Impact of tissue factor expression and administration routes on thrombosis development induced by mesenchymal stem/stromal cell infusions: re-evaluating the dogma.

BACKGROUND: Hyperactive coagulation might cause dangerous complications such as portal vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) therapy. Tissue factor (TF), an initiator of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, has been suggested as a predictor of this process. METHODS: The expression of TF and other pro- and anticoagulant genes was analyzed in xeno- and serum-free manufactured MSCs. Furthermore, culture factors affecting its expression in MSCs were investigated. Finally, coagulation tests of fibrinogen, D-dimer, aPPTs, PTs, and TTs were measured in patient serum after umbilical cord (UC)-MSC infusions to challenge a potential connection between TF expression and MSC-induced coagulant activity.  RESULTS: Xeno- and serum-free cultured adipose tissue and UC-derived MSCs expressed the highest level of TF, followed by those from dental pulp, and the lowest expression was observed in MSCs of bone marrow origin. Environmental factors such as cell density, hypoxia, and inflammation impact TF expression, so in vitro analysis might fail to reflect their in vivo behaviors. MSCs also expressed heterogeneous levels of the coagulant factor COL1A1 and surface phosphatidylserine and anticoagulant factors TFPI and PTGIR. MSCs of diverse origins induced fibrin clots in healthy plasma that were partially suppressed by an anti-TF inhibitory monoclonal antibody. Furthermore, human umbilical vein endothelial cells exhibited coagulant activity in vitro despite their negative expression of TF and COL1A1. Patients receiving intravenous UC-MSC infusion exhibited a transient increase in D-dimer serum concentration, while this remained stable in the group with intrathecal infusion. There was no correlation between TF expression and D-dimer or other coagulation indicators. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that TF cannot be used as a solid biomarker to predict MSC-induced hypercoagulation. Local administration, prophylactic intervention with anticoagulation drugs, and monitoring of coagulation indicators are useful to prevent thrombogenic events in patients receiving MSCs. Trial registration NCT05292625. Registered March 23, 2022, retrospectively registered, https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT05292625?term=NCT05292625&draw=2&rank=1 . NCT04919135. Registered June 9, 2021, https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT04919135?term=NCT04919135&draw=2&rank=1 .

High Ferritin and Low Total Iron-Binding Capacity in Plasma Predict All-Cause Mortality During the First 3 Years of Hemodialysis in Patients with End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease.

Aim: To determine all-cause mortality rate and the predictive value of plasma ferritin and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) concentrations for mortality during the first 3 years of hemodialysis in patients with end-stage chronic renal disease (ESRD). Methods: We conducted a study on 174 ESRD patients (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate < 15 mL/min/1.73m2). The plasma TIBC level was quantified by the ELISA method in all patients at the time before hemodialysis. Based on TIBC concentration, patients were divided equally into 2 groups. Each group had 87 patients. Patients were initiated on hemodialysis, and patients who died from any cause during the first 3 years of hemodialysis were recorded. Results: The all-cause mortality rate of ESRD patients in the first 3 years of maintenance hemodialysis was 22.9%. Plasma high hs-CRP, high ferritin, and low TIBC concentrations were independent factors associated with all-cause mortality in the patients. Plasma ferritin (cut-off value = 454.2 ng/L) and TIBC (cut-off value = 39.84 µmol/L) were predictors of all-cause mortality, AUC is: 0.772; 0.723, p < 0.001. Conclusion: Plasma ferritin and TIBC were good predictors of all-cause mortality in ESRD patients during the first 3 years of hemodialysis.

Preoperative urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin predicts mortality in colorectal cancer patients after laparoscopic surgery: A single-center study.

Purpose: To determine the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) after laparoscopic colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery and the predictive value of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) for postoperative AKI and mortality during 3 years of follow-up. Methods: A total of 216 CRC patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery were included in our study. We divided all patients into two groups, including group 1 (n = 31) with postoperative AKI and group 2 (n = 185) without postoperative AKI. Urine NGAL was measured using the ELISA technique. Clinical and laboratory data were collected the day before surgery. Postoperative AKI included events occurring within 7 days of the index operation, and mortality was obtained during 3 years of follow-up. Results: The ratio of postoperative AKI was 14.35% (31/216 patients). The urine NGAL level in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2, p < 0.001. At cut-off value = 14.94 ng/mL, uNGAL has a predictive value for AKI (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.858, p < 0.001). After 3 years of follow-up, the total mortality rate was 7.9%. The mortality rate in group 1 (45.2%) was significantly higher than in group 2 (1.6%) with p < 0.001). At cut-off value = 19.85 ng/mL, uNGAL has a predictive value for mortality (AUC = 0.941, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The rate of acute kidney injury after laparoscopic CRC surgery was 14.35%. Preoperative urine NGAL has a good predictive value for postoperative acute kidney injury and mortality during 3 years of follow-up.

Results of Laparoscopic Surgery and D3 Lymph Node Dissection Combined With Chemotherapy for the Radical Treatment of Advanced-Stage Right Colon Cancer: A Single-Center Observational Study in Vietnam.

AIM: To describe the results of laparoscopic surgery and D3 lymph node dissection combined with adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for the treatment of advanced-stage right colon cancer (stages II and III). METHODS: A total of 172 right colon cancer patients (with tumour, node, and metastasis (TNM) stage II and III; mean age of 59.30±14.27 years; 58.1% male, 41.9% female) who had undergone complete mesocolic excision (CME) with D3 lymph node dissection at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=34) without ACT and group 2 (n=138) with ACT. We collected clinical and laboratory data twice (before and after one year of performing laparoscopic surgery). Rates of recurrence and mortality were obtained during a five-year follow-up. RESULTS: After one year of surgery, the rate of anemia and the increase in serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in group 1 were significantly higher than those in group 2 (p<0.001). After five years of follow-up, the recurrence rate was 11.6% (that of group 1 was 41.2%, which is higher than that of group 2, i.e., 4.3%; p<0.001), and the mortality rate was 8.7% (that of group 1 was 32.4%, which is higher than that of group 2, i.e., 2.9%; p<0.001). Preoperative serum CEA levels were predictive of recurrence and mortality, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.729 and 0.805, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic CME surgery and D3 lymph node dissection combined with ACT reduced the five-year recurrence and mortality rates for advanced-stage right colon cancer patients.

Effectiveness of a Health Education Program in Hypertensive Patients with Dyslipidemia and/or Microalbuminuria: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Vinh Long Province, Vietnam.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension, a major health concern, is associated with significant mortality and disease burden worldwide, including Vietnam. Comprehensive interventions targeting medication, lifestyle modifications, dyslipidemia (DLP), and microalbuminuria (MAU) are vital for effective hypertension management and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease complications (CDV). While medication interventions have proven efficacy, the evidence regarding the effectiveness of community-based health education interventions in managing DLP and MAU is limited. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of community health education interventions in reducing hypertension risk factors and achieving hypertension management objectives, as well as managing DLP and MAU among hypertension patients. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 330 hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia (DLP) and/or microalbuminuria (MAU) who were divided into a control group (n = 164) and an intervention group (n = 166). The control group received standard national hypertension management, while the intervention group received additional intensive health education provided by trained volunteers. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed by comparing outcomes such as lifestyle factors, BMI control, treatment adherence, hypertension control, and DLP and MAU status between the two groups before and after a two-year intervention period. RESULTS: The health education intervention resulted in significant reductions in dietary risk factors, specifically in fruit and vegetable consumption (p < 0.001). There was a lower prevalence of high salt intake in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.002), while no significant differences were observed in other dietary factors. Smoking habits and low physical activity significantly decreased in the intervention group, with a notable disparity in physical activity proportions (p < 0.001). Both groups showed significant improvements in achieving hypertension management targets, with the intervention group demonstrating superior outcomes. The intervention was effective in reducing the prevalence of risk factors, particularly treatment non-adherence, blood pressure control, and low physical activity. Additionally, the intervention group had a higher likelihood of achieving DLP and MAU control compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscored the additional positive impact of incorporating health education by non-professional educators in achieving favorable outcomes, including better control of BMI, blood pressure, medication adherence, and management of dyslipidemia (DLP) and microalbuminuria (MAU). Further research is warranted to fully explore the potential of health education in primary healthcare settings and maximize its effectiveness.

Prevention of Migrating Atrial Septal Occluder in Large Hole Atrial Septal Defect Intervention by Snare.

Migrating Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) is a rare complication due to insufficient margins, especially large-hole Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). After deploying, ASO occasionally exposes the low margins, resulting in dislocated devices and embolization. The majority of embolizations happen right away after release. The embolized device must be removed using extended fluoroscopy and occasionally by open heart surgery. The device is released by unscrewing the cable while the snare holds the screw end. On Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE), the device position is once again validated. If the device is stable, the snare is then removed.

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin predicted to contrast-associated acute kidney injury after planned percutaneous coronary intervention in elderly patients.

AIM: To determine the proportion of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the predictive value of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) for CA-AKI in elderly patients with chronic coronary artery disease. METHODS: A total of 509 patients who had planned percutaneous coronary intervention (mean age was 63.58 ± 11.63 years and 63.3% of males) were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 153; elderly patients) with ≥70 years old and group 2 (n = 356) with <70 years old. Urine NGAL was measured by the ELISA method. Clinical and laboratory data were collected on the day before intervention. CA-AKI was defined based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. RESULTS: The ratio of CA-AKI in group 1 was 23.5% which was higher than that of group 2 (8.7%) with a p-value < 0.001. Urine NGAL level in group 1 was significantly higher than that of group 2 [31.3 (19.16-55.13) ng/ml vs. 19.86 (13.21-29.04) ng/ml, p < 0.001]. At a cut-off value of 44.43 ng/ml, uNGAL had a predictive value for CA-AKI in all patients (AUC = 0.977, p < 0.001). Especially at a cut-off value of 44.14 ng/ml, uNGAL had a predictive value for CA-AKI in elderly patients (AUC = 0.979, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of CA-AKI after PCI in elderly patients was 23.5%. Urine NGAL before PCI had a good predictive value for CA-AKI in elderly patients with chronic coronary artery disease.

Computer-aided scoring of erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (HER2) gene amplification status in breast cancer.

Background: Identification of HER2 protein overexpression and/or amplification of the HER2 gene are required to qualify breast cancer patients for HER2 targeted therapies. In situ hybridization (ISH) assays that identify HER2 gene amplification function as a stand-alone test for determination of HER2 status and rely on the manual quantification of the number of HER2 genes and copies of chromosome 17 to determine HER2 amplification. Methods: To assist pathologists, we have developed the uPath HER2 Dual ISH Image Analysis for Breast (uPath HER2 DISH IA) algorithm, as an adjunctive aid in the determination of HER2 gene status in breast cancer specimens. The objective of this study was to compare uPath HER2 DISH image analysis vs manual read scoring of VENTANA HER2 DISH-stained breast carcinoma specimens with ground truth (GT) gene status as the reference. Three reader pathologists reviewed 220, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer cases by both manual and uPath HER2 DISH IA methods. Scoring results from manual read (MR) and computer-assisted scores (image analysis, IA) were compared against the GT gene status generated by consensus of a panel of pathologists. The differences in agreement rates of HER2 gene status between manual, computer-assisted, and GT gene status were determined. Results: The positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) rates for image analysis (IA) vs GT were 97.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 95.0, 99.3) and 94.3% (95% CI: 90.8, 97.3) respectively. Comparison of agreement rates showed that the lower bounds of the 95% CIs for the difference of PPA and NPA for IA vs MR were -0.9% and -6.2%, respectively. Further, inter- and intra-reader agreement rates in the IA method were observed with point estimates of at least 96.7%. Conclusions: Overall, our data show that the uPath HER2 DISH IA is non-inferior to manual scoring and supports its use as an aid for pathologists in routine diagnosis of breast cancer.

Formation of the upper digestive tract by the ileum - right colon for patient with concurrent cancers of the esophagus and the stomach: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: A very rare case with presence of both esophageal and gastric cancers raised questions on how to perform optimal surgery for such cases. To date, reports on experimental surgery strategies for these rare cases remained sparse in the literatures. CASE PRESENTATION: A 61-year-old male patient having epigastric abdominal pain and swallowing difficulties for a month prior to the hospital. Esophagoscopy and gastroscopy results showed a 2-cm lesion in the esophagus, located around 25 cm away from the teeth arch; and a 2-cm ulcer lesion with high ridge line at the corner of the lesser curvature of stomach. Biopsy results revealed esophageal squamous epithelium carcinoma and poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma. The surgery was esophago-gastrectomy with curettage of the lymph nodes and reconstruction of the upper gastrointestinal tract with the ileum - right colon in the left side of the neck. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: We did not remain the stomach and performed thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with chest anastomosis, as in previous studies to prevent cancer recurrence. Here, we performed a new surgical method of reconstruct the upper gastrointestinal tract by connecting the upper part of the esophagus at the neck, to the ileum - right colon. CONCLUSIONS: This case could suggest an effective surgical strategy that the ileum - right colon was an organ to be used in replacing the upper gastrointestinal tract in cases of removing the entire stomach and thoracic esophagus, which could serve as a valuable reference for similar rare cases in the future.

Serum osteoprotegerin level in hemodialysis patients using low-flux reused dialyzer in relation to atherosclerosis.

AIMS: To assess the relation of high serum OPG level and carotid atherosclerosis in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients using low-flux reused dialyzer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 209 MHD patients with and without carotid atherosclerosis (83 patients and 126 patients) to establish the relation between OPG and atherosclerosis. RESULTS: The proportion of carotid atherosclerosis was 39.7%. The median serum OPG level was 45.3 pmol/L. Serum OPG had a good predicting value for atherosclerosis in MHD patients using low-flux reused dialyzer (AUC = 0.934, p < 0.001, cutoff value = 43.35 pmol/L, Se = 81.3%, Sp = 90.9%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, serum OPG had a good predicting value for atherosclerosis in MHD patients using low-flux reused dialyzer.

Lung-protective mechanical ventilation for patients undergoing abdominal laparoscopic surgeries: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in laparoscopic surgeries could contribute to postoperative pulmonary dysfunction. In recent years, intraoperative lung-protective mechanical ventilation (LPV) has been reportedly able to attenuate ventilator-induced lung injuries (VILI). Our objectives were to test the hypothesis that LPV could improve intraoperative oxygenation function, pulmonary mechanics and early postoperative atelectasis in laparoscopic surgeries. METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 62 patients indicated for elective abdominal laparoscopic surgeries with an expected duration of greater than 2 h were randomly assigned to receive either lung-protective ventilation (LPV) with a tidal volume (Vt) of 7 ml kg- 1 ideal body weight (IBW), 10 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) combined with regular recruitment maneuvers (RMs) or conventional ventilation (CV) with a Vt of 10 ml kg- 1 IBW, 0 cmH2O in PEEP and no RMs. The primary endpoints were the changes in the ratio of PaO2 to FiO2 (P/F). The secondary endpoints were the differences between the two groups in PaO2, alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (A-aO2), intraoperative pulmonary mechanics and the incidence of atelectasis detected on chest x-ray on the first postoperative day. RESULTS: In comparison to CV group, the intraoperative P/F and PaO2 in LPV group were significantly higher while the intraoperative A-aO2 was clearly lower. Cdyn and Cstat at all the intraoperative time points in LPV group were significantly higher compared to CV group (p < 0.05). There were no differences in the incidence of atelectasis on day one after surgery between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lung protective mechanical ventilation significantly improved intraoperative pulmonary oxygenation function and pulmonary compliance in patients experiencing various abdominal laparoscopic surgeries, but it could not ameliorate early postoperative atelectasis and oxygenation function on the first day after surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/identifier: NCT04546932 (09/05/2020).

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for myasthenia gravis with thymoma: A six-year single-center experience.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate clinical and histopathological characteristics of Vietnamese patients with thymoma and myasthenia gravis (MG), and the outcomes of surgical management using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) thymectomy. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out on 61 patients undergoing VATS thymectomy for MG class I, IIA with thymoma in the period from 10/2013 to 5/2019. The WHO histopathological classification, Masaoka's stages and MG grading using the guidelines of the Medical Scientific Advisory Board of the Myasthenia gravis foundation of America (MGFA) were used. All patients were followed up at 1 month, 6 months and over 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The average patient age was 47.3 ± 10.8 years (21-70). The female/male ratio was 0.91.80.3% of patients had MG class IIA. Most of the patients were at Masaoka's stage I and stage II (75.4%). Only 1 patient (1.7%) had highly malignant type B3 thymoma. Conversion to open surgery was required in 8 patients. The surgical time was 91.8 ± 49.9 min and blood loss was 37.3 ± 31.5 ml. Most patients (68.9%) were extubated in the operating room. The postoperative hospital stay was 9.8 ± 5.9 days (5-37 days). 22.6% of patients relapsed after one-year. Refractory MG declined to 5.7% after surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: VATS thymectomy for MG with thymoma was safe and effective, with a lower rate of intraoperative complications, shorter hospitalization, and better long-term outcomes. This approach could be applicable for patients of all age groups with thymomas at early Masaoka's stages.

The effects of bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation on the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL) is an important factor in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM MNCs) on the QOL of children with CP. METHODS: From December 2015 to December 2016, 30 children with CP aged from 2 to 15 years received two intrathecal infusions of BM MNCs, one at baseline and the other 3 months later, at Vinmec International Hospital. The motor function and muscle tone of the patients were evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)-88 and Modified Ashworth Score, respectively. Their QOL was assessed at baseline and 6 months after the first BM MNC transplant using the Vietnamese version of the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for children (CP QOL-Child)-the parental proxy report, which comprises seven domains. Nineteen mothers (mean age: 32.9±4.9 years) and 11 fathers (mean age: 36.1±6.8 years) were invited to complete the CP QOL-Child assessment before and after the transplantations, Paired t-tests and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the changes in QOL and GMFM scores and to identify the key factors correlated with the QOL score. RESULTS: Significant changes were observed in the children's gross motor function and muscle spasticity, as evidenced by the GMFM-88 total score, scores for each of its domains, the GMFM-66 percentile and the muscle tone (P < 0.001). Six months after the transplantations, the QOL scores of children with CP were markedly increased (P < 0.001) for all the domains, except for the domain of access to services. In the multivariate regression analysis, significant associations were found between higher age of children and higher QOL except for feeling about functioning and pain and impact of disability domains. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level was negatively correlated with the score of pain and impact of disability domain, while the GMFM-88 scores were positively correlated with the QOL in terms of feelings about functioning and family health domain (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The QOL of the children with CP was noticeably improved 6 months after BM MNC transplantation and was accompanied by improvements in gross motor function and muscle tone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02574923 . Registered on October 14, 2015.

Evaluation of Anticholinesterase and Inflammation Inhibitory Activity of Medicinal Mushroom Phellinus pini (Basidiomycetes) Fruiting Bodies.

Phellinus pini, a medicinal mushroom, has been used as folk medicine in Asian countries for treating ailments such as cancer and gastrointestinal diseases. In this study we evaluated in vitro the antidementia and anti-inflammatory activities of Ph. Pini fruiting bodies. Eleven phenol compounds were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory effects of a methanol extract and a hot water extract were moderate and comparable with those of galanthamine, the standard drug used to treat the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The methanol extract had a neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity on PC-12 cells at concentration ranging from 20 to 40 µg/mL. The mushroom extracts also inhibited the production of nitric oxide and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, and they significantly inhibited in vivo carrageenan-induced hind-paw edema in rats. Therefore, it is suggested that Ph. Pini fruiting bodies possess anticholinesterase and anti-inflammatory effects.

In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Diabetes, Anti-Dementia, and Inflammation Inhibitory Effect of Trametes pubescens Fruiting Body Extracts.

Trametes pubescens, white rot fungus, has been used for folk medicine in Asian countries to treat ailments such as cancer and gastrointestinal diseases. This study was initiated to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, anti-diabetes, anti-dementia, and anti-inflammatory activities of T. pubescens fruiting bodies. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activities of T. pubescens methanol (ME) and hot water (HWE) extracts (2.0 mg/mL) were comparable to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), the positive control. However, the chelating effects of ME and HWE were significantly higher than that of BHT. The HWE (6 mg/mL) also showed comparable reducing power to BHT. Eleven phenol compounds were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the ME and HWE of the mushroom were lower than Acarbose, the standard reference; however, the inhibitory effects of the mushroom extracts at 2.0 mg/mL were moderate. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory effects of ME and HWE were moderate and comparable with galanthamine, the standard drug to treat early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The ME had a neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced PC-12 cell cytotoxicity at the concentration range of 2-40 µg/mL. The mushroom extracts also showed inflammation inhibitory activities such as production of nitric oxide (NO) and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage-like cell lines (RAW 264.7) and significantly suppressed the carrageenan-induced rat paw-edema. Therefore, fruiting body extracts of T. pubescens demonstrated antioxidant related anti-diabetes, anti-dementia and anti-inflammatory activities.

Ethanol Production from Various Sugars and Cellulosic Biomass by White Rot Fungus Lenzites betulinus.

Lenzites betulinus, known as gilled polypore belongs to Basidiomycota was isolated from fruiting body on broadleaf dead trees. It was found that the mycelia of white rot fungus Lenzites betulinus IUM 5468 produced ethanol from various sugars, including glucose, mannose, galactose, and cellobiose with a yield of 0.38, 0.26, 0.07, and 0.26 g of ethanol per gram of sugar consumed, respectively. This fungus relatively exhibited a good ethanol production from xylose at 0.26 g of ethanol per gram of sugar consumed. However, the ethanol conversion rate of arabinose was relatively low (at 0.07 g of ethanol per gram sugar). L. betulinus was capable of producing ethanol directly from rice straw and corn stalks at 0.22 g and 0.16 g of ethanol per gram of substrates, respectively, when this fungus was cultured in a basal medium containing 20 g/L rice straw or corn stalks. These results indicate that L. betulinus can produce ethanol efficiently from glucose, mannose, and cellobiose and produce ethanol very poorly from galactose and arabinose. Therefore, it is suggested that this fungus can ferment ethanol from various sugars and hydrolyze cellulosic materials to sugars and convert them to ethanol simultaneously.

Arsenic removal by iron oxide coated sponge: treatment and waste management.

One of the problems in drinking water that raises concern over the world is that millions of people still have to use arsenic-contaminated water. There is a worldwide need to develop appropriate technologies to remove arsenic from water for household and community water supply systems. In this study, a new material namely iron oxide coated sponge (IOCSp) was developed and used to remove arsenic (As) from contaminated groundwater in Vietnam. The results indicated that IOCSp has a high capacity in removing both As (V) and As (III). The adsorption capacity of IOCSp was up to 4.6 mg As/g IOCSp, showing better than many other materials. It was observed from a pilot study that a small quantity of IOCSp (180 g) could reduce As concentration of 480 microg/L in 1.5 m3 of contaminated natural water to below 40 microg/L. In addition, an exhausted IOCSp, containing a large amount of arsenic (up to 0.42 wt %) could safely be disposed through the solidification/stabilization with cement. Addition of fly ash also reduced the amount of arsenic in the leachate.