Brucella arthritis of the knee, 1 year after revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The authors report the first case in the literature of septic arthritis of the knee 1 year after revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Brucella melitensis biotype 3 was found in both synovial fluid and blood cultures. The patient was treated initially with arthroscopic debridement. After the diagnosis was confirmed, a second arthroscopic lavage and metal work removal was applied leaving the graft in place. Antimicrobial chemotherapy was prescribed for 3 months. The infection was fully eradicated and the patient is still asymptomatic, 4 years after the treatment.

The application of a micro-algal/bacterial biofilter for the detoxification of copper and cadmium metal wastes

In the present study the potential of a biofilter containing a mixture of dried micro-algal/bacterial biomass for removing heavy metals (Cu(2+), Cd(2+)) from dilute electroplating waste was tested. The biomass was produced in an artificial stream using the effluent of a municipal waste water treatment plant as a nutrient source, with the additional benefit of reducing phosphorus and nitrogen loadings. Baseline batch experiments determined that optimum adsorption for both metals (80-100%) were achieved with the deionized-H(2)O conditioned biomass at initial pH 4.0. Other biosorption variables (contact time, initial metal concentration) were also tested. Biosorption data were fitted successfully by the Langmuir model and results showed a high affinity of the used biomass for both metals (q(max) 18-31 mg metal/g.d.w). Flow-through column experiments containing Ca-alginate/biomass beads showed that metal adsorption depends also on flow-rate and volume of treated waste. Desorption of both metals with weak acids was very successful (95-100%) but the regeneration of the columns was not achieved due to the destabilization of beads.

Cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin and ash content of some organic materials and their suitability for use as paper pulp supplements

Freshwater algal biomass and orange and lemon peels were assessed as tissue paper pulp supplements. Cellulose and hemicellulose contents of algal biomass were 7.1% and 16.3%, respectively, whereas for citrus peels cellulose content ranged from 12.7% to 13.6% and hemicellulose from 5.3% to 6.1%. For all materials, lignin and ash content was 2% or lower, rendering them suitable for use as paper pulp supplements. The addition of algal biomass to paper pulp increased its mechanical strength significantly. However, brightness was adversely affected by chlorophyll. The addition of citrus peels in paper pulp had no effect on breaking length, increased bursting strength and decreased tearing resistance. Brightness was negatively affected at proportions of 10%, because citrus peel particles behave as coloured pigments. The cost of both materials is about 45% lower than that of conventional pulp, resulting in a 0.9-4.5% reduction in final paper price upon their addition to the pulp.

UV effects on invertebrate and diatom assemblages of Greece

The effects of solar radiation (PAR, UVA, UVB) on the productivity and structure of diatom and invertebrate assemblages were assessed during primary succession on artificial substrate near a rocky shore of the Saronikos Gulf, Greece. Three light treatments were performed (PAR, PAR+UVA, and PAR+UVA+UVB) at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m of depth. Pennate diatoms were the major component of the developing periphytic communities during the study period. Exposure to solar UVB initially reduced the biomass and altered the structure of the diatom assemblages. The highest biomass of diatom assemblages was observed under PAR (49.2 g/m2). This value was significantly higher than the biomass of assemblages growing under PAR+UVA+UVB, but not significantly different compared to the biomass of assemblages exposed to PAR+UVA. These differences, however, did not persist at later stages. The most abundant invertebrate groups present were Polychaetes and Crustaceans. Solar UVB did not have significant effects on invertebrate biomass. Analysis of the invertebrate assemblage structure revealed time-course differences but no clear trends among the different treatments.

Petroleum hydrocarbon bioremediation: sampling and analytical techniques, in situ treatments and commercial microorganisms currently used

The sampling and analytical methods, along with available microorganisms, used for in situ hydrocarbon bioremediation are reviewed. Each treatment method is briefly described and its advantages and limitations pertaining to potential applications are evaluated. Bioremediation provides cost-effective, contaminant- and substrate-specific treatments equally successful in reducing the concentrations of single compounds or mixtures of biodegradable materials. In situ treatments rarely yield undesirable byproducts, but precautions and preliminary baseline tests are always recommended. Sampling methods should adhere to good laboratory and field practices and usually do not require highly trained personnel. Analytical methods vary in sensitivity, cost, duration of sample analysis and personnel training required. Voucher specimens of bacterial strains used in bioremediation exist in various repositories (e.g. ATCC, DSM, etc.) or are commercially available, and are usually covered by patent rights. Each one of these strains may yield spectacular results in vitro for specific target compounds. However, the overall success of such strains in treating a wide range of contaminants in situ remains limited. The reintroduction of indigenous microorganisms isolated from the contaminated site after culturing seems to be a highly effective bioremediation method, especially when microorganism growth is supplemented by oxygen and fertilizers.