External Validation of the Graded Prognostic Assessment for Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Brain Metastases Using Molecular Markers (Lung-molGPA)

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and brain metastases represent a markedly heterogeneous population. The original diagnosis-specific graded prognostic assessment is a prognostic index based on data from patients diagnosed between 1985 and 2005 and includes patients age, performance status, extracranial disease, and number of brain metastases. An updated prognostic index (Lung-molGPA) that incorporates molecular features (EGFR and ALK alterations) was created in 2016 based on the North American retrospective database analysis of 2186 patients with NSCLC and newly diagnosed brain metastases between 2006 and 2014. The aim of this study is to validate the Lung-molGPA model in an independent Asian patient population.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Four hundred thirty-three patients (368 adenocarcinoma and 65 nonadenocarcinoma) with NSCLC with newly diagnosed brain metastasis between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively and scored using the Lung-molGPA model.

RESULTS

The overall median survival for the cohort in the present study was 14 months (16.5 months in the adenocarcinoma and 8.0 months in the nonadenocarcinoma, respectively; p = 0.003). For patients with adenocarcinoma, the median survival for patients with a Lung-molGPA score of 3.5 to 4.0 was 44.7 months, while the median survival was only 8.9 months in patients scoring 0-1.0, 17.0 months in patients scoring 1.5-2.0, and 30.2 months for scores of 2.5-3.0 (p <0.0001). For patients with nonadenocarcinoma, the median survival for scores 0-1.0, 1.5-2.0, and 2.5-3.0 were 6.7, 10.3, and 13.2 months, respectively (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

Survival for patients with NSCLC and brain metastases varies widely. This study provides an independent validation of the 2016 Lung-molGPA in Asian patients.

Ray amputation for the treatment of foot macrodactyly in children

Macrodactyly of the foot is a rare but disabling condition. We present the results of surgery on 18 feet of 16 patients, who underwent ray amputation and were followed-up for more than two years at a mean of 80 months (25 to 198).

We radiologically measured the intermetatarsal width and forefoot area pre-operatively and at six weeks and two years after surgery. We also evaluated the clinical results using the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for children (OxAFQ-C) and the Questionnaire for Foot Macrodactyly.

The intermetatarsal width and forefoot area ratios were significantly decreased after surgery. The mean OxAFQ-C score was 42 (16 to 57) pre-operatively, improving to 47 (5 to 60) at two years post-operatively (p = 0.021). The mean questionnaire for Foot Macrodactyly score two years after surgery was 8 (6 to 10).

Ray amputation gave a measurable reduction in foot size with excellent functional results. For patients with metatarsal involvement, a motionless toe, or involvement of multiple digits, ray amputation is a clinically effective option which is acceptable to patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1364–9.

An insight into the heat and mass transfer mechanisms of eggshells hatching broiler chicks and its effects to the hatcher environment

Thermodynamic study of incubated eggs is an important component in the optimisation of incubation processes. However, research on the interaction of heat and moisture transfer mechanisms in eggs is rather limited and does not focus on the hatching stage of incubation. During hatch, both the recently hatched chick and the broken eggshell add extra heat and moisture contents to the hatcher environment. In this study, we have proposed a novel way to estimate thermodynamically the amount of water evaporated from a broken eggshell during hatch. The hypothesis of this study considers that previously reported drops in eggshell temperature during hatching of chicks is the result remaining water content evaporating from the eggshell, released on the inner membrane by the recently hatched wet chick, just before hatch. To reproduce this process, water was sprayed on eggshells to mimic the water-fluid from the wet body of a chick. For each sample of eggshell, the shell geometry and weight, surface area and eggshell temperature were measured. Water evaporation losses and convection coefficient were calculated using a novel model approach considering the simultaneous heat and mass transfer profiles in an eggshell. The calculated average convective coefficient was 23.9 ± 7.5 W/m(2) °C, similar to previously reported coefficients in literature as a function of 0.5-1m/s air speed range. Comparison between measured and calculated values for the water evaporation showed 68% probability accuracy, associated to the use of an experimentally derived single heat transfer coefficient. The results support our proposed modelling approach of heat and mass transfer mechanisms. Furthermore, by estimating the amount of evaporated water in an eggshell post-hatch, air humidity levels inside the hatcher can be optimised to ensure wet chicks dry properly while not dehydrating early hatching chicks.

Differential profiles of salivary proteins with affinity to Streptococcus mutans lipoteichoic acid in caries-free and caries-positive human subjects

Streptococcus mutans is a representative oral pathogen that causes dental caries and pulpal inflammation. Its lipoteichoic acid (Sm.LTA) is known to be an important cell-wall virulence factor involved in bacterial adhesion and induction of inflammation. Since Sm.LTA-binding proteins (Sm.LTA-BPs) might play an important role in pathogenesis and host immunity, we identified the Sm.LTA-BPs in the saliva of caries-free and caries-positive human subjects using Sm.LTA-conjugated beads and LTQ-Orbitrap hybrid Fourier transform mass spectrometry. Sm.LTA was conjugated to N-hydroxysuccinimidyl-Sepharose(®) 4 Fast Flow beads (Sm.LTA-beads). Sm.LTA retained its biological properties during conjugation, as determined by the expression of nitric oxide and interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 in a murine macrophage cell line and activation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in CHO/CD14/TLR2 cells. Sm.LTA-BPs were isolated from pooled saliva prepared from 10 caries-free or caries-positive human subjects each, electrophoresed to see their differential expression in each group, and further identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry. A total of 8 and 12 Sm.LTA-BPs were identified with statistical significance in the pooled saliva from the caries-free and caries-positive human subjects, respectively. Unique Sm.LTA-BPs found in caries-free saliva included histone H4, profilin-1 and neutrophil defensin-1, and those in caries-positive saliva included cystatin-C, cystatin-SN, cystatin-S, cystatin-D, lysozyme C, calmodulin-like protein 3 and β-actin. The Sm.LTA-BPs found in both groups were hemoglobin subunits α and β, prolactin-inducible protein, protein S100-A9, and SPLUNC2. Collectively, we identified Sm.LTA-BPs in the saliva of caries-free and caries-positive subjects, which exhibit differential protein profiles.

INCB018424 induces apoptotic cell death through the suppression of pJAK1 in human colon cancer cells

Janus kinase (JAK) is one of the main upstream activators of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) that are constitutively activated in various malignancies and are associated with cell growth, survival, and carcinogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of JAKs in colorectal cancer in order to develop effective therapeutic targets for INCB018424, which is the first JAK1/2 inhibitor to be approved by FDA. After examining the basal expression levels of phospho-JAK1 and phospho-JAK2, we measured the effects of INCB018424 on the phosphorylation of JAK1/2 using western blot analysis. Cell viability was determined using the trypan blue exclusion assay. The cell death mechanism was identified by the activation of caspase 3 using western blot and annexin V staining. The basal levels of phospho-JAK1 and phospho-JAK2 were cancer cell type dependent. Colorectal cancer cell lines that phosphorylate both JAK1 and JAK2 include DLD-1 and RKO. INCB018424 inactivates both JAK1 and JAK2 in DLD-1 cells but inactivates only JAK1 in RKO cells. Cell death was proportional to the inactivation of JAK1 but not JAK2. INCB018424 causes caspase-dependent cell death, which is prevented by treatment with z-VAD. The inhibition of JAK1 phosphorylation seemed sufficient to allow INCB018424-mediated apoptosis. JAK1 is a key molecule that is involved in colon cancer cell survival and the inhibition of JAK1 by INCB01424 results in caspase-dependent apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. The use of selective JAK1 inhibitors could be an attractive therapy against colorectal cancer, but further clinical investigations are needed to test this possibility.

New polymorphic microsatellite loci of threadsail filefish, Stephanolepis cirrhifer (Teleostei, Monacanthidae), from Korean waters

The threadsail filefish, Stephanolepis cirrhifer (Monacanthidae), is found mainly in the western Pacific. It is intensively caught in Korea and is a highly appreciated seafood delicacy. Consequently, the natural population of this species has drastically decreased, despite introductions from hatcheries. To provide information necessary for its conservation and management, we developed 24 polymorphic microsatellite markers using a combination of a total enriched genomic library and a small-scale 454 pyrosequencing. A total of 90,847 raw reads were obtained, and 75,128 unique sequences were generated, with an average length of 477 bp; 5350 (7.12%) sequences contained a minimum of 5 di- to tetranucleotide repeat motifs. Seventy-four sequences were used for microsatellite primer design. They all amplified successfully; 24 were polymorphic, with 8 containing trinucleotide repeats and 3 containing tetranucleotide repeats. The genetic variations based on 15 primer sets were investigated using 45 wild individuals from the coastal waters of Geomun Island. The number of alleles per locus varied from 4 to 15, with an average of 7.47. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.333 to 0.956 and from 0.316 to 0.870, with averages of 0.692 and 0.701, respectively. No linkage disequilibrium was found between any pair of loci, indicating their independence. One locus significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni's correction; this may be due to the existence of a null allele. Cross-amplification was also tested for all 24 polymorphic loci in another monacanthid species, Thamnaconus modestus; 7 loci were effectively amplified. The high degree of polymorphism that was exhibited by the 15 newly developed microsatellites will be useful for assessing genetic variation and for conservation genetic studies of these 2 monacanthid species.

Development of adsorbent for the simultaneous removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from aqueous solution

In this study, a modified adsorbent, alginate complex beads, was prepared and applied to the removal of mixed contaminants from wastewater. The alginate complex beads were generated by the immobilization of powdered activated carbon and synthetic zeolites onto alginate gel beads, which were then dried at 110 °C for 20 h until the diameter had been reduced to 1 mm. This dry technique increased the hardness of the adsorbent to assure its durability and application. The adsorption onto the alginate complex beads of organic and inorganic compounds, as target contaminants, was investigated by performing both equilibrium and kinetic batch experiments. From the adsorption isotherms, according to the Langmuir equation, the alginate complex bead was capable of effectively removing benzene, toluene, zinc and cadmium. From kinetic batch experiments, the removal efficiencies of benzene, toluene, zinc and cadmium were found to be 66.5, 92.4, 74.1 and 76.7%, respectively, for initial solution concentrations of 100 mg L(-1). The results indicated that the adsorbent developed in this study has the potential to be a promising material for the removal of mixed pollutants from industrial wastewater or contaminated groundwater.

Comparing the effects of 5% albumin and 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 on coagulation and inflammatory response when used as priming solutions for cardiopulmonary bypass

AIM

This prospective, randomized and controlled trial compares the use of human albumin (HA) and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 in the priming solution for a non-biocompatible cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit. The effects of each substance on coagulation, postoperative blood loss and pro-inflammatory activities were examined.

METHODS

Thirty-six adult patients undergoing mitral valvular heart surgery were randomly assigned to either the HA or HES group; 500 mL of 5% HA or 6% HES 130/0.4 were added to the priming solution of the CPB circuit for each group, respectively. Coagulation variables were measured perioperatively; these variables included thromboelastographic (TEG) parameters and pro-inflammatory markers such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and tumor necrotic factor (TNF)-a. Postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements were also assessed.

RESULTS

There were no significant intergroup differences in the coagulation variables (including TEG parameters), serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-a, and blood loss or transfusion requirements. TEG parameters, which indicate the speed of solid clot formation and the strength of the fibrin clot, decreased up to 4 hours after CPB in both groups. Serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-a were higher up to 12 hours after surgery compared to baseline values in both groups. Hemoglobin levels and platelet counts were lower up to 12 hours after surgery compared to baseline values in both groups.

CONCLUSION

HES 130/0.4 was comparable to albumin as a component of the priming solution for a non-biocompatible CPB circuit. The two substances showed similar effects on coagulation variables, blood loss and pro-inflammatory activities in adult patients undergoing mitral valvular heart surgery.

Value of specimen radiographs in diagnosing multifocality of thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Specimen radiography has been used widely to evaluate the complete excision of calcified breast lesions but has not been evaluated for thyroid cancer.

METHODS

Specimen radiographs were evaluated retrospectively to identify additional cancers that were demonstrated only as calcifications. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to compare the combination of specimen radiography and ultrasonography versus ultrasonography alone for detecting multifocality.

RESULTS

Some 122 thyroid cancer specimens were obtained from 122 patients between January and April 2008. Specimen radiography detected 27 cancers (18.5 per cent) not detected by ultrasonography. Diagnoses were changed after evaluation of specimen radiographs in three of these patients. The area under the curve of the combination of specimen radiography and ultrasonography was significantly higher than that of ultrasonography alone (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Specimen radiography is a potentially useful tool for diagnosing cancer type and predicting the extent of thyroid cancer.

Feasibility of electroflotation to separate solids and liquid in an activated sludge process

In this study, electroflotation (EF) has been applied as a secondary clarification in the activated sludge process to improve the efficiency of the solids-liquid separation, which is essential in maintaining effluent quality. The effects of sludge settleability were examined through a series of batch and semi-continuous experiments. The results of the batch experiments revealed that thickening efficiencies using EF were 2.6 to 9.2 times higher than those with gravity settling (GS). In addition, clarification efficiencies were not significantly influenced by sludge settling properties, as compared with GS as a control. In the semi-continuous EF experiments, the concentrations of solids in the float layer were maintained above 10 g L(-1) during flotation, regardless of variations in sludge settleability. Furthermore, the volumetric gas proportion in the float layer increased as the gas to solids (G/S) ratio rose. This allowed the float layer to be more stably suspended against gravity at the top of the reactor. Based on the results obtained from these batch and semi-continuous experiments, an anoxic/oxic (AO) reactor combined with EF clarifier remained in successful continuous operation for four months. In comparison with conventional AO processes using a GS clarifier, enhanced clarification and thickening efficiencies were achieved through the EF-AO system. In addition, higher mixed liquor suspended solids concentrations (averaging 5300 mg L(-1)) in the bioreactor (EF-AO) were maintained via the return of highly concentrated sludge (averaging 16,400 mg L(-1)) from the EF clarifier. These findings suggest that EF could be a promising and effective alternative for the solids-liquid separation of poorly settling sludge.

Remifentanil protects myocardium through activation of anti-apoptotic pathways of survival in ischemia-reperfused rat heart

Remifentanil is a commonly used opioid in anesthesia with cardioprotective effect in ischemia-reperfused (I/R) heart. We evaluated the influence of remifentanil on myocardial infarct size and expressions of proteins involved in apoptosis in I/R rat heart following various time protocols of remifentanil administration. Artificially ventilated anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a 30 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Rats were randomly assigned to one of five groups; Sham, I/R only, remifentanil preconditioning, postconditioning and continuous infusion group. Myocardial infarct size, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Bcl2, Bax and cytochrome c and the expression of genes influencing Ca2+ homeostasis were assessed. In remifentanil-administered rat hearts, regardless of the timing and duration of administration, infarct size was consistently reduced compared to I/R only rats. Remifentanil improved expression of ERK1/2 and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2, and expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum genes which were significantly reduced in the I/R rats only. Remifentanil reduced expression of pro-apoptotic protein, Bax and cytochrome c. These suggested that remifentanil produced cardioprotective effect by preserving the expression of proteins involved in anti-apoptotic pathways, and the expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum genes in I/R rat heart, regardless of the timing of administration.

Relationship between echocardiographic index of ventricular filling pressure and intraoperative haemodynamic changes during off-pump coronary bypass surgery

BACKGROUND

The ratio of mitral velocity to early-diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E/e') is an indicator of diastolic function representing acute loading conditions of the left ventricle. We tested the efficacy of E/e' as a predictor of haemodynamic derangement during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB), when heart displacement causes loading changes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fifty patients with left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction >or= 50% were divided into two groups; E/e'<8 (normal LV filling pressure, n=25) and >15 (increased LV filling pressure, n=25). Haemodynamic measurements were recorded after induction of anaesthesia, during grafting, and after sternum closure. Patients' characteristics and operative data were similar between the groups. Cardiac index and mixed venous oxygen saturation were significantly lower during grafting and after sternum closure in the E/e'>15 group, compared with E/e'<8 group and with the baseline values. The E/e'>15 group required significantly longer ventilation time and length of stay in the intensive care unit.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in patients with preserved systolic LV function, patients with E/e'>15 were more prone to undergo a significant decrease in cardiac output during OPCAB, which did not return to baseline level after completion of grafting. Whether this finding is associated with increased morbidity and mortality should be validated.

Effect of low-dose ketamine on inflammatory response in off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND

Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OPCAB) is still associated with a marked systemic inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pre-emptive, low dose of ketamine, which has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity in on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, could reduce inflammatory response in low-risk patients undergoing OPCAB.

METHODS

In this prospective randomized-controlled trial, 50 patients with stable angina and preserved myocardial function undergoing OPCAB were randomly assigned to receive either 0.5 mg kg(-1) of ketamine (Ketamine group, n=25) or normal saline (Control group, n=25) during induction of anaesthesia. Inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and cardiac enzymes were measured previous to induction (T1), 4 h after surgery (T2), and the first and second days after the surgery (T3 and T4).

RESULTS

There were no significant intergroup differences in the serum concentrations of the CRP, IL-6, and TNF-alpha and cardiac enzymes. Pro-inflammatory markers and cardiac enzymes, except TNF-alpha, were all increased after the surgery compared with baseline values in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose ketamine administered during anaesthesia induction did not exert any evident anti-inflammatory effect in terms of reducing the serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory markers in low-risk patients undergoing OPCAB.

Development of distant stereoacuity in visually normal children as measured by the Frisby-Davis distance stereotest

AIMS

To establish the range of normal distance stereoacuity and evaluate its development in visually normal children by using the Frisby-Davis distance stereotest (FD2).

METHODS

The distance stereoacuity of visually normal children aged less than 11 years and of adults was measured with FD2 using a standard testing protocol.

RESULT

This study involved 94 visually normal children aged 36-131 months and 46 visually normal adults aged 20-49 years. The distance stereoacuity of the children aged 36-59 months was 40.61 (SD 9.823) seconds of arc; that of the children aged 60-119 months, 14.18 (8.152) seconds of arc; and that of the adults, 12.50 (4.802) seconds of arc. The FD2 distance stereoacuity of the children aged 36-59 months differed significantly from that of the older subjects (p = 0.000), and the FD2 distance stereoacuity of the children aged more than 59 months did not differ significantly from that of the adults (p = 0.813).

CONCLUSION

Distance stereoacuity reaches adult levels at approximately 5 years of age. These data of the age-related normal values could represent a reference frame for the comparison of data obtained for clinical populations.

Diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid: ultrasound features with histopathological correlation

AIM

To evaluate the ultrasound (US) features of the diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary carcinoma (DSVPC) of the thyroid, with histopathological correlations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The US and histopathological findings of six patients with surgically proven DSVPC of the thyroid were retrospectively assessed.

RESULTS

Most of cases showed diffuse, scattered microcalcifications with or without associated masses and underlying heterogeneous hypoechogenicity at the site of the DSVPC in the thyroid. At ultrasound, scattered microcalcifications and heterogeneous hypoechogenicity seen in the DSVPC correlated to psammoma bodies and lymphocytic infiltration at histopathological review.

CONCLUSION

DSVPC of the thyroid usually manifested as diffuse scattered microcalcifications and associated suspicious mass on ultrasound. These findings are not specific for the DSVPC of the thyroid. However, in relatively young patients with suspicious masses associated with underlying diffuse scattered microcalcifications on US, the possibility of DSVPC should be included in differential diagnosis.

Intraoperative examination of sentinel lymph nodes by immunohistochemical staining in patients with breast cancer

AIM

To performed a prospective investigation of the relative merits of rapid cytokeratin immunohistochemical (CK-IHC) staining of the SLN removed during the operation of breast cancer patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Between December 2002 and March 2004, 62 patients with T1 and T2 breast cancer were enrolled after undergoing successful sentinel lymph node biopsy. Eighty-nine sentinel lymph nodes (mean number, 1.44) were biopsied and first examined by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) stained frozen section. All the tumour free sentinel lymph nodes by H&E stained frozen section were immunostained for cytokeratin using a rapid immunohistochemical assay (Cytokeratin (PAN), 1:50, Novocastra Lab., Newcastle, UK) during the operations.

RESULTS

Rapid IHC staining revealed seven positive sentinel lymph nodes that were negative for metastasis by H&E staining. This study showed a sensitivity of 92.86%, a specificity of 100%, an accuracy of 98.9%, and a negative predictive value of 98.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

The intraoperative examination of sentinel lymph nodes is an accurate and effective way of predicting the axillary lymph node status of patients with breast cancers.

Hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase mediates counter-regulatory responses to hypoglycaemia in rats

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Appropriate counter-regulatory hormonal responses are essential for recovery from hypoglycaemia. Although the hypothalamus is known to be involved in these responses, the molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions as a cellular energy sensor, being activated during energy depletion. As AMPK is expressed in the hypothalamus, an important site of neuroendocrine regulation, the present study was undertaken to determine whether hypothalamic AMPK mediates counter-regulatory responses to hypoglycaemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hypoglycaemia was induced by i.p. injection of regular insulin (6 U/kg) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Hypothalamic AMPK phosphorylation and activities were determined 1 h after i.p. insulin injection. To investigate the role of hypothalamic AMPK activation in mediating counter-regulatory responses, an AMPK inhibitor, compound C, was pre-administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) or dominant-negative (DN)-AMPK was overexpressed in the hypothalamus before induction of hypoglycaemia.

RESULTS

Insulin-induced hypoglycaemia increased hypothalamic AMPK phosphorylation and alpha2-AMPK activities in rats. The change was significant in the arcuate nucleus/ventromedial hypothalamus (ARC/VMH) and paraventricular nuclei (PVN). Prior i.c.v. administration of compound C attenuated hypoglycaemia-induced increases in plasma concentrations of corticosterone, glucagon and catecholamines, resulting in severe and prolonged hypoglycaemia. ARC/VMH DN-AMPK overexpression impaired early counter-regulation, as evidenced by reduced glucagon and catecholamine responses. In contrast, PVN DN-AMPK overexpression attenuated late counter-regulation and corticosterone responses.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Systemic hypoglycaemia causes hypothalamic AMPK activation, which is important for counter-regulatory hormonal responses. Our data indicate that hypothalamic AMPK acts as a fuel gauge, sensing the whole-body energy state and regulating not only energy homeostasis but also neuroendocrine functions.

Performance evaluation of physicochemical processes for biologically pre-treated livestock wastewater

The use of a combination of biological and physicochemical methods is a promising technique to reduce highly concentrated pollutants in livestock wastewater: firstly, biodegradable organic matters, nitrogen and a part of phosphorus should be removed in a biological treatment process and then residual non-biodegradable organic matters, color and phosphorus be eliminated by physicochemical methods. In this study, therefore, the integrations of chemical coagulation, activated carbon adsorption, Fenton oxidation and ozonation were evaluated to provide an appropriate post-treatment process for biologically pre-treated livestock wastewater. With applying a single method such as coagulation and Fenton oxidation, a yellowish brown color and COD still remained. According to the experimental result, the quality of treated wastewater including color was enough to be discharged after chemical coagulation followed by ozonation or Fenton oxidation process. Among these, ozonation was the most effective technology for decolorization. Neither simple biological nor physicochemical process provides an adequate treatability for the sufficient depletion of organics and decolorization when treating livestock wastewater. Considering only the removal efficiency, the integration of Fenton oxidation and ozonation would be an efficient alternative as a post-treatment.

Pilot-testing an alternative on-site wastewater treatment system for small communities and its automatic control

The pilot test of a new alternative for small wastewater treatment system has been conducted for two years. It consists of a hybrid bioreactor and the expert system including the programmable logic controller and human-machine interface. In order to monitor its status, the real-time data was transferred from the remote station to the central station via a wireless local area network. More efficient and stable performances were observed at automatic operating mode compared with the manual. On an average, COD, SS, T-N and T-P concentrations in the effluent from the hybrid bioreactor were less than 14, 7, 12 and 0.9 mg/L, respectively. According to the result from laboratory experiments, the quality of treated wastewater with chemical coagulation process followed by sand filtration was enough to be utilized again if a final disinfection step is included.