Treatment of dinitrodiazophenol industrial wastewater in heat-activated persulfate system.

Heat-activated persulfate oxidation process was investigated as the treatment of dinitrodiazophenol industrial wastewater to degrade refractory pollutants and improve biodegradability. By studying the effects of 4 factors and carrying out orthogonal tests and scale-up experiments, optimal treatment conditions (temperature 90 °C, reaction time 75 min, PS dosage 20.0 g L-1 and initial pH ∼2.0) were obtained. The results showed that under these conditions, COD and color removal efficiencies were 99.22% and 99.99%, respectively. Moreover, an increase in BOD5/COD ratio (from 0 to 0.31) indicates significantly improved biodegradability. Dinitrodiazophenol dosage was measured by high performance liquid chromatography, which showed that dinitrodiazophenol removal efficiency reached 99.99%. Furthermore, the degradation process was analyzed by ultraviolet-visible spectra and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The former demonstrated that aromatic compounds in the system were destroyed during mineralization and the latter indicated that nitro groups on the benzene ring could be oxidized to nitrate. After verification test of the free radicals, mechanism of heat-activated persulfate system was assumed to be that SO4˙- and ·OH function together and SO4˙- predominate. To conclude, the heat-activated PS oxidation technology performs effectively in treatment of DDNP wastewater and expands applications of sulfate-radical-based advanced oxidation technology in industrial-wastewater treatment.

Clinical features, risk factors, and treatment experience: a review of 74 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction complicated by ventricular fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is one of the most serious complications of acute myocardial infarction, with a high mortality rate. There is a lack of value of rescue thrombolysis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by VF. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between risk factors and mortality, and assess the value of rescue thrombolysis in STEMI complicated by VF. METHODS: A total 74 cases of STEMI complicated by VF were enrolled. The experimental group consisted of 26 patients who underwent rescue thrombolysis, and the control group included 48 cases without rescue thrombolysis. The two groups were compared in terms of demographic and clinical features including gender, age, onset time, blood pressure, patient's history, creatine kinase-MB, infarct area, complications, therapy, and outcomes, including mortality. RESULTS: The mortality rate of the experimental group was 15.38%, lower than 37.50% of the control group (p < 0.05). The bleeding rate was 34.62% (n = 9) in the experimental group. The risk factors of smoking, shock, and rescue thrombolysis were correlated with mortality of STEMI complicated by VF (p < 0.05 for all): Smoking and shock both were positively correlated with mortality, their regression coefficients/odds ratios (OR) were, respectively, 4606/100,041 and 5552/247,711; the rescue thrombolysis was negatively correlated with mortality, its regression coefficient/OR was -1942/0.143. CONCLUSIONS: Rescue thrombolysis combined with cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation is beneficial to patients with STEMI complicated by VF. Smoking, shock upon admission, and lack of rescue thrombolysis were risk factors for mortality in STEMI complicated by VF.

Clinical features and treatment experience: a review of 292 Chinese cobra snakebites.

Although Chinese cobra snakebite is the most common type of snake venenation in China, it still lacks a comprehensive and systematic description. Hence, we aimed to study Chinese cobra bite cases with particular attention to demography, epidemiology and clinical profile. In this study, a total of 292 cases of Chinese cobra snakebite, presenting between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012, were retrospectively reviewed. To investigate the effect of treatment at different presentation times (time from snakebite to admission), the patients were divided into two groups: group A included 133 cases that presented <12 h after the bite; group B included 159 cases that presented ≥12 h after the bite. To assess the correlation between application of a tourniquet and skin grafting, the cases were re-divided into two groups according to whether or not a tourniquet was used after the snakebite: tourniquet group (n=220) and non-tourniquet group (n=72). The results showed that Chinese cobra snakebites were most commonly seen during the summer, in the upper limbs, and in males, young adults, and snake-hunters. Group A experienced milder intoxication than group B (P<0.001). The rate of skin grafting was significantly higher in the tourniquet group (20.0%, compared with 9.7% in the non-tourniquet group, P<0.05). The results of this study indicate that anti-cobra venom and swift admission (within 12 h of the snakebite) are recommended for Chinese cobra snakebite. Tourniquet use is not recommended.

Efficiency of anisodamine for organophosphorus-poisoned patients when atropinization cannot be achieved with high doses of atropine.

Poisoning by organophosphorus insecticides is a major global public health problem. Although atropine has been widely used to treat organophosphate (OP) poisoning, sometimes atropinization cannot be achieved, even with high doses of atropine. Hence, we aimed to assess the effect of anisodamine for organophosphorus poisoned patients for whom atropinization could not be achieved through high doses of atropine. In this study, sixty-four OP-poisoning patients, all of whom accepted routine treatments but who did not attain atropinization after high doses of atropine for 12 h, were enrolled. The result showed that the time to atropinization was 24.3±4.3 h in the anisodamine group, significantly shorter than in the atropine group (29.2±7.0 h, p<0.05); the hospital stay in the anisodamine group was 5.3±2.5 days, significantly shorter than the 6.9±2.3 days needed by the atropine group (p<0.05). We draw a conclusion that anisodamine can shorten the process of atropinization and hospital stay in organophosphorus poisoned patients for whom atropinization cannot be achieved with high doses of atropine.

A removal mechanism for organics and nitrogen in treating leachate using a semi-aerobic aged refuse biofilter.

A removing mechanism for organics and nitrogen using a semi-aerobic aged refuse biofilter (SAARB) was evaluated based on the space structure, the aged refuse conformation and characteristics, as well as the degradation theories of organic matter and nitrogen-based substances, which could provide a fundamental theory to more effectively treat organic matter and nitrogen-based pollutants in leachate. The experimental results indicated that the average removal rate of chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen reached 96.61 and 95.46%, respectively. The aerobic-anoxic-anaerobic zones appeared alternately in both the space structure and the granule conformation inside of the SAARB, which promoted various physical, chemical and biological reactions. Most biodegradable organic matter was converted to CO(2) and CH(4). The average CO(2) release rate was 1.567 L/(h m(2)) in the winter and 1.467 L/(h m(2)) in the summer during a single-period experiment. The average CH(4) release rate was 0.303 L/(h m(2)) in the summer; however, it could not be detected in the winter. Moreover, the nitrogen-based pollutants were mostly converted to N(2) and N(2)O through denitrification. Some of the refractory organic matter and nitrogen-based pollutants were likely adsorbed by the aged refuse and biodegraded more slowly. The adsorption rate of biologically degradable matter (BDM) was 0.624 g/(kg d) during the first 40 weeks and the largest absorbance of total nitrogen (TN) was about 7.0 g/kg during this experiment. Therefore, the SAARB can maintain stable and highly efficient environment for removing organic matter and nitrogen-based pollutants.

Exome sequencing identified a missense mutation of EPS8L3 in Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis.

BACKGROUND: Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis (MUHH) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by coarse, wiry, twisted hair developed in early childhood and subsequent progressive hair loss. MUHH is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. No gene in 1p21.1-1q21.3 region responsible for MUHH has been identified. METHODS: Exome sequencing was performed on two affected subjects, who had normal vertex hair and modest alopecia, and one unaffected individual from a four-generation MUHH family of which our previous linkage study mapped the MUHH locus on chromosome 1p21.1-1q21.3. RESULTS: We identified a missense mutation in EPS8L3 (NM_024526.3: exon2: c.22G->A:p.Ala8Thr) within 1p21.1-1q21.3. Sanger sequencing confirmed the cosegregation of this mutation with the disease phenotype in the family by demonstrating the presence of the heterozygous mutation in all the eight affected and absence in all the seven unaffected individuals. This mutation was found to be absent in 676 unrelated healthy controls and 781 patients of other disease from another unpublished project of our group. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results suggest that EPS8L3 is a causative gene for MUHH, which was helpful for advancing us on understanding of the pathogenesis of MUHH. Our study also has further demonstrated the effectiveness of combining exome sequencing with linkage information for identifying Mendelian disease genes.

[Aerogenesis evolution of the anaerobic-semiaerobic bioreactor landfill].

A novel bioreactor landfill, the anaerobic-semiaerobic bioreactor landfill (AN-SABL), was devised by combining an anaerobic bioreactor landfill (ANBL) with a semi-aerobic aged refuse biofilter (SAARB). Meanwhile, relevant parameters such as gas production volume and rate, and gas constituents were investigated to provide a theoretical foundation for the collection, utilization and treatment of landfill gas. Results indicated that the gas production of the anaerobic units was inhibited in the AN-SABLs. The gas production rates in the ANBL2 unit and the ANBL3 unit were 49 L x kg(-1) and 39 L x kg(-1) respectively, which were only 94.2% and 75.0% of that in the ANBL1. However, the gas production in the anaerobic unit could be accelerated by increasing the recirculation frequency. The maximum methane content could reach up to 62.67%. Moreover, the gas production volume and velocity in the ANBL were much higher in summer than those in winter, and the gas production peak could be observed with a 12-hour cycle. Besides, the nitrification and the denitrification in the anaerobic units would be enhanced remarkably in the AN-SABLs. It resulted that the content of N2O, which fluctuated between 0.0017% and 4.0179%, was influenced obviously by the seasonal variation and the landfill types. Based on the mathematical model of aerogenesis, the cumulative gas volume of the ANBL increased logarithmically in the initial aerobic phase, then increased linearly in the anaerobic acid phase, and increased exponentially in the methane production of acid phase afterwards.

[Evolution of leachate quantity and quality in the anaerobic-semiaerobic bioreactor landfill].

The Anaerobic-semiaerobic Bioreactor Landfill (AN-SABL) has been devised combining an Anaerobic Bioreactor Landfill (ANBL) with a Semi-aerobic Aged Refuse Biofilter (SAARB) for reducing the investment and the running expense. It was a novel bioreactor landfill which could accelerate the stabilization of waste obviously. The evolution of leachate quantity and quality for the AN-SABL was studied in order to provide a theoretical basis for the management and treatment of leachate. The results indicated that the quantitative reduction of leachate in the AN-SABL was obvious and the highest reduction could reach by 771 g x kg(-1). Moreover, the quality of leachate varied in phases. The concentration of nitrate including nitrite and ammonium was influenced markedly by Eh and pH. At the end of the experiment, the removal rates of COD for the AN-SABL2 and the AN-SABL3 reached by 98.49% and 97.98% and the concentrations of COD were only 14.5% and 21.1% of that in leachate from the ANBL1 respectively. Therefore, the organic matter could be degraded completely with the AN-SABL. Besides, the AN-SABL could remove the nitrogen pollutant effectively as well. The concentrations of ammonium in leachate from the AN-SABL2 and the AN-SABL3 decreased obviously from the maximum of 1 452 mg x L(-1) and 1 409 mg x L(-1) to 525 mg x L(-1) and 459 mg x L(-1) respectively which only were 36.5% and 31.9% of that in leachate from the ANBL1. For the SAARB unit, the TOC and TC ratio played a vital influence on the removal efficiency of the organic matter and nitrogen pollutant. After the TOC and TC ratio declined to about 0.2, the removal rate of COD and TN for SAARB decreased from over 95% and over 93% to 35.25% -69.56% and 64.53% -77.45% respectively.

A novel technique of semi-aerobic aged refuse biofilter for leachate treatment.

We developed a semi-aerobic aged refuse biofilter (SAARB) for leachate treatment and examined its advantages and disadvantages compared to previous aged refuse biofilters (ARBs). To assess its treatment capability, decontamination mechanisms and optimal performance parameters, a single-period experiment and L(9)(3(4)) orthogonal array design experiments were conducted on artificial leachate. The SAARB markedly enhanced the treatment capability and removal efficiency of organic matter and nitrogen pollutants due to the alternating aerobic-anoxic-anaerobic zones in situ. The reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH(4)(+)-N) and total nitrogen (TN) exceeded 98%, 94%, and 80%, respectively. After the leachate was distributed onto the SAARB surface, the effluent velocity decreased as a logarithmic function, and there was a concomitant reduction in leachate effluent volume. Based on the capacity for removal of COD, NH(4)(+)-N, and TN, the effective height of aged refuse in a SAARB was enough to be 900mm. An excellent treatment efficiency could be achieved at 20-35°C, with a leachate distribution time of 1h once every period of 2-3 days, hydraulic loading of 11-30L/(m(3)day), and COD loading of 550-1200g/(m(3)day). This new SAARB system demonstrates superior efficacy for biofilter compared to other ARB systems, especially for nitrogen removal from leachate.

[Acceleration the stabilization of waste in bioreactor landfill by sequential anaerobic and semi-aerobic operation].

Based on the comparison between anaerobic, aerobic and semi-aerobic bioreactor landfill, the method to acceleration the stabilization process of waste in bioreactor landfill by sequential anaerobic and semi-aerobic operation mode was brought forward and put into practice in simulated experiment. When the operation mode was changed from anaerobic mode to semi-aerobic mode in the 710th day, the COD concentration of simulated bioreactor landfill column D1 (leachate recirculation once everyday) and D4 (leachate recirculation twice every week) was dropped from 705mg/L, 669mg/L to 135mg/L, 178 mg/L and the ammonia-N concentration was dropped from 650 mg/L, 877mg/L to undetectable level after 360 days. At the same time, the COD concentration of control column D2 and D3 was dropped from 435mg/L, 852mg/L to 295mg/L, 596mg/L and the ammonia-N concentration was dropped from 654 mg/L, 1107 mg/L to 469mg/L, 783mg/L. The rate of COD and ammonia-N concentration drop in leachate was enhanced largely after the operation mode of simulated bioreactor landfill column was changed from anaerobic mode to semi-aerobic mode. It was also shown that higher leachate recirculation frequency is more favorable for this process.