A novel approach to pathogen reduction in biosolids: the enzymic hydrolyser

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 427-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.E. Mayhew ◽  
M.S. Le ◽  
R. Ratcliff
Keyword(s):  
Enzymic Hydrolysis ◽  
Secondary Storage ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Mesophilic Digestion ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pathogen Reduction ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Product Standard

Revision of the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations in the UK has resulted in the requirement of a final product standard in terms of E coli per gram of dry solids. Conventional mesophilic digestion including 14-day secondary storage should normally provide adequate treatment to meet the Treated Sludge Standard. Any process capable of greater pathogen reduction would ensure more process security and compliance comfort. Such a process would be a welcome alternative to extra secondary storage where an existing works does not have sufficient capacity, particularly if the differences in costs between the options are small. Enzymic hydrolysis was found to be up to ten-fold more effective in E coli reduction than conventional secondary digestion. A two-stage digestion process based on this technique has been developed by United Utilities and Montgomery Watson Harza (termed the enzymic hydrolyser, patent pending). Studies showed that the mean numbers of E coli were significantly lower in the enzymic hydrolyser systems (P>0.05; t=13.19) compared to conventional digesters. Increased stability was a secondary benefit of the system (foam was eliminated or greatly reduced in the enzymic hydrolyser units). Another benefit of the system for retrofit to existing assets is the decreased tankage volumes required compared to secondary digestion to achieve more than twice the log kill of pathogens.

The Influence of Glycosylation on the Catalytic and Fibrinolytic Properties of Pro-Urokinase

1992 ◽  
Vol 68 (05) ◽  
pp. 539-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Lenich ◽  
Ralph Pannell ◽  
Jack Henkin ◽  
Victor Gurewich
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Mammalian Cell ◽  
Human Gene ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Mammalian Cell Culture ◽  
Glycosylation Site ◽  
Clot Lysis ◽  
Cell Culture Media ◽  
E Coli ◽  
The Uk

SummaryWe previously found that human pro-UK expressed in Escherichia coli is more active in fibrinolysis than recombinant human pro-UK obtained from mammalian cell culture media. To determine whether this difference is related to the lack of glycosylation of the E. coli product, we compared the activity of E. coli-derived pro-UK [(-)pro-UK] with that of a glycosylated pro-UK [(+)pro-UK] and of a mutant of pro-UK missing the glycosylation site at Asn-302 [(-) (302) pro-UK]. The latter two pro-UKs were obtained by expression of the human gene in a mammalian cell. The nonglycosylated pro-UKs were activated by plasmin more efficiently (≈2-fold) and were more active in clot lysis (1.5-fold) than the (+)pro-UK. Similarly, the nonglycosylated two-chain derivatives (UKs) were more active against plasminogen and were more rapidly inactivated by plasma inhibitors than the (+)UK.These findings indicate that glycosylation at Asn-302 influences the activity of pro-UK/UK and could be the major factor responsible for the enhanced activity of E. coli-derived pro-UK.

scholarly journals Multispecies for multifunctions: combining four complementary species enhances multifunctionality of sown grassland

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Suter ◽  
Olivier Huguenin-Elie ◽  
Andreas Lüscher
Keyword(s):  
Forage Quality ◽  
N Cycling ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Mixture Effects ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Forage ◽  
Diversity Effects ◽  
Species Mixtures

AbstractAssessing the overall performance of ecosystems requires a quantitative evaluation of multifunctionality. We investigated plant species diversity effects on individual functions and overall multifunctionality in a grassland experiment with sown monocultures and mixtures comprising four key grass and legume species. Nitrogen fertilisation rates were 50, 150, and 450 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (N50, N150, N450). Ten functions were measured representing forage production, N cycling, and forage quality, all being related to either productivity or environmental footprint. Multifunctionality was analysed by a novel approach using the mean log response ratio across functions. Over three experimental years, mixture effects benefited all forage production and N cycling functions, while sustaining high forage quality. Thus, mixture effects did not provoke any trade-off among the analysed functions. High N fertilisation rates generally diminished mixture benefits. Multifunctionality of four-species mixtures was considerably enhanced, and mixture overall performance was up to 1.9 (N50), 1.8 (N150), and 1.6 times (N450) higher than in averaged monocultures. Multifunctionality of four-species mixtures at N50 was at least as high as in grass monocultures at N450. Sown grass–legume mixtures combining few complementary species at low to moderate N fertilisation sustain high multifunctionality and are a ‘ready-to-use’ option for the sustainable intensification of agriculture.

scholarly journals THE DNA OF CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS

Genetics ◽  
1974 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-104
Author(s):  
J E Sulston ◽  
S Brenner
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Chemical Analysis ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Base Composition ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
5S Rna ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Small Component ◽  
E Coli ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT Chemical analysis and a study of renaturation kinetics show that the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, has a haploid DNA content of 8 x IO7 base pairs (20 times the genome of E. coli). Eighty-three percent of the DNA sequences are unique. The mean base composition is 36% GC; a small component, containing the rRNA cistrons, has a base composition of 51% GC. The haploid genome contains about 300 genes for 4s RNA, 110 for 5s RNA, and 55 for (18 + 28)S RNA.

Point-of-Care Testing Using Invasive and Non-Invasive Hemoglobinometers: Reliable and Valid Method for Estimation of Hemoglobin among Children 6–59 Months

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gomathi Ramaswamy ◽  
Kashish Vohra ◽  
Kapil Yadav ◽  
Ravneet Kaur ◽  
Tripti Rai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Outpatient Department ◽  
Point Of Care Testing ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Hematology Analyzer ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Introduction Globally around 47.4% of children and in India, 58% of children aged 6–59 months are anemic. Diagnosis of anemia in children using accurate technologies and providing adequate treatment is essential to reduce the burden of anemia. Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices is a potential option for estimation of hemoglobin in peripheral and field settings were the hematology analyzer and laboratory services are not available. Objectives To access the validity of the POCTs (invasive and non-invasive devices) for estimation of hemoglobin among children aged 6–59 months compared with hematology analyzer. Methods The study participants were enrolled from the pediatric outpatient department in Haryana, India, from November 2019 to January 2020. Hemoglobin levels of the study participants were estimated in Sahli’s hemoglobinometer and invasive digital hemoglobinometers (DHs) using capillary blood samples. Hemoglobin levels in non-invasive DH were assessed from the finger/toe of the children. Hemoglobin levels measured in POCTs were compared against the venous blood hemoglobin estimated in the hematology analyzer. Results A total of 120 children were enrolled. The mean (SD) of hemoglobin (g/dl) estimated in auto-analyzer was 9.4 (1.8), Sahli’s hemoglobinometer was 9.2 (1.9), invasive DH was 9.7 (1.9), and non-invasive DH was 11.9 (1.5). Sahli’s hemoglobinometer (95.5%) and invasive DH (92.2%) had high sensitivity for the diagnosis of anemia compared with non-invasive DH (24.4%). In contrast, non-invasive DH had higher specificity (96.7%) compared with invasive DH (83.3%) and Sahli’s hemoglobinometer (70%). Invasive DH took the least time (2–3 min) for estimation of hemoglobin per participant, followed by Sahli’s (4–5 min) and non-invasive DH (5–7 min). Conclusion All three POCT devices used in this study are reasonable and feasible for estimating hemoglobin in under-5 children. Invasive DHs are potential POCT devices for diagnosis of anemia among under-5 children, while Sahli’s can be considered as a possible option, where trained and skilled technicians are available. Further research and development are required in non-invasive DH to improve accuracy. Lay summary In India, anemia is a serious public health problem, where 58% of the children aged 6–59 months are anemic. Point-of-care testing (POCT) using digital hemoglobinometers (DHs) has been recommended as one of the key interventions by the Anemia Mukt Bharat program since 2018 in India. These POCT devices are easy to use, less invasive, can be carried to field, require minimal training and results are available immediately. Therefore this study assessed the validity of POCT devices—invasive DH, non-invasive DH and Sahli’s hemoglobinometer among 6–59 months children in facility setting compared with the gold standard hematology analyzer. A total of 120 children under 6–59 months of age were enrolled from the pediatric outpatient department in Haryana, India, from November 2019 to January 2020. The (mean hemoglobin in g/dl) invasive (9.7) and non-invasive DH (11.9) overestimated hemoglobin value, while Sahli’s (9.2) underestimated hemoglobin compared with hematology analyzer (9.4). Invasive DH (92.2%) and Sahli’s hemoglobinometer (95.5%) reported high ability to correctly identify those with anemia compared with non-invasive DH (24.4%). In contrast, non-invasive DH (96.73%) had higher ability to correctly identify those without the anemia compared with invasive DH (83.3%) and Sahli’s (70%).

Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Hydrocephalus Secondary to Tectal Plate Glioma versus Idiopathic Aqueductal Stenosis: Results from a Single Center

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Hamid Reza Niknejad ◽  
Melissa Frederickx ◽  
Emiel Salaets ◽  
Jurgen Lemiere ◽  
Lieven Lagae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aqueductal Stenosis ◽  
Maximum Diameter ◽  
Benign Tumors ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Tectal Plate ◽  
The Mean

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Tectal plate gliomas (TPG) constitute a distinct entity of benign tumors of the brain stem which show an indolent clinical course. Adequate treatment of secondary hydrocephalus is undoubtedly a major factor in the outcome. However, little is known about to what degree the tumor itself determines the long-term outcome of these patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We retrospectively analyzed and compared the clinical and radiological data of 16 pediatric TPG patients with data of 12 pediatric idiopathic aqueductal stenosis (IAS) patients treated in our center from 1988 to 2018. For both groups, we assessed the long-term outcome in terms of hydrocephalus management, and for the TPG group, we assessed tumor growth during follow-up. In a separate prospective part of the study, we performed a neuropsychological evaluation in a subgroup of patients using a standardized testing battery, covering intelligence, learning, memory, executive functions, and an inventory on depression. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In the TPG group, the mean clinical and radiological follow-up was 84 and 70 months, respectively. On average, the maximum diameter of the tumor increased by 11% (<i>p</i> = 0.031) and the estimated tumor volume with 35% (<i>p</i> = 0.026) on radiological follow-up. The fronto-occipital horn ratio (FOHR) decreased by 23% on average after treatment. In the IAS group, the mean clinical and radiological follow-up was 117 and 85 months, respectively. In this group, the FOHR decreased by 21% on average. Neurocognitive testing revealed significant higher scores in the TPG group on global intelligence (TPG = 109, IAS = 85.5, <i>U</i> = 3, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01, <i>z</i> = −2.71), performance (TPG= 100, IAS = 85, <i>U</i> = 7, <i>p</i> = 0.03, <i>z</i> = −2.2), and verbal intelligence (TPG = 122, IAS = 91.5, <i>U</i> = 2, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.00, <i>z</i> = −2.87) as well as working memory (TPG = 109.5, IAS = 77, <i>U</i> = 0.5, <i>p</i> = 0.01, <i>z</i> = −2.46). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our results suggest that the long-term outcome in TPG patients is acceptable and that cognition is substantially better preserved than in patients with IAS. This puts the idea of a significant contribution of the tumoral mass to disease outcome on the long term in question. Adequate and prompt management of hydrocephalus is the most important factor in long-term cognitive outcome.

scholarly journals Use of Dynamic Analysis to Investigate the Behaviour of Short Neutral Sections in the Overhead Line Electrification

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 62
Author(s):  
John Morris ◽  
Mark Robinson ◽  
Roberto Palacin
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Analysis ◽  
Dynamic Simulation ◽  
Model Simulation ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Overhead Line ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Section Model ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Neutral Section

The ‘short’ neutral section is a feature of alternating current (AC) railway overhead line electrification that is often unreliable and a source of train delays. However hardly any dynamic analysis of its behaviour has been undertaken. This paper briefly describes the work undertaken investigating the possibility of modelling the behaviour using a novel approach. The potential for thus improving the performance of short neutral sections is evaluated, with particular reference to the UK situation. The analysis fundamentally used dynamic simulation of the pantograph and overhead contact line (OCL) interface, implemented using a proprietary finite element analysis tool. The neutral section model was constructed using physical characteristics and laboratory tests data, and was included in a validated pantograph/OCL simulation model. Simulation output of the neutral section behaviour has been validated satisfactorily against real line test data. Using this method the sensitivity of the neutral section performance in relation to particular parameters of its construction was examined. A limited number of parameter adjustments were studied, seeking potential improvements. One such improvement identified involved the additional inclusion of a lever arm at the trailing end of the neutral section. A novel application of pantograph/OCL dynamic simulation to modelling neutral section behaviour has been shown to be useful in assessing the modification of neutral section parameters.

scholarly journals The impact of symptoms on quality of life before and after diagnosis of coeliac disease: the results from a Polish population survey and comparison with the results from the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilia Majsiak ◽  
Magdalena Choina ◽  
Dominik Golicki ◽  
Alastair M. Gray ◽  
Bożena Cukrowska
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Coeliac Disease ◽  
Gluten Free Diet ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Coeliac disease (CD) is characterised by diverse clinical symptoms, which may cause diagnostic problems and reduce the patients’ quality of life. A study conducted in the United Kingdom (UK) revealed that the mean time between the onset of coeliac symptoms and being diagnosed was above 13 years. This study aimed to analyse the diagnostic process of CD in Poland and evaluate the quality of life of patients before and after CD diagnosis. In addition, results were compared to the results of the original study conducted in the UK. Methods The study included 2500 members of the Polish Coeliac Society. The patients were asked to complete a questionnaire containing questions on socio-demographic factors, clinical aspects and quality of life, using the EQ-5D questionnaire. Questionnaires received from 796 respondents were included in the final analysis. Results The most common symptoms reported by respondents were bloating (75%), abdominal pain (72%), chronic fatigue (63%) and anaemia (58%). Anaemia was the most persistent symptom, with mean duration prior to CD diagnosis of 9.2 years, whereas diarrhoea was observed for the shortest period (4.7 years). The mean duration of any symptom before CD diagnosis was 7.3 years, compared to 13.2 years in the UK. CD diagnosis and the introduction of a gluten-free diet substantially improved the quality of life in each of the five EQ-5D-5L health dimensions: pain and discomfort, anxiety and depression, usual activities, self-care and mobility (p < 0.001), the EQ-Index by 0.149 (SD 0.23) and the EQ-VAS by 30.4 (SD 28.3) points. Conclusions Duration of symptoms prior to the diagnosis of CD in Poland, although shorter than in the UK, was long with an average of 7.3 years from first CD symptoms. Faster CD diagnosis after the onset of symptoms in Polish respondents may be related to a higher percentage of children in the Polish sample. Introduction of a gluten-free diet improves coeliac patients’ quality of life. These results suggest that doctors should be made more aware of CD and its symptoms across all age groups.

scholarly journals Urinary Excretion and Bactericidal Activities of a Single Oral Dose of 400 Milligrams of Fleroxacin versus a Single Oral Dose of 800 Milligrams of Pefloxacin in Healthy Volunteers

1998 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 1659-1665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt G. Naber ◽  
Ursula Theuretzbacher ◽  
Martina Kinzig ◽  
Orlin Savov ◽  
Fritz Sörgel
Keyword(s):  
Oral Dose ◽  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Single Oral Dose ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Bactericidal Activities ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Time Kill ◽  
Randomized Crossover Study

ABSTRACT Twelve healthy volunteers participated in this randomized crossover study to compare the concentrations and recovery levels of fleroxacin and pefloxacin in urine and to assess their bactericidal activities against 12 strains of urinary pathogens with different susceptibilities over a wide range of MICs. The volunteers received a single oral dose of 400 mg of fleroxacin or 800 mg of pefloxacin. The mean cumulative renal excretion of unchanged fleroxacin,N-demethyl-fleroxacin, and N-oxide-fleroxacin accounted for 67, 7, and 6% of the total dose, respectively. The total urinary recovery of pefloxacin and the active metabolite norfloxacin was 34%. In the time-kill and the urinary bactericidal titer (UBT) studies, only the subjects’ urine not supplemented with broth was used. With most tested organisms and both quinolones it took more than 8 h to achieve a reduction in CFU of 99.9% (3 log units). Overall, there was a good correlation between UBTs and MICs for the strains. Against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 the median UBTs were similar for both antibiotics and at least 1:8 for 96 h; against the E. coli strain for which the MIC was 0.5 μg/ml the UBT was at least 1:4 for 48 h. The UBTs of both drugs against Klebsiella pneumoniae were at least 1:16 for 72 h. The UBTs for Staphylococcus aureus (the MIC for which was 16 μg/ml) of both antibiotics were low, and in some of the samples, no bactericidal titers were observed. UBTs for Proteus mirabilis of pefloxacin are significantly higher than those of fleroxacin. For Pseudomonas aeruginosa the median UBTs were present for the 24-to-48-h interval. The same is true forEnterococcus faecalis. Against Staphylococcus saprophyticus, UBTs were present for at least 48 h with both quinolones. Overall, a single oral dose of 400 mg of fleroxacin exhibits UBTs comparable to those of 800 mg of pefloxacin. Therefore, it may be expected that half of the dose of fleroxacin gives comparable results in the treatment of urinary tract infections; this should be substantiated in comparative clinical trials.

Necrotising (malignant) otitis externa in the UK: a growing problem. Review of five cases and analysis of national Hospital Episode Statistics trends

2015 ◽  
Vol 129 (6) ◽  
pp. 600-603 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Chawdhary ◽  
N Liow ◽  
J Democratis ◽  
O Whiteside
Keyword(s):  
Otitis Externa ◽  
Severe Infection ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Catchment Population ◽  
Malignant Otitis Externa ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Uk ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Park Hospital

AbstractBackground:Necrotising (malignant) otitis externa is a severe infection causing temporal bone osteomyelitis. Although rare, our experience (reported herein) shows local doubling of cases in 2013. Hospital Episodes Statistics data for England over 14 years also indicate increased incidence nationally. Specific learning points in management are also discussed.Methods:A retrospective review was conducted of patients admitted in 2013 to Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, UK (catchment population, 450 000). In addition, the UK Government Hospital Episodes Statistics data were interrogated.Results:There were five cases of necrotising (malignant) otitis externa in 2013, representing a local doubling on previous years. The mean age of patients was 82 years. All cultures grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa; no isolates were antibiotic resistant. All patients responded to systemic anti-pseudomonals on clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters. Hospital Episodes Statistics data showed a six-fold increase in the number of cases from 1999 (n = 67) to 2013 (n = 421).Conclusion:Our experience suggests increasing necrotising (malignant) otitis externa incidence, and retrospective analysis of Hospital Episodes Statistics data supports this observation. Necrotising (malignant) otitis externa poses challenges in management, as exemplified in our cases, requiring a high index of suspicion and early aggressive treatment to achieve cure.

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