Bioaugmentation with methanogens cultured in a micro-aerobic microbial community for overloaded anaerobic digestion recovery

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is widely used for conversion of waste materials into biogas, but inhibition of methane production caused by overloading can be a major problem. The micro-aerobic microbial community MC1 was used to successfully culture methanogens, Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A and Methanosaeta thermophila NBRC 101360. The maximum 16S rRNA gene concentrations of Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A and Methanosaeta thermophila NBRC101360 were 1.06 × 10⁶ and 1.35 × 10³ copies/mL, respectively. The five key bacteria in MC1 were quantified to assess the effect of inoculation on the abundances of the bacteria in the mixed culture. The original MC1 total 16S rRNA gene concentration was 1.93 × 10⁸ copies/mL, and the total 16S rRNA gene concentration had increased to 4.79 × 10⁹ copies/mL on day 9 (p < 0.05). The proportions of the key strains in MC1+MST had changed by day 9. Cells were harvested and used to bioaugment and increase the pH values of the high- and medium-temperature anaerobic systems. After bioaugmentation, thermophilic AD recovered well. The cumulative amounts of gas produced were 44.78% and 28.28% higher in the MC1+MST and MC1 groups, respectively, than the sterilized control. The MC1+MST group gave better results than the chemical addition control group (CaCO₃). There was no clear effect of bioaugmentation in mesophilic AD. When compared with traditional pure culture of methanogens as inoculants, methanogen cultivation in MC1 was simple and there was no need to separate and purify the target strains. This simplified methanogenic bioaugmentation agent was useful to study the mechanism of bioaugmentation for the recovery from low pH inhibition, showing the potential for practical application.

Efficient phosphorus removal by a novel halotolerant fungus Aureobasidium sp. MSP8 and the application potential in saline industrial wastewater treatment

Efficient halotolerant phosphorus accumulation microorganisms are of great significance for the treatment of high-salt wastewater. In this study, a halotolerant fungus strain named MSP8 was isolated and identified as Aureobasidium sp. Salinity resistance results showed that strain MSP8 can resist the salinity from 0% to 17%, and 77.2% phosphorus removal was achieved at the optimal salinity of 5%. The strain also showed wide environmental adaptability (pH of 3-7; temperature of 20-30 °C). Batch tests and scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) characterization results verified the key role of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) secreted by MSP8 in phosphorus removal. The actual brewery and chemical wastewater treatments exhibited that above 53.5% of phosphorus can be removed by MSP8. The excellent adaptation of MSP8 made it a potential candidate for phosphorus removal especially in saline wastewater treatment.

Role of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-gamma in advanced glycation end product-mediated functional loss of voltage-gated potassium channel in rat coronary arteries

Background

Voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels in coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CSMCs), especially the major specific Kv1 subfamily, contribute to coronary artery vasodilation. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been strongly implicated in diabetes-related cardiovascular complications. Our previous study showed AGEs can impair Kv channel-mediated coronary vasodilation by reducing Kv channel activity. However, its underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Purpose

Here, we used isolated rat small coronary arteries (RSCAs) and primary CSMCs to investigate the effect of AGEs on Kv channel-mediated coronary vasodilation and the possible involvement of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ pathway.

Methods

RSCAs and primary CSMCs were isolated, cultured and treated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), AGE-BSA, alagrebrium (ALA, AGE cross-linking breaker), pioglitazone (PIO) and/or GW9662, and then divided into the following groups: DMEM, BSA, AGE, AGE+ALA, AGE+PIO, and AGE+PIO+GW9662. Kv channel-mediated coronary vasodilation was analyzed using wire myograph. Histology and immunohistochemistry of RSCAs were performed. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of RAGE, the major Kv1 channel subunits expressed in CSMCs (Kv1.2/1.5), PPAR-γ, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-2 (NOX-2).

Results

AGEs markedly reduced forskolin-induced Kv channel-mediated vasodilation of RSCAs by interacting with the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), and ALA or PIO significantly reversed this effect. In both RSCAs and primary CSMCs, AGEs decreased Kv1.2 and Kv1.5 channel protein expression, inhibited PPAR-γ expression, increased RAGE and NOX-2 expression. Treatment with ALA or PIO partially reversed the effects of AGEs on Kv1.2/Kv1.5 expression, accompanied by elevation of PPAR-γ level and diminished oxidative stress.

Conclusion

AGE/RAGE axis-induced inhibition of PPAR-γ pathway and enhancement of oxidative stress may contribute to AGEs-mediated Kv channel dysfunction and coronary vasodilation in RSCAs. Our results may provide new insights into developing therapeutic strategies to manage diabetic vasculature.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Natural Science Foundation of China; Natural Science Foundation of Beijing (7172059)

Effect of steel slag in recycling waste activated sludge to produce anaerobic granular sludge

The amount of waste activated sludge (WAS) has grown dramatically in China. WAS is considered as a problematic and hazardous waste, which should be disposed in a safe and sustainable manner. In order to recycle WAS to an anaerobic granular sludge (AnGS) process for anaerobic digestion, Fe powder and steel slags (rusty and clean slags) were used to enhance the granulation process. The results demonstrated that both rusty and clean slags encouraged the development of granular sludge. Adding 10 g/L clean slags could increase AnGS granulation rate by 37%. In the presence of clean slags, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentration in granules increased noticeably to 715 mg/g mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS). High throughput sequencing analysis exhibited more diversity and higher abundance of functional microbial communities in the batch bottle with 10 g/L clean slags. This study suggested that adding clean slags at 10 g/L dosage was a sustainable and effective method for the sludge granulation.

A new strategy to recover from volatile fatty acid inhibition in anaerobic digestion by photosynthetic bacteria

The accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) can decrease reactor pH and inhibit methane-producing process. For the first time, photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) were used to recover from VFAs inhibition (pH 6.0) of an anaerobic digestion system. After adding PSB for 12 days with and without light condition, the methane content recovered from 33.3% to 60.5% and from 32.1% to 59.3%, respectively; the pH increased to 7.1 and 6.8, respectively, the system alkalinity rapidly increased to 2238 and 1921 mg/L, respectively; the sCOD decreased from 5600 to 995 mg/L and from 5575 to 2025 mg/L, respectively; and the contents of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and total VFA were greatly reduced. Microbial analysis found that PSB bioaugmentation could maintain microbial diversity of the system. PSB bioaugmentation could effectively relieve acids accumulation and stimulate methane production especially under light condition. It is also found that light could accelerate recovery with or without bioaugmentation.

Nitrogen removal bacterial strains, MSNA-1 and MSD4, with wide ranges of salinity and pH resistances

Nitrogenous wastewater is difficult to treat using conventional microorganisms in high salinity and acidic/alkaline environments. Two halotolerant bacteria, heterotrophic nitrifying Stenotrophomonas sp. MSNA-1 and aerobic denitrifying Pseudomonas sp. MSD4, were isolated, and the amplification of functional genes provided the evidences of nitrogen removal performance. The results regarding salinity and pH resistance showed that strain MSNA-1 is robust at salinities of 0-15% and pH of 3-10. It can remove 51.2% of NH₄⁺-N (180 mg/L) at salinity of 10% (pH: 7) and 49.2% of NH₄⁺-N under pH 4 (salinity: 3%). For strain MSD4, it is robust at salinities of 0-10% and pH of 5-11. It can remove 62.4% of TN (100 mg/L) at salinity of 7% (pH: 7) and 72.2% of TN under pH 9 (salinity: 3%). Their excellent salinity and pH resistances make them promising candidates for treating nitrogenous wastewaters under extreme conditions with low operational cost.

Effect of different initial low pH conditions on biogas production, composition, and shift in the aceticlastic methanogenic population

Anaerobic digestion (AD) reactors often encounter low pH inhibition during startup and high organic loading periods. The use of a large amount of NaOH in order to raise and buffer the low pH, is reported to be inhibitory to methanogens. In order to address this problem, we acclimatized aceticlastic methanogens to low pH. Methanogens were successfully acclimatized to initial low pH down to 3.5 in a lengthy, five months, acclimatization period. The aceticlastic methanogen, Methanothrix soehngenii which was 96.3% of the total methanogenic population at pH 4.5 and 86.75% at pH 3.5, demonstrated that they were the most tolerant aceticlastic methanogens to low pH. After acclimatization, methane yield at pH 4.5 was comparable to neutral pH. Methanosaeta maintained its dominance over Methanosarcina at an elevated level of acetate (66 mM), and a negative correlation was observed between them. There was a positive correlation between the CH₄ content and pH.

[Comparison of prognosis between invasive micropapillary carcinoma and invasive ductal carcinoma of breast: a single center, retrospective case-control study]

Objective: To elucidate the clinicopathological characters and prognostic factors of invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast (IMPC) by compared with invasive ductal carcinoma, not otherwise specified of the breast (IDC). Methods: The retrospective study was performed with female patients who had undergone curative resection for breast cancer without neoadjuvant chemotherapy from June 2008 to April 2016 in Breast Center of Beijing Hospital. Forty-seven mixed or pure IMPC patients and 93 pure IDC patients(admitted in the same center from October 2008 to January 2016 ) were matched for tumor stage, nodal status and age. Follow-up was done every 3 to 6 months postoperatively. The deadline was July 31, 2016. The curves of disease free survival and overall survival were drawn by the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival rates were compared by means of the Log-rank test. Potential prognostic variables that were identified on univariate analysis were analyzed with Cox's proportional hazards regression model for multivariate analysis. The χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare distributions across 2 groups and the Mann-Whitney U test or t test was used to analyze the medians or means of 2 groups. Results: With exact matches, the rates of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (29.8% vs. 12.9%, χ(2)=5.885, P=0.015)and histological grade 3 (40.4% vs. 21.5%, χ(2)=-2.690, P=0.007) were both significantly higher in patients with IMPC than that in IDC group, but the survival between the two pathological types were not significantly different (all P>0.05). The percent of IMPC component didn't influence the clinicopathologic characters (all P >0.05), but a significantly longer median disease free survival (χ(2)=11.731, P=0.001) when the patients had more than 50% of IMPC component was found. Conclusions: Higher rates of LVI and histological grade 3 were found in IMPC than that in IDC, but the survival was comparable between the two groups. A longer DFS occurred in patients with IMPC component more than 50%.

[The comparison of characters between invasive micropapillary carcinoma and invasive ductal carcinoma not otherwise specified of the breast]

Objective: To analyze the differences of clinicopathological characters and prognostic factors between invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast (IMPC) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) not otherwise specified of the breast. Methods: Patients who were treated from June 2008 to April 2016 in Breast Center of Beijing Hospital were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the differences between IMPC (n=59) and IDC (n=1 080). Follow-up was done every 3 to 6 months postoperatively with a deadline of July 31, 2016. The curves of disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were drawn by Kaplan-Meier method, and survival rates were compared by means of the Log-rank test. Potential prognostic variables which were identified on univariate analysis were analyzed with Cox's proportional hazards regression model for multivariate analysis. Results: More lymph nodes were involved in IMPC group (χ(2)=12.168, P=0.007) which led to more later stage in this group (χ(2)=8.950, P=0.011). IMPC group displayed a significantly increased rate of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) compared to IDC group (χ(2)=13.511, P = 0.001). The expression rate of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) was higher in IMPC group than that in IDC group (89.8% vs. 76.3% and 88.1% vs. 70.7%, respectively, χ(2)=5.786, 8.332, all P<0.05). In multivariate analysis performed with the variables found significant in univariate analysis, the only variable found significantly affecting DFS of IMPC group was the T stage (T1-2 and T3-4, OR=5.217, 95%CI: 1.401 to 19.430, P=0.014), while in IDC group, pathological stage (stage Ⅰ to Ⅱ and stage Ⅲ to Ⅳ, OR=1.870, 95% CI: 1.262 to 2.771, P=0.002), lymph node positive ratio (LNR) (OR=2.222, 95%CI: 1.561 to 3.162, P=0.000), PR (OR=1.856, 95%CI: 1.118 to 3.082, P=0.017), and age (<50 years old and ≥50 years old, OR=0.695, 95%CI: 0.488 to 0.989, P=0.043) were prognostic factors. There were two variables found significantly affecting OS of IMPC group, which were T stage (OR=3.713, 95%CI: 1.539 to 8.959, P=0.004) and LNR (OR=2.850, 95%CI: 1.033 to 7.862, P=0.043). While in IDC group, LNR was the only variable found significantly affecting OS (OR=2.129, 95%CI: 1.324 to 3.425, P=0.002). Compared with IDC, the patients with IMPC were more likely to have local or regional recurrence (P=0.006). Although the median DFS interval was longer in IDC group (χ(2)=9.739, P=0.002), the median OS interval was comparable between the two groups (χ(2)=0.787, P=0.375). Conclusion: Although IMPC has lymphotropic feature, tendency of LVI and local or regional recurrence, it has an OS which is comparable with IDC.

Effects of adding trace elements on rice straw anaerobic mono-digestion: Focus on changes in microbial communities using high-throughput sequencing

Although trace elements are known to aid anaerobic digestion, their mechanism of action is still unclear. High-throughput sequencing was used to reveal the mechanism by which adding trace elements affects microbial communities and their action. The results showed that the highest methane yields, with addition of Fe, Mo, Se and Mn were 289.2, 289.6, 285.3, 293.0mL/g volatile solids (VS), respectively. The addition of Fe, Mo, Se and Mn significantly (P<0.05) reduced the level of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The dominant bacteria and archaea were Bacteroidetes and Methanosaeta, respectively. Compared with the proportion of Methanosaeta in the control group, treatment with added trace elements increased Methanosaeta by as much as 12.4%. Microbial community analysis indicated that adding trace elements changed the composition and diversity of archaea and bacteria. Methane yield was positively correlated with bacterial diversity and negatively correlated with archaeal diversity for most treatments.

Serological biomarkers detect active joint destruction and inflammation in patients with haemophilic arthropathy

INTRODUCTION

Progressive arthropathy caused by recurrent joint bleeds is a severe complication in haemophilia.

AIM

We investigated whether biomarkers of cartilage and bone degradation, and inflammation were altered in haemophilia patients and whether these biomarkers could identify haemophilia patients with arthropathy.

METHODS

Serum from 35 haemophilia patients with varying degrees of arthropathy and 43 age- and gender-matched control subjects were analysed. Biomarkers of cartilage degradation (C2M, COMP, CTX-II, ADAMTS5), cartilage formation (PRO-C2), bone formation (PINP), bone resorption (CTX-I) and inflammation (hsCRP, CRPM) were measured by ELISA. Arthropathy was assessed by radiological evaluation (Pettersson score) and physical examination (Gilbert score).

RESULTS

In patients with haemophilia, cartilage degradation, measured by C2M, CTX-II and COMP, was increased by 25% (P < 0.05) compared with control subjects. Levels of the cartilage degradation enzyme, ADAMTS5, were 10% lower in haemophilia patients (P < 0.05). Bone formation (PINP) was reduced by 25% (P < 0.05) in haemophilia patients, whereas bone resorption (CTX-I) was increased by 30% (P < 0.001). Acute inflammation (hsCRP) was increased by 50% (P < 0.01), whereas chronic inflammation (CRPM) was decreased by 25% (P < 0.0001). The hsCRP/CRPM ratio was 60% higher (P < 0.001) in haemophilia patients relative to control subjects. A biomarker panel combining C2M, CRPM, and ADAMTS5 could distinguish haemophilia patients from control subjects with 85.3% accuracy (P < 0.0001). We found no strong correlation between biomarkers and radiological and physical examination of the joint.

CONCLUSION

Biomarkers detect increased cartilage and bone degradation, and altered inflammatory activity in haemophilia patients with arthropathy. These biomarkers could potentially be used to identify patients with progressing joint disease.

Hydrolysis and acidification of agricultural waste in a non-airtight system: Effect of solid content, temperature, and mixing mode

A two-phase digestion system for treating agricultural waste is beneficial for methane production. This study explored the effect of solid content, temperature, and mixing mode on the process of hydrolysis and acidification using rice straw and cow dung launched in non-airtight acidogenic system. The results showed that the substrate could be hydrolyzed efficiently in the initial stage, the hydrolysis coefficient (k) of maximum cellulose and hemicellulose can be increased by 217.9% and 290.5%, respectively, compared with those of middle and last stages. High solid content played a leading role in promoting hydrolysis, resulted in hydrolysate content (sCOD) that was significantly higher than in treatments with low solid content (P<0.01), and led to organic acids accumulation up to 5.8 and 6.7g/L at mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures. Thermophilic temperature stimulated the hydrolysis and acidification of low solid content (P<0.05), and improved organic acid accumulation of high solid content only during the middle stage (P<0.01). Mixing mode was not a major factor, but increasing the mixing time was necessary for organic acid accumulation during the last stage (P<0.05). In addition, the study comprehensively analyzed a series of corresponding relationships among each operating parameter during the whole treatment process using canonical correspondence analysis.

Pretreatment of non-sterile, rotted silage maize straw by the microbial community MC1 increases biogas production

Using microbial community MC1 to pretreat lignocellulosic materials increased the yield of biogas production, and the substrate did not need to be sterilized, lowering the cost. Rotted silage maize straw carries many microbes. To determine whether such contamination affects MC1, rotted silage maize straw was pretreated with MC1 prior to biogas production. The decreases in the weights of unsterilized and sterilized rotted silage maize straw were similar, as were their carboxymethyl cellulase activities. After 5d pretreatment, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction results indicated that the proportions of five key strains in MC1 were the same in the unsterilized and sterilized groups; thus, MC1 was resistant to microbial contamination. However, its resistance to contamination decreased as the degradation time increased. Following pretreatment, volatile fatty acids, especially acetic acid, were detected, and MC1 enhanced biogas yields by 74.7% compared with the untreated group.

Coexisting congenital dysfibrinogenemia with a novel mutation in fibrinogen γ chain (γ322 Phe→Ile, Fibrinogen Beijing) and haemophilia B in a family

INTRODUCTION

Both congenital dysfibrinogenemia and haemophilia B (HB) are rare coagulopathies caused by mutations within the fibrinogen and F9 genes respectively.

AIM

To investigate the pathogenesis of combined dysfibrinogenemia with HB in a family.

METHODS

Coagulation assays, factor IX (FIX) activity (one-stage method), fibrinogen activity (Clauss method), antigen (immunoturbidimetry), fibrinogen polymerization and fibrinolysis velocity were measured. The sequences of fibrinogen genes and F9 were amplified by PCR and analysed by sequencing.

RESULTS

The proband, a 16-year-old boy with HB (FIX 2 IU dL(-1) ), also had persistently low Clauss fibrinogen level (0.64-0.65 g L(-1) ) with normal antigen level (2.23 g L(-1) ). The mother had a FIX 45 IU dL(-1) and similarly discrepant low Clauss fibrinogen (0.79 g L(-1) ) to antigen levels (2.23 g L(-1) ). Thrombin time for both were either slightly prolonged or at boundary value. Genetic analysis of the proband and the mother identified similar mutations in the FGG gene (heterozygous c.1042T>A resulting in p.Phe348Ile or γPhe322Ile in the mature protein) and in the F9 gene (c.1243del p.His415Metfs*11 and c.1245T>A p.His415Gln). The father had no fibrinogen or F9 gene mutations. Plasma fibrinogen polymerization was delayed, but fibrinolysis velocity was normal in the proband and his mother.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a family with combined novel dysfibrinogen (Fibrinogen Beijing) and HB with bleeding manifestations.

Enhancing the cellulose-degrading activity of cellulolytic bacteria CTL-6 (Clostridium thermocellum) by co-culture with non-cellulolytic bacteria W2-10 (Geobacillus sp.)

The effect of a non-cellulolytic bacterium W2-10 (Geobacillus sp.) on the cellulose-degrading activity of a cellulolytic bacterium CTL-6 (Clostridium thermocellum) was determined using cellulose materials (paper and straw) in peptone cellulose solution (PCS) medium under aerobic conditions. The results indicated that in the co-culture, addition of W2-10 resulted in a balanced medium pH, and may provide the required anaerobic environment for CTL-6. Overall, addition of W2-10 was beneficial to CTL-6 growth in the adverse environment of the PCS medium. In co-culture with W2-10, the CTL-6 cellulose degradation efficiency of filter paper and alkaline-treated wheat straw significantly increased up to 72.45 and 37.79 %, respectively. The CMCase activity and biomass of CTL-6 also increased from 0.23 U ml(-1) and 45.1 μg ml(-1) (DNA content) up to 0.47 U ml(-1) and 112.2 μg ml(-1), respectively. In addition, co-culture resulted in accumulation of acetate and propionate up to 4.26 and 2.76 mg ml(-1). This was a respective increase of 2.58 and 4.45 times, in comparison to the monoculture with CTL-6.

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells transplantation in treatment of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system. Umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells are immunosuppressive. We transplanted mesenchymal stem cells in a patient with refractory progressive MS, and the disease course was stabilized after the transplantation. We postulate that mesenchymal stem cells have a potent immunosuppressive effect in vivo.

Longitudinal evaluation of EGFR mutation in plasma for non-small cell lung cancer patients with front-line chemotherapy

8099

Background: To investigate longitudinally epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status in the plasma of pre- and post-chemotherapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: Total of 153 advanced lung cancer patients were included in this study. Plasma samples in pre- and post-chemotherapy ( 2 cycles after) were collected. The DNA concentration was determined by real-time PCR. The EGFR exon 19 and 21 were amplified by mutant-enriched PCR and detected by denaturing high performance liquid chromatograph (DHPLC). The associations between EGFR mutation, DNA level and chemotherapeutic response were analyzed. Results: Among the 153 pts, EGFR mutation were detected 41.2% (63/153) and 27.4% (42/153) in plasma of pre-and post-chemotherapy, respectively. The objective response rate was 31.4% (48/153) and the circulating DNA level trend to decrease after chemotherapy in PR group but increase in PD group (p=0.012). 25 and 73 cases showed consistent EGFR mutation and wild-type status in pre-treatment and post-treatment plasma, respectively. Among 38 patients with change from pre-treatment EGFR mutant-type to post-treatment wild-type status, 11 gained PR, 12 SD and 15 PD. While for 17 patients with change from pre-treatment EGFR wild-type to post-treatment mutant-type, PR, SD and PD were 8, 7 and 2, respectively. The change to mutant-type in post-treatment plasma were found to be significantly higher in PR and disease control than PD(P=0.047, P=0.042). Conclusions: The data indicated that chemotherapy could not only affect the DNA concentration but also change the EGFR mutation detection in plasma for pts with advanced NSCLC. Reason for EGFR mutation change related with response of chemotherapy deserves further study.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Thermodynamic modeling of a novel air dehumidification system

A novel air dehumidification system is proposed. The proposed system incorporates a membrane-based total heat exchanger into a mechanical air dehumidification system, where the fresh air flows through the enthalpy exchanger, the evaporator and the condenser subsequently. Thermodynamic model for the performance estimation of the combined system is investigated. Processes of the fresh air and the refrigerant are studied. Two additional specific programs are devised to calculate the psychrometrics and the thermodynamic properties of the refrigerant R134a. Annual energy requirement is 4.15 × 10⁶ kJ per person, or 33% saving from a system without energy saving measures.

[The sonochemical-degradation mechanism of toluene in aqueous solution]

The sonochemical degradation of toluene in the airproof aqueous solution was studied, and the mechanism and course of degradation was explored. It was found that the sonication time had great effect on the removal rate of toluene, and the degradation followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic law, and 90%-95% of toluene was removed only after being irradiated for 40 min, types of dissolved gas and pH also had some effects. After aqueous solution was analyzed pH and scanned UV-wavelength and identified components with SMPE-GC-MS, results confirmed that radical-oxidation controlled the sonochemical-oxidation of toluene, and main middle-products included benzaldehyde, bibenzyl, dibutyl phthalate, et al., final products were carbon dioxide and water.

[Fujian oversea Chinese and Chinese traditional pharmacist in Southeast Asia]

Hakka from Yongding and southern part of Fujian, engaged in Chinese traditional medicine enterprise in south - east Asia, make up the majority of overseas from Fujian. They played an important part in the development of traditional Chinese medicine and insurance of people's health, in planting Chinese herbs, opening pharmaceutical factory, organizing pharmaceutical company and associations of medicine etc. They made great contributions to the communication and cooperation of medicine between PR China and other countries, especially Fujian and south - east Asia.

[Clinical study on treatment of mid-late stage gastric carcinoma by composite xiansu capsule combined with chemotherapy]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect and mechanism of composite Xiansu Capsule (CXSC) combined with chemotherapy in treating gastric carcinoma of mid-late stage.

METHODS

The 61 patients of the test group were treated by CXSC combined with chemotherapy and 30 patients of the control group treated with chemotherapy alone. The effect of treatment and cell mediated immunity of patients were observed.

RESULTS

The effective rate of the test group and the control group was 32.8% and 13.3% respectively (P < 0.05), the chemotherapy caused toxic reaction occurrence was less in the former than that in the latter group (P < 0.01). The CD3 level of patients in the test group was decreased, and CD4/CD8 level was raised obviously, which suggested that CXSC had immuno-regulating effect on T-cells.

CONCLUSION

CXSC could enhance the efficacy and reduce the toxic side-effect of chemotherapy. To regulate the cell mediated immunity of patients is possibly its mechanism.

[Determination of six trace elements in steels by ICP-AES with the changed internal standard]

This paper studies the direct determination of P, Si, Mn, Cu, Cr and Ni in steels with the changed internal standard. The standard curves are standardized with FULL STANDARDIZATION, and the results of the sample are calibrated with TYPE STANDARD in time. The signal intensity influenced by RF power, observation height and sample gas folw is discussed. Results obtained for the determination of every element in steels are satisfactory. The RSD is less than 0.5% and the recovery is about 96-103%. The detection limit is about 0. 002-0.07%.

[The diagnostic value of anti-BB-antibody estimation in sarcoidosis]

Anti-BB-antibody estimation was carried out in 100 cases of sarcoidosis, 40 cases of suspected sarcoidosis, 45 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, 39 cases of pulmonary infections, 17 cases of bronchogenic carcinoma and 60 healthy persons as control. The result showed, that the patients suffering from sarcoidosis had the highest positive rate of anti-BB-antibody levels, whereas the positive rate of anti-BB-antibody levels in patients suffering from suspected sarcoidosis, pulmonary infections and tuberculosis was lower than that in patients suffering from sarcoidosis. Patients suffering from bronchogenic carcinoma and healthy controls had the lowest levels of anti-BB-antibody. It was suggested that sarcoidosis may have some relationship with infection.

[Borrelia burgdorferi may be the causal agent of sarcoidosis]

Serum antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi was measured in 33 patients with sarcoidosis who were confirmed clinically and pathologically. The results showed that 81.8% of the patients were positive. In addition, a strain of Borrelia burgdorferi was isolated from a patient's blood. Fourteen patients received ceftriaxone 2 g per day and/or penicillin 12 million per day and a patient received lincomycin 1.2 g per day. The antibody titer of the patients turned to normal level, their SACE turned to normal range, and chest X-ray findings were markedly improved in 3 cases after the treatment. According to the facts mentioned above, we consider that Borrelia burgdorferi may be the causal agent of sarcoidosis and sarcoidosis might be a special type of Lyme disease.

Borrelia burgdorferi infection may be the cause of sarcoidosis

Serum antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi was measured in 33 patients with sarcoidosis which was confirmed clinically and pathologically. The results showed that 81.8% of the patients were positive for anti-B. burgdorferi antibody. In addition, a strain of B. burgdorferi was isolated from a patient's blood. Fifteen patients received ceftriaxone 2g per day or penicillin 12 million U per day. The antibody titers of the patients decreased to nearly normal levels rapidly. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (SACE) turned to normal range after the treatment. According to the findings mentioned above, we consider that B. burgdorferi infection may be the cause of sarcoidosis and sarcoidosis might be a specific type of Lyme disease.

[Clinical value of serum copper, zinc and copper/zinc ratio in the differentiation of sarcoidosis from pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary carcinoma]

Serum Cu, SZn and SCu/Zn ratio were studied in 14 patients with sarcoidosis, 72 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 15 patients with pulmonary carcinoma and 50 healthy persons as control. The results were: no significant differences were found between control group and sarcoidosis group in SCu, SZn and SCu/Zn ratio. In tuberculosis group and carcinoma group SCu increased and SZn decreased. Therefore, the SCu/Zn ratio increased significantly. The results suggested that SCu less than 1.2 ppm (means + 2 s), SZn greater than 0.8 ppm (means - 2 s) and SCu/Zn ratio less than 1.5 were helpful for the differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis from pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary carcinoma.