Treatment of Landfill Leachate by Short-Rotation Willow Coppice Plantations in a Large-Scale Experiment in Eastern Canada

The treatment of leachate by vegetative filters composed of short-rotation willow coppice (SRWC) has been shown to be a cost-effective alternative to conventional and costly methods. However, few studies have considered the treatment capability of willow filters at a scale large enough to meet the industrial requirements of private landfill owners in North America. We report here on a field trial (0.5 ha) in which a willow plantation was irrigated with groundwater (D0) or aged leachate at two different loadings (D1 and D2, which was twice that of D1). Additionally, half of the D2-irrigated plots were amended with phosphorus (D2P). The system, which operated for 131 days, was highly efficient, causing the chemical oxygen demand concentration to drop significantly with the total removal of ammonia (seasonal average removal by a concentration of 99-100%). D2P efficacy was higher than that of D2, indicating that P increased the performance of the system. It also increased the willow biomass 2.5-fold compared to water irrigation. Leaf tissue analysis revealed significant differences in the concentrations of total nitrogen, boron, and zinc, according to the treatment applied, suggesting that the absorption capacity of willows was modified with leachate irrigation. These results indicate that the willow plantation can be effective for the treatment of landfill leachate in respect of environmental requirements.

A novel toolkit for the prediction of clinical outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy

AIM

To develop a robust toolkit to aid decision-making for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) based on readily available patient variables that could accurately predict functional outcome following MT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from patients with anterior circulation stroke who underwent MT between October 2009 and January 2018 (n=239) were identified from our MT database. Patient explanatory variables were age, sex, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), collateral score, and Glasgow Coma Scale. Five models were developed from the data to predict five outcomes of interest: model 1: prediction of survival: modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0-5 (alive) or 6 (dead); model 2: prediction of good/poor outcome: mRS of 0-3 (good), or 4-6 (poor); model 3: prediction of good/poor outcome: mRS of 0-2 (good), or 3-6 (poor); model 4: prediction of mRS category: mRS of 0-2 (no disability), 3 (minor disability), 4-5 (severe disability) or 6 (dead); model 5: prediction of the exact mRs score (mRs as a continuous variable). The accuracy and discriminative power of each predictive model were tested.

RESULTS

Prediction of survival was 87% accurate (area under the curve [AUC] 0.89). Prediction of good/poor outcome was 91% accurate (AUC 0.94) for Model 2 and 95% accurate (AUC 0.98) for Model 3. Prediction of mRS category was 76% accurate, and increased to 98% using the "one-score-out rule". Prediction of the exact mRS value was accurate to an error of 0.89.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel toolkit provided accurate estimations of outcome for MT.

Priority water research questions as determined by UK practitioners and policy makers

Several recent studies have emphasised the need for a more integrated process in which researchers, policy makers and practitioners interact to identify research priorities. This paper discusses such a process with respect to the UK water sector, detailing how questions were developed through inter-disciplinary collaboration using online questionnaires and a stakeholder workshop. The paper details the 94 key questions arising, and provides commentary on their scale and scope. Prioritization voting divided the nine research themes into three categories: (1) extreme events (primarily flooding), valuing freshwater services, and water supply, treatment and distribution [each >150/1109 votes]; (2) freshwater pollution and integrated catchment management [100-150 votes] and; (3) freshwater biodiversity, water industry governance, understanding and managing demand and communicating water research [50-100 votes]. The biggest demand was for research to improve understanding of intervention impacts in the water environment, while a need for improved understanding of basic processes was also clearly expressed, particularly with respect to impacts of pollution and aquatic ecosystems. Questions that addressed aspects of appraisal, particularly incorporation of ecological service values into decision making, were also strongly represented. The findings revealed that sustainability has entered the lexicon of the UK water sector, but much remains to be done to embed the concept operationally, with key sustainability issues such as resilience and interaction with related key sectors, such as energy and agriculture, relatively poorly addressed. However, the exercise also revealed that a necessary condition for sustainable development, effective communication between scientists, practitioners and policy makers, already appears to be relatively well established in the UK water sector.

Attributions for psychobiological changes in ecstasy/MDMA and other polydrug users

Ecstasy [3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)] use has been associated with a number of psychopathological problems. However, research suggests that reported symptoms might be associated more with heavy polydrug use in general rather than ecstasy per se. The current study aimed to determine the role of other drug use in reports of long-term effects by some ecstasy-polydrug users. Problematic ecstasy users (n = 53), reporting problems which they attributed to ecstasy use, were compared with non-problematic ecstasy users (n = 62), polydrug (n = 62) and alcohol/nicotine using controls (n = 111). Drug use was recorded, and positive and negative life changes were assessed along with which previous drug use, if any, they attributed these changes too. Both ecstasy groups reported higher drug use compared with polydrug controls. Polydrug and ecstasy users more often reported life changes compared with non-drug users, and ecstasy users appeared to experience more life changes than polydrug users, with problematic ecstasy users experiencing most alterations. Ecstasy users reported changes more to a combination of drugs than to one specific drug, suggesting that polydrug use in these groups has an impact on their life experiences. These findings emphasise that research into the psychological effects of ecstasy should not underestimate the role of other polydrug use.

Differential effects of Ecstasy and cannabis on self-reports of memory ability: a web-based study

Given the legal status of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), or Ecstasy, face-to-face access to participants is sometimes difficult. The number of participants in studies of cognitive performance amongst Ecstasy users is variable, with the average being around 30. Access to a larger number of participants is clearly desirable. The present investigation accessed a larger sample size using a web-based design. A website was developed and used for data collection. Prospective memory ability was assessed using the Prospective Memory Questionnaire. Self-report of day-to-day memory performance was investigated using the Everyday Memory Questionnaire. The Drug Questionnaire assessed the use of other substances as well as Ecstasy, allowing a regression design to isolate the contribution of each substance to any variance on the cognitive measures. Preliminary findings (N = 488) indicate that there is a clear double dissociation between the impact of Ecstasy and cannabis. We found that cannabis was associated with reports of 'here-and-now' cognitive problems in short-term and internally cued prospective memory. In contrast, Ecstasy was associated with reports of long-term memory problems, which were more related to storage and retrieval difficulties. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Lower proportion of CD45R0+ cells and deficient interleukin-10 production by formula-fed infants, compared with human-fed, is corrected with supplementation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

BACKGROUND

The immune consequences of adding 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 fatty acids to preterm infant formula are not known.

METHODS

The effect of feeding preterm infants (14-42 days of age) human milk (Human Milk group), infant formula (Formula group), or formula with added long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 (Formula + LCP group) on isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes (by flow cytometry) and lipid composition (by gas-liquid chromatography) was determined. Lymphocytes were stimulated in vitro with phytohemagglutinin to measure soluble interleukin (sIL)-2R and IL-10 production (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).

RESULTS

With age, the percentage of CD3+ CD4+ T cells and the percentage of CD20+ cells increased in the Human Milk and Formula + LCP groups (P < 0.05), but not in the unsupplemented Formula group. Compared with the Formula group, CD4+ cells from the Formula + LCP and Human Milk groups expressed more CD45R0 (antigen mature) and less CD45RA (antigen naive) at 42 days of age (P < 0.05). At 42 days, IL-10 production was lower (P < 0.05) in cells of the Formula group than in cells of the Human Milk group. Production of IL-10 by the cells of the Formula + LCP group was not different from that produced by the Human Milk group cells. An age-related decrease (P < 0.05) in sIL-2R production by Formula + LCP lymphocytes was observed, but sIL-2R production at 42 days in the Formula + LCP group did not differ significantly from that in the Human Milk group. Compared with Formula alone, adding LCP to formula resulted in a lower C18:2n-6 and higher C20:4n-6 content in lymphocyte phospholipids (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Adding LCP to a preterm infant formula resulted in lymphocyte populations, phospholipid composition, cytokine production, and antigen maturity that are more consistent with that in human milk-fed infants. This may affect the ability of the infant to respond to immune challenges.

Assessment of feeding different amounts of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in preterm infant formulas on the fatty acid content of lipoprotein lipids

This study evaluated preterm infants of less than 2.3 kg birth weight fed commercial formula (Preemie SMA) devoid of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and compared this control group with similar infant groups fed one of three formulas containing a range of 0.32-1.1% AA and 0.24-0.75% DHA in the fat component of the formula. An analogous group of infants fed on their mothers' breast milk and a breast milk fortifier was also studied. Individual lipoprotein fractions were isolated from blood samples collected at 12 d of age and after a further 4 wk of feeding. The fatty acid content of individual lipid components, isolated from each lipoprotein fraction was quantitatively determined in order to identify change in marker pools of essential fatty acid. The high density lipoproteins (HDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) phospholipid and cholesterol ester fractions contain most of the AA and DHA found in the lipoprotein fractions (total of 0.49% and 0.35%, respectively). Infants fed a formula without AA and DHA showed a reduction in AA level in the phospholipid fraction of all lipoproteins and in the HDL and LDL cholesterol ester fraction. A reduced level of DHA was also observed primarily in the lipoprotein phospholipid fraction in comparison with infants fed breast milk or infant formula containing AA and DHA. Supplementing infant formula with increasing levels of AA and DHA produced a clear dose response in the level of AA found in the HDL and LDL phospholipid fraction. From comparison of the fatty acid levels present in the lipoproteins it appears that a formula level of 0.49% AA and 0.35% DHA provides sufficient levels of these fatty acids to achieve a similar fatty acid content to that of infants fed breast milk for the major lipoprotein fractions examined.

Risky single-occasion drinking amongst young people--definition, correlates, policy, and intervention: a broad overview of research findings

Risky single-occasion drinking (RSOD) has dire consequences upon health and well-being including unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, crime, and car accidents. The prevalence of RSOD among young people is alarming. Despite this, as yet, a review of existing literature on RSOD amongst young people is lacking. This article will provide an overview of this area of research focusing on the definition of RSOD, its prevalence among young people, health and behavioural effects of RSOD, the perceived risk of RSOD among young people, and interventions to reduce RSOD in young people. In addition, recommendations are made for health educators interested in reducing the incidence of RSOD in young people.

Assessment of the efficacious dose of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in preterm infant formulas: fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membrane lipids

The nutritional requirements of preterm infants for the long chain polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have not been clearly defined. The present study evaluated preterm infants of less than 2.3 kg birth weight fed a commercial formula (Preemie SMA) devoid of AA and DHA and compared this control group with similar infant groups fed one of three formulas containing a range of 0.32 to 1.1% AA and 0.24 to 0.76% DHA. An analogous group of infants fed their mothers' breast milk and a breast milk fortifier (when indicated) was also studied. Erythrocyte membrane phospholipids were isolated from blood samples collected at 12 d of age and after a further 4 wk of feeding. Infants fed the formula without AA and DHA showed a reduction in AA level in erythrocyte phosphatidylcholine, and a reduced level of DHA in phosphatidylethanolamine in comparison with infants fed breast milk or infant formula containing AA and DHA. Supplementing infant formula with increasing levels of AA and DHA produced a clear dose response in the levels of AA and DHA found in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids. From comparison of membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition it appears that a formula level of 0.32-1.1% AA and 0.24-0.76% DHA provides sufficient levels of these fatty acids to achieve a similar fatty acid composition to that of infants fed human milk for most of the lipid fractions examined.

Enteral versus parenteral nutrition after severe closed head injury

We measured energy expenditure (MREE) and nitrogen excretion (UUN) in patients with severe head injury randomized to early parenteral (TPN, n = 21) or jejunal (ENT, n = 27) feeding with identical formulations. The MREE rose to 2400 +/- 531 kcal/day in both groups and remained at 135% +/- 26% to 146% +/- 42% of predicted energy expenditure over 4 weeks. Nitrogen excretion peaked the second week at 33.4 +/- 10 (TPN) and 31.2 +/- 7.5 (ENT) g N/day. Both routes were equally effective at meeting nutritional goals (1.2 x MREE, 2.5 g protein/kg/day intake, stabilized albumin and transferrin levels). Infections were equally frequent: 1.86 episodes/TPN patient versus 1.89 episodes/ENT patient. While patient charges were much greater for TPN, the hospital costs were similar for TPN and ENT support regimens. These findings show that patients with head injuries are hypermetabolic for weeks, that only 27% are capable of spontaneously eating nutritional requirements by discharge, and that either TPN or ENT support is equally effective when prescribed according to individual measurements of MREE and nitrogen excretion.

Feeding preterm infants a formula containing C20 and C22 fatty acids simulates plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition of infants fed human milk

Thirty-four premature infants weighing less than 1500 grams at birth were fed preterm formula (formula), preterm infant formula manufactured to contain a balance of C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids within the range characteristic of human milk (LCPE-formula) or their mothers' expressed breast milk (EBM). Blood samples were obtained during the first week of life and after 28 days of feeding to determine the effect of feeding C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids on plasma lipids. Fatty acid analyses of red blood cell phospholipids indicated few differences between dietary treatment and age. Fatty acid content of plasma cholesterol esters indicated a high plasma cholesterol linoleate level for infants fed formula and a reduced content of C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. For infants fed the modified formula (LCPE-formula) the levels of 20:4 omega 6, 20:5 omega 3 and 22:6 omega 3 were higher than observed for the formula group and similar to those observed for infants fed EBM. By the fifth week of life, feeding the modified formula resulted in plasma phospholipid levels of C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids similar to levels of C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids found in infants fed EBM and significantly higher than levels characteristic of infants fed formula. It is concluded that infants fed LCPE-formula illustrate an overall balance between C20 and C22 omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids in the plasma similar to that characteristic of infants fed human milk.

Addition of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to formula for very low birth weight infants

Thirty-four premature infants who were appropriate for gestational age and weighing less than 1500 g at birth were fed "preemie" SMA-24 formula, "preemie" SMA-24 formula manufactured to contain C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids (LCPE-SMA), or expressed milk (EBM). Blood samples were drawn from a small arm vein during the first week of life and after 28 days of feeding. The fatty acid content of plasma phospholipids was determined. Infants fed SMA-24 had a high content of 18:2 omega 6 in plasma phospholipids. Feeding LCPE-SMA normalized plasma phospholipid levels of C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids to be similar to levels of C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids found in infants fed EBM, and significantly higher than characteristic levels for infants fed SMA-24. Feeding LCPE-SMA or EBM results in a balanced incorporation of C20 and C22 omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids into phospholipids derived from the liver or perhaps the small intestine.

Smoking cessation in women: effects of the menstrual cycle

Ten females in the midcycle phase of the menstrual cycle, 10 females in the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle, and 10 males agreed to try and stop smoking for two consecutive days. The Smoking Motivation Questionnaire and Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS) were completed by all subjects beforehand. On each "no smoking" day, the POMS and a Smoking Withdrawal Questionnaire were completed. Males and midcycle females achieved significantly greater smoking reduction than premenstrual females during the "no smoking" days. Premenstrual females reported becoming significantly more tired, confused, depressed, anxious, and irritable than midcycle females. Midcycle females reported only slight changes in feeling state during cigarette withdrawal. The position of the males was broadly intermediate between the two female groups.

Scopolamine, cognition and dementia

This symposium of the British Psychological Society Annual Conference was convened by Dr Andy Parrott (Department of Psychology, University of East London) and Dr Ian Deary (Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh). The conference was held in Scarborough at the International Spa Complex in April 1992.