RESUMEN
This study investigated the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from the effluent of a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAnMBR) by means of a lab-scale photobioreactor in which algae biomass was cultured in a semi-continuous mode for a period of 42 days. Solids retention time was 2 days and a stable pH value in the system was maintained by adding CO(2). Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the SAnMBR effluent fluctuated according to the operating performance of the bioreactor and the properties of its actual wastewater load. Despite these variations, the anaerobic effluent proved to be a suitable growth medium for microalgae (mean biomass productivity was 234 mg l(-1)d(-1)), achieving a nutrient removal efficiency of 67.2% for ammonium (NH(4)(+)-N) and 97.8% for phosphate (PO(4)(-3)-P). When conditions were optimum, excellent water quality with very low ammonium and phosphate concentrations was obtained.
Asunto(s)
Reactores Biológicos/microbiología , Membranas Artificiales , Microalgas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Nitrógeno/aislamiento & purificación , Fósforo/aislamiento & purificación , Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos , Aguas Residuales/microbiología , Anaerobiosis , Biomasa , Recuento de Células , Clorofila/metabolismo , Clorofila A , Fotobiorreactores/microbiología , Proyectos Piloto , SolubilidadRESUMEN
Over the past decade, the concept of anaerobic processes for the treatment of low temperature domestic wastewater has been introduced. This paper uses a developed wastewater flowsheet model and experimental data from several pilot scale studies to establish the impact of integrating anaerobic process into the wastewater flowsheet. The results demonstrate that, by integrating an expanded granular sludge blanket reactor to treat settled wastewater upstream of the activated sludge process, an immediate reduction in imported electricity of 62.5% may be achieved for a treated flow of c. 10,000 m(3) d(-1). This proposed modification to the flowsheet offers potential synergies with novel unit processes including physico-chemical ammonia removal and dissolved methane recovery. Incorporating either of these unit operations can potentially further improve the flowsheet net energy balance to between +0.037 and +0.078 kWh m(-3) of produced water. The impact of these secondary unit operations is significant as it is this contribution to the net energy balance that facilitates the shift from energy negative to energy positive wastewater treatment.
Asunto(s)
Reactores Biológicos , Aguas del Alcantarillado/química , Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos/métodos , Purificación del Agua/métodos , Algoritmos , Anaerobiosis , Fuentes de Energía Bioeléctrica , Diseño de Equipo , Metano/metabolismo , Modelos Teóricos , Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos/instrumentaciónRESUMEN
We previously reported a strong IL4I1 gene expression in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL) and recently identified the protein as a secreted L-phenylalanine oxidase, physiologically expressed by myeloid cells, which inhibits T-cell proliferation in vitro. Here, we analyzed the pattern of IL4I1 protein expression in 315 human lymphoid and non-lymphoid malignancies. Besides PMBL, IL4I1 expression in tumors was very frequent. IL4I1 was detected in tumor-associated macrophages from most of the tumors and in neoplastic cells from follicular lymphoma, classic and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphomas and small lymphocytic lymphoma, three of which are germinal center derived. IL4I1-positive tumor cells were also detected in rare cases of solid cancers, mainly mesothelioma. The enzymatic activity paralleled protein expression, suggesting that IL4I1 is functional in vivo. Depending on the tumor type, IL4I1 may impact on different infiltrating lymphocyte populations with consequences on tumor evolution. In the particular case of follicular lymphoma cells, which are susceptible to antitumor cytotoxic T cells killing but depend on interactions with local T helper cells for survival, a high level of IL4I1 expression seems associated with the absence of bone marrow involvement and a better outcome. These findings plead for an evaluation of IL4I1 as a prognosis factor.
Asunto(s)
L-Aminoácido Oxidasa/metabolismo , Linfoma de Células B/enzimología , Macrófagos/enzimología , Neoplasias/enzimología , Células Neoplásicas Circulantes/patología , Linfocitos B/enzimología , Estudios de Cohortes , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Femenino , Centro Germinal/enzimología , Centro Germinal/patología , Humanos , Técnicas para Inmunoenzimas , Linfoma de Células B/patología , Macrófagos/patología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias/patología , Células Tumorales CultivadasRESUMEN
Oval cells participate in liver regeneration when hepatocyte replication is impaired. These precursor cells proliferate in periportal regions and organize in ductules. They are surrounded by a basement membrane, the degradation of which by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) might trigger their terminal differentiation into hepatocytes. We studied the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and that of one of their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1) in a model of hepatic regeneration from precursor cells. Regeneration was induced by treating rats with 2-acetylaminofluorene followed by partial hepatectomy. MMP-2 and MMP-9 hepatic expression paralleled oval cell number with a peak at day 9-14 after hepatectomy. They were mainly detected in oval cells. TIMP-1 mRNA and oncostatin M receptor mRNA, a major regulator of TIMP-1 synthesis, markedly increased from day 1 after surgery until day 9 and then declined; they were mainly detected in interlobular bile duct cells and oval cells until day 14. In agreement with the in vivo data, the WB-F344 liver precursor cell line expressed MMP-2 and MMP-9, as well as TIMP-1 and oncostatin M receptor. These data suggest that (a) early increased TIMP-1 synthesis by biliary and oval cells favors basement membrane deposition around proliferating ductular structures through MMP inhibition, (b) delayed increased MMP expression, concomitant to decreased TIMP-1 synthesis, leads to basement membrane degradation, preceding oval cell differentiation, (c) the oncostatin M pathway might play a major role in increased TIMP-1 synthesis.
Asunto(s)
Regulación Enzimológica de la Expresión Génica , Regeneración Hepática , Hígado/citología , Hígado/enzimología , Metaloproteinasa 2 de la Matriz/metabolismo , Metaloproteinasa 9 de la Matriz/metabolismo , Inhibidor Tisular de Metaloproteinasa-1/metabolismo , Animales , Células Cultivadas , Hepatocitos/enzimología , Hibridación in Situ , Regeneración Hepática/genética , Masculino , Metaloproteinasa 2 de la Matriz/genética , Metaloproteinasa 9 de la Matriz/genética , Oncostatina M/genética , Oncostatina M/metabolismo , Ratas , Ratas Endogámicas F344 , Receptores de Oncostatina M/genética , Receptores de Oncostatina M/metabolismo , Inhibidor Tisular de Metaloproteinasa-1/genéticaRESUMEN
The product of the Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3, CD223) is a high affinity MHC class II ligand expressed by activated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, which can associate with the T cell receptor (TCR) and downregulate TCR signalling in vitro. We have also reported that a soluble mLAG-3Ig fusion protein works as a vaccine adjuvant in vivo in mice, enhancing Th1 and CD8 T cell responses. Here, we report that LAG-3 expression was found, using fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis, on 11-48% of human tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) isolated from eight freshly dissociated renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), and was restricted mostly to CD8(+) cells. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed LAG-3 expression by TILs in 9/11 RCCs, as well as in tumours of different origins, such as melanomas (3/5) and lymphomas (7/7). Since not only antigen presenting cells (APCs), but also TILs themselves strongly express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, we firstly investigated whether LAG-3/MHC class II T-T cell contacts might influence tumour cell recognition. However, cytotoxicity inhibition was not observed in two RCC-specific CD8(+) T cell clones in the presence of the LAG-3-specific MAb, and there was also no observed difference in the recognition of LAG-3-transfected or wild-type RCC by these cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). In contrast, MHC class II engagement by LAG-3Ig was found to enhance the capacity of immature dendritic cells to stimulate naive T cell proliferation and IL-12-dependent IFN-gamma production by T cells in vitro. These results therefore provide support for a role for TIL-expressed LAG-3 in the engagement of class II molecules on APCs, thereby contributing to APC activation and Th1/Tc1 commitment, without downregulating cytotoxicity.
Asunto(s)
Antígenos CD , Genes MHC Clase II/inmunología , Proteínas de la Membrana/metabolismo , Neoplasias/inmunología , Linfocitos T/inmunología , Complejo CD3/metabolismo , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/inmunología , Carcinoma de Células Renales/inmunología , Comunicación Celular/inmunología , Células Dendríticas/inmunología , Citometría de Flujo , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica , Neoplasias Renales/inmunología , Activación de Linfocitos/inmunología , Linfocitos T Citotóxicos/inmunología , Células Tumorales Cultivadas , Proteína del Gen 3 de Activación de LinfocitosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To identify potential prognostic factors and criteria for early detection of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). DESIGN: Retrospective study of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in a cohort of 395 patients with NF1 followed up between October 1, 1988, and January 1, 1999; review of the clinical and histological characteristics of treatment and course; and analysis of p53 mutations and overexpression in tumors. SETTING: Teaching hospital referral neurofibromatosis center for adults. PATIENTS: Seventeen patients with NF1 (9 males and 8 females). Mean +/- SD patient age at diagnosis was 32 +/- 14 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Clinical symptoms, (2) comparison of p53 mutations and overexpression in benign vs malignant tumors; and (3) median survival. RESULTS: Twelve patients had high-grade tumors. All tumors except 1 developed on preexisting nodular or plexiform neurofibromas. Pain and enlarging mass were the first and predominant signs. None of the benign tumors displayed significant p53 staining or p53 mutations. Six of 12 malignant tumors significantly overexpressed p53, and 4 of 6 harbored p53 missense mutations. Median survival was 18 months overall, 53 months in peripheral locations, and 21 months in axial locations. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are highly aggressive in NF1. They mostly arise from plexiform or nodular neurofibromas. Investigations and deep biopsy of painful and enlarging nodular or plexiform neurofibromas should be considered in patients with NF1. Late appearance of p53 mutations and overexpression precludes their use as predictive markers of malignant transformation.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias de la Vaina del Nervio/diagnóstico , Neurofibromatosis 1 , Neoplasias Cutáneas/diagnóstico , Adolescente , Adulto , Biopsia , Análisis Mutacional de ADN , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias de la Vaina del Nervio/complicaciones , Neoplasias de la Vaina del Nervio/metabolismo , Neurofibromatosis 1/complicaciones , Pronóstico , Estudios Retrospectivos , Neoplasias Cutáneas/complicaciones , Neoplasias Cutáneas/metabolismo , Tasa de Supervivencia , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor/genética , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor/metabolismoRESUMEN
Hepatosplenic gammadelta T-cell lymphoma is a recently identified entity in which lymphoma cells bearing the gammadelta T-cell receptor (TCR) infiltrate the sinusoids of the liver and the sinuses of the splenic red pulp and bone marrow, without lymph node involvement. It is also characterized by a recurrent cytogenetic finding, isochromosome 7q (i7q10). The authors report a case of hepatosplenic lymphoma of alphabeta T-cell phenotype that shares the same clinical, histologic, and cytogenetic characteristics of the previously described hepatosplenic gammadelta T-cell lymphoma. Fluorescent in situ hybridization performed with chromosome 7 probes showed the typical pattern of isochromosome 7q. Genomic analysis of the TCR gamma locus failed to detect a clonal rearrangement. This unique case of hepatosplenic lymphoma of alphabeta T-cell phenotype supports the possibility that lymphoid populations of different alphabeta or gammadelta phenotype that share similar homing and presumably functional properties could give rise to lymphomas displaying similar clinical and pathologic findings.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Linfoma de Células T/patología , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfocitos T alfa-beta , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfocitos T gamma-delta , Neoplasias del Bazo/patología , Linfocitos T/inmunología , Adulto , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapéutico , Bleomicina/administración & dosificación , Cromosomas Humanos Par 7 , Ciclofosfamida/administración & dosificación , ADN de Neoplasias/análisis , Doxorrubicina/administración & dosificación , Resultado Fatal , Humanos , Inmunofenotipificación , Hibridación Fluorescente in Situ , Isocromosomas , Neoplasias Hepáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Linfoma de Células T/tratamiento farmacológico , Linfoma de Células T/metabolismo , Masculino , Prednisona/administración & dosificación , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfocitos T alfa-beta/metabolismo , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfocitos T gamma-delta/metabolismo , Neoplasias del Bazo/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias del Bazo/metabolismo , Vindesina/administración & dosificaciónRESUMEN
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major angiogenic growth factor. Angiogenesis stimulated by VEGF occurs in several important clinical contexts, including myocardial ischemia, retinal disease, and tumor growth. The level of VEGF is increased in several skin disorders and is stimulated by ischemia. Tissue expansion has been shown to induce angiogenesis and ischemia on the overlying skin. We therefore investigated the hypothesis that VEGF was expressed in expanded tissue. Three samples of skin were obtained from five patients who sustained reconstruction with tissue expansion. One sample was taken on the implantation site of the expander before implantation. Two samples were taken at the time of removal, respectively, one on the nonexpanded skin adjacent to the expanded area and one on the expanded skin on the site of expansion. On these samples we performed immunolocalization of VEGF. Mouse monoclonal antibody was used, recognized with rabbit anti-mouse immunoglobulin alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) complex conjugated and revealed with naphthol red. Our results showed clearly an increased number of cells that fixated VEGF antibody on the site of expansion. Cell counts revealed that the numbers of cells expressing VEGF were statistically higher in expanded tissue than in nonexpanded tissue. Before expansion skin specimens did not express VEGF. These findings are the first to show the presence of a growth factor in expanded tissue. They open a new field of research on the biological explanation of tissue-expanded angiogenesis.