Prevalence of Rotaviruses Groups A and C in Egyptian Children and Aquatic Environment

The objective of this study is to compare the prevalence of rotaviruses groups A and C in Egyptian children and aquatic environment. From 110 stool specimens of children with acute diarrhea and using RT-PCR, 35 samples (31.8 %) were positive for human rotavirus group A and 15 samples (13.6 %) were positive for human rotavirus group C. From 96 samples collected from Zenin wastewater treatment plant over a 2-year period (November 2009–October 2011) and using RT-PCR, rotavirus group A was detected in (4/24) 16.7 %, (5/24) 20.8 %, (4/24) 16.7 %, and (4/24) 16.7 %, while rotavirus group C was detected in (2/24) 8.3 %, (3/24) 12.5 %, (3/24) 12.5 %, and (0/24) 0 % in raw sewage, after primary sedimentation, after secondary sedimentation, and after final chlorination, respectively. Moreover, from 96 samples collected from El-Giza water treatment plant over a 2-year period (November 2009–October 2011), rotavirus group A was detected in (7/24) 29.2 %, (6/24) 25 %, (5/24) 20.8 %, and (3/24) 12.5 %, while rotavirus group C was detected in (3/24) 12.5 %, (1/24) 4.2 %, (1/24) 4.2 %, and (0/24) 0 % in raw Nile water, after sedimentation, after sand filtration, and after final chlorination, respectively. Using SYBR Green real-time RT-PCR, the number of human rotavirus group A genome or infectious units was higher than rotavirus group C. VP6 sequence analysis of the RT-PCR positive rotavirus group C samples revealed that four clinical specimens and three environmental samples showed similar sequences clustered with Moduganari/Human Nigerian strain AF 325806 with 98 % homology, and two clinical specimens and one environmental sample showed similar sequences clustered with Dhaka CB/Human Bangladesh strain AY 754826 with 97 % homology.     

Discovery of mycangia and the associated xylose-fermenting yeasts in stag beetles (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)

Most wood-feeding insects need an association with microbes to utilize wood as food, and some have special organs to store and convey the microbes. We report here the discovery of the microbe-storage organ (mycangium) in stag beetles (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), which develop in decayed wood. The mycangium, which was discovered in the abdomen, is present in all adult females of 22 lucanid species examined in this study, but absent in adult males. By contrast, adult insects of both sexes of selected Passalidae, Geotrupidae, and Scarabaeidae, which are related to Lucanidae, lacked mycangia similar to those of the lucanid species. Yeast-like microbes were isolated from the mycangium of five lucanid species. DNA sequence analyses indicate that the microbes are closely related to the xylose-fermenting yeasts Pichia stipitis, Pichia segobiensis, or Pichia sp. known from the gut of a passalid species.     

Amniotic fluid acetylcholinesterase in the prenatal diagnosis of open neural tube defects and abdominal wall defects: A comparison of gel electrophoresis and a monoclonal antibody immunoassay

Stored amniotic fluid samples collected in Oxford and East Birmingham as part of the Collaborative Acetylcholinesterase Study were assayed for the presence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) using a monoclonal antibody (4F19) enzyme antigen immunoassay. These results were compared with the results of a gel AChE which had been performed earlier. A total of 5689 samples from singleton pregnancies were analysed (including 36 with anencephaly, 77 with open spina bifida and 17 with anterior abdominal wall defects). The gel test yielded detection rates of 97% for anencephaly, 99% for open spina bifida and 94% for abdominal wall defects; the false positive rate (excluding pregnancies associated with serious abnormalities, miscarriages and intrauterine deaths) was 0·24%. The monoclonal test yielded similar results; using appropriate cut-off values to allow for differences in acetylcholinesterase levels in blood stained and clear samples, a similar false-positive rate of 0·22% was associated with detection rates of 97%, 95 % and 71 % respectively for the three types of defect. Although the detection rates and the false positive rate were slightly higher for the gel test, a result that might be explained by a decrease in AChE activity caused by storage of the samples, the monoclonal test has the advantages of requiring less interpretative expertise, it can be performed on a larger number of samples a day and it is not affected by contamination with fetal calf serum.     

A comparison of amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein and acetylcholinesterase in the prenatal diagnosis of open neural tube defects and anterior abdominal wall defects

Amniotic fluid samples received for routine prenatal diagnosis of open neural tube defects were used for a study to compare amniotic fluid acetylcholinesterase (AChE) determination using a monoclonal antibody (4F19) enzyme antigen immunoassay and amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) measurement as diagnostic tests for open neural tube defects. The study was based on 9964 women with singleton pregnancies and known outcome (including 6 with anencephaly and 18 with open spina bifida) having an amniocentesis at 14–23 weeks of gestation. The AChE immunoassay yielded detection rates for anencephaly of 100 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 54·07–100 per cent), for open spina bifida of 100 per cent (95 per cent CI 81·47–100 per cent), for anterior abdominal wall defects of 20 per cent (95 per cent CI 0-51-71-64 per cent), and a false-positive rate of 0·22 percent (95 per cent CI 0·14–0·34 per cent) excluding anencephaly, open spina bifida, and anterior abdominal wall defects. For similar detection rates the false-positive rate of the AFP test was significantly higher, 0·74 per cent (95 per cent CI 0·58–0·94 per cent). On the basis of these findings, it is recommended that the technically simple AChE immunoassay should be used on all samples; the AFP test should only be used on the 0·5 per cent of the samples with concentrations of AChE activity ⩾ 8·5 nkat/1 for clear samples and blood-stained samples becoming clear after centrifugation, and ⩾ 25·0 nkat/1 for blood-stained samples that are discoloured after centrifugation; an AFP cut-off level of 2·0 MOM is recommended for this policy. Thereby, the detection rates for anencephaly, open spina bifida, and anterior abdominal wall defects would be 100, 100, and 20 per cent, respectively (95 per cent CIs 54·07–100, 81·47–100, and 0·51–71·64 per cent, respectively), and the false-positive rate would be 0·08 per cent (95 per cent CI 0·03–0·16 per cent) (excluding anencephaly, open spina bifida, and anterior abdominal wall defects).     

Entry and toxicity of organic pesticides and copper in vineyard streams: Erosion rills jeopardise the efficiency of riparian buffer strips

The present study was performed to characterise in-stream pesticide exposure within the Palatinate vineyard region in south-west Germany, evaluate the influence of buffer strip widths and identify mitigation measures for the relevant entry pathways. In-stream water and sediment samples that were taken at nine sampling sites of different buffer widths following intense rainfall, and edge-of-field runoff that were sampled in erosion rills were analysed regarding 28 active ingredients of pesticides including copper. In-stream samples contained a mix of 8 ± 4 pesticide compounds, resulting in total pesticide concentrations of 1.4-8.9 μg l⁻¹ for water and 16-670 μg kg⁻¹ dw for sediment. Following an exceptional rainfall event with a previous 34-day drought period, pesticide concentrations reached 7.0-83.4 μg l⁻¹. Fungicides were the most important pesticides found and were significantly correlated with the pesticide application frequency and rate. The calculated toxicity values per sample (TU_max) indicated that both organic pesticides and copper concentrations likely cause ecotoxicological effects in the field. The buffer strip width was of little importance for pesticide in-stream concentrations because pesticide entry occurred mainly via the field path network and erosion rills. Pesticide in-stream concentrations were significantly and positively correlated with the concentrations detected in erosion rills (R² = 0.56). As possible risk mitigation measures, we suggest the implementation of grassed field paths and vegetated ditches or wetlands.     

The use of rice crop residues as a non-commercial energy source in the developing world: The energy and environmental implications

The potential biomass energy that can be derived from the harvest of rice crop residues is calculated for three methods of crop production. The potential energy available amounts to 3.70 × 10¹⁰ J ha^?1 year^?1 for traditional methods, 7.93 × 10¹⁰ J for the labor-intensive and 8.36 × 10¹⁰ J for the capital-intensive methods. The net energy benefits available for cooking, heating and biogasification are calculated on a per hectare basis taking into account the costs of collection, transportation and processing. The amounts of energy available for cooking and heating range from 3.70 × 10⁹ to 8.33 × 10⁹ J ha^?1, and the amounts of energy for methanol use range from 1.85 × 10⁹ to 4.17 × 10⁹ J ha^?1 year^?1.The ecological problems associated with soil erosion, nutrient loss and pesticide use are evaluated in terms of the compensatory energy costs involved, and the resultant net energy balance for each method of rice production is calculated. The net energy available per hectare for the traditional method is 3.43 × 10¹⁰ J, for the labor-intensive method, 7.25 × 10¹⁰ J and for the capital-intensive method, 7.02 × 10¹⁰ J. The harvest of rice crop residues in the developing world could provide up to 5.80 × 10¹⁸ J year^?1.The use of rice crop residues is investigated within the context of the rural village energy system. The prospects for the use of rice crop residues are evaluated in relation to alternative energy sources and it is concluded that regional residue harvest programs should be implemented cautiously, integrating soil management and environmental planning procedures where appropriate.     

Detection of Hepatitis A Virus and Norovirus in Different Food Categories: A 6-Year Survey in Italy

Food and Environmental Virology - To observe the prevalence of contamination by hepatitis A virus (HAV) and norovirus (NoV) in different food types, 9242 samples were analyzed over a 6-year period...     

市场化是环保设施运营管理的重大变革

本文介绍了江苏运用环保设施运营市场机制开展环境保护工作的几项实例,总结了江苏推行环保设施运营市场化经验,提出了促进环保设施运营市场化的对策建议.     

Persistence of Hepatitis A Virus in Fresh Produce and Production Environments,and the Effect of Disinfection Procedures: A Review

Although information is limited, it is evident that prolonged persistence of infectious Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a factor in the transmission of the virus via fresh produce. Consequently, data on persistence of the virus on produce, and in environments relevant to production, such as soils, water and surfaces, are required to fully understand the dynamics of transmission of HAV via foods. Furthermore, information on effective disinfection procedures is necessary to implement effective post-harvest control measures. This review summarises current information on HAV persistence in fresh produce and on relevant disinfection procedures. On vegetables, HAV can remain infectious for several days; on frozen berries, it can persist for several months. HAV can remain infectious on surfaces for months, depending on temperature and relative humidity, and can survive desiccation. It can survive for several hours on hands. Washing hands can remove the virus, but further data are required on the appropriate procedure. Chlorination is effective in water, but not when HAV is associated with foodstuffs. Bleach and other sodium hypochlorite disinfectants at high concentrations can reduce HAV on surfaces, but are not suitable for use on fresh produce. There is only limited information on the effects of heating regimes used in the food industry on HAV. HAV is resistant to mild pasteurisation. Some food components, e.g. fats and sugars, can increase the virus’ resistance to higher temperatures. HAV is completely eliminated by boiling. Quantitative prevalence data are needed to allow the setting of appropriate disinfection log reduction targets for fresh produce.     

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A: A possible marker in the classification and prenatal diagnosis of Cornelia de Lange syndrome

The concentration of human placental lactogen (hPL), pregnancy specific beta-1 glycoprotein (SP-1) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) were analysed in consecutive serum samples from a patient who gave birth to a child with Cornelia de Lange syndrome. HPL and SP-1 were present in normal concentrations from week 20 to week 35 of gestation whereas PAPP-A could not be detected in any of the samples examined. Immunohisto-chemical examination of two placentae from Cornelia de Lange syndrome revealed normal localization of hPL and SP-1 but the absence of PAPP-A from the syncytiotrophoblast. The significance of association between Cornelia de Lange syndrome and compromised synthesis of PAPP-A is discussed.     

饮用水消毒副产物-卤乙酸的分析检测

卤乙酸是氯化消毒饮用水中一类主要的消毒副产物 ,由于存在的广泛性和潜在的健康危害 ,许多国家和卫生组织相继将其列为饮用水常规监测项目 ,而我国至今还没有相关规定 ;为更好地控制饮用水中卤乙酸的形成 ,世界各国科研人员先后研究和开发出了性能逐趋完善的多种分析检测方法 ;在大量国内外文献调研的基础上 ,对卤乙酸的各种分析检测方法进行系统的介绍 ,并指明今后的发展方向     

活性污泥胞外聚合物的组成与结构特点及环境行为

在活性污泥处理系统中,微生物大多以污泥絮体的形式悬浮在水中。胞外聚合物(EPS)作为污泥絮体的重要组成部分,以其独特的聚合结构和化学组成,在污水生物处理系统中起到重要作用。为了更好的描述EPS的环境行为,文章综合了近年来国内外相关的研究成果,首先分析了EPS的来源、化学组成及结构分布,得出EPS中包含蛋白质、多糖、腐殖酸、核酸、糖醛酸及脂类大分子等化学物质,其中蛋白质和多糖之和占总有机物含量的70%~80%;在结构上,EPS分为SB-EPS、LB-EPS和TB-EPS,三者与细胞结合的紧密程度递增,其中所含化学成分比例的不同将使其具有不同的理化特性。其次,文章对EPS的理化特征对污水处理系统的影响,如对系统中微生物降解特性的影响、磷和重金属的吸附等进行了讨论,并总结了EPS中相关的官能团对上述环境行为的贡献。同时,文章还论述了EPS中官能团的亲疏水特性及化学成分对污泥絮体的脱水性、絮凝沉降性能的影响。     

城市污水回用于农业的技术经济分析--以以色列农业灌溉为例

城市污水回用于农业是污水资源化的有效途径。论述了污水灌溉对农业和环境的影响 ,并以以色列为例对污水回用于农业进行了经济效益分析 ,同时介绍了决定用水组成、回用水质以及农作物的组成等的优化模型     

爱尔兰共和国境内的湖泊调查:水化学特性和酸敏感性

1997年在爱尔兰共和国进行了一项湖泊调查活动,本活动是确定并则绘临界负载的一个国家项目的一部分内容.共选取了200个湖泊作为调查的对象,约占湖泊总数的3.3‰.这个国家中的多数湖泊位于沿海岸带边缘的偏僻、高海拔、对酸具有敏感性的地区.在湖泊化学中来自海洋的物质的输入占据了主导地位.由于在大部分集水区中存在有机土壤,约有一半的湖泊中溶解有机碳(DOC)的含量大于5mg/L.在一半的湖泊中,非海洋硫酸盐的浓度处于背景水平上(＜20μeq/L).在7‰的抽查湖泊(13个湖泊)中发现临界负载超量.但由于海盐和有机酸之间的相互干扰,对临界负载的计算仍存在着不稳定性.在这种情况下如果进行精确的估计,就需要借助于长期的湖泊与沉积化学.     

Duplication of chromosome 11 centromere in fetal and maternal karyotypes: A new variant?

Fetal chromosome analysis in a 39-year-old mother revealed a chromosome 11 aberration interj ireted as a duplication of the centromere. This was also found in the mother's karyotype, raising the possibility that the abnormality was a new variant of no clinical consequence.     

云南阳宗海湖底沉积物重金属分布与来源

测定了阳宗海表层沉积物重金属Pb、Cu、Cr、Mn、Zn、As的含量,平均值依次为40.3mg/kg、97.6mg/kg、145.8mg/kg、617.9mg/kg、149.2mg/kg、31.4mg/kg。利用地积累指数法对重金属的污染程度进行评价。结果表明,沉积物中Cu的累积最严重,As、Zn、Cr也发生明显的累积。Mn的累积程度略低,为轻度至中度污染水平。Pb含量接近背景值,显示轻微污染。重金属污染程度顺序为CuAsCrZnMnPb。分析认为,工、矿、旅游业排污等人类活动因素与岩石风化等地球化学过程是沉积物中重金属的两个主要来源,同时也是沉积物中重金属的水平分布产生两种不同特征的主要原因。     

Occurrence of Human Enteric Viruses in Water Sources and Shellfish: A Focus on Africa

Enteric viruses are a diverse group of human pathogens which are primarily transmitted by the faecal–oral route and are a major cause of non-bacterial diarrhoeal disease in both developed and developing countries. Because they are shed in high numbers by infected individuals and can persist for a long time in the environment, they pose a serious threat to human health globally. Enteric viruses end up in the environment mainly through discharge or leakage of raw or inadequately treated sewage into water sources such as springs, rivers, dams, or marine estuaries. Human exposure then follows when contaminated water is used for drinking, cooking, or recreation and, importantly, when filter-feeding bivalve shellfish are consumed. The human health hazard posed by enteric viruses is particularly serious in Africa where rapid urbanisation in a relatively short period of time has led to the expansion of informal settlements with poor sanitation and failing or non-existent wastewater treatment infrastructure, and where rural communities with limited or no access to municipal water are dependent on nearby open water sources for their subsistence. The role of sewage-contaminated water and bivalve shellfish as vehicles for transmission of enteric viruses is well documented but, to our knowledge, has not been comprehensively reviewed in the African context. Here we provide an overview of enteric viruses and then review the growing body of research where these viruses have been detected in association with sewage-contaminated water or food in several African countries. These studies highlight the need for more research into the prevalence, molecular epidemiology and circulation of these viruses in Africa, as well as for development and application of innovative wastewater treatment approaches to reduce environmental pollution and its impact on human health on the continent.

     

文本、历史和价值：《帝国主义论》对“金融资本”的批判审视

《帝国主义论》是在综合第二国际理论家关于资本主义研究的基础上的创新性研究成果。100年来,美国主导的资本主义经济全球化有了很大的发展,尤其是新世纪2008年世界金融危机以来的十多年间,出现了很多和以往不一样的新特征。虽然上世纪初的资本主义和现今的资本主义相去甚远,但《帝国主义论》创造性吸收其他理论家的观点,从整体视角对资本主义进行独特的理论研究,为研究和解读十月革命以来资本主义政治经济提供了很好的理论范式。从研究资本主义金融危机和经济危机产生的根源来寻找资本主义的出路,为当前认识与研究世界金融危机和经济危机的产生、发展和本质提供了批判的理论武器。从世界历史体系的高度来研究资本主义,以垄断为切入点,以瓜分论为实质和以寄生性特点,为审视和研究当前世界资本主义提供了全新的理论视野。