bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NOS2polymorphisms associated with the susceptibility to pulmonary arterial hypertension with systemic sclerosis: contribution to the transcriptional activity
Authors: Kawaguchi Yasushi , Tochimoto Akiko , Hara Masako , Kawamoto Manabu , Sugiura Tomoko , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Okada Jun , Kondo Hirobumi , Okubo Mitsuo , Kamatani Naoyuki
Published: May 2012

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by tissue fibrosis. One of several complications of SSc, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) can be refractory to treatment, both novel and established. In the present study we investigated the ratio of circulating nitric oxide to endothelin-1 in patients with both SSc and PAH, and determined whether polymorphisms in NOS2 (the nitric oxide synthase 2 gene) are associated with susceptibility to PAH. Endothelin-1 in plasma and nitric oxide metabolites (nitrate and nitrite) in serum were measured. The nitric oxide/endothelin-1 ratio was significantly lower in patients with both SSc and PAH than in patients with SSc only or in healthy control individuals. We confirmed the presence of two single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions -1,026 and -277 and a pentanucleotide repeat (CCTTT) at -2.5 kilobases. There were significant differences in single nucleotide polymorphisms between patients with SSc who had PAH and those who did not, and between patients with both SSc and PAH and healthy control individuals. The CCTTT repeat was significantly shorter in patients with both SSc and PAH than in patients with SSc only or in healthy control individuals. Transcriptional activity were analyzed using the luciferase reporter assay. The transcriptional activity of NOS2 was much greater in fibroblasts transfected by a vector with a long allele of the CCTTT repeat than in those transfected by a vector with a short allele. Polymorphisms in the NOS2 gene are associated with transcriptional activity of the NOS2 gene and with susceptibility to SSc-related PAH.
Type IX collagen deficiency enhances the binding of cartilage-specific antibodies and arthritis severity
Authors: Carlsen Stefan , Nandakumar Kutty Selva , Holmdahl Rikard
Published: May 2012

Joint cartilage is attacked in both autoimmune inflammatory and osteoarthritic processes. Type IX collagen (CIX) is a protein of importance for cartilage integrity and stability. In this study we have backcrossed a transgenic disruption of the col9a1 gene, which leads to an absence of CIX, into two different inbred mouse strains, DBA/1 and B10.Q. None of the CIX-deficient mice developed observable clinical or microscopic osteoarthritis, but DBA/1 male mice had more pronounced enthesopathic arthritis, the so-called stress-induced arthritis. Both DBA/1 and B10.Q strains are susceptible to the induction of collagen-induced arthritis, and CIX deficiency in both strains led to the development of a more severe arthritis than in the controls. Induction of arthritis with monoclonal antibodies against type II collagen (CII) led to an earlier arthritis in the paws that also involved the knee joints. The antibodies used, which were specific for the J1 and the C1I epitopes of CII, initiate their arthritogenic attack by binding to cartilage. The C1I-specific antibodies bound to cartilage better in CIX-deficient mice than in wild-type animals, demonstrating that the lack of CIX in cartilage leads to an increased accessibility of structures for antibody binding and thus making the joints more vulnerable to inflammatory attack. These findings accentuate the importance of cartilage stability; cartilage disrupted as a result of genetic disorders could be more accessible and vulnerable to an autoimmune attack by pathogenic antibodies.
Infections requiring hospitalization in the abatacept clinical development program: an epidemiological assessment
Authors: Simon Teresa A , Askling Johan , Lacaille Diane , Franklin Jarrod , Wolfe Frederick , Covucci Allison , Suissa Samy , Hochberg Marc C ,   the Abatacept Epidemiology Study Group
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of infection and this risk appears to be higher with anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) agents. We pooled data from the cumulative abatacept RA clinical development program, both double-blind and open-label periods, to estimate the incidence rates (IRs) of infections requiring hospitalization including pneumonia and opportunistic infections, in comparison with RA patients treated with non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) from several reference cohorts.

Methods

Infections reported in seven abatacept clinical trials of RA patients (double-blind and open-label periods) were tabulated. Comparisons were made between the observed IRs in abatacept-treated patients and those in over 133,000 patients exposed to non-biologic DMARDs in six reference RA cohorts. Age- and sex-adjusted IRs of infections requiring hospitalization, including pneumonia (most frequent hospital infection), were used to estimate the expected IRs with abatacept by the method of indirect adjustment. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% CI were calculated comparing incidence in the cumulative abatacept experience with incidence in each RA cohort.

Results

A total of 1,955 (double-blind period) and 4,134 (double-blind + open-label periods with a cumulative exposure of 8,392 person-years) abatacept-treated RA patients were analyzed. Observed IRs for infections requiring hospitalization during the double-blind period were 3.05 per 100-patient years for abatacept-treated patients and 2.15 per 100 patient years for placebo. In the cumulative population, observed IR for infections requiring hospitalization was 2.72 per 100-patient years. Rates for abatacept were similar to expected IRs based on other RA non-biologic DMARD cohorts.

Conclusions

IRs of infections requiring hospitalization and pneumonia in abatacept trials are consistent with expected IRs based on reference RA DMARD cohorts. RA patients are at higher risk of infection compared with the general population, making the RA DMARD cohorts an appropriate reference group. The safety of abatacept, including incidence of infections requiring hospitalization, will continue to be monitored in a post-marketing surveillance program.
A1298C polymorphism in the MTHFRgene predisposes to cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Palomino-Morales Rogelio , Gonzalez-Juanatey Carlos , Vazquez-Rodriguez Tomas R , Rodriguez Luis , Miranda-Filloy Jose A , Fernandez-Gutierrez Benjamin , Llorca Javier , Martin Javier , Gonzalez-Gay Miguel A
Published: May 2012

Introduction

We determined the contribution of the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C>T and 1298 A>C gene polymorphisms to the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We also assessed whether these two MTHFR gene polymorphisms may be implicated in the development of cardiovascular (CV) events and subclinical atherosclerosis manifested by the presence of endothelial dysfunction, in a series of Spanish patients with RA.

Methods

Six hundred and twelve patients fulfilling the 1987 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for RA, seen at the rheumatology outpatient clinics of Hospital Xeral-Calde, Lugo and Hospital San Carlos, Madrid, were studied. Patients and controls (n = 865) were genotyped using predesigned TaqMan SNP genotyping assays.

Results

No significant differences in allele or genotype frequencies for the MTHFR gene polymorphisms between RA patients and controls were found. Also, no association between the MTHFR 677 C>T polymorphism and CV events or endothelial dysfunction was observed. However, the MTHFR 1298 allele C frequency was increased in patients with CV events after 5 years (38.7% versus 30.3%; odds ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval = 1.00 to 2.10; P = 0.04) and 10 years (42.2% versus 31.0%; odds ratio = 1.62; 95% confidence interval = 1.08 to 2.43; P = 0.01) follow up. Moreover, patients carrying the MTHFR 1298 AC and CC genotypes had a significantly decreased flow-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (4.3 ± 3.9%) compared with those carrying the MTHFR 1298 AA genotype (6.5 ± 4.4%) (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Our results show that the MTHFR 1298 A>C gene polymorphism confers an increased risk for subclinical atherosclerosis and CV events in patients with RA.
Nongenomic oestrogen signalling in oestrogen receptor negative breast cancer cells: a role for the angiotensin II receptor AT1
Authors: Lim Kheng Tian , Cosgrave Niamh , Hill Arnold David , Young Leonie S
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Oestrogens can mediate some of their cell survival properties through a nongenomic mechanism that involves the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The mechanism of this rapid signalling and its dependence on a membrane bound oestrogen receptor (ER), however, remains controversial. The role of G-protein-coupled receptor and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in an ER-independent signalling pathway modulated by oestrogen was investigated.

Methods

ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and SKBR3) and primary breast cancer cell cultures were used in this study. Cell proliferation was assessed using standard MTT assays. Protein and cAMP levels were detected by Western blotting and ELISA, respectively. Antigen localization was performed by immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Protein knockdown was achieved using small interfering RNA technologies.

Results

EGF and oestrogen, alone and in combination, induced cell proliferation and phosphorylation of MAPK proteins Raf and ERK (extracellular signal regulated kinase)1/2 in both ER-negative SKBR3 and ER-positive MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines. Increased Raf phosphorylation was also observed in primary human breast cultures derived from ER-positive and ER-negative breast tumours. Oestrogen induced an increase in intracellular cAMP in ER-negative SKBR3 human breast cancer cells. Oestrogen-mediated cell growth and phosphorylation of MAPK was modified by the EGF receptor antagonist AG1478, the G-protein antagonist pertussis toxin, and the angiotensin II receptor antagonist saralasin. Knockdown of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) protein expression with small interfering RNA attenuated oestrogen-induced Raf phosphorylation in ER-negative cells. AT1 receptor was found to be expressed in the cell membrane of breast tumour epithelial cells.

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence that, in breast cancer cells, oestrogen can signal through AT1 to activate early cell survival mechanisms in an ER-independent manner.
Legal Regulation of Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Rahim Mia Mahmudur
Published: May 2012

The business corporations' internal strategies in weak economies merely respond to the public policy goals for social development. The role of corporate self-regulation in Bangladesh is not an exception. The extent to which legal regulations related to the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of Bangladesh could contribute to including CSR notions at the core of self-regulated corporate responsibility is the focus of this paper. It explains that the major Bangladeshi laws related to corporate regulation and responsibility do not possess recurrent features to compel corporate self-regulators to contribute to developing a socially responsible corporate culture in Bangladesh. It suggests that, instead of relying on the prescriptive mode of regulation, Bangladesh could develop more business-friendly but strategic legal regulations.
New Sanctions and Increased Enforcement Activity in Australian Corporate Law: Impact and Implications
Authors: Welsh Michelle
Published: May 2012

This paper is concerned with calculated motivations for compliance and in particular the deterrent effect of the introduction of new sanctions and/or the use of those sanctions by a regulator. It is concerned with normative and social motivations for compliance and examines the impact of the introduction and use of new sanctions on the perceptions and behaviour of corporate compliance officers. These questions are addressed in the context of the continuous disclosure requirements imposed on Australian listed corporations.
Alliance Portfolio Resource Diversity and Firm Innovation
Authors: Cui Anna S. , O'Connor Gina
Published: May 2012

As interfirm collaboration plays an increasingly important role in firm innovation, many firms are engaged in multiple partnerships, forming portfolios of alliances. Research in marketing has predominantly focused on dyadic relationships without considering the important interdependencies among different alliances. This study takes a portfolio approach to examine the resource diversity of multiple alliance partners and its contribution to firm innovation. The authors argue that resource diversity in an alliance portfolio can only benefit innovation when resources and information are shared across alliances. They examine factors that may facilitate or inhibit information and resource sharing across alliances and thus influence the realization of any benefit of portfolio resource diversity. The model identifies various factors along three dimensions, including the composition of an alliance portfolio, alliance management, and the market environment, that moderate the relationship between alliance portfolio resource diversity and firm innovation. This study not only demonstrates the conditions for a firm to benefit from diverse partners but also highlights the importance of coordination among different alliances, suggesting a portfolio approach for alliance research.
Statistical Analysis of Experimental Variables on Gas Holdup in Novel Bubble Column Using Box-Behnken Design
Authors: Dhanasekaran S , Karunanithi T
Published: May 2012

A novel hybrid rotating and reciprocating perforated plate bubble column is designed indigenously. The novelty lies in combining the effects of stirred tank reactors, bubble columns and reciprocating plate columns using bevel gear arrangement. Box-Behnken experimental design in response surface methodology is chosen to predict the relationship between experimental variables and desired response of gas holdup. Agitation level, superficial gas velocity, superficial liquid velocity, perforation diameter and plate spacing are used as experimental variables. Air-water system is used in this investigation. The linear, square and interactive effects of experimental variables on gas holdup are studied. The F-test and P values were used to identify the experimental variables that significantly impact gas holdup.
Antioxidant Potential and Protection of Pancreatic ?- cells by Calotropis gigantea in Streptozocin Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Choudhary Naveen Kumar , Sharma Swapnil , Jha A. K. , Karchuli Manvendra Singh , Dwivedi Jaya
Published: May 2012

This study was designed to examine the antioxidant defense by chloroform extract of Calotropis gigantea on streptozotocin-(40mg/kg, intraperitonial, single-injection) induced diabetes in wistar albino rats. The extract significantly (P < .05) decreased the pancreatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels and significantly (P < .05) increased the superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels as compared to above levels in pancreatic tissue of pathogenic diabetic rats. The results of test drug were comparable to Glibenclamide (5mg/kg, daily), a standard antihyperglycemic agent. The study concludes that Calotropis gigantea enhances the antioxidant defense against reactive oxygen species produced under hyperglycemic condition and this protects β-cells against loss, and exhibit antidiabetic property.
THERAPY IN ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Etomidate in the management of hypercortisolaemia in Cushing's syndrome: a review
Authors: Preda Veronica A , Sen Jonathan , Karavitaki Niki , Grossman Ashley B
Published: May 2012

This review addresses the practical usage of intravenous etomidate as a medical therapy in Cushing's syndrome. We reviewed the relevant literature, using search terms ‘etomidate’, ‘Cushing's syndrome’, ‘adrenocortical hyperfunction’, ‘drug therapy’ and ‘hypercortisolaemia’ in a series of public databases. There is a paucity of large randomised controlled trials, and data on its use rely only on small series, case study reports and international consensus guideline recommendations. Based on these, etomidate is an effective parenteral medication for the management of endogenous hypercortisolaemia, particularly in cases with significant biochemical disturbance, sepsis and other serious complications such as severe psychosis, as well as in preoperative instability. We suggest treatment protocols for the safe and effective use of etomidate in Cushing's syndrome.
Expression of DNA methyltransferases in the mouse uterus during early pregnancy and susceptibility to dietary folate deficiency
Authors: Ding Y B , He J L , Liu X Q , Chen X M , Long C L , Wang Y X
Published: May 2012

We have characterized the uterine expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) during early pregnancy in mice and determined whether a folate-deficient diet (FDD) can affect DNMTs in this context. Within endometrial cells, expressions of DNMT (cytosine-5) 1 (Dnmt1),Dnmt3a, andDnmt3bwere significantly elevated during the prereceptive phase of pregnancy but generally returned to baseline levels during receptive and postimplantation periods. As such, the transcription of DNMT genes is temporally regulated during early pregnancy. When comparisons were made between implantation sites (IS) and inter-IS on day 5 of pregnancy, lower levels ofDnmt3awere detected at IS. Comparisons between IS and inter-IS did not reveal significant expression differences for other DNMT genes. When tissue sections were examined, DNMT3A was specifically lower in the stroma of IS. Reduced DNMT1 and DNMT3B levels were also observed in the luminal and glandular epithelia of IS, whereas no obvious differences in the stroma were detected. In pseudo-pregnant mice subjected to a FDD, levels ofDnmt1andDnmt3a(but notDnmt3b) were significantly upregulated in endometrial tissues, as compared with controls. When tissues from these folate-deficient mice were examined, DNMT1 levels were elevated in both the luminal and glandular epithelia, whereas DNMT3A was upregulated in the luminal epithelium and the stroma. A slight increase in DNMT3B levels was detected in the glandular epithelium. These results indicate that DNMTs may regulate the transcription of endometrial genes associated with embryo implantation and that levels of DNMTs are affected by dietary folate in mice.
Circulation of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in women from Córdoba, Argentina, with squamous intraepithelial lesions
Authors: Venezuela Raul Fernando , Kiguen Ana Ximena , Frutos Maria Celia , Cuffini Cecilia Gabriela
Published: May 2012

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can induce a wide spectrum of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) of varying severity. The aim of the present study was to establish the frequency of HPV infection and identify the genotypes circulating in women from Córdoba, Argentina, in relation to age and cytology. A total of 186 women, between 18 and 65 years old, with antecedents of SIL, underwent a pelvic examination and had cervical cells collected for cytology and HPV DNA detection. Ninety-six samples (51.6%) were positive for HPV detection, and sixty-three (65.6%) of them showed the presence of at least one HR-HPV. Low- and high-grade SIL showed significant association in patients younger than 35 years of age. We found 18 different genotypes, with a greater presence of HR-HPV. Genotypes 16 and 6 were the most frequent. Seven (7.3%) multiple infections, 85.7% of which had at least one HR-HPV, were detected. The detection of a large number of different HPV genotypes is a warning sign. It is thus necessary to strengthen the monitoring of the circulation of high-risk genotypes, currently less prevalent in intraepithelial lesions, as a control measure for the possible impact of the implementation of vaccines against genotypes 16 and 18.
HIV-1-mother-to-child transmission and associated characteristics in a public maternity unit in Presidente Prudente, Brazil
Authors: Prestes-Carneiro Luiz Euribel , Spir Patrícia Rodrigues Naufal , Ribeiro Armênio Alcântara , Gonçalves Vera Lúcia Maria Alves
Published: May 2012

In children, vertical transmission is the main form of HIV infection. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of HIV-1 vertical transmission in mother-infant pairs in a public maternity ward in Presidente Prudente, SP. Additionally; we sought to identify characteristics associated with this form of transmission. The files of 86 HIV-1-infected mothers and their newborns referred to a Public Hospital from March 2002 to March 2007 were analyzed. The HIV-1-RNA viral load of the newborns was determined by bDNA. The HIV-1 vertical-transmission rate was 4.6%. Children that were born in the pre-term period and breastfed were at a higher risk of HIV-1 infection (p = 0.005 and p = 0.017 respectively) than children born at term and not breastfed. Prophylactic therapy with zidovudine after birth for newborns was associated with a lower risk of infection (p = 0.003). The number of newborns weighing < 2,500 g was significantly higher for infected children (p = 0.008) than for non-infected newborns. About 22.9% of mothers did not know the HIV-1 status of their newborns eight months after delivery. The study suggests that it is necessary to increase the identification of HIV-1 infection in pregnant women and their newborns as well as to offer and explain the benefits of ARV prophylaxis.
Hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis patients in Maracaibo, Venezuela
Authors: Monsalve-Castillo Francisca , Gómez-Gamboa Liliana , Chacín-Bonilla Leonor , Porto-Espinoza Leticia , Costa-León Luciana
Published: May 2012

Over a two year period, the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was evaluated in 29 hemodialysis patients, aged between 15 and 75 years (mean ± SD: 45 ± 39.5 years), from the University Hospital Hemodyalisis Unit, Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela. Anti-HCV antibodies were determined using a fourth generation ELISA (Innotest HCV Ab IV) kit and positive blood samples were tested using a recombinant assay kit (Inno-LIA HCV Ab III), both kits from Innogenetics N.V., Belgium. The findings indicate a lack of HCV seroconversion in the hemodialysis patients over the study period, confirmed by the recombinant assay. Risk factors for HCV infection were 0.3270 (95% confidence interval: 0.01323-8.080) in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The findings suggest a lack of significant sources for HCV infection due to the preventive measures to avoid its transmission in the hemodialysis unit.
Parasites in stool samples in the environment of Ilha da Marambaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: an approach in public health
Authors: Coronato Beatriz , Bastos Otilio Machado Pereira , Duarte Rosemere , Duarte Antonio Nascimento , Laurentino-Silva Valmir , Souza Marcos Barbosa de , Uchôa Claudia Maria Antunes
Published: May 2012

This research aimed to describe the frequency of parasites in stool samples in the environment of Ilha da Marambaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One hundred and five stool samples were collected and processed by the coproparasitological techniques ethyl acetate sedimentation and centrifuge-flotation using saturated sugar solution. Parasites were detected in 81.9% of the samples, hookworm being the most prevalent, followed by Trichuris vulpis. Ascaris sp. eggs were also found. A high level of evolutive forms of parasites with public health risk was found in stool samples of the environment studied. We propose that health education programs, allied to an improvement of human and animal health care, must be employed to reduce the environmental contamination.
Temporal differences in blood meal detection from the midguts of Triatoma infestans
Authors: Pinto Jesus , Roellig Dawn M. , Gilman Robert H. , Calderón Maritza , Bartra Carlos , Salazar Renzo , Bern Caryn , Ancca-Juárez Jenny , Levy Michael , Náquira Cesar , Cama Vitaliano
Published: May 2012

We used genus/species specific PCRs to determine the temporal persistence of host DNA in Triatoma infestans experimentally fed on blood from six common vertebrate species: humans, domestic dogs, guinea pigs, chickens, mice, and pigs. Twenty third or fourth instar nymphs per animal group were allowed to feed to engorgement, followed by fasting-maintenance in the insectary. At 7, 14, 21, or 28 days post-feeding, the midgut contents from five triatomines per group were tested with the respective PCR assay. DNA from all vertebrate species was detected in at least four of five study nymphs at seven and 14 days post-feeding. DNA of humans, domestic dogs, guinea pigs, pigs, and chickens were more successfully detected (80-100%) through day 21, and less successfully (20-100%) at day 28. Findings demonstrate that species-specific PCRs can consistently identify feeding sources of T. infestans within two weeks, a biologically relevant time interval.
Ciência, positivismo e agricultura: uma análise do Ministério da Agricultura, indústria e comércio na Primeira República
Authors: Bhering Marcos Jungmann , Maio Marcos Chor
Published: May 2012

Este artigo analisa a criação do Ministério da Agricultura, Indústria e Comércio (MAIC) em 1909 e as atividades exercidas no interior de algumas de suas agências. A partir da criação do MAIC, os institutos recém-estabelecidos e os que passaram à sua tutela, como o Jardim Botânico e o Museu Nacional, assumiram uma orientação utilitária, para o desenvolvimento e modernização da agricultura nacional. Sugerimos que os valores positivistas de progresso e de defesa de uma ciência aplicada possuíram papéis chave na criação do MAIC e nas atividades dos seus institutos.
Seismic retrofitting of non-engineered masonry in rural Nepal
Authors: Macabuag Joshua , Guragain Ramesh , Bhattacharya Subhamoy
Published: May 2012

One of the greatest causes of casualties in major earthquakes around the world is the collapse of non-engineered masonry buildings (those built without engineering input). Yet by definition non-engineered structures remain largely outside of the scope of modern engineering research, meaning that the majority of those at risk often remain so. A further barrier to realising research in this field is the significant social and economic challenge of implementation in low-income communities, where non-engineered housing is prevalent. This paper introduces a retrofitting technique aimed at preventing or prolonging the collapse of adobe (mud brick) houses under strong earthquakes. This technique uses common polypropylene packaging straps to form a mesh, which is then used to encase structural walls. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the retrofitting technique's development and implementation. The key development stages of static, dynamic and numerical testing are presented, showing that the proposed technique effectively prevents brittle masonry collapse and the loss of debris. An implementation project is then discussed, involving a training programme for rural masons in Nepal, a public shake-table demonstration and the retrofit of a real house. The implementation project proved effective at reaching rural communities but highlighted that government subsidies are required to incentivise the safeguarding of homes among low-income communities.
Enhanced Coagulation for Removal of Dissolved Organic Matter and Trihalomethane Formation Potential from Raw Water Supply in Sri-Trang Reservoir, Thailand
Authors: Kueseng Tassana , Suksaroj Thunwadee Tachapattaworakul , Musikavong Charongpun , Suksaroj Chaisri
Published: May 2012

The present research aims to examine the coagulation process enhancement for dissolved organic matter (DOM) and The present research aims to examine the coagulation process enhancement for dissolved organic matter (DOM) and trihalomethane formatation potential (THMFP) removal from a raw water supply with low turbidity and specific ultraviolet absorption (SUVA). Coagulation conditions were optimized using polyaluminum chloride (PACl), PACl with dry cationic polymer (polymer), and PACl with polymer and powder activated carbon (PAC). DOM was measured in terms of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and ultraviolet absorption at a wavelength of 254 nm (UV-254). Results show that the optimal condition for PACl, PACl and polymer, and PACl with polymer and PAC coagulation were PACl 20 mg/L at pH 7, PACl 20 mg/L and polymer 0·1 mg/L, and PACl 20 mg/L with polymer 0·1 mg/L and PAC 10 mg/L, respectively. When the DOM contents in coagulated water were fractioned to be hydrophilic (HPI) and hydrophobic (HPO) groups, it was found that the coagulation process could effectively remove more DOC of HPO than DOC of HPI. The coagulation using PACl combined with polymer and PAC provided the highest level of DOC of HPI, DOC of HPO, Trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) of HPI, and THMFP of HPO removal efficiencies and were shown to be 65%, 75%, 77%, and 79%, respectively.
A study about the use of chemicals in conventional tertiary treatment. Performances comparison of three municipal wastewater treatment plants and pilot plant experiences
Authors: Iborra-Clar A. , Mendoza-Roca J.A. , Bes-Pií A. , Morenilla-Martínez J.J. , Bernácer-Bonora I. , Martínez-Francisco F.J. , Illueca-Muñoz J.
Published: May 2012

Rainfall diminution in the last years has entailed water scarcity in plenty of European regions, especially in Mediterranean areas. As a consequence, regional water authorities have enhanced wastewater reclamation and reuse. Thus, the implementation of tertiary treatments has become of paramount importance in the municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) of Valencian Region (Spain). Conventional tertiary treatments consist of a physico-chemical treatment of the secondary effluent followed by sand filtration and UV radiation. However, the addition of coagulants and flocculants sometimes does not contribute significantly in the final water quality. In this work, results of 20-months operation of three WWTP in Valencian Region with different tertiary treatments (two without chemicals addition and another with chemicals addition) are discussed. Besides, experiments with a 2 m3/h pilot plant located in the WWTP Quart-Benager in Valencia were performed in order to evaluate with the same secondary effluent the effect of the chemicals addition on the final water quality. Results showed that the addition of chemicals did not improve the final water quality significantly. These results were observed both comparing the three full scale plants and in the pilot plant operation.
Phosphorus recovery using a crystallization process for Sewage Treatment Plant
Authors: Shimamura Kazuaki , Kurosawa Tateki
Published: May 2012

A novel phosphorus recovery process enabling an effective reuse of recovered phosphorus as a resource has been developed. Three processes, which match the characteristics (sewage component, concentration and flow rate, etc.) of the waste water or the sludge generated form sewage treatment, are introduced here. Verification tests carried out using a crystallization of magnesium ammonium phosphate revealed a phosphorus crystallization exceeding 85%. Moreover, these tests show that the recovered phosphorus can be reused as a fertilizer. Another verification test carried out using a crystallization of hydroxylapatite revealed that the phosphorus concentration is reduced to a few milligrams per liter. In addition it is found that the recovered hydroxylapatite can be reused as a phosphorus ore. Each of the three processes is revealed to contribute to prevention of water contamination, as well as the recovery of phosphorus as a resource.
Ammonium and phosphate recovery from wastewater to produce energy in a fuel cell
Authors: Hemmes K. , Luimes P. , Giesen A. , Hammenga A. , Aravind P.V. , Spanjers H.
Published: May 2012

Breakthrough technology for nutrient removal. The innovation involves the purification of wastewater and urine in combination with the generation of sustainable electricity and upcycling of phosphate. The process was recently developed by DHV, patented and is currently being put into use in a first pilot project. The social relevance is high: 1) nutrient reduction and clean water are important pillars in the global protection of scarce freshwater resources; 2) major building block for energy efficient “purification of the future”; 3) reduction of nutrient emissions in the agricultural sector. Degree of cost effectiveness is very high. In comparison with conventional solutions, the costs are lower by a factor of 2. It also delivers a saving of approximately € 3-12 million per 0.01 improvement of the ecological quality index for brooks, lakes, canals and ditches in comparison with current RWS (Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management) / regional packages. Upscalability is large; it is applicable to virtually all STPs (Sewage Treatment Plants) in the Netherlands and abroad and is also applicable for decentralized urine (pre-) treatment.
Riverbank filtration project at cilandak as a solution of limited water supply in South Jakarta - Indonesia
Authors: Mauro E. , Utari A.
Published: May 2012

Jakarta, capital city of Indonesia, has a population of 9.5 million inhabitants, population that increases significantly during working hours. Jakarta suffers a deficit of clean water supply due to limited raw water availability delivered from Jatiluhur dam, located 70 km away, and the deteriorating water quality of Jakarta's rivers. PALYJA, operator of water services of West Jakarta, manages three WTP producing 75% of distributed water (6 m3/s) and purchasing bulk treated water to complete the supply (2 m3/s). In Cilandak, a 400 l/s WTP fed by the increasingly polluted Krukut River, PALYJA opted by Riverbank Filtration (RBF) as a solution in order to improve raw water quality and quantity reducing the impact of dry season trough aquifer storage. RBF is a cost-effective, natural treatment technology that takes advantage of geological and biological natural filtration, instead of chemicals use, to obtain surface water and groundwater supplies.

By mid 2010, the project started with the study and pumping test in two new pilot wells, confirming very good quality and quantity of the leakage from Krukut River. The project is ongoing, drilling and equipping 10 wells to obtain 150 l/s additional water for Cilandak WTP by the 2nd semester of 2011.
Resolving complex issues with large scale river restoration; a case study: the San Joaquin River in California
Authors: William P.E. , Swanson R. , Chomycia Jill C.
Published: May 2012

One of the largest river restoration efforts in the United States is now under way in the Central Valley of California. The San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJRRP) was triggered by a 2006 Settlement, following over 18 years of litigation, between numerous environmental interest groups, water users, and the Federal government. Since the 1940s, Friant Dam on the San Joaquin River has provided water to approximately 1 million acres of agricultural lands, but also let to the extirpation of salmon runs. The Settlement has two primary goals: establish naturally producing and self-sustaining salmon in a 150-mile reach of the river, and reduce or avoid adverse water supply effects to the water users. The Settlement specifies flow requirements, and numerous actions to provide adequate channel capacity, establish fish habitat, introduce salmon, recover water supplies, and address adverse effects to third parties. Limited flows were initiated in October 2009 to support experimentation and data collection, while the implementing agencies continue to address long-term issues regarding environmental effects, flood protection, water recovery, development of channel capacity and fish habitat, and reintroduction of salmon. This paper describes some of the major issues that are being addressed to implement the restoration program, including program structure, project planning and permitting, protection of private lands, coordination of restoration actions with ongoing water delivery and flood management systems, financing challenges, and public participation and education.
Measures against impacts of nuclear disaster on drinking water supply systems in Japan
Authors: Ikemoto Tadahiro , Magara Yasumoto
Published: May 2012

On 11 March 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred and then the Japanese Prime Minister declared the state of nuclear emergency. The earthquake followed by tsunami and several accidents caused a nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture to release radioactive materials into the environment. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan (MHLW) established a new review meeting to investigate subjects relating to radioactive materials in tap water such as the mechanism of influence of radioactive materials on tap water, measures to reduce the level of radioactive materials contaminated in tap water and medium- and long-term measures based on the results of monitoring. The review meeting published its interim report on 21 June 2011. The report analyzed future prospects as follows: (i) unless a large amount of radioactive materials is released again from the nuclear power plant, tap water has low probability to require measures such as intake restriction and (ii) groundwater that is not affected by surface water has low probability to be affected from radioactive materials. Based on the report, MHLW announced measures to reduce radioactive materials in tap water and also revised the future monitoring policy for more rational and effective implementation. Whilst radioactivity in tap water has not been detected or has been minute if detected since April 2011, the monitoring of tap water and announcement of results will be further continued in Japan.
The business of water: going the corporate way the case of Manila water
Authors: Rivera Virgilio C.
Published: May 2012

Prior to Manila Water's entry into the East Zone as MWSS's concessionaire in 1997, the water supply and distribution system was characterized by low service coverage, high levels of leakage due to pilferage and deteriorating pipes, limited water availability and poor operating efficiencies. This presentation details how the MWSS PPP framework, coupled with Manila Water's multi-pronged, corporate approach, has been key to reversing the sorry state which Metro Manila's East Zone found itself in before 1997.

Crucial to the success of Manila Water was the adoption of a multi-pronged corporate strategy composed of five interrelated variables: (1) Profit Model, (2) Market/Customer, (3) Resources, (4) Systems and Processes and (5) Talent and Organization. The presentation explains how these factors have come together to bring out the “virtuous cycle” in the East Zone.

The numerous achievements of Manila Water over the past thirteen years, which are highlighted in the last section of the presentation, have been directly attributed to the successful corporate strategy employed by Manila Water.
Analysis and description of sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment in small communities
Authors: Salas J.J. , Aragón C.A. , Real A. , Ortega E. , Ferrer Y.
Published: May 2012

In Spain, the current level of conformity with the Directive 91/271/EEC, concerning urban wastewater treatment, has achieved an 80%. The remaining 20% are mainly agglomerations with less than 10,000 p.e., and more exactly, under 2,000 p.e. Only a 40-50% of the small populations have their sewage appropriately treated. It is estimated that the population not served at the moment is about 3-4 million p.e. In order to correct this non-desirable situation, the new National Plan for Water Quality, Sanitation and Purification 2007-2015 (NPWQ), provides concrete actions in small settlements (less than 2,000 p.e). Due to the peculiarities of the small agglomerations, the treatment solutions used in medium and large cities usually do not give satisfactory results if they are implanted directly into those communities. It is therefore necessary to adapt these technologies to the small settlements or to develop new treatment diagrams that allow obtaining a good quality effluent in a sustainable way. In this sense, the Centre for Studies and Experimentation of Public Works (CEDEX) and the Foundation Centre for New Water Technologies (CENTA) have prepared a “Manual for the implementation of treatment systems in small populations”. In this work, some of the most relevant issues included in the Manual are exposed.
Effects of operational parameters on defluoridation efficiency using electrocoagulation process
Authors: Behbahani M. , Alavi Moghaddam M.R. , Arami M.
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of operational parameters on fluoride removal using electrocoagulation method. For this purpose, various operational parameters including initial pH, initial fluoride concentration, applied current, reaction time, electrode connection mode, anode material, electrolyte salt, electrolyte concentration, number of electrodes and interelectrode distance were investigated. The highest defluoridation efficiency achieved at initial pH 6. In the case of initial fluoride concentration, maximum removal efficiency (98.5%) obtained at concentration of 25mg/l. The increase of applied current and reaction time improved defluoridation efficiency up to 99%. The difference of fluoride removal efficiencies between monopolar and bipolar series and monopolar parallel were significant, especially at reaction time of 5 min. When aluminum used as anode material, higher removal efficiency (98.5%) achieved compared to that of iron anode (67.7%). The best electrolyte salt was NaCl with the maximum defluoridation efficiency of 98.5% compared to KNO3 and Na2SO4. The increase of NaCl had no effect on defluoridation efficiency. Number of electrodes had little effect on the amounts of Al3+ ions released in the solution and as a result defluoridation efficiency. Almost the same fluoride removal efficiency obtained for different interelectrode distances.
One-Year Operational Data for Wiconisco Wastewater Treatment Plant Illustrating Process Improvements and Carbon Footprint Reduction with SolarBee® Circulators
Authors: Ambulkar Archis , Zeller Stephen N. , Klinger Douglas
Published: May 2012

In 2008, Brinjac Engineering Inc., retained municipal engineer for Wiconisco Township wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), assisted the Township with obtaining Growing Greener II Innovative Wastewater Treatment Grant Award for $84,000 to reduce treatment plant carbon footprint. With this prime objective and considering other aerators related operational issues, the plant was upgraded with new solar circulators/aerators in March'09, with one (1) solar unit installed in Lagoon # 1 and two units (2) in Lagoon # 2. Four (4) of the existing eight (8) aerators were continued to use as backup for these solar units. With these upgrades, the WWTP process changed from aerated lagoons to a system resembling towards an advanced facultative system. System performance was analyzed prior to and after upgrades. During the one (1) year of WWTP operations after upgrades (Mar'09–Feb'10 period), it was in full compliance with NPDES effluent permit. The WWTP influent data indicated that hydraulic and organic loadings remained consistent prior to and after upgrades (Jan'08–Feb'10 period). Average daily effluent BOD5 and TSS were 5.4 mg/l and 29.2 mg/l respectively before upgrades, whereas they were 6.5 mg/l and 18.6 mg/l respectively after upgrades indicating improvements in TSS removal. Average monthly fecal coliform between Jan'08–Mar'09 period was 16 mg/l (prior to upgrades) whereas it averaged at 5.5 mg/l after upgrades reflecting better coliform treatment. Other parameters including D.O., pH and residual chlorine remained within permit limits. Sludge depths in lagoons # 1 and # 2 decreased by approx. 2.50 ft and 0.50 ft respectively after upgrades. In 2009, the SolarBee® units reduced algae sufficient enough that no biological additives were needed for its control, resulting in an annual saving of more than $5,000. Apart from process improvements, monthly electricity consumption and electric bills at WWTP decreased by about 47% and 32% respectively after upgrades. Some additional cost savings were compensated due to increase in unit electric costs. During Jan'08–Feb'10 period, Chapter 94 Reports did not indicate for any significant modifications at WWTP other than Solar system upgrades that would result in major changes to electricity consumption. Hence, energy savings were considered to be directly related to these upgrades. With energy savings, carbon footprint of WWTP decreased by 47%. Process improvements at the WWTP were consistent with experiences from previous case studies. Overall, solar units provided efficient circulation and mixing in lagoons while maintaining aerobic conditions necessary for treatment and served as a suitable option for process improvements, minimizing energy costs, carbon footprint reduction and meeting permit limits.
Influence of temperature on process performance of activated sludge in coking wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Cheng Chu-I , Chao Yu Mei , Lin Ming-Chuan , Lin Chiung-Hsun
Published: May 2012

Coking wastewater contains toxic compounds such as ammonia, phenolics, cyanides, thiocyanate, and thiosulfate. In normal situation, these compounds can be 100% decomposed by activated sludge in the wastewater treatment plant. However, a new factor, high water temperature, caused by the covering of the basins, has been found to reduce the removal rate of the pollutants, especially the thiocyanate.

Several remediation measures were applied to improve the biological process performance. A series of batch and continuous-flow biodegradation tests have demonstrated that the relatively low temperature ranging from 20 to 37°C attained perfect removal efficiency (∼100%) of SCN− from the coke plant wastewater. When the temperature is increased to 38, 39°C, the SCN− removal rate decreased to 30 ∼ 50% after 48 hours of temperature shift. Moreover, when the temperature is increased to 40 to 45°C, SCN− biodegradation is significantly decayed one day after the temperature shock, and the SCN− removal efficiency dropped gradually to 0%, with microbial deterioration during day 1 to day 4. Meanwhile, the COD removal has also decreased from 85% down to 45% at 45°C. Both laboratory verifications confirmed that 40°C should be the critical water temperature for the SCN− degrading microbe to function well in the activated sludge process.

In order to stabilize the pollutant removing ability of the procedure, the water temperature of aeration basin is set to operate under 37°C. Four modifications were practiced on site to decrease the temperature of activated sludge. Only the last alternative measure worked well with the opened hand hole, 50% of total cover area, to discharge the water vapor and gas emission from the head space of aeration basin. The water temperature has dropped from 41 to 36°C in the early summer of June with ambient temperature of 37°C, suggesting that partially uncovering the basin does help maintain the water temperature.

Finally, we suggest some measures that can be applied to establish a standard process on site in order to ensure that the aeration basin temperature stays under 37°C and that our biotreatment system can maintain its function in the future.