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.     

Anatomic correlates of ultrasonographic prenatal diagnosis

In utero sonographic diagnoses from forty-five malformed infants were correlated with their autopsy findings. Fifty-two malformations were diagnosed prenatally in 42 of the patients but 90 additional malformations were not. Nine sonographically diagnosed abnormalities were not confirmed at autopsy. Factors compromising sonographic diagnosis included: limited examinations, small fetal size, timing of examination, oligohydramnios, fetal position, nature of the malformation and unfamiliarity of the ultrasonographer with specific malformation syndromes. In vitro ultrasonography is an invaluable tool of diagnosing congenital malformations but has limitations.     

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.     

Evaluation of inorganic pyrophosphate in amniotic fluid as a mode of prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta

Using a modified procedure by Solomons and Styner (1969), an evaluation of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) was performed on the amniotic fluid of two fetuses at risk for osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) at 14½ weeks gestation. The parents of both cases had a previous child with OI, Type II. The normal control group at 14–16 weeks gestation had PPi values ranging from 22.0–59.2 ug/100 ml, with a mean of 38.6±9.51 ug/100 ml. In each at-risk fetus, the amniotic fluid PPi value was within normal range. The first baby was born phenotypically normal at term. Intrauterine radiographic and fetal sonograms were done on the second fetus at approximately 19 weeks gestation. Both showed evidence of OI, Type II. The pregnancy was terminated at 21 weeks. Radiologic studies of the aborted fetus were consistent with OI, Type II. Our results indicate that the evaluation of PPi levels in amniotic fluid is not the method of choice for prenatal diagnosis of IO.     

Ecological networks and greenways in Europe: reasoning and concepts

The paper gives an overview of approaches towards ecological networks throughout Europe.It does not intend to present a complete picture,but to highlight comon developments within countries and regions and show common principles and differences between countries and regions that have to be taken into account when developing a joint European intiative,Countries or regions that have not been included can be active in the same way ,but information was not accessible to be authors for different reasons.This overview shows the comparable trends in decline of landscapes and the diversity in approaches to biodiversity conservation and nature conservation planning.Understanding the differences and common issues are of utmost imprtance to generalise common principles and to understand the way neighbours and other European partners approach problems.     

The influence of sewage sludge properties on sludge-borne metal availability

With the advent of more stringent controls on wastewater treatment, sewage sludge production in Europe and many parts of the world is increasing. With this increase comes the problem of sludge disposal, and recycling to land arguably offers an economically and environmentally sustainable option. However, a major limitation of sewage sludge reuse is the potential release of heavy metals from the sludge and heavy metal accumulation to toxic levels in topsoils. The properties of the sludge play a crucial role in determining the initial release and subsequent availability of heavy metals in amended soils. Bioavailable forms of heavy metals in recently amended soils are most likely to be those that are bioavailable in the sewage sludge. In this paper, published research on the importance of sewage sludge characteristics on metal release and bioavailability will be reviewed and contrasted with original research. A selection of sludges from around Australia has been collected for this purpose. Through the use of incubation studies, isotope dilution techniques, ion-selective electrode measurements and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy, the importance of a range of sludge properties on heavy metal behaviour in sludges and sludge-amended soils is addressed.     

利用EXCEL求算水中非离子氨

Excel是办公自动化中非常重要的一款软件，它的数据处理功能在现有的文字处理软件中可以说是独占螯头，通过简单的学习，结合国家标准给出的换算公式，利用EXCEL编制程序，方便快捷地计算水中非离子氨浓度，计算结果表明，当实际测得水温和pH与表中数据吻合时三种计算方法结果无明显差异，当实际测得的水温和pH与表中不对应时，查表法存在明显偏差，而使用EXCEL运算就能与笔算结果一致，准确可靠。     

未熟-低熟烃源岩的有机岩石学特征

采用全岩光片镜鉴和显微荧光分析方法 ,对我国不同地区 5 0 0余块未熟 低熟烃源岩样品进行了系统的有机岩石学研究。未熟 低熟烃源岩显微组分组成具有显著的非均质性 ,不同地区显示出陆源组分与水生生源组分不同的“配比”关系 ,反映出其有机质组成的复杂性 ,并确认藻类体、孢子体、树脂体、木栓质体、壳屑体和矿物沥青基质等组分是其最常见的生烃组分。基于对镜质组反射率Ro和孢子体荧光变化等演化指标特征的分析 ,认为未熟 低熟烃源岩有机质早期热演化具有明显的阶段性 ,一般都表现为“二段式”变化 ,其变化界限大致以Ro等于 0 .5 0 %～ 0 .5 5 %为界。     

聚合氯化铝与三氯化铁混凝剂在常规水处理中的运用

通过聚合氯化铅与三氯化铁在常规水处理的生产性实验,从经济成本、水质指标和实际使用存在的问题对其进行分析比较,并比较了两种混凝剂在常规水处理中的优缺点.