Search

A sequencing batch reactor was operated in the conventional anaerobic-aerobic mode for enhanced biological phosphorus removal using acetate as the sole substrate. Despite the nutrients concentrations in the influent being high enough to satisfy the biological requirements, Zoogloea ramigera managed to grow in the system until it had negative effects on the process performance. The excess of exocellular polymeric material produced by this microorganism contributed to a viscous bulking phenomenon and caused important settling problems. The examination of the sludge under the microscope was a valuable tool to diagnose the cause of the imbalance in the process. The strategy adopted to avoid the deterioration of the process (changing key operational factors affecting the Z. ramigera development) allowed the successful recovery the enhanced biological phosphorus removal system. The effectiveness of this approach was confirmed by analyzing several parameters along the operational period (SVI, YPO4, TSS, %VSS ...) together with microbiological examinations of the sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty percent of all schizophrenic patients experience sexual delusions at some point during the evolution of their illness. Among them, some patients develop the conviction of belonging to the other sex. Although true coexistence of schizophrenia and gender identity disorder is rare, it can be difficult to disentangle the two conditions. We report the case of a 40-year-old male patient with chronic schizophrenia who developed intrusive gender identity preoccupations over the years. Using this clinical case as a starting point, relevant literature is then reviewed and discussed. Long-lasting florid delusions of sex change are unusual but have been noted among patients with schizophrenia. Considering the irreversible consequences of surgery and its medico-legal implications, these patients should be properly detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]