bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5-Years Later – Have Faculty Integrated Medical Genetics into Nurse Practitioner Curriculum?
Authors: Maradiegue Ann H. , Edwards Quannetta T. , Seibert Diane
Published: November 2013

Many genetic/genomic educational opportunities are available to assist nursing faculty in their knowledge and understanding of genetic/genomics. This study was conducted to assess advance practice nursing faculty members’ current knowledge of medical genetics/genomics, their integration of genetics/genomics content into advance practice nursing curricula, any prior formal training/education in genetics/genomics, and their comfort level in teaching genetics/genomic content. A secondary aim was to conduct a comparative analysis of the 2010 data to a previous study conducted in 2005, to determine changes that have taken place during that time period. During a national nurse practitioner faculty conference, 85 nurse practitioner faculty voluntarily completed surveys. Approximately 70% of the 2010 faculty felt comfortable teaching basic genetic/genomic concepts compared to 50% in 2005. However, there continue to be education gaps in the genetic/genomic content taught to advance practice nursing students. If nurses are going to be a crucial member of the health-care team, they must achieve the requisite competencies to deliver the increasingly complex care patients require.
Sodium-hydrogen exchanger inhibitory potential of Malus domestica, Musa × paradisiaca, Daucus carota, and Symphytum officinale
Authors: Verma Vivek , Singh Nirmal , Jaggi Amteshwar Singh
Published: November 2013

Background: The involvement of sodium-hydrogen exchangers (NHE) has been described in the pathophysiology of diseases including ischemic heart and brain diseases, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, epilepsy, dementia, and neuropathic pain. Synthetic NHE inhibitors have not achieved much clinical success; therefore, plant-derived phytoconstituents may be explored as NHE inhibitors.

Methods: In the present study, the NHE inhibitory potential of hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal fractions of Malus domestica, Musa × paradisiaca, Daucus carota, and Symphytum officinale was evaluated. The different concentrations of hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of the selected plants were evaluated for their NHE inhibitory activity in the platelets using the optical swelling assay.

Results: Among the hydroalcoholic extracts, the highest NHE inhibitory activity was shown by M. domestica (IC50=2.350±0.132 μg/mL) followed by Musa × paradisiaca (IC50=7.967±0.451 μg/mL), D. carota (IC50=37.667±2.517 μg/mL), and S. officinale (IC50=249.330±1.155 μg/mL). Among the alkaloidal fractions, the highest NHE inhibitory activity was shown by the alkaloidal fraction of Musa × paradisiacal (IC50=0.010±0.001 μg/mL) followed by D. carota (IC50=0.024±0.002 μg/mL), M. domestica (IC50=0.031±0.005 μg/mL), and S. officinale (IC50=4.233±0.379 μg/mL). The IC50 of alkaloidal fractions was comparable to the IC50 of synthetic NHE inhibitor, EIPA [5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride] (IC50=0.033±0.004 μg/mL).

Conclusions: It may be concluded that the alkaloidal fractions of these plants possess potent NHE inhibitory activity and may be exploited for their therapeutic potential in NHE activation-related pathological complications.
On certain submodules of Weyl modules for
SO(2n + 1,𝔽) with char(𝔽) = 2
Authors: Cardinali Ilaria , Pasini Antonio
Published: November 2013

For

k
=
1
,
2
,
...
,
n
-
1

${k = 1, 2,\ldots ,n-1}$

let

V
k

=
V

(

λ
k

)

${V_k = V(\lambda _k)}$

be the Weyl module for the special orthogonal group

G
=
SO
(
2
n
+
1
,
𝔽
)

${G = \mathrm {SO}(2n+1,\mathbb {F})}$

with respect to the k-th fundamental dominant weight λ
k
of the root system of type Bn
and put

V
n

=
V

(
2

λ
n

)

${V_n = V(2\lambda _n)}$

. It is well known that all of these modules are irreducible when char(𝔽) ≠ 2 while when char(𝔽) = 2 they admit many proper submodules. In this paper, assuming that char(𝔽) = 2, we prove that Vk
admits a chain of submodules

V
k

=

M
k

⊃

M

k
-
1

⊃
⋯
⊃

M
1

⊃

M
0

⊃

M

-
1

=
0

${V_k = M_k \supset M_{k-1}\supset \dots \supset M_1\supset M_0 \supset M_{-1} = 0}$

where Mi
≅ Vi
for

1
,
...
,
k
-
1

${1,\ldots , k-1}$

and M
0 is the trivial 1-dimensional module. We also show that for

i
=
1
,
2
,
...
,
k

${i = 1, 2,\ldots , k}$

the quotient M

i
/ M

i-2 is isomorphic to the so-called i-th Grassmann module for G. Resting on this fact we can give a geometric description of M

i-1 / M

i-2 as a submodule of the i-th Grassmann module. When 𝔽 is perfect, G ≅ Sp(2n,𝔽) and M

i
/ M

i-1 is isomorphic to the Weyl module for Sp(2n,𝔽) relative to the i-th fundamental dominant weight of the root system of type Cn
. All irreducible sections of the latter modules are known. Thus, when 𝔽 is perfect, all irreducible sections of Vk
are known as well.
Antenatal Hydronephrosis
Authors: Schlomer Bruce J. , Copp Hillary L.
Published: November 2013

Antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH) is a common finding on prenatal ultrasound that can be a sign of a variety of urologic conditions. Most cases of ANH are mild to moderate with the most common cause being transient physiologic dilation, which usually is of no clinical significance. However, there are some infants who have a history of ANH (usually severe) who are at increased risk for febrile urinary tract infections, undergo surgical intervention, and develop chronic kidney disease. It is useful to have an understanding of the possible urologic diagnoses that can lead to ANH and it is critical to recognize the patients who have ANH who require urgent or semiurgent evaluation soon after birth by a pediatric urologist and nephrologist. In addition, it is important to select appropriate postnatal imaging studies and to follow-up based on the clinical scenario and to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to those patients most likely to benefit.
Creating a National Home Visiting Research Network
Authors: Duggan Anne , Minkovitz Cynthia S. , Chaffin Mark , Korfmacher Jon , Brooks-Gunn Jeanne , Crowne Sarah , Filene Jill , Gonsalves Kay , Landsverk John , Harwood Robin
Published: November 2013

Home visiting can play a key role in the early childhood system of services. For home visiting to achieve its potential, decision-makers must make informed choices regarding adoption, adaptation, coordination, scale-up, and sustainment. We need a coordinated, focused, and theory-based home visiting research infrastructure to inform such decisions.

The transdisciplinary Home Visiting Research Network (HVRN) was established in July 2012 with funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Its goal is to promote the translation of research findings into policy and practice. Its objectives are to (1) develop a national home visiting research agenda, (2) advance the use of innovative research methods; and (3) provide a research environment that is supportive of the professional development of emerging researchers interested in home visiting. A Management Team designs and directs activities to achieve these objectives through Work Teams. A Steering Committee of national leaders representing stakeholder groups oversees progress. HVRN’s Coordinating Center supports the Work Teams and HVRN’s Home visiting Applied Research Collaborative, a practice-based research network of home visiting programs. This article describes HVRN’s rationale, approach, and anticipated products. We use home visiting–primary care coordination as an illustration, noting potential roles for pediatric practices and pediatric researchers and research educators in HVRN activities.

HVRN creates the infrastructure for a rigorous program of research to inform policy and practice on home visiting as part of the system of services to improve family functioning, parenting, and child outcomes.
Engaging and Retaining Abused Women in Perinatal Home Visitation Programs
Authors: Sharps Phyllis , Alhusen Jeanne L. , Bullock Linda , Bhandari Shreya , Ghazarian Sharon , Udo Ifeyinwa E. , Campbell Jacquelyn
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVES:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy affects 0.9% to 17% of women and affects maternal health significantly. The impact of IPV extends to the health of children, including an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and the neonatal period, mental health problems, and cognitive delays. Despite substantial sequelae, there is limited research substantiating best practices for engaging and retaining high-risk families in perinatal home visiting (HV) programs, which have been shown to improve infant development and reduce maltreatment.

METHODS:

The Domestic Violence Enhanced Home Visitation Program (DOVE) is a multistate longitudinal study testing the effectiveness of a structured IPV intervention integrated into health department perinatal HV programs. The DOVE intervention, based on an empowerment model, combined 2 evidence-based interventions: a 10-minute brochure-based IPV intervention and nurse home visitation.

RESULTS:

Across all sites, 689 referrals were received from participating health departments. A total of 339 abused pregnant women were eligible for randomization; 42 women refused, and 239 women were randomly assigned (124 DOVE; 115 usual care), resulting in a 71% recruitment rate. Retention rates from baseline included 93% at delivery, 80% at 3 months, 76% at 6 months, and 72% at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Challenges for HV programs include identifying and retaining abused pregnant women in their programs. DOVE strategies for engaging and retaining abused pregnant women should be integrated into HV programs’ federal government mandates for the appropriate identification and intervention of women and children exposed to IPV.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Universal Postnatal Nurse Home Visiting: Impact on Emergency Care
Authors: Dodge Kenneth A. , Goodman W. Benjamin , Murphy Robert A. , O’Donnell Karen , Sato Jeannine
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Although nurse home visiting has proven efficacious with small samples, scaling up to community populations with diverse families has not yet proven effective. The Durham Connects program was developed in collaboration with community leaders as a brief, universal, postnatal nurse home visiting intervention designed to screen for risk, provide brief intervention, and connect families with more intensive evidence-based services as needed. This study tested program effectiveness in reducing infant emergency medical care between birth and age 12 months.

METHODS:

All 4777 resident births in Durham, North Carolina across 18 months were randomly assigned, with even birth date families to intervention and odd birth date families to control. Intervention families were offered 3 to 7 contacts between 3 and 12 weeks after birth to assess family needs and connect parents with community resources to improve infant health and well-being. Hospital records were analyzed by using an intent-to-treat design to evaluate impact among a representative subset of 549 families.

RESULTS:

After demographic factors (ie, birth risk, Medicaid status, ethnicity, and single parenthood) were covaried, relative to control families, families assigned to intervention had 50% less total emergency medical care use (mean [M] emergency department visits and hospital overnights) (Mintervention = 0.78 and Mcontrol = 1.57; P < .001, effect size = 0.28) across the first 12 months of life.

CONCLUSIONS:

This brief, universal, postnatal nurse home visiting program improves population-level infant health care outcomes for the first 12 months of life. Nurse home visiting can be implemented universally at high fidelity with positive impacts on infant emergency health care that are similar to those of longer, more intensive home visiting programs. This approach offers a novel solution to the paradox of targeting by offering individually tailored intervention while achieving population-level impact.
Active packaged lamb with oxygen scavenger/carbon dioxide emitter sachet: physical-chemical and microbiological stability during refrigerated storage
Authors: Trindade Marco Antonio , Villanueva Nilda Doris Montes , Antunes Catharine Vendemiatto , Freire Maria Teresa de Alvarenga
Published: November 2013

Lamb meat has been commercialized in Brazil almost exclusively as a frozen product due to the longer shelf life provided by freezing when compared to refrigeration. However, as a result of the current trend of increased demand for convenience products, a need has emerged for further studies to facilitate the marketing of refrigerated lamb cuts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of active packaging technology in extending the shelf life of lamb loins (Longissimus lumborum) stored under refrigeration (1±1 ° C) when compared to the traditional vacuum packaging. For this purpose, two kinds of sachets were employed: oxygen scavenger sachet and oxygen scavenger/carbon dioxide emitter sachet. Experiments were conducted in three treatments: 1) Vacuum (Control), 2) Vacuum + oxygen scavenger sachet and 3) Vacuum + oxygen scavenger/carbon dioxide emitter sachet. Microbiological (counts of anaerobic psychrotrophs, coliform at 45 ° C, coagulase-positive staphylococci, Salmonella and lactic acid bacteria) and physical-chemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, objective color, pH value, water loss from cooking and shear force) analyses were carried out weekly for a total storage period of 28 days. The experiment was performed three times for all treatments. Results showed that the lamb meat remained stable with respect to the majority of the evaluated physical and chemical indexes and remained within the standards established by Brazilian legislation for pathogenic microorganisms throughout the storage period in all three packaging systems. However, all treatments presented elevated counts of anaerobic psychrotrophic microorganisms and lactic acid bacteria, reaching values above 10(7) CFU/g at 28 days of storage. Thus, under the conditions tested, neither the oxygen scavenger sachet nor the dual function sachet (oxygen scavenger/carbon dioxide emitter) were able to extend the shelf life of refrigerated lamb loin when added to this meat vacuum packaged.
Avaliação de critérios de heterogeneidade baseados em atributos morfológicos para segmentação de imagens por crescimento de regiões
Authors: Ferreira Rodrigo da Silva , Costa Gilson A. O. P. , Feitosa Raul Queiroz
Published: November 2013

Avalia-se neste trabalho o impacto de se considerar atributos morfológicos na formulação do critério que governa o crescimento de regiões na segmentação de imagens. Para tanto, uma extensão do algoritmo de segmentação multiresolução proposto por Baatz e Schäpe (2000) foi proposta e implementada, permitindo que se testassem critérios derivados de diferentes atributos morfológicos. O estudo valeu-se de um método supervisionado para medir numericamente a qualidade da segmentação. O resultado ideal da segmentação foi representado por um conjunto de segmentos de referência delineados manualmente para três recortes de imagens Quickbird-2. Para cada critério testado, os valores ótimos para os parâmetros do algoritmo de segmentação foram determinados por um processo estocástico que procurou minimizar a discrepância entre as referências e o resultado de cada segmentação. Uma análise tanto quantitativa quanto qualitativa dos resultados indicou inequivocamente que a inclusão de atributos morfológicos no critério de heterogeneidade, que decide a fusão entre segmentos adjacentes no processo de crescimento de regiões, pode resultar numa substancial melhoria da qualidade da segmentação. O artigo realça ainda a importância de se adotar atributos morfológicos apropriados para cada classe de objetos e tece considerações que orientam a escolha destes atributos.
Preparing for and managing change: climate adaptation for biodiversity and ecosystems
Authors: Stein Bruce A , Staudt Amanda , Cross Molly S , Dubois Natalie S , Enquist Carolyn , Griffis Roger , Hansen Lara J , Hellmann Jessica J , Lawler Joshua J , Nelson Erik J , Pairis Amber
Published: November 2013

The emerging field of climate‐change adaptation has experienced a dramatic increase in attention as the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems have become more evident. Preparing for and addressing these changes are now prominent themes in conservation and natural resource policy and practice. Adaptation increasingly is viewed as a way of managing change, rather than just maintaining existing conditions. There is also increasing recognition of the need not only to adjust management strategies in light of climate shifts, but to reassess and, as needed, modify underlying conservation goals. Major advances in the development of climate‐adaptation principles, strategies, and planning processes have occurred over the past few years, although implementation of adaptation plans continues to lag. With ecosystems expected to undergo continuing climate‐mediated changes for years to come, adaptation can best be thought of as an ongoing process, rather than as a fixed endpoint.
Climate‐change impacts on ecological systems: introduction to a US assessment
Authors: Grimm Nancy B , Staudinger Michelle D , Staudt Amanda , Carter Shawn L , Chapin F Stuart , Kareiva Peter , Ruckelshaus Mary , Stein Bruce A
Published: November 2013

As part of the 2014 US National Climate Assessment, over 60 subject‐matter experts from government agencies, academia, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector assessed the current and projected impacts of climate change on ecosystems, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Here, we introduce and provide context for the papers included in this Special Issue, drawing upon the key findings from separate assessments of biodiversity, ecosystem structure and function, ecosystem services, climate‐change impacts in the context of other stressors, and societal responses to change (ie climate adaptation). We also explain the assessment process and show how the current state of knowledge can be used to identify risks and guide future research and management initiatives.
Orthophosphate removal from aqueous solutions using drinking-water treatment sludge
Authors: Piaskowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2013

Drinking-water treatment sludge (DWTS) is a by-product generated during the production of drinking water where iron hydroxides are the main component of the sludge. The aim of the study presented here was to determine the effectiveness of using ferric sludge from two underground water treatment stations to remove orthophosphates from a model solution. The analyses were performed in static conditions. The sludge was dosed in a dry and suspended form. Using sludge dried at room temperature and preparing the suspension again proved to be much less effective in orthophosphate removal than using a suspension brought directly from the station. An increase in process effectiveness with a decreasing pH was observed for all the analysed sludge. Due to the low cost and high capability, DWTS has the potential to be utilised for cost-effective removal of phosphate from wastewater.
Gamma-irradiation synthesis of quaternary phosphonium cationic starch flocculants
Authors: Song Weiqiang , Zhao Zhiwei , Zheng Hongjuan , Wang Gaimin
Published: November 2013

Quaternary phosphonium cationic starch (St-g-AM/ATPPB) flocculant was synthesized by using corn starch and acrylamide (AM), allyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide binary (ATPPB) through simultaneous gamma-irradiation. The chemical structure of the copolymer was characterized by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and 1H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) technologies. The effects of the absorbed dose in the range of 1 to 6 kGy, AM/ATPPB ratio and starch/(AM + ATPPB) ratio on grafting and flocculation were investigated. At a starch:AM:ATPPB wt ratio of 1:1.4:0.93, the graft ratio of AM/ATPPB reached maximum values at 3 and 6 kGy, and the cationic degree of St-g-AM/ATPPB increased with absorbed dose, while the turbidity reduction reached a maximum value at 5 kGy. At 3 kGy using a starch:(AM + ATPPB) wt. ratio of 1:2.33, the graft ratio of AM and ATPPB increased with AM/ATPPB ratio, while the cationic degree and turbidity reduction reached maximum values at AM:ATPPB wt. ratios of 1:0.67 and 1:0.5, respectively. At a constant AM:ATPPB wt. ratio of 1:0.67 and 3 kGy, the grafting ratio increased with starch/(AM + ATPPB), while the cationic degree and turbidity reduction simultaneously reached maximum values at a starch:(AM + ATPPB) wt. ratio of 1:2.67. Further study revealed that the higher the absorbed dose or the lower the starch/(AM + ATPPB) ratio, the lower the optimal flocculant concentration.
Benthic nutrient fluxes and sediment oxygen consumption in a full-scale facultative pond in Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Faleschini M. , Esteves J. L.
Published: November 2013

The study of benthic metabolism is an interesting tool to understand the process that occurs in bottom water at wastewater stabilization ponds. Here, rates of benthic oxygen consumption and nutrient exchange across the water–sludge interface were measured in situ using a benthic chamber. The research was carried out during autumn, winter, and summer at a municipal facultative stabilization pond working in a temperate region (Puerto Madryn city, Argentina). Both a site near the raw wastewater inlet (Inlet station) and a site near the outlet (Outlet station) were sampled. Important seasonal and spatial patterns were identified as being related to benthic fluxes. Ammonium release ranged from undetectable (autumn/summer – Inlet station) to +30.7 kg-NH4+ ha−1 d−1 (autumn – Outlet station), denitrification ranged from undetectable (winter – in both sites) to −4.0 kg-NO3− ha−1 d−1 (autumn – Outlet station), and oxygen consumption ranged from 0.07 kg-O2ha−1 d−1 (autumn/summer – Outlet station) to 0.84 kg-O2ha−1 d−1 (autumn – Inlet station). During the warmer months, the mineralization of organic matter from the bottom pond acts as a source of nutrients, which seem to support the important development of phytoplankton and nitrification activity recorded in the surface water. Bottom processes could be related to the advanced degree and efficiency of the treatment, the temperature, and probably the strong and frequent wind present in the region.
Searching for storm water inflows in foul sewers using fibre-optic distributed temperature sensing
Authors: Schilperoort Rémy , Hoppe Holger , de Haan Cornelis , Langeveld Jeroen
Published: November 2013

A major drawback of separate sewer systems is the occurrence of illicit connections: unintended sewer cross-connections that connect foul water outlets from residential or industrial premises to the storm water system and/or storm water outlets to the foul sewer system. The amount of unwanted storm water in foul sewer systems can be significant, resulting in a number of detrimental effects on the performance of the wastewater system. Efficient removal of storm water inflows into foul sewers requires knowledge of the exact locations of the inflows. This paper presents the use of distributed temperature sensing (DTS) monitoring data to localize illicit storm water inflows into foul sewer systems. Data results from two monitoring campaigns in foul sewer systems in the Netherlands and Germany are presented. For both areas a number of storm water inflow locations can be derived from the data. Storm water inflow can only be detected as long as the temperature of this inflow differs from the in-sewer temperatures prior to the event. Also, the in-sewer propagation of storm and wastewater can be monitored, enabling a detailed view on advection.
Oxidation of nonylphenol ethoxylates in aqueous solution by UV-C photolysis, H2O2/UV-C, Fenton and photo-Fenton processes: are these processes toxicologically safe?
Authors: Karci Akin , Arslan-Alaton Idil , Bekbolet Miray
Published: November 2013

UV-C, H2O2/UV-C, Fenton and photo-Fenton treatment of a nonylphenol polyethoxylate (NP-10) were comparatively studied, primarily focusing on the acute toxicity of degradation products. Formic, acetic and oxalic acids were all identified as the degradation products of NP-10; however, the sole common carboxylic acid was found to be formic acid for the studied treatment processes. The percent relative inhibition towards Vibrio fischeri increased from 9% to 33% and 24% after 120 min-UV-C and H2O2/UV-C treatment, respectively. Complete NP-10 and 70% of its total organic carbon (TOC) content was removed by the photo-Fenton process, which ensured the fastest removal rates and lowest inhibitory effect (8% after 120 min treatment). The acute toxicity pattern being observed during H2O2/UV-C and photo-Fenton treatment positively correlated with temporal evolution of the identified carboxylic acids, whereas unidentified oxidation products were the most likely origin of the acute toxicity in UV-C photolysis.
Energy self-sufficient sewage wastewater treatment plants: is optimized anaerobic sludge digestion the key?
Authors: Jenicek P. , Kutil J. , Benes O. , Todt V. , Zabranska J. , Dohanyos M.
Published: November 2013

The anaerobic digestion of primary and waste activated sludge generates biogas that can be converted into energy to power the operation of a sewage wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). But can the biogas generated by anaerobic sludge digestion ever completely satisfy the electricity requirements of a WWTP with ‘standard’ energy consumption (i.e. industrial pollution not treated, no external organic substrate added)? With this question in mind, we optimized biogas production at Prague's Central Wastewater Treatment Plant in the following ways: enhanced primary sludge separation; thickened waste activated sludge; implemented a lysate centrifuge; increased operational temperature; improved digester mixing. With these optimizations, biogas production increased significantly to 12.5 m3 per population equivalent per year. In turn, this led to an equally significant increase in specific energy production from approximately 15 to 23.5 kWh per population equivalent per year. We compared these full-scale results with those obtained from WWTPs that are already energy self-sufficient, but have exceptionally low energy consumption. Both our results and our analysis suggest that, with the correct optimization of anaerobic digestion technology, even WWTPs with ‘standard’ energy consumption can either attain or come close to attaining energy self-sufficiency.
Disinfection of tertiary wastewater effluent prior to river discharge using peracetic acid; treatment efficiency and results on by-products formed in full scale tests
Authors: Pedersen Per Overgaard , Brodersen Erling , Cecil David
Published: November 2013

This is an investigation of chemical disinfection, with peracetic acid (PAA), in a tertiary sand filter at a full scale activated sludge plant with nitrification/denitrification and P-removal. The reduction efficiency of Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci in the sand filter is reported. E. coli log reductions of between 0.4 and 2.2 were found with contact times from 6 to 37 min and with dosing from 0 to 4.8 mg L−1. The average log reduction was 1.3. The decomposition products, bromophenols, chlorophenols and formaldehyde and residual H2O2 were measured before and after the sand filter. The residual H2O2 concentration in the effluent was critical at short contact times and high dosages of PAA due to the discharge limit of 25 μg L−1. The other three products could not be detected at 0.1 μg L−1 levels. The chemical cost of PAA dosing is estimated to be 0.039 US$ m−3 treated wastewater.
Investigation of adsorption capacity of N-carboxymethyl chitosan for Pb(II) ions
Authors: Wang Chongxia , Song Qingping , Gao Jiangang
Published: November 2013

N-carboxymethyl chitosan (NCMC) was prepared by reacting chitosan (CTS) with chloroacetic acid and characterized by 13C-NMR spectroscopy to confirm that carboxymethylation occurred only in the amino groups. The adsorption properties of CTS, NCMC and O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMC) towards Pb(II) ions were evaluated and the order of the adsorption capacity was as follows: NCMC > OCMC > CTS. The effects of initial pH value (2.0–5.5) of the solutions and contact time (5–120 min) on adsorption of Pb(II) were investigated and the kinetic data were evaluated using the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. Kinetics study showed that the adsorption process followed second-order kinetics rather than the first-order one. Furthermore, the experimental equilibrium data of Pb(II) on the NCMC were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and the results indicated that the Langmuir model gave a better fit than the Freundlich equation and the maximum adsorption capacity obtained from the Langmuir model was 421.9 mg g−1.
Catalytic ozonation of p-chloronitrobenzene over pumice-supported zinc oxyhydroxide
Authors: Yuan Lei , Shen Jimin , Chen Zhonglin
Published: November 2013

The catalytic ozonation of p-chloronitrobenzene (pCNB) in an aqueous solution using pumice-supported zinc oxyhydroxide (ZMP) as the catalyst was investigated. ZMP significantly enhanced the degradation efficiency in the heterogeneous catalytic ozonation compared with ozonation alone. The decomposition rate of the aqueous ozone increased 2.84-fold in the presence of ZMP. Catalytic ozone decomposition showed that pCNB is oxidized primarily by hydroxyl radicals (•OH) in ozonation/ZMP processes. This modification increases the density of surface hydroxyl groups as well as the pH at the point of zero charge (pHPZC) of pumice, resulting in the appearance of new ZnO and Zn(OH)2 crystalline phases. An investigation of the underlying mechanism confirms that ZnOOH loading promotes •OH initiation, which enhances the degradation of pCNB.
Association between GFR Estimated by Multiple Methods at Dialysis Commencement and Patient Survival
Authors: Wong Muh Geot , Pollock Carol A. , Cooper Bruce A. , Branley Pauline , Collins John F. , Craig Jonathan C. , Kesselhut Joan , Luxton Grant , Pilmore Andrew , Harris David C. , Johnson David W.
Published: November 2013

Background and objectives

The Initiating Dialysis Early and Late study showed that planned early or late initiation of dialysis, based on the Cockcroft and Gault estimation of GFR, was associated with identical clinical outcomes. This study examined the association of all-cause mortality with estimated GFR at dialysis commencement, which was determined using multiple formulas.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Initiating Dialysis Early and Late trial participants were stratified into tertiles according to the estimated GFR measured by Cockcroft and Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, or Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration formula at dialysis commencement. Patient survival was determined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards model regression.

Results

Only Initiating Dialysis Early and Late trial participants who commenced on dialysis were included in this study (n=768). A total of 275 patients died during the study. After adjustment for age, sex, racial origin, body mass index, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, no significant differences in survival were observed between estimated GFR tertiles determined by Cockcroft and Gault (lowest tertile adjusted hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 1.49; middle tertile hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.74; highest tertile reference), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (lowest tertile hazard ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.63 to 1.24; middle tertile hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.90 to 1.61; highest tertile reference), and Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration equations (lowest tertile hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.67 to 1.27; middle tertile hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.86 to 1.54; highest tertile reference).

Conclusion

Estimated GFR at dialysis commencement was not significantly associated with patient survival, regardless of the formula used. However, a clinically important association cannot be excluded, because observed confidence intervals were wide.
Recognition of CKD After the Introduction of Automated Reporting of Estimated GFR in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Wang Virginia , Maciejewski Matthew L. , Hammill Bradley G. , Hall Rasheeda K. , Van Scoyoc Lynn , Garg Amit X. , Jain Arsh K. , Patel Uptal D.
Published: November 2013

Background and objectives

Early detection of CKD is important for slowing progression to renal failure and preventing cardiovascular events. Automated laboratory reporting of estimated GFR (eGFR) has been introduced in many health systems to improve CKD recognition, but its effect in large, United States–based health systems remains unclear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Using Veterans Affairs (VA) laboratory and administrative data, two nonoverlapping national cohorts of patients receiving care in VA medical centers before (n=66,323) and after (n=16,670) implementation of automated eGFR reporting between 2004 and 2010 were identified. Recognition was assessed by the presence of new CKD diagnostic codes, use of additional diagnostic testing, outpatient nephrology visits, or overall CKD recognition (receipt of at least one of these outcomes) for each patient during the 12-month period after their first eligible creatinine or eGFR laboratory result. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess change before and after automated eGFR reporting.

Results

Overall CKD recognition increased from 22.1% of veterans before eGFR reporting to 27.5% in the post-eGFR reporting period (odds ratio [OR], 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.27; P<0.001). Higher overall CKD recognition was driven largely by increased documentation of CKD diagnosis codes in medical records (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.41; P<0.001) and diagnostic testing for CKD (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.24; P<0.01) rather than outpatient nephrology consultation. Automated eGFR reporting was not associated with greater CKD recognition among black or older patients (P=0.07).

Conclusions

Automated eGFR laboratory reporting improved documentation of CKD diagnoses but had no effect on nephrology consultation. These findings suggest that to advance CKD care, further strategies are needed to ensure appropriate follow-up evaluation to confirm and effectively evaluate CKD.
Dietary Phthalates and Low-Grade Albuminuria in US Children and Adolescents
Authors: Trasande Leonardo , Sathyanarayana Sheela , Trachtman Howard
Published: November 2013

Background

Low-grade albuminuria is an indicator of endothelial dysfunction and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A graded level of exposure to bisphenol A was recently identified to be associated with increased risk of low-grade albuminuria in children and adults. Because bisphenol A and phthalates coexist as dietary contaminants, this study investigated whether exposure to phthalates is also associated with low-grade albuminuria.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Data were examined from 667 children who participated in the 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and who had results for urinary phthalate metabolites and albumin excretion. Urinary albumin and creatinine concentrations were measured in a first morning specimen using a solid-phase fluorescent immunoassay and a Roche/Hitachi Modular P Chemistry Analyzer with an enzymatic method, respectively. Phthalate metabolites were analyzed in a separate spot urine sample from each participant, using high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectroscopy.

Results

For each (roughly) 3-fold increase in metabolites of di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (a high molecular weight phthalate commonly found in foods), a 0.55 mg/g increase in albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) was identified (P=0.02), whereas a 1.30-fold odds of a higher ACR quartile was also identified for each (roughly) 3-fold increase (P=0.02). Higher ACR was not identified in relationship to metabolites of lower molecular phthalates commonly found in lotions or shampoos, suggesting specificity.

Conclusions

Although reverse causation and unmeasured confounders represent alternative explanations, these findings, in conjunction with our earlier data on bisphenol A, indicate that a wide array of environmental toxins may adversely affect albuminuria and potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In view of the potential long-term health implications of ongoing exposure in this vulnerable subpopulation, our data support both further study and renewed regulatory efforts to limit exposure during childhood.
Integrative Algorithms in the Diagnostics of Lysosomal Storage Diseases / INTEGRATIVNI ALGORITMI U DIJAGNOSTICI POREMEĆAJA U SKLADIŠTENJU LIZOZOMA
Authors: Fumić Ksenija , Bilić Karmen , Rogić Dunja
Published: November 2013

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a clinically heterogeneous group of more than 50 disorders which still represent a challenge in modern medicine. The efficacy of many current and proposed therapies relies heavily upon early detection and treatment prior to the onset of irreversible pathology. Although there are multiple paths and algorithms to a final diagnosis, the diagnostic strategy for LSDs still mostly relies on initial clinical suspicion followed by adequate specialist and laboratory management - a selective screening approach. Despite the fact that the technology of tandem mass spectrometry enables newborn screening, such screening is generally acceptable only for a population at high risk for a certain LSD. As diagnostic testing for these disorders may be difficult, communication between the clinician who has established clinical suspicion and laboratory personnel will help complete this process.
Beyond the Garden: On the Erotic in the Vision of the Middle English Pearl
Authors: Spyra Piotr
Published: November 2013

The Middle English Pearl is known for its mixture of genres, moods and various discourses. The textual journey the readers of the poem embark on is a long and demanding one, leading from elegiac lamentations and the erotic outbursts of courtly love to theological debates and apocalyptic visions. The heterogeneity of the poem has often prompted critics to overlook the continuity of the erotic mode in Pearl which emerges already in the poem’s first stanza. While it is true that throughout the dream vision the language of the text never eroticizes the relationship between the Dreamer and the Pearl Maiden to the extent that it does in the opening lines, the article argues that eroticism actually underlies the entire structure of the vision proper. Taking recourse to Roland Barthes’s distinction between the erotic and the sexual to explain the exact nature of the bond which connects the two characters, the argument posits eroticism as an expression of somatic longing; a careful analysis of Pearl through this prism provides a number of ironic insights into the mutual interactions between the Dreamer and the Maiden and highlights the poignancy of their inability to understand each other. Further conclusions are also drawn from comparing Pearl with a number of Chaucerian dream visions. Tracing the erotic in both its overt and covert forms and following its transformations in the course of the narrative, the article outlines the poet’s creative use of the mechanics of the dream vision, an increasingly popular genre in the period when the poem was written.
Eroticism—Politics—Identity: The Case of Richard III
Authors: Kizelbach Urszula
Published: November 2013

Richard III’s courtship of Lady Anne in William Shakespeare’s King Richard III is a blend of courtly speech and sexual extravaganza. His sexual energy and power of seduction were invented by Shakespeare to enhance the theatrical effect of this figure and, at the same time, to present Richard as a tragic character. Richard’s eroticism in Act 1 Scene 2 makes him a complicated individual. Playing a seducer is one of the guises he uses to achieve his political aims on the one hand, and, on the other, the pose of a sexually attractive lover enables him to put his masculinity to the test. Throughout the scene Richard is haunted by his deformity that, together with his villainy, makes him a stranger to the world and an enemy to his family and the court. In order to overcome his self-image of a disproportional cripple he manifests his sexuality towards Anne to boost his self-esteem and to confirm that the lady will accept him despite his obvious physical shortcomings. This article uses Georges Bataille’s theory of eroticism and erotic desire to characterize Richard as a tragic individual and to explain the reasons behind his unexpected sexual behaviour in the seduction scene.
On Not Being Porn: Intimacy and the Sexually Explicit Art Film
Authors: Barker Anthony
Published: November 2013

Since the mid-twentieth century, we have passed from a time where sexual frankness was actively obstructed by censorship and industry self-regulation to an age when pornography is circulated freely and is fairly ubiquitous on the Internet. Attitudes to sexually explicit material have accordingly changed a great deal in this time, but more at the level of the grounds on which it is objected to rather than through a general acceptance of it in the public sphere. Critical objections now tend to be political or aesthetic in nature rather than moralistic. Commercial cinema still seems wary of a frank exploration of sexuality, preferring to address it tangentially in genres such as the erotic thriller. In Europe, an art house canon of sexually explicit movies has formed, starting with Bertolucci’s Last Tango in Paris (1972) and the French-produced In the Realm of the Senses (1976). This article looks at the steps taken since the 1970s to challenge out-of-date taboos and yet at the same time differentiate the serious film about se Xfrom both pornography (operating in parallel with mainstream cinema but in its shadow) and the exploitation film. After reviewing the art film’s relationship with both hard and soft core, two recent films, Intimacy (2000) and 9 Songs (2005), are analyzed for their explicit content and for the way they articulate their ideas about sex through graphic depictions of sexual acts. Compulsive and/or claustrophobic unsimulated sexual behaviour is used as a way of asking probing questions of intimacy (and its filmability). This is shown to be a very different thing from the highly visual and staged satisfactions of pornography.
Habitat Vulnerability for the Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus Niloticus) in Nasser Lake (Egypt)
Authors: Salem Ashraf Hussein Ibrahim
Published: November 2013

The study presents the results of a field investigation of the crocodile nesting sites on Lake Nasser, observed during the breeding season 2009-2010. A relatively low number of nesting sites was found, explained by the intensity of anthropogenic activity in the area and by the low water levels of Lake Nasser. Based on analysis of satellite imaging and its correlation with the biotope data of the lake shores, a classification system of habitats and of their suitability for crocodile nesting was established. Correlated with land use information, the results can lead to the identification of potential nesting sites for the Nile crocodile, establishing a legal protection system for such habitats.
Environmental Indicators of Water Quality in the Cibin River (Transylvania, Romania)
Authors: Iancu Ramona , Oprean Letiţia , Stegăruş Diana , Tiţa Ovidiu , Boicean Adrian , Lengyel Ecaterina
Published: November 2013

Water pollution has become a worldwide problem and its influence over the health of human populations grows every day. This study was carried out to determinate the rate level of pollution of the Cibin River (Transylvania, Romania) via physical-chemical and microbiological tests. Water samples were measured at six different locations along the Cibin River for a period of 12 months. Analysis methods used to determine physical-chemical quality indices for water were as follows: O2- ISO 5814/99, pH - SR ISO 10523-97, PO4-KIT Merck, SO4-- PS/LE 17, conductivity - Sonda, NH4+- SR ISO 7150-1/2001, NO3-- SR ISO 7890/2000, NO2-- SR EN 26777 - ISO 6777/2002, chlorides - SR ISO 9297/2001, CCOCr - SR ISO 6060/96, CBO5- SR ISO 5815/95, suspended solids - STAS 6953/81, residues - STAS 9187/95. The water samples were analyzed also from a sanitary and public health point of view, for example: total number of mesophilic bacteria, total number of yeasts and moulds, total coliforms, total fecal coliforms, Enterococcus and Escherichia coli, according to current Romanian legislation and normatives (Order 1146/2002). The significant results place the river in the first (sampling stations 1, 2 and 3) and second (sampling stations 4, 5 and 6) water Quality Class. Due to the fact that the upper dam reservoir at Gura Râului is the main source of drinking water for Sibiu, it is certain that this water presents optimal characteristics for human consumption and is thus declared to be one of the healthiest water sources in Romania.
The Survey of Sea Cucumber Fisheries on Qeshm Island Coasts (Persian Gulf)
Authors: Afkhami Majid , Ehsanpour Maryam , Mokhleci Amin , Darvish Bastami Kazem
Published: November 2013

Sea cucumbers are aquatic animals of wide variety, useful for human health. Sea cucumbers are among the aquatic creatures that have many important and useful properties known for human health. Increasing demand for beche-de-mer, along with steady price increases, has led to worldwide intensification of sea cucumber harvesting. The rearing of sea cucumbers with shrimps controls environmental pollution that results from over- enrichment in nutrients, built up on the pond bottom.

These animals eat detritus and, together with devouring organic materials on the surface, not only do they clean the environment, but also they cause the fast growth of shrimps and themselves. Holothuria scabra is the main species for production of beche-de-mer and is exploited especially in the tropical regions of the world. The wall of the body used in the process of beche-de-mer production forms 56% of the whole body. Holothuria scabra (sandfish) is an aspidochirote holothurian widely distributed in coastal regions throughout the Indo-Pacific region. H. scabra is often found on inner reef flats and near estuaries, half-buried in silty sand during the day and emerging at night to feed.

In this study, based on information from local fishermen on Qeshm Island, we provide some data about the fishing methods, processing and distribution on the Qeshm Island coastline. Comparative study of fishing status with another part of the world determined that the status of sea cucumber stocks in Qeshm Island is sustainable. For prevention of overexploitation of the sandy sea cucumber, prohibition on capturing should continue.

In this study, seven exploited sites are recognized, the target size for fishermen was more than 20 cm and sandy cucumber was the target species in Qeshm Island. In this area, the fishing operation was only carried out by scuba diving and was done only by men; although in another countries women have an important role in sea cucumber fishing activities. Among the coasts around Qeshm Island, it is found at Hmoon, Tolla, Kovei, Ramchah, Messen and Hengam. A maximum length of 35 cm and maximum weight of 1,080 g was recorded.