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Aims:  Characterization of the ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) community in activated sludge from a nitrogen removal bioreactor and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Methods and Results:  Three primer sets specific for ammonia mono‐oxygenase α‐subunit (amoA) were used to construct clone libraries for activated sludge sample from a nitrogen removal bioreactor. One primer set resulted in strong nonspecific PCR products. The other two clone libraries retrieved both shared and unique AOA amoA sequences. One primer set was chosen to study the AOA communities of activated sludge samples from Shatin and Stanley WWTPs. In total, 18 AOA amoA sequences were recovered and compared to the previous reported sequences. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that sequences found in this study fell into three clusters. Conclusions:  Different primers resulted in varied AOA communities from the same sample. The AOA found from Hong Kong WWTPs were closely similar to those from sediment and soil, but distinct from those from activated sludge in other places. A comparison of clone libraries between Shatin WWTP and bioreactor indicated the AOA community significantly shifted only after 30‐day enrichment. Significance and Impact of the Study:  This study confirmed the occurrence of AOA in a laboratory scale nitrogen removal bioreactor and Hong Kong WWTPs treating saline or freshwater wastewater. AOA communities found in this study were significantly different from those found in other places. To retrieve diverse AOA communities from environmental samples, a combination of different primers for the amoA gene is needed.

ObjectiveSingle-incision laparoscopic surgery had been proven effective for appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and inguinal hernia repair. However, single-incision thoracoscopic surgery (SITS) in primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) has not been reported.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 30 PSP patients who received thoracoscopic surgery in the division of Thoracic Surgery of China Medical University Hospital. Ten patients received SITS and 20 patients received traditional three-port thoracoscopic surgery. The operative time, blood loss, wound size, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and patient satisfaction score were compared.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the operative time and blood loss between the two groups. However, the VAS pain scores were significantly better in the SITS group in first 24 hours after surgery. Patient satisfaction scores in the SITS group were also significantly better in the first 24 and 48 hours after operation.ConclusionAlthough three-port thoracoscopic surgery for PSP is well established, SITS results in better patient satisfaction and decreased postoperative pain in the treatment of PSP.