Munui Kim

Organo-modified sericite in the remediation of phenol-contaminated waters

AbstractHexadecyltrimetyl ammonium bromide and alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride-modified sericite samples were obtained by wet cation exchange process. The solid materials were then characterized by the FT-IR and XRD data whereas the surface morphology was obtained by the scanning electron microscopic images. Further, the suitability of these solids was assessed for the decontamination of phenol-contaminated waters under the batch reactor operations. Batch reactor data showed that an increase in sorbate concentration (from 1.0 to 20.0 mg/L) favoured the uptake of phenol from aqueous solution whereas an increase in pH (from 2.0 to 10.0) caused for significant decrease in percent uptake of phenol. The equilibrium state concentration dependence data were well modelled with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm.

OP04.07: Correlation of fetal ultrasonographic (US) finding in de novo chromosomal aberrations: role of fetal ultrasonography (US)

Objectives: To assess the outcomes of absent or near absent nasal bone during the second trimester. Methods: Absent or near absent nasal bone was prospectively identified in 110 cases during the second trimester at a single community-based screening center over a 5 year period (January 2006 through February 2011). The average gestational age was 18.5 weeks (range, 15 to 22 weeks). The mean maternal age was 29.9 years (range 16 to 45 years). Among these, 77 were considered to be absent, and 33 were considered to be nearly absent, defined as a very small nasal bone (3 mm or less). Nasal bone involvement was considered to be unilateral in 8 cases and bilateral in 102 cases. Results: Of the 110 cases with an absent or near absent nasal bone, 61 (59.1%) had a normal outcome, 36 (27.5%) were confirmed to be trisomy 21, 7 (7.1%) had other aneuploidy, and 6 (6.1%) had other fetal anomalies. Among the 36 cases with trisomy 21, 28 were proven by genetic amniocentesis, and 8 were confirmed following delivery. Down syndrome was found in 1 of 8 (12.5%) fetuses with unilateral involvement compared to 35 of 102 (28.9%) those with bilateral involvement. Eleven of the 36 fetuses with Down syndrome were not referred (no prior ultrasound or positive screen). Of these, four showed an absent nasal bone alone and the seven remaining fetuses all showed an echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) including three who also showed additional markers. Conclusions: We conclude that an absent or near absent nasal bone carries a high risk for fetal Down syndrome during the second trimester, although the majority of fetuses prove to be normal. A normal first trimester or second trimester serum screen does not exclude fetal Down syndrome when an absent or near absent nasal bone is identified but the risk appears to be lower when prior screening is normal and there are no other ultrasound markers. A bilateral absent nasal bone carries a higher risk than a unilateral absent nasal bone.

P12.07: Clinical characteristics of antenatally detected fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix

uvula by its distance to the epiglottis, proof of soft palate’s integrity, using a common view: the profile. We evaluated it’s feasibility. Method: Embryologic reasons leads to have an uvula’s growth in a posterior and inferior way as to be very closed to the epiglottis in normal conditions. From a cranial view of a profile we turn around keeping the same plan as to avoid bony shadow, allowing the visualization of the uvula and the epiglottis separated by an anechogenic zone highlighted by the posterior contour of the tongue. Until now, 500 examinations have been performed. Results: This distance has always been possible to get, in 50% in less than 10 seconds, 80% in less than 2 minutes, but sometimes it took quite a lot of time. The distance was between 2 and 4 mm with a mandible’s neutral position. In soft palate’s cleft we examined (2 cases) this distance was more than 1 cm. This distance appears simple to get (80% in less than 2mm) and could be obtained in all cases with more time. In our results normal fetus has a very shorter distance than in cleft problems, accordingly to embryologic development where distance can’t be theoretically increased. This normality can be proved with only one common static view. Conclusion: Using the posterior wall, hard palate’s integrity is not so difficult to visualize, even in routine, with a very good sensitivity and specificity. Uvula-epiglottis distance appears to be the best sign to be sure of soft palate’s integrity as for secondary bony palate, and can be also quite easily evaluated using only one 2D profile static view. These first results are very encouraging and have to be confirmed.

OP15.01: Association between first‐ and second‐trimester serum screening markers and pregnancy outcomes

Objective: Assess whether bilateral uterine artery notching in the first trimester is associated with an increased risk for IUGR among patients directed to take low dose aspirin. Methods: A retrospective database search was conducted for Jan. 1, 2007 – Sept. 2008 to identify all patients with first trimester screening exams in our practice with bilateral uterine artery Doppler notching identified and for whom additional follow up was provided. When bilateral uterine artery notching was identified, low dose aspirin was recommended unless contraindicated. Patients were seen for second trimester and third trimester ultrasound assessments where indicated. IUGR was defined as EFW < 10th percentile (Hadlock 1991) or abdominal circumference less than 5th percentile. Results: A total of 67 singleton gestations were identified with the finding of bilateral uterine artery notching at less than 15 weeks gestation. 53 patients met inclusion criteria (no other maternal factors, second trimester follow up exam in our office). Of those 14 excluded, 10 did not have a second trimester follow up in our office, and the other 4 had historical factors (APAS, severe first trimester oligohydramnios, hypothyroidism). Of the 53, 25 had been referred for first trimester screening with AMA. 28 were referred for first trimester screening (less than 35 years of age). Only 15 of 53 still had bilateral notching on second trimester exam, while 11 had unilateral notching. The rate of third trimester IUGR with either unilateral or bilateral notching remaining was 4% (1 of 26, case with abdominal circumference less than 5th). Conclusions: The finding of bilateral uterine artery notching on first trimester screening examination was associated with a small risk for IUGR among a cohort of women advised to take low dose aspirin. Only 20% still had notching in the second trimester, of which 4% developed third trimester IUGR.