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Biomedical subjects

P Lens

Publications and source records attributed to P Lens.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Competition for H2 between sulfate reducers, methanogens and homoacetogens in a gas-lift reactor.

Reported values for growth kinetic parameters show an order in competitivity of heterotrophic sulfate reducing bacteria>methanogens>homoacetogens for the substrate hydrogen. This order suggests that methanogens can succesfully compete with consortia of heterotrophic SRB and homoacetogens when H2/CO2 is present as sole substrate. However, we found in experiments using gas-lift reactors inoculated with anaerobic sludge and fed with H2/CO2 and sulfate, that heterotrophic sulfate reduction rapidly and completely outcompeted methanogenesis, whereas a low amount of acetate was formed. Thus, in disagreement with the above competitivity order, hydrogen is more readily consumed by homoacetogenesis than by methanogenesis, indicating that the competition is not kinetically determined. The superior settling velocity of sulfidogenic-acetogenic sludge compared to that of methanogenic sludge suggests that the former sludge is better retained, which can explain the predominance of sulfate reduction/homoacetogenesis over methanogenesis.

Bioreactors↗
PubMed2001

Introduction.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Use of (1)H NMR to study transport processes in porous biosystems.

The operation of bioreactors and the metabolism of microorganisms in biofilms or soil/sediment systems are strongly dictated by the transport processes therein. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow nondestructive and noninvasive quantification and visualisation (in case of MRI) of both static and dynamic water transport phenomena. Flow, mass transfer and transport processes can be measured by mapping the (proton) displacement in a defined time interval directly in a so-called pulsed field gradient (PFG) experiment. Other methods follow the local intensity in time-controlled sequential images of water or labelled molecules, or map the effect of contrast agents. Combining transport measurements with relaxation-time information allows the discrimination of transport processes in different environments or of different fluids, even within a single picture element in an image of the porous biosystem under study. By proper choice of the applied NMR method, a time window ranging from milliseconds to weeks (or longer) can be covered. In this paper, we present an overview of the principles of NMR and MRI techniques to visualise and unravel complex, heterogeneous transport processes in porous biological systems. Applications and limitations will be discussed, based on results obtained in (model) biofilms, bioreactors, microbial mats and sediments.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

New perspectives in anaerobic digestion.

The IWA specialised group on anaerobic digestion (AD) is one of the oldest working groups of the former IAWQ organisation. Despite the fact that anaerobic technology dates back more than 100 years, the technology is still under development, adapting novel treatment systems to the modern requirements. In fact, most advances were achieved during the last three decades, when high-rate reactor systems were developed and a profound insight was obtained in the microbiology of the anaerobic communities. This insight led to a better understanding of anaerobic treatment and, subsequently, to a broader application potential. The present "state-of-the-art" paper, which has been written by members of the AD management committee, reflects the latest achievements and sets future lines for further development.

Bacteria, Aerobic↗
PubMed2000

Use of hydrophobic membranes to supply hydrogen to sulphate reducing bioreactors.

This paper reports on the application of hydrophobic membranes to supply the gaseous substrates hydrogen/carbon dioxide (H2/CO2) to a sulphate reducing bioreactor. For this, two flat 0.016 m2 sheets of flouroplast microporous (0.45 microm) membranes were inserted in a 3.6 dm3 bioreactor for the supply of H2/CO2 gas as small gas bubbles. The bioreactor was operated at 30 degrees C and pH 7.0 and was also equipped with an external ultra filtration module for biomass retention. At a sulphate loading rate (SLR) of 1.32 g SO4(2-) dm(-3) day(-1) and a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 61 h, a sulphate reduction rate (SRR) of 0.90 g SO4(2-) dm(-3) day(-1) was achieved. When the influent sulphate concentration was reduced from 3.36 to 0.75 g SO4(2-) dm(-3) by lowering the HRT to 10.3 h (SLR of 1.75 g SO4(2-) dm(-3) day(-1) the SRR dropped to 0.22 g SO4(2-) dm(-3) day(-1). The lower sulphate reduction efficiency was most probably caused by a too short biomass-substrate contact time or by irreversible sulphide inhibition. Mass transfer limitation of H2 and improper mixing of the reactor liquid were shown not to contribute to the low sulphate reduction efficiency.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1999

Distribution of sulfate-reducing and methanogenic bacteria in anaerobic aggregates determined by microsensor and molecular analyses.

Using molecular techniques and microsensors for H(2)S and CH(4), we studied the population structure of and the activity distribution in anaerobic aggregates. The aggregates originated from three different types of reactors: a methanogenic reactor, a methanogenic-sulfidogenic reactor, and a sulfidogenic reactor. Microsensor measurements in methanogenic-sulfidogenic aggregates revealed that the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (2 to 3 mmol of S(2-) m(-3) s(-1) or 2 x 10(-9) mmol s(-1) per aggregate) was located in a surface layer of 50 to 100 microm thick. The sulfidogenic aggregates contained a wider sulfate-reducing zone (the first 200 to 300 microm from the aggregate surface) with a higher activity (1 to 6 mmol of S(2-) m(-3) s(-1) or 7 x 10(-9) mol s(-1) per aggregate). The methanogenic aggregates did not show significant sulfate-reducing activity. Methanogenic activity in the methanogenic-sulfidogenic aggregates (1 to 2 mmol of CH(4) m(-3) s(-1) or 10(-9) mmol s(-1) per aggregate) and the methanogenic aggregates (2 to 4 mmol of CH(4) m(-3) s(-1) or 5 x 10(-9) mmol s(-1) per aggregate) was located more inward, starting at ca. 100 microm from the aggregate surface. The methanogenic activity was not affected by 10 mM sulfate during a 1-day incubation. The sulfidogenic and methanogenic activities were independent of the type of electron donor (acetate, propionate, ethanol, or H(2)), but the substrates were metabolized in different zones. The localization of the populations corresponded to the microsensor data. A distinct layered structure was found in the methanogenic-sulfidogenic aggregates, with sulfate-reducing bacteria in the outer 50 to 100 microm, methanogens in the inner part, and Eubacteria spp. (partly syntrophic bacteria) filling the gap between sulfate-reducing and methanogenic bacteria. In methanogenic aggregates, few sulfate-reducing bacteria were detected, while methanogens were found in the core. In the sulfidogenic aggregates, sulfate-reducing bacteria were present in the outer 300 microm, and methanogens were distributed over the inner part in clusters with syntrophic bacteria.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗
PubMed1998

Characterization of the diffusive properties of biofilms using pulsed field gradient-nuclear magnetic resonance

The mobility of water in intact biofilms was measured with pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG-NMR) and used to characterise their diffusive properties. The results obtained with several well-defined systems, viz. pure water, agar, and agar containing inert particles or active bacteria were compared to glucose diffusion coefficients measured with micro-electrodes and those calculated utilising theoretical diffusion models. A good correspondence was observed indicating that PFG-NMR should also enable the measurement of diffusion coefficients in heterogeneous biological systems. Diffusion coefficients of several types of natural biofilms were measured as well and these results were related to the physical biofilm characteristics. The values had a high accuracy and reflected the properties of a sample of ca. 100 biofilms, while non-uniformity or non-geometrical shapes did not negatively influence the results. The monitored PFG-NMR signal contains supplementary information on e.g. cell fraction or spatial organisation but quantitative analysis was not yet possible. Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Long-term competition between sulfate reducing and methanogenic bacteria in UASB reactors treating volatile fatty acids.

The competition between acetate utilizing methane-producing bacteria (MB) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) was studied in mesophilic (30 degrees C) upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors (upward velocity 1 m h-1; pH 8) treating volatile fatty acids and sulfate. The UASB reactors treated a VFA mixture (with an acetate:propionate:butyrate ratio of 5:3:2 on COD basis) or acetate as the sole substrate at different COD:sulfate ratios. The outcome of the competition was evaluated in terms of conversion rates and specific methanogenic and sulfidogenic activities. The COD:sulfate ratio was a key factor in the partitioning of acetate utilization between MB and SRB. In excess of sulfate (COD:sulfate ratio lower than 0.67), SRB became predominant over MB after prolonged reactor operation: 250 and 400 days were required to increase the amount of acetate used by SRB from 50 to 90% in the reactor treating, respectively, the VFA mixture or acetate as the sole substrate. The competition for acetate was further studied by dynamic simulations using a mathematical model based on the Monod kinetic parameters of acetate utilizing SRB and MB. The simulations confirmed the long term nature of the competition between these acetotrophs. A high reactor pH (+/-8), a short solid retention time (<150 days), and the presence of a substantial SRB population in the inoculum may considerably reduce the time required for acetate-utilising SRB to outcompete MB.

Acetates↗
PubMed1998

Psychrophilic (6-15 degreesC) high-rate anaerobic treatment of malting wastewater in a two-module expanded granular sludge bed system

Psychrophilic (6-15 degreesC) anaerobic treatment of malting wastewater was investigated. A two-module expanded granular sludge bed reactor system with a total volume of 140 dm3 was used to treat malting wastewater having a soluble and total chemical oxygen demand (COD) between 233 and 1778 mg dm-3 and between 317 and 4422 mg dm-3, respectively. The removal efficiencies at 6 degreesC were 47 and 71% of the soluble and volatile fatty acids (VFA) COD, at organic loading rates (OLR) ranging between 3.3 and 5.8 kg of COD m-3 day-1. The removal efficiencies at 10-15 degreesC were 67-78 and 90-96% of the soluble and VFA COD at an OLR between 2.8 and 12.3 kg of COD m-3 day-1. The specific methanogenic activity of the sludge present in each module increased 2-3-fold during system operation for 400 days. The relatively high concentration of suspended solids in the influent (25% of the total COD) caused a deterioration of the sludge bed in the first reactor module. This was aggravated by excessive growth of acidifying biomass, which persisted in the first module sludge bed and resulted in granular sludge flotation. However, the second module could accommodate the increased OLR, thus providing a very high effluent quality (soluble COD < 200 mg dm-3) of the total system. The stability of module I concerning suspended solids could be restored by presettling the wastewater.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Mathematical modelling as a tool to study population dynamics between sulfate reducing and methanogenic bacteria.

The existing mathematical models of sulphate fed anaerobic reactors are reviewed. Special attention was put on pecularities of the description of sulphide inhibition and competition between sulphate reduction and methanogenesis in such systems. The paper also presents an integrated mathematical model of the functioning of a sulphate fed granular sludge reactor taking into account concentration gradients on substrates, intermediates, products and bacteria inside the reactor as well as multiple-reaction stoichiometry and kinetics. The developed model includes the following blocks: a) hydrodynamic block describing liquid flow as well as transport and distribution of the components along the reactor height; b) kinetic block including growth, metabolism, inhibition and competition of acidogenic, acetogenic, methanogenic and sulphate reducing bacteria in the system; c) physico-chemical block for calculation of pH in each compartment of the liquid phase; d) transfer block describing a mass transfer of gaseous components from the liquid to the gas phase. The integrated model was calibrated and validated using laboratory studies on the functioning of sulphidogenic granular sludge reactors, i.e. their start-up and the maximization of sulphide yield in these reactors. The modelling of the reactor operation is supplemented with hypothetical computer simulations to illustrate the influence of engineering parameters on the operation performance and sulphate conversion of sulphidogenic reactors.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1995

Anaerobic treatment of sulphate-containing waste streams.

Sulphate-containing wastewaters from the paper and board industry, molasses-based fermentation industries and edible oil refineries present difficulties during anaerobic treatment, leading to problems of toxicity, reduction in methane yield, odour and corrosion. The microbiology and biochemistry of dissimilatory sulphate reduction are reviewed in order to illustrate the potential competition between sulphate reducers and other anaerobes involved in the sequential anaerobic mineralisation process. The theoretical considerations which influence the outcome of competition between sulphate reducers and fermentative, syntrophic, homoacetogenic and methanogenic bacteria are discussed. The actual outcome, under the varying influent organic composition and strength and sulfate concentrations which prevail during digestion of industrial wastewaters, may be quite different to that predicted by thermodynamic or kinetic considerations. The factors governing competitive interactions between SRB and other anaerobes involved in methanogenesis is discussed in the context of literature data on sulphate wastewater treatment and with particular reference to laboratory and full-scale digestion of citric acid production wastewater.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed1995

Handling complaints in hospitals.

GOAL: To find out about complaints procedures in hospitals in North-Holland and to determine to what extent they function independently. METHOD: All 21 hospitals were visited between the spring of 1992 and the autumn of 1993. Before the visit took place the hospital management had to complete and return a questionnaire relating to the complaints procedure in that hospital. RESULTS: All except two hospitals had rules for dealing with complaints. In 18 hospitals there was a complaints committee; in 12 of these the management was not--or was no longer--involved. The element of independence was expressed in a great variety of ways. In a quarter of the hospitals complaints were often not dealt with within two months. DISCUSSION: The situation with regard to complaints procedures in hospitals in North-Holland is definitely improving. Some hospitals, however, are much more successful than others in meeting the criteria for an adequate complaints procedure. There is room for improvement in two particular areas; complaints should be handled more promptly and independently.

Communication↗
PubMed1994

[A study of dysfunction in specialists].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the volume of dysfunctioning of medical specialists. DESIGN: Descriptive. SETTING: 21 hospitals in the Dutch province of Noord-Holland. METHODS: After introductory conversations with key figures in this field, the Health Inspection visited 21 hospitals in Noord-Holland. Managers or medical staff had previously returned written questionnaires. RESULTS: According to medical staff and management 93 of 2000 specialists had been found to dysfunction, over a period of 5 years. Symptoms of dysfunctioning were lack of social skills, mistakes in medical judgment and inability to work in a team. Authorities complained of a lack of subtle sanction possibilities. CONCLUSION: Hospital boards are inclined to cover up dysfunctioning of specialists in a 'conspiracy of silence'. More effective sanction possibilities are at hand, since the new legislation, although prevention is preferred. Proposals to intensify application procedures and evaluate medical functioning are not followed. Investigating dysfunctioning in other professions, like general practice and dental care is advisable.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1994

A one-tube quantitative HIV-1 RNA NASBA nucleic acid amplification assay using electrochemiluminescent (ECL) labelled probes.

Quantification of HIV-1 viral RNA based on co-amplification of an internal standard Q-RNA dilution series requires a number of NASBA nucleic acid amplification reactions. For each internal standard Q-RNA concentration a separate NASBA amplification has to be performed. The development of an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) detection system with a dynamic signal detection range over 5 orders of magnitude enabled simplification of the Q-NASBA protocol. Three distinguishable Q-RNAs (QA, QB and QC) are mixed with the wild-type sample at different amounts (i.e. 10(4) QA, 10(3) QB and 10(2) QC molecules) and co-amplified with the wild-type RNA in one tube. Using ECL-labelled oligonucleotides the wild-type, QA, QB and QC amplificates are separately detected with a semi-automated ECL detection instrument and the ratio of the signals determined. The amount of initial wild-type RNA can be calculated from the ratio of wild-type signal to QA, QB and QC signals. This one-tube Q-NASBA protocol was compared to the earlier described protocol with six amplifications per quantification using model systems and HIV-1 RNA isolated from plasma of HIV-1-infected individuals. In all cases the quantification results of HIV-1 RNA were comparable between the two methods tested. Due to the use of only one amplification per quantification in the one-tube Q-NASBA protocol the QA, QB and QC internal standard RNA molecules can be added to the sample before nucleic acid isolation. The ratio of QA:QB:QC:WT RNAs, from which the initial input of WT-RNA is calculated, will remain constant independent of any loss that might occur during the nucleic acid isolation.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1993

Quantification of HIV-1 RNA in plasma using NASBA during HIV-1 primary infection.

Quantification of HIV-1 viral RNA in plasma was achieved by competitive co-amplification of a dilution series of in vitro generated RNA using the nucleic acid sequence based amplification (NASBA) technology. This 1.5 kilobase in vitro RNA, comprising the gag and part of the pol region, differs only by sequence-randomization of a 20 nt fragment from the wild-type RNA, ensuring equal efficiency of amplification. In model systems the accuracy of this method is within one log. Application of the Q-NASBA to plasma samples of a patient with a primary HIV-1 infection shows good concordance of the HIV-1 RNA profile with the p24 antigen profile. However, the HIV-1 RNA determination is more sensitive than the p24 antigen determination. Peak values of HIV-1 RNA are around 10(8) RNA molecules per ml plasma at the moment of seroconversion. Quantitative nucleic acid detection methods, like Q-NASBA, allow the monitoring of HIV-1 RNA during the course of infection which might have predictive value for disease development.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Detection of HIV-1 distribution in different blood fractions by two nucleic acid amplification assays.

A new amplification procedure, NASBA (nucleic acid sequence-based amplification), was used together with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect HIV-1 sequences in different blood fractions of both HIV-infected and uninfected samples. We tested whole blood, plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and platelets. No HIV-1 sequences were found in blood fractions of 37 uninfected persons either by PCR, reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR), or NASBA. We found that none of the infected plasma samples contained HIV-1 DNA sequences. However, a high percentage of these plasma samples was positive for HIV-1 RNA: 86% by NASBA and 80% by RT-PCR. The concordance on a sample-to-sample basis of NASBA and RT-PCR was 91%. Only 33% of the plasma samples was HIV-1 p24-antigen positive, demonstrating the superior sensitivity of amplification procedures. We found that almost all PBMC fractions were positive for HIV-1 (pro)viral sequences (99% HIV-1 DNA positive, 91% HIV-1 RNA positive). A large proportion of the platelet fractions contained HIV-1 RNA, as demonstrated by positive RT-PCR and NASBA results. We found an inverse relation between CD4+ T cell count and T cell reactivity on the one hand and detection of HIV-1 sequences by PCR, RT-PCR, and NASBA on the other hand in all blood fractions. Quantification of the HIV-1 PCR signal in PBMCs revealed an inverse relation of proviral titers with CD4+ levels. This finding supports earlier observations that clinical disease and low CD4+ cell counts are related to an increased viral burden.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Qualitative and quantitative detection of HIV-1 RNA by nucleic acid sequence-based amplification.

AIM: To develop a method to detect HIV-1 viral RNA by amplifying a specific nucleic acid sequence. METHOD: The nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) method uses the simultaneous activity of avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase, T7 RNA polymerase and RNase H to amplify a specific nucleic acid target sequence. VALIDATION: An in vitro cultured HIV-1 stock solution was used to validate the NASBA method and determine the variation in RNA measurement. CONCLUSION: Although NASBA is theoretically capable of specific amplification of RNA or DNA, it is most suitable for amplification of RNA, and therefore for detection of HIV-1 viral RNA.

Gene Amplification↗