The concept of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) is presently of great interest. The functional bacteria belonging to the Planctomycete phylum and their metabolism are investigated by microbiologists. Meanwhile, the ANAMMOX is equally valuable in treatment of ammonium-rich wastewaters. Related processes including partial nitritation-ANAMMOX and completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) have been developed, and lab-scale experiments proved that both processes were quite feasible in engineering with appropriate control. Successful full-scale practice in the Netherlands will accelerate application of the process in future. This review introduces the microbiology and more focuses on application of the ANAMMOX process.
Bacteria, Anaerobic ; metabolism ; Bioreactors ; Nitrites ; metabolism ; Nitrogen ; metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds ; metabolism ; Waste Disposal, Fluid ; Water Purification ; methods

The characteristics of gas-liquid mass transfer of three-phase system comprising air, tap water/wastewater, and hollow glass beads were studied in a laboratory-scale inverse turbulent bed reactor. The influence of operational factors and liquid property on volumetric liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient kLa was investigated under the conditions of superficial gas velocity (0.53mm xs(-1) - 10mx s(-1) solid hold-up (0 - 0.3), and superficial liquid velocity (0 - 0.2mm x s(-1)). The results showed that the coefficient value was 0.0456 - 1. 414min -, which increased with superficial gas velocity and liquid velocity. The coefficient attained the maximum value at solid hold-up of 0.05 - 0.08. Compared with the coefficient value in tap water, that in synthetic wastewater and industrial wastewater is decreased by 39.0% and 50.9%, respectively. These data have provided a basis for the process analysis and mathematical simulation of inverse turbulent bed reactor.
Algorithms ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Bioreactors ; Computer Simulation ; Gases ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Kinetics ; Models, Chemical ; Reproducibility of Results ; Temperature ; Waste Disposal, Fluid ; instrumentation ; methods ; Water ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Water Microbiology ; Water Pollutants, Chemical ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Water Purification ; instrumentation ; methods

Objective To investigate the clinical, cerebrospinal fluid and imaging characteristics of 5 cases of diffuse meningeal melanomatosis.Methods The clinical manifestation, features of cerebrospinal fluid and image of 5 patients with meningeal melanomatosis diagnosed by biopsy or autopsy were retrospectively summarized.Results Clinical manifestations of these 5 cases included intracranial hyperpressure, meningeal irritation sign, intracranial nerves impairment, root pain of spinal nerve.In all of these 5 cases, retina hyperpigmentation above left discus opticus was found by funduseope in one case, and congenital melanocytic nevi were found in 4 patients, in which 2 cases were giant congenital melanocytic nevi.Increased lumbar puncture cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)pressure occurred in all cases.Subarachnoid hemorrhage was found in 3 cases.Analysis of CSF revealed increased protein in 4 cases and decreased glucose in 3 cases.Cranial MRI obtained after the intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA showed leptomeningeal enhancement.Malignant melanoma cells were found in CSF of 3 cases.Metastatic malignant melanoma cells were found by biopsy of axillary fossa lymph node in one case.Autopsy of one case revealed diffuse black pigmentation of the leptomeninges, especially in base of skull.Two cases were diagnosed as metastatic meningeal melanomatosis and 3 cases were possible primary meningeal melanomatosis. Conclusions Menings, root of cranial nerve and spinal nerve are impaired in meningeal melanomatosis, which is usually accompanied by congenital melanocytic nevi.Subarachnoid hemorrhage implies meningeal melanomatosis.Diagnosis can be identified when malignant melanoma cells are found in CSF.

Objective To report a large family with an autosomal dominant dementia associated with mutation in the prion protein gene(PRNP)and the detailed clinical,neuroimaging and pathological manifestations.Methods Two patients from a large family of dementia were admitted to our ward and the data of their medical history,physical examination,video electroenceplialogram,neuroimaging were colleted.A sterotactic biopsy of the right frontal lobe of the proband was done.After the informed consent from the family members obtained,the genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes of 5 persons followed by in,vitro amplification using polymerase chain reaction(PCR).The PCR products were directly sequenced by Sanger method.PRNP gene sequence was also examined in 150 normal Chinese to exclude single nueleotide polymorphism.Results A missense mutation of PRNP gene in 5 farnily members was detected,resulting in Gll4V mutation in the prion protein,with M/M genotype of eodon 129.This mutation was not detected in 150 normal Chinese.The proband was diagnosed as inherited prion disease by her clinical features,including neuropsychiatrie disturbances and progressive dementia,and manifestations of neuroimaging,EEG,neuropathology and PRNP gene mutation.Conclusion The first autosomal dominant pedigree of family prion disease is found in China with G114V mutation in PRNP gene which may lead to the prion disease directly.

OBJECTIVETo explore the experience on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adult patients with cardiac failure.

METHODSFrom February 2005 to June 2008, 45 patients (male 34, female 11) undergoing cardiogenic shock required temporary ECMO support. Average age was (49.0 +/- 14.1) years. Average body weight was (67.0 +/- 12.8) kg. Coronary heart disease occupied in 21 cases, valve disease occupied in 8 cases, and cardiomyopathy occupied in 7 cases. All the patients could be divided into 3 groups: post-cardiotomy (group 1, n = 31), post-transplantation (group 2, n = 5), decompensate of chronic heart failure (group 3, n = 9). Fourteen patients need cardiac resuscitation before ECMO support. ECMO implantation was performed through the femoral vessels or axillary artery or through the right atrium and ascending aorta.

RESULTSAverage support duration of ECMO was (126.7 +/- 104.3) h. Twenty-seven patients could be successfully weaned from support (60.0%), additionally, 5 were bridged to heart transplantation. The in-hospital mortality was 42.2% (19/45). Twenty-six patients (57.8%) could be successfully discharged. The discharge rate was 58.1% in group 1, 4/5 in group 2 and was 4/9 in group 3. Twelve patients were re-operated for hemostasis. Three patients need femoral arterial thrombectomy because of ischemia of lower extremity. Additional intra-aortic balloon pumps were used in 11 patients, with 6 patients successfully discharged. The mortality rate for patients with acute renal failure treated by continuous renal replacement therapy under ECMO support was obviously high (7/9). The dominant mode of death was multisystem organ failure (9/19).

CONCLUSIONEarly indication, control of complications, and paying attention to the treatment after ECMO support could improve our results with increasing experience.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ; Female ; Heart Failure ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of thoracic duct ligation during transthoracic esophagectomy on preventing post-operative chylothorax in different tumor locations.

METHODSBetween March 2003 and June 2007, 243 patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma underwent esophageal resection in our hospital. All the cases were divided into five groups according to tumor localization, including cervical, upper middle, middle, lower middle and lower sections. Each was then subdivided into 2 groups: with and without intraoperative thoracic duct ligation. Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the relevance between ligation and non-ligation of the thoracic duct during esophagectomy and the incidence of post-operative chylothorax.

RESULTSA total of 8 cases of post-operative chylothorax was recorded and the incidence was 3.3%. Incidence with respect to tumor location was as follows: cervical section: ligation subgroup 3 cases and non-ligation subgroup 5 cases; upper middle section: no one for both ligation and non-ligation subgroups; middle section: ligation subgroup 0/26 and non-ligation subgroup 1/28 (3.6%); lower middle section: ligation subgroup 1/39 (2.6%) and non-ligation subgroup 1/35 (2.9%); lower section: ligation subgroup 1/37 (2.7%) and non-ligation subgroup 2/44 (4.5%). Logistic regression analysis revealed no significant difference between ligation and non-ligation subgroup in the prevention of post-operative chylothorax (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThoracic duct ligation as preventive measure can not decrease the incidence of chylothorax secondary to esophagectomy.

Aged ; Chylothorax ; etiology ; prevention & control ; surgery ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Esophagectomy ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Ligation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; surgery ; Thoracic Duct ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical diagnosis, treatment and immunohistochemical characteristics of rectal stromal tumors.

METHODSImmunohistochemical expression of CD117 was retrieved in 20 cases of mesenchymal tumors of the rectum. And we analyzed the immunohistochemical characteristics, clinical data of rectal stromal tumors, and the results retrospectively.

RESULTSSixteen cases of rectal stromal tumors, 3 cases of leiomyosarcomas and 1 case of schwannoma were diagnosed. Histologically, 2 cases of GISTs were classified as benign, 1 as borderline and 13 as malignant. All of rectal stromal tumors (100%) were strongly positive for CD117, and 14 cases (88%) positive for CD34. The demographic profile of rectal stromal tumors showed a male predominance with average age of 60 years old. The main symptoms were urinary retention, constipation and abdominal pain. 14 cases were positive in digital rectal examination. The recurrence rate of local and radical resection in malignant stromal tumors was 4/4 and 3/6. 1, 3, 5-year survival rates were 89%, 64%, 48%, respectively. After operation mean survival time of was 47 months.

CONCLUSIONSThe specific GIST constituted the majority of mesenchymal tumors in rectum. It usually showed malignant biological behavior. Invasion and recurrence were common. Earlier diagnosis and radical resection had better prognosis. Periodically following up can help to detect the recurrence timely.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rectal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies

In order to learn about the genetic characteristic of human enterovirus type71 (HEV71) isolated from cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Yunnan Province from 2009 to 2010. 50 isolates form HFMD cases were performed entire VP1 coding region amplification by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing the nucleotide sequences; then the phylogenetic tree was constructed. The complete nucleotide sequences of region VP1 of the 50 strains were all 891nt length coding 297 amino acids. The result of molecular identification of the 50 strains is HEV71. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that 48 EV71 isolates belonged to subgenotype C4a and 2 EV71 isolates belonged to genotype A. From 2009 to 2010, the pathogen of HFMD cases were EV71 strains in Yunnan province, which were co-evolved with isolates from other provinces in mainland of China. There was no significant difference found in the whole sequence of VP1 gene of the strains isolated from different regions or under different diseases occurred, but the spread of genetype A appared in Yunnan Province in 2009.
Capsid Proteins ; genetics ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Enterovirus A, Human ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; pathogenicity ; Female ; Genotyping Techniques ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease ; virology ; Humans ; Male ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

AIM: To explore the neuroprotective effect of fasudil combined with bone marrow -derived neural stem cells ( BM-NSCs) on the mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis ( EAE).METHODS: Female C57BL/6 mice (8~10 weeks old, n=32) were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55 (MOG35-55) to establish chronic EAE model .The mice were randomly divided into control ( ddH2 O ) group, fasudil group , BM-NSCs group , and fasudil+BM-NSCs group .The clinical score and body weight were recorded every other day .The expression of neurotrophic factors was determined by immunofluorescence staining .RESULTS:In comparison with ddH2O group, fasud-il combined with BM-NSCs delayed onset and ameliorated severity of EAE .The numbers of brain-derived neurotrophic fac-tor, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor , nerve growth factor , neurotrophin-3 and ciliary neurotrophic factor positive cells in fasudil group, BM-NSCs group and fasudil +BM-NSCs group were all increased in various extents .In particularly, the expression of these neurotrophic factors in fasudil +BM-NSCs group was significantly higher than that in the mice treated with fasudil or BM-NSCs alone (P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Fasudil combined with BM-NSCs promotes the expression of neurotrophic factors and improves microenvironment of central nervous system , thus playing a positive role in neural restora-tion and regeneration through a synergistic and superimposed effect .

OBJECTIVETo describe the experience with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiorespiratory support of 100 patients.

METHODSRetrospective analysis of the medical files of 100 patients submitted to the implant of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system for cardiorespiratory assistance of acute and refractory cardiogenic shock from December 2004 to September 2008. There were 67 males and 33 females, age ranged from 5 d to 76 years with a mean of (28+/-26) years, body mass ranged from 3.8 to 100.0 kg with a mean of (42+/-30) kg. The inter-surface of the ECMO equipment system was completely coated by heparin-coating technique. All patients were applied veno-artery ECMO and activated clotting time was maintained between 120 and 180 s and heparin usage dose was 5 to 20 Uxkg(-1)xh(-1). Mean blood flow was 40 to 220 mlxkg(-1)min(-1) during ECMO assistant period.

RESULTSThe shortest ECMO time was 12 to 504 h with a mean of (119+/-80) h. Sixty-one patients (61.0%) weaned off successfully from ECMO, 55 of them (90.2%) were discharged and 6 died of post-operative complications. Thirty-nine patients could not weaned off from ECMO. Total survival discharge rate was 55.0%. Mean aortic pressure before ECMO in survived patients was significantly higher than that of dead patients (P=0.038). Lactic acid concentration of artery blood before ECMO in survived patients was significantly lower than that of dead patients (P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONSECMO is an effective mechanical assistant therapy method for cardiac and pulmonary failure after cardiac surgery. Earlier usage of ECMO for heart lung failure patient and avoiding the main organs from un-recovery trauma are key success.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ; Female ; Heart Failure ; therapy ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult