bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and analysis of a metagenomic library from an enhanced biological phosphorus removal biomass
Authors: Yeates C. , Blackall L.L.
Published: July 2006

The enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process is regularly used for the treatment of wastewater, but suffers from erratic performance. Successful EBPR relies on the growth of bacteria called polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), which store phosphorus intracellularly as polyphosphate, thus removing it from wastewater. Metabolic models have been proposed which describe the measured chemical transformations, however genetic evidence is lacking to confirm these hypotheses. The aim of this research was to generate a metagenomic library from biomass enriched in PAOs as determined by phenotypic data and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) using probes specific for the only described PAO to date, “Candidatus Accumulibacter phosphatis”. DNA extraction methods were optimised and two fosmid libraries were constructed which contained 93 million base pairs of metagenomic data. Initial screening of the library for 16S rRNA genes revealed fosmids originating from a range of non-pure-cultured wastewater bacteria. The metagenomic libraries constructed will provide the ability to link phylogenetic and metabolic data for bacteria involved in nutrient removal from wastewater.
Calcium effect on enhanced biological phosphorus removal
Authors: Barat R. , Montoya T. , Borras L. , Seco A. , Ferrer J.
Published: July 2006

The role of calcium (Ca) in enhanced biological phosphorus removal and its possible implications on the metabolic pathway have been studied. The experience has been carried out in an SBR under anaerobic–aerobic conditions for biological phosphorus removal during 8 months. The variations of influent Ca concentration showed a clear influence on the EBPR process, detecting significant changes in YPO4. These YPO4 variations were not due to influent P/COD ratio, pH, denitrification and calcium phosphate formation. The YPO4 has been found to be highly dependent on the Ca concentration, increasing as Ca concentration decreases. The results suggest that high Ca concentrations produce “inert” granules of polyphosphate with Ca as a counterion that are not involved in P release and uptake. Furthermore, microbiological observations confirmed that appreciable changes in PAO and GAO populations were not observed. This behaviour could suggest a change in the bacterial metabolic pathway, with prevailing polyphosphate-accumulating metabolism (PAM) at low influent Ca concentration and glycogen-accumulating metabolism (GAM) at high concentration.
In situ bioaugmentation of nitrification in the regeneration zone: practical application and experiences at full-scale plants
Authors: Krhutková O. , Novák L. , Pachmanová L. , Benáková A. , Wanner J. , Kos M.
Published: July 2006

Nitrification is the rate-limiting process in the design of activated sludge process. It is especially unstable during the winter season (when the temperature of activated sludge mixed liquor drops below 13 °C). It is therefore difficult to meet the ammonia effluent standards in winter. The common way to compensate for low nitrification rates at low temperatures is to increase sludge retention time (SRT). However, the increase of SRT is accompanied by negative factors such as elevated sludge concentration, higher sludge loading of secondary clarifiers, formation of unsettleable microflocs, etc. The low performance of nitrification at low temperatures can also be compensated for by enhancing the nitrification population in activated sludge. This paper describes such a method called bioaugmentation of nitrification in situ. This procedure takes place in a so-called regeneration tank, which is situated in the return activated sludge stream. The results of the operation of two wastewater treatment plants with regeneration zones are described in this paper, together with some economic evaluation of the bioaugmentation method.
10 years of operation of an integrated nutrient removal treatment plant: ups and downs. Background and water treatment
Authors: Sagberg P. , Ryrfors P. , Berg K.G.
Published: July 2006

Water retention times less than 3 h from inlet to outlet were necessary to meet new effluent requirements without extending the footprint of the existing plant. Nitrogen removal was required at the existing, high loaded, direct precipitation plant and space was not readily available. The staff at the VEAS WWTP took on the task to design a new process at their own risk. Selected solutions and ups and downs in the water treatment during the past 10 years of operations and further developments are presented in this paper. Always asking for well-proven solutions might make life easy. The intent of this paper is to encourage some of our colleagues to be more daring in their approach to new challenges. However, expect sleepless nights in order to solve the unexpected problems along the way.
Simultaneous biological removal of sulphide and nitrate by autotrophic denitrification in an activated sludge system
Authors: Manconi I. , Carucci A. , Lens P. , Rossetti S.
Published: July 2006

The feasibility of an autotrophic denitrification process in an activated sludge reactor, using sulphide as the electron donor, was tested for simultaneous denitrification and sulphide removal. The reactor was operated at nitrate (N) to sulphide (S) ratios between 0.5 and 0.9 to evaluate their effect on theN-removal efficiency, the S-removal efficiency and the product formation during anoxic oxidation of sulphide. One hundred per cent removal of both nitrate and sulphide was achieved at a NLR of 7.96 mmol N·L−1·d−1 (111.44 mg NO3−-N·L−1·d−1) and at a N/S ratio of 0.89 with complete oxidation of sulphide to sulphate. The oxygen level in the reactor (10%) was found to influence the N-removal efficiency by inhibiting the denitrification process. Moreover, chemical (or biological) oxidation of sulphide with oxygen occurred, resulting in a loss of the electron donor. FISH analysis was carried out to study the microbial population in the system.
Disc filtration for separation of flocs from a moving bed bio-film reactor
Authors: Persson E. , Ljunggren M. , la Cour Jansen J. , Strube R. , Jönsson L.
Published: July 2006

A Discfilter with 10 and 18 μm filter openings, respectively, was placed in parallel to a flotation plant for separation of biological flocs from a post-denitrifying Kaldnes Moving Bed™ Process, the last treatment step at the municipal wastewater treatment plant at Sjölunda, Malmö, Sweden. The effluent concentrations from the 10 and 18 μm filter were 2–5 and 2–8 mg SS L−1, respectively, which is comparable to, or better than, the flotation plant. Comparison with experiences from activated sludge plants shows that the Discfilter works especially well after the Kaldnes process. Particle size distribution (PSD) studies show that particles larger than the filter openings of 10 and 18 μm are separated with approximately 90% efficiency, whereas most of the smaller particles pass the filter. This fact indicates that the major particle separation mechanism is physical blocking. These findings point to the possibility of improving the prediction of the separation efficiency by combining measurements of turbidity and suspended solids with particle size analysis.
Combined partial nitritation/Anammox system for treatment of digester supernatant
Authors: Gut L. , Płaza E. , Trela J. , Hultman B. , Bosander J.
Published: July 2006

One-year (2004) comprehensive investigations in a semi-industrial pilot plant (5 m3) were carried out with the aim of assessing the influence of operational parameters on the partial nitritation/Anammox system performance. In the system designed as a moving-bed biofilm reactor, the influent nitrogen load to the Anammox reactor was progressively increased and a stable Anammox bacterial culture was obtained. Interaction between subsequent aerobic and anaerobic conditions in the partial nitritation and Anammox reactors, respectively, granted conditions to remove nitrogen through the nitrite route. It implies that the oxygen supply can be limited to a high extent. A control strategy for the partial nitritation step relied on concomitant adjustment of the air supply with a variable influent nitrogen load, which can be monitored by both pH and conductivity measurements. In the Anammox reactor, an influent nitrite-to-ammonium ratio plays a vital role in obtaining efficient nitrogen removal. During the 1-year experimental period, the Anammox reactor was operated steadily and average nitrogen removal efficiency was 84% with 97% as the maximum value.
Phosphorus removal using novel crystallisation technology
Authors: Wood K. , Wood G. , Prokop D. , Lewyille F.
Published: July 2006

A soy protein manufacturing facility was faced with the challenge of reducing its effluent phosphorus (P) content from 20–50 mg L−1 down to <2 mg L−1 total P without increasing soluble salt levels to comply with discharge and receiving water requirements. A number of biological and chemical P removal technologies previously evaluated either failed to achieve the new standards or would have produced prohibitive amounts of residual sludge and unacceptably high effluent salt concentrations. Lime precipitation, utilising a novel crystallisation technology, was demonstrated through on-site pilot testing to meet the process objectives. It is capable of achieving the required P removal at pH 10 while not increasing soluble salts and producing rapid settling and filterable particles. Also, minimal carbonate removal was observed with residual solids generation being only 40% of a complete lime softening reaction. This paper describes the technical evaluation that led to the full-scale treatment system that was put into operation in late 2005.
Operation of a new sewage treatment process with technologies of excess sludge reduction and phosphorus recovery
Authors: Saktaywin W. , Tsuno H. , Nagare H. , Soyama T.
Published: July 2006

This paper shows the potential application of a new sewage treatment process with technologies of excess sludge reduction and phosphorus recovery. The process incorporated ozonation for excess sludge reduction and crystallisation process for phosphorus recovery to a conventional anaerobic/oxic (A/O) phosphorus removal process. A lab-scale continuous operation experiment was conducted with the ratio of sludge flow rate to ozonation tank of 1.1% of sewage inflow under 30 to 40 mgO3/gSS of ozone consumption and with sludge wasting ratio of 0.34% (one-fifth of a conventional A/O process). Throughout the operational experiment, a 60% reduction of excess sludge production was achieved in the new process. A biomass concentration of 2,300 mg/L was maintained, and the accumulation of inactive biomass was not observed. The new process was estimated to give a phosphorus recovery degree of more than 70% as an advantage of excess sludge reduction. The slight increase in effluent COD was observed, but the process performance was maintained at a satisfactory level. These facts demonstrate an effectiveness of the new process for excess sludge reduction as well as for phosphorus recovery.
Anammox process for nitrogen removal from anaerobically digested fish canning effluents
Authors: Dapena-Mora A. , Campos J.L. , Mosquera-Corral A. , Méndez R.
Published: July 2006

The Anammox process was used to treat the effluent generated in an anaerobic digester which treated the wastewater from a fish cannery once previously processed in a Sharon reactor. The effluents generated from the anaerobic digestion are characterised by their high ammonium content (700–1,000 g NH+4-N m−3), organic carbon content (1,000–1,300 g TOC m−3) and salinity up to 8,000–10,000 g NaCl m−3. In the Sharon reactor, approximately 50% of the NH+4-N was oxidised to NO−2-N via partial nitrification. The effluent of the Sharon step was fed to the Anammox reactor which treated an averaged nitrogen loading rate of 500 g N m−3· d−1. The system reached an averaged nitrogen removal efficiency of 68%, mainly limited due to the nonstoichiometric relation, for the Anammox process, between the ammonium and nitrite added in the feeding. The Anammox reactor bacterial population distribution, followed by FISH analysis and batch activity assays, did not change significantly despite the continuous entrance to the system of aerobic ammonium oxidisers coming from the Sharon reactor. Most of the bacteria corresponded to the Anammox population and the rest with slight variable shares to the ammonia oxidisers. The Anammox reactor showed an unexpected robustness despite the continuous variations in the influent composition regarding ammonium and nitrite concentrations. Only in the period when NO−2-N concentration was higher than the NH+4-N concentration did the process destabilise and it took 14 days until the nitrogen removal percentage decreased to 34% with concentrations in the effluent of 340 g NH+4-N m−3 and 440 g NO−2-N m−3, respectively. Based on these results, it seems that the Sharon–Anammox system can be applied for the treatment of industrial wastewaters with high nitrogen load and salt concentration with an appropriate control of the NO−2-N/NH+4-N ratio.
Effect of inorganic carbon on nitrite accumulation in an aerobic granule reactor
Authors: Tokutomi T. , Kiyokawa T. , Shibayama C. , Harada H. , Ohashi A.
Published: July 2006

Pilot scale experiments were performed to evaluate the potential of nitrite type nitrification process with an airlift reactor and granular biomass. Initially, oxygen limitation was used as the main control parameter for accumulating nitrite in the effluent. After 30 d operation, the maximum nitrite conversion rate reached 2.5 kgNO2-N m−3 d−1, average diameter of the granule was 0.7 mm. Nitrite type reaction continued over 100 d, but nitrate formation increased after 150 d of operation. Once nitrate formation increased, oxygen limitation could not eliminate nitrite oxidising bacteria from granule. To overcome nitrate formation, laboratory scale batch experiments were conducted and it revealed a high concentration of inorganic carbon which had a significant effect on nitrite accumulation. Following this new concept, inorganic carbon was fed to the pilot scale reactor by changing pH adjustment reagent from NaOH to Na2CO3 and nitrite accumulation was recovered successfully without changing DO concentration. These results show that a high concentration of inorganic carbon is one of the control parameters for accumulating nitrite in biofilm nitrification system.
A comparison of BNR activated sludge systems with membrane and settling tank solid–liquid separation
Authors: Ramphao M.C. , Wentzel M.C. , Ekama G.A. , Alexander W.V.
Published: July 2006

Installing membranes for solid–liquid separation into biological nutrient removal (BNR) activated sludge (AS) systems makes a profound difference not only to the design of the membrane bio-reactor (MBR) BNR system itself, but also to the design approach for the whole wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). In multi-zone BNR systems with membranes in the aerobic reactor and fixed volumes for the anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic zones (i.e. fixed volume fractions), the mass fractions can be controlled (within a range) with the inter-reactor recycle ratios. This zone mass fraction flexibility is a significant advantage of MBR BNR systems over BNR systems with secondary settling tanks (SSTs), because it allows changing the mass fractions to optimise biological N and P removal in conformity with influent wastewater characteristics and the effluent N and P concentrations required. For PWWF/ADWF ratios (fq) in the upper range (fq∼2.0), aerobic mass fractions in the lower range (fmaer<0.60) and high (usually raw) wastewater strengths, the indicated mode of operation of MBR BNR systems is as extended aeration WWTPs (no primary settling and long sludge age). However, the volume reduction compared with equivalent BNR systems with SSTs will not be large (40–60%), but the cost of the membranes can be offset against sludge thickening and stabilisation costs. Moving from a flow unbalanced raw wastewater system to a flow balanced (fq=1) low (usually settled) wastewater strength system can double the ADWF capacity of the biological reactor, but the design approach of the WWTP changes away from extended aeration to include primary sludge stabilisation. The cost of primary sludge treatment then has to be offset against the savings of the increased WWTP capacity.
Sensitivity analysis of a biofilm model describing mixed growth of nitrite oxidisers in a CSTR
Authors: Kornaros M. , Dokianakis S.N. , Lyberatos G.
Published: July 2006

A simple kinetic model has been developed for describing nitrite oxidation by autotrophic aerobic nitrifiers in a CSTR reactor, in which mixed (suspended and attached) growth conditions are prevailing. In this work, a critical dimensionless parameter is identified containing both biofilm characteristics and microbial kinetic parameters, as well as the specific (per volume) surface of the reactor configuration used. Evaluation of this dimensionless parameter can easily provide information on whether or not wall attachment is critical, and should be taken into account either in kinetic studies or in reactor design, when specific pollutants are to be removed from the waste influent stream. The effect of bulk dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration on the validity of this model is addressed and minimum non-limiting DO concentrations are proposed depending on the reactor configuration.
The Effects of Partisanship and Candidate Emotionality on Voter Preference
Authors: Stroud Laura R. , Glaser Jack , Salovey Peter
Published: July 2006

In an experiment, Republican and Democratic participants viewed a video clip of an ostensible congressional candidate labeled as Republican, Democratic, or not given a party label delivering the same speech in an emotionally expressive or unexpressive manner. When the candidate was labeled a Democrat, he was rated more positively by Democratic participants; when labeled a Republican, he was preferred by Republicans. When party label was not provided, the emotionally expressive candidate was preferred; however, when either party label was provided, the unemotional candidate was preferred. These findings underscore the importance of partisanship cues and suggest that in the absence of such influential cues as partisanship, less prominent factors such as emotional expressiveness carry greater influence.
Body Mass Index among Japanese Inpatients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Kitabayashi Yurinosuke , Narumoto Jin , Kitabayashi Masaki , Fukui Kenji
Published: July 2006

Background:

Many studies have emphasized the high frequency of obesity in schizophrenic patients. However, the characteristics of the Body Mass Index (BMI) distribution in Japanese schizophrenic patients remain unknown, and the aim of this study was to clarify these characteristics in a Japanese schizophrenic inpatient population.

Methods:

The subjects were 273 inpatients (males: 141, females: 132) with schizophrenia. The patient BMI distribution was compared with normal control data obtained from the 2003 Japanese National Health and Nutrition Survey.

Results:

The mean patient BMI was 23.0 ± 4.3, and the BMI showed a normal distribution. The proportion of patients who were obese, of normal weight and underweight was 30.8%, 53.1%, and 16.1%, respectively. No statistical evidence of a higher frequency of obesity was found in male patients, compared to normal controls, but a higher frequency of underweight patients and a lower frequency of normal-weight patients were apparent in most decades of age. In female schizophrenia patients, a higher prevalence of obesity occurred in patients aged 50–59 years old, compared to controls. A higher rate of underweight elderly patients and a lower rate of normal-weight patients aged 40 to more than 70 years old were also apparent.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that not only obesity but also weight problems related to an underweight condition occur more frequently in Japanese schizophrenic inpatients than in normal controls. The deviation of the BMI distribution in Japanese schizophrenic inpatients may have a relationship with higher mortality and sudden death in schizophrenia.
Syllabi as Cybergenre
Authors: Maurino Paula San Millan
Published: July 2006

Modern communication technologies continue to spawn new and transformed genres, but in the digital realm, distinctions between form, content, and medium are blurred. Confounding this issue is the fact that genres are usually specific to a particular discourse community of users with learned social and cultural expectations. In the domain of higher education, genres such as lesson plans, reading lists, and tests revolve around the creation of a course syllabus, itself a genre. As a preliminary analysis, a case study of selected syllabi from State University of New York at Farmingdale was conducted. Print syllabi for traditional classes, digital syllabi for traditional classes, and digital syllabi for online classes at the State University of New York at Farmingdale were examined using the genre theory of  and a 5W1H (who, what, when, where, why, and how) communications framework. The research questions posed were: What are the similarities and differences between print syllabi genres for traditional classes, digital syllabi genres for traditional classes, and digital syllabi genres for online classes? What are some of the factors that account for the degree of uniformity in syllabi genre? Study results indicate that syllabi genres do evolve into replicated variant cybergenres with enhanced functionality, but that this does not always happen. There can be barriers to this evolution. One of those barriers is software. Other barriers may include social, cultural, power, and political issues. It also showed that closer knit communities such as full-time faculty produced more consistent, uniform syllabi genres than isolated adjuncts.
Cost of Depression of Adults in Taiwan
Authors: Chan Agnes L. F. , Yang Teng Chieh , Chen Jian-Xun , Yu Lee Haw , Leung Henry W. C.
Published: July 2006

Objective:

To estimate the direct cost of depression in Taiwanese adults for the years 2000–2002.

Methods:

The medical claims database of the National Health Bureau was analyzed and the cost of treating adults (>15 years of age) with the diagnosis of depression was calculated.

Results:

The total direct medical costs of adult depression in the three years 2000, 2001, and 2002 were approximately US$ 93 million, US$ 117 million, and US$140million, respectively.

Conclusion:

The cost of depression increased continuously over the period from 2000–2002. However, the percentage of patients receiving treatment did not increase steadily over the same time period with treatment rates of 1.5% in 2000, 2.3% in 2001, and 2.0% in 2002. The recent annual prevalence of depression in Taiwan has been estimated at 4–5%. Thus, the Taiwanese health authority spends an annual average of US$ 116.6 million to treat depression (1.2% of total national expenses). In sum, the treatment of depression, while costly, deserves greater attention by public health officials in order to avoid the already significant burden of this disease on both patients and society. Future research will therefore require more accurate statistical data in order to assess the effects of depression-related burdens on individuals and society, especially with respect to the capacity to work.
Heavy Alcohol use Compared to Alcohol and Marijuana Use: Do College Students Experience a Difference in Substance use Problems?
Authors: Shillington Audrey M. , Clapp John D.
Published: July 2006

This study examines the risk for alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems resulting from alcohol plus marijuana use compared to alcohol-only use. Data are from telephone interviews with 1113 randomly selected college students attending two large urban universities in the southwestern United States. Alcohol and marijuana users (dual users) were more likely to be younger and report a higher mean number of drinks per occasion and experiencing all AOD problems studied compared to alcohol-only users. Multivariate logistic regression analysis findings reveal the relationship between dual-substance use and increased risk for AOD problems remained after controlling for demographics and alcohol use behaviors. Such problems include greater odds of legal problems and riding with or being an intoxicated driver. College students using alcohol and marijuana are at much higher risk for AOD problems than are students who use alcohol only, even when heavy drinking is taken into account.
The Stream of Consciousness: XXIX. Does Consciousness Exist? (Second Part)
Authors: Natsoulas Thomas
Published: July 2006

I continue to address W. James's intentions in his article of 1904 titled “Does ‘Consciousness’ Exist?” (DCE), and to raise critical questions concerning the direction his theory takes after The Principles of Psychology. Here, as in the preceding article of this series, I closely examine his article for what it tells us concerning his new conception of the stream of consciousness. James holds it to be constituted of “pure experiences,” which are neither mental nor physical but may be taken to be either mental or physical. An essential feature of this new conception is one's having a direct acquaintance with one's experiences. James considers consciousness, in this basic sense, to be a crucial part of how one knows anything one does know. Knowledge of the sun, for example, has a basis in direct acquaintance with certain experiences; that is, one takes some of one's experiences to be a certain physical object, the sun itself, because of their occurrence in a context consisting of certain other experiences that, too, are objects of inner awareness.
Comparing the Imagery Use of Older and Younger Adult Exercisers
Authors: Milne Marcia I. , Burke Shauna M. , Hall Craig , Nederhof Esther , Gammage Kimberley L.
Published: July 2006

Imagery plays important motivational and cognitive roles in exercise and may be useful in enhancing exercise adherence [1, 2]. Furthermore, imagery use reflects the motives people have for engaging in exercise [3]. Previous exercise imagery studies have focused on younger adults. The purposes of the present study were (a) to compare imagery use in older and younger adult exercisers, and (b) to determine if gender influences the imagery used by these exercisers. Participants ( N = 330) completed the Exercise Imagery Questionnaire [2], which measures appearance, technique and energy imagery. Results showed that overall both younger and older exercisers used significantly more appearance imagery than technique and energy imagery. In addition, younger exercisers used more appearance imagery than their older counterparts. Gender did not influence imagery use. Implications for imagery intervention strategies aimed at increasing exercise adherence are discussed.
Hostility and Personality Disorder
Authors: Sinha Birendra K. , Watson David C.
Published: July 2006

The role of hostility in personality disorder (Pd) traits was explored using the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted to ascertain the relative contributions of the eight hostility scales. The criterion variables were the personality disorder scales of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory. The participants were 158 first year male and female university students. The results show that Resentment (covert hostility) explains large proportions of variances in borderline, avoidant, schizotypal, passive-aggressive, obsessive-compulsive, and schizoid disorder traits. Verbal hostility (overt hostility) is associated with antisocial, histrionic, and narcissistic Pd traits. Suspiciousness contributes relatively large variances in paranoid disorder traits, whereas guilt is the dominant aspect of dependent Pd traits. The results are explained with reference to the agreeableness versus antagonism facets of the Five-Factor model of personality and Beck's schema construct.
Ideas behind Computer Algebra and Their Use in the Classroom
Authors: Nunes-Harwitt Arthur
Published: July 2006

Computer algebra systems are being used more and more frequently in mathematics courses of all levels. For instructors to use these systems effectively, they need to have an idea of how the systems work. To illuminate the mechanics, the implementation of a simple computer algebra system will be described. Further, if instructors understand the methods used by computers, they may find the ideas involved useful for human students even without computers. A lesson plan will be described that is aimed at students with little or no algebra background followed by a discussion of the author's experience using this lesson in the classroom.
Patterns of Early Adherence to the Antidepressant Citalopram among Older Primary Care Patients: The Prospect Study
Authors: Bogner Hillary R. , Lin Julia Y. , Morales Knashawn H.
Published: July 2006

Objective:

Our purpose was to determine the personal characteristics associated with different patterns of adherence to the antidepressant citalopram in a primary care trial of depression management.

Method:

The study sample consisted of 228 adults aged 60 years and older recruited from primary care settings and who participated in a depression intervention. The intervention consisted of services of trained care managers, who offered recommendations to physicians following a clinical algorithm and helped patients with treatment adherence. Adherence to the antidepressant citalopram was measured using pill counts. We employed the latent class model to classify patients according to the pattern of adherence to citalopram over time. We examined the association of sociodemographic characteristics, depression status, cognitive status, and medical comorbidity with the resulting classes of adherence.

Results:

The latent class model generated three classes of adherence: known to be adherent, unknown adherence, and known to be nonadherent. Participants who were white were more likely to be in the known to be adherent class than in the known to be nonadherent class (odds ratio (OR) = 10.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) [3.47, 31.12]). Married participants were less likely to be in the unknown adherence class than the known to be nonadherent class (OR = 0.28, 95% CI [0.09, 0.85]). No associations between age, gender, education level, depression status, cognitive status, or medical comorbidity and classes of adherence were found.

Conclusions:

We found stronger relationships between ethnicity and marital status with patterns of adherence to citalopram than we did other personal characteristics. Identification of a subgroup of patients at particularly high risk of nonadherence is important for the development of adherence interventions.
Psychosocial Interventions for Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors: Meta-Analyses
Authors: Osborn Robyn L. , Demoncada Angelique C. , Feuerstein Michael
Published: July 2006

Objective:

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and patient education (PE) on commonly reported problems (depression, anxiety, pain, physical functioning, and quality of life (QOL)) in adult cancer survivors.

Methods:

Meta analyses of randomized controlled trials of CBT and PE were conducted. MEDLINE, PSYCHINFO and the Cochrane Database were searched from 1993–2004. The effects of individual versus group interventions and short (<8 months) versus long (>8 months) term follow up are also reported.

Results:

Fifteen studies met quality criteria. The sample size was 1,492 adult cancer survivors with an age range of 18–84. 790 were randomly assigned to intervention groups and 702 to control groups. CBT varied in duration from 4 weekly one-hour sessions to 55 weekly two-hour sessions. PE ranged from a single 20-minute session to 6 weekly one-hour sessions. Follow up ranged from 1 week to 14 months. CBT was effective for depression (ES = 1.2; 95% CI = 0.22–2.19), anxiety (ES = 1.99; 95% CI = 0.69–3.31), and QOL (ES = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.38–1.44). QOL was improved at both short and (ES = 1.45, 95% CI = .43–2.47) and long term (ES = .26; 95% CI = .06-.46) follow up. PE was not related to improved outcomes.

Conclusions:

CBT is related to short-term effects on depression and anxiety and both short and long term effects on QOL. Individual interventions were more effective than group. Various CBT approaches provided in an individual format can assist cancer survivors in reducing emotional distress and improving quality of life.
Having Fun in the Second Modernization
Authors: Palmqvist Riia A.
Published: July 2006

This study investigates the reasons given by Finnish adolescents for their own alcohol use, and for the use of alcohol by others. In 1999, a questionnaire on reasons for drugs use was administered to a sample of adolescents aged 14–16 ( N = 488). It was found that the reasons given (i.e., attributions) involving inner subjective experiences, referring to the “good feeling” and “fun” resulting from alcohol use are common.
Social Sensitivity and ACNE: The Role of Personality in Negative Social Consequences and Quality of Life
Authors: Krejci-Manwaring Jennifer , Kerchner Katherine , Feldman Steven R. , Rapp Derek A. , Rapp Stephen R.
Published: July 2006

Background:

Acne affects a majority of adolescents and a substantial number of adults. The adverse social impact of acne is well documented. Negative social consequences, however, are likely to be determined by personality features as well as acne severity.

Purpose:

To determine whether a personality trait—dispositional social sensitivity—is associated with the adverse social impact of acne.

Methods:

A survey of 479 acne sufferers between the ages of 16 and 62 was conducted in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, United States. Respondents were classified as either high or low social sensitivity and compared on demographic, disease characteristics, and quality of life. Main and interaction effects were evaluated for acne severity and social sensitivity in relation to global and intimate social concerns and social interference.

Results:

Greater acne severity was significantly associated with poorer social outcomes and quality of life ( ps < 0.05). For women, higher social sensitivity was independently associated with poorer outcomes ( ps < 0.05), while for men, higher social sensitivity interacted with acne severity and was associated with worse social outcomes and life quality ( ps < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Acne is a biopsychosocial skin condition. Dispositional social sensitivity is an independent psychological factor associated with poorer social functioning and quality of life. Treatment of the acne patient should consider psychosocial factors as well as biological factors.
Percutaneous ultrasonographically guided radiofrequency heat ablation for treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs
Authors: Pollard Rachel E. , Long Craig D. , Nelson Richard W. , Hornof William J. , Feldman Edward C.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasonographically guided radiofrequency heat ablation of parathyroid masses in dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Design—Clinical trial.

Animals—11 dogs.

Procedure—In all dogs, either 1 or 2 parathyroid masses were evident ultrasonographically. Dogs were anesthetized, and a 20-gauge over-the-needle catheter was directed into the parathyroid mass via ultrasonographic guidance. Radiofrequency heat was applied to the stylet of the catheter until there was sonographically apparent change to the entire parenchyma of the mass. Serum total and ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations were monitored daily for 5 days after the ablation procedure and again at 1, 2, and 3-month intervals, if possible. Dogs were monitored for adverse effects.

Results—One treatment was required in 6 dogs, 2 treatments were required in 2 dogs, and treatment was unsuccessful in 3 dogs. Serum total and ionized calcium concentrations were within reference ranges within 2 days of the last procedure in all 8 successfully treated dogs. Serum parathyroid hormone concentration was decreased 24 hours after treatment in all 8 dogs. Hypocalcemia developed in 5 of the 8 successfully treated dogs, all of which required treatment. One dog had a transient voice change. Other adverse effects were not reported.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ultrasonographically guided radiofrequency heat ablation of parathyroid masses is a safe and effective alternative to surgery in dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:1106–1110)
Epidemiology of feline infectious peritonitis among cats examined at veterinary medical teaching hospitals
Authors: Rohrbach Barton W. , Legendre Alfred M. , Baldwin Charles A. , Lein Donald H. , Reed Willie M. , Wilson Ronald B.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine proportions of cats in which feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) was diagnosed on an annual, monthly, and regional basis and identify unique characteristics of cats with FIP.

Design—Case-control study.

Sample Population—Records of all feline accessions to veterinary medical teaching hospitals (VMTH) recorded in the Veterinary Medical Data Base between January 1986 and December 1995 and of all feline accessions for necropsy or histologic examination at 4 veterinary diagnostic laboratories.

Procedure—Proportions of total and new feline accessions for which a diagnosis of FIP was recorded were calculated. To identify characteristics of cats with FIP, cats with FIP were compared with the next cat examined at the same institution (control cats).

Results—Approximately 1 of every 200 new feline and 1 of every 300 total feline accessions at VMTH in North America and approximately 1 of every 100 accessions at the diagnostic laboratories represented cats with FIP. Cats with FIP were significantly more likely to be young, purebred, and sexually intact males and significantly less likely to be spayed females and discharged alive than were control cats. The proportion of new accessions for which a diagnosis of FIP was recorded did not vary significantly among years, months, or regions of the country.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that FIP continues to be a clinically important disease in North America and that sexually intact male cats may be at increased risk, and spayed females at reduced risk, for FIP. The high prevalence of FIP and lack of effective treatment emphasizes the importance of preventive programs, especially in catteries. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:1111–1115)
Susceptibility of cattle to infection with Ehrlichia equi and the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis
Authors: Pusterla Nicola , Anderson Randall J. , House John K. , Berger Pusterla Jeannine , DeRock Elfriede , Madigan John E.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine susceptibility of cattle to infection withEhrlichia equiand the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE).

Design—Experimental disease and prevalence survey.

Animals—6 cattle, 2 horses, and 2,725 serum samples from healthy cattle.

Procedure—2 cattle and 1 horse were inoculated withE equi, 2 cattle and 1 horse were inoculated with the HGE agent, and 2 cattle served as sham-inoculated controls; inoculated animals were evaluated via clinical, hematologic, serologic, and real-time polymerase chain reaction tests. Prevalence of antibodies againstE equiin 2,725 healthy cattle was determined by use of an indirect immunofluorescent technique.

Results—No abnormal clinical or hematologic findings or inclusion bodies within granulocytes were observed in the cattle after inoculation, and results of all polymerase chain reaction tests were negative. Seroconversion in inoculated cattle developed 10 to 12 days after inoculation (reciprocal titers, 160). Both horses developed clinical signs of ehrlichiosis. Five of 2,725 (0.18%) cattle were seropositive forE equi, with titers ranging from 20 to 80. All seropositive cattle originated from the same tick-rich region in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that cattle are not susceptible to infection withE equior the agent of HGE and that prevalence of exposure toE equiin healthy cattle is low. Therefore,E equiand the agent of HGE are likely of negligible importance for cattle in North America. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:1160–1162)
Evaluation of a commercial ELISA for diagnosis of paratuberculosis in cattle
Authors: Dargatz David A. , Byrum Beverly A. , Barber Linda K. , Sweeney Raymond W. , Whitlock Robert H. , Shulaw William P. , Jacobson Richard H. , Stabel Judith R.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To evaluate sensitivity and specificity of a new ELISA for antibodies againstMycobacterium aviumsubspparatuberculosis.

Design—Cross-sectional observational survey.

Sample Population—Serum samples from 590 cattle that were infected withM aviumsubspparatuberculosisand 723 cattle that were not infected.

Procedure—Serum samples were tested by use of an ELISA for antibodies againstM aviumsubspparatuberculosis.

Results—Sensitivity of the test varied from 15.4 to 88.1%, depending on the clinical stage and bacterial shedding status of the cattle.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results obtained with use of the new ELISA agreed favorably with those of a previous ELISA. Practitioners must be aware of variability in the sensitivity of the test, which depends on the clinical and shedding status of the cattle, because this may affect interpretation of test results. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:1163–1166)
Results of magnetic resonance imaging in dogs with vestibular disorders: 85 cases (1996–1999)
Authors: Garosi Laurent S. , Dennis Ruth , Penderis Jacques , Lamb Christopher R. , Targett Mike P. , Cappello Rodolfo , Delauche Agnes J.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine results of magnetic resonance
(MR) imaging in dogs with vestibular disorders
(VD) and correlate results of MR imaging with clinical
findings.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—85 dogs.

Procedure—Information on signalment, clinical signs,
and presumptive lesion location was obtained from
the medical records, and MR images were reviewed.

Results—27 dogs had peripheral VD, 37 had central VD,
and 21 had paradoxical VD. Of the 27 dogs with peripheral
VD, 11 (41%) had MR imaging abnormalities involving
the ipsilateral tympanic bulla compatible with otitis
media (6 also had abnormalities involving the petrous
portion of the ipsilateral temporal bone compatible with
otitis interna), 7 (26%) had MR imaging abnormalities
compatible with middle ear neoplasia, 2 (7%) had an ipsilateral
cerebellopontine angle lesion, and 7 (26%) did not
have MR imaging abnormalities. All dogs with central
and paradoxical VD had abnormalities evident on MR
images. Of the 37 dogs with central VD, 13 (35%) had an
extra-axial lesion, 6 (16%) had an intra-axial lesion, and
18 (49%) had multiple intra-axial lesions. In 23 (62%)
dogs with central VD, lesions on MR images corresponded
with location suspected on the basis of clinical
signs. Of the 21 dogs with paradoxical VD, 12 (57%) had
an extra-axial lesion, 5 (24%) had an intra-axial lesion,
and 4 (19%) had multiple intra-axial lesions. Location of
lesions on MR images agreed with location suspected
on the basis of clinical signs in 19 (90%) dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest
that MR imaging may be helpful in the diagnosis
and treatment of VD in dogs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc
2001;218:385–391)
Intraocular pressure measurements obtained as part of a comprehensive geriatric health examination from cats seven years of age or older
Authors: Kroll Mandy M. , Miller Paul E. , Rodan Ilona
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine intraocular pressure (IOP) in cats ≥ 7 years of age undergoing a routine comprehensive geriatric health examination.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—538 cats (1,068 eyes).

Procedure—IOP was measured by applanation tonometry following instillation of 0.5% proparacaine.

Results—Mean ± SD IOP for all eyes was 12.3 ± 4.0 mm Hg (range, 4 to 31 mm Hg). Mean age was 12.3 ± 2.9 years. Intraocular pressure did not vary significantly cross-sectionally with age. However, in 78 cats, IOP was measured more than once, and follow-up measurements were significantly less than initial measurements (mean time between measurements, 9.4 ± 3.0 months). The most useful tonometric criteria for identifying ocular abnormalities on the basis of IOP was an IOP ≥ 25 mm Hg (mean + 3 SD) or a difference in IOP between eyes ≥ 12 mm Hg. Eight cats met these criteria, and 5 of these cats had ophthalmic abnormalities. Low IOP was a nonspecific indicator of the presence of ocular abnormalities, as 111 cats had an IOP ≤ 8 mm Hg, but only 2 had uveitis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that IOP measurements can be a useful addition to a comprehensive geriatric health examination in cats ≥ 7 years of age, especially when combined with an ophthalmic examination. Cats without ocular abnormalities that have IOP ≥ 25 mm Hg or a ≥ 12 mm Hg difference in IOP between eyes should have tonometry repeated or be referred to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation before beginning antiglaucoma treatment. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;219: 1406–1410)
Efficacy of a nonantimicrobial cream administered topically for treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle
Authors: Moore Dale A. , Berry Steven L. , Truscott Marla L. , Koziy Vasyl
Published: July 2006

Objective—To compare efficacy of a topically administered nonantimicrobial cream with that of lincomycin for treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle.

Design—Randomized clinical trial.

Animals—98 cows from a commercial Holstein dairy herd.

Procedure—Cows with active lesions of digital dermatitis identified on a single observation day were randomly assigned to receive a nonantimicrobial cream, lincomycin paste, or no treatment. Cows were examined approximately every 4 weeks for 130 days after treatment for lesion maturity score, score for signs of pain, lesion size, and lesion activity.

Results—29 days after a single treatment, both treated groups had significantly reduced scores for signs of pain, lesion activity, lesion size, and the decision to retreat, compared with findings in the untreated group. Efficacy of the 2 treatments was not significantly different for decreasing pain score or lesion activity or for increasing lesion maturity score, but lincomycin was significantly more efficacious in decreasing lesion size and avoiding retreatment. By use of multivariate logistic regression, lactation number was a significant treatment effect modifier on the outcome of a healed lesion after treatment. Cows with ≥ 3 lactations were more likely to have a healed lesion at 29 days, compared with first- and secondlactation cows.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Because antimicrobial treatments for digital dermatitis in cows require a veterinarian's prescription, the nonantimicrobial cream could serve as a viable but less consistently effective alternative to antimicrobials and could be applied by veterinarians, hoof trimmers, and others. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;219:1435–1438)