The leakage of genetically engineered microorganism(GEM) at the beginning of operation was the important content for ecological risk assessment when GEM was inoculated in a membrane bioreactor(MBR) for bioaugmentation. The effects of different operating conditions on leaking density and intercepting efficiency of GEM were investigated in a submerged microfiltration MBR at the beginning of operation. The interception characteristics were also discussed. The results showed that different operating conditions had different influences on intercepting efficiency:higher sludge concentration was profit for interception,while higher aeration intensity and flux had opposite effects on interception. When the inoculated density of GEM was 1.0?1010 CFU/mL,the leaking densities varied from 1.0?102 CFU/mL to 2.5?102 CFU/mL under different operating conditions at the beginning of operation and the maximum intercepting efficiency could be higher than 8 lg. The main factors determining intercepting efficiency at the beginning of operation were membrane module interception,sludge adsorption as well as suspended GEM transfer inhibition and their contribution shares under certain conditions were 82.3%,14.9% and 2.8%,respectively. Gel layer formation during MBR stable operation was helpful to increase intercepting efficiency. The contribution shares for GEM interception of membrane module,sludge and gel layer were 75.3%,10.7% and 14.0%,respectively,under certain conditions.

According to the characteristics of sludge samples from full-scale wastewater treatment bioreac-tors, the essential total DNA extraction method for most environmental samples, lysozyme-SDS-phenol/ chloroform method, was modified to improve sample pretreatment, intensify cell lysis and enhance the effi-ciency of impurity removal. Obtain a general total DNA extraction method for industrial sludge samples. Such a method was applied for total DNA extraction of sludge samples from several running full-scale an- aerobic or aerobic bioreactors in Shijiazhuang, China. The results indicated that the modified method was suitable for all the sludge samples in this study, showing the satisfying generality. The extracted total DNA of all sludge samples were pure, with about 1.8 of A260/ A280 ratio. The method was also efficient; with average total DNA yield of over 0.7 mg/g and maximum yield of 0.85 mg/g. Moreover, all the extracted to- tal DNA samples could serve as templates directly to amplify 16S rDNA by PCR. The PCR products could be separated well by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and the DGGE band patterns were clear enough to be used for further analysis. All these facts indicated that the total DNA extraction method provided in this study could meet the requirements of sludge samples research, from full-scale wastewater treatment bioreactors, using molecular biology technologies.

AIMNineteen compounds related to salicylic acid were evaluated for their in vitro activity of inhibiting beta-lactamase isolated from a resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and their structure-activity relationships were examined.

METHODSNitrocefin method was used.

RESULTSThe 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of salicylic acid inhibiting beta-lactamase was 22 mmol x L(-1); four analogs had IC50 lower than that of salicylic acid; fifteen analogs had IC50 higher than that of salicylic acid.

CONCLUSIONExamination of the structure-activity relationships of the compounds revealed that carboxyl group and adjoining hydroxyl group were active group, and replacement of adjoining hydroxyl by carboxyl increased activity nearly 4-fold. Moreover, addition of a sulfonic group at C-5 and nitro group at C-3, 5 of benzenoic ring of salicylic acid resulted in a 2-fold to 3-fold increase in activity, addition of a amino group at C-5 of benzenoic ring of salicylic acid decreased activity, add addition of -Cl or -F at C-2,4 position of benzenoic ring of benzoic acid did not show activity.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Cephalosporins ; metabolism ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; enzymology ; Salicylates ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; beta-Lactamases ; isolation & purification ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo analyze components of volatile oil from the herb of Pimpinella candolleana.

METHODThe components of volatile oil were investigated by SPME-GC-MS.

RESULTSixty-five compounds were identified which accounted for 92. 17% of total volatile oil.

CONCLUSIONThe main constituents in the essential oil were alpha-zingiberene (24.82%), pregeijerene (16.27%), beta-bisabolene (4. 82%), 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-9-methylene-bicyclo [ 4. 4. 0] dec-l-ene (4.03%), beta-sesquiphellandrene (3.98%), trans-beta-farnesene (3.68%), ar-curcumene (3.54%).

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; methods ; Hydrocarbons, Cyclic ; analysis ; Oils, Volatile ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Pimpinella ; chemistry ; Plant Oils ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Sesquiterpenes ; analysis ; Solid Phase Microextraction ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the manifestation and diagnostic value of multislice spiral CT (MSCT) and MRI imaging in detection of tumor recurrence after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSThe clinical data of 161 consecutive HCC patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-nine HCC patients were classified by pTNM according to the "Pittsburgh criteria". MSCT and MRI findings of tumor recurrence after liver transplantation were evaluated retrospectively in 29 stage II-IVb HCC patients. The recurrence site and relapse interval between liver transplantation and recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTSLung tumor recurrence were found in 21 cases, presented as cotton-like lesions in a diameter of 2 - 3 cm, with a clear margin and homogeneous density. Pleural tumor recurrence was detected in 4 cases. Liver tumor recurrence were found in 9 cases, which can be divided into four subtypes: multinodular in 4 cases, diffuse lesion in 2 cases, huge mass in 2 cases, and uninodular in 1 case. Two cases showed tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava and portal vein. Lymph node tumor recurrence was found in 9 cases, presented as multiple nodules at hepatic hilum, lesser peritoneal sac, posterior mediastinum, retroperitoneum, or around pancreatic head, and accompanied with merging and necrosis in one case. Bone tumor recurrence were found as osteolytic destruction in 4 cases, and accompanied with adjacent soft-tissue mass in 2 cases. The recurrence sites of the 29 cases were as following: lung (21 cases, 72.4%), liver (9 cases, 31.0%), lymph nodes (9 cases, 31.0%), bone (4 cases, 13.8%) and other sites (3 cases, 10.3%). Lung tumor recurrence was found in all the 10 stage IVb patients with tumor recurrence after liver transplantation, significantly more frequent than that in stage IVa patients (P = 0.023). After liver transplantation, all 25 patients with stage III approximately IVb HCC developed recurrence within one year, but in the 4 cases with stage II HCC at one year later (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONThe results of our study show that in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after liver transplantation, the lung and pleura are the most frequent site of recurrence, followed by liver, lymph node and bone as the second and third sites. The Stage IVb hepatocellular carcinoma should be regarded as a contradiction for liver transplantation due to rapid recurrence. Tumor recurrence occurs later in stage II HCC than in stage III approximately IVb patients. MSCT and MRI are of significant importance in diagnosis and formulating operation plan in HCC patients with recurrence after liver transplantation.

Adult ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; secondary ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Liver Transplantation ; Lung Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; secondary ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating ; Pleural Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; secondary ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

Objective To evaluate interventional therapy for biliary stricture (BS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Methods The efficacy of interventional therapy for BS after OLT from Oct 2003 to Jan 2006 was analyzed retrospectively. Fifty-three patients received 107 times of interventional therapy through endoscopic retrograde cholangiography ( ERC) which included 68 nasobiliary catheter placements,26 biliary balloon dilatations and stent placements and 13 ERC. Nine patients received 11 times of interventional therapy through percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography ( PTC) including 2 PTC, 7 percutaneous drainages,3 biliary balloon dilatations and 1 biliary stent replacement. One patient received bile drainage through T tube. Results The success rate of ERC was 88. 8% (95/107) , that of nasobiliary catheter placement 94% (64/68) , biliary stent placement 88. 5% (23/26). The success rate of PTC was 81. 8% (9/11) , that of percutaneous drainage was 100% (7/7) , biliary stent replacement 100% (1/1). The curative rate of interventional therapy for 53 patients with BS was 28. 3% (15/53) ,the improvement rate was 41. 5% (22/53). The curative rate of interventional therapy for anastomotic, extrahepatic, intrahepatic hilar and diffuse BS was respectively 66. 7% (4/6)、66. 7% (10/15)、50% (1/2)、0 (0/7) and 0 (0/22). Conclusions The efficacy of interventional therapy for BS after OLT was not satisfactory. The result relates to the type of BS, for anastomotic, extrahepatic and solitary intrahepatic BS this therapy was effective, while that for hilar and diffuse BS the prognosis was poor.

Fragments encoding amino acids 76-130 in the linear conserved region (LCR) of A/Hubei/1/2010 (H5N1) HA2 was fused to hepatitis B core antigen (HBc) to generate a LCR-HBe virus-like particle (VLP). Results showed that the fusion protein of LCR-HBc was highly expressed in this prokaryotic expression system. The purified LCR-HBc particle stimulated high levels of IgG production in mice with a titer of > 1:12 800, and provided 50% cross-protection against lethal challenge by H1N1 viruses.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Female ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus ; immunology ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; immunology ; Influenza Vaccines ; immunology ; Interferon-gamma ; biosynthesis ; Lung ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Molecular Sequence Data

OBJECTIVETo discuss the safety and feasibility of aneurysm repair in vitro and renal revascularization and renal autogenous transplantation for complex renal artery aneurysm in solitary kidney.

METHODSA complex hilar renal artery aneurysm involving the bifurcation of renal artery and its branches in a solitary left kidney was diagnosed by computed tomography angiography (CTA). After temporary nephrectomy, aneurysm repair in vitro and renal revascularization were done with the kidney protected by hypothermia and continuous perfusion with preservation solution, and then the kidney was replanted into the right iliac fossa.

RESULTSThe operation was done successfully and there were no significant perioperative complications. Although a serum creatinine level temporarily exceeded above 200 micromol/L after the surgery, it recovered gradually within half a month. CTA two weeks later demonstrated patent reconstructed renal arteries and its branches and patent renal vein in the right iliac fossa, and also a patent reconstructed ureter.

CONCLUSIONSThis technique is safe and feasible to manage complex renal artery aneurysm in solitary kidney and provide an alternative for similar complex renal diseases.

Aneurysm ; surgery ; Humans ; Kidney ; blood supply ; pathology ; surgery ; Kidney Transplantation ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Renal Artery ; pathology ; surgery ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo compare the procedural and in-hospital outcomes in a large series of diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing selective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and to evaluate the influence of diabetes mellitus on the procedural and in-hospital outcomes.

METHODS1294 consecutive patients underwent selective PCI from January to December 2002 in this institution were analyzed retrospectively. Baseline clinical, in-lab and in-hospital outcome information were recorded. Rates of procedural success, device success and clinical success were analyzed and logistic regression was performed to model the association between diabetes status and outcomes.

RESULTSTwo hundred and sixty-nine patients (20.8%) complicated with diabetes. Type C lesion, double and triple vessel diseases were more prevalent in diabetics than those in non-diabetics. The pre-PCI diameter stenosis of diabetics was significantly more severe than that of non-diabetics (91.00 +/- 6.62 vs 89.81 +/- 6.64, P < 0.01). The balloon length, maximum balloon diameter and maximum balloon inflation pressure, maximum inflation duration were larger in diabetics than those in non-diabetics [(17.07 +/- 6.31) mm vs (16.07 +/- 7.28) mm, (2.30 +/- 1.11) mm vs (2.12 +/- 0.94) mm, (9.86 +/- 4.40) atm vs (9.05 +/- 4.75) atm, (20.94 +/- 14.69) s vs (18.26 +/- 14.65) s, respectively, P < 0.05]. The stent diameter was smaller in diabetics than that in non-diabetics [(3.15 +/- 0.47) mm vs (3.23 +/- 0.43) mm, P < 0.05]. The procedural success rate showed no significant difference between two groups (89.6% vs 90.3%, P > 0.05). But a higher incidence of acute/subacute stent thrombosis was observed in diabetics compared with that in non-diabetics (1.9% vs 0.5%, P < 0.05). The rate of clinical success was similar between diabetics and non-diabetics (99.3% vs 99.2%, P > 0.05). Diabetes was not an independent predictor of acute outcomes in the regression model.

CONCLUSIONSA higher incidence of acute/subacute stent thrombosis was observed in diabetics. The incidence of procedural and in-hospital major adverse cardiac events and the rate of clinical success were similar between diabetics and non-diabetics. Diabetes was not an independent predictor of in-hospital outcomes after selective PCI.

Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Coronary Stenosis ; complications ; therapy ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; complications ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; Female ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Adult ; Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Diabetes Complications ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stents ; Treatment Outcome