Energy demand in sludge dewatering

This work investigates the energy required to dewater a suspension, i.e., activated sludge dewatered by centrifugation or consolidation. Total energy input to the suspension from the dewatering device, bond strength between adjacent water and solid surface, and intra-cake friction loss were evaluated for original and flocculated sludges. In centrifugal dewatering, most energy input during the initial stage was consumed by overcoming process irreversibility other than intra-cake friction, and, thereby, had a low energy efficiency. To increase centrifuge speed or to flocculate the sludge at optimal flocculant dosage would yield a high-energy input. In the consolidation test, most energy input at the initial stage was consumed in breaking down the bond strength until the moisture content reduced to less than the critical content. During subsequent dewatering stages, friction loss became the dominant source of energy loss. Dewatering sludge with high-energy efficiency is beneficial to optimally operate a dewatering process.

Neuroradiological findings in atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor of the central nervous system

PURPOSE

To evaluate the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of atypical teratoid tumor/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) of the central nervous system (CNS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty cases of CNS AT/RT have been found over the past 23 years in our hospital; these involving 11 boys and 9 girls whose mean age at diagnosis was 5.5 years. Their clinical data, the CT, and MRI findings were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

AT/RT was located in the cerebellum in 15 cases. Four cases arose from the supratentorial region, while only one occurred primarily in the lumbar spinal cord. Almost all cases revealed heterogeneous intensity and heterogeneous enhancement. Peripheral cystic components were common. Survival time ranged from 2 months to 3 years, with a mean survival of 11.6 months.

CONCLUSION

Most cases of AT/RT are located in the cerebellum. The radiologic manifestations are non-specific. The diagnosis mainly depends on the pathologic findings. However, AT/RT should still remain in the differential diagnosis of brain tumors in young children, especially those located in the cerebellar hemisphere and with eccentric cysts.

Mineralization of polyethylene glycol in aqueous solution by hydrogen peroxide with basic oxygen furnace slag

This study evaluated the dissolution behavior of basic oxygen furnace slag (BOF slag) and the performance of H2O2 with BOF slag denoted as H2O2/BOF slag process to degrade polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the aqueous solution. The concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) was chosen as a mineralization index of the degradation of PEG by the H2O2/BOF slag process. A first-order kinetic model with respect to TOC was adopted to represent the mineralization of PEG by H2O2/BOF slag process. The experimental results in this study suggested that dosages with 3.98 x 10(-4) mole min(-1) l(-1) H2O2 and 15 g l(-1) BOF slag loading in the solution at pH 2 provided the optimal operation conditions for the mineralization of PEG yielding a 75.5% treatment efficiency at 100 min reaction time. The H2O2/Fe2+ ratio was then determined to be 13.5:1.

The homozygote AA genotype of the α1-antichymotrypsin gene may confer protection against early-onset Parkinson's disease in women

There has been increasing evidence suggesting that inflammatory response maybe involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Alpha1-antichymotrypsin gene (ACT) has been regarded as a susceptibility factor for PD in the past, but the evidence remains controversial. This case-control study was designed to investigate the association of alpha1-antichymotrypsin gene (ACT) polymorphism between 210 Taiwanese patients with clinical definite sporadic PD and 260 controls, matched by age and sex. There were no differences of allelic frequency (A and T) and genotype polymorphism (AA, AT and TT) of the ACT in PD patients from the controls. However, there were significantly fewer early-onset PD (onset age younger than 60 years) or PD women carrying the homozygote AA genotype (ACT-AA) than in controls (p=0.046 and 0.044, respectively). Further analysis revealed that the reduced risk of ACT-AA was particularly significant among PD women with the onset age younger than 60 years (OR=0.796, 95% CI=0.749-0.847, p<0.0001). This study shows that ACT-AA may confer a modest protection against developing early-onset PD in women.

Heart transplantation at Cheng Hsin General Hospital in Taiwan: 15-year experience

Heart transplantation (HTx) in Taiwan, which started in 1987, now includes more than 500 cases. From July 1988 to September 2003, we performed 215 cases of orthotopic HTx in 164 male and 51 female recipients of mean age of 47.3 +/- 14.3 years, (range 2.7 to 74.9 years). The leading etiologies were dilated cardiomyopathy (CMP), 68.5%; ischemic CMP, 20.2%; and valvular CMP, 4.2%. The actuarial survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years are 88.3%, 77.1%, and 57.2%, respectively. We performed the first case of HTx in Asia after bridging for 14 days with an indigenous total artificial heart (TAH; the Phoenix-7 model); we performed the first case of infant HTx without blood transfusion and also the first case of autotransplantation of heart for repair of a left ventricular rupture after a mitral valve replacement. These cases were all successful with the longest surviving HTx recipient in Asia. We have used the biatrial anastomosis technique in all cases. We discovered familial CMP due to mitochondrial defects in two pediatric cases. Because of the scarcity of donor hearts, we have used size-mismatched hearts as well as suboptimal and hepatitis-positive donor hearts, all with satisfactory outcomes. Our experience has shown comparable results to Western programs, with efficacy and cost-effectiveness. We find the technique of biatrial anastomosis for orthotopic HTx to result in a low incidence of tricuspid regurgitation and conduction anomalies. The use of suboptimal and size-mismatched donor hearts is also promising.

Adsorption of acid dyes from aqueous solution on activated bleaching earth

In the present study, activated bleaching earth was used as clay adsorbent for an investigation of the adsorbability and adsorption kinetics of acid dyes (i.e., acid orange 51, acid blue 9, and acid orange 10) with three different molecular sizes from aqueous solution at 25 degrees C in a batch adsorber. The rate of adsorption has been investigated under the most important process parameters (i.e., initial dye concentration). A simple pseudo-second-order model has been tested to predict the adsorption rate constant, equilibrium adsorbate concentration, and equilibrium adsorption capacity by the fittings of the experimental data. The results showed that the adsorbability of the acid acids by activated bleaching earth follows the order: acid orange 51 > acid blue 9 > acid orange 10, parallel to the molecular weights and molecular sizes of the acid dyes. The adsorption removals (below 3%) of acid blue 9 and acid orange 10 onto the clay adsorbent are far lower than that (approximately 24%) of acid orange 51. Further, the adsorption kinetic of acid orange 51 can be well described by the pseudo-second-order reaction model. Based on the isotherm data obtained from the fittings of the adsorption kinetics, the Langmuir model appears to fit the adsorption better than the Freundlich model. The external coefficients of mass transfer of the acid orange 51 molecule across the boundary layer of adsorbent particle have also been estimated at the order of 10(-4)-10(-5) cm s(-1) based on the film-pore model and pseudo-second-order reaction model.

Decomposition of 2-mercaptothiazoline in aqueous solution by ozonation

This study investigates the ozonation of 2-mercaptothiazoline (2-MT). The 2-MT is one of the important organic additives for the electroplating solution of the printed wiring board industry and has been widely used as a corrosion inhibitor in many industrial processes. It is of concern for the aquatic pollution control especially in the wastewaters. Semibatch ozonation experiments in the completely stirred tank reactor are performed under various concentrations of input ozone. The concentrations of 2-MT, sulfate, and ammonium are analyzed at specified time intervals to elucidate the decomposition of 2-MT during the ozonation. In addition, the time variation of the dissolved ozone concentration (C(ALb)) is continuously monitored in the course of experiments. Total organic carbon (TOC) is chosen and measured as a mineralization index of the ozonation of 2-MT. The results indicate that the decomposition of 2-MT is efficient, while the mineralization of TOC is limited via the ozonation only. Simultaneously, the yield of sulfate with the maximum value of about 47% is characterized by the increases of TOC removal and ozone consumption. These results can provide some useful information for assessing the feasibility of the treatment of 2-MT in the aqueous solution by the ozonation.

Peritoneal serous papillary carcinoma: a reappraisal of CT imaging features and literature review

We evaluated the imaging features of primary serous peritoneal carcinoma (PSPC) on computed tomography (CT) and reviewed the literature. Preoperative CT images of 11 women with PSPC were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical presentations and serum levels of CA-125 were recorded. Special attention was paid to the operative and histopathologic findings of the ovaries. Imaging features were correlated with those in the literature. An elevation of serum CA-125 was found in 91% of cases. The CT findings included ascites (82%), peritoneal nodules or masses (73%), and omental nodules or omental caking (64%). Absence of an overt ovarian mass was observed in 64% of cases. The clinical manifestations and imaging features in our patients were consistent with those in the literature. Eighty-five percent of the ovaries in our study were superficially involved by PSPC in histopathologic examination. In none of our cases could the ovarian size be clearly assessed in the CT images. In conclusion, the presence of diffuse peritoneal disease and the absence of an ovarian mass on CT and an elevation of serum CA-125 level is suggestive of PSPC. However, in our experience, the evaluation of ovarian morphology and size by CT alone may not be as reliable.

Dynamic behavior of ozonation with pollutant in a countercurrent bubble column with oxygen mass transfer

The dynamic behavior of ozonation with pollutants in a countercurrent bubble column is studied for the model establishment. Bubble columns have been widely used for an ozonation system in the plants and laboratories. In addition, a countercurrent bubble column has been commonly recommended than a cocurrent one because it has a higher ozone transfer efficiency. Therefore, the investigation of this paper focuses on the countercurrent bubble column. As an ozonation process starts, the gas mixture of ozone and oxygen is introduced into the bottom of a column, and then transferred into the liquid. The pollutants in the wastewater are eliminated subsequently via oxidation by the dissolved ozone. There certainly exists a temporary and unsteady period before the ozonation system reaches steady state. However, available ozonation models employed to describe ozone and pollutant profiles have commonly been developed for steady state. The treating qualities of wastewater in the early stage of ozonation are usually not predicted, and the time required for the steady-state establishment remains to be determined. Moreover, oxygen mass transfer is usually neglected in previous ozonation models so that the increase of dissolved oxygen is uncertain. These information is desirable for the proper design and operation of ozonation system in a bubble column. Thus, the aim of this study is to model and investigate the dynamic processes of ozonation with pollutants including oxygen mass transfer. The dynamic axial dispersion model proposed is employed to predict the variation of the ozone, pollutant, and oxygen concentrations profiles. The validity of the model was demonstrated by comparing the predicted results with the experimental data. The o-cresol was chosen as the model pollutant. The temporal concentration variations of the residual o-cresol and dissolved oxygen in the effluent liquid, and the off-gas ozone in the free volume were measured accordingly. Furthermore, the variation of the enhancement factor of ozone and the amount of off-gas were predicted. Note that it usually needs 2-5 hydraulic retention times to approach steady state under the conditions of this study. Further, the effects of dimensionless system parameters on the performance of the ozonation processes are examined. As a result, the proposed dynamic model of ozonation with pollutants is useful for proper prediction of the variables of an ozonation system in a countercurrent bubble column.

Adsorption of polyethylene glycol (PEG) from aqueous solution onto hydrophobic zeolite

In the present study, a hydrophobic zeolite was used as an adsorbent for the adsorption of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in water solution and electroplating solution at 25 degrees C. The adsorption capacities were determined through the adsorption isotherms in a thermostated shaker. The rate of adsorption, on the other hand, was investigated in a batch adsorber under controlled process parameters such as initial PEG concentration (30, 70, 110, 150, 200, and 300 mg x dm(-3)), agitation speed (200, 800, and 1000 rpm), and adsorbent particle size (0.72, 1.44, and 2.03 mm). A batch kinetic model, according to a pseudo-second-order mechanism, has been tested to predict the rate constant of adsorption, equilibrium adsorption capacity, time of half-adsorption, and equilibrium concentration by the fitting of the experimental data. The results of the adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies show that the adsorption process can well be described with the Langmuir and Freundlich models and the pseudo-second-order equation, respectively. Comparing the values of adsorption parameters of PEG in water solution and electroplating solution, there are no significant differences. In addition, the effective diffusion coefficient of the PEG molecule in the microporous adsorbent has been estimated at about 3.20 x 10(-8) cm(2)s(-1) based on the restrictive diffusion model.

Limit on the electron neutrino magnetic moment from the kuo-sheng reactor neutrino experiment

A search of neutrino magnetic moment was carried out at the Kuo-Sheng Nuclear Power Station at a distance of 28 m from the 2.9 GW reactor core. With a high purity germanium detector of mass 1.06 kg surrounded by scintillating NaI(Tl) and CsI(Tl) crystals as anti-Compton detectors, a detection threshold of 5 keV and a background level of 1 kg(-1) keV(-1) day(-1) at 12-60 keV were achieved. Based on 4712 and 1250 h of reactor ON and OFF data, respectively, the limit on the neutrino magnetic moment of mu(nu;(e))<1.3x10(-10)mu(B) at 90% confidence level was derived. An indirect bound of the nu;(e) radiative lifetime of m(3)(nu)tau(nu)>2.8x10(18) eV(3) s can be inferred.

Microglia in the olfactory bulb of rats during postnatal development and olfactory nerve injury with zinc sulfate: a lectin labeling and ultrastrucutural study

Using isolectin (GSA I-B4) as a marker, this study examined the possible alterations of lectin-labeled membranous glycoproteins in microglial cells in the olfactory bulb of normal development and under experimentally induced degeneration. In light microscopy, several morphological types of microglial cells representing different degrees of cell differentiation were distributed in the bulb laminae. A gradient of microglial differentiation extending from the intermediate to superficial and intermediate to deep occurs in the bulb layers. The differentiation gradient and lectin labeling pattern of microglial cells in the developing bulb resembled those in other areas of the brain tissues. Differentiating microglia showed a gradual diminution of lectin staining when the nascent round cells transformed into the mature ramified cells. Microglia in the external plexiform layer of the olfactory bulb were the first to mature and the cells expressed very weak lectin reactivity. In mature or adult rats, some microglial cells showing intense lectin labeling were observed in the olfactory nerve layer, granule cell layer and subependymal layer. Ultrastructurally, lectin labeling was localized at the trans saccules of the Golgi apparatus. Microglial cells in other bulb laminae, however, exhibited a negative reaction for the isolectin at the Golgi apparatus. Following intranasal irrigation of zinc sulfate, some microglial cells in the olfactory nerve layer and glomerular layer were activated to become phagocytic cells with increased lectin labeling at their ramified processes. GSA I-B4 staining was also localized at their trans saccules of the Golgi apparatus. The lectin labeling pattern of these phagocytic cells resembled that of differentiating microglia in postnatal bulbs, suggesting that bulb microglia in the lesioned sites were activated through cell dedifferentiation into macrophages.

Establishment of cell lines from a tropical grouper, Epinephelus awoara (Temminck & Schlegel), and their susceptibility to grouper irido- and nodaviruses

Four tropical marine fish cell lines have been established from the eye, fin, heart and swim bladder of grouper, Epinephelus awoara (Temminck & Schlegel). Optimum media and temperature conditions for maximum growth were standardized. The eye and swim bladder cells were mostly epithelial, but the fin and heart cells were mostly fibroblastic. The viability of cells was 95% after 1 year of storage in liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C). Besides these four cell lines, previously established grouper brain, kidney and liver cell lines were also used for a viral susceptibility study which showed that all the cell lines were sensitive to grouper iridovirus, whereas only brain, fin and liver cell lines were susceptible to the yellow grouper nervous necrosis virus (a nodavirus). Electron microscopy studies of the grouper irido- and nodaviruses in ultrathin sections of infected cells showed an abundance of viral particles in the cytoplasm of the virus-infected cells indicating the effective replication of these two viruses. It is suggested that these cell lines can be used for the isolation of putative fish specific viruses and provide a valuable tool to study the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions. Furthermore, these cell lines upon transfection, using pEGFP-C1 and pEGFP-aMT2.5 (ayu metallothionein promoter), produced significant fluorescent signals indicating their utility for exogenous studies.

Application of a membrane bioreactor system for opto-electronic industrial wastewater treatment--a pilot study

The membrane bioreactor (MBR) system has become more and more attractive in the field of wastewater treatment. It is particularly attractive in situations where long solids retention times are required, such as nitrifying bacteria, and physical retention is critical to achieving more efficiency for biological degradation of pollutants. Although it is a new technology, the MBR process has been applied to industrial wastewater treatment for only the past decade. The opto-electronic industry, developed very fast over the past decade in the world, is a high technological manufacturing industry. The treatment of the opto-electronic industrial wastewater containing a significant quantity of organic nitrogen compounds, with a ratio over 95% in organic nitrogen (Org-N) to total nitrogen (T-N), is very difficult to meet the discharge limits. The purpose of this research is mainly to discuss the treatment capacity of high-strength organic nitrogen wastewater, and to investigate the capabilities of the MBR process. A 2 m3/day capacity MBR pilot plant consisting of anoxic and aerobic tanks and a membrane bioreactor was installed for evaluation. The operation was continued for 130 days. Over the whole experimental period, a satisfactory organic removal performance was achieved. The COD could be removed with an average of over 94.5%. For TOC and BOD5, the average removal efficiencies were 96.3 and 97.6%, respectively. The nitrification and denitrification were also successfully achieved. The effluent did not contain any suspended solids. Only a small concentration of ammonia nitrogen was found in the effluent. The stable effluent quality and satisfactory removal performance mentioned above were ensured by the efficient interception performance of the membrane device incorporated within the biological reactor. The MBR system shows promise as a means of treating very high organic nitrogen wastewater without dilution. The effluent of TKN, NOx-N and COD can fall below 20 mg/L, 30 mg/L and 50 mg/L.

Combined Fenton-MF process increases acrylonitrile removal

The Fenton oxidation process is possessed of the advantages of both oxidation and coagulation processes. In addition to these functions, Fenton's reagent is also a typical initiator of polymerization. The application of the Fenton-microfiltration process for removal of acrylonitrile (AN), which is the major raw material for manufacturing ABS reins, was investigated. As for Fenton oxidation, in the range of pH 2 to pH 4, AN removal efficiency increased as the pH increased. In experiment of the same initial molar ratio of [FeSO4]0/[H2O2]0, the higher dosage can obtain the higher removal efficiency. At pH 4, the AN removal increased as the [H2O2]0 increased for each [FeSO4]0. Acrylic acid and acrylamide were detected in the solution after Fenton oxidation. On the other hand, acrylamide, polyacrylamide, and polyacrylic acid exist in the precipitate after the Fenton oxidation of AN solution. Moreover, it was also found that the operational mode is an important factor of the combined Fenton-MF process.

Decomposition of 2-naphthalenesulfonate in aqueous solution by ozonation with UV radiation

This study investigates the ozonation of 2-naphthalenesulfonate (2-NS) combined with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Naphthalenesulfonic acids are of importance as dye intermediates for the dye and textile auxiliary industries. Its derivatives, such as 2-NS, have been found in rivers and tannery effluents causing pollution problems. Thus, the 2-NS is of concern for the aquatic pollution control especially in the surface and waste waters. Ozonation combined with UV radiation is employed for the removal of 2-NS in the aqueous solution. Semibatch ozonation experiments were proceeded under different reaction conditions to study the effects of ozone dosage and UV radiation on the oxidation of 2-NS. The concentrations of 2-NS and sulfate are analyzed at specified time intervals to elucidate the decomposition of 2-NS. In addition, values of pH and oxidation reduction potential are continuously measured in the course of experiments. Total organic carbon is chosen as a mineralization index of the ozonation of 2-NS. The mineralization of 2-NS via the ozonation is remarkably enhanced by the UV radiation. These results can provide useful information for the proper removal of 2-NS in the aqueous solution by the ozonation with UV radiation.

Preoperative staging of cervical carcinoma with MR imaging: a reappraisal of diagnostic accuracy and pitfalls

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy and pitfalls of MR imaging in preoperative staging of cervical cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to determine the tumor staging for 41 patients with cervical carcinoma emphasizing tumor size, parametrial invasion, vaginal invasion, and lymph node metastases. According to the correlation of MR findings with surgical-pathological features, there was less than 5 mm discrepancy in the size in 29 of 34 tumors (85.3%) that were larger than 1 cm. In assessing parametrial invasion, vaginal invasion and lymph node metastases, MR imaging had an accuracy of 95, 83, and 86%, respectively. In determining stage of disease and differentiating operable (< or =stage IIA) from advanced disease (> or =stage IIB), MR imaging had an accuracy of 82.9 and 93%. Pitfalls leading to staging errors included difficulties in differentiating cancer foci from surrounding tissue edema and detecting microscopic tumor extension. Magnetic resonance imaging is accurate in the evaluation of parametrial invasion and differentiation of operable from advanced disease. The ability of MR imaging to detect microscopic extra-cervical tumor extension and differentiate cancer foci from surrounding tissue edema is not as reliable.

Coronary artery calcium determined by electron beam computed tomography for predicting angiographic coronary artery disease in moderate- to high-risk Chinese patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of coronary calcification among moderate- to high-risk Chinese patients and to evaluate the ability of the coronary calcium score determined by electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) to predict angiographic coronary artery disease in this population. We enrolled 163 consecutive patients and analyzed their cardiovascular risk factors, coronary calcium scores and coronary angiogram results. One hundred and twenty-five patients (76.7%) had a positive EBCT scan result (coronary calcium score >0). The prevalence of calcification and the calcium scores showed a graded relation to the number of cardiovascular risk factors and age (p < 0.001 for trend). Coronary calcium scores showed statistically significant differences between patients with angiographic evidence of coronary artery disease and patients with normal coronary angiography (p < 0.05), but could not differentiate between patients with significant and insignificant coronary artery disease. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a coronary calcium score >5 predicted angiographic coronary artery disease with 93% sensitivity and 86% specificity (area under the curve 0.95 +/- 0.019). Multivariate analysis showed a coronary calcium score >5 to be the strongest independent predictor of angiographic coronary artery disease (odds ratio 120.7, 95% confidence interval 21.7-671.4; p < 0.001). Coronary calcium score determined by EBCT appears to have a similar predictive value in Chinese patients as it does in other ethnic populations that have been reported to date.

Association of globular beta-actin with intracellular lipid droplets in rat adrenocortical cells and adipocytes

Proteins located on the surface of lipid droplets may mediate intracellular lipid metabolism. In the present study, immunofluorescent staining and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that actin (43 kD) is associated with isolated intracellular lipid droplets of rat adrenocortical cells and adipocytes. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis further confirmed that the lipid droplet-associated actin is the beta isoform. In cultured adrenocortical cells, stress fibers and the surface of intracellular lipid droplets were labeled with anti-beta-actin monoclonal antibody, whereas FITC-phalloidin staining did not mark the rim of lipid droplets. The present results provide the first morphological evidence that globular beta-actin is associated with intracellular lipid droplets. This significant association of actin with the surface of lipid droplets suggests that beta-actin might be involved in the regulation of intracellular lipid metabolism, particularly providing insight into the important transport of lipid constituents.

Molecular basis of the adult i phenotype and the gene responsible for the expression of the human blood group I antigen

The human blood group i and I antigens are characterized as linear and branched repeats of N-acetyllactosamine, respectively. Conversion of the i to the I structure requires the activity of I-branching beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (IGnT). Thus the blood group I gene is assigned to encode a beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase; however, its identity has not been confirmed. The null phenotype of I, the adult i phenotype, provides a means to identify the I gene. Interestingly, the adult i phenotype has been noted to be associated with congenital cataracts in Asians. Molecular genetic studies of 3 adult i pedigrees are reported here. The results obtained on mutation detection within the 2 I-branching enzyme encoding genes, segregation analyses, and enzyme function assays identify molecular changes associated with the adult i phenotype. The adult i phenotype in 2 of the pedigrees studied resulted from 1043G-->A and 1148G-->A mutations, which predict Gly348Glu and Arg383His alterations, respectively, in the IGnT gene. These amino acid changes abolished the original GlcNAc-transferase activity. Deletion of the IGnT gene was observed in the person with adult i phenotype in the third pedigree. These findings suggest that the IGnT gene, first reported in 1993, is the candidate for the blood group I gene. Confirmation of the blood group I gene will further assist in the investigations of the molecular genetics that control I antigen expression in secretions and the molecular basis for the association of the adult i phenotype with congenital cataracts in Asians.

Glucocorticoids manifest androgenic activity in a cell line derived from a metastatic prostate cancer

The pathophysiological mechanism(s) by which androgen independence develops in prostate cancer remains to be determined. The identification in many prostate cancer specimens of a mutant androgen receptor, T877A, with altered ligand specificity has provided an explanation for some treatment failures. The T877A mutant androgen receptor recognizes a number of nonandrogenic compounds, including certain estrogens, progestins, and even antiandrogens as androgens. However, a comprehensive screen for hormonal agents which display agonist activity on this mutant has not been performed. In this study, we characterized this clinically important receptor mutant further and found that it can be activated by a wide range of compounds, including a number of endogenous glucocorticoids. Among the most clinically relevant compounds identified are DOC and corticosterone, both of which can effectively activate the mutant receptor at concentrations normally found in blood. Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid frequently used in various contexts for prostate cancer therapy, is also recognized as an androgen by the mutant receptor. These unexpected findings suggest the need to: (a) reassess the role of adrenally derived glucocorticoids in prostate cancer disease progression; and (b) recognize the potential for iatrogenic stimulation of disease progression with certain glucocorticoid interventions.

Residue characteristics and pore development of petrochemical industry sludge pyrolysis

Petrochemical industry bio-sludge was pyrolyzed to investigate the composition and pore size distribution of pyrolytic residue. Results indicated that the carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen concentrations could be reduced after an increase in pyrolytic temperature. The trace element analysis indicated that Al, Ca, Fe, Mg. K, Cu, Sr, and Sb concentrated during the pyrolytic process. When forty grams of pre-dried sludge were pyrolyzed at various pyrolytic temperatures, the transfers from the gas phase to liquid phase to residue were from 21.2 to 36.0%, from 49.0 to 70.0%, and from 8.3 to 16.5%. Results of the pore size distribution examination indicated that the mesopore had the greatest effect on the bio-sludge pyrolysis. The optimal pyrolytic temperatures and times were approximately 800 degrees C for 30 min and 900 degrees C for 10 min. The conceptual model can reasonably explain the pore structure development during the pyrolysis process.

Capitalizing on the complexities of estrogen receptor pharmacology in the quest for the perfect SERM

The term Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) has been used of late to describe a group of pharmaceuticals that manifest estrogen receptor (ER) agonist activity in some tissues, but that oppose estrogen action in others. Whereas the name describing this class of drugs is new, the concept is not. Indeed, compounds exhibiting tissue-selective ER agonist/antagonist properties have been around for nearly 40 years. What is new is the idea that it may be possible to capitalize on the paradoxical activities of these drugs and develop them as treatments for estrogenopathies where it is desirable to direct therapy to a specific estrogen-responsive target organ. This realization has provided the impetus for research in this area and has pushed the development and clinical use of this class of drugs. The objective of this review is to describe how the medical need for SERMs arose and how recent studies of the mechanism of action of the currently available drugs are paving the way for the development of novel drugs with improved selectivity.

Sequential MRI studies of a patient with complex partial status--a case report

Complex partial status (CPS), the status epilepticus of complex partial seizure, is rarely seen in clinical practice. The clinical presentations of CPS are characterized by confusion, slowness in response, together with stereotypic or complex automatisms and occasional secondary generalization. The electroencephalographic findings of CPS reveal characteristic focal epileptiform activities of mesial temporal region. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) is the imaging method of choice for studying epilepsy, particularly when focus is in the temporal lobe. We report a 49-year-old female with diagnosis of viral encephalitis and clinical presentation of CPS. We present the sequential brain MRI findings at acute, subacute and chronic stages of this patient.