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A new hybrid pilot plant configuration based on a modularized rolled pipe system (RPS) combined with a submerged flat sheet membrane bioreactor (MBR) was investigated to enhance the sewage treatment and membrane performance. The system was operated under actual conditions for more than four months, that is, at a constant flow rate of 30 m³/d and with two internal recycling ratios. The results indicate that the hybrid system produces an excellent effluent quality and considerably mitigated membrane fouling. The average concentrations of SS, COD, TN, NH4 + -N, NO3 − -N, and PO4 3--P remained below 2.81, 8.29, 8.77, 0.15, 8.17, and 1.49 mg/L, respectively. It was estimated that the periodic chemical cleaning of the membrane could be extended to approximately six months. The MBR and RPS can virtually complete nitrification and denitrification, respectively. The highest average denitrification rate of the RPS is 116.95 mg NO3-N/(g MLVSS d), with a hydraulic retention time of 1.05 h. Therefore, the RPS-MBR hybrid system has potential to improve the sewage treatability. The emerging RPS technique can obtain high rates of denitrification coupled with a compact design, ease of installation, and small footprint.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of gamma sterilization and its effect on microscopic structure of deeply frozen dog skull. Subjects and methods: 50 pairs of dog skull fragments have the same size,which were taken symmetrically through the midline of the skull, were divided into two lots. Evident lot consisting of 50 pieces are just deeply frozen, not irradicated. Experimental lot which was composed of 50 pieces were deeply frozen and exposed to 25kGy of gamma radiation. Afterwards, to evaluate the effect of gamma sterilization and compare the alter of bone matrix between lot groups. Results: After gamma irradiation, all dog skull fragments were negative with bacteriological examination. In microscopic scale, no difference was found between the two lots and there was no structural change in the irradiated fragments of all dog skull. Conclusion: Gamma irradiation with 25 kGy: (i) It has the ability to kill bacteria completely in the type of bacteria commonly infected tissue. (ii) It does not alter the structure of dog skull in microstructures. Key words: dog skull, gamma, sterilize

Objective: We studied the relationship between ischemic stroke and the known risk factors for atherosclerosis including serum lipoprotein- associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). Methods: Cross-sectional studies with 50 in-patient cerebral infarctions (36 male and 14 female, mean 67.80± 10.91 years) in Department of Cardiology - Hue Central Hospital and 50 controls. Results: The mean serum level Lp-PLA2 was higher in cases than in controls (23.31± 17.90 versus 9.60± 4.23, p< 0.001). The proportion of subjects with moderate serum elevated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 was significantly higher in cases than in controls (70% versus 10% p<0.001). Based on the logistic regression model, the odds ratio Lp-PLA2 > 14,7 IU/ml was 21 (95% CI 6.96-63.36 p<0.001) compare with ≤ 14.7 IU/ml. After additional adjustment risk factors for atherosclerosis and sex, age, the odds ratio was 22.33 (95%CI 6.64-75.13 p<0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that moderate serum elevated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 levels is an independent risk factor for cerebral infarction. Keywords: cerebrovascular accident, atherosclerosis, inflammation.

Background and Purpose: The studies showed that elevated inflammation indicators were an associated with risk for ischemic stroke and useful in prediction of ischemic tissue volume. We studied the association between serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) levels and clinical stroke severity, infarct volume in acute ischemic stroke. Methods: The cross – sectional study, in 119 patients who presented to Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Unit – Hue Central Hospital; 115 controls. Stroke patients were evaluated with Glagow Coma Scale and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and their serum Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP level, plasma lipid profile, blood glucose were assessed. Results: The mean age of patients was 66.03 years, in controls was 63.49 years (p > 0.05). Patients who had stroke had higher median serum Lp-PLA2 level than controls (22.03 IU/ml vs 10.23 IU/ml; p < 0,05). The median Lp-PLA2 level were higher in patients who had greater stroke severity (lower Glagow Coma Scale score, higher NIHSS score) and were higher in patients who had larger volume strokes. There were strong correlation between Lp-PLA2 levels and Glasgow Coma Scale (r = -0.53; p < 0.05); Lp-PLA2 levels and NIHSS (r =0.51; p < 0.05); Lp-PLA2 levels and infarct tissue volume (r = 0.58; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Higher Lp-PLA2 levels was significantly associated with more severe neurological impairment and larger infarct size in patients who had acute ischemic stroke. This biomarker may be useful for rapid diagnosis and prediction of ischemic tissue volume in the early stage of ischemic stroke. Key words: Stroke, atherosclerosis, inflammation, biomarker