Potential of free nitrous acid (FNA) for sludge treatment and resource recovery from waste activated sludge: A review.

The escalating production of waste activated sludge (WAS) presents significant challenges to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Free nitrous acid (FNA), known for its biocidal effect, has gained a growing focus on sludge dewatering, sludge reduction, and resource recovery from WAS due to its eco-friendly and cost-effective properties. Nevertheless, there have been no attempts made to systematically summarize or critically analyze the application of FNA in enhancing treatment and resource utilization of sludge. In this paper, we provided an overview of the current understanding regarding the application potential and influencing factors of FNA in sludge treatment, with a specific focus on enhancing sludge dewatering efficiency and reducing volume. To foster resource development from sludge, various techniques based on FNA have recently been proposed, which were comprehensively reviewed with the corresponding mechanisms meticulously discussed. The results showed that the chemical oxidation and interaction with microorganisms of FNA played the core role in improving resource utilization. Furthermore, current challenges and future prospects of the FNA-based applications were outlined. It is expected that this review can refine the theoretical framework of FNA-based processes, providing a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for the large-scale demonstration of FNA.

Feasibility of in-situ sludge fermentation coupled with partial denitrification: Key roles of initial organic matters and alkaline pH.

Achieving partial denitrification (PD) by using fermentation products extracted from waste activated sludge (WAS) rather than commercial organic matters is a promising approach for providing nitrite for anammox, while sludge reduction could also be realized by WAS reutilization. This study proposed an In-situ Sludge Fermentation coupled with Partial Denitrification (ISFPD) system and explored its performance under different conditions, including initial pH, nitrate concentrations, and organic matters. Results showed that nitrite production increased with the elevation of initial pH (from 6 to 9), and the highest nitrate-to-nitrite transformation ratio (NTR) reached 77% at initial pH 9. The PD rates and NTR were observed to be minimally influenced by initial nitrate concentrations. Acetate was preferred by denitrifying bacteria, while macromolecules such as proteins necessitated be hydrolyzed to be suitable for further utilization. The insights gained through this study paved the way for efficient nitrite production and sustainable WAS reutilization in harmony.

Low alkalinity, free ammonia, and free nitrous acid cooperatively stabilize partial nitrification under excessive aeration condition.

In this study, a lab-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was established to assess the feasibility of maintaining partial nitrification in treating high-ammonium wastewater under the condition of excessive aeration (1 L/min, 1289 min). Results showed that the average ammonia (NH4+-N) removal efficiency (ARE) was 93.4 ± 2.7% and the average nitrite accumulation ratio (NAR) was 90.7 ± 2.8% during 15-50 d. In a typical cycle, free ammonia (FA) and free nitrous acid (FNA) alternately inhibited the activity of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB), while low alkalinity limited further nitrification at even excessive aeration. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the relative abundance of Nitrosomonas, as the ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB), was up to 1.61%, while NOB were not detected. Taken together, this study indicated partial nitrification was almost not affected by excessive aeration, demonstrating its robustness depending on the cooperative strategy of the low alkalinity limitation and the inhibition of FA and FNA.

Porous and Stable Zn-Series Metal-Organic Frameworks as Efficient Catalysts for Grafting Wood Nanofibers with Polycaprolactone via a Copolymerization Approach.

A hydrothermal method was used to synthesize two highly stable Zn(II) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), namely, [Zn2(L)2(HIPA)]n (1) and [Zn9(L)6(BTEC)3(H2O)4·6H2O]n (2) (HL = 3-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazole, H2HIPA = 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid, H4BTEC = benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylic acid). The physicochemical properties of 1 and 2 were characterized using a range of analytical techniques. The scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the stability of the MOFs under heating at 120 °C for 12 h. Following their preparation, the two MOFs were used as catalysts in the grafting of poly(ε-caprolactone) on wood nanofibers (WNFs) by means of a homogeneous ring-opening polymerization protocol in an ionic liquid. The grafting ratio achieved using catalyst 1 was higher than that achieved for catalyst 2, wherein a maximum of 92.43% was obtained using the former. Under comparable reaction conditions, the grafting ratio of 1 was found to be significantly higher than those achieved using 4-dimethylamino pyridine, Sn(Oct)2, and UiO-67 catalysts. In addition, fluorescence emission was detected from the residual catalysts present in the products. The calculated electrostatic potentials and average local ionization energies indicated that the grafting of ε-caprolactone on the WNFs follows a "coordination-insertion" mechanism. Overall, these two new and efficient MOF catalysts have the potential to replace highly toxic traditional catalysts in polymerization reactions. The grafted cellulose material with fluorescence emission may also be suitable for use in biomedical applications.

Enhanced mesophilic fermentation of waste activated sludge by integration with in-situ nitrate reduction.

This study investigated the reduction of nitrate in a mesophilic waste activated sludge (WAS) fermentation system and determined the effect of nitrate reduction on the hydrolysis, acidogenesis and acetogenesis. Experimental results showed that the initial nitrate concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 mg/L were completely reduced in 1, 2 and 7 days, respectively. The destruction of volatile suspended solids was 1.2, 1.8 and 2.8 times, respectively, that without nitrate, demonstrating nitrate promoted the release of organic matter in sludge and enhanced the biodegradability of sludge organics. Moreover, batch tests using model substrates illustrated nitrate reduction promoted sludge hydrolysis and acetogenesis, but slightly inhibited acidogenesis. This study offers a feasible method to address two major problems currently faced by biological wastewater treatment plants, i.e. the overabundance of WAS and the lack of carbon sources for the denitrification process.

Syntheses, crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (Z)-3-[(3-acetyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)amino]-2-bromoprop-2-enal and a novel ZnII complex.

A novel zero-dimensional dinuclear zinc complex, di-µ-acetato-1:2κ4O:O'-(µ-2-acetyl-6-{[(Z)-2-bromo-3-oxoprop-1-en-1-yl]azanidyl}phenolato-1κ2O1,O2:2κ3O1,N,O6)(N,N-dimethylacetamide-1κO)dizinc(II), [Zn2(C11H8BrNO3)(CH3COO)2(C4H9NO)] or [Zn2(L)(CH3COO)2(DMA)], 1, was synthesized using (Z)-3-[(3-acetyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)amino]-2-bromoprop-2-enal (H2L), which was synthesized from 1-(3-amino-2-hydroxyphenyl)ethanone and 2-bromomalonaldehyde. H2L and 1 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Theoretical calculations of the bond orders and excited state of H2L confirmed that there is extensive electron delocalization in the H2L molecules. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows that the two Zn atoms are pentacoordinated in distorted trigonal bipyramidal configurations in the crystals of 1. The thermogravimetric analysis of 1 shows that the main frame of the complex remains stable to about 190 °C. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis shows that 1 possesses high purity and acid and alkali resistance. The intermolecular interactions of H2L and 1 were analyzed using Hirshfeld surface analysis and the results indicate that the H...H and O...H interactions of H2L and 1 play a considerable role in stabilizing the self-assembly process.

Proficiency testing for determination of photometric method of bacterial endotoxin / 中国药理学通报

Aim To design and implement the bacteri¬al endotoxin test proficiency testing plan to evaluate the laboratory's ability and level to determine bacterial en¬dotoxin. Methods According to the Chinese Pharma-copoeia (2015 edition, Vol IV) -1143 Bacterial Endo¬toxin Test-Photometric Method ( Method 2 ) , each la¬boratory used any of these methods to determine the endotoxin content of the sample to be tested. The stati- stical software JMP13 was used for statistical analysis of the feedback results of the participating laboratories. The consensus value of the participants, namely the ro¬bust average value of the effective test results of all the participating laboratories, was used as the assigned value X of the endotoxin content of the samples to be tested in the proficiency testing of the round. The re¬sults of participating laboratories were evaluated ac¬cording to the following criteria: (1) the laboratory test results were within 50% to 200% of the assigned value of the sample, which was evaluated satisfactory; ( 2 ) the laboratory test results were not within the 50 -200% range of the assigned value of the sample, which was evaluated dissatisfactory. Results A total of laboratories participated in this capacity verification plan, with 45 in the laboratory with satisfactory re¬sults, with a satisfaction of 91. 8% ; There were 4 la¬boratories that received "dissatisfaction" results, all of which were not within the range of 50% -200% of the assigned value of samples, and the dissatisfaction of 8. 2% . Conclusions Most of the participating labora¬tories can accurately detect the bacterial endotoxin con¬tent in the sample to be tested, indicating that the level of bacterial endotoxin detection in our country is gener¬ally good at present.

Research on the Direction of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education Reform Within the Digital Media Art Design Major in the Digital Economy.

This research analysed the integration of innovation and entrepreneurship education for students, majoring in digital media art design. Using a grounded theory approach, we investigated the experiences of two research groups: five leaders of digital media art design courses in colleges and universities, and five successful entrepreneurs who had majored in digital media art design and had achieved significantly in the industry after graduation. From the two dimensions of 'innovation' and 'entrepreneurship', as well as the two perspectives of 'implementer' and 'party', semi-structured interviews were conducted on the core competencies that innovation and entrepreneurship talents should have the methods and experience of innovation and entrepreneurship education, the difficulties and problems in the implementation of innovation and entrepreneurship education, the need for talent among enterprises and the factors affecting entrepreneurship success. By analysing and clustering the data, we were able to comprehensively identify the main problems and aspects that require more attention in terms of cultivating innovative and entrepreneurial talents in the digital media art design major. Based on the grounded theory research method, this paper established a theoretical model, outlining the innovation of the digital media art design major and the entrepreneurship education reform path. The key internal elements of the model include mechanisms for professional talent training, curriculum integration, teacher team construction and resource support. The school-enterprise cooperation mechanism is recognised as the key external element for innovation and entrepreneurship education reform. The results provide direction for future education and teaching reform, as well as professional input for the digital media art design major. The findings encourage those involved in the digital media art design major to cultivate more high-level, pioneering professionals, so as to adapt to the transformation and upgrading of economic and social development in the context of a growing digital economy.

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula mimicking ischemic stroke and treated with intravenous thrombolysis

@#Stroke patients are evaluated with a non-contrasted brain computed tomography (CT) scan for decision-making for intravenous thrombolysis. We report a case of a patient who presented with receptive aphasia, and was administered IV alteplase after the non-contrasted brain CT showed no contraindication. However, a dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) was detected on the subsequent CT angiography performed in the consideration for endovascular therapy. The patient developed fatal symptomatic intra-cerebral hemorrhage, despite subsequent cessation and reversal of thrombolysis. This case highlights how early CT angiography can be useful in hyper-acute stroke patients beyond the detection of large vessel occlusions, with its ability in revealing stroke mimics such as dural arteriovenous fistula and other contraindications to thrombolysis, which may be missed on the noncontrasted brain CT.

Advance in Trunk Control Measurement Scale for Patients with Cerebral Palsy (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Complex physical activity is a prerequisite for the completion of advanced sports skills, while trunk control is a prerequisite for complex physical activity. Cerebral palsy is often characterized by poor trunk control and poor balance response. An accurate measurement for trunk control function of patients is of great guiding significance for clinical treatment. Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) is applied to children with neuromotor dysfunction aged five years and above. TCMS has high reliability and validity, and high test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability in evaluating spastic cerebral palsy, and it is a reliable, effective and appropriate measurement tool in evaluating the trunk control ability. It can combine with other functional scales to provide more valuable information for the function of patients with cerebral palsy because of its high correlation with other types of scales.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and allergic diseases / 中国综合临床

Objective The association between Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection and allergic diseases was controversial.The aim of this study was to investigate the association between H.pylori infection and allergic diseases.Methods A questionnaire survey regarding the general health condition and allergic diseases was carried out in patients who had taken gastroscopy at People's Hospital of Peking University from September 2015 to April 2016.H.pylori infection was detected by the H.pylori antibody,rapid urease test and gastric mucosa pathology.Results There were 1 034 patients were enrolled in this study.The rate of H.pylori infection was 20.5%(212/1 034).The frequencies of contact dermatitis,urticaria,food/drug allergy,allergic rhinitis,bronchial asthma were 6.9%(71/1 034),15.5%(160/1 034),18.0%(186/1 034),20.8%(215/1 034) and 3.4%(35/1 034),respectively.The rate of the food/drug allergy was significantly lower in the H.pylori-positive group than in the H.pylori-negative group(11.8 %(25/212) vs.19.6%(161/822),χ2=6.940,P=0.008).The risk of food/drug allergy in H.pylori-positive group was 0.611(95% CI:0.386-0.966,P=0.035) in the multivariate analysis.When the patients were divided into age-dependent groups,the rate of the food/drug allergy was significantly lower in the H.pylori-positive group than in the H.pylori-negative group(10.9 %(11/101) vs.20.6%(101/490),χ2=5.152,P=0.023) in those patients ≥50 years old.There were not statistically significant differences on contact dermatitis,urticaria,eczema,asthma and allergic rhinitis between helicobacter pylori positive group and negative group(P>0.05).Conclusion H.pylori infection may be a protective factor in food/drug allergy and the protective effect enhanced by infection time.

Screening and follow-up for congenital heart disease in children aged 0-3 years in rural areas of Chongqing, China / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in children aged 0-3 years in the rural areas of Chongqing, and to determine the suitable "screening-diagnosis-follow-up" system and screening indicators for CHD in these areas.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Children aged 0-3 years from rural areas of the Fuling Disctrict of Chongqing were selected by cluster sampling. Using the "screening-diagnosis-evaluation system" employed at the levels of village/town, district/county, and province/city, the children were screened for seven indicators, i.e., family history of CHD, dyspnea, cyanosis, unique facial features, other congenital malformations, heart murmurs, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO<95%). Children who were positive for one or more indicators accepted echocardiography (ECG) for the diagnosis of CHD. CHD patients were evaluated for disease progression, given guided treatments, and followed-up by pediatric cardiologists.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Screening was performed for 10 005 out of the 10 281 children enrolled in the study (97.32% response rate). Among the 175 children who were positive for the indicators, 166 underwent ECG and 60 (0.6‰) were diagnosed with CHD, including 46 cases of simple CHD (76.65%), 11 cases of combined CHD (18.33%), and 3 cases of complex CHD (5.00%). Of the 7 screening indicators, heart murmur had the largest area under the ROC curve for the diagnosis of CHD. In addition, a combination of screening indicators (heart murmur, unique facial features, and other congenital malformations) was most effective for screening out CHD. The CHD patients were given surgical or intervention treatments, and followed up for 6 to 18 months. Ten patients improved without treatment, 13 patients received interventional or surgical treatment, 1 patient died of non-cardiac reasons. The remaining 36 patients were subjected to further follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Heart murmur alone and in combination with unique facial features and other congenital malformations are valuable tools for CHD screening in children aged 0-3 years. The "village/town-district/county-province/city" screening-diagnosis-evaluation systems are useful for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of CHD in infants and young children from the rural areas of Chongqing.</p>

High-frequency echocardiography for assessment of regional wall motion abnormality and cardiac function in mice with myocardial infarction / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the value of high-frequency echocardiography in assessing cardiac structure and function in a mouse model of myocardial infarction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-five C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham-operated group (n=10) and myocardial infarction model group (n=15) established by ligation of the left anterior descending artery. The cardiac structure, regional wall motion and cardiac function of mice were examined with pulsed wave Doppler (PWD), tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), EKV and M-mode echocardiography 3 days before and at 1 week after the operation. The histological changes and myocardial structure of the heart were observed at 1 week after the operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>High-frequency echocardiography and HE staining detected obvious myocardial infarction in the mice in the model group. Compared with the sham-operated mice, the mice with myocardial infarction showed significant left ventricular expansion, obvious thinning of the ventricular wall, and significantly decreased ventricular systolic function and diastolic function with regional wall motion abnormality and ventricular remodeling.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>s 2D-type echocardiography combined with M-mode, PWD, TDI and EKVTM for allows accurate and sensitive detection of the loci and severity of myocardial infarction to provide important evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction.</p>

Computer-assisted screening system for individualized treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a computer-assisted screening system for individualized treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of the diabetic patients were retrospectively analyzed, and the regression equation for the affecting factors and therapeutic effect was established. With computer-aided programming, a computer-assisted screening system was established.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A computer-assisted screening system for individualized treatment type 2 diabetes was established, which showed a concordance rate was 98% in clinical verification.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using epidemiological methods and assistance by computer technique, a computer-assisted screening system for individualized prescription can be established for selecting therapeutic regimen for type 2 diabetes.</p>

Analysis of the risk factors of pulmonary fungal infections related to hematologic malignancies / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the risk factors of pulmonary fungal infections related to hematologic malignancies.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective case-controlled study was conducted to analyze the patients with pulmonary fungal and bacterial infections in association with hematologic malignancies. The risk factors of pulmonary fungal infections related to hematologic malignancies were identified.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three hundred and four cases (194 of pulmonary fungal infections and 110 of pulmonary bacterial infections) were enrolled in this study. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression show that such factors as corticosteroid, halo sign, previous fungal infections, ANC lower than 0.5 x 10(9)/L for over 10 days, nodus near pleura, transplantation (immunodepressant use), chemotherapy, and broad spectrum antibiotics were all the independent risk factors of pulmonary fungal infections related to hematologic malignancies.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There are many risk factors for pulmonary fungal infections related to hematologic malignancies, and early identification of these factors for timely antifungal treatment is of much clinical significance.</p>

Investigation on medical cost of 72 patients with panic disorder / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the medical cost of 72 patients with panic disorder and efficacy of paroxetine(SSRIs)in the treatment.Methods The course,medical cost,types and times of main examination of all 72 patients were reviewed and analyzed.The effect of paroxetine on the patients was studied in terms of anxiety and depression scale.Results The 72 patients had long course,high medical cost and received many unnecessary medical examinations.Paroxerine was effective on patients with panic disorder in light of anxiety and depression scale.Con- clusion Patients with panic disorder had long course and spent much unnecessany money before final diagnosis. Paroxetine was useful and safe in the treatment of panic disorder.

Effect of laparoscopic visual reality training on the basic technical skill of laparoscopic operation / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective To explore the outcome of laparoscopic visual reality training in participants with different clinical experiences. Methods Clinical training doctors,advanced study doctors,intern doctors practiced peg transfer,cutting and making saturation and instrumental tie by using laparoscopic visual reality training,then made statistical analysis. The participants were trained for 2 weeks,90 min per day. The scores before and after the training in the 3 groups were recorded and compared. Results Before the training,the level of intern doctors on peg transfer、cutting and making saturation and instrumental tie was lower than the level of clinical training doctors and advanced study doctors(P0.05). The level of three different operators after training was obviously higher than that of themselves before training(P