The Potential Role of Urban Forests in Removing Nutrients from Stormwater.

Biofiltration systems can be used to improve the quality of stormwater by treating runoff using plants grown in a moderately permeable soil. Most biofilters use herbaceous species, but in highly urbanized locations, such as streets, trees may be a more suitable vegetation. Biofilters that use urban woody vegetation are less studied. This experiment investigated the use of four street tree species [ Schauer, (R. Br.) Peter G. Wilson & J.T. Waterh., (Sm.) Colvill ex Sweet, and L.] and an unplanted control in model biofilters. All four tree species are used in urban landscapes in southern Australia and were chosen to investigate potential species differences in biofiltration systems. The trees were grown in mesocosms as a randomized block factorial design in soils with three saturated hydraulic conductivity rates (4, 95, and 170 mm h). The trees were regularly flooded with mains water (tap water) or artificial stormwater. Tree growth and nutrient removal performance of the systems were investigated over 13 mo. All four species grew well in all three soils, including one chosen for its low, and potentially growth-limiting, drainage rate. Tree growth increased significantly, except for , when flooded with stormwater. Unplanted controls were a source of nutrients; however, the presence of trees reduced oxidized nitrogen and filterable reactive phosphorus concentrations in leachate. There was little effect of species on the removal of nutrients from stormwater. Trees have the potential to be effective elements in urban biofiltration systems, but further field-level evaluation of these systems is required to fully assess this potential.

Breeding behaviour of Kunzea pomifera (Myrtaceae): self-incompatibility, intraspecific and interspecific cross-compatibility.

To examine breeding system characteristics of the endemic Australian prostrate shrub Kunzea pomifera, artificial hybridisations were undertaken using thirteen different genotypes of K. pomifera, to elucidate: (1) self-incompatibility, (2) intraspecific cross-compatibility in the species and (3) interspecific cross-compatibility with each of K. ambigua and K. ericoides. K. pomifera exhibited very low self-compatibility, with the barrier to self-fertilisation being prevention of pollen-tube growth in the style or ovary. Following intraspecific pollination amongst a number of different genotypes of K. pomifera, 38.4% of pollinated flowers developed fruit; arrest of compatible pollen-tubes in the style, preventing fertilisation, contributes to the low fruit set in this species. Interspecific compatibility was examined between K. pomifera (pistillate parent) and K. ambigua (staminate parent) where seed set per pollinated flower (4.47) was not significantly different from intraspecific crosses (4.66). In crosses between K. pomifera (pistillate parent) and K. ericoides as staminate plant, 0.037% of pollinated flowers produced fruit, with 0.0075 seeds per pollinated flower. Reproductive barriers between these two species were evident in the style of K. pomifera, where the growing tips of the K. ericoides pollen-tubes swelled and ceased to grow.

Cannabinoid hyperemesis: cyclical hyperemesis in association with chronic cannabis abuse.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To explore the association between chronic cannabis abuse and a cyclical vomiting illness that presented in a series of cases in South Australia. METHODS: Nineteen patients were identified with chronic cannabis abuse and a cyclical vomiting illness. For legal and ethical reasons, all patients were counselled to cease all cannabis abuse. Follow up was provided with serial urine drug screen analysis and regular clinical consultation to chart the clinical course. Of the 19 patients, five refused consent and were lost to follow up and five were excluded on the basis of confounders. The remaining nine cases are presented here and compared with a published case of psychogenic vomiting. RESULTS: In all cases, including the published case, chronic cannabis abuse predated the onset of the cyclical vomiting illness. Cessation of cannabis abuse led to cessation of the cyclical vomiting illness in seven cases. Three cases, including the published case, did not abstain and continued to have recurrent episodes of vomiting. Three cases rechallenged themselves after a period of abstinence and suffered a return to illness. Two of these cases abstained again, and became and remain well. The third case did not and remains ill. A novel finding was that nine of the 10 patients, including the previously published case, displayed an abnormal washing behaviour during episodes of active illness. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that chronic cannabis abuse was the cause of the cyclical vomiting illness in all cases, including the previously described case of psychogenic vomiting.

Bait delivery for oral rabies vaccine to gray foxes.

Rabies is a widespread zoonotic disease that has reached epizootic proportions in gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in central Texas. Because each species of carnivore has different food preferences and foraging strategies, it is essential that the efficacy of a bait delivery program be examined for gray foxes prior to an oral vaccination program being attempted. Field trials were conducted to determine bait preferences of free-ranging gray foxes to selected baits and odor attractants. Baits consisted of polymer cubes made of either dog food meal or fish meal, and a wax-lard cake that was enhanced with marshmallow flavoring. Attractants added to baits exuded sulfurous, fatty, cheesy, or sweet odors and flavors. During 3,589 operable bait station nights, gray fox visitation and bait uptake rates were 9.2% and 8.3%, respectively. Gray foxes exhibited no preference in bait uptake rates between bait and odor attractant combinations. Gray foxes exhibited no difference in cumulative bait uptake rates between onroad and offroad sites; however, the uptake rate by raccoons was significantly greater for baits placed on roads than for baits randomly placed. Raccoons were the major non-target species competing for baits, being attributed with 73% of the total uptake. Visitation and bait uptake rates by raccoons significantly increased after a 7-day lethal removal of raccoons (n = 37) from the study area. Random distribution of baits is recommended; it reduced bait uptake by non-target species without adversely affecting uptake by gray foxes.

Antidepressant treatment of depression in HIV-seropositive women.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of fluoxetine and sertraline in treating depressed women who are seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to document barriers to study participation. METHOD: Ambulatory HIV-seropositive women with DSM-IV depressive disorders were enrolled in an 8-week, open trial of fluoxetine (N = 21) or sertraline (N = 9) initiated at standard dosages. Outcome measures included the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale (CGI), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), physical function ratings, and CD4 count. RESULTS: Thirty-six women were screened for the study and 30 were enrolled. Mean age was 35.5 years and HIV risk was primarily intravenous drug use (N = 16; 53%) or heterosexual contact (N = 12; 40%). Sixteen (53%) were Hispanic, 11 (37%) were African American, and 3 (10%) were white. Mean +/- SD CD4 count was 463+/-312 cells/microL, and 30% had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Eighteen women (60%) completed the trial (14 fluoxetine: dose range, 10-40 mg/day; 4 sertraline: dose range, 25-100 mg/day). Of completers, 14 (78%) were clinical responders by CGI and reduction in HAM-D > 50%. Statistically significant reductions were seen in HAM-D and BDI scores, but not in measures of physical function or CD4 count. The most frequent adverse effects were anxiety, overstimulation, and insomnia. Reasons for nonparticipation or dropout included refusal to accept antidepressants on account of negative bias, preferring psychotherapy alone, adverse effects, and relapse to illicit drugs. CONCLUSION: While HIV-seropositive women may benefit from antidepressant treatment, multiple barriers to successful treatment exist. Aggressive outreach, education, and attention to the complex psychosocial needs of HIV-seropositive women are essential components of depression treatment in this population.

Suicide attempts by firearms and by leaping from heights: a comparative study of survivors.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and demographic profiles of patients who deliberately harmed themselves, either by jumping from a great height or by using firearms, and survived. METHOD: The study consisted of an 18-year retrospective case history analysis of survivors of jumping and shooting identified from the database of consultation-liaison psychiatry referrals at a hospital in Sydney, Australia. Clinical and demographic information was collated and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients who had shot themselves and 31 patients who had jumped, all of whom had survived, were assessed by the consultation-liaison psychiatry team. There were clear differences between the two groups. Those who jumped were more likely to be single, unemployed, and psychotic. Those who used firearms were more likely to be male, abuse alcohol, have a forensic history, and have an antisocial or borderline personality disorder. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the subjects who attempted suicide by shooting themselves and those who did so by jumping had different profiles of mental state, personality function, and psychiatric diagnosis. The importance of mental state and specific psychiatric diagnosis as determinants of the method used has been neglected in studies of suicide. These factors should be considered along with others such as accessibility and acceptability of means, since these differences may be important when suicide prevention is considered. It is also important for psychiatrists providing consultation-liaison services to be aware of these differences in order to ensure optimal treatment of survivors.

Use of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a positive control for the evaluation of immunopotentiating drug candidates in experimental avian colibacillosis models.

The aetiologic agent of avian colibacillosis is Escherichia coli. Colibacillosis is a disease that causes mortality and production performance problems in chickens which results in economic losses for the poultry industry. It will be increasingly important for scientists to identify novel solutions that can be implemented which will provide poultry producers with a tool to manage this economically important disease. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could be used as a positive control to evaluate novel chemistries for immunopotentiator activity in battery or floor-pen avian colibacillosis models in chickens. In the battery study, subcutaneous administration of LPS to one-day-old broiler cockerels caused a significant reduction (P < 0.003) in all parameters of colibacillosis evaluated, i.e. mean air sac lesion scores, per cent air sac lesions, E. coli re-isolation and per cent mortality. However, in the floor-pen study, subcutaneous administration to one-day-old broiler chicks resulted in a numerical, but not statistically significant reduction (P < 0.1) in mortality associated with colibacillosis. These data indicate that LPS can be used as a positive control to evaluate the efficacy of immunopotentiator drug candidates in avian colibacillosis models.

The suicide of Thomas Wentworth Wills.

Thomas Wentworth Wills was the most important Australian sportsman of his time. He captained the Victorian colony at cricket and was the first hero of Australian Rules football. Although his picture now adorns the conservative Melbourne Cricket Club, he died in 1880, an isolated, destitute alcoholic, after stabbing himself in the heart. Wills embodied a tradition, as prevalent today as it was over 100 years ago, that weds sport with alcohol in Australian culture.

Gray fox response to baits and attractants for oral rabies vaccination.

Rabies is a widespread zoonosis that recently reached epidemic proportions in gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in central Texas. The objectives of this study were to determine bait and attractant preferences among captive gray foxes, to determine the behavioral responses of gray foxes to selected bait-attractant combinations, and to evaluate baits as a delivery mechanism of oral rabies vaccines. Trials were conducted to determine bait preferences of captive gray foxes to selected baits and attractants. Tested baits consisted of a polymer-bound cube made of either dog food meal or fish meal, a polymer-bound cylinder made of dog food meal, and a wax-lard cake that was enhanced with marshmallow or chicken flavoring. Attractants were additives to baits that exuded sweet, sulfurous, fruity, fatty, cheesy, honey, and fishy odors and flavors. Captive gray foxes (n = 31) exhibited a preference for marshmallow wax cakes and polymer dog food baits with a lard interior and granulated sugar exterior. However, gray foxes exhibited chewing behaviors consistent with ingesting an oral vaccine only with the wax cake baits.

Effects of tilmicosin on acute undifferentiated respiratory tract disease in newly arrived feedlot cattle.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate effects of tilmicosin when used in fever-based and metaphylactic treatment programs to attenuate acute undifferentiated bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle that recently arrived at feedlots, and to evaluate the effects of tilmicosin for the treatment of BRD. DESIGN: Randomized-block controlled study. ANIMALS: 1,639 calves from livestock auctions. PROCEDURES: Cattle were assigned to 3 groups. Cattle in the nonmedicated (control) group were not given antibiotics during processing. Cattle in the fever-based treatment group were given tilmicosin (10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb] of body weight, s.c.) during processing when their rectal temperature was > or = 40 C (104 F). All cattle in the metaphylactic treatment group were given tilmicosin (10 mg/kg, s.c.) during processing. Calves with BRD were treated with tilmicosin (10 mg/kg, s.c.). RESULTS: Morbidity rates in the metaphylactic (30.4%) and fever-based (44.7%) treatment groups were less than that for the nonmedicated group (54.8%). Mortality rate for the metaphylactic group during the first 28 days (1.1%) and during the entire study (1.7%) was less than that for the nonmedicated group (3.3 and 4.6%, respectively). Differences were not observed in therapeutic response rates among calves with BRD that were treated. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Fever-based and metaphylactic treatment programs that used tilmicosin decreased the prevalence of BRD and improved growth of calves. Metaphylactic treatment decreased the number of fatalities caused by BRD in high-risk calves. Fever-based treatment was less effective than metaphylactic treatment for decreasing the prevalence of BRD in newly arrived cattle.

Results of an oral rabies vaccination program for coyotes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effectiveness of large-scale distribution of an oral rabies vaccine contained in a palatable bait for halting expansion of a canine rabies epizootic in coyotes (Canis latrans). DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 98 coyotes during prevaccination surveillance and 449 coyotes and 60 other wild animals during postvaccination surveillance. PROCEDURE: A vaccinia recombinant oral rabies vaccine was inserted into an edible bait for coyotes that also contained tetracycline as a biomarker. Vaccine units were then distributed via aircraft, using automated distribution equipment and flight plans developed by incorporating global positioning system equipment. The target area was along the northern edge of an area that had an epizootic of canine rabies. This area was identified through previously conducted epidemiologic surveillance of rabies cases. During postvaccination surveillance, dental specimens were examined for biomarker evidence of bait acceptance, and serum samples were analyzed for rabies neutralizing antibodies. RESULTS: Samples from 449 coyotes were obtained during postvaccination surveillance. Seroconversion was detected in 39 of 96 (40.6%) coyotes that had evidence of tetracycline biomarker. Additionally, the number of rabies cases in the target area decreased, and expansion of the epizootic area ceased. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Mass distribution of an oral rabies vaccine in a palatable bait is an effective means to halt expansion of a rabies epizootic involving coyotes.

Delirium in hospital: does it increase length of stay?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of delirium, as a comorbid diagnosis in hospitalised patients, on patient length of stay (LOS). METHOD: Prospective study comparing LOS of delirious patients with controls matched by age, gender, principal diagnosis and date of admission. Medical and surgical inpatients of Westmead Hospital with delirium were identified from a Consultation Liaison (CL) psychiatry database and were matched with controls from the hospital medical records. RESULTS: Delirious patient LOS was found to be significantly longer (2.2-fold; 95% confidence interval 1.5-3.3) than matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: Delirium, as a comorbid diagnosis in general hospital patients, is associated with an increased use of resources. Its early diagnosis may limit this and morbidity.

Cocirculation of multiple hantaviruses in Texas, with characterization of the small (S) genome of a previously undescribed virus of cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus).

An environmental and laboratory investigation was conducted after a fatal childhood case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome occurred in Deaf Smith County, Texas in May 1995. A trapping campaign was conducted to identify possible rodent carriers. Six species of murid and heteromyid rodents were collected, and at least one hantavirus-seropositive specimen was found in each of the five murid species. Tissues from a selection of 11 seropositive specimens were examined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of viral genetic material. The predominant hantavirus was El Moro Canyon virus (ELMCV), which occurred in three of three harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis) and in three of four deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) examined. Sin Nombre virus (SNV) was found in one deer mouse and one white-footed mouse (P. leucopus). A seropositive house mouse (Mus musculus) was negative by PCR. Two cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) were infected by a virus of novel genotype (Muleshoe virus [MULEV]) that bears closet resemblance to Bayou hantavirus. The sequence of the complete small genomic segment was determined for one MULEV, and high-level expression of its nucleocapsid protein was induced in Escherichia coli. Serologic studies indicated that the most likely etiologic agent in the human infection was SNV.

Chronic fatigue syndrome and dieting disorders: diagnosis and management problems.

OBJECTIVE: This paper illustrates the importance of conducting an initial and ongoing psychiatric assessment of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome in order to diagnose dieting disorders. The diagnostic issues and management problems of three case vignettes, two with anorexia nervosa and one with bulimia nervosa, are described. METHOD: The treatment response of dieting disordered patients is generally prolonged after a previous diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome has been made and the patient and family favour a disease diagnosis. RESULTS: Several management problems arise and family members may also be reluctant to accept a dieting disorder diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of dieting disorders by adequate screening and assessment is necessary so that a significant reduction in morbidity may occur.

Suicide in the 18 years after deliberate self-harm a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical and demographic information on patients seen as a result of deliberate self-harm (DSH) was collected in an attempt to identify factors in the index episode of DSH predictive of subsequent suicide. METHOD: Specific data were prospectively collected on all DSH patients who lived in Blacktown Municipality, Sydney, Australia, and seen from October 1975 to September 1976. Follow-up at 18 years was by evaluation of coroners records and identification of probable suicide. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-three patients harmed themselves on one or more occasions. Follow-up at 18 years showed that 15 of the 223 (6.7%) had completed suicide. The proportion at five and eight years was 4.0% and at 10 years was 4.5%. Identified predictors of suicide were: narcotic overdose; more than one episode of DSH in the year of the study; planned episode; and mental illness. Teenage narcotic-abusing males were at greatest risk and in females a planned episode was the most powerful predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Suicides continued to occur over 18 years. One of the striking differences between this and other studies is the finding of teenage male DSH, associated with narcotic abuse, as a strong predictor of subsequent suicide. These findings are particularly relevant to the issue of young male suicide, which increased from the 1970s onwards in Australia and elsewhere.

Psychogenic vomiting complicated by marijuana abuse and spontaneous pneumomediastinum.

OBJECTIVE: This case illustrates an unusual physical sequel of psychogenic vomiting. CLINICAL PICTURE: A 22-year-old man with a picture of psychogenic vomiting and marijuana use developed the complications of a pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. TREATMENT: Therapy included gradual exposure to anxiety provoking stimuli, psychotropics to reduce vomiting and psychotherapeutic exploration of family relationships. OUTCOME: The patient's vomiting and physical state resolved without complication. Follow-up at 12 months revealed continued improvement with occasional less severe vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: Psychogenic vomiting as a manifestation of anxiety can result in serious physical and psychological sequelae. This patient's desperate attempts to control such vomiting complicated the picture. Successful short term intervention included the use of several treatment modalities.

Efficacy dose determination study of tilmicosin phosphate in feed for control of pneumonia caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in swine.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effective dosage of tilmicosin phosphate when fed to pigs for the control of pneumonia attributable to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. DESIGN: Randomized complete block design, with initial weight as the blocking factor. ANIMALS: Seeder pigs were used to infect clinically normal male and female pigs weighing between 13.6 and 36.3 kg at each of 4 trials. PROCEDURE: Five doses of tilmicosin phosphate (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 micrograms/g) were fed to pigs for 21 days. Pigs received experimental feeds 7 days before the seeder pigs were placed into pens. Feeding continued for an additional 14 days, with seeder pigs removed 3 to 8 days after placement. All pigs were euthanatized and necropsied, with lung bacterial flora and percentages of pneumonic involvement determined. RESULTS: Improvement in clinical impression score, daily rectal temperature, and weight gain were seen for all doses of tilmicosin, compared with controls. For the same variables, tilmicosin administered at 200 to 400 micrograms/g resulted in improvements over the 100 micrograms/g dose. CONCLUSIONS: Data indicate that tilmicosin phosphate fed to pigs at 200 to 400 micrograms/g is effective in controlling and preventing A pleuropneumoniae-induced pneumonia, when administered in feed for 21 days.