Development of a straightforward direct injection UHPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of plastic additive chemicals in roadside retention ponds.

There is growing interest in road pollution that enters surface waters. Additive chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics, including tyre rubber, are mobile pollutants that pose a threat to aquatic life. Therefore, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed to measure 25 plastic additive chemicals in road runoff and water of retention ponds used to manage road runoff.

Septic tanks as a pathway for emerging contaminants to the aquatic environment-Need for alternative rural wastewater treatment?

Septic tanks (STs) as a decentralised approach to community wastewater treatment were investigated as a pathway for emerging contaminants (ECs) entering the aquatic environment. A broad range of ECs were examined in five community STs (population equivalents 217-475) and receiving rivers in Scotland over 12 months. All 68 studied ECs were detected at least once in ST influent or effluent at a broad concentration range from ng L - μg L which can surpass freshwater predicted no-effect concentrations.

Does diagnosis matter? Evaluating impact of pediatric chronic pain diagnosis on pain and function.

Purpose: This study aimed to A) evaluate changes in pain and function following an outpatient interdisciplinary pain management program (IPMP) for children with different chronic pain conditions and B) explore differences in pain and function at baseline and discharge for different diagnoses.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for 488 children who participated in an outpatient IPMP. Children's pain and physical, social, and emotional functioning were assessed at initial evaluation, discharge, and one-to-two-month follow-up.

Risk Factors for Suboptimal Colon Cancer Diagnosis and Management at a Safety-Net Hospital System.

Introduction: Colon cancer (CC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Quality measures have been introduced by the American Gastroenterological Association and Commission on Cancer for optimal management of CC. In this study, we sought to identify factors that may hinder the timely diagnosis and treatment of CC at a safety-net hospital system.

Engaging primary care physicians is critical in the screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer at safety-net hospital systems.

Background: Primary care physicians (PCP) play a key role in offering colorectal cancer (CRC) screenings, particularly amongst underserved populations. Given potential delays in or omission of CRC screening in the absence of a PCP, we aimed to determine stage of CRC at diagnosis in an underserved population.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at two Los Angeles County safety-net hospitals.