Abstract: A history management method for water treatment members includes: a first step of, during a shipping process of placing each water treatment member in the accommodating member, registering each water treatment member identification information in the information recording section of an information management device in association with accommodating member identification information for the accommodating member and attaching, to the accommodating member, a tag from which the accommodating member identification information is readable; and a second step of, during a receiving process of attaching each water treatment member accommodated in the accommodating member to the water treatment apparatus, registering the water treatment member identification information, which is obtained from the information recording section based on the accommodating member identification information read from the tag, in the information recording section in association with water treatment apparatus identification information for t

Abstract: The present invention is directed to clay composites comprising at least one polycation attached to the clay surface and at least one aldehyde degrading microorganism and uses thereof for removal of aldehyde from aldehyde containing environments.

Abstract: A method and system for water injection into an oil and/or gas containing subterranean formation is shown, the method comprising: arranging a submerged water filtration station with a pump feeding inlet seawater through at least one filtering membrane to a water injection pump, subjecting the water to ionizing irradiation at a location between the seawater inlet and the water injection pump, whereby at said location the water is guided past a submerged radiation source which is distributed for penetration of the body of injection water.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of wastewaters including a cyanide compound and a metallic compound, wherein the wastewaters are subjected to a single oxidation step during which cyanides compounds are converted into carbon dioxide and nitrogen, this oxidation step including the mixing of wastewaters with a chlorine solution and an alkaline agent so as to obtain a mixture, the alkaline agent being added in such a quantity so as to maintain the pH of said mixture between 8.8 and 9.5 and the chlorine solution being added in such a quantity so as to maintain the oxydo-reduction potential of the mixture between 150 and 450 mV.

Abstract: Examples of apparatuses for harvesting water are described herein. The apparatuses include a wall having a hydrophilic contacting surface and a hydrophobic collecting surface. A plurality of pores defining an inner volume extend between the contacting surface and the collecting surface and provide a fluid flow communication between the contacting surface and the collecting surface. As air is directed across or towards the wall, water condenses on the contacting surface, seeps into the pores and passes through the wall to the collecting surface for collection.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a purified Salacia genus plant extract having improved flavor by increasing the ?-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the extract without significantly reducing the recovery rate of the extract concomitantly with purification; and a purified Salacia genus plant extract. The method for producing a purified Salacia genus plant extract includes an extraction step of bringing a Salacia genus plant-containing raw material extract including at least one of a Salacia genus plant, a Salacia genus plant extract, and a Salacia genus plant ground product, into contact with 0.1 to 20 mass % of activated carbon in the presence of an extraction solvent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for preparing L-cysteine crystals, and L-cysteine crystals prepared by the method. Through the method for preparing L-cysteine crystals of the present disclosure, L-cysteine crystals can be obtained from a natural L-cysteine fermentation broth with a high recovery rate and/or purity without a chemical reaction or the use of an artificial synthetic compound.

Abstract: Systems and methods to control colonization, amplification and/or growth of waterborne aerobic heterotrophic bacteria within potable water plumbing of a premises are provided, the premises having potable water plumbing having at least one point of use within the premises, the potable water plumbing being adapted to receive a potable water supply from a municipal water source. The systems and methods to control colonization, amplification, and/or growth of waterborne aerobic heterotrophic bacteria within cooling towers and evaporative condensers, recirculates system water through a deoxygenation device to reduce dissolved oxygen levels and prevent bacterial respiration within the heat exchanger and pressurized lines.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fuel filter (1) for filtering diesel fuel supplied to an internal combustion engine (2). The fuel filter (1) includes a filter element (12, 19) for trapping and decomposing precipitates suspended in the diesel fuel. An solid acid catalyst like a zeolite is provided for decomposing precipitates trapped by the filter element (12, 19). Sterol glycosides (precipitates) are splitted into sterol and glycoside moieties, which are soluble in the biodiesel, thus preventing clogging of the filter by sterol glycoside agglomerates. The sterol and glycoside moieties pass to the engine where they are burnt. The present disclosure also relates to a method of filtering diesel fuel for supply to an internal combustion engine (2).

Abstract: A dilute chemical solution producing apparatus includes, in a supply line of ultrapure water, a platinum group metal carrying resin column, a membrane-type deaeration apparatus, and a gas dissolving membrane apparatus, and a washing chemical solution injection apparatus is provided between the platinum group metal carrying resin column and the membrane-type deaeration apparatus. An inert gas source is connected to a gas phase side of the membrane-type deaeration apparatus, and an inert gas source is also connected to a gas phase side of the gas dissolving membrane apparatus. A discharge line communicates with the gas dissolving membrane apparatus. With such a dilute chemical solution producing apparatus, a dilute chemical solution with both dissolved oxygen and dissolved hydrogen peroxide being removed can be safely produced and supplied in a washing step for semiconductor washing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure can include a method for isolating a contaminate from water comprising: introducing a plurality of aluminum-doped nanoparticles to water, the water comprising the contaminate; contacting the plurality of aluminum-doped nanoparticles with the contaminate to form contaminate-adsorbed nanoparticles; and isolating the contaminate-adsorbed nanoparticles by applying a magnetic field to the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for hydrogen peroxide decomposition with which hydrogen peroxide present in acid-containing water to be treated can be efficiently decomposed at low cost and which is less apt to dissolve away in the water being treated, can be stably used over a long period, and renders acid recovery and recycling possible. The present invention has solved the problems with a catalyst for hydrogen peroxide decomposition which is for use in decomposing hydrogen peroxide present in acid-containing water to be treated, the catalyst including a base and, a catalyst layer that is amorphous, includes a platinum-group metal having catalytic function and a Group-6 element metal having catalytic function and is formed over the base.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a particulate matter comprising a combination of crystalline manganese oxide and amorphous manganese oxide, the crystalline form being present and forms passages throughout a cross section of said particulate matter, wherein said crystalline form define a specific surface area that is greater than the outer surface of said particulate matter. Also provided herein is a process for removing chemical contaminants from flowing water making use of the particulate matter and a device and a system comprising the particulate matter.

Abstract: An oxygenated water producing apparatus has a filtration assembly, an oxygen dissolving assembly, a minimizing assembly, and an electrolytic assembly that communicate with one another. The filtration assembly has a water filtration device, a water softener, and a water purifier communicating with one another in series. The oxygen dissolving assembly has a cooling tank communicating with the water purifier, a pump communicating with the cooling tank, an air pipe connected to the pump, and a pressure tank communicating with the pump. The minimizing assembly has at least one minimizing device. Each minimizing device has a shell, a minimizing basket with multiple filtrating holes, and a minimizing plate with multiple meshes mounted inside the shell. The electrolytic assembly has at least one electrolytic unit. Each electrolytic unit has a tube having an inlet and an outlet, and a cathode and an anode assembled to the tube.

Abstract: A system containing a reactor vessel including zero valent iron media, a source of a conditioning additive, a source of a reaction additive, and a process control subsystem is disclosed. A method for reducing a concentration of one or more contaminants in contaminated water including contacting zero valent iron media with a conditioning additive, contacting contaminated water with conditioned zero valent iron media, and introducing a reaction additive is also disclosed. The conditioning additive and reaction additive may each contain an aluminum salt.

Abstract: A water injection process plant includes a catalytic deoxygenation unit located subsea that makes use of a reducing agent sent from topsides in liquid form. The catalyst is preferably a palladium catalyst or its equivalent. The reducing agent is an oxygen scavenger such as but not limited to hydrazine, carbohydrazide, sodium erythorbate, methyl ethyl ketoxime (“MEKO”), hydroquinone, diethylhydroxylamine (“DEHA”), formic acid (methanoic acid). A chemical umbilical can be used to deliver the reducing agent to a mixer located upstream of the deoxygenation unit, where the agent is mixed with seawater containing oxygen.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of preparation and use for controlled release scale inhibitors used in hydraulic fracturing operations in oil and gas wells. The controlled release scale inhibitors comprise modified polyphosphate glasses having predetermined dissolution rates for controlled release of chemical inhibitors in induced hydraulic fractures in hydraulic fracturing treatment of oil and/or gas wells.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a modular catch basin for implementation in a high performance bioswale are disclosed. The modular catch basin containing bio-media in bio-media filters to treat urban run-off. Method of installing and maintaining the modular catch basin are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for treating and/or pre-treating liquid manure or biogas plant reject for eliminating harmful substances, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and odor molecules. Process tanks (5), which include inlet means (4) for supplying a process tank (5) with a substance to be treated, outlet means for passing a post-treatment matter out of the tank, and air inlet means (2) for supplying the process tank with air required by a biological process, are used for conducting a biological treatment on the matter to be treated. The process tanks (5) are first provided with a microbe population adapted for treating the matter to be treated. The matter to be treated is supplied gradually into the first process tank and then further into a subsequent process tank, such that the microbe population initially provided in the process tanks displaces in a step-by-step manner the original microbe population present in the matter to be treated.

Abstract: Dissolved oxygen may be generated by adding a peroxide to a fluid stream and then catalytically decomposing the peroxide to generate oxygen. As the peroxide is catalytically decomposed, the oxygen may solubilize in a surrounding fluid so as to provide dissolved oxygen. In some examples, the amount of peroxide added to the fluid stream is controlled such that substantially all of the hydrogen peroxide added to the fluid stream catalytically decomposes and yet the dissolved oxygen concentration of the fluid stream does not exceed a dissolved oxygen saturation limit for the fluid stream.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel sterilization method capable of killing not only microorganisms in water, but also microorganisms in a gas. Specifically, the present invention provide a method for sterilizing a gas or liquid, comprising contacting a microorganism in a gas or liquid with a material containing an amorphous carbon having a sulfo group introduced therein.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for a nanocomposite having a phase change polymer matrix and conductive nanoparticles to provide greatly enhanced responsivity to temperature and/or humidity. A sensing film includes carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the polymer. Operation near the transition temperature increases the TCR by over an order of magnitude, thus providing a new platform for devices such as IR sensors, bolometers and imaging elements, MEMS devices, compensating or uncompensated circuit elements and other electronic devices. Nanocomposite films may be under about one micron thick, and coatings, constant environment chambers or mounts, and other engineered improvements and variations may be provided to further enhance the response, range, response times or sensitivity of the film-based devices. One embodiment employs a nanocomposite film under one micron in thickness to operate as an uncooled but highly sensitive infrared bolometer under ambient conditions.

Abstract: A non-pressurized or low pressure, gravity flow system and method for filtering, purifying or otherwise removing contaminants from water to create potable water is disclosed. The filters of the disclosure may be used in non-pressurized, low pressure, gravity flow, pour through or manually pressurized devices and may comprise a membrane having a metallic material, such as a nanoalumina fiber material, grafted onto microglass structural fibers.

Abstract: An antimicrobial exfoliated vermiculite composite material is synthesized by impregnating the interlayers of exfoliated vermiculite through cation exchange and surface absorption with at least one of the following metal species: copper, silver, zinc, and manganese. Alternately, the antimicrobial material is synthesized by impregnating interlayers of unexfoliated vermiculite with said metal species and exfoliating the product thereafter. The metal species can be in ionic state, nanometer particles, and in the form of metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal nitrides, metal carbides, metal phosphates, metal silicates, metal borides, metal sulfides, metal halides, metal hydrides, metal nitrates, metal carbonates, and metal sulfadiazines. Any mixture of these metal species in the exfoliated vermiculite can provide protection against a broad spectrum of pathogens.

Abstract: A system includes an ion exchange softener fluidly coupled to a wastewater treatment system. The first ion exchange softener may receive a first brine stream from the wastewater treatment system and to remove a plurality of minerals from the first brine stream to generate a second brine stream including the plurality of minerals and a third brine stream. The system also includes a mineral removal system disposed downstream from the ion exchange softener and that may receive the second brine stream and to generate a sodium chloride (NaCl) brine stream and an acid and caustic production system disposed downstream from and fluidly coupled to the mineral removal system. The acid and caustic production system includes a first electrodialysis (ED) system that may receive the NaCl brine stream from the mineral removal system and to generate hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) from the NaCl brine stream.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a system for treating water. The system comprises a biochar inlet, and optionally a metal salt inlet, ozone inlet, organic carbon compound inlet or any combination thereof. The biochar may be produced by biomass pyrolysis and the pyrolysis may be coupled to energy generation. The system also comprises a filtration device, such as a reactive filtration device. The system produces a treated water stream and a reject stream, which may be further separated into a recycled water stream and a solid product. The solid product may be suitable as a soil amendment for application to agricultural land, or for recycling. A method for using the system to treat water also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating drainage containing hydrogen peroxide that has been used for sterilizing and washing an inside of a water treatment system or washing and surface finishing of electronic components includes passing the drainage through the hydrogen peroxide decomposition reactor, injecting effluent water from the hydrogen peroxide decomposition reactor into a side part of the tubular container of the gas-liquid separator, and contacting the drainage with the hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst to decompose the hydrogen peroxide in the drainage into oxygen and water, thereby yielding the treated water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removing disease material from the blood of a patient. Specifically, the invention relates to using biological binders to trap disease material that is desired to be removed from the blood of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removing disease material from the blood of a patient. Specifically, the invention relates to using biological binders to trap disease material that is desired to be removed from the blood of a patient.

Abstract: A procedure for the preparation of the radioactive tracer 3?-deoxy-3?-[18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) comprises the following steps: a) preparation of anhydrous [18F]F-fluoride; b) labelling of a precursor, for example 3-N-Boc-1-[5?-O-(4,4?-dimethoxytrityl)-3?-O-nitrophenylsulfonyl-2?-deoxy-?-D-lyxofuranosyl]thymidine; c) hydrolysis of the mixture obtained by means of the previous steps; d) purification of the mixture to obtain the radioactive tracer [18F]FLT. In this procedure steps a), b) and c) are carried out by means of known methods. In step d) the mixture obtained after step c) is purified by means of the passage through a ventilated filter and one or more cartridges of the cationic exchange type (e.g. a Chromafix PS-H+), one or more cartridges of the reversed phase type, and finally a passage through cartridges either of the alumina N type, or diol cartridges, or anionic exchange cartridges or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A filter to provide potable water may generally comprise an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet, a halogen release system intermediate the inlet and the outlet, a filter material comprising chitosan or a derivative thereof intermediate the halogen release system and the outlet, and a scavenger barrier intermediate the filter material and the outlet. The filter material may comprise a chitosan-halogen complex. The filter material is capable of regeneration during periods of stagnation. The filter may have a Log reduction value for viruses of at least 4 and a Log reduction value for bacteria of at least 6.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides a process for treating de-oiled oilfield produced water or de-oiled process affected water from hydrocarbon production. In particular, such water is treated with a regenerable polymeric ion exchange resin to remove water soluble ionic surfactants. The treating can involve ion-exchanging ionic polymeric membrane foulants with non-fouling soluble ionic species that can be removed by polymeric membrane.

Abstract: Water bottle coupled with a filtration cartridge including a plastic reservoir sufficiently flexible so that it can be gripped and squeezed, a drinking cap removably attached to the reservoir, a replaceable filtering element removably coupled with the drinking spout portion of the cap through which water inside the reservoir passes before being released through the spout. The removable filter includes and entry and an exit layer of felt and a layer of activated charcoal mixed with zeolite to reduce chlorine, trihalomethanes, organochlorines and heavy metals. The reservoir can fits into a magnetized base which can also be embedded in the body of the reservoir, and a cover to cover the cap and spout which dispenses purified water to the consumer.

Abstract: The processing method for a mixture according to the present invention is a method for processing a mixture having first particles made of a magnetic material or a nonmagnetic material and second particles made of a magnetic material or a nonmagnetic material wherein the second particles are mixed in a fluid medium containing the first particles, and comprises a dispersion step of dispersing aggregates of the first particles and the second particles present in the mixture, and a magnetic separation step of providing the first particles and second particles with a magnetic force a of different magnitudes by applying a magnetic field to the mixture in parallel with or after the dispersion step, thereby separating the first particles and the second particles from each other.

Abstract: A Gallium-68 (Ga-68) radioisotope generator includes a generating column and a citrate eluent. The generating column is at least partially filled with an ion-exchange resin with glucamine groups to absorb germanium-68 (Ge-68) and Ga-68 radioisotopes. The citrate eluent is added into the generating column to desorb the Ga-68 radioisotope and form an eluent containing the Ga-68 radioisotope in the form of Ga-68 citrate. A method for generating Ga-68 radioisotope is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to equipment and method for water and stream purification using a pre-treatment and multi-layered media system which may effectively remove dissolved phosphorus, COD and organic matter by introducing a pre-treatment device to stably operate filter media and applying a strainer to each filter media to improve water permeating ability of the filter media.

Abstract: A method of removal of oil slicks or spills floating on the surfaces of bodies of water is disclosed in which, unlike the traditional methods, a floatable or a non-floatable oil-absorbing substance is pumped into the water under the oil-spill layer. The pumped substance will reach and lie under the oil-spill layer and cannot be blown away by wind or other causes during or after dispersion of the substance. After application of the substance, the oil layer may be naturally or mechanically agitated to facilitate formation of a removable mixture of oil and the substance. In various embodiments, after the removal of the oil-substance mixture, the oil may be separated from the mixture and be reused.

Abstract: A sorbent dialysis cartridge is provided for removal of uremic toxins from dialysate wherein the sorbent cartridges can use non-enzymatic urea-binding materials in place of urease. The cartridge can have a first sorbent layer loaded with a polymerizable urea complexing agent and a second sorbent layer loaded with a crosslinker. The crosslinker can be crosslinkable with a soluble urea complex reaction product of the polymerizable urea complexing agent and urea when passing through the first sorbent layer to form a crosslinked polymeric urea complex which is attachable to the second sorbent layer. In another option, a sorbent layer can be used which has an insolubilized crosslinked polymeric urea-bindable complex attached thereto, wherein the crosslinked polymeric urea-bindable complex can be a reaction product of a crosslinker and polymerizable urea complexing agent. Methods and sorbent dialysis systems using the cartridge, and methods of making the sorbent material, are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for reducing down-time in a recreational body of water having a water filtering system and water recirculation system after a potential release of Cryptospridium oocyst and/or Giardia cysts. Also described is a kit for practicing the method for reducing down-time in a recreational body of water that may have a potential release of Cryptospridium oocyst and/or Giardia cysts.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a nano-structured composite material based on compositions of manganese and cerium, composed of aggregated composite nanospheres, ranging in size from 1 to 40 nm, of ultrafine crystalline nanoparticles of one or more compounds of cerium, dispersed in a metastable solid mixture of one or more sub-stoichiometric oxides of manganese, said sub-stoichiometric oxides of manganese comprising MeMnOz manganates, wherein 1?z?4, Me being constituted of one or more elements selected amongst alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals and rare earths, and in particular being constituted of one or more elements selected amongst Ce, V, Ti, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sn, Ga, Gd, Y, Zr, Al, Si, La, K, Li, Pb, Cs, or mixtures thereof; which can be used in the industry as redox catalyst and/or adsorbing filter of heavy metals, cyanides, sulfur compounds, pigments, dyes, polymers (PEG), phenols, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, ethers, esters and carboxylic acids which are present both in contamin

Abstract: A vessel for treatment of radioactive liquid. The vessel comprises a shielded housing defining an ion exchange chamber therein. The ion exchange chamber is configured to receive ion exchange media in its interior between an interior top surface and an interior bottom surface. The vessel further comprises an inlet diffuser disposed in the ion exchange chamber proximate the bottom surface and an outlet collection header disposed in the ion exchange chamber proximate the top surface. Also, the vessel comprises a process inlet in fluid communication with the inlet diffuser and a process outlet in fluid communication with the outlet collection header.

Abstract: The method manipulates the chemical mechanism of the toxicity of arsenic in humans, which involves the binding of arsenic by thiols on proteins and peptides, to remove arsenic from water. PET vessels and/or acrylic resins are treated with thiols which in turn bind arsenic to remove arsenic from water.

Abstract: A method of decreasing the concentration of certain contaminants in liquids by the chemical reduction of the contaminant using a hydride. A suitable reactor is charged with the contaminated liquid. An amount of catalyst and then an amount of hydride are added to the reactor. The hydride reacts with the contaminant in the liquid, chemically reducing and thus destroying a portion of the contaminant and thereby reducing the concentration of the contaminant in the liquid. Additional hydride can be added to further reduce the concentration to meet a desired level.

Abstract: Described herein is a filtration medium comprising a carbon substrate having a surface of COxEy, wherein E is selected from at least one of S, Se, and Te; and wherein x is no more than 0.1 and y is 0.005 to 0.3; a filtration device comprising the filtration medium; and methods of removing chloramines from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Embodiments of a water treatment system, a method of regenerating a water treatment system, a use of a water softener valve and an ozone kit for a water filtration system are provided. The water treatment system includes a water tank containing iron filtration media; an ozone gas source having an outlet; and a water softener valve having a venturi nozzle that is associated with the water tank and in fluid communication with the outlet of the ozone gas source, the water softener valve configured to invoke a regeneration mode during which the water softener valve controls backwashing of the iron filtration media and then permits ozone gas from the ozone gas source to be drawn through the venturi nozzle and into the water tank.

Abstract: A system for providing an acidic ionized ozonated liquid. The system includes a liquid inlet arranged to accept a liquid into the system; an acid-based cation-exchange resin in fluid communication with the liquid inlet, the resin adapted to exchange cations in the accepted liquid with H+ ions on the resin; an ozone dissolving apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the acid-based cation-exchange resin; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the liquid inlet, the acid-based cation-exchange resin and the ozone dissolving apparatus. The ozone dissolving apparatus and the acid-based cation-exchange resin cooperating to produce the acidic ionized ozonated liquid for dispensation out of the system via the liquid outlet.

Abstract: Electrochemically-treated water having an electron deficiency is described, which may be attained by a process comprising the following steps: a) Electrolysing water, b) Withdrawing a portion of the catholyte from the system, and c) Introducing the remaining catholyte into the anodic chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing organic contaminants from water may be used, for example, to treat produced water from a steam assisted heavy oil recovery operation. The treated produced water may be re-used to create steam. Alternatively, the produced water may be a blowdown stream treated to facilitate further treatment in a thermal crystallizer. The treatments may include pH adjustment or separating de-solubilized organics or both. Other treatments may include one or more of oxidation, sorption and biological treatments. The treatments may be used alone or in various combinations. One exemplary combination includes reducing the pH of produced water, separating de-solubilized organics from the produced water, and oxidizing the produced water or contacting the produced water with activated carbon.

Abstract: A desalination apparatus is disclosed which uses a salt sponge unit to remove a majority of salt from water. A parallel plate capacitor can be connected after the salt sponge to remove remaining salt ions. The salt sponge is a nanoporous, high surface area carbon scaffold to which crown ethers are attached. A power supply is connected to the salt sponges for applying a bias voltage to regenerate the salt sponges. A chlorine treatment unit can be connected after the parallel plate capacitor. A method of purifying sea water using the apparatus also is disclosed.

Abstract: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of proteinuric kidney disease, which comprises both native and transplanted kidneys. Treatment was limited in the past due to the complicated pathogenesis of FSGS, including previously unidentified serum factors. Here, serum soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) is reported to be elevated in FSGS patients but not in patients with other primary glomerular diseases. Higher pre-transplantation suPAR levels are associated with risk for FSGS recurrence in kidney grafts. Renal disease only develops when suPAR sufficiently activates podocyte ?3 integrin. Thus, disease pathogenesis can be stopped or slowed by ex vivo removal of suPAR from a subject's circulation. Removal may be measured by comparing the level (e.g., amount or concentration) of suPAR before and after such treatment.