PKC(alpha) and PKC(epsilon) differentially regulate Legionella pneumophila-induced GM-CSF

Legionella pneumophila is an important causative agent of severe pneumonia in humans. The human alveolar epithelium is an effective barrier for inhaled microorganisms and actively participates in the initiation of innate host defense. Although secretion of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is essential for the elimination of invading Legionella spp., mechanisms of Legionella pneumophila-induced release of this cytokine are widely unknown. In this study, we have demonstrated a toll-like receptor (TLR)2- and TLR5-dependent release of GM-CSF in L. pneumophila-infected human alveolar epithelial cells. GM-CSF secretion was not dependent on the bacteria type II or type IV secretion system. Furthermore, an increase in protein kinase C (PKC) activity, particularly PKC(alpha) and PKC(epsilon), was noted. Blocking of PKC(alpha) and PKC(epsilon) activity or expression, but not of PKC(beta), PKC(delta), PKC(eta), PKC(theta), and PKC(zeta), significantly reduced the synthesis of GM-CSF in infected cells. While PKC(alpha) was critical for the initiation of a nuclear factor-kappaB-mediated GM-CSF expression, PKC(epsilon) regulated GM-CSF production via activator protein 1. Thus, differential regulation of GM-CSF, production by PKC isoforms, contributes to the host response in Legionnaires' disease.

What do healthcare workers think? A survey of facial protection equipment user preferences

Data on healthcare workers'(HCWs) self-reported knowledge regarding selection of facial protection equipment, usage preferences and compliance are limited. We used a questionnaire on the use of facial protection equipment at a 700-bed adult tertiary care hospital employing approximately 7000 HCWs. Clinical areas targeted were those with frequent users of N95 respirators: intensive care unit, emergency room, respiratory services, and internal medicine. Respiratory therapists were also invited. In all, 137 questionnaires (68.5%) were returned. Most (72.8%) reported that training on the use of facial protection equipment was 'sufficient' to 'excellent'. The PFR95 and 3M 1860 Cone were used most frequently (56%) followed by the 3M 1870 Pocket (42%). While 95% reported having been fit-tested, only 60% were tested annually. PRF95 use exceeded the number of HCWs fit-tested for the item. Overall comfort and compliance scores were 13.6/20 and 21.5/25, respectively, for respirators and 7.7/10 and 18.5/25 for protective eyewear. No relationship between comfort and years of use of either respirators or protective eyewear was found. The results highlight potential failures in effectiveness in the use of personal protective equipment that could compromise HCW safety, and support observations that compliance in the workplace is usually less than in the research setting.

Is there any role for computed tomography measurements of medial temporal lobe atrophy in dementia? A review of the literature and case series from a memory clinic

Neuroimaging in dementia has focused on documenting any burden of vascular disease or excluding any reversible intracranial pathology. We review the use of computed tomography to examine for medial temporal lobe atrophy in dementia and compare this with a case series of such measurements from our memory clinic. Measures of medial temporal lobe atrophy were used to separate patients with Alzheimer's disease from those with normal cognition, mood disorders or other forms of early dementia.

Emissions of perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) from point sources--identification of relevant branches

Effluents of wastewater treatment plants are relevant point sources for the emission of hazardous xenobiotic substances to the aquatic environment. One group of substances, which recently entered scientific and political discussions, is the group of the perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). The most studied compounds from this group are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS), which are the most important degradation products of PFAS. These two substances are known to be persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT). In the present study, eleven PFAS were investigated in effluents of municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and in industrial wastewaters. PFOS and PFOA proved to be the dominant compounds in all sampled wastewaters. Concentrations of up to 340 ng/L of PFOS and up to 220 ng/L of PFOA were observed. Besides these two compounds, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was also present in nearly all effluents and maximum concentrations of up to 280 ng/L were measured. Only N-ethylperfluorooctane sulphonamide (N-EtPFOSA) and its degradation/metabolisation product perfluorooctane sulphonamide (PFOSA) were either detected below the limit of quantification or were not even detected at all. Beside the effluents of the municipal WWTPs, nine industrial wastewaters from six different industrial branches were also investigated. Significantly, the highest emissions or PFOS were observed from metal industry whereas paper industry showed the highest PFOA emission. Several PFAS, especially perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) and PFOS are predominantly emitted from industrial sources, with concentrations being a factor of 10 higher than those observed in the municipal WWTP effluents. Perfluorodecane sulphonate (PFDS), N-Et-PFOSA and PFOSA were not detected in any of the sampled industrial point sources.

Determination of selected organophosphate esters in the aquatic environment of Austria

Organophosphate esters are used in multitude of applications such as flame retardants, plasticizers and lubricants. In recent years concerns have been raised in regards to the environmental impact of some of the more commonly used phosphoric acid triesters, because many of them are toxic and persistent. Liquid-liquid extraction and ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS/MS) were used for the determination of nine priority organophosphate esters in waste and surface water, as well as in sediment samples for first time in Austria. Recoveries ranged from 63% to 94% in water and from 74 to 104% in sediment with estimated quantification limits between 2.6 and 7.9 ng/l in surface water, 4.1 and 13 ng/l in effluent waste water, and between 0.48 and 11 microg/kg in sediment. The validated method was applied to determine the occurrence of the selected organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) and plasticizers in the aquatic environment of Austria. The impact of the discharge of waste water treatment plants into the receiving water bodies was also studied.

Occurrence of selected surfactants in untreated and treated sewage

Several surfactants were monitored in treated and untreated sewage in nine municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in western Austria. The nine sampled WWTPs cover a wide variety referring to size and applied treatment technology. The investigation focused on linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS), quaternary ammonia compounds (QAC), nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (OP), nonylphenolmono- (NP(1)EO) and -diethoxylates (NP(2)EO). Whereas LAS, NP, OP and NP(1,2)EO were analysed separately in the liquid phase and in the solid phase, the QACs were measured in the total sample. Total influent concentrations of LAS varied between 2.4 mg l(-1) up to 6.7 mg l(-1) whereas total effluent concentrations were in the lower microg l(-1) range (11-50 microg l(-1)). Whichever the type of treatment, a clear removal during treatment was observed. Solid liquid distribution coefficients K(d) were calculated for untreated sewage. The calculated K(d) values varied between 1300 and 3900 l kg(-1). OP was of minor importance with total influent concentrations below 1microg l(-1). NP and NP(1,2)EO were present in all analysed influents in concentrations between 1 and 35microg l(-1). Effluent concentrations were notably lower than the measured influent concentrations. K(d) values for NP varied between 500 and 6600 l kg(-1), for NP(1)EO between 800 and 2700 l kg(-1) and for NP(2)EO between 100 and 1800 l kg(-1). From the QACs several alkyl benzyl (BAC), dialkyl (DDAC) and trialkyl (ATAC) ammonium chlorides with varying alkyl chain lengths were analysed. Highest total concentrations in the influents to the WWTPs were observed for the BAC-C12 and the ATAC-C16 homologues. Effluent concentrations were notably lower compared to influent concentrations, indicating removal by adsorption and/or biodegradation. The influence of the removal by adsorption increased with increasing alkyl chain length.

Mass antibiotic treatment to stop an outbreak of meningococcal disease: a molecular analysis

The occurrence of three cases of meningococcal disease among children in a small community, two of whom attended the same day-care centre, prompted a programme of mass antibiotic prophylaxis. Nasopharyngeal and throat swabs were obtained on three occasions from all children registered at the day-care centre. Serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis was isolated from 13 of 61 children before prophylaxis, from three children after 2 weeks, and from 19 children after 3 months. Repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR analysis identified several meningococcal strains before treatment, one of which became predominant after 3 months. Mass antibiotic prophylaxis initially suppressed meningococcal carriage, but the carriage rate subsequently rebounded.

Environmental monitoring study of selected veterinary antibiotics in animal manure and soils in Austria

LC-MS/MS was used for determination of selected tetracyclines, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, and fluoroquinolones in manure samples of pig, chicken and turkey, as well as arable soils fertilized with manure. Recoveries from spiked samples ranged from 61 to 105%. Method quantification limits were set to 100 microg/kg for all substances. Analysis of 30 pig manure, 20 chicken and turkey dung, and 30 lyophilized soil samples taken in Austria revealed that in pig manure up to 46 mg/kg chlortetracycline, 29 mg/kg oxytetracycline and 23 mg/kg tetracycline could be detected. As representatives of the group of sulfonamides, sulfadimidine in pig manure and sulfadiazine in chicken and turkey dung were detected in significant amounts (maximum concentration, 20 and 91 mg/kg, respectively). Enrofloxacin was particularly observed in chicken and turkey samples. Positive detection of chlortetracycline, enrofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin, in soil samples should be outlined as most important results of this study.

Monitoring atmospheric pollutants in the biosphere reserve Wienerwald by a combined approach of biomonitoring methods and technical measurements

In this study a combined approach of bioindication results correlated with an extensive set of data on air pollution and climate was used to assess the pollution status of the Man and Biosphere Reserve Wienerwald (Austria). Bryophytes served as impact indicators (via the Index of Atmospheric Purity-method IAP) at 30 sites as well as accumulation monitors for airborne trace elements (Al, Pb, V, S, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, Mo, Cd, As, Sb and 16 EPA-PAHs) at 10 sites within the reserve. The results of these bioindication methods were subsequently correlated with further pollution (NO(2), SO(2) and dust) and climate data (precipitation, temperature and humidity). The findings obtained clearly indicate the following: Bryophyte distribution is solely influenced by the status of air quality, without interference by climatic or site-related factors, which is in contrast to several previous investigations. IAP-values correlated significantly with NO(2) (0.553; P=0.004), SO(2) winter values (0.511; P=0.013) and PM10 (dust) (0.561; P=0.013). The results obtained via chemical analyses revealed a strong correlation with data derived from the IAP methodology. In terms of the overall air quality within the biosphere reserve Wienerwald, the north-eastern part appears to be the most affected one with a most likely pollution contribution emitted by the capital city Vienna, agriculture and neighbouring countries.

Determination of selected quaternary ammonium compounds by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Part II. Application to sediment and sludge samples in Austria

Soxhlet extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry detection (MS/MS) was used for the determination of selected quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in solid samples. The method was applied for the determination of alkyl benzyl, dialkyl and trialkyl quaternary ammonium compounds in sediment and sludge samples in Austria. The overall method quantification limits range from 0.6 to 3 microg/kg for sediments and from 2 to 5 microg/kg for sewage sludges. Mean recoveries between 67% and 95% are achieved. In general sediments were especially contaminated by C12 chain benzalkonium chloride (BAC-C12) as well as by the long C-chain dialkyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC-C18) with a maximum concentration of 3.6 mg/kg and 2.1mg/kg, respectively. Maxima of 27 mg/kg for DDAC-C10, 25 mg/kg for BAC-C12 and 23 mg/kg for BAC-C14 were determined for sludge samples. The sums of the 12 selected target compounds range from 22 mg/kg to 103 mg/kg in the sludge samples.

Determination of selected quaternary ammonium compounds by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Part I. Application to surface, waste and indirect discharge water samples in Austria

A method for simultaneous quantitative determination of alkyl benzyl, dialkyl and trialkyl quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) has been developed, validated and subsequently applied to real water samples in Austria. The method employs liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) followed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), using electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive mode. The overall method quantification limits range from 4 to 19ng/L for the enrichment of 500mL water samples and analyte recoveries are between 80 and 99%. The method was applied to 62 of the respective water samples without filtration to avoid the loss of the analytes due to the high adsorption capacity of these compounds. Maxima in the mg/L range, especially in the wastewater of hospitals and laundries, could be detected for the selected target compounds.

Luteal phase support for patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles--the required progesterone dose

OBJECTIVE

With the recent trend toward single-embryo transfer (ET), cryopreservation of extraneous embryos is becoming increasingly prevalent. Several replacement protocols for frozen-thawed ET exist, with no consensus regarding the dosage or delivery mode of progesterone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Hormonal replacement with only estrogen and progesterone is the most frequently used protocol in women with and without functioning ovaries in our unit. Since August 2005, we have doubled the usual daily dose of progesterone for luteal support due to a high prevalence of patients experiencing withdrawal bleeding 11-13 days after ET. We compared the outcome of frozen-thawed ET cycles using different doses of progesterone for luteal support.

RESULTS

While the prevalence of embryos that survived the thawing process was significantly higher in the earlier (69%) as compared to the later period (58%), positive b-hCG pregnancy rates (17.5% vs 44.8%, respectively) and clinical pregnancy rates per transfer (7.9% vs 41.4%, respectively) were significantly higher in the later period.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that high-dose progesterone supplementation in the luteal phase of frozen-thawed ET cycles results in a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate.

Method optimization for determination of selected perfluorinated alkylated substances in water samples

In recent years perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) have appeared as a new class of global pollutant. Besides being an industrially important group of compounds, PFAS are regarded as highly toxic and extraordinarily persistent chemicals that pervasively contaminate human blood and wildlife throughout the world. They are therefore regarded as PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic) chemicals. Two comprehensive methods have been developed for determination of eleven of the most environmentally relevant PFAS (seven perfluoroalkylcarboxylates, two perfluoroalkylsulfonates, and two perfluoroctanesulfonamides) in aqueous samples. The compounds were isolated by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE), and identification and quantification of the target analytes were achieved by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS). With LLE detection limits ranged from 0.26 to 0.62 ng L(-1) for enrichment of 900-mL water samples; recovery of PFAS with a carbon chain longer than C7 was excellent (80-93%). With SPE, carboxylates with carbon chains <C10 could be extracted efficiently (70-98%) under acidic conditions, and PFOS and PFOSA could be extracted efficiently (81% and 96%, respectively) under basic conditions, resulting in MDLs between 0.25 and 0.64 ng L(-1). The LLE method was applied successfully to Austrian wastewater effluent samples.

Pilot study on road traffic emissions (PAHs, heavy metals) measured by using mosses in a tunnel experiment in Vienna, Austria

BACKGROUND, AIMS AND SCOPE

Over the last few years there has been extensive research for new indicators providing information about deposition resulting from road traffic and tunnel experiments received special attention in emission research. Mosses have been used for the estimation of atmospheric heavy metal and PAH depositions for more than three decades, although they were used only a few times for estimating ambient air pollution caused by traffic. In the current study, the suitability of using a moss species for monitoring road traffic emissions inside a tunnel was evaluated. This was a first-time ever attempt to use plants (mosses) as bioindicators in a tunnel experiment. Specifically, two relevant questions were examined: 1) Do mosses accumulate toxic substances derived from road traffic emissions under the extremely adverse conditions which can be found in a tunnel, and 2) Which substances can mainly be attributed to road traffic emissions and therefore be taken as efficient and reliable indicators for motor vehicles?

METHODS

For the first time a biomonitor (the moss species Hylocomium splendens (Hedwig) B.S.G.) was used in a road tunnel experiment to analyse emissions from road traffic. Moss samples were exposed for four weeks in wooden frames (size 10 cm x 10 cm), covered by a thin plastic net with a mesh size of 1 cm x 1 cm. 17 elements, mainly heavy metals, and the 16 EPA-PAHs together with coronene were analysed by ICP-AES, AAS and GC-MSD.

RESULTS

Enrichment factors, calculated by comparing post-experiment concentrations to those of a background site, were high for most PAHs, especially benzo(g,h,i)perylene (150.7), coronene (134.7), benzo(a)anthracene (125.0), indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene (79.8), chrysene (78.1), pyrene (69.6) and benzo(b)-fluoranthene (67.4), and among the other elements for Sb (73.1), Mo (59.6), Cr (33.9), As (24.1), Cu (19.6), and Zn (17.1). All these substances can thus be taken as indicators for road traffic pollution. Concentrations were also significantly higher in the tunnel mosses for all investigated substances than along busy roads outside tunnels. Cluster analysis revealed groups of substances which could sensibly be attributed to various sources (abrasion processes, Diesel combustion) and enrichment in the various particle size classes.

DISCUSSION

The extreme high concentrations in the analysed moss samples from inside the tunnel were due to higher concentrations in the ambient tunnel air, and the fact that already deposited chemical substances are not lost by rain, as well as efficient uptake capacities even under the extremely adverse conditions in a tunnel. In accordance with previous studies our results suggest that PAHs are better indicators for emissions from the burning process than heavy metals.

CONCLUSIONS

As in open fields, mosses are suitable indicators for monitoring traffic emissions in tunnels. In addition to biomonitoring in open fields, in tunnel experiments mosses are even better indicators, because the confounding effects of other sources of pollution and the 'noise' in the accumulation process (e.g. washout through wet deposition) are minimised. The results of our study demonstrate the usefulness of mosses for surveying heavy metals and PAH emissions and deposition arising from road traffic sources, even under the extremely adverse conditions of the tunnel environment.

RECOMMENDATION

It can be considered that biomonitors like mosses are a suitable alternative to technical particle filters inside tunnels. They are easy to handle, low in costs and valuable information regarding traffic emissions can be obtained.

PERSPECTIVE

The results of this pilot-study proved the feasibility of the method, however, should be corroborated by further investigations based on a sample set that allows for generalization of the findings and might even include other moss species. A comparison of technical measurements with the biomonitoring method could lead to a more general acceptance of the results.

Transcription linked to recombination: a gene-internal promoter coincides with the recombination hot spot II of the human MLL gene

The MLL gene is frequently involved in chromosomal translocations associated with high-risk acute leukaemia. Infant and therapy-related acute leukaemia patients display chromosomal breakpoints preferentially clustered in the telomeric portion of the MLL breakpoint cluster region (SCII). Here, we demonstrate that SCII colocalizes with a gene-internal promoter element in the mouse and human MLL gene, respectively. The mRNA generated encodes an N-terminally truncated version of MLL that still exhibits many functional regions, including the C-terminal SET-domain. Etoposide-induced DNA double-strand breaks colocalize with the binding site of RNA polymerase II and the transcription initiation region, but not with a nearby Topo II consensus sequence. Thus, the observed genomic instability of the human MLL gene is presumably linked to transcriptional processes. The consequences of this novel finding for the creation of chromosomal translocations, the biology of the MLL protein and for MLL-mediated acute leukaemia are discussed.

Burns from orthodontic pliers

A case of burn injury from orthodontic pliers resulting in a partial-thickness burn is presented. A brief description of the injury, a review of the pertinent literature, and general guidelines for out-patient management of such burns are also presented.

Environmental risk assessment for quaternary ammonium compounds: a case study from Austria

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) are widely used as disinfectants, biocides, and detergents, among a variety of other applications. The cationic surface-activity of QAC determines their potential to act as a biocide on both target and non-target organisms. This study aims to provide a broad-based environmental risk characterization and evaluation for selected QAC with particular focus on the situation in Austrian rivers. A modular study design was employed involving environmental exposure characterization, QAC fate and effect analysis in wastewater, ecotoxicological effect characterization, and environmental risk evaluation. A wide array of Austrian surface waters and wastewater effluents were screened for the selected key compounds, benzalkonium chlorides and dialkyldimethylammonium chlorides with different C-chain lengths. Ecotoxicological effect characterization was based on both microbiotests for a set of representative aquatic organisms and a literature review. For risk evaluation, the PEC/PNEC ratio was above 1 for some rivers. Notably, small rivers with a high particulate matter were contaminated with QAC in the case of high water incidents. Hence, for the Austrian sites studied, a QAC-derived risk to sensitive aquatic non-target organisms could not be excluded.

Fine particles and meteorological conditions are associated with lung function in children with asthma living near two power plants

Fine particles are thought to pose a risk to health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children with asthma. These children are also known to be affected by meteorological and seasonal changes. We assessed the association between air pollution and lung function via peak expiratory flow (PEF), controlling for seasonal changes, meteorological conditions and personal physiological, clinical and sociodemographic measurements, in a panel of schoolchildren with asthma living near two power plants in Israel. Two hundred and eighty-five children with confirmed asthma performed PEF tests and completed a respiratory symptoms diary twice a day. Particulate matter <10 microm in diameter (PM10), particulate matter <2.5 microm in diameter (PM2.5) and meteorological conditions were measured at six fixed stations. Data were analysed using time series analysis-generalized linear model and generalized estimating equations. The models were built under the assumption that any health outcome belongs to a multivariate hierarchical system and depends on meteorological, geophysical and sociocultural variables and pollution factors. No significant differences were found in the demographic (age, gender, mean parental education level, parental smoking habits, place of birth and housing density), physiological (body mass index) and clinical factors (illness severity) between the communities participating in the study. A significant direct effect of PM2.5 on the PEF was found in Ashdod (P=0.000). In Sderot, this effect was through an interaction between PM10 and the sequential day of the year (P=0.000). The main conclusion of this study is that children with asthma are at risk from air pollution and geophysical conditions. Policy makers should take these results into consideration when setting thresholds for environmental protection.