Microplastic appraisal of soil, water, ditch sediment and airborne dust: The case of agricultural systems

Although microplastic pollution jeopardizes both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the movement of plastic particles through terrestrial environments is still poorly understood. Agricultural soils exposed to different managements are important sites of storage and dispersal of microplastics. This study aimed to identify the abundance, distribution, and type of microplastics present in agricultural soils, water, airborne dust, and ditch sediments. Soil health was also assessed using soil macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity. Sixteen fields were evaluated, 6 of which had been exposed to more than 5 years of compost application, 5 were exposed to at least 5 years of plastic mulch use, and 5 were not exposed to any specific management (controls) within the last 5 years. We also evaluated the spread of microplastics from the farms into nearby water bodies and airborne dust. We found 11 types of microplastics in soil, among which Light Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Light Density Polyethylene covered with pro-oxidant additives (PAC) were the most abundant. The highest concentrations of plastics were found in soils exposed to plastic mulch management (128.7 ± 320 MPs.g-¹ soil and 224.84 ± 488 MPs.g-¹ soil, respectively) and the particles measured from 50 to 150 μm. Nine types of microplastics were found in water, with the highest concentrations observed in systems exposed to compost. Farms applying compost had higher LDPE and PAC concentrations in ditch sediments as compared to control and mulch systems; a significant correlation between soil polypropylene (PP) microplastics with ditch sediment microplastics (r² 0.7 p < 0.05) was found. LDPE, PAC, PE (Polyethylene), and PP were the most abundant microplastics in airborne dust. Soil invertebrates were scarce in the systems using plastic mulch. A cocktail of microplastics was found in all assessed matrices.

Collection of human and environmental data on pesticide use in Europe and Argentina: Field study protocol for the SPRINT project

Current farm systems rely on the use of Plant Protection Products (PPP) to secure high productivity and control threats to the quality of the crops. However, PPP use may have considerable impacts on human health and the environment. A study protocol is presented aiming to determine the occurrence and levels of PPP residues in plants (crops), animals (livestock), humans and other non-target species (ecosystem representatives) for exposure modelling and impact assessment. To achieve this, we designed a cross-sectional study to compare conventional and organic farm systems across Europe. Environmental and biological samples were/are being/will be collected during the 2021 growing season, at 10 case study sites in Europe covering a range of climate zones and crops. An additional study site in Argentina will inform the impact of PPP use on growing soybean which is an important European protein-source in animal feed. We will study the impact of PPP mixtures using an integrated risk assessment methodology. The fate of PPP in environmental media (soil, water and air) and in the homes of farmers will be monitored. This will be complemented by biomonitoring to estimate PPP uptake by humans and farm animals (cow, goat, sheep and chicken), and by collection of samples from non-target species (earthworms, fish, aquatic and terrestrial macroinvertebrates, bats, and farm cats). We will use data on PPP residues in environmental and biological matrices to estimate exposures by modelling. These exposure estimates together with health and toxicity data will be used to predict the impact of PPP use on environment, plant, animal and human health. The outcome of this study will then be integrated with socio-economic information leading to an overall assessment used to identify transition pathways towards more sustainable plant protection and inform decision makers, practitioners and other stakeholders regarding farming practices and land use policy.

Can the contamination of urban street sediment be used as an indicator for traffic density? A case-study in the city of Leuven, Belgium

The concentration, in urban street sediment, of 13 chemical elements was measured in the city of Leuven, Belgium. A total of 77 locations were sampled in pedestrian zones, streets with limited traffic, streets with much traffic, and on the ring road that has very busy traffic. The data were compared to NO₂ concentrations measured by the CurieuzeNeuzen-Vlaanderen project, a large-scale study with 20,000 sampling points all over Flanders (the northern part of Belgium). NO₂ is a frequently used indicator for traffic pollution. In Leuven the highest enrichment (strongest pollution) was measured for Cu, Sb, Pb and Zn. These elements could be related to brake wear and tire wear, respectively. For Cu and Zn the concentrations in Leuven exceed those in most of the other cities investigated in the literature. Moderate enrichment was measured for Cd, Cr, Ni and S. The other elements (As, Co, Fe, Mn and V) showed concentrations close to the background value in unpolluted soil. The Integrated Pollution Index (IPI) for Leuven is 8.15, which, according to criteria proposed by the literature on street sediment, classifies Leuven, on average over its surface area, as a "very highly polluted" city. As expected, for Cu and Sb the highest contamination is found on the ring road and the busy traffic circulation loops. For Zn and Pb, on the other hand, the highest contamination occurs in the city center, in the pedestrian zone where no traffic is allowed except for buses and taxis. We hypothesize that this is a result of historic accumulation of these elements at the time traffic was still allowed in this zone. In Leuven the chemical composition of street sediment did not correlate to the NO₂ concentrations. This study shows that measurements of current pollution by traffic are not sufficient to determine the health risk because much exposure to toxic substances may be caused by resuspension, by traffic or wind, of substances that have accumulated in the city over time, sometimes decades ago, when regulations were much less stringent then today.

Left-handedness in cardiac surgery: who's right?

There is a paucity of literature describing potential issues related to lateral hand dominance in general and cardiac surgery. Nonetheless, during surgical training left-handedness can produce difficulties in the operating room that are not always understood or accepted by supervising right-handed surgeons. These problems can be easily overcome by practice and anticipation. This report aims to address laterality related issues in cardiac surgery and provide insight into techniques that may aid the left handed surgeon in a right handed dominated surgical environment. An ergonomically different approach, more convenient for the left-handed trainee, may facilitate learning, enhance confidence and increase surgeon satisfaction both for the trainer and trainee.

TP53 Outperforms Other Androgen Receptor Biomarkers to Predict Abiraterone or Enzalutamide Outcome in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE

To infer the prognostic value of simultaneous androgen receptor (AR) and TP53 profiling in liquid biopsies from patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) starting a new line of AR signaling inhibitors (ARSi).Experimental Design: Between March 2014 and April 2017, we recruited patients with mCRPC (n = 168) prior to ARSi in a cohort study encompassing 10 European centers. Blood samples were collected for comprehensive profiling of CellSearch-enriched circulating tumor cells (CTC) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Targeted CTC RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) allowed the detection of eight AR splice variants (ARV). Low-pass whole-genome and targeted gene-body sequencing of AR and TP53 was applied to identify amplifications, loss of heterozygosity, mutations, and structural rearrangements in ctDNA. Clinical or radiologic progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and independent associations were determined using multivariable Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, no single AR perturbation remained associated with adverse prognosis after multivariable analysis. Instead, tumor burden estimates (CTC counts, ctDNA fraction, and visceral metastases) were significantly associated with PFS. TP53 inactivation harbored independent prognostic value [HR 1.88; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18-3.00; P = 0.008], and outperformed ARV expression and detection of genomic AR alterations. Using Cox coefficient analysis of clinical parameters and TP53 status, we identified three prognostic groups with differing PFS estimates (median, 14.7 vs. 7.51 vs. 2.62 months; P < 0.0001), which was validated in an independent mCRPC cohort (n = 202) starting first-line ARSi (median, 14.3 vs. 6.39 vs. 2.23 months; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In an all-comer cohort, tumor burden estimates and TP53 outperform any AR perturbation to infer prognosis.See related commentary by Rebello et al., p. 1699.

Comparison of two minimally invasive enilconazole perendoscopic infusion protocols for the treatment of canine sinonasal aspergillosis

OBJECTIVES

To compare two minimally invasive enilconazole infusion protocols for the treatment of canine sinonasal aspergillosis and evaluate the importance of complete endoscopic debridement in determining first treatment success rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data for 48 dogs with confirmed sinonasal aspergillosis treated with endoscopic debridement followed by per-endoscopic enilconazole infusion were collected. Twenty-four dogs were treated according to the previously published 1-hour infusion protocol and 24 dogs underwent a simplified 15-minute infusion protocol. Completeness of debridement, evaluated as partial or complete at the end of the procedure and outcome after one or several treatments were assessed in all dogs. Multi-variable analysis was performed to derive odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

The median duration of the simplified protocol - 92∙3 minutes (range 40 to 140) - was substantially shorter than the duration of the previous protocol - 201∙3 minutes (range 120 to 265). First treatment success rates were 58 and 62∙5% for the previous and simplified protocol, respectively. Overall treatment success rate was similar in both groups (96%). Complete debridement was associated with an improved first treatment success rate compared to partial debridement.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The simplified protocol is a valid alternative approach to the treatment of sinonasal aspergillosis. Completeness of endoscopic debridement before infusion is an important step for the success of treatment in canine sinonasal aspergillosis.

Nevada desert dust with heavy metals suppresses IgM antibody production

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NDRA emits geogenic dusts that are comprised of a mineral-metal mixture.

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Exposure to NDRA geogenic dusts suppressed immune function in a mouse model.

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Similar desert surfaces emit dust in southern Nevada and elsewhere in the world.

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This study represents a desert environment; dust composition may vary by source.

Systemic health effects from exposure to a complex natural dust containing heavy metals from the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area (NDRA) near Las Vegas, NV, were evaluated. Several toxicological parameters were examined following lung exposure to emissive dust from three geologic sediment types heavily used for recreational off-road activities: yellow sand very rich in arsenic (termed CBN 5); a shallow cover of loose dune sand overlying a gravelly subsoil bordering dune fields (termed CBN 6); and brown claystone and siltstone (termed CBN 7). Adult female B6C3F1 mice were exposed by oropharyngeal administration to these three types of geogenic dusts at 0.01–100 mg of dust/kg of body weight, once per week for four weeks. The median grain sizes were 4.6, 3.1, and 4.4 μm, for CBN 5, 6, and 7, respectively. Each type of dust contained quantifiable amounts of aluminum, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, arsenic, strontium, cesium, lead, uranium, and others. Descriptive markers of immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, hematology, and clinical chemistry parameters were assessed. Notable among all three CBN units was a systemic, dose-responsive decrease in antigen-specific IgM antibody responses. Geogenic dust from CBN 5 produced more than a 70% suppression in IgM responses, establishing a lowest adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 0.01 mg/kg. A suppression in IgM responses and a corresponding increase in serum creatinine determined a LOAEL of 0.01 mg/kg for CBN 6. The LOAEL for CBN 7 was 0.1 mg/kg and also was identified from suppression in IgM responses. These results are of concern given the frequent off-road vehicle traffic and high visitor rates at the NDRA, estimated at 300,000 each year.

Health effects following subacute exposure to geogenic dust collected from active drainage surfaces (Nellis Dunes Recreation Area, Las Vegas, NV)

The specific health effects of direct inhalation of fine minerogenic dusts generated by natural soil surfaces remain poorly known and relatively little researched. To learn more about this exposure and its contribution to human health effects, we surveyed surface sediment and characterized dust from the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area (NDRA) in Clark County, Nevada, a popular off-road vehicle (ORV) recreational site. Dry drainage systems at NDRA are commonly used as natural trail systems for ORV recreation; these surfaces also are characterized by high concentrations of heavy metals. Geogenic dust with a median diameter of 4.05 μm, collected from drainage surfaces at NDRA contained a total elemental concentration of aluminum (79,651 μg/g), vanadium (100 μg/g), chromium (54 μg/g), manganese (753 μg/g), iron (33,266 μg/g), cobalt (14 μg/g), copper (37 μg/g) zinc (135 μg/g), arsenic (71 μg/g), strontium (666 μg/g), cesium (15 μg/g), lead (34 μg/g), and uranium (54.9 μg/g). Adult female B6C3F1 mice exposed via oropharyngeal aspiration to 0.01–100 mg dust/kg body weight, four times, a week apart, for 28-days, were evaluated for immuno- and neurotoxicological outcomes 24 h after the last exposure. Antigen-specific IgM responses were dose-responsively suppressed at 0.1, 1.0, 10 and 100 mg/kg. Splenic lymphocytic subpopulations, hematological and clinical chemistry parameters were affected. In brain tissue, antibodies against NF-68, and GFAP were not affected, whereas IgM antibodies against MBP were reduced by 26.6% only in the highest dose group. A lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 0.1 mg/kg/day and a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 0.01 mg/kg/day were derived based on the antigen primary IgM responses after subacute exposure to this geogenic dust.

Accurate and precise targeted NGS with BRCA MASTR Plus Dx for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation detection in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue-derived DNA

e23116

Background: Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) has tremendous potential in clinical diagnostics as it allows oncogenetic profiling to steer therapy. Inhibitors of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARPi) have emerged as a new class of targeted anti-cancer drugs, specifically for tumors showing homologous recombination repair deficiency, including BRCA1- and BRCA2-mutated ovarian and breast cancers. This multicentre study evaluated the performance of BRCA Tumor MASTR Plus Dx* (Multiplicom) to routinely diagnose somatic and germline BRCA mutations in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue-derived DNA. Methods: Three genetic centres participated in this performance evaluation study (PES) to detect single nucleotide variants (SNV) and small indels in the BRCA genes at a variant allele frequency down to 5%. The sample population comprised 54 FFPE-derived DNA extracts from 51 clinical and 3 reference samples. DNA extracts were subjected to quality control using Multiplicom’s QC plex assay. The clinical samples were characterized using an independent targeted NGS method and Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV) analysis of the mapped raw reads. SNV calling was performed using third-party bioinformatics platforms in the BRCA coding regions +/- 2 intronic bp. Results: BRCA MASTR Plus Dx*showed a uniformity of 93.9%, i.e. the percentage of amplicons with at least 0.2x the mean amplicon coverage, and a target specificity of 99.1%. The limit of detection (LOD) proved to be as low as 1%. The diagnostic accuracy was ≥ 99.99% [95% CI ≥ 99.98%] (100% sensitivity [95% CI ≥ 99.02%] and ≥ 99.99% specificity [95% CI ≥ 99.98%]). Both repeatability and reproducibility were ≥ 99.99% [95% CI ≥ 99.98%]. Lot equivalence was 100% [95% CI ≥ 99.99%]. Conclusions: This multicentre study demonstrated that BRCA MASTR Plus Dx* can be routinely applied as an accurate and precise method with an LOD of 1%. The assay can be used to direct patients with somatic or germline BRCA mutations to PARPi therapy. Currently, a PES for BRCA MASTR Plus Dx* and Multiplicom’s MASTR Reporter software is ongoing. *Products described above are CE-IVD and not available for sale in the US

Glyphosate and AMPA distribution in wind-eroded sediment derived from loess soil

Glyphosate is one of the most used herbicides in agricultural lands worldwide. Wind-eroded sediment and dust, as an environmental transport pathway of glyphosate and of its main metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), can result in environmental- and human exposure far beyond the agricultural areas where it has been applied. Therefore, special attention is required to the airborne transport of glyphosate and AMPA. In this study, we investigated the behavior of glyphosate and AMPA in wind-eroded sediment by measuring their content in different size fractions (median diameters between 715 and 8 μm) of a loess soil, during a period of 28 days after glyphosate application. Granulometrical extraction was done using a wind tunnel and a Soil Fine Particle Extractor. Extractions were conducted on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after glyphosate application. Results indicated that glyphosate and AMPA contents were significantly higher in the finest particle fractions (median diameters between 8 and 18 μm), and lowered significantly with the increase in particle size. However, their content remained constant when aggregates were present in the sample. Glyphosate and AMPA contents correlated positively with clay, organic matter, and silt content. The dissipation of glyphosate over time was very low, which was most probably due to the low soil moisture content of the sediment. Consequently, the formation of AMPA was also very low. The low dissipation of glyphosate in our study indicates that the risk of glyphosate transport in dry sediment to off-target areas by wind can be very high. The highest glyphosate and AMPA contents were found in the smallest soil fractions (PM10 and less), which are easily inhaled and, therefore, contribute to human exposure.

Performance of multiplicom's BRCA MASTR Dx kit on the detection of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in fresh frozen ovarian and breast tumor samples

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has enabled new approaches for detection of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes responsible for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). The search for germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is of importance with respect to oncogenetic and surgical (bilateral mastectomy, ovariectomy) counselling. Testing tumor material for BRCA mutations is of increasing importance for therapeutic decision making as the poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, olaparib, is now available to treat patients with specific forms of ovarian cancer and BRCA mutations. Molecular genetics laboratories should develop reliable and sensitive techniques for the complete analysis of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. This is a challenge due to the size of the coding sequence of the BRCA1/2 genes, the absence of hot spot mutations, and particularly by the lower DNA quality obtained from Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue. As a result, a number of analyses are uninterpretable and do not always provide a result to the clinician, limiting the optimal therapeutic management of patients. The availability of Fresh Frozen Tissue (FFT) for some laboratories and the excellent quality of the DNA extracted from it offers an alternative. For this reason, we evaluated Multiplicom's BRCA MASTR Dx assay on a set of 97 FFT derived DNA samples, in combination with the MID for Illumina MiSeq for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation detection. We obtained interpretable NGS results for all tested samples and showed > 99,7% sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.

Health effects from exposure to atmospheric mineral dust near Las Vegas, NV, USA

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Atmospheric geogenic dust comprised of a mineral-metal mixture is a source of exposure in Clark County, Nevada.

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Lung exposures over a period of one month to NDRA atmospheric geogenic dust suppressed immune function in a mouse model.

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Similar geological desert surfaces emit dust in southern Nevada and elsewhere in the world.

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This study is representative of a desert environment; dust composition may vary by source.

Desert areas are usually characterized by a continuous deposition of fine airborne particles. Over time, this process results in the accumulation of silt and clay on desert surfaces. We evaluated health effects associated with regional atmospheric dust, or geogenic dust, deposited on surfaces in the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area (NDRA) in Clark County, Nevada, a popular off-road vehicle (ORV) recreational site frequented daily by riders, families, and day campers. Because of atmospheric mixing and the mostly regional origin of the accumulated particles, the re-suspended airborne dust is composed of a complex mixture of minerals and metals including aluminum, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, arsenic, strontium, cesium, lead, uranium, and others. Geogenic dust with a median diameter of 4.1 μm was administered via oropharyngeal aspiration to female B6C3F1 mice at doses of 0.01 to 100 mg dust/kg body weight, four times, a week apart, for 28-days. Immuno- and neurotoxicological outcomes 24 h following the last exposure were evaluated. Antigen-specific IgM responses were dose-responsively suppressed at 0.1, 1.0, 10 and 100 mg/kg/day. Splenic and thymic lymphocytic subpopulations and natural killer cell activity also were significantly reduced. Antibodies against MBP, NF-68, and GFAP were not affected, while brain CD3⁺ T cells were decreased in number. A lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 0.1 mg/kg/day and a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 0.01 mg/kg/day were derived based on the antigen-specific IgM responses.

Oxidative stress and lung pathology following geogenic dust exposure

This study was designed to evaluate markers of systemic oxidative stress and lung histopathology following subacute exposure to geogenic dust with varying heavy metal content collected from a natural setting prone to wind erosion and used heavily for off-road vehicle recreation. Adult female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to several concentrations of dust collected from seven different types of surfaces at the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area in Clark County, Nevada, designated here as CBN 1-7. Dust representing each of the seven surface types, with an average median diameter of 4.2 μm, was selected and administered via oropharyngeal aspiration to mice at concentrations from 0.01 to 100 mg of dust kg(-1) of body weight. Exposures were given four times spaced a week apart over a 28 day period to mimic a month of weekend exposures. Lung pathology was evaluated while plasma markers of oxidative stress included levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity and total glutathione. Overall, results of these assays to evaluate markers of oxidative stress indicate that no single CBN surface type was able to consistently induce markers of systemic oxidative stress at a particular dose or in a dose-response manner. All surface types were able to induce some level of lung inflammation, typically at the highest exposure levels. These data suggest that dust from the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area may present a potential health risk, but additional studies are necessary to characterize the full extent of health risks to humans. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Immunotoxicological and neurotoxicological profile of health effects following subacute exposure to geogenic dust from sand dunes at the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area, Las Vegas, NV

Exposure to geogenic particulate matter (PM) comprised of mineral particles has been linked to human health effects. However, very little data exist on health effects associated with geogenic dust exposure in natural settings. Therefore, we characterized particulate matter size, metal chemistry, and health effects of dust collected from the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area (NDRA), a popular off-road vehicle area located near Las Vegas, NV. Adult female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to several concentrations of mineral dust collected from active and vegetated sand dunes in NDRA. Dust samples (median diameter: 4.4 μm) were suspended in phosphate-buffered saline and delivered at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 100 mg dust/kg body weight by oropharyngeal aspiration. ICP-MS analyses of total dissolution of the dust resulted in aluminum (55,090 μg/g), vanadium (70 μg/g), chromium (33 μg/g), manganese (511 μg/g), iron (21,600 μg/g), cobalt (9.4 μg/g), copper (69 μg/g), zinc (79 μg/g), arsenic (62 μg/g), strontium (620 μg/g), cesium (13 μg/g), lead 25 μg/g) and uranium (4.7 μg/g). Arsenic was present only as As(V). Mice received four exposures, once/week over 28-days to mimic a month of weekend exposures. Descriptive and functional assays to assess immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity were performed 24 h after the final exposure. The primary observation was that 0.1 to 100 mg/kg of this sand dune derived dust dose-responsively reduced antigen-specific IgM antibody responses, suggesting that dust from this area of NDRA may present a potential health risk.

Conservative Treatment of Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture

We present a case of post-infarction Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture (LVFWR), in which conservative treatment was successfully applied. A 48-year old male patient presented at our emergency department with abdominal pain and a clinical presentation of shock. There had been an episode of chest pain three days before admission. Electrocardiogram was suggestive for old myocardial infarction. Coronarography revealed an occlusion of a diagonal branch. Computed Tomography scan was performed to exclude a rupturing aortic aneurysm, but a large pericardial effusion was seen. Echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade and pericardiocentesis was performed. Conservative treatment consisting of bed rest, blood pressure control and beta-blocker therapy was applied, allowing the patient to be discharged after 10 days. The diagnosis of LVFWR was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.Surgery is considered as the golden standard in treatment of LVFWR. This case illustrates that in selected patients conservative treatment is possible.

Copy Number Variations in DISC1 and DISC1-Interacting Partners in Major Mental Illness

Robust statistical, genetic and functional evidence supports a role for DISC1 in the aetiology of major mental illness. Furthermore, many of its protein-binding partners show evidence for involvement in the pathophysiology of a range of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Copy number variants (CNVs) are suspected to play an important causal role in these disorders. In this study, CNV analysis of DISC1 and its binding partners PAFAH1B1, NDE1, NDEL1, FEZ1, MAP1A, CIT and PDE4B in Scottish and Northern Swedish population-based samples was carried out using multiplex amplicon quantification. Here, we report the finding of rare CNVs in DISC1, NDE1 (together with adjacent genes within the 16p13.11 duplication), NDEL1 (including the overlapping MYH10 gene) and CIT. Our findings provide further evidence for involvement of DISC1 and its interaction partners in neuropsychiatric disorders and also for a role of structural variants in the aetiology of these devastating diseases.

Surface and Airborne Arsenic Concentrations in a Recreational Site near Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Elevated concentrations of arsenic, up to 7058 μg g(-1) in topsoil and bedrock, and more than 0.03 μg m(-3) in air on a 2-week basis, were measured in the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area (NDRA), a very popular off-road area near Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The elevated arsenic concentrations in the topsoil and bedrock are correlated to outcrops of yellow sandstone belonging to the Muddy Creek Formation (≈ 10 to 4 Ma) and to faults crossing the area. Mineralized fluids moved to the surface through the faults and deposited the arsenic. A technique was developed to calculate airborne arsenic concentrations from the arsenic content in the topsoil. The technique was tested by comparing calculated with measured concentrations at 34 locations in the NDRA, for 3 periods of 2 weeks each. We then applied it to calculate airborne arsenic concentrations for more than 500 locations all over the NDRA. The highest airborne arsenic concentrations occur over sand dunes and other zones with a surficial layer of aeolian sand. Ironically these areas show the lowest levels of arsenic in the topsoil. However, they are highly susceptible to wind erosion and emit very large amounts of sand and dust during episodes of strong winds, thereby also emitting much arsenic. Elsewhere in the NDRA, in areas not or only very slightly affected by wind erosion, airborne arsenic levels equal the background level for airborne arsenic in the USA, approximately 0.0004 μg m(-3). The results of this study are important because the NDRA is visited by more than 300,000 people annually.

Measuring fast-temporal sediment fluxes with an analogue acoustic sensor: a wind tunnel study

In aeolian research, field measurements are important for studying complex wind-driven processes for land management evaluation and model validation. Consequently, there have been many devices developed, tested, and applied to investigate a range of aeolian-based phenomena. However, determining the most effective application and data analysis techniques is widely debated in the literature. Here we investigate the effectiveness of two different sediment traps (the BEST trap and the MWAC catcher) in measuring vertical sediment flux. The study was performed in a wind tunnel with sediment fluxes characterized using saltiphones. Contrary to most studies, we used the analogue output of five saltiphones mounted on top of each other to determine the total kinetic energy, which was then used to calculate aeolian sediment budgets. Absolute sediment losses during the experiments were determined using a balance located beneath the test tray. Test runs were conducted with different sand sizes and at different wind speeds. The efficiency of the two traps did not vary with the wind speed or sediment size but was affected by both the experimental setup (position of the lowest trap above the surface and number of traps in the saltation layer) and the technique used to calculate the sediment flux. Despite this, good agreement was found between sediment losses calculated from the saltiphone and those measured using the balance. The results of this study provide a framework for measuring sediment fluxes at small time resolution (seconds to milliseconds) in the field.

Evolution of the management of acquired neurogenic bladder in children using intradetrusor botulinum toxin type A injections: 5-year experience and perspectives

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical and urodynamic results of repeated intradetrusor botulinum toxin type A injections in children with an acquired neurogenic bladder.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We reviewed the data of 8 patients presenting an acquired neurogenic bladder treated between 2005 and 2010. Their mean age was 12.4 years old (range: 5-18). They were all on clean intermittent catheterization. All patients presented detrusor overactivity resistant to oral anticholinergic treatment. They received between 2 and 6 injections at a dose of 12 botulinum toxin units (BU)/kg (maximum 300 BU). Cystometry was performed 4-8 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

Five patients became completely dry, 2 were only rarely wet, and data are lacking for 1 patient. Febrile urinary tract infections ceased after 1 or 2 injections. The mean maximal detrusor pressure decreased below 40 cmH(2)O after 1, 2 and 3 injections. The normalized safe capacity rose significantly after 1, 2 and 3 injections. The normalized maximal bladder capacity rose similarly after 1, 2 and 3 injections although not always significantly.

CONCLUSION

Intradetrusor botulinum toxin-A injections significantly reduce detrusor pressure and can be repeated with efficacy. They have their place in between anticholinergic treatment and surgery. The procedure could be simplified and the dosage reduced.

Rare copy number variants in neuropsychiatric disorders: Specific phenotype or not?

From a number of genome-wide association studies it was shown that de novo and/or rare copy number variants (CNVs) are found at an increased frequency in neuropsychiatric diseases. In this study we examined the prevalence of CNVs in six genomic regions (1q21.1, 2p16.3, 3q29, 15q11.2, 15q13.3, and 16p11.2) previously implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases. Hereto, a cohort of four neuropsychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and intellectual disability) and control individuals from three different populations was used in combination with Multilpex Amplicon Quantifiaction (MAQ) assays, capable of high resolution (kb range) and custom-tailored CNV detection. Our results confirm the etiological candidacy of the six selected CNV regions for neuropsychiatric diseases. It is possible that CNVs in these regions can result in disturbed brain development and in this way lead to an increased susceptibility for different neuropsychiatric disorders, dependent on additional genetic and environmental factors. Our results also suggest that the neurodevelopmental component is larger in the etiology of schizophrenia and intellectual disability than in mood disorders. Finally, our data suggest that deletions are in general more pathogenic than duplications. Given the high frequency of the examined CNVs (1-2%) in patients of different neuropsychiatric disorders, screening of large cohorts with an affordable and feasible method like the MAQ assays used in this study is likely to result in important progress in unraveling the genetic factors leading to an increased susceptibility for several psychiatric disorders.