Enhanced ready biodegradability screening tests for the evaluation of potential PBT substances.

In persistence assessment enhanced ready biodegradation tests (eRBT) are aimed to close the gap between screening tests and complex simulation tests. However, only few data from these tests are available and neither guidance on the design and interpretation of eRBTs, nor suitable validity criteria have been established so far. In a practical testing programme 5 compounds with controversial degradation data have been tested in 4 test series including prolongation to 60 days and use of different inocula (activated sludge, final effluent from a STP), flask sizes, and endpoints (CO, O, DOC).

Recurrent coagulopathy after rattlesnake bite requiring continuous intravenous dosing of antivenom.

Context. Snakebite envenomation is common and may result in systemic coagulopathy. Antivenom can correct resulting laboratory abnormalities; however, despite antivenom use, coagulopathy may recur, persist, or result in death after a latency period.

Behavior of nanoscale titanium dioxide in laboratory wastewater treatment plants according to OECD 303 A.

The fate assessment of nanomaterials in municipal sewage treatment plants (STP) is a crucial step for their environmental risk assessment and may be assessed by monitoring full scale STP, dosage to medium scale pilot STP or by laboratory testing. For regulatory purposes preferably standardised test protocols such as the OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals should be used. However, these test protocols have not yet been specifically designed for nanoparticles.

Acute on chronic venous thromboembolism on therapeutic anticoagulation.

A case of proximal venous thromboembolism in a patient who presented to the ED with lower extremity pain is presented. Making this diagnosis is very important as fifty percent of patients with symptomatic proximal DVTs will go on to develop PE without treatment. This report underscores the utility of bedside ultrasonography in the emergency department.

The use of bedside ultrasound in the evaluation of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism.

Evaluation of patients that present to the emergency department with concerns for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism can be difficult. Modalities including computerized tomography (CT) of the chest, pulmonary angiography, and ventilation perfusion scans can expose patients to large quantities of radiation especially if the study has to be repeated due to poor quality. This is particularly a concern in the pregnant population that has an increased incidence of pulmonary embolism and may not be able to undergo multiple radiographic studies due to fetal radiation exposure.