Organic pollutants in sea-surface microlayer and aerosol in thecoastal environment of Leghorn—(Tyrrhenian Sea)

The levels of dissolved and particle-associated n-alkanes, alkylbenzenes, phthalates, PAHs, anionic surfactants and surfactant fluorescent organic matter ŽSFOM. were measured in sea-surface microlayer ŽSML. and sub-surface water ŽSSL. samples collected in the Leghorn marine environment in September and October 1999. Nine stations, located in the Leghorn harbour and at increasing distances from the Port, were sampled three times on the same day. At all the stations, SML concentrations of the selected organic compounds were significantly higher than SSL values and the enrichment factors ŽEFsSML concentrationrSSL concentration. were greater in the particulate phase than in the dissolved phase. SML concentrations varied greatly among the sampling sites, the highest levels Žn-alkanes 3674 mgrl, phthalates 177 mgrl, total PAHs 226 mgrl. being found in the particulate phase in the Leghorn harbour. To improve the knowledge on pollutant exchanges between sea-surface waters and atmosphere, the validity of spray drop adsorption model ŽSDAM. was verified for SFOM, surface-active agents, such as phthalates, and compounds which can interact with SFOM, such as n-alkanes and PAHs. q2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved

Comparison of a new transcutaneous bilirubinometer (Bilimed®) with serum bilirubin measurements in preterm and full-term infants

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The gold standard to assess hyperbilirubinemia in neonates remains the serum bilirubin measurement. Unfortunately, this is invasive, painful, and costly. Bilimed^®, a new transcutaneous bilirubinometer, suggests more accuracy compared to the existing non-invasive bilirubinometers because of its new technology. It furthermore takes into account different skin colours. No contact with the skin is needed during measurement, no additional material costs occur. Our aim was to assess the agreement between the Bilimed^®and serum bilirubin in preterm and term infants of different skin colours.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The transcutaneous bilirubin measurements were performed on the infant's sternum and serum bilirubin was determined simultaneously. The agreement between both methods was assessed by Pearson's correlation and by Bland-Altman analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 117 measurement cycles were performed in 99 term infants (group1), further 47 measurements in 38 preterm infants born between 34 - 36 6/7 gestational weeks (group 2), and finally 21 measurements in 13 preterm infants born between 28 - 33 6/7 gestational weeks (group 3). The mean deviation and variability (+/- 2SD) of the transcutaneous from serum bilirubin were: -14 (+/- 144) μmol/l; -0.82 (+/- 8.4) mg/dl in group 1, +16 (+/- 91) μmol/l;+0.93(+/- 5.3) mg/dl in group 2 and -8 (+/- 76) μmol/l; -0.47 (+/- 4.4) mg/dl in group 3. These limits of agreement are too wide to be acceptable in a clinical setting. Moreover, there was to be a trend towards less good agreement with increasing bilirubin values.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Despite its new technology the Bilimed^®has no advantages, and more specifically no better agreement not only in term and near-term Caucasian infants, but also in non-Caucasian and more premature infants.</p

Single-stage reconstruction of third-degree perineal lacerations in horses under general anesthesia : Utrecht repair method

OBJECTIVE: To describe perioperative management, surgical procedure, and outcome in mares with third-degree perineal lacerations (TDPL) treated with a single-stage repair, the Utrecht repair method (URM). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Twenty mares with TDPL. METHODS: Medical records of mares with TDPL reconstructed with a URM were reviewed for perioperative management; surgical outcome; and postoperative fertility, athletic performance, and complications. RESULTS: Mares ranged in age from 3.5 to 11 years. Long-term follow-up was available for 13 mares. Mean duration of follow-up was 9 years (median, 9.5; range, 2-215 months (17.9 years)). Standardized perioperative fasting and postoperative refeeding protocols were used. Only five mares received supportive gastric medication. Reconstruction of the rectovestibular shelf was successful in 18 of 20 mares. Two of 20 mares developed a small rectovestibular fistula after the initial repair, which was successfully repaired with a second surgery. Other postoperative complications were observed in 13 mares and consisted of mild postanesthetic myositis, facial nerve paralysis, esophageal obstruction, rectal obstipation, partial perineal dehiscence, and rectal or vestibular wind-sucking. Six of seven mares that were subsequently bred became pregnant. One mare was successfully used for embryo recovery, and five of six mares foaled without recurrence of a TDPL. Nine of 13 mares were used for riding at various levels. CONCLUSION: The alternative single-stage reconstruction for TDPL was successful in 18 of 20 mares after a single surgery. No major complications related directly to the technique were noted. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The URM is a valid alternative surgical technique for repairing TDPL in mares