower extremities and thorax. Diagnosis was made by ultrasound in the second trimester. The ultrasound findings, pathology results, and differential diagnosis are presented.