Evaluation of the removal of indicator bacteria from domestic sludge processed by autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD)

The degradation of sludge solids in an insulated reactor during Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion (ATAD) processing results in auto-heating, thermal treatment and total solids reduction, however, the ability to eliminate pathogenic organisms has not been analysed under large scale process conditions. We evaluated the ATAD process over a period of one year in a two stage, full scale Irish ATAD plant established in Killarney and treating mixed primary and secondary sludge, by examining the sludge microbiologically at various stages during and following ATAD processing to determine its ability to eliminate indicator organisms. Salmonella spp. (pathogen) and fecal-coliform (indicator) densities were well below the limits used to validate class A biosolids in the final product. Enteric pathogens present at inlet were deactivated during the ATAD process and were not detected in the final product using both traditional microbial culture and molecular phylogenetic techniques. A high DNase activity was detected in the bulk sludge during the thermophilic digestion stage which may be responsible for the rapid turn over of DNA from lysed cells and the removal of mobile DNA. These results offer assurance for the safe use of ATAD sludge as a soil supplement following processing

13C-NMR assessment of the Pattern of organic matter transformation during domestic wastewater treatment by autothermal aerobic digestion (ATAD)

The pattern of biodegradation and the chemical changes occurring in the macromolecular fraction of domestic sludge during autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD) was monitored and characterised via solid-state 13C-NMR CP-MAS. Major indexes such as aromaticity, hydrophobicity and alkyl/O-alkyl ratios calculated for the ATAD processed biosolids were compared by means of these values to corresponding indexes reported for sludges of different origin such as manures, soil organic matter and certain types of compost. Given that this is the first time that these techniques have been applied to ATAD sludge, the data indicates that long-chain aliphatics are easily utilized by the microbial populations as substrates for metabolic activities at all stages of aerobic digestion and serve as a key substrate for the temperature increase, which in turn results in sludge sterilization. The ATAD biosolids following treatment had a prevalence of O-alkyl domains, a low aromaticity index (10.4%) and an alkyl/O-alkyl ratio of 0.48 while the hydrophobicity index of the sludge decreased from 1.12 to 0.62 during the treatment. These results have important implications for the evolution of new ATAD modalities particularly in relation to dewatering and the future use of ATAD processed biosolids as a fertilizer, particularly with respect to hydrological impacts on the soil behaviour

Additional file 1: of Deregulation of the spindle assembly checkpoint is associated with paclitaxel resistance in ovarian cancer

Table S1. List of significant genes illustrating enrichment and depletion of genes across 3 ovarian cancer cell lines. (XLS 38 kb

Effects of HIV Infection on the Metabolic and Hormonal Status of Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition

<div><p>Background</p><p>HIV infection occurs in 30% of children with severe acute malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa. Effects of HIV on the pathophysiology and recovery from malnutrition are poorly understood.</p><p>Methods</p><p>We conducted a prospective cohort study of 75 severely malnourished Ugandan children. HIV status/CD4 counts were assessed at baseline; auxologic data and blood samples were obtained at admission and after 14 days of inpatient treatment. We utilized metabolomic profiling to characterize effects of HIV infection on metabolic status and subsequent responses to nutritional therapy.</p><p>Findings</p><p>At admission, patients (mean age 16.3 mo) had growth failure (mean W/H z-score −4.27 in non-edematous patients) that improved with formula feeding (mean increase 1.00). 24% (18/75) were HIV-infected. Nine children died within the first 14 days of hospitalization; mortality was higher for HIV-infected patients (33% v. 5%, OR = 8.83). HIV-infected and HIV-negative children presented with elevated NEFA, ketones, and even-numbered acylcarnitines and reductions in albumin and amino acids. Leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and IGF-1 levels were low while growth hormone, cortisol, and ghrelin levels were high. At baseline, HIV-infected patients had higher triglycerides, ketones, and even-chain acylcarnitines and lower leptin and adiponectin levels than HIV-negative patients. Leptin levels rose in all patients following nutritional intervention, but adiponectin levels remained depressed in HIV-infected children. Baseline hypoleptinemia and hypoadiponectinemia were associated with increased mortality.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Our findings suggest a critical interplay between HIV infection and adipose tissue storage and function in the adaptation to malnutrition. Hypoleptinemia and hypoadiponectinemia may contribute to high mortality rates among malnourished, HIV-infected children.</p></div

Multivariate regression assessing the effect of HIV status on leptin, total adiponectin, and HMW adiponectin when controlling for admission W/H z-score.

<p>Multivariate regression assessing the effect of HIV status on leptin, total adiponectin, and HMW adiponectin when controlling for admission W/H z-score.</p

Baseline Characteristics and Metabolic Profiles associated with Mortality.

<p>*Excludes patients on ARVs.</p

Baseline Metabolic Profile of HIV-infected and HIV-negative Patients.

<p>*Excludes patients on ARVs.</p

Flowchart of Patient Outcomes.

<p>Flowchart of Patient Outcomes.</p

Baseline Amino Acid Levels of HIV-infected and HIV-negative patients.

<p>Baseline Amino Acid Levels of HIV-infected and HIV-negative patients.</p

Baseline Anthropometric and Hematologic Characteristics of HIV-infected and HIV-negative Patients.

<p>Baseline Anthropometric and Hematologic Characteristics of HIV-infected and HIV-negative Patients.</p