Fluorescence spectroscopy as an indicator tool for pharmaceutical contamination in groundwater and surface water.

Knowledge of contaminant distribution and transport of contaminant plumes in groundwater is important for effective remediation. Tedious and expensive laboratory analyses could be supplemented with optical measurements such as fluorescence to offer a rapid alternative with the potential for on-site measurements. Here, we explore the applicability of fluorescence spectroscopy as an on-site alternative to identifying the extent of a groundwater contaminant plume in Grindsted, Denmark.

Integrating Enzyme-Based Kinetics in Reactive Transport Models to Simulate Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Biomarkers during Chlorinated Ethene Degradation.

Biomarkers such as functional gene mRNA (transcripts) and proteins (enzymes) provide direct proof of metabolic regulation during the reductive dechlorination (RD) of chlorinated ethenes (CEs). Yet, current models to simulate their spatiotemporal variability are not flexible enough to mimic the homologous behavior of functional genes. To this end, we developed new enzyme-based kinetics to model the concentrations of CEs together with the transcript and enzyme levels during RD.

Contaminant mass discharge estimation of a sulfonamide plume by use of hydraulic profiling tool (HPT) and fluorescence techniques.

The contaminant mass discharge is a relevant metric to evaluate the risk that a groundwater plume poses to water resources. However, this assessment is often vitiated by a high uncertainty inherent to the assessment method and often limited number of measurement points to carry out the assessment. Direct-Push techniques in combination with profiling tools and dedicated sampling can be an interesting alternative to increase the measurement point density and hence reduce the mass discharge uncertainty.

The Adaptive Immune Response in Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Characterized by Dysfunctional and Exhausted HBV-Specific T Cells.

This systematic review investigates the immunosuppressive environment in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by dysfunctional and exhausted HBV-specific T cells alongside an increased infiltration of HBV-specific CD4+ T cells, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs). Heightened expression of checkpoint inhibitors, notably PD-1, is linked with disease progression and recurrence, indicating its potential as both a prognostic indicator and a target for immunotherapy. Nevertheless, using PD-1 inhibitors has shown limited effectiveness.

Natural attenuation of sulfonamides and metabolites in contaminated groundwater - Review, advantages and challenges of current documentation techniques.

Sulfonamides are applied worldwide as antibiotics. They are emerging contaminants of concern, as their presence in the environment may lead to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Sulfonamides are present in groundwater systems, which suggest their persistence under certain conditions, highlighting the importance of understanding natural attenuation processes in groundwater.

Quantification of contaminant mass discharge from point sources in aquitard/aquifer systems based on vertical concentration profiles and 3D modeling.

Point sources with contaminants, such as chlorinated solvents, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or pesticides, are often located in low-permeability aquitards, where they can act as long-term sources and threaten underlying groundwater resources. We demonstrate the use of a 3D numerical model integrating comprehensive hydrogeological and contamination data to determine the contaminant mass discharge (CMD) from an aquitard into the underlying aquifer. A mature point source with a dissolved chlorinated solvent in a clayey till is used as an example.

Neoadjuvant calcium electroporation for potentially curable colorectal cancer.

Background: The development of new perioperative treatment modalities to activate the immune system in colorectal cancer might have a beneficial effect on reducing the risk of recurrence after surgery. Calcium electroporation is a promising treatment modality that potentially modulates the tumor microenvironment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the procedure in the neoadjuvant setting in localized left-sided colorectal cancer (CRC).

Endoscopic calcium electroporation for colorectal cancer: a phase I study.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies, with approximately 20 % of patients having metastatic disease. Local symptoms from the tumor remain a common issue and affect quality of life. Electroporation is a method to permeabilize cell membranes with high-voltage pulses, allowing increased passage of otherwise poorly permeating substances such as calcium.

A novel concept for estimating the contaminant mass discharge of chlorinated ethenes emanating from clay till sites.

Interest in using contaminant mass discharge (CMD) for risk assessment of contaminated sites has increased over the years, as it accounts for the contaminant mass that is moving and posing a risk to water resources and receptors. The most common investigation of CMD involves a transect of multilevel wells; however, this is an expensive undertaking, and it is difficult to place it in the right position in a plume. Additionally, infrastructure at the site needs to be considered.

Colonic Stent as Bridge to Surgery for Malignant Obstruction Induces Gene Expressional Changes Associated with a More Aggressive Tumor Phenotype.

Background: Colonic stent is recommended as a bridge to elective surgery for malignant obstruction to improve short-term clinical outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer. However, since the oncological outcomes remain controversial, this study aimed to investigate the impact of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) on the tumor microenvironment.

Methods: Patients treated with colonic stent as a bridge to surgery from 2010 to 2015 were identified from hospital records.

Dataset for laboratory treatability experiment with activated carbon and bioamendments to enhance biodegradation of chlorinated ethenes.

This dataset describes the outcome of a laboratory trichloroethene (TCE) treatability experiment with liquid activated carbon and bioamendments. The treatability experiment included unamended microcosms, bioamended microcosms with a containing culture and electron donor, and bioamended microcosms including liquid activated carbon (PlumeStop®). Data were collected frequently over an 85-day experimental period.

Assessment of chlorinated ethenes degradation after field scale injection of activated carbon and bioamendments: Application of isotopic and microbial analyses.

Over the last decade, activated carbon amendments have successfully been applied to retain chlorinated ethene subsurface contamination. The concept of this remediation technology is that activated carbon and bioamendments are injected into aquifer systems to enhance biodegradation. While the scientific basis of the technology is established, there is a need for methods to characterise and quantify the biodegradation at field scale.

Natural attenuation of a chlorinated ethene plume discharging to a stream: Integrated assessment of hydrogeological, chemical and microbial interactions.

Attenuation processes of chlorinated ethenes in complex near-stream systems result in site-specific outcomes of great importance for risk assessment of contaminated sites. Additional interdisciplinary and comprehensive field research is required to enhance process understanding in these systems. In this study, several methods were combined in a multi-scale interdisciplinary in-situ approach to assess and quantify the near-stream attenuation of a chlorinated ethene plume, mainly consisting of cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC), discharging to a lowland stream (Grindsted stream, Denmark) over a monitoring period of seven years.

Transport of citrate and polymer coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in porous media: Effect of surface property and Darcy velocity.

With the release of nanoparticles (NPs) into the subsurface, it is imperative to better understand the fate and transport of NPs in porous media. Three types of stable AuNPs were used as model NPs to investigate the impact of surface coatings (type and coverage) and water velocity on the NP transport in a porous media (column studies). The NPs were electrostatic stabilized citrate AuNPs and sterically stabilized AuNPs with amphiphilic block co-polymer (PVA-COOH) in two particle/polymer ratios (weak vs.

Impact of iron- and/or sulfate-reduction on a cis-1,2-dichloroethene and vinyl chloride respiring bacterial consortium: experiments and model-based interpretation.

Process understanding of microbial communities containing organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB) is important for effective bioremediation of chlorinated ethenes. The impact of iron and sulfate reduction on cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) dechlorination by a consortium containing the OHRB Dehalococcoides spp. was investigated using multiphase batch experiments.

Chlorinated ethene plume evolution after source thermal remediation: Determination of degradation rates and mechanisms.

The extent, mechanism(s), and rate of chlorinated ethene degradation in a large tetrachloroethene (PCE) plume were investigated in an extensive sampling campaign. Multiple lines of evidence for this degradation were explored, including compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA), dual C-Cl isotope analysis, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis targeting the genera Dehalococcoides and Dehalogenimonas and the genes vcrA, bvcA, and cerA. A decade prior to this sampling campaign, the plume source was thermally remediated by steam injection.

Mobility of electrostatically and sterically stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in saturated porous media.

The stability of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) stabilized electrostatically with citrate or (electro)sterically by commercially available amphiphilic block copolymers (PVP-VA or PVA-COOH) was studied under various physicochemical conditions. Subsequently, the mobility of the AuNPs in porous media (sand) was investigated in column studies under environmental relevant physicochemical conditions. Electrostatically stabilized AuNPs were unstable under most physicochemical conditions due to the compression of the electrical double layer.

A modeling approach integrating microbial activity, mass transfer, and geochemical processes to interpret biological assays: An example for PCE degradation in a multi-phase batch setup.

The rate at which organic contaminants can be degraded in aquatic environments is not only dependent upon specific degrading bacteria, but also upon the composition of the microbial community, mass transfer of the contaminant, and abiotic processes that occur in the environment. In this study, we present three-phase batch experiments of tetrachloroethene (PCE) degradation by a consortium of organohalide-respiring bacteria, cultivated alone or in communities with iron- and/or sulfate-reducers. We developed a modeling approach to quantitatively evaluate the experimental results, comprised of chemical and biomolecular time series data.

Short-term results of self-expanding metal stents for acute malignant large bowel obstruction.

Aim: Self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) can be used as a palliative treatment or to initially decompress colon prior to definitive surgery (as a so-called 'bridge to surgery'). The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of SEMS used as palliation and bridge to surgery for malignant large bowel obstruction.

Method: A multicentre retrospective study was conducted from January 2010 to December 2013 to identify patients undergoing stent placement for acute large bowel obstruction.

Test of aerobic TCE degradation by willows (Salix viminalis) and willows inoculated with TCE-cometabolizing strains of Burkholderia cepacia.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a widespread soil and groundwater pollutant and clean-up is often problematic and expensive. Phytoremediation may be a cost-effective solution at some sites. This study investigates TCE degradation by willows (S.

Health professionals perceive teamwork with relatives as an obstacle in their daily work - a focus group interview.

Background: Health professionals must often balance between different rationalities within the hospital organisation. Having adequate time with patients, shorter waiting time and the ability to greater professional autonomy have been shown to help provide a higher quality of care. Empathy and sympathy appear to be crucial components for the health professionals and their relationship to patients.

Delay of surgery after stent placement for resectable malignant colorectal obstruction is associated with higher risk of recurrence.

Background: Self-expanding metal stents can be used as bridge to elective surgery for acute malignant colonic obstruction. However, the impact on long-term oncological outcome and the optimal timing of surgery are still unknown.

Method: This was a retrospective multicenter study performed at four colorectal centers.

Identification of abiotic and biotic reductive dechlorination in a chlorinated ethene plume after thermal source remediation by means of isotopic and molecular biology tools.

Thermal tetrachloroethene (PCE) remediation by steam injection in a sandy aquifer led to the release of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from aquifer sediments resulting in more reduced redox conditions, accelerated PCE biodegradation, and changes in microbial populations. These changes were documented by comparing data collected prior to the remediation event and eight years later. Based on the premise that dual C-Cl isotope slopes reflect ongoing degradation pathways, the slopes associated with PCE and TCE suggest the predominance of biotic reductive dechlorination near the source area.

Characterization of chlorinated solvent contamination in limestone using innovative FLUTe® technologies in combination with other methods in a line of evidence approach.

Characterization of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source zones in limestone aquifers/bedrock is essential to develop accurate site-specific conceptual models and perform risk assessment. Here innovative field methods were combined to improve determination of source zone architecture, hydrogeology and contaminant distribution. The FACT™ is a new technology and it was applied and tested at a contaminated site with a limestone aquifer, together with a number of existing methods including wire-line coring with core subsampling, FLUTe® transmissivity profiling and multilevel water sampling.