Monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancies discordant for fetal anencephaly: a systematic review of prenatal management options

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of selective feticide (SF) compared to expectant management (EM) on perinatal outcome in dichorionic and monochorionic twins discordant for anencephaly. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic review of literature and added ten unpublished cases. As a result, we found that in dichorionic twins, mean gestational age (GA) at birth in the SF group was 38.0 weeks versus 34.9 weeks (P = 0.0002). Mean birth weight was 2922 g in the SF group versus 2474 g (P = 0.03). In monochorionic twins, mean GA at birth was 35.2 weeks versus 32.7 weeks (P = 0.1). Mean birth weight was 2711 g versus 1667 g (P = 0.0001). We conclude that while SF does not reduce perinatal mortality, it does result in significantly longer gestations and higher birth weight, and appears to be the management of choice in dichorionic twins discordant for anencephaly. In monochorionic twins, SF also increases birth weight, but in view of the complexity of this group, no clear recommendations can be made. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling: an advanced biomass combustion technology to avoid CO2 emissions

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change - Bioenergy with carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage (BECCS) technologies represent an interesting option to reach negative carbon...     

国家生态安全:加入WTO背景下环境保护对策探析

本文从国家安全的战略高度，充分阐述了加强国家生态安全的重要性，系统界定了国家生态安全的内涵和基本特点，分析了损害国家生态安全将带来的巨大危害性，提出了保障国家生态安全的主要对策。     

The Contribution by the Study of the Algae Forms (Phytoplankton and Periphyton) as Integrators of Physicochemical and Microbiological Data in the Varenna Stream

Physico-chemical, microbiological, ichthyotoxicological conditions and microalgae of Varenna stream were studied in samples taken in 12 collecting stations. The data reported indicate a marked deterioration proceeding downstream e.g. an increase of bacterial population, concentration of suspended solids, COD and variations in the composition and abundance of phytoplankton and periphyton.     

Atmospheric bulk deposition to the lagoon of Venice Part I. Fluxes of metals, nutrients and organic contaminants

First available data on atmospheric fall-out were provided by sampling monthly bulk depositions in four sites inside the Lagoon of Venice (550 km2). Sampling was carried out monthly during the period July 1998-July 1999, in one site near an industrial area (Porto Marghera; site D), another site in the city of Venice (site A), and the remaining two in the southern- and northernmost ends of the Lagoon (Valle Figheri, site C; Valle Dogà site B). The following determinations were carried out for each samples: pH, conductivity, grain-size, particulate load, and dissolved nutrients (N, P). Samples were then subdivided into soluble and insoluble fractions, and Al, Ca, Na, K, Mg, Si, Mn, Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Ti, V, S, P, Se and Sb were analysed on both fractions. Total organic micropollutants (PAH, PCB, HCB, DDT, PCDD/F) were measured. As regards particle size distribution, there was great variability among sampling sites. The percentage of the < or =2 microm grain-size fraction was higher in the southern and northern ends of the Lagoon. Small differences were found among sites for major elements, whereas higher variability was observed for inorganic and organic micropollutants, with standard deviations between 20% and 60% of the fluxes measured. Major differences in annual fluxes between the most polluted sites (mostly D and A) and background (site B) were seen for Cd (0.26 vs. 0.06 mg m(-2) year(-1)), Hg (41 vs. 15 microg m(-2) year(-1)), PCB ( approximately 2500 vs. approximately 500 ng m(-2) year(-1)) and HCB ( approximately 8000 vs. approximately 1000 ng m(-2) year(-1)). Comparisons with previous data, collected in the periods 1993-1994 and 1995-1997, were only available for a few trace metals. A definite decline in the annual Pb flux in the city of Venice was detected, from 18 to 13 mg m(-2) in 1996/1997 and 1995/1996 respectively, to approximately 5 mg m(-2) in the present study. Total annual deposition was calculated by means of two different methods, which gave very similar results: (i) the mean value of deposition in the four sites was multiplied by lagoon area (550 km2); (ii) the monthly rain isopleths were combined to normalize deposition values. The figures are: 15-34 kg of Hg and Sb, approximately 200 kg of As, approximately 100 kg of Cd and PAH, 0.7-1.3 tons of Cr, Ni and V, more than 2 tons of Cu and Pb, 17 of Zn, 55 of total P, approximately 200 of Al, and 3900 of DIN. Total fluxes of organics inside the lagoon were: PAH approximately 100 kg; HCB approximately 1 kg; DDT approximately 0.4 kg. PCB and PCDD/F fluxes were approximately 500 g and approximately 10 g, corresponding respectively to 0.1 and 0.4 g I-TE. The correlations between fluxes of inorganic micropollutants and grain-size were significant. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to investigate more accurately relationships between the insoluble and dissolved fractions of inorganic micropollutants and grain-size fractions. In particular, significant correlations were highlighted between the dissolved fraction of As and the < or =1 mum particle size fraction. Relations between levels of SigmaPCDDF, SigmaPCDD, PCB and PAH congeners and grain-size revealed significant correlation coefficients for the remote sites (B, C), and none in the urban and industrial sites (A, D). In particular, significant correlations were highlighted between SigmaPCDDF, SigmaPCDD and particle size fraction < or =2 mum, and between benzo(a)pyrene and PCB 167 and particle size fraction 4-8 mum.     

Adsorption of eosin dye on activated carbon and its surfactant based desorption

The performance of activated carbon has been investigated for the adsorption of eosin dye dissolved in water. Eosin is anionic in nature and highly toxic. The effects of initial dye concentration, contact time, pH and temperature on adsorption of eosin by a fixed amount of activated carbon (1.0 g/L) have been studied in batch and column mode. The equilibrium data are successfully fitted to the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The adsorption rate data are successfully explained by a pseudo second-order kinetic model. Breakthrough curves for column adsorption have also been studied. The regeneration of spent carbon by desorbing the dye has been experimentally investigated applying a surfactant enhanced carbon regeneration (SECR) technique using both cationic and anionic surfactants. An empirical kinetic model for dye desorption from the commercial activated carbon (CAC) using different surfactant and desorption techniques, viz. change in pH, has been proposed. The comparison between the model and the experimental results is found to be satisfactory.