Longer term follow up of aerobic capacity in children affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

BACKGROUND

A study was undertaken to investigate the aerobic capacity and pulmonary function of children 6 and 15 months after the diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

METHODS

Thirty four patients of mean age 14.7 years completed both pulmonary function and maximal aerobic capacity tests at 6 months. All had normal clinical examination and were asymptomatic. Their exercise responses were compared with a group of healthy controls. Complete data were collected on 27 of the original 34 cases at 15 months.

RESULTS

Compared with normal controls, the patient group had significantly lower absolute and mass related peak oxygen consumption (peak V o(2) (p<0.01)), higher ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (p<0.01), lower oxygen pulse (p<0.01), and a lower oxygen uptake efficiency slope (p<0.01) at 6 months. This impairment was unexpected and out of proportion with the degree of lung function abnormality. Residual high resolution computed tomography of thorax (HRCT) abnormalities were present in 14 patients. Those with abnormal HRCT findings had significantly lower mass related peak V o(2) than subjects with normal radiology (p<0.01). Absolute and mass related peak V o(2) in the patient group remained impaired at 15 months despite normalisation of lung function in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanism for the reduced aerobic capacity in children following SARS is not fully understood, but it is probably a consequence of impaired perfusion to the lungs at peak exercise and deconditioning.

Acceleration and quenching of the photolysis of PCB in the presence of surfactant and humic materials

The photodecay of a polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) congener, 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TeCB), in a surfactant-aided soil-washing process was investigated. The surfactant was found to be a useful hydrogen source in improving the TeCB photodecay via photoreduction process, while the light attenuation effect resulted from the nontarget compounds in the solution, and the impact of humic materials that co-extracted from the soil played important roles in the process of photolytic destruction of TeCB. A well-defined sediment, EPA-11, was used as the source of humic materials in examining the acceleration and quenching effects in the photolysis process. Experimental results indicated that the low dose of humic materials mainly acted as a supplementary hydrogen source to improve the photodegradation rate, while at a higher dose its amphoteric property of being a photochemical quencher become perceptible gradually, thus retarding the reaction. These effects were inspected and the dominant rate constants were quantified through the examination of possible sub-reactions in the assistant of proposed linear models in this study. The models under three different conditions at zero, low, and high humic levels associated with a light attenuation model were successfully developed to solve the dominant rate constants of the process. The good correlations between the experimental data and the models verify that the proposed reaction mechanisms of rate acceleration (resulting from the hydrogen source characteristics of the surfactant and humic material) and rate retardation (high levels of humic materials) coexist in the process.

The degradation of endocrine disruptor di-n-butyl phthalate by UV irradiation: a photolysis and product study

The direct photolysis of an important endocrine disruptor compound, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), has been investigated under monochromatic UV irradiation at 254 nm over a wide pH range (3-11). The investigation was carried out under idealized conditions and has considered both reaction kinetics and the degradation mechanism. It was found that more than 90% of DBP can be degraded within an hour of irradiation in water. A simple model has been developed and used to predict the initial DBP photolysis rate constant at different pH values and initial DBP concentrations. The major decomposition mechanism of DBP is believed to involve the hydrolytic photolysis of the carbon in the alpha and/or beta-position of the ester chain with the production of aromatic carboxylic derivatives. Additionally, multi-degradation pathways are proposed for acid-catalyzed hydrolytic photolysis (pH 3-5), which was found to be useful in explaining the photo-degradation of DBP under acidic conditions. The use of 254 nm UV to photo-degrade DBP was found to be a relatively fast and clean process, especially in neutral to basic conditions.

A study of kinetic modelling and reaction pathway of 2,4-dichlorophenol transformation by photo-fenton-like oxidation

The degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) by the photo-Fenton-like (Fe3+/H2O2/UVC) process under various reaction conditions was investigated. It was interesting to find that the reaction kinetics of 2,4-DCP in Fe3+/H2O2/UVC systems varied depending on the initial [Fe3+] concentration. A pseudo first-order kinetic and a non-conventional kinetic were discovered at low and higher [Fe3+] concentrations, respectively. A model was used to simulate the non-conventional kinetic process, where two character parameters (the initial decay rate and the final decay fraction) were found to be critical in determining the process. The two parameters successfully quantify the photo-Fenton-like oxidation under different concentrations of [Fe3+] and [H2O2] and the corresponding ratios of Fe(III)/H2O2. The reaction intermediates were identified by an LC/MS analysis and a reaction mechanism was proposed.

Effect of humic acid on the photolysis of the pesticide atrazine in a surfactant-aided soil-washing system in acidic condition

The photolytic destruction of Atrazine (ATZ) following a surfactant-aided soil-washing process was investigated in the presence of humic acid (HA). A non-ionic surfactant, Brij 35, was found to be a good solving agent, extracting ATZ without causing any retardation effect on the photolysis process. However, the HA that was co-extracted from the surfactant-aided soil-washing system was found to be capable of improving the photolysis of ATZ at low concentrations, while quenching the photodegradation of ATZ at higher concentrations. By considering the light attenuation effect due to surfactant and HA, the quantum yields of the system with respect to the proposed reaction mechanisms of the associated excited states of ATZ were investigated and modeled. The relative kinetic rates of the dominant reaction mechanisms (i.e., deactivation of triplet, direct photolysis of triplet, product formation, and quenching of triplet) were then compared.

Model applications and mechanism study on the degradation of atrazine by Fenton's system

Atrazine (ATZ), 2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine, was effectively degraded by hydroxyl radicals that were generated by FeII/H2O2 in the Fenton's process. Up to 98% ATZ removal can be achieved in the process if the doses of FeII and H2O2 are selected appropriately. Oxidation capacity of the process was successfully predicted through a kinetic approach with three simple and measurable parameters (i.e., two rate constants and a break point time), which makes the model useful in predicting, controlling and optimizing the degradation of ATZ. In addition, the transformation pathways of ATZ decay was successfully investigated by using a novel technology, liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS). Ten intermediates were identified in the process. The alkylic-oxidation followed by dealkylation and/or dechlorination-hydroxylation were found to be the major pathways of the decay of ATZ in Fenton's process. All the detected intermediates were found to be dealkylated in different levels or positions. The dealkylated species may be further dechlorinated but generally at a lower fraction (<10%) due to the depletion of oxidants.

Effects of nonaqueous phase liquids on the washing of soil in the presence of nonionic surfactants

The removal of malathion from soil by surfactant washing was investigated under various physical-chemical states of the malathion. Three distinctive phases (without nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPL), with NAPL, and the transitional zone of NAPL) were found to be important for a better understanding of the washing process. When there is no NAPL in the system, the washing process is less dependent on the surfactant dose if the applied surfactant concentration is above the critical micelle concentration. The existence of a sorption site boundary, which for the determination of different washing mechanisms, was identified. In the presence of NAPL, the washing performance is generally independent of the organic content (f(oc)) of the soils but is dominated by the concentration of the surfactant used, due to the lesser resistance for mass transfer in NAPL. If the formation of NAPL is marginal, a two-stage washing pattern is observed, which has been quantified by the term 'unit extraction'. For this two-stage system, a mathematical model was derived based on the observed initial unit extraction and final extraction capacity, which eventually resulted in a practical design equation with the use of primary parameters such as f(oc) and surfactant dose.

Radiological and pulmonary function outcomes of children with SARS

We examined the radiological and pulmonary function outcomes of children affected with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) at 6 months from diagnosis. Twenty-one female and 26 male Chinese patients (median age, 13.6 years; interquartile range, 9.9-16.0) were studied. In each subject, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the thorax and pulmonary function were assessed. All children were asymptomatic and had a normal clinical examination. Mild pulmonary abnormalities were detected on HRCT in 16 (34.0%) subjects, including residual ground-glass opacification (n = 5), air trapping (n = 8), and a combination of ground-glass changes and air trapping (n = 3). The need for oxygen supplementation (P = 0.02) and lymphopenia during the course of illness (P = 0.012) were significant risk factors in predicting abnormal HRCT. There were no significant lung function differences between those with and without HRCT abnormalities. Despite complete clinical resolution, a considerable proportion of children affected with SARS had abnormal HRCT findings at 6 months. These abnormalities were more prevalent in those with severe disease. It is important that careful follow-up be carried out to assess the clinical significance and persistence of such abnormalities.

An unconventional approach to studying the reaction kinetics of the Fenton's oxidation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

The Fenton's oxidation kinetics of herbicide 2,4-D at various [Fe(II)] and [H(2)O(2)] combinations was investigated and modelled through an unconventional approach. The reaction kinetics of 2,4-D degradation demonstrated a two-stage pattern of decay, where a very fast reactive stage was followed by a retardation stage due to the depletion of oxidants and to the competitive side-reactions of the intermediates (including 2,4-dichlorophenol, chlorohydroquinone and 2,6-dichlororesorcinol). A model characterized by two newly established constants, the initial decay rate and the maximum oxidative capacity, was proposed and proven capable of describing the two-stage process, which cannot easily be described by conventional first- or second-order kinetics approaches.

A study of the reaction mechanisms of the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by oxalate-mediated photooxidation

The oxidation of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) by FeII/H2O2/UV (FHU) and ferrous-oxalate/H2O2/UV (FOHU) processes was investigated and compared. The initial decay rate and the overall removal percentage were used as the performance indexes. To extensively explore the associated processes, the intermediates and the end products were also examined and compared. The results showed that the degradation of 2,4-D by FHU is slower than that of FOHU. The involvement of ferrous-oxalate in the reaction can greatly improve the initial decay rate of 2,4-D because of the higher light sensitivity of the organometallic complexes. The total removal of 2,4-D and its corresponding intermediates was found to be strongly dependent on the initial hydrogen peroxide concentration; an excessively low initial [H2O2] will terminate the process due to the deficiency of hydroxyl radicals in the solution. All of the major primary intermediates (2,4-dichlorophenol, 2-chloro-4-hydroxyphenoxyacetic acid, 4-chloro-2-hydroxyphenoxyacetic acid, 5-hydroxy-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 6-hydroxy-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) have been identified and confirmed by LC-MS. A reaction mechanism was proposed for FHU and FOHU and verified by the evidence presented in this study.

The system design of UV-assisted catalytic oxidation process--degradation of 2,4-D

Unlike the conventional first- or second-order model, a novel approach to design for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy (2,4-D) by the UV-catalytic oxidation process (UVCOP) was investigated. Two distinctive parameters, initial decay rate and maximum oxidative capacity, were characterized. By using these parameters, the performance of the degradation of 2,4-D by UVCOP regarding to the reagent dosages could be successfully predicted. Low concentrations of ferrous ion was found to be a rate-limiting factor for the process while the dosage of hydrogen peroxide was concluded as a dominant species in determining the maximum oxidation capacities. This information can be used to optimize the treatment process and achieve the expected performance target; an "optimal-dose model" was developed accordingly. The model is an intelligent and useful tool to evaluate the optimal doses of hydrogen peroxide with the minimum dose of ferrous ion, which leads to a better design of the treatment process.

PCR detection of pathogenic viruses in southern California urban rivers

AIMS

To investigate human viral contamination in urban rivers and its impact on coastal waters of southern California, USA.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three types of human viruses (adeno, entero and hepatitis A) were detected using nested- and RT-PCR from 11 rivers and creeks. Faecal indicator bacteria as well as somatic and F-specific coliphage were also tested. Approximately 50% of the sites were positive for human adenoviruses. However, there was no clear relationship between detection of human viruses and the concentration of indicator bacteria and coliphage. Both faecal indicator bacteria and human viral input at beaches near river mouths were associated with storm events. The first storm of the wet season seemed to have the greatest impact on the quality of coastal water than following storm events.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first direct evidence that human viruses are prevalent in southern California urban rivers. Urban run-off impacts coastal water quality most significantly during the storm season.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

To protect human health during water recreational activities, it is necessary to develop effective strategies to manage urban run-off during storm events.

Modeling the ozonation of herbicide 2,4-D through a kinetic approach

A quantitative estimation of the ozonation of a herbicide 2,4-D solution through a kinetic approach was studied and modelled. The ozonation of 2,4-D was found to follow a pseudo-first-order kinetic and the degradation rates depended on the initial pH and on the ozone concentration. A model was proposed to quantitatively predict the pseudo-first-order rate constants of the decay of 2,4-D under different ozone concentrations and initial pH levels based on some useful and practical assumptions. The proposed model was able to successfully describe the reaction with insignificant errors; therefore another practical equation was proposed to size the contact tower for 2,4-D ozonation by ozone concentration (overdosed) and initial pH level.

The photocatalytic degradation of dicamba in TiO2 suspensions with the help of hydrogen peroxide by different near UV irradiations

The direct photolysis and the photocatalytic degradations of dicamba in TiO2 suspensions with and without the use of hydrogen peroxide were studied using two different monochromatic UV irradiations (300 and 350 nm). Both the direct photolysis and photocatalytic degradations of dicamba follow pseudo-first-order decay kinetics. Photolysis reactions were slow but the corresponding photocatalysis rates were increased by about 3 and 5 times in the presence of TiO2 at 300 and 350 nm of UV, respectively. Photocatalytic rates were increased with the pH at acidic to neutral ranges because of the increase of hydroxide ions, but the reaction was gradually retarded at the alkaline medium due to the effect of charges repulsion. The different proton sources causing various degrees of rate retardation were due to the presence of the corresponding counter anions. The results of H2O2-assisted photocatalysis experiments showed that a low H2O2 dosage in photocatalysis using UV 300 nm would enhance the decay rate of dicamba by 2.4 times, but an overdose of H2O2 will retard the rate because of the expenditure of hydroxyl radicals. However, this process was found impracticable at UV 350 nm due to the absorption characteristic of H2O2. A neutral initial pH level was found to favour the H2O2-assisted photocatalysis at UV 300 nm. The reactions were highly retarded at the alkaline medium due to the unstable properties of H2O2.

Photooxidation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by ferrous oxalate-mediated system

The photodegradation of a herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) by ferrous oxalate/UV/H2O2 was studied. Ferrous oxalate, the more photoactive and reactive species, was found to react faster with hydrogen peroxide for hydroxyl radical production than ferrous ions under UV irradiation. About 2.9 times greater rate enhancement was found with the addition of 0.3 mM oxalate than that of a solution containing 0.1 mM Fe2+ and 1 mM H2O2 in the presence of UV light at 253.7 nm. The kinetics dependence of hydrogen peroxide concentration and initial solution pH were also investigated. A threefold increase in peroxide concentration could accelerate the removal of 2,4-D and nearly complete the reaction in 30 min of illumination. The initial decay rate of 2,4-D treated by ferrous oxalate/UV/H2O2 accelerated from 0.0029 to 0.0034 s(-1) and the overall removal of the starting material increased from 78% to 99.9%. The 2,4-D transformation at lower initial pH had higher reaction rates than that at higher pH and different reaction mechanisms were identified. The efficiency of the herbicide decomposition was retarded 2.6 times and 9.6 times as initial pH increased from 2.8 to 5.1 and 9.0, respectively.

Abundance, distribution, and diversity of viruses in alkaline, hypersaline Mono Lake, California

Mono Lake is a large (180 km2), alkaline (pH approximately 10), moderately hypersaline (70-85 g kg(-1)) lake lying at the western edge of the Great Basin. An episode of persistent chemical stratification (meromixis) was initiated in 1995 and has resulted in depletion of oxygen and accumulation of ammonia and sulfide beneath the chemocline. Although previous studies have documented high bacterial abundances and marked seasonal changes in phytoplankton abundance and community composition, there have been no previous reports on the occurrence of viruses in this unique lake. Based on the high concentrations and diversity of microbial life in this lake, we hypothesized that planktonic viruses are also abundant and diverse. To examine the abundance and distribution of viruses and bacteria, water samples were collected from four stations along 5 to 15 vertical depths at each station. Viral abundance ranged from 1 x 10(8) to 1 x 10(9) mL(-1), among the highest observed in any natural aquatic system examined so far. Increases (p < 0.1) in viral densities were observed in the anoxic bottom water at multiple stations. However, regression analysis indicated that viral abundance could not be predicted by any single environmental parameter. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis revealed a diverse viral community in Mono Lake with genome sizes ranging from approximately 14 to >400 kb with most of the DNA in the 30 to 60 kb size range. Cluster analysis grouped the anoxic bottom-water viral community into a unique cluster differentiating it from surface and mid-water viral communities. A hybridization study using an indigenous viral isolate as a probe revealed an episodic pattern of temporal phage distribution with strong niche stratification between oxic and anoxic waters.

Photodegradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in various iron-mediated oxidation systems

The oxidation of herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) by different iron-mediated processes, with or without the presence of ultraviolet (at 253.7 nm) and oxalate, was investigated and compared. The initial decay rate and the overall removal percentage were used as the performance indexes. To extensively explore the associated processes, the following combinations or blank systems were investigated: UV radiation only, Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2), Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2)/UV, ferrous oxalate/H(2)O(2), ferrous oxalate/H(2)O(2)/UV, Fe(3+)/H(2)O(2), Fe(3+)/H(2)O(2)/UV, ferrioxalate/H(2)O(2), and ferrioxalate/H(2)O(2)/UV. This study showed that the degradation of 2,4-D by sole UV or dark processes (without UV) is generally slow, except by the conventional Fenton's process (Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2)). However, these slow reactions can be accelerated by exposure to UV irradiation, which can increase the initial 2,4-D decay rate from ten to more than one hundred times. Furthermore, if the reaction is initiated by ferrous oxalate or ferrioxalate instead of Fe(2+) or Fe(3+) ions, the rates can be further improved, because of the higher light sensitivity of the organometallic complexes. These reactions were also found sensitive to the initial hydrogen peroxide concentration. The competition of hydroxyl free radicals by the primary intermediate, 2,4-dichlorophenol, was also observed.

Remediation of contaminated soil by a solvent/surfactant system

This study investigates a new approach using a solvent/surfactant-aided soil-washing process to improve the performance of conventional surfactant-aided soil remediation. Three surfactants (Brij 35, Tween 80, and SDS) and three organic solvents (acetone, triethylamine, and squalane) were used to evaluate the desorption performances of 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl (DCB) out of three soils with different sorption characteristics. The performance improvement is likely due to better dissolution of the hydrophobic contaminants from the soil assisted by the solvent, and the formation of solvent-incorporated surfactant micelles, which increases both the size (i.e. capacity) and affinity of micelles for more effective contaminant extraction. The foc of soils were found to be important in determining the performance of a solvent/surfactant-aided soil-washing process. Judging from the experimental data and as verified by the two constants in the proposed soil-washing model, as the organic solvent is coexisting with the surfactant micelles, both the marginal soil-washing performance (right after the use of a very small amount of solvent compared to that of none) and the final soil-washing capacity are increased compared to those of a pure surfactant-aided washing process.

The system design of atrazine oxidation by catalytic oxidation process through a kinetic approach

A design method for the removal of atrazine (ATZ) by catalytic oxidation process (COP) was developed though examination of the reaction kinetics in various conditions. The reaction kinetics of ATZ decay in COP are found to consist of a reaction and a stagnant stage, while two characteristic constants, the initial decay rate and the oxidative capacity of the COP, are successfully derived and used to describe the two stages, respectively. The proposed model and the way to solve the two characteristic constants (the initial decay rate and the oxidative capacity) are capable of describing the ATZ degradation precisely in COP at different Fe(II) concentrations and [Fe(II)]/[H(2)O(2)] ratios, where the marginal [Fe(II)]/[ATZ] ratio at 10 is found to be the critical point to achieve a cost-effective treatment of ATZ by COP. A series of equations for practical completely mixed batch reactor design is also developed based on the two characteristic constants.

The dose and ratio effects of Fe(II) and H2O2 in Fenton's process on the removal of atrazine

The degradation of pesticide, atrazine (ATZ), 2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine, by Fenton's reagent (FR) was investigated as a function of reagents' concentrations and ratios in a batch reactor. The degradation of ATZ was effectively achieved by hydroxyl radicals, which were generated in the FR process. The decay rates of ATZ and the oxidation capacities of FR were found to depend on the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ion. The removal kinetics of ATZ are initiated by a rapid decay and then followed by a much slower one. After an extended reaction time (5 to 10 minutes), the reactions ceased because the Fe2+ and H2O2 were consumable and would be deactivated in the process. The oxidation capacity of FR was found to have a nonlinear correlation to the doses of [Fe2+] and [H2O2] due to the involvement of some unwanted side reactions at both high and low FR ratios. In addition, it was also found that the FR ratio has little effect on the oxidation capacity at high [Fe2+] concentration, but it becomes more critical at lower [Fe2+], which is justified by the involvement of two parallel pathways for the oxidation of ATZ, i.e. the catalyzed oxidation of ATZ induced by FR and the direct oxidation of ATZ by H2O2.

The mechanism of the surfactant-aided soil washing system for hydrophobic and partial hydrophobic organics

A surfactant-aided soil washing mechanism is proposed in this study by examining nine common organic contaminants, which were divided into two groups, hydrophobic compounds and partial hydrophobic compounds, depending on the respective soil partitioning of contaminants, K(oc). The presence of a free non-aqueous phase liquid in the soil washing system is critical to determine the soil washing performance curves. A mathematical model is proposed to describe soil-washing performance at various surfactant concentrations. The resulting slopes and intercepts from the model for the performance prediction are linearly related to K(oc). In addition, a transition zone between the hydrophobic and partial hydrophobic compounds was observed, and has been used in verifying the proposed mechanism successfully by overdosing and underdosing the contaminants in the system.

The hydrogen peroxide-assisted photocatalytic degradation of alachlor in TiO2 suspensions

Photocatalytic degradations of alachlor in TiO2 suspensions with and without the use of hydrogen peroxide were studied using two different monochromatic UV irradiations (300 and 350 nm). Direct photolysis of alachlor was a rather slow process, but the addition of TiO2 enhanced the reaction rates by 12 and 26 times using 300 and 350 nm UV irradiation, respectively. The results showed that a low H2O2 dosage in photocatalysis using 300 nm UV would enhance the rates by 3.3 times, but an overdose of H2O2 will retard the rate due to the hydroxyl radicals are consumed. However, this process is impracticable at 350 nm due to the absorption characteristic of H2O2. A neutral initial pH level was found to favor the H2O2 assisted photocatalysis at 300 nm UV illumination. Eleven major intermediates were identified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) and MS/MS. The major degradation mechanisms of H2O2-assisted alachlor photocatalysis include dechlorination, dealkylation, hydroxylation, cyclization, scission of C-O bond, and N-dealkylation. Bell-shaped evolution profiles of different intermediates were observed. Degradation pathways were proposed accordingly to illustrate series of degradation steps. The TOC analysis revealed the different stages of the reaction.

Treatment of trichlorophenol by catalytic oxidation process

The oxidation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) by ferrous-catalyzed hydrogen peroxide was quantified and modeled in the study. TCP was effectively degraded by hydroxyl radicals that were generated by Fe(II)/H(2)O(2) in the oxidation process. The oxidation capacity (OC) of the process depends on the concentrations of oxidant (hydrogen peroxide) and oxidative catalyst (ferrous ion). Up to 99.6% of TCP removal can be achieved in the process, provided the doses of Fe(II) and H(2)O(2) are selected correctly. The OC of the process was successfully predicted through a kinetic approach in a two-stage model with some simple and measurable parameters, which makes the model useful for predicting, controlling and optimizing the catalyzed oxidation process in the degradation of TCP.

Reactor design and kinetics study of 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl photodecay in surfactant solution by using a photosensitizer and hydrogen source

The system design based on the photodegradation kinetics of 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl (4,4'-DCB) in surfactant solution with the aid of solvents (acetone and/or squalane) has been studied. Organic solvents acetone and squalane were added as a photosensitizer and a hydrogen source, respectively, to achieve better photolysis performance. The quantum yield of 4,4'-DCB photodecay in Tween 80 micellar solution in the presence of added acetone was increased from 0.032 to 0.043 at its optimal condition. Acetone was shown to be an effective photosensitizer at low concentration, but an overdose would quench the reaction. Furthermore, the addition of squalane could further promote the photodechlorination of 4,4'-DCB in the Tween 80/acetone solutions for an additional 59% of rate improvement. However, an overdose of either solvent was found to cause UV light attenuation and to reduce the observed quantum yield. This effect has been justified and quantified in this study by a proposed light attenuation model, which has also been incorporated into the kinetic equation so that the resulted formula can be used to design the UV reactors for water and wastewater treatment works.

The vertical distribution and diversity of marine bacteriophage at a station off Southern California

Sixty-two bacteriophages were isolated on eight indigenous bacteria from a Pacific Ocean station spanning 887-m vertical depth, on two occasions between 1999 and 2000. On the basis of 16S rRNA sequences, six hosts were tentatively identified to be in the genus Vibrio and the other two were closely related to Altermonas macleodii (W9a) and Pseudoalteromonas spp. (W13a). Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of phage genomes using AccI and HapI showed that 16 phages infecting host C4a (Vibrio) displayed 14 unique RFLP patterns. However, identical phages infecting host C4b, C6a, and C6b (all Vibrio) were obtained from both the surface layer and the hypoxic zone at 850 m. Most phage isolates from the second year had a different RFLP pattern but shared genetic similarity to the phages infecting the same host from the previous year based on a hybridization study using phage genome probes. Cluster analysis of RFLP patterns and hybridization results also indicated that phages infecting the same or genetically related hosts, in general, shared higher degrees of homology in spite of the diverse RFLP patterns. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis of native viral genomes indicated a range in genome size from less than 40 to 200 kb, and the dominant band shifted up by about 5-10 kb in the deep samples compared to the shallow ones. Hybridization of phage genome probes with total viral community DNA from various depths suggests these isolates, or at least some of their genes, represent a detectable portion of the natural viral community and were distributed throughout the water column. Thus, the results of this study demonstrated that the genetic diversity of bacteriophage in the ocean is far greater than that of their bacterial hosts. However, host range may have contributed to the evolution of the diverse phage population in the marine environment.

A disappearance model for the prediction of trichlorophenol ozonation

The disappearance and modeling of the ozonation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) was studied under different initial TCP concentrations and initial pH levels. The ozonation of TCP was found to follow a pseudo-first-order reaction. The degradation rates increased with the initial pH, and decreased with initial TCP concentration. 2,6-Dichlorohydroquinone was identified as the major intermediate, indicating that dechlorination and hydroxylation co-occurred during TCP ozonation. A model was proposed to quantitatively predict the pseudo-first-order rate constants under different initial TCP concentration and different initial pH levels. The proposed model can successfully describe the reaction; therefore another practical equation was proposed to predict the TCP removal rate at any detention time, which has high potential for practical applications and reactor design.

Modeling the reaction kinetics of Fenton's process on the removal of atrazine

The degradation of pesticide, atrazine (ATZ), 2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine, by Fenton's reagent (FR) was investigated as a function of reagents' concentrations and ratios in a batch reactor. The degradation of ATZ was effectively achieved by hydroxyl radicals, which were generated in the FR process. The decay rates of ATZ and the oxidation capacities of FR were found to depend on the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ion. The removal kinetics of ATZ are initiated by a rapid decay and then followed by a much slower one. After an extended reaction time (5-10 min), the reactions ceased because the Fe(II) and H(2)O(2) were consumed and would be deactivated in the process. A mathematical model was successfully developed to describe the two-stage reaction kinetics by using two simple but critical parameters: the initial ATZ decay rate and the final oxidation capacity of Fenton's process. In general, higher [Fe(II)] or H(2)O(2) concentrations result in faster initial decay rate and higher oxidation capacity. However, the oxidation capacity is more sensitive to the initial [Fe(II)] due to the presence of side reactions as discussed in the paper.

The direct photolysis and photocatalytic degradation of alachlor at different TiO2 and UV sources

Direct photolysis and photocatalytic degradations of alachlor, a widely used herbicide, were studied using three different monochromatic UV lamps (254, 300 and 350 nm) and two TiO(2) sources. Both the direct photolysis and photocatalytic degradations of alachlor follow pseudo-first-order decay kinetics. TiO(2)-P25 was found to be an effective photocatalyst compared to TiO(2)-BDH. The direct photolysis of alachlor was dominant at 254 nm even if TiO(2) was present in the solution. Among the three UV wavelengths used, the highest photocatalysis quantum yield was obtained at 300 nm. The photocatalytic degradation rate of alachlor increased with the dosages of TiO(2), but an overdose of TiO(2) would retard the reaction due to light attenuation. Photocatalytic reactions were slightly enhanced in an alkaline medium, and the different proton sources causing various degrees of rate retardation were due to the presence of the corresponding counter anions. This effect was diminished at a later stage after the reaction intermediates were formed.

Modeling the ozonation of 2,4-dichlorophoxyacetic acid through a kinetic approach

The ozonation of herbicide 2,4-dichlorophoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was studied and modeled at different initial pH levels and initial concentrations. The degradation rate of 2,4-D was found to increase with the initial pH level and decrease with initial 2,4-D concentration. A two-stage ozonation of 2,4-D was observed, in which the initial stage of ozonation was slightly faster than the second stage due to the higher initial (saturated) ozone concentration; under these circumstances, the direct molecular ozone oxidation was likely to predominate. At the second stage, the indirect radical oxidation became more significant in determining the overall 2,4-D oxidation, and the reaction was more pH-dependent. A mathematic model associated with the analytical solutions consisting of direct and indirect oxidations contributed by the molecular ozone and free radical is proposed. The proposed model is capable of predicting the decay of 2,4-D quantitatively by ozonation at different initial pH levels and initial 2,4-D concentrations.

The reaction mechanisms and kinetics of removing azo reactive dye by indirect photolysis approaches

The photodegradation of azo reactive dye (RR2) in the presence of acetone (ACE) or triethylamine (TEA) via indirect photolysis was investigated. Photolytic experiments were conducted in a merry-go-round photoreactor with 253.7-nm monochromatic UV lamps. The photodegradation of RR2 in aqueous ACE or TEA solution was found to be kinetically controlled by pseudo-first- and zero-order kinetics, respectively. Typically, the photodegradation reaction is more favorable at higher pH. In the presence of TEA, the rate enhancement primarily is a result of the electron transfer from TEA to RR2 and results in the photoreduction of dye chromophore. Photosensitization is likely the dominant mechanism in the presence of ACE. With respect to the decoloration rate, ACE proved to be a promising rate enhancer at elevated concentrations, and the solution color faded rapidly within 5 minutes of retention time. The photodecoloration of RR2 was found to co-occur with photodechlorination and was followed by photodesulfonation at a later stage in which the mineralized end products, including hydrogen, chloride, and sulphorate ions, were detected in approximately stoichiometric amounts.

Lineage-specific mechanism of drug and radiation resistance in melanoma mediated by tyrosinase-related protein 2

A major obstacle in the clinical management of malignant melanoma is its intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Consequently, most patients with melanoma often do not respond to conventional anticancer therapy in a clinically significant manner. Recent advances in cancer research have provided new insights into the mechanisms of intrinsic resistance in melanomas. We have recently reported that the over-expression of tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TYRP2), an enzyme that is well characterized for its function in melanin synthesis, is associated specifically with resistance to DNA damaging drugs and radiation treatment. This review will summarize our findings as well as discuss the possible mechanisms by which TYRP2 over-expression contributes to intrinsic resistance in human malignant melanoma.

Evaluation of apolipoprotein A-II as a positional candidate gene for familial Type II diabetes, altered lipid concentrations, and insulin resistance

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that apolipoprotein A-II sequence variation was responsible for the observed linkage of Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus to the apolipoprotein A-II region in Northern European families ascertained for multiple diabetic siblings, and might also influence insulin sensitivity and secretion, non-esterified fatty acids, and lipids.

METHODS

We recruited 698 members of 63 families for pedigree studies and additional unrelated people providing 117 diabetic and 130 control subjects. We screened the apolipoprotein A-II gene by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and fluorescent sequence analysis. Variants were typed by oligonucleotide ligation assay, restriction digest of amplification products, or radioactive fragment analysis for the microsatellite polymorphism. Association of each variant with Type II diabetes was tested in the case-control population by chi-square analysis, or using transmission disequilibrium test in families. Haplotypes were established in families using SIMWALK and tested for association with diabetes and quantitative traits.

RESULTS

No detected variant altered the coding sequence of the gene. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms showed modest evidence for an association, but no variant or haplotype was associated with diabetes in families. Similarly, we found no association with non-esterified fatty acid concentrations, HDL concentrations, or fasting insulin. In contrast, we found evidence for an association of some haplotypes and individual variants with 2-h post-challenge glucose and measures of insulin secretion.

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

Apolipoprotein A-II is not likely to explain the observed linkage of Type II diabetes, but variation in this gene could alter insulin secretion and post-challenge glucose.

Modeling of photodecoloration of azo dye in a cocktail photolysis system

The modeling of photodecoloration of a nonbiodegradable azo dye, Reactive Red 2 (RR2), in a cocktail mixture of acetone (ACE) and triethylamine (TEA) solution, was investigated. It was found that the cocktail photolysis system was capable of completely decolorizing the azo dye in a very short treatment time, and the overall dye degradation followed pseudo-first-order decay kinetic. Three distinct stages were observed in the cocktail photolysis profiles. A lag phase was observed at the commencement of the degradation, but its duration was gradually reduced with the increment of the TEA concentration and the incident light intensity. Subsequently, a fast decay of RR2 was observed, in which over 80% of the dyes were reduced and it was interesting to find a tailing stage after 90-95% of the color was removed. A quantitative estimation of RR2 in the cocktail photolysis system was also studied. The differential equation consisting of two parallel reactions was solved to predict the concentration of RR2 at any reaction time with very good agreements. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis indicated that the photosensitization process (contributed by ACE) was the dominant mechanism in the cocktail photolysis system, while the presence of a hydrogen source (TEA) did not contribute a major decay pathway but promoted the reaction rate of photosensitization by offering an add-on effect.

Implementation of an RN/RT-initiated extubation protocol

Widespread acceptance of the importance of discontinuing ventilator support at the earliest possible opportunity has resulted in a number of efforts to develop a standardized approach to extubation. The implementation of an extubation protocol designed for the medical/surgical intensive care unit of a university-affiliated hospital followed a series of educational sessions that were open to all members of the multidisciplinary team. As part of quality assurance monitoring, data were collected on the first 47 patients who were extubated using these criteria. A clinical outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who required reintubation within 48 hours. The protocol has been well-received by the ICU team and has become an established component of ventilator management.

The mechanisms of rate enhancing and quenching of trichloroethene photodecay in the presence of sensitizer and hydrogen sources

The reaction mechanisms and rates of trichloroethene (TCE) photodecay in the presence of photosensitizer (acetone, ACE) and hydrogen sources (surfactant and triethylamine, TEA) were investigated. Quantum yields of TCE photodecay in solution with surfactant Brij 35 and optimal ACE dosage are about 25 times higher than in Brij 35 alone. However, with an excess ACE dosage, ACE will act as a light barrier and attenuate the light intensity available for TCE photodegradation. TCE photodegradation follows a two-stage kinetics, in which a lag-phase is followed by a fast decay. The lag-phase distribution depends on initial pH levels and ACE concentrations. The overall TCE removal was found to be higher at high pH level, suggesting that free radical reaction is dominant at high pH levels. The use of additional hydrogen source (TEA) in the reaction can further accelerate the reaction, but overdosing of TEA would quench the reaction. The possible reaction mechanisms of TCE photodecay involving ACE and TEA were proposed, and rateenhancing and rate-quenching models at low and high TEA concentrations respectively were derived based on the proposed mechanism, they were found useful for predicting the TEC decay quantum yields.

The direct and indirect photolysis of 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl in various surfactant/solvent-aided systems

Surfactant and organic solvents have individually been shown useful in assisting the solubilization of hydrophobic organics out of contaminated soil and promoting UV-induced photodecay at a succeeding treatment process. A newly proposed process is to use the mixtures of surfactant and solvents together in achieving better performance. This study was to explore some basic variables and conditions that may be useful in optimizing the performance of surfactant/solvent-aided UV systems through the selection of surfactant micelles, the adjustment of the reaction pH levels, and the addition of photosensitizer and hydrogen sources. A PCB monomer 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl (DCB) was used as the target compound for this study; about 1.3 to 2.3 times greater DCB photodecay rate enhancements were observed by using surfactant/acetone or surfactant/triethylamine (TEA) combinations at their optimal conditions. Overdose of these additives (acetone and TEA) will result in retardation of the reactions. However, the use of surfactant with a multisolvents system (surfactant/acetone/TEA) shows an add-on effect in amplifying the overall decay rate for more than 12%, suggesting that a more complicated mechanism is involved than the simple parallel-reaction assumption.

Modeling the sequential photodechlorination of hexachlorobenzene in surfactant micelles

A five-stage consecutive irreversible model is derived to predict the photodegradation of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in a surfactant solution, which was proven to be a useful treatment process following the surfactant-aided soil washing or remediation. The photodegradation of HCB in surfactant micelles is dominated by photodechlorination, which sequentially removes chlorides one at a time. The minor pathways of photoisomerization and photochlorination were neglected in the kinetic model. The results show that the derived consecutive irreversible model can accurately predict the decay of HCB and the formation (and decay) of its less-chlorinated congeners. The initial rate approach was used to identify the proper range of decay rate of each chlorinated benzene; so the overall rate constants can be determined easier by trial. The decreased performance of a completely mixed flow reactor (CMFR) with continuous input is also quantified compared to a batch reactor.

CYP gene polymorphisms and early menarche

Early age at menarche is a risk factor for breast cancer. A previous study reported a significant positive association between the CYP3A4*1B variant allele and early puberty. We investigated whether polymorphisms of the CYP3A4, CYP17, CYP1B1, and CYP1A2 genes predict the age at onset of menarche. Five hundred eighty-three nulliparous women between ages 17 and 35, of various ethnic backgrounds, completed a questionnaire that included information about menstrual history. Samples of DNA were provided and used to genotype these women for polymorphic variants in the four genes. There was no significant difference in mean age at menarche between women who carried two variant CYP17 A2 alleles (12.5 years) and women who carried one or no variant allele (12.5 years) (P = 0.8, adjusted for ethnic group and year of birth). Similar results were found for the CYP1B1*3 variant allele and for the CYP1A2*1F variant allele. Women who carried two variant CYP3A4*1B alleles had an earlier mean age at menarche (12.0 years) than women who carried one or no variant allele (12.6 years) (P = 0.02). However, after adjusting for ethnic group and year of birth, no significant differences in mean age at menarche were found. The polymorphic variants of the CYP3A4, CYP17, CYP1B1, and CYP1A2 genes are unlikely to influence age of menarche.

Incidence of deep vein thrombosis after colorectal surgery in a Chinese population

INTRODUCTION

Contemporary studies indicate that the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is increasing in the Asian population. The present study aims to evaluate the incidence of postoperative DVT in Chinese patients undergoing surgery for colorectal malignancies.

METHODS

Fifty-one consecutive patients with carcinoma of the rectum or sigmoid colon scheduled for resection were included in the study. None of the study subjects were given any form of DVT prophylaxis. Serial duplex ultrasound of both lower limbs were examined in the preoperative and postoperative periods.

RESULTS

Three patients were excluded from the study because of the presence of DVT noted preoperatively. A total of 20/48 (41.7%) patients developed asymptomatic calf vein thrombosis. One out of 20 patients required anticoagulation because of thrombus propagation. None of the subjects showed signs or symptoms of DVT or pulmonary embolism. A total of 7/20 thrombi resolved completely at 4 weeks after operation. Only old age and smoking were identified as being associated with a higher incidence of DVT. Disseminated disease, type of operation, duration of operation and postoperative complications did not appear to be risk factors for DVT.

CONCLUSION

A high incidence of asymptomatic calf vein thrombosis occurred after colorectal surgery for malignancies in Chinese. The majority did not progress even without anticoagulation.

Dye removal from textile dye wastewater using recycled alum sludge

The removal of dyes from textile dying wastewater by recycled alum sludge (RAS) generated by the coagulation process itself was studied and optimized. One hydrophobic and one hydrophilic dye were used as probes to examine the performance of this process. It was found that RAS is a good way of removing hydrophobic dye in wastewater, while simultaneously reducing the fresh alum dosage, of which one third of the fresh alum can be saved. The back-diffusion of residued dye from the recycling sludge is detected but is easily controlled as long as a small amount of fresh alum is added to the system. The use of RAS is not recommended for the removal of hydrophilic dyes, since the high solubility characteristics of such dyes can cause deterioration in the water quality during recycling.

Outcomes and complications of thyroid surgery: retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To study the outcome and complications of thyroid surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Regional hospital, Hong Kong.

PATIENTS

Three hundred and twelve patients (266 women and 46 men) underwent thyroid surgery between January 1994 and December 1999.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Complications of thyroidectomy for various thyroid diseases according to surgical technique used.

RESULTS

Capsular dissection gradually became a more popular surgical technique: 33% and 58% in the first and second halves of the study period respectively (P<0.001). The overall rate of permanent vocal cord palsy was 2%. Near-total thyroidectomy became the preferred surgical treatment for toxic goitre over the study period. The incidence of recurrent hyperthyroidism was reduced from 21% to 7% (P>0.1, not significant). The incidence of hypoparathyroidism was approximately 30% after thyroidectomy for cancer.

CONCLUSION

Capsular dissection is increasingly utilised in thyroid surgery. Low complication rates can be achieved after thyroidectomy for benign diseases. Hypoparathyroidism, however, is a relatively common complication after surgery for thyroid cancer.