S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase in amniotic fluid as markers of abdominal wall and neural tube defects in the fetus

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is increased leakage of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100 protein into amniotic fluid in pregnancies with neural tube defects, since both these proteins are produced by neural tissue, and to compare the value of these substances for detecting such defects with that of the more conventional techniques of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gel electrophoresis. Amniotic samples from 25 mid-pregnancies (15–17 weeks' gestation) with neural tube defects (14 with open spina bifida and 11 with anencephaly) and from seven mid-pregnancies with abdominal wall defects were compared with a control material consisting of 80 amniotic fluid samples from 80 consecutive mid-pregnancy amniocenteses, with normal karyotypes and AFP concentrations. All of the above cases of abnormalities were primarily detected through increased AFP levels in the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid samples from 13 pregnancies with fetuses with autosomal chromosomal abnormalities and seven amniotic fluid samples contaminated with blood were also included in the investigation. It is concluded from the results that the conventional AFP assay combined with AChE gel electrophoresis is the best method for screening amniotic fluid for neural tube defects and defects of the abdominal wall. Neither NSE nor S-100 assay alone proved to be superior for the detection of these cases in mid-trimester amniotic fluid. The S-100 assay, however, could give additional information in cases where AChE gel electrophoresis is not decisive; for example, in samples contaminated with blood.     

Multi-biological defects caused by lead exposure exhibit transferable properties from exposed parents to their progeny in Caenorhabditis elegans

Whether the multi-biological toxicity from lead exposure could be transferred to progeny has not been clarified.In the present study,we explored the Caenorhabditis elegans to analyze the multiple toxicities from lead exposure and their possibly transferable properties.The lead exposure could cause series of severe multi-biological defects with a concentration-dependent manner by affecting the endpoints of life span,development,reproduction and locomotion behaviors in nematodes.Moreover,most of these toxicities could be transferred to progeny from lead exposed animals and some of the defects in progeny appeared even more severe than in their parents,such as the body sizes and mean life spans.We summarized the defects caused by lead exposure into three groups according to their transferable properties or rescue patterns.That is,the defects caused by lead exposure could be largely,or partially,or became even more severe in progeny animals.Therefore,our results suggest that lead exposure can cause severely multi-biological defects,and most of these multiple toxicities can be considered as transferable for exposed animals in C.elegans.     

Development, dilemma and potential strategies for the application of nanocatalysts in wastewater catalytic ozonation: A review

With the continuous development of nanomaterials in recent years, the application of nanocatalysts in catalytic ozone oxidation has attracted more and more researchers' attention due to their excellent catalytic properties. In this review, we systematically summarized the current research status of nanocatalysts mainly involving material categories, mechanisms and catalytic efficiency. Based on summary and analysis, we found most of the reported nanocatalysts were in the stage of laboratory research, which was caused by the nanocatalysts defects such as easy aggregation, difficult separation, and easy leakage. These defects might result in severe resource waste, economic loss and potentially adverse effects imposed on the ecosystem and human health. Aiming at solving these defects, we further analyzed the reasons and the existing reports, and revealed that coupling nano-catalyst and membrane, supported nanocatalysts and magnetic nanocatalysts had promising potential in solving these problems and promoting the actual application of nanocatalysts in wastewater treatment. Furthermore, the advantages, shortages and our perspectives of these methods are summarized and discussed.     

我国现行大气环境影响评价预测模型的若干问题及其改进

我国现行大气环境影响预测评价模型存在以下几个问题:大气混合层高度求算偏低;稳定条件下大气扩散计算结果不合理;模型未考虑非扩散因素影响(干湿沉积、化学转化);非正常排放模型在小风、静风条件下计算结果偏大;熏烟模型计算的不可操作性等。本文针对这些问题提出相应的改进方法,并进行了实例计算。     

Approaches to studying the genomic architecture of complex birth defects

Every year nearly 6 percent of children worldwide are born with a serious congenital malformation, resulting in death or lifelong disability. In the United States, birth defects remain one of the leading causes of infant mortality. Among the common structural congenital defects are conditions known as neural tube defects (NTDs). These are a class of malformation of the brain and spinal cord where the neural tube fails to close during the neurulation. Although NTDs remain among the most pervasive and debilitating of all human developmental anomalies, there is insufficient understanding of their etiology. Previous studies have proposed that complex birth defects like NTDs are likely omnigenic, involving interconnected gene regulatory networks with associated signals throughout the genome. Advances in technologies have allowed researchers to more critically investigate regulatory gene networks in ever increasing detail, informing our understanding of the genetic basis of NTDs. Employing a systematic analysis of these complex birth defects using massively parallel DNA sequencing with stringent bioinformatic algorithms, it is possible to approach a greater level of understanding of the genomic architecture underlying NTDs. Herein, we present a brief overview of different approaches undertaken in our laboratory to dissect out the genetics of susceptibility to NTDs. This involves the use of mouse models to identify candidate genes, as well as large scale whole genome/whole exome (WGS/WES) studies to interrogate the genomic landscape of NTDs. The goal of this research is to elucidate the gene-environment interactions contributing to NTDs, thus encouraging global research efforts in their prevention.     

冲模CAD系统中装配图消隐算法

介绍了几种实现模具装配图消隐的方法 ,分析了各种方法的缺陷。根据模具装配图中各零件之间的相互关系 ,对模具零件进行了分类 ,并提出了一种新的实现模具装配图消隐的方法图形实体重构法     

基于电容成像检测技术的带防腐层金属结构缺陷检测

目的同时检测防腐层下金属结构表面缺陷和防腐层缺陷。方法应用电容成像检测技术同时检测防腐层下金属结构表面缺陷和防腐层缺陷,理论分析防腐层下金属表面减薄缺陷、防腐层下金属表面坑状缺陷和防腐层缺陷对电场线的扰动变化规律,仿真分析这三种缺陷对电势线的扰动变化规律,提出电容成像检测技术用于检测防腐层下金属结构表面缺陷和防腐层缺陷的可行性,并搭建电容成像检测系统,利用检测系统检测2 mm和4 mm防腐层下金属表面减薄1 mm和2 mm缺陷、金属表面坑状缺陷、2 mm防腐层下金属结构(防腐层含有通孔缺陷)。结果理论分析和仿真分析显示,电容成像检测技术具有检测防腐层下金属结构表面缺陷和防腐层缺陷的可行性。试验结果表明,电容成像系统能检测2 mm和4 mm防腐层下金属表面减薄1 mm和2 mm缺陷、金属表面坑状缺陷、2 mm防腐层下金属结构(防腐层含有通孔缺陷)。除此之外,在防腐层下金属表面缺陷处的检测结果值呈现上升的趋势,在防腐层缺陷处的检测结果呈现下降的趋势,据此规律可以区分防腐层下金属表面缺陷和防腐层缺陷。结论电容成像检测技术能检测防腐层下金属结构表面减薄缺陷和坑状缺陷,还能同时检测防腐层本身存在的缺陷。根据检测在防腐层下金属结构表面缺陷和防腐层缺陷所呈现的不同结果,可用于区分这两类缺陷,有利于为油气储运设施缺陷维修制定合理的方案。     

Detection of fetal structural abnormalities at the 11–14 week ultrasound scan

The aim of this study was to evaluate the detection of fetal structural abnormalities by the 11–14 week scan. 2853 pregnant women were submitted to a routine ultrasound scan between the 11th and 14th week and the fetal skull, brain, spine, abdominal wall, limbs, stomach and bladder were examined. Following the scans the patientes were examined in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. An isolated increased nuchal translucency was not considered an abnormality. However, these patients had an early echocardiography assessment. Fetal structural abnormalities were classified as major or minor and of early or late onset. A total of 130 (4.6%) defects were identified and 29 (22.3%) of these were diagnosed at the 11–14 week scan, including nine cardiac defects associated with increased nuchal translucency. The antenatal ultrasound detection rate was 71.5%, and 31.2% were detected in the first-trimester assessment. 78.8% of the major defects were diagnosed by the prenatal scan and 37.8% by the 11–14 week scan. Fetal structural abnormalities at the 11–14 week scan were detected in approximately 22.3% of the cases, therefore, a second-trimester anomaly scan is important in routine antenatal care to increase the prenatal detection of fetal defects. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prenatally diagnosed developmental abnormalities of the central nervous system and genetic syndromes: A practical review

Developmental brain abnormalities are complex and can be difficult to diagnose by prenatal imaging because of the ongoing growth and development of the brain throughout pregnancy and the limitations of ultrasound, often requiring fetal magnetic resonance imaging as an additional tool. As for all major structural congenital anomalies, amniocentesis with chromosomal microarray and a karyotype is the first-line recommended test for the genetic work-up of prenatally diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. Many CNS defects, especially neuronal migration defects affecting the cerebral and cerebellar cortex, are caused by single-gene mutations in a large number of different genes. Early data suggest that prenatal diagnostic exome sequencing for fetal CNS defects will have a high diagnostic yield, but interpretation of sequencing results can be complex. Yet a genetic diagnosis is important for prognosis prediction and recurrence risk counseling. The evaluation and management of such patients is best done in a multidisciplinary team approach. Here, we review general principles of the genetic work-up for fetuses with CNS defects and review categories of genetic causes of prenatally diagnosed CNS phenotypes.     

Amniotic band syndrome in second trimester associated with fetal malformations

The Possibility of severe fetal malformations, including neural tube defects, secondary to early amniotic rupture followed by formation of fibrous bands (amniotic band syndrome) is a well-known entitity. The fact that these pregnancies are usually uneventful makes prenatal diagnosis difficult, but routine determination of serum alphafetoprotein, followed by ultrasound scanning, may detect some of the malformations. We present a case, where detection of a neural tube defect led to induced second trimester abortion of a fetus severely affected by this syndrome. There appeared to be a causal relationship between maternal trauma and the amniotic rupture.     

成品油管道基于内检测的适用性评价与维修决策

目的 建立成品油管道基于内检测的适用性评价及维修决策方法.方法 针对某成品油管道内检测数据中的管道缺陷,进行缺陷尺寸特征与环焊缝关系等统计分析.考虑缺陷形态对管道安全运行的影响,结合国内外相关标准,制定成品油管道缺陷维修判定准则.结合缺陷强度评价、腐蚀速率计算以及剩余寿命预测,确定缺陷维修计划和再检测周期.结果 该管道内外腐蚀较突出,管道外部腐蚀缺陷分布相对较为均匀,而内部腐蚀缺陷分布较为集中.通过腐蚀缺陷点与最近环焊缝距离分析,发现疑似焊缝处防腐层补口失效3处.经评价分析,该管道建议无立即修复缺陷,所有93处腐蚀类金属损失缺陷计划响应时间都在5年内.通过管道适用性评价、腐蚀缺陷剩余寿命预测,确定管道再检测时间间隔为5年.结论 采用ASME B31G、分段腐蚀速率预测等方法实施管道完整性评价,并以此确定缺陷维修响应等级和时间具有较好的实施效果.当现场开展开挖修复工作后,应根据开挖测量结果修正管道缺陷维修计划.     

重离子辐照1200V碳化硅二极管漏电退化的缺陷分析

目的研究1200 V碳化硅二极管重离子辐照诱生缺陷对漏电流退化的影响。方法以SiC结势垒肖特基二极管(Junction Barrier Schottky Diode,JBSD)为样品,采用能量为208 MeV,LET=37.3 MeV·cm^2/mg的锗离子进行辐照试验,利用半导体器件分析仪对重离子辐照前后1200 V SiC二极管的电学特性进行测试,利用深能级瞬态谱仪(Deep Level Transient Spectrum,DLTS)进行缺陷分析。结果辐照后,二极管的正向IV特性和CV特性未发生明显变化,反向IV特性退化。DLTS测试结果显示,E0.4能级和Z1/Z2能级基本未发生变化,EH能级有展宽的现象。测试电压VM=-8 V,填充脉冲电压VF=-1 V条件下测得的EH能级浓度比VF=-4 V条件下测得的高。结论分析认为,EH能级的缺陷复杂,推测是两个或多个缺陷能级的叠加(EH4、EH5、EH6、EH7等),此处缺陷的复杂程度与漏电流的退化成正相关,且这些缺陷的所在位置接近SiC外延层的表面。     

False non-paternity in a family for prenatal diagnosis of β-thalassaemia

Initial screening for the common β-thalassaemia mutations with allele-specific oligonucleo-tide probes in an at-risk family suggested non-paternity. Subsequent DNA fingerprinting of the members proved otherwise. The mother had a codon 41/42 frameshift mutation and the father's defect, determined by direct sequencing of PCR-amplified β gene, was a codon 43 nonsense mutation. In the affected children, the close proximity of these two defects resulted in the absence of a hybridization signal to the normal probe in that region and a wrong assumption of homozygosity for the codon 41/42 mutation. The non-reactivity of the father's amplified DNA to the codon 41/42 thalassaemic probe accounted for the initial wrong conclusion of non-paternity. Since prior screening for β-thalassaemia mutations is done in all prenatal diagnosis programmes and concomitant inheritance of these two defects is relatively common in the Chinese, this ‘artefact’ of false non-paternity is worth noting.     

富营养化湖泊原位生物治理技术研究进展

论述了目前广泛应用的生态修复技术,包括水生植被恢复、生物浮岛技术,以及不造成二次污染的生物控藻技术,包括氮、磷循环菌和溶藻茵。分析了各技术的优缺点,对各自适用条件进行了比较,并对浮岛新材料开发以及溶藻茵理论研究等方面进行了展望。     

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.     

加油站油气回收效果检测及分析

对某地区4个加油站的油气回收改造效果进行了抽样检测。重点对一次油气回收中的回气量、回气浓度、回气压力和卸油速度以及二次油气回收中的密闭性、液阻和气液比等指标进行了测试,分析了存在的问题,并提出了相应的改造措施和建议。     

COD监测技术及其方法的发展

现在测定COD多数采用的是重铬酸钾硫酸回流法消解水样,此方法存在着消解后铬盐排放会造成二次污染、回流氧化时间过长、因使用剧毒的汞盐作掩蔽剂易引起汞污染等缺点。针对这些缺点本文将介绍一些新的方法和监测技术。     

Neural tube defects in trisomy 18

In a retrospective survey, the incidence of neural tube defects in liveborn trimsomy 18 was found to be 6·2 per cent. Based on these data one would expect to find trisomy 18 in 1 of the 117 patients with myeloidysplasia; the incidence of trisomy 18 in dysraphic fetuses would be anticipated to be higher. These observations underscore the need for amniocentesis karyotyping of fetuses with neural tube defects, and the importance of careful examination of infants born with neural tube defects.     

Prenatal detection of limb defects after chorionic villus sampling

Prenatal sonographic diagnoses of two cases of severe limb defects after first-trimester chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are presented. Pathological examination after elective termination correlated well with the prenatal sonographic findings. Although the relationship between CVS and limb defects remains controversial, careful ultrasound examination for possible limb defects in cases receiving CVS is recommended.     

Sonography of fetal cerebrospinal anomalies

Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) are among the most frequent malformations. Current ultrasound equipment can give a precise diagnosis of many of these lesions from early gestation. High-resolution transvaginal probes play a major role both in allowing an early diagnosis and for better defining subtle details of both normal and abnormal cerebral anatomy. The diagnostic accuracy of prenatal ultrasound is, however, heavily dependent upon the expertise of the sonologist, the type of equipment employed, and the time dedicated to the scan. Fetal sonography is effective in identifying neural tube defects, although alpha-fetoprotein screening seems to give a greater sensitivity. The accuracy of ultrasound in the identification of CNS malformations other than neural tube defects remains unclear because of the ascertainment biases of the few large prospective studies that have been conducted to date. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.