Novel anaerobic digestion process with sludge ozonation for economically feasible power production from biogas

A novel process scheme was developed to achieve economically feasible energy recovery from anaerobic digestion. The new process scheme employs a hybrid configuration of mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion with sludge ozonation: the ozonated sludge is first degraded in a thermophilic digester and then further degraded in a mesophilic digester. In small-scale pilot experiments of the new process scheme, degradation of VSS improved by 3.5% over the control (mesophilic-only configuration) with 20% less ozone consumption. Moreover, biogas conversion also improved by 7.1% over the control. Selective enrichment of inorganic compounds during centrifugation produced a dewatered sludge cake with very low water content (59.4%). This low water content in the sludge cake improved its auto-thermal combustion potential during incineration and added to the overall energy savings. We conducted a case study to evaluate power generation from biogas for a municipal wastewater treatment plant with an average dry weather flow of 43,000 m3/d. Electricity production cost was 5.2 ¢/kWh for the advanced process with power generation, which is lower than the current market price of 7.2 ¢/kWh. The new anaerobic digestion scheme with power generation may reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 1,000 t-CO(2)/year compared with the conventional process without power generation.

Feasibility study of adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 plus cisplatin for gastric cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility of S-1 plus cisplatin as adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III gastric cancer after curative resection.

METHODS

Japanese patients with stage III gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy with D2 lymph node resection were enrolled. Treatment consisted of 3 cycles of S-1 (80 mg/m(2)/day, b.i.d.) for 21 days followed by a 14-day rest, and cisplatin (60 mg/m(2) iv) on day 8. After that, S-1 monotherapy was given on days 1-28 every 6 weeks until 1-year postsurgery. After protocol amendment, the first chemotherapy cycle consisted of S-1 monotherapy; cisplatin was added to cycles 2, 3, and 4, followed by S-1 monotherapy up to 1-year postsurgery. The primary endpoint was the completion rate of three cycles of S-1 plus cisplatin.

RESULTS

A total of 63 enrolled patients have been evaluated. Grade 3/4 toxicities included neutropenia (40%), anorexia (28%), and febrile neutropenia (4%) before protocol amendment (n = 25), and neutropenia (37%), anorexia (8%), and febrile neutropenia (3%) after amendment implementation (n = 38). Excluding ineligible cases, treatment completion rates were 57% (12/21) before and 81% (30/37) after the protocol amendment.

CONCLUSIONS

The amended S-1 plus cisplatin is more feasible than the original protocol because of early dose reduction of S-1 prior to cisplatin addition and greater recovery time from surgery prior to cisplatin. This treatment should be considered as a feasible experimental arm for the next postoperative adjuvant phase III trial.

Upgrading of the anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge by combining temperature-phased anaerobic digestion and intermediate ozonation

Upgrading of the anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge (WAS) by the combination of temperature-phased two-stage digestion and intermediate ozonation was investigated by a continuous experiment with two processes, TM and TOM. The TM process is a temperature-phased two-stage system, which consists of a thermophilic digester and a mesophilic digester in series. The TOM process is a temperature-phased two-stage process with the intermediate ozonation. Two processes were operated at hydraulic retention times of 30 days for over 123 days. Waste activated sludge taken from wastewater treatment plant was fed as a substrate. Microbial community structure in each digester was analysed with molecular tools. Despite of less amount of ozone dose in TOM than ozone pre-treatment process, better effect of ozonation on performance improvement was obtained in TOM. TOM had the highest methane yield and COD(Cr) reduction among comparative processes. Furthermore, flocculation efficiency of TOM followed that of mesophilic digestion. Quality of dewatered supernatant is comparable to mesophilic digestion.

Impact of hemoglobin level on survival in definitive chemoradiotherapy for T4/M1 lymph node esophageal cancer

We retrospectively investigated the impact of the pre-chemoradiotherapy hemoglobin level (pre-CRT Hb level) for T4 and/or M1 lymph node (LYM) squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Chemotherapy consisted of protracted infusion with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) at 400 mg/m(2)/day on days 1-5 and 8-12, combined with cisplatin at 40 mg/m(2)/day on days 1 and 8, repeated twice at a 5-week interval. Concurrent radiation therapy was started on day 1 and delivered at 2 Gy/day for five days a week for a total radiation dose of 60 Gy, with a two-week break after a cumulative dose of 30 Gy. Several factors considered to be related with treatment outcome were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. A total of 48 patients with T4/M1 LYM (lymphocyte) esophageal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) between September 2002 and April 2005 were enrolled. The complete response rate to this regimen was 44% and median survival time was 13.6 months, with a median follow-up period of 26.8 months. Median pre-CRT Hb level was 13.5 (10.4-15.3) g/dL. The CR rate in patients with a pre-CRT Hb level of 13 g/dL or less was only 24% but it was 60% in those with a level that was more than 13 g/dL (P=0.01). As for survival, anovarevealed that a pre-CRT Hb of 13 g/dL or less was a significant prognostic factor with a hazard ratio of 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI]); 0.21-0.97, P=0.04), while on manova, including performance status, tumor size, TNM stage and pre-CRT Hb level, a pre-CRT Hb level of 13 g/dL or less was the only significant prognostic factor, with a hazard ratio of 0.35 (95% CI; 0.13-0.90, P=0.03). In conclusion, the pre-CRT Hb level may be an important determinant of outcome in patients with T4/M1 LYM squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Chemosensitivity of patients with recurrent esophageal cancer receiving perioperative chemotherapy

Perioperative chemotherapy (CT) and chemoradiotherapy are widely used for advanced esophageal cancer. We evaluated the chemosensitivity of patients displaying recurrent esophageal cancer after esophagectomy with perioperative CT. From the database at National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo, we extracted recurrent esophageal cancer cases after perioperative CT and evaluated the effectiveness of the first CT against the recurrent disease according to the duration between termination of the original perioperative CT and recurrence with treatment-free intervals (TFIs) <or=6 and >6 months. Systemic CT for their recurrent disease was performed for 30 esophageal cancer patients after perioperative CT. All patients received 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin as perioperative CT, with relapses occurring at TFIs <or=6 months in 11 patients (eight received platinum-containing regimens and three received docetaxel for their recurrent disease) and >6 months in 19 patients (all received platinum-containing regimens). The response rate of patients experiencing a recurrence at TFIs <or=6 and >6 months was 0 and 37% (P = 0.029), the median progression-free survival was 2.8 and 4.8 months (log-rank P = 0.001) and the median overall survival was 6.1 and 10.2 months (log-rank P = 0.012), respectively. Recurrence at the TFI <or=6 months could represent resistance to CT, so regimens may need to be altered depending on a patient's specific TFI.

Evaluation of state variable interface between the Activated Sludge Models and Anaerobic Digestion Model no 1

For plant wide modelling of wastewater treatment, it is necessary to develop a suitable state variables interface for integrating state of the art models of ASM and ADM1. ADM1 currently describes such an interface, however, its suitability needs to be experimentally evaluated. In this study, we characterised activated sludge under aerobic and anaerobic conditions to obtain representative state variables for both models. ASM state variables of X(S), X(H) and X(I) (as obtained from aerobic tests) and ADM1 state variables of X(C) and X(I) (as obtained from anaerobic tests) were then correlated to assess the suitability of current interface. Based on the seven datasets of this study and seven datasets from literatures, it was found that in general ASM state variables were well correlated to the state variables of ADM1. The ADM1 state variable of X(C) could be correlated to the sum of state variables of X(S) and X(H), while X(I) in both the models showed direct correspondence. It was also observed that the degradation kinetics of X(C) under anaerobic condition could be better described by individual degradation kinetics of X(S) and X(H). Therefore, to establish a one to one correspondence between ASM and ADM1 state variables and better description of degradation kinetics in ADM1, replacing the composite variable of X(C) by the state variables of X(S) and X(H) is recommended.

Modified ADM1 structure for modelling municipal primary sludge hydrolysis

This study elaborates the rate-limiting steps of particle disintegration/hydrolysis of primary sludge using methane production rate (MPR) curves from multiple batch experiments. Anaerobic batch degradation of fresh primary sludge showed a complex MPR curve marked with two well-defined temporal peaks. The first immediate peak was associated with the degradation of relatively readily hydrolysable substrates, while the second delayed peak was associated with the degradation of large-sized particles. For simulating the second delayed peak, it was necessary to consider a more elaborate particle disintegration/hydrolysis model. Based on the anaerobic respirograms of 17 runs in four datasets and using a substrate characterisation approach similar to activated sludge models (ASMs), the primary sludge was classified into three biodegradable fractions having different kinetics. These are (1) a hydrolysable substrate (X(Settle-I)) showing a degradation typical to slowly biodegradable compounds, (2) a substrate fraction (X(Settle-II)) having a degradation similar to lysis of biomass fraction and (3) a substrate requiring disintegration before hydrolysis (X(Settle-III)) representing the large-sized particles in primary sludge. Based on these results, modifications in the model structure of anaerobic digestion model no. 1 (ADM1) are proposed to improve the modelling of primary sludge solid degradation in anaerobic digesters.

Biological pathways and in vivo antitumor activity induced by Atiprimod in myeloma

Atiprimod (Atip) is a novel oral agent with anti-inflammatory properties. Although its in vitro activity and effects on signaling in multiple myeloma (MM) have been previously reported, here we investigated its molecular and in vivo effects in MM. Gene expression analysis of MM cells identified downregulation of genes involved in adhesion, cell-signaling, cell cycle and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathways and upregulation of genes implicated in apoptosis and bone development, following Atip treatment. The pathway analysis identified integrin, TGF-beta and FGF signaling as well as Wnt/beta-catenin, IGF1 and cell-cycle regulation networks as being most modulated by Atip treatment. We further evaluated its in vivo activity in three mouse models. The subcutaneous model confirmed its in vivo activity and established its dose; the SCID-hu model using INA-6 cells, confirmed its ability to overcome the protective effects of BM milieu; and the SCID-hu model using primary MM cells reconfirmed its activity in a model closest to human disease. Finally, we observed reduced number of osteoclasts and modulation of genes related to BMP pathways. Taken together, these data demonstrate the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of Atip, delineate potential molecular targets triggered by this agent, and provide a preclinical rational for its clinical evaluation in MM.

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of NK105, a paclitaxel-incorporating micellar nanoparticle formulation

This phase I study was designed to examine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), the recommended dose (RD) for phase II, and the pharmacokinetics of NK105, a new polymeric micelle carrier system for paclitaxel (PTX). NK105 was administered as a 1-h intravenous infusion every 3 weeks, without antiallergic premedication. The starting dose was 10 mg m⁻², and the dose was escalated according to the accelerated titration method. Nineteen patients were recruited. The tumour types treated included pancreatic (n=11), bile duct (n=5), gastric (n=2), and colonic (n=1) cancers. Neutropenia was the most common haematological toxicity. A grade 3 fever developed in one patient given 180 mg m⁻². No other grades 3 or 4 nonhaematological toxicities, including neuropathy, was observed during the entire study period. DLTs occurred in two patients given 180 mg m⁻² (grade 4 neutropenia lasting for more than 5 days). Thus, this dose was designated as the MTD. Grade 2 hypersensitivity reactions developed in only one patient given 180 mg m⁻². A partial response was observed in one patient with pancreatic cancer. The maximum concentration (C_max) and area under the concentration (AUC) of NK105 were dose dependent. The plasma AUC of NK105 at 150 mg m⁻² was approximately 15-fold higher than that of the conventional PTX formulation. NK105 was well tolerated, and the RD for the phase II study was determined to be 150 mg m⁻² every 3 weeks. The results of this phase I study warrant further clinical evaluation.

Application of the RTOG recursive partitioning analysis classification to brain metastases from colorectal cancer

4104

Background: Colorectal cancer infrequently causes brain metastases (BMs). Recently, the incidence of BMs from colorectal cancer (CRC) has been reported to be increasing as 3 % of all metastatic CRCs, especially in patients (pts) with lung metastases (LMs). The RTOG previously developed three prognostic classes for BMs using a recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) classification, including Karnofsky performance status, controlled primary tumor, extracranial metastases, and an age. However, the relevance of this classification for CRC remains unclear, because only a few CRC pts were included in the RTOG database. The present studies retrospectively evaluate the usefulness of RPA classification for BMs from CRC. Methods: The subjects were consecutive 290 metastatic CRCs without symptomatic BMs who treated with any chemotherapy initiated in our institution between 2002 and 2005. The treatment of BMs, including whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), surgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), were indicated for pts whose life expectancy was considered to exceed 3 months (M). Results: BMs were detected in 20 pts out of 133 (15%) with LMs at base line, with a median follow-up time of 17.7 M. In the remaining 157 pts, BMs were found in 3 pts out of 41(7%) who had developed LMs during follow-up and 2 pts out of 116 (2%) without LMs. In total, overall incidence of BMs was 9% (25/ 290). Median duration from the diagnosis of LMs to BMs was 12 M (range: 4.4–33.6). According to RPA, the 25 pts with BMs were classified into Class I 0 (0%), Class II 12 (48%) and Class III 13 (52%). Treatments for BMs were performed to all pts of Class II, and to 6 pts (46%) of Class III. Median overall survivals from detecting BMs were Class II 9.7 M and Class III 3.0 M (logrank test; p=0.02). In the 18 pts treated for BMs, median BMs progression-free survival of Class II and Class III were 3.0 M and 3.1 M. Conclusions: It is suggested that the incidence of BMs from CRC is more common than previously reported. Overall survivals for BMs reproduce the results from RPA classification.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Novel etodolac analog SDX-308 (CEP-18082) induces cytotoxicity in multiple myeloma cells associated with inhibition of beta-catenin/TCF pathway

We have reported previously that R-enantiomer of etodolac (R-etodolac), which is under investigation in phase 2 clinical trials in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, induces potent cytotoxicity at clinically relevant concentrations in multiple myeloma (MM) cells. In this study, we demonstrated that SDX-308 (CEP-18082), a novel analog of etodolac, has more potent cytotoxicity than R-etodolac against both MM cell lines and patient MM cells, including tumor cells resistant to conventional (dexamethasone, doxorubicine, melphalan) and novel (bortezomib) therapies. SDX-308-induced cytotoxicity is triggered by caspase-8/9/3 activation and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, followed by apoptosis. SDX-308 significantly inhibits beta-catenin/T-cell factor pathway by inhibiting nuclear translocation of beta-catenin, thereby downregulating transcription and expression of downstream target proteins including myc and survivin. Neither interleukin-6 nor insulin-like growth factor-1 protect against growth inhibition triggered by SDX-308. Importantly, growth of MM cells adherent to bone marrow (BM) stromal cells is also significantly inhibited by SDX-308. Our data therefore indicate that the novel etodolac analog SDX-308 can target MM cells in the BM milieu.

Didox, a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, induces apoptosis and inhibits DNA repair in multiple myeloma cells

Ribonucleotide reductase (RR) is the enzyme that catalyses the rate-limiting step in DNA synthesis, the production of deoxynucleotides. RR activity is markedly elevated in tumour tissue and is crucial for cell division. It is therefore an excellent target for cancer chemotherapy. This study examined the anti-myeloma activity of Didox (3,4-Dihydroxybenzohydroxamic acid), a novel RR inhibitor (RRI). Our data showed that Didox induced caspase-dependent multiple myeloma (MM) cell apoptosis. Didox, unlike other RRIs that mainly target the pyrimidine metabolism pathway, targets both purine and pyrimidine metabolism pathways in MM, as demonstrated by transcriptional profiling using the Affymetrix U133A 2.0 gene chip. Specifically, a >or=2-fold downregulation of genes in these anabolic pathways was shown as early as 12 h after exposure to Didox. Furthermore, apoptosis was accompanied by downregulation of bcl family proteins including bcl-2, bcl(xl), and XIAP. Importantly, RR M1 component transcript was also downregulated, associated with decreased protein expression. Genes involved in DNA repair mechanisms, specifically RAD 51 homologue, were also downregulated. As Didox acts on MM cells by inhibiting DNA synthesis and repair, combination studies with melphalan, an agent commonly used in MM, were performed. A strong in vitro synergism was shown, with combination indices of <0.7 as determined by the Chou-Talalay method. These studies therefore provide the preclinical rationale for evaluation of Didox, alone and in combination with DNA-damaging agents, to improve patient outcome in MM.

Phase I study of NK105, a paclitaxel-incorporating micellar nanoparticle, in patients with advanced cancer

2018

Background: NK105 is a new polymeric micelle carrier system for paclitaxel (PTX). A preclinical study revealed that the plasma AUC and tumor AUC of NK105 were 90-fold higher and 25-fold higher, respectively, than those of free-PTX, i.e., the conventional PTX formulation. NK105 had higher in vivo antitumor activity and lower neurotoxicity than free-PTX. This phase I study was designed to examine the MTD, DLTs, recommended dose (RD) for phase II, and the pharmacokinetics of NK105. Methods: NK105 was administered as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks, without antiallergic premedication. The starting dose was 10 mg PTX equivalent/m2, and the dose was escalated according to the accelerated titration method. Results: To date, 17 patients (pts) have received the following doses: 10 mg/m2 (n=1); 20 mg/m2 (n=1); 40 mg/m2 (n=1); 80 mg/m2 (n=1); 110 mg/m2 (n=3); 150 mg/m2 (n=5); and 180 mg/m2 (n=5). The tumor types treated included pancreatic (n=9), bile duct (n=5), gastric (n=2), and colonic (n=1) cancers. Neutropenia was the most common hematological toxicity. Grade 3 fever developed in 1 pt given 180 mg/m2. No other grade 3 or 4 non-hematological toxicity, including neuropathy, was observed. DLTs occurred in pts given 180 mg/m2 (grade 4 neutropenia lasting for more than 5 days). This dose was designated as the MTD. Allergic reactions developed in only one pt at 180 mg/m2, who was sensitive to other drugs such as antibiotics anti-inflammatory. A partial response was observed in one pt with pancreatic cancer and pts with colonic and gastric cancer had stable disease. The Cmax and AUC of NK105 were dose dependent. The plasma AUC of NK105 at 180 mg/m2 was approximately 30-fold higher than that of the conventional formulation of PTX. Conclusions: Accrual is ongoing at the 150 mg/m2 dose level to determine the RD. DLT was Grade 4 neutropenia. NK105 produces prolonged high levels of PTX in plasma. A 1-hour infusion of NK105 every 3 weeks was feasible, well tolerated, and effective in patients with pancreatic cancer. Even after the long term usage, only grade 1 or 2 neuropathy was observed. NK105 will be evaluated in Phase II studies of patients with advanced pancreatic and gastric cancers.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II study of S-1 plus irinotecan (SIR) in patients with advanced colorectal cancer

13508

Background: Infusional fluorouracil and leucovorin (5-FU/LV) plus irinotecan is one of the standard regimens for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). S-1, a combination of tegafur, 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyridine, and oxonic acid, is an oral DPD inhibitory fluoropyrimidine shown to be very effective as first-line treatment for MCRC. The response rate with S-1 was 35–40% in patients with chemo-naïve MCRC. This study evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of S-1 plus irinotecan (SIR). Methods: Eligible patients had untreated MCRC as confirmed histologically, PS 0–1, adequate organ function, and provided written informed consent. First-line SIR was given in 3-week treatment cycles: intravenous irinotecan 150 mg/m2 (day 1) and oral S-1 40 mg/m2 twice daily for 14 days followed by 7 days of rest. Results: Forty-one patients were enrolled; 40 fulfilled all eligibility criteria, and 1 had double cancers. There were 28 men; median age 60 years (range, 23–74); ECOG PS 0/1, 35/6. The overall response rate was 63% (95%CI, 48–78%). Five patients had a CR, 20 a PR, 11 SD, and 2 PD. Median TTP was 8.0 months (range, 1.4–13.8 months); MST was not reached. The most frequent grade 3/4 toxicities included: neutropenia (17%), diarrhea (15%), and anorexia (12%). One patient had Grade 4 constipation. The relative dose intensity of irinotecan was 84%, and that of S-1 was 79%. Dose reduction of irinotecan was required in 41 of 327 administered cycles, and that of S-1 was required in 15 of 327. Conclusions: SIR is a highly active and convenient first-line therapy for MCRC, with an acceptable toxicity profile. S-1 has the potential to replace infusional 5-FU/LV plus irinotecan for MCRC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Clinical application of immunoreactivity of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) using highly specific antibody against recombinant human DPD (rhDPD) in gastric scirrhous cancer treated with S-1, new DPD inhibitory fluoropyrimidine

14053

Background: Highly specific antibody against recombinant human dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) has been developed to assess immunohistochemically DPD expression in tumors. A new oral DPD inhibitory fluoropyrimidine (DIF), S-1, is reportedly effective against gastric scirrhous cancer. Objective of this study was to assess intra-tumoral levels of DPD immunohistochemically using highly specific anti-DPD polyclonal antibodies, and investigated the relationship between the immunoreactivity of DPD and the anti-tumor effects of S-1 as a DIF in gastric scirrhous cancer patients. Methods: The relationship between immunoreactivity to DPD in biopsy specimens and the effects of chemotherapy was investigated in 61 patients treated with first-line fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy (S-1:DIF, 5-FU:non-DIF) for gastric scirrhous cancer. Immunohistochemical staining intensity was semiquantitatively graded (− to 3+) on the basis of the proportion of positively stained cancer cells in the lesions. Results: Total 61 gastric scirrhous cancer patients (M/F: 34/27) were analyzed to date with a median age of 56 (range 30–73). Response rate (partial response) was significantly higher in patients with DPD positive tumors than in those with negative in S-1 group (45.5%, 10.0% : p<0.05), as compared with in 5-FU group (0%, 5.6%: p=0.398). According to median survival time, there was no significant difference between patients with DPD positive tumors (364 days) and those with negative (406 days; p=0.626) in S-1 group or in 5-FU group (181 days and 256 days, respectively; p=0.543). Conclusions: This study indicates that S-1 is effective even in gastric scirrhous cancer with the high level of DPD activity. Further immunohistochemical studies using DIF-based regimens are needed to confirm these results with larger numbers of patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II study of combination therapy with S-1 and irinotecan in patients with advanced colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

A combination of irinotecan with continuous intravenous infusions of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV) is often used to treat advanced colorectal cancer. However, recent concerns about safety and convenience have prompted the development of new oral fluoropyrimidine derivatives and improved regimens. This phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 plus irinotecan in patients with previously untreated advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty eligible patients with histologically confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma received this treatment. S-1 was administered orally on days 1 to 14 of a 21-day cycle. Patients were assigned on the basis of body surface area (BSA) to receive one of the following oral doses twice daily: 40 mg (BSA < 1.25 m(2)), 50 mg (BSA > or = 1.25 to < 1.50 m(2)), or 60 mg (BSA > or = 1.50 m(2)). Irinotecan (150 mg/m(2)) was administered by intravenous infusion on day 1.

RESULTS

A total of 327 courses of treatment were administered to 40 patients. Five patients had complete responses, and 20 had partial responses. The overall response rate was 62.5% (95% confidential interval, 47.5%-77.5%). Median progression-free survival was 8.0 months (95% confidential interval, 5.2-11.4 months). The rates of grade 3 or 4 toxicity were as follows: neutropenia, 15%; anemia, 7.5%; anorexia, 12.5%; and diarrhea, 7.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined treatment with S-1 and irinotecan is an effective, well tolerated, and convenient regimen in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Our findings suggest that combined treatment with S-1 and irinotecan is a promising regimen, offering benefits in terms of safety and survival as compared with conventional regimens in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Different responses in adult and neonatal hearts to changes in coronary perfusion pressure

The influence of coronary perfusion pressure on neonatal heart function has not been evaluated. We compared the coronary perfusion pressure-cardiac function relationship between neonatal and adult hearts. Neonatal and adult rabbit hearts were examined. The coronary perfusion pressure was changed in increments of 10 mmHg. Coronary blood flow and left ventricular functions were measured at each coronary perfusion pressure. Autoregulatory capacity for coronary blood flow was quantified by calculating the autoregulation index. In neonatal hearts, left ventricular developed pressure was decreased at high perfusion pressure, whereas in adult hearts left ventricular developed pressure increased at high perfusion pressure. In neonatal hearts, left ventricular enddiastolic pressure was elevated at both low and high perfusion pressure, whereas in adult hearts left ventricular enddiastolic pressure remained constant at all perfusion pressures. Adult hearts exhibited coronary blood flow autoregulation in the perfusion pressure range between 40 and 90 mmHg. In contrast, neonatal hearts did not show autoregulation in any perfusion pressure range. In neonatal hearts, both low and high perfusion pressure caused deterioration in ventricular function attributable to the immaturity of coronary autoregulatory capacity. We conclude that coronary perfusion pressure should be controlled within a narrow range for neonates.

An approach for substrate mapping between ASM and ADM1 for sludge digestion

Kinetic modelling of the hydrolysis stage of municipal activated sludge, which is presumed to be the rate-limiting step in the anaerobic sludge digestion process, was studied by measuring methane production rate (MPR) in anaerobic batch tests. The MPR curves revealed that the degradable organic components in municipal sludge could be classified into two fractions having different kinetics. The first fraction (XS1) constituted about 55% of the sludge COD and degraded with first-order kinetics. The second fraction (XS2), which degraded during the initial phase, accounted for about 21% of sludge COD. The degradation kinetics for XS2 was expressed by Contois-type equation with respect to concentration of substrate in the fed sludge and that of active biomass in the mixture. Simultaneous batch aerobic respirometric tests showed that the activated sludge was composed of 53% heterotrophic biomass (XH-Aerobe) COD and 20% of slowly biodegradable COD (XS), that had same kinetic expressions as observed in the batch anaerobic tests. The observed correlation between substrate fractions suggests XS1 and XS2 could be directly mapped to the aerobic state variables of XH-Aerobe and Xs respectively. The degradation of XS1 seems to be anaerobic decay of XH-Aerobe while XS2 is thought to be hydrolysis of XS by microcosm of the sludge.