Analysis of proteins released from osteoarthritic cartilage by compressive loading

In osteoarthritis (OA), synovial pathology may be induced by proteins released from degenerated cartilage. This study was conducted to identify the proteins released from OA cartilage. OA cartilage was obtained from OA knees at macroscopically preserved areas (PRES) and degenerated areas (DEG), while control cartilage (CONT) was collected from non-arthritic knees. Released proteins were obtained from these cartilage samples by repeatedly applying compressive loading, which simulated loading on cartilage in vivo. The released proteins were analyzed comprehensively by antibody array analyses and a quantitative proteomic analysis. For several proteins, the exact amounts released were determined by Luminex assays. The amount of active TGF-β that was released was determined by an assay using genetically-engineered HEK cells. The results of the antibody array and proteomic analyses revealed that various biologically active proteins are released from OA cartilage, particularly from DEG, by loading. The Luminex assay confirmed that several alarmins, complement proteins C3a and C5a, and several angiogenic proteins including FGF-1, FGF-2 and VEGF-A were released in greater amounts from DEG than from CONT. The HEK cell assay indicated that active TGF-β was released from DEG at biologically significant levels. These findings may be helpful in understanding the pathology of OA.

Accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid-derived metabolites in the sarcopenic muscle of aging mice

AIM

Although it is known that advanced age alters skeletal muscle lipid metabolism, the role(s) of polyunsaturated fatty acid-derived metabolites (mostly eicosanoids and docosanoids) in sarcopenia are not clear. We therefore examined the changes in the metabolites of arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in the sarcopenic muscle of aged mice.

METHODS

We used 6- and 24-month-old male C57BL/6J mice as healthy and sarcopenic muscle models, respectively. Skeletal muscles were removed from the lower limb and subjected to a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

RESULTS

The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis detected distinct changes of metabolites in the muscles of the aged mice. Of the 63 metabolites identified, nine were significantly higher in the sarcopenic muscle of aged mice compared with the healthy muscle of young mice. In particular, prostaglandin E₂ , prostaglandin F_2a , thromboxane B₂ , 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, and 15-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid (arachidonic acid-derived metabolites), 12-hydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acid and 14,15-epoxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (eicosapentaenoic acid-derived metabolites) and 10-hydroxydocosa-hexaenoic acid and 14-hydroxyoctadeca-pentaenoic acid (docosahexaenoic acid-derived metabolites) were significantly higher in aged tissue compared with young tissue (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed the accumulation of metabolites in the sarcopenic muscle of aged mice. Our results may provide new insights into the pathogenesis and progression of aging- or disease-related sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int ••; ••: ••-•• Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; ••: ••-••.

Cutaneous methotrexate-related T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder with CD4, CD30, CD56, EBV-positive tumor cell infiltration: a case illustration and a brief review

Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used anti-metabolite agent. Long-term MTX treatment can cause MTX-related lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD). T-cell LPDs comprise a small fraction of MTX-LPDs. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)⁺ tumor cells are rarely detected in MTX-related T-cell LPDs (MTX T-LPDs). Therefore, there have been very few reports of EBV⁺ MTX T-LPD. We encountered a case of cutaneous MTX T-LPD with a unique cellular phenotype. The patient was a 71-year-old Japanese man with rheumatoid arthritis treated with MTX for 6 years. He was referred to our department with a 6-month history of red plaques and ulcerated lesions in both lower legs and a 2-week history of high fever and fatigue. Cutaneous specimens showed that medium-sized atypical lymphocytes were positive for CD3, CD4, CD30, CD56, and in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA. The patient was diagnosed with cutaneous MTX T-LPD. Four months after discontinuation of MTX, the skin lesions had disappeared. This is the first report of cutaneous MTX T-LPD with CD4⁺CD30⁺CD56⁺EBV⁺ tumor cells.

The attenuation of insulin-like growth factor signaling may be responsible for relative reduction in matrix synthesis in degenerated areas of osteoarthritic cartilage

Background

In osteoarthritis (OA), cartilage matrix is lost gradually despite enhanced matrix synthesis by chondrocytes. This paradox may be explained, at least partly, by reduced chondrocyte anabolism in degenerated area of OA cartilage. However, to date, it is not known why chondrocyte anabolism is suppressed in those areas.

Methods

Cartilage was obtained from control knees and end-stage OA knees in macroscopically preserved areas and degenerated areas, and gene expression was analyzed in respective regions of cartilage using laser capture microdissection and qPCR. For the cartilage protein analysis, cartilage was obtained from preserved areas and degenerated areas of OA knees in pairs, and proteins were extracted using urea buffer. Protein concentrations were determined by Luminex and compared between the areas. Cartilage explants prepared from preserved areas and degenerated areas of OA knees were cultured in the presence or absence of an AKT inhibitor, and the gene expression was evaluated by qPCR. Finally, the expression of SP1 was evaluated in OA and control cartilage, and the significance of Sp1 on the expression of IGF1R and IRS1 was investigated in experiments using primary cultured chondrocytes.

Results

Within OA cartilage, the expression of IGF-1, IGF-2, IGF1R and IRS1 was reduced in degenerated areas compared to preserved areas, while the expression of all six IGF-binding protein genes examined was enhanced in the former areas. Consistent results were obtained by a protein analysis. In explant culture, the inhibition of AKT signaling abrogated the abundant matrix gene expression in the preserved areas over the degenerated areas, indicating that suppressed matrix synthesis in degenerated areas may be ascribed, at least partly, to attenuated IGF signaling. Within OA cartilage, the expression of Sp1 was considerably reduced in severely degenerated areas compared to preserved areas, which correlated well with the expression of IGF1R and IRS1. In experiments using primary cultured chondrocytes, the expression of IGF1R and IRS1 was enhanced by the induction of Sp1 expression and reduced by the suppression of Sp1 expression.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that attenuated IGF signaling may be responsible, at least partly, for the reduced matrix synthesis in degenerated areas of OA cartilage.

Related factors, increased mortality and causes of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease

Objectives: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a life-threatening extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to clarify the relationship between chronic ILD with a pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) or non-UIP and mortality in RA patients.Methods: We retrospectively surveyed information of consecutive RA patients who visited our hospital from 2009 to 2014. The relationship between their mortality and chronic ILD (UIP or non-UIP) detected by high-resolution computed tomography was examined.Results: Of 2702 patients enrolled, 261 (9.7%) had chronic ILD and among these 120 had a UIP pattern. At the onset of RA, the prevalence of chronic ILD was 6%. Patients with chronic ILD had a higher mortality than those without. The most frequent cause of death was pneumonia including acute exacerbation (AE) of chronic ILD. Lung cancer death was frequently identified in deceased patients with chronic ILD with a UIP pattern compared with the other decedents (p=.062). The estimated mortality of lung cancer in patients with chronic ILD with a UIP pattern was five times higher than the general population.Conclusion: RA patients with ILD with a UIP pattern have a high mortality rate and are prone to die of AE or lung cancer.

A proteomic analysis of serum-derived exosomes in rheumatoid arthritis

Background

To understand the roles of serum exosomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we comprehensively investigated the protein profiles of serum exosomes in patients with RA.

Methods

Exosomes were isolated from serum samples obtained from 33 patients (12 with active RA [aRA], 11 with inactive RA [iRA], 10 with osteoarthritis [OA]) and 10 healthy donors (HLs). Proteins extracted from the exosomes were separated by two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and identified by mass spectrometry.

Results

In total, 204 protein spots were detected by 2D-DIGE. In the aRA, iRA, and OA groups, 24, 5, and 7 spots showed approximately ≥ ±1.3-fold intensity differences compared with the HL group, respectively. We were able to identify proteins in six protein spots. Among them, the protein spot identified as Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) showed approximately 6-fold higher intensity in the aRA group than in the other groups.

Conclusions

Patients with active RA possessed considerably different protein profiles of serum exosomes from patients with iRA, patients with OA, and healthy donors. The unique protein profile of serum exosomes, such as the possession of abundant TLR3 fragments, may reflect the pathophysiology of active RA.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s41927-018-0041-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effects of methotrexate and salazosulfapyridine on protein profiles of exosomes derived from a human synovial sarcoma cell line of SW982

PURPOSE

To elucidate effects of salazosulfapyridine (SASP) and methotrexate (MTX), major anti-rheumatic drugs, on exosomes derived from SW982 of a human synovial sarcoma cell line.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

SW982 was treated with SASP and/or MTX under interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-treated or nontreated conditions. Exosomes were isolated from the culture media, and exosomal proteome was analyzed by 2D-DIGE. Protein spots whose intensity was significantly altered by the above treatments were identified by MS.

RESULTS

Two hundred ninety-four protein spots were detected in the exosome preparations by 2D-DIGE. Compared to the nontreated cells, SASP-, MTX-, and (SASP + MTX)-treated cells displayed 8, 10, and 21 exosomal protein spots with more than ±2.0-fold intensity differences (p < 0.05), respectively. Similarly, the IL-1β-treated cells displayed 58 exosomal protein spots with more than ±1.5-fold intensity differences (p < 0.05). In about half of the 58 spots, the IL-1β-induced intensity changes were suppressed by simultaneous addition of SASP and/or MTX. Most of the identified proteins were immunity- or anti-oxidation-related proteins.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The SASP and/or MTX treatments altered the protein profiles of exosomes and suppressed the effects of IL-1β on the exosomal proteome. Exosomes may play roles in the actions of these anti-rheumatic drugs.

Neutrophil CD64 is upregulated in RA patients with lymphoma but not in other solid cancers

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of quantifying CD64 expression on neutrophils in rheumatoid arthritis patients with malignancy, especially its diagnostic role in lymphoma.

METHODS

We used flow cytometry to quantify CD64 expression on neutrophils from patients diagnosed with malignancy during the follow-up period prior to initiating treatment.

RESULTS

Neutrophils from 18 patients with lymphoma expressed significantly higher levels of CD64 (9635.6 ± 2123.7 molecules/cell) than those from 32 patients with other solid cancers (carcinoma) (1250.5 ± 91.1 molecules/cell) (p < 0.001). When the cutoff value was set at 2060 molecules/cell, the sensitivity and specificity of CD64 for diagnosing lymphoma was 88.9% and 94.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The quantitative measurement of neutrophil CD64 by flow cytometry may be useful as a subsidiary diagnostic marker in patients with suspected lymphoma. Although neutrophil CD64 is currently a well-known marker of infection, it is necessary to bear in mind that lymphoma is also a candidate in differential diagnosis when CD64 expression on neutrophils is upregulated.

Incidence of malignancy and the risk of lymphoma in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to the general population

OBJECTIVE

Recent advances in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increased the rates of disease remission and patient life expectancy, while malignancy has become a more common cause of death. Here, we report the incidence of malignancy in a nationwide survey of Japanese patients with RA compared to the general population, focusing on the risk of lymphoma, which often arises in patients with RA.

METHODS

Data on the occurrence of malignancy were collected from patients registered in a nationwide Japanese cohort database, the National Database of Rheumatic Diseases by iR-net in Japan, from 2003 to 2012. To adjust for different population composition and to compare the incidence of malignancy with the general population, standardized incidence rates (SIR) were calculated. To identify risk factors for lymphoma, individual patient data were obtained for multivariate analysis for the year before lymphoma diagnosis.

RESULTS

In 10 years, the cohort composed of 66,953 patient-years yielded 559 malignancies, most frequently lung cancer, followed by gastric cancer, breast cancer, and lymphoma. The overall incidence of malignancies in patients with RA was slightly lower than in the general population (SIR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.97). However, lymphoma risk was significantly higher (SIR 3.43, 95% CI 2.59-4.28), whereas risk of colon, rectal, or liver cancer was lower. Significant risk factors for lymphoma were the use of methotrexate or tacrolimus, and higher age.

CONCLUSION

Patients with RA had no higher overall incidence of malignancies, but lymphoma was significantly more frequent than in the general population.

Sources of organic matter in first flush runoff from urban roadways

This study aims to explore the influential sources of organic matter in first flush runoff from urban roadways by comparing organic carbon content and particle size distribution in road dust with those from discharge from vehicles during rainfall. Samples on first flush runoff and road dust were collected from urban roadways. In addition, vehicle drainage was assumed to flow from vehicles during rainfall events, so vehicle wash-off water was collected by spraying water onto the top and from the underside of vehicles to simulate accumulation during a vehicle run. In road dust, the organic carbon content in the <0.2 mm fraction was about twice that of the 0.2-2 mm fraction. The particle size distributions of both first flush runoff and vehicle wash-off water were similar, and particles <0.2 mm contributed to over 95% of the total volume. The dissolved organic carbon concentration in the vehicle wash-off water was considerably higher than that in the road dust/water mixture. The total organic carbon content in road dust was positively correlated with annual daily traffic. Therefore, vehicles were thought to strongly influence the nature of road dust.

In vitro synergistic effects of zoledronic acid and calcium on viability of human epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw is a common complication with defective wound healing of oral mucosa and frequently occurs in patients receiving zoledronic acid (ZA). The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate whether ZA has a cytotoxic effect at clinically relevant concentrations on epithelial cells when calcium conditions are altered.

METHODS

HaCaT human keratinocyte cells were treated with ZA in the presence of various concentrations of calcium. The concentrations of ZA included submicromolar ones, which are comparable with those found in the plasma of patients. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using MTT assay and annexin V flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Under standard culture conditions, cell growth was inhibited at 1 μM of ZA or above, but was unaffected by lower concentrations. However, when calcium concentrations were moderately increased, cell viability was decreased and apoptosis was induced at 0.2-0.3 μM of ZA. Moreover, a 50% reduction in serum in the hypercalcemic medium resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability at a much lower concentration (0.05 μM).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that clinically relevant concentrations of ZA, which alone have little effects, can be toxic to the epithelial cells depending on the conditions of extracellular calcium.

Removal of high concentration ammonia from wastewater by a combination of partial nitrification and anammox treatment

Attached growth reactors were developed separately for solids retention time (SRT)-controlled partial nitrification and for anaerobic ammonia oxidation (Anammox) treatment, and a new nitrogen removal process is proposed for wastewater containing highly concentrated ammonia. For partial nitrification, an attached growth medium of polyurethane foam was used. Partial nitrification was achieved stably under a SRT of 4 days, and the abundance ratio of NO2(-)-N to the sum of NH4(+)-N, NO2(-)-N and NO3(-)-N was approximately 0.8 after 10 days. Under a SRT of4 days, the amoA gene concentrations of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria increased from 1 x 10(8) to 7 x 10(8) copies/l, whereas the 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene concentrations of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria did not increase. These results indicate that SRT-controlled operation is a promising technology for achieving partial nitrification. For the Anammox treatment, an attached growth medium of non-woven fabric was used. Inorganic nitrogen removal of approximately 80-90% was observed at an inorganic nitrogen loading rate of over 10 kgN/(m3-medium.d) and an influent nitrogen concentration of 400 mgN/l. Our non-woven fabric reactor showed similar or superior Anammox performance to that reported previously. By using a combination of these two rectors, we can develop a method that combines partial nitrification and Anammox treatment for effective and stable nitrogen removal.

Degradation characteristics of polylactide in thermophilic anaerobic digestion with hyperthermophilic solubilization condition

To test whether hyperthermophilic treatment promotes polylactide (PLA) dissolution and methane conversion under anaerobic digestion conditions, a single thermophilic control reactor (55 °C) and a two-phase system consisting of a hyperthermophilic reactor (80 °C) and a thermophilic reactor (55 °C) were continuously fed with a mixture of PLA and artificial kitchen garbage. In Runs 1 and 2, the PLA dissolution ratios in the two-phase system were 79.2 ± 6.5% and 85.2 ± 7.0%, respectively, higher than those of the control. Batch experimental results indicated that hyperthermophilic treatment could promote PLA dissolution to a greater degree as compared with single thermophilic treatment and that ammonia addition also had a promotional effect on PLA dissolution. In the two-phase system, after hyperthermophilic treatment, dissolved PLA was converted to methane gas under the subsequent thermophilic condition.

Kinetic model of thermophilic L-lactate fermentation by Bacillus coagulans combined with real-time PCR quantification

A simple L-lactate fermentation of organic wastes at pH 5.5 and 55 degrees C under nonsterile conditions using Bacillus coagulans can be suitable for L-lactate fermentation of garbage. A mathematical model that simulated the lactate fermentation characteristics of B. coagulans was developed by focusing on the inhibitory effects of substrate, lactate (product) and NaCl, and bacterial growth. Basic fermentation experiments were performed using simple substrates to derive fundamental parameters of growth rate and inhibition effects. The model was then applied to fermentations using simple substrates and artificial kitchen garbage in order to verify its applicability. Microbial concentration, a key state variable of the model was measured using both real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and traditional methods. The results of these methods were compared for experimental cases in which only soluble substrates were used. B. coagulans concentrations were suitably measured using real-time PCR, even when traditional measurement methods for microbial concentrations cannot be used. The results indicate that the developed model and biomass measurement can be used to evaluate lactate fermentations using both simple and complex substrates. These proposed methods would be useful for developing a new bacterial function-based mathematical model for more complex acid fermentations.

RO filtration of biologically treated textile and dyeing effluents using ozonation as a pre-treatment

Bench-scale experiments were conducted to investigate the application of ozonation pre-treatment for biologically treated textile and dyeing wastewater to improve performance of the RO process. Based on ozonation experiments, four specific ozone consumptions (SOC), 0, 0.3, 0.6, 4.0 mg O₃/mg DOC₀ were chosen for study of the effects of ozonation on the reverse osmosis (RO) process. Membrane flux was recorded. Also, the permeate water quality parameters such as TOC, conductivity were analyzed. In addition, fouled membrane cleaning was studied. The study further examined the nature and mechanisms of membrane fouling using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The effect of ozonation on RO filtration was found to depend on SOC. The study revealed that significant improvement can be achieved in the efficiency of RO filtration by employing ozonation with 0.6 mg O₃/mg DOC₀ SOC. Although the product water purity slightly decreased, the ozonation pre-treatment showed advantages at 0.6 mg O₃/mg DOC₀ SOC for the following: (i) mitigation of flux decline due to membrane fouling; (ii) improvement in foulants cleanability. In addition, hypotheses were put forward to explain the reasons from the aspect of organic matter characteristics changed by ozonation, such as changing on functional groups and molecular weight of organic matter.

Evaluation of a novel oxidation ditch system for biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal from domestic sewage

A novel oxidation ditch system using anaerobic tanks and innovative dual dissolved oxygen (DO) control technology is proposed for biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal from domestic sewage. A continuous bench-scale experiment running for more than 300 days was performed to evaluate the system. Monitoring and controlling the airflow and recirculation flow rate independently using DO values at two points along the ditch permitted maintenance of aerobic and anoxic zone ratios of around 0.30 and 0.50, respectively. The ability to optimize aerobic and anoxic zone ratios using the dual DO control technology meant that a total nitrogen removal efficiency of 83.2-92.9% could be maintained. This remarkable nitrogen removal performance minimized the nitrate recycle to anaerobic tanks inhibiting the phosphorus release. Hence, the total phosphorus removal efficiency was also improved and ranged within 72.6-88.0%. These results demonstrated that stabilization of the aerobic and anoxic zone ratio by dual DO control technology not only resulted in a marked improvement of nitrogen removal, but it also enhanced phosphorus removal.

Modeling of decomposition characteristics of estrogenic chemicals during ozonation

The purposes of this study were to develop a refined model for simulation of ozonation of estrogenic chemicals under different conditions and to investigate the behaviors of estrogenic by-products using the model. In the cases of ozonation of 17-estradiol (E2), bisphenol-A (BPA) and nonylphenol (NP) in aqueous solution, it can be concluded that the liquid film resistances are larger than bulk resistances, and thus most of the reaction occurs in liquid bulk. E2, BPA and NP are easily decomposed producing by-products of ozonation, but the estrogenicity of these chemicals and the by-products reduced with increase in ozonation time. Through this research, ozonation was shown to be a promising method to decompose E2, BPA and NP and to reduce the estrogenicity of these chemicals.

The performance and microbial diversity of temperature-phased hyperthermophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion system fed with organic waste

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performances and microbial diversities for development of the effective hyperthermophilic digester system that consists of a hyperthermophilic reactor and hyperthermophilic or thermophilic reactor in series. Lab-scale reactors were operated continuously fed with artificial kitchen garbage. The effect of temperature on the acidification step was firstly investigated. Results indicated that 20.8% of COD solubilization was achieved at 70 degrees C, with 12.6% at 80 degrees C. The average protein solubilization reached 31% at 80 degrees C. Methane conversion efficiency following the acidification was around 85% on average at 55 degrees C, but decreased with increasing temperature and methane gas was not produced over 73 degrees C. As well, bacteria affiliated with the methanogens dominated the population below 65 degrees C, while those affiliated with acidogens were predominant over 73 degrees C. These results indicated that the hyperthermophilic process has considerable benefits to treat wastewater or waste containing high concentration of protein.

Effects of pH and temperature on products and bacterial community in L-lactate batch fermentation of garbage under unsterile condition

Acidogenesis fermentation of artificial garbage without sterile condition was conducted in batch mode to investigate effects of cultivation pH (5.5, 6.0, 6.5) and temperature (45, 50, 55 degrees C). Bacteria exiting natively in the garbage were utilized in this study; in turn, no specific seed was inoculated. The results indicated that only one set of operational conditions (pH 5.5 and 55 degrees C) led to L-lactate fermentation. Obtained yield of lactate based on initial carbohydrate was around 0.5 and optical purity of L-lactate was around 99%. In this study, three typical cases, which were L-lactate, racemic lactate and butyrate fermentation, were observed depended on sets of cultivation pH and temperature. Microbial structures of typical cases were also identified with using 16S rDNA libraries. The analysis indicated that Bacillus coagulans produced L-lactate. Lactobacillus amylolyticus, which produces racemic lactate, and Clostridium thermopalmarium, which produces butyrate, were also detected on each typical sample. L. amylolyticus and C. thermopalmarium would be eliminated by setting cultivation temperature of 55 degrees C and above, and pH 5.5 and below, respectively. From a series of this study, operational conditions of pH 5.5 and temperature of 55 degrees C would be potentially suitable for L-lactate fermentation of garbage with view of efficiency and stability of its production.

Semi-continuous L-lactate fermentation of garbage without sterile condition and analysis of the microbial structure

In order to develop a simple L-lactate fermentation of organic wastes, acidogenic fermentation was investigated in semi-continuous culture at 55 degrees C with using unsterilized artificial garbage as feedstock. And, sludge from a thermophilic acidification reactor was inoculated at the start of the fermentation. The effects of pH and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on performance of L-lactate production were discussed in a series of operational conditions with regard to long-term stability. The best operational conditions for L-lactate fermentation are proposed to be 55 degrees C, pH 6 and HRT of 10 days to get the highest yield of lactate based on initial carbohydrate in the feedstock. The yield of 0.74 and produced L-lactate optical purity of 96.7% were obtained on these operational conditions. Another L-lactate fermentation, which were semi-continuous and batch mode operations, were conducted to present reproducibility of the fermentation. Microbial structures in the semi-continuous fermentations were analyzed with using 16S rDNA libraries, and Bacillus coagulans was shown to be the most predominant species in the L-lactate fermented cultural broth.

Ozonation parameter for removal of oestrogenicity from secondary effluent without by-products

The purposes of this study are to investigate ozonation characteristics, to evaluate oestrogenicity and to confirm behaviours of by-products during ozonation of secondary effluent. For the ozonation of secondary effluent, TOC was decreased only 10% when 4 (mgO3/mgC) of ozone consumption per initial TOC. However, UV254 and SUVA was decreased approximately 65% until ozone consumption of 2 (mgO3/mgC). Ozonation was also shown to be very effective for decrease of oestrogenicity in secondary effluent. Bromate ion started to form obviously when the ozone consumption per initial TOC exceeded 2 (mgO3/mgC) and increased while the time of ozonation became longer. From these results, ozone consumption per initial TOC was shown to be an appropriate operation parameter to reduce SUVA effectively and E2 equivalent concentration to less than 0.1 nM without significant formation of bromate ion, and its value was determined to be 2 (mgO3/mgC) in ozonation of secondary effluent.

Microbial population dynamics in a thermophilic methane digester fed with garbage

The diversity of microbial communities in three full-scale thermophilic anaerobic digesters which treated garbage, sewage sludge and livestock wastes (hereafter called TGD, TSD and TLD, respectively) was investigated using 16S rDNA clone libraries in triplicate. The population dynamics of TGD were also studied. The purposes were to show the microbial diversity in each reactor and to suggest which key microbes in a thermophilic methane digester fed with garbage, including a check of reproducibility and the suggestion of an error range in this molecular biology method. 736 clones were identified, and the maximum error was estimated to be around +/-10% for the same OTU (operational taxonomic unit) and for most detected OTUs. The most frequently detected OTU shows a close relationship to Uncultured bacterium clone MBA08, Unidentified bacterium clone TUG22 and Uncultured archaeal symbiont PA204 in TGD, TSD and TLD, respectively. The microbial population dynamics in TGD were studied over a period of 90 days, and the occupying ratios of Bacillus infernus and Methanothermobacter wolfeii were shown to change with the change in VFA concentration. From the dynamic change and characteristics of the microbes, it is concluded that Bacillus infernus and Methanothermobacter wolfeii played an important role and were recommended as key microbes in TGD.

Application of biological activated carbon anaerobic reactor for treatment of hazardous chemicals

An expanded-bed anaerobic reactor with granular activated carbon (GAC) medium has been developed to treat wastewaters that contain a high concentration of inhibitory and/or refractory organic compounds as well as readily degradable organic compounds. The process is characterised by a combination of two removal mechanisms; adsorption on GAC and biological degradation by microorganisms grown on GAC. Applicability of the reactor to treatment of phenol, chloroacetaldehyde (CAA), pentachlorophenol (PCP) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) was discussed based on experimental data. All chemicals focused on here were removed well and stably at a removal efficiency of more than 98% even during starting operation and shock load operation. Chemicals in influent that exceeded biological degradation capacity was initially adsorbed on GAC and then gradually degraded, and hence the adsorptive capacity of GAC was regenerated biologically. These results proved that a biological activated carbon anaerobic reactor was effective for treatment of wastewater containing hazardous chemicals, especially for strongly absorbable chemicals, as well as readily degradable organic compounds at high concentration.

Operation of a new sewage treatment process with technologies of excess sludge reduction and phosphorus recovery

This paper shows the potential application of a new sewage treatment process with technologies of excess sludge reduction and phosphorus recovery. The process incorporated ozonation for excess sludge reduction and crystallisation process for phosphorus recovery to a conventional anaerobic/oxic (A/O) phosphorus removal process. A lab-scale continuous operation experiment was conducted with the ratio of sludge flow rate to ozonation tank of 1.1% of sewage inflow under 30 to 40 mgO3/gSS of ozone consumption and with sludge wasting ratio of 0.34% (one-fifth of a conventional A/O process). Throughout the operational experiment, a 60% reduction of excess sludge production was achieved in the new process. A biomass concentration of 2300 mg/L was maintained, and the accumulation of inactive biomass was not observed. The new process was estimated to give a phosphorus recovery degree of more than 70% as an advantage of excess sludge reduction. The slight increase in effluent COD was observed, but the process performance was maintained at a satisfactory level. These facts demonstrate an effectiveness of the new process for excess sludge reduction as well as for phosphorus recovery.

Control of bromate ion and brominated organic compounds formation during ozone/hydrogen peroxide treatment of secondary effluent

Ozonation and ozone process combined with hydrogen peroxide have been identified as new technologies for direct or indirect reuse of wastewater. This study aims to establish appropriate conditions to control the formation of BrO3 and brominated organic compounds during O3/H2O2 treatment of secondary effluents of sewage. When the H2O2/O3 mole ratio of injection was above 0.5 and the DO3 concentration was below 0.1 mg/L, BrO3 was controlled as well as treatment purpose was completed. TOBr formation in O3/H2O2 treatment was also completely controlled.

Bacteriological study of autologous cryoprecipitate-derived fibrin glue as the operative sealant

Fibrin glue (FG) is frequently used to seal and cover the anastomoses in many operations such as cardiovascular surgery or orthopaedic surgery. However, in case of gastrointestinal surgery, anastomoses are potentially contaminated, and FG may promote bacterial growth, increasing the risk of leakage. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of cryoprecipitate-derived FG (CryoFG) on bacterial growth. Bacterial growth on the CryoFG and on the commercial FG (Beriplast P) was evaluated and compared with that on control medium. In addition, the complement activities were evaluated by heat inactivation or addition of guinea-pig complement to the experimental settings. The CryoFG inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, whereas the commercial FG had no effect. Heat inactivation of the CryoFG inhibited the bactericidal effect of CryoFG. Addition of guinea-pig complement to the heat-inactivated CryoFG could almost restore the bactericidal activity, suggesting the important role of complement. This study showed that the CryoFG preserved the complement activity, which inhibited the in vitro growth of E. coli. Therefore, we concluded that the application of the CryoFG for gastrointestinal surgical anastomoses not only would be safe but also has the advantage of reducing bacterial infection.

Advanced sewage treatment process with excess sludge reduction and phosphorus recovery

An advanced sewage treatment process has been developed, in which excess sludge reduction by ozonation and phosphorus recovery by crystallization process are incorporated to a conventional anaerobic/oxic (A/O) phosphorus removal process. The mathematical model was developed to describe the mass balance principal at a steady state of this process. Sludge ozonation experiments were carried out to investigate solubilization characteristics of sludge and change in microbial activity by using sludge cultured with feed of synthetic sewage under A/O process. Phosphorus was solubilized by ozonation as well as organics, and acid-hydrolyzable phosphorus (AHP) was the most part of solubilized phosphorus for phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAOs) containing sludge. At solubilization of 30%, around 70% of sludge was inactivated by ozonation. The results based on these studies indicated that the proposed process configuration has potential to reduce the excess sludge production as well as to recover phosphorus in usable forms. The system performance results show that this system is practical, in which 30% of solubilization degree was achieved by ozonation. In this study, 30% of solubilization was achieved at 30 mgO(3)/gSS of ozone consumption.

The effects of dissolved organic matter on the decomposition of di-n-butyl phthalate by ozone/hydrogen peroxide process

The effects of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the ozone decay and the di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) decomposition during ozone/hydrogen peroxide (O3/H2O2) process were investigated (DBP-d4 was used instead of DBP). Four surface waters, two secondary municipal sewage effluents (SMSEfs) and Suwannee river natural organic matter were used as DOM. The ozone decompositions in the DOM solutions were separated by instantaneous ozone consumption and slower ozone decay. The effect of H2O2 addition on the ozone decay was clearly observed at slower ozone decay. Ozone decomposition rate at slower ozone decay increased linearly with H2O2 dose. DBP-d4 was exponentially decreased with ozone consumption. Ozone consumption required to decompose 90% of DBP-d4 ((deltaO3)90%) in SMSEFs was higher than those in surface waters. The (deltaO3)90% per DOC of DOM values were from 22 to 23 micromole/mgC for SMSEFs and from 10 to 17 micromole/mgC for surface waters. The (deltaO3)90% values were correlated to specific ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA254) for surface waters.

Removal and recovery of phosphate and ammonium as struvite from supernatant in anaerobic digestion

Removal of phosphorus and nitrogen is required to prevent eutrophication problems in lakes and enclosed coastal seas. And recovery of phosphorus from wastewater has been attracting attention because of lack in phosphorus resources in the near future. In this study, reaction kinetics and design parameters of struvite production are experimentally investigated by using basic reaction type and a draft-tube type reactors. Struvite production rate, which is a very important parameter in reactor design and efficiency estimation, is formulated in an equation consisting of a rate constant (k2), and magnesium, phosphate and ammonium concentrations. The value of k2 is shown to be increased with struvite concentration and mixing intensity in the reactor. The developed equation is applied to the results obtained from the draft-tube type reactor experiments and verified for its applicability. High struvite concentration of 10-25% is maintained in the draft-tube reactor experiments. 92% removal and recovery efficiency with effluent phosphorus concentration of 17 mg/L is achieved under the conditions of 4 minutes reaction time, pH of 8.5 and Mg/P molar ratio of 1.1.

Effect of dissolved oxygen conditions on nitrogen removal in continuously fed intermittent-aeration process with two tanks

In this study, an intermittent aeration type activated sludge process that is fed continuously is evaluated for nitrogen and organic carbon for facilities in rural areas, which are characterized by small scale, low loading rate and automatic operation. Anoxic and aerobic conditions can be regulated alternatively by intermittent aeration for biological nitrogen removal. It is proved that an intermittent aeration cycle of 90 min, with aeration/anoxic mixing periods of 25-30 min/65-60 min in Tank 1, and 30-45 min/60-45 min in Tank 2, and a DO control set at 0.6-1 mg/L during the aeration period are required for satisfactory treatment performance. Under these conditions, a stable effluent water quality with BOD < or = 5 mg/L, CODMn < or = 8 mg/L, Nitrogen < or = 3 mgN/L, SS < or = 5 mg/L and transparency > or = 80 cm can be achieved. The solids retention time in aerobic condition was 10-25 d, which is sufficient for nitrification.

Nitrogen nutrient removals from wastewater and river water

Elevated levels of nutrients in agroindustry wastewaters, and higher reliance on chlorination pose health threats due to formation of chlorinated organics as well as increased chlorination costs. Removals of ammonium and nitrate compounds were studied using activated carbon from palm shells, as adsorbent and support media. Experiments were carried out at several loadings, F:M from 0.31 to 0.58, and hydraulic residence times (HRT) of 24 h, 12 h and 8 h. Results show that the wastewater treatment process achieved removals of over 90% for COD and 62% for Total-N. Studies on removals from river water were carried out in sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and activated carbon biofilm (ACB) reactor. Removals achieved by the SBR adsorption-biodegradation combination were 67.0% for COD, 58.8% for NH3-N and 25.5% for NO3-N while for adsorption alone the removals were only 37.0% for COD, 35.2% for NH3-N and 13.8% for NO3-N. In the ACB reactor, at HRT of 1.5 to 6 h, removals ranged from 12.5 to 100% for COD, 16.7 to 100% for NO3-N and 13.5 to 100% for NH3-N. Significant decrease in removals was shown at lower HRT. The studies have shown that substantial removals of COD, NO3-N and NH3-N from both wastewater and river water may be achieved via adsorption-biodegradation by biofilm on activated carbon processes.

Evaluation of the treatment performance of a multistage ozone/hydrogen peroxide process by decomposition by-products

The performance of a multistage ozone/hydrogen peroxide (O3/H2O2) process was evaluated with respect to total organic carbon (TOC) removal of waste waters. An aqueous humic acid solution (5.2 mgC l(-1) as TOC) and a sand filtered secondary sewerage effluent (5.6mgC l(-1) as TOC) were used as model waste waters. Appropriate range of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) dose at each stage depended upon the components of the tested solutions that changed as the process proceeded. Higher hydrogen peroxide dose was required at later stages in which low reactivity compounds with hydroxyl radical (HO*), low molecular fatty acids, were predominant. And, oxalic acid concentration related to H2O2 demand at later stages. This was assumed that the slow decomposition of oxalic acid was rate-determining step for TOC removal after its accumulation. Also, it is important to maintain dissolved ozone at low concentration for efficient TOC removal because rapid ozone consumption is required for the rapid formation of hydroxyl radical (HO*).

Effects of recombinant human erythropoietin therapy on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis system

This study was designed to examine the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) therapy on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients scheduled for elective heart surgery and undergoing preoperative autologous blood donation. Twenty-seven patients were studied, of whom 16 patients received rHuEPO (group E) and 11 patients no rHuEPO therapy (group N). The patients in group E were given 6000 units of rHuEPO intravenously every other day, three times a week, beginning from two weeks prior to the operation. In both groups, 400 ml of blood was collected preoperatively for predeposit once a week for two weeks, and the self-donated blood was returned to the patient intra- and postoperatively. Blood samples were drawn at the beginning of the study, immediately before the operation and two weeks after the operation. They were analyzed to assess blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, platelet function and vascular endothelial cell function, in order to examine the effects of the administration of rHuEPO. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in the degree of changes in these parameters following the operation. As enhancement of blood coagulability and fibrinolytic activity was evident postoperatively in both groups, changes in these parameters during the preoperative autologous blood donation period were also assessed excluding the postoperative data. Again, there was no significant intergroup difference in any of the markers evaluated. It was concluded that the administration of rHuEPO during preoperative autologous blood donation is unlikely to affect coagulation and fibrinolysis.

Advanced treatment of sewage by pre-coagulation and biofilm process

Treatment performance and operational parameters of a pre-coagulation and biofilm process were experimentally discussed with the pilot-scale plant treating actual municipal sewage. Perfect nitrification was accomplished within total hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 4 h at 20% volumetric added ratio of attached-growth media of biofilm in the aerobic tanks under temperature conditions as low as 17 degrees C. Treatment efficiencies in organic matter, T-N and T-P were high and stable with the total HRT of 8 h in the biological reactor. Concentrations of T-N and T-P in effluent were kept about 2 mgN/L and under 1 mgP/L, respectively. Attached growth bacterial mass and the potential activity of nitrification and denitrification in each tank in cold season were high enough to accomplish excellent treatment performance. Then the process was proved to be applicable to municipal sewage treatment for removal of nitrogen and phosphorus as well as organic matter.

Myelodysplastic syndrome after regression of transient abnormal myelopoiesis in a Down syndrome infant: different clonal origin?

A boy with Down syndrome who developed myelodysplastic syndrome after regression of transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM) is described. His blast cells in TAM had other chromosome abnormalities in addition to trisomy 21;50,XY,+21c,+12,+14,+21. Serial chromosome analysis in follow-up showed abnormal clones involving monosomy 7. Myelodysplastic syndrome was diagnosed. Because two clones had different karyotypes, they might have derived from different clones.

Additional chromosome abnormalities in transient abnormal myelopoiesis in Down's syndrome patients

We report a case of transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM) with Down's syndrome. As the blast cells had additional chromosome abnormalities (50,XY,+12,+14,+21 x 2), a possibility of acute leukemia was considered from a cytogenetic point of view. But the abnormal clone gradually disappeared without antileukemic therapies. Viewing it together with previous reports of TAM with additional chromosome abnormalities in Down's syndrome babies, its presence does not immediately indicate an aggressive clinical course as in acute leukemia and spontaneous complete hematological remission may be achieved. Thus, a careful follow-up should precede cytogenetic findings helping to determine the therapeutic intervention.

Two distinct quinoprotein amine oxidases are induced by n-butylamine in the mycelia of Aspergillus niger AKU 3302. Purification, characterization, cDNA cloning and sequencing

Two distinct quinoprotein amine oxidases were found in Aspergillus niger mycelia grown on n-butylamine medium and purified using chromatographic techniques. The respective enzymes were termed AO-I, which had already been isolated, and AO-II, a new enzyme found in this study. HPLC indicated that their molecular masses are 150 kDa and 80 kDa, respectively. On SDS/PAGE, the enzymes gave a similar but distinct mobility, which corresponds to 75 kDa for the subunit dimeric AO-I and 80 kDa for monomeric AO-II. The absorption spectra of both enzymes were different from each other; the absorption maxima in the visible region were at 490 nm for AO-I and 420 nm for AO-II. The enzymes showed positive quinone staining, comparable substrate specificity, and sensitivity to inhibitors typical for copper/topa quinone-containing amine oxidases, but they had different copper contents and also differed in their N-terminal sequences. Their peptide maps showed almost identical patterns, with the exception of two additional bands for AO-II. Among the peptides obtained from digestion of AO-II, peptides with sequences corresponding to the N-terminal part of AO-I were detected. Polyclonal antibodies raised against AO-I and AO-II recognized both enzymes, but with different specificities. Using precipitation with AO-I, the antibody prepared against AO-II was purified and was shown to be specific only for AO-II. The cDNA of AO-I was cloned and sequenced. A highly conserved tetrapeptide sequence, Asn-Tyr-Glu-Tyr, was identified in which the first tyrosine residue (Tyr404) that could be converted to topa quinone was present in the 670-residue deduced amino acid sequence. Northern blot analysis indicated that AO-I was highly expressed in A. niger grown on n-butylamine as a single nitrogen source. Genomic Southern blot analysis confirmed that both enzymes are likely to be encoded by the same gene.