Fetoscopic tracheal occlusion for treatment of non-isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Fetoscopic endotracheal occlusion (FETO) is a prenatal treatment that may increase survival in severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). In the USA, FETO is offered for isolated severe left-sided CDH in the context of an FDA-approved feasibility study. FETO in non-isolated cases of severe CDH is only performed with a compassionate use exemption from US regulatory bodies. Anomalies frequently associated with CDH include congenital cystic lesions of the lung and cardiac defects. We describe two cases of non-isolated severe left-sided CDH that underwent prenatal FETO, survived after birth and underwent postnatal surgical repair. The potential benefit of FETO in this setting is discussed. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Morphological features of a case of retinoic acid embryopathy

A case of retinoic acid embryopathy which was retrospectively diagnosed after delivery is presented. The affected fetus was exposed to the drug during the first month of pregnancy and second-trimester sonographic examination showed hydrocephalus and cardiacmalformation. The diagnosis was made on the basis of autopsy findings and genetic enquiry.     

Effects of acid deposition on corrosion of metals

This paper tries to analyse the principles of expressing the effect of acid deposition and general atmospheric pollution in the theory of atmospheric corrosion, with a special view to single metals, types of environment and to the progress states of the corrosion process. Deeper knowledge of the character of the deposits and their changes in the dynamic system, together with the need to describe better newly arising metal-environment system, lead to more sophisticated experimental methods and interpretations. The corrosivity classification system and methods of deriving atmospheric corrosivity are further discussed. The importance of ongoing international testing programs is mentioned.     

Effects of fulvic acid and humic acid on aluminum speciation in drinking water

This article focused on the influences of fulvic acid and humic acid on aluminum speciation in drinking water. Factors including the concentration of residual chlorine and pH value had been concerned. Aluminum species investigated in the experiments included inorganic mononuclear, organic mononuclear, mononuclear, polymer, soluble, and suspended forms. It was found that the e ects of fulvic acid and humic acid on aluminum speciation depended mainly on their molecular weight. Fulvic acid with molecular weight less than 5000 Dalton had little influence on aluminum speciation; while fulvic acid with molecular weight larger than 5000 Dalton and humic acid would increase the concentration of soluble aluminum significantly even at concentration below 0.5 mg/L (calculated as TOC). Aluminum species, in the present of fulvic acid with molecular weight larger than 5000 Dalton and humic acid, were more stable than that in the present of fluvic acid with molecular mass less than 5000 Dalton, and varied little with reaction time. Within pH range 6.5–7.5, soluble aluminum increased notably in water with organic matter. As the concentration of residual chlorine increased, the e ects of fulvic acid and humic acid became weak. The reactions between humic acid, fulvic acid with large molecular weight, and aluminum were considered to be a multi-dentate coordination process. With the consideration of aluminum bioavailability, reducing the concentration of fulvic acid and humic acid and keeping the pH value among 6.5–7.5 were recommended during drinking water treatment.     

Effects of simulated acid rain on fertility of litchi

The regulatory role of calcium in fertility of pollen and pistil under simulated acid rain was investigated. The germination percentage of pollen treated with acid rain of pH 4.5 was 9.42% lower than that of control, and that of pH 3.5, pH 2.5 and pH 1.5 were 22.47%, 45.49% and 71.62%, respectively. Simultaneously, the injury character of pollen was obviously observed when flowers were treated with acid rain of pH 3.5. The difference in fruit setting rate between the female flower treated with acid rain of pH 4.0 and the control was significant at p 〈 0.05. Ca（NO3 ）5 of 0.2-0.4 mmol/L could promote pollen germination under the stress of acid rain. The beneficial function was reduced when calcium concentration surpassed 0.8 mmol/L. Spraying 2 mmol/L Ca（NO3 ）5 reduced the injury of acid rain to pistil and increased fruit-setting rate significantly. The physiological importance of calcium during pollen germination and pistil development was also discussed.