Pivotal role of municipal wastewater resource recovery facilities in urban agriculture: A review.

Urban agriculture provides a promising, comprehensive solution to water, energy, and food scarcity challenges resulting from the population growth, urbanization, and the accelerating effects of anthropogenic climate change. Their close access to consumers, profitable business models, and important roles in educational, social, and physical entertainment benefit both developing and developed nations. In this sense, Urban Water Resource Reclamation Facilities (WRRFs) can play a pivotal role in the sustainable implementation of urban agriculture. Reclaimed water as a recovered resource has less supply variability and in certain cases can be of higher quality than other water sources used in agriculture. Another recovered resource, namely, biosolids, as byproduct from wastewater treatment can be put to beneficial use as fertilizers, soil amendments, and construction material additives. The renewable electricity, heat, CO2 , and bioplastics produced from WRRFs can also serve as essential resources in support of urban agriculture operation with enhanced sustainability. In short, this review exhibits a holistic picture of the state-of-the-art of urban agriculture in which WRRFs can potentially play a pivotal role. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Reclaimed water can be of higher quality than other sources used in urban agriculture. Biosolids can be put to beneficial use as fertilizers, soil amendments, and construction material additives. The renewable electricity, heat, CO2 , and bioplastics produced can also serve as essential resources in support of urban agriculture.

Sustainable floor type for managing turkey production in a hot climate.

Floor type management is an important factor in turkey production in hot climates exceeding 30°C. In this study, a total of 360 turkeys aged 4 wk were randomly distributed to investigate growth performance, carcass characteristics, certain health aspects (breast blisters score, footpad burns, hock discoloration, and plumage condition), and airborne conditions. Birds in the first group were raised on a littered floor (control; C), whereas birds in the other groups (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) were raised on cement, wire net, rubber mat, plastic and wooden slatted floors, respectively. The results indicated that growth performance and meat quality were improved, with increases in body weight, daily body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and tenderness and juiciness values, when plastic and wooden slatted floors were used. Moreover, the use of plastic and wooden slatted floors attenuated body temperature, airborne dust particulates, and ammonia concentrations. In conclusion, placing plastic, wooden slatted, or wire floors reduced the incidence of health disorders and alleviated heat stress effects by decreasing body temperature and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio. Thus, plastic and wooden slatted floors are suitable for growing turkeys under the conditions of this study.

Arthroscopic suture bridge rotator cuff repair: functional outcome, repair integrity, and preoperative factors related to postoperative outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the retear rate, retear size and location, the clinical impact of a retear, and preoperative patient factors related to postoperative outcome after arthroscopic suture bridge rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Fifty six patients with an isolated, full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear who underwent arthroscopic suture bridge rotator cuff repair were retrospectively identified. Patients were evaluated and rotator cuff integrity was assessed using ultrasonography. Visual analog score (VAS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) score, shoulder range of motion and strength were used for clinical evaluation. Retears were assessed for size and location on ultrasonography. RESULTS: Forty two patients (75%) aged a mean 59.7 ± 8.6 years (range 41-79 years) were available for follow-up at a mean 13.5 months. Postoperative evaluation indicated significant improvements in ASES score (49.76 ± 18.2 to 86.57 ± 13.4, P < 0.001), VAS pain score (4.69 ± 2.17 to 0.63 ± 1.29, P < 0.001), forward elevation range of motion (144.1° ± 29.9 to 159.69° ± 13.9, P = 0.002), and internal rotation ROM (44.13° ± 12.0 to 52.09° ± 12.0, P = 0.003). The retear rate was 14.28% (6/42). Patients with retears were not older (P = 0.526) but had a larger preoperative tear size (3.25 cm ± 0.5 vs. 2.05 cm ± 0.48, P < 0.001). Preoperative tear size was significantly associated with a postoperative retear (P < 0.001). The duration of preoperative symptoms was significantly associated with pain (P = 0.029), pain improvement (P = 0.013), internal rotation ROM (P = 0.002), and internal rotation strength (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic suture bridge repair provides good clinical results with a low retear rate. The duration of preoperative symptoms was associated with postoperative outcome, indicating that delaying surgery may result in inferior outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case Series.

Characteristics of egg parts, chemical composition and nutritive value of Japanese quail eggs--a review.

All nutrients including proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals and growth factors required by the developing embryo, as well as a number of defense factors, can be found in avian eggs. Eggs are also a source of other substances with biological functions and activities inter alia immune proteins and enzymes. Although chicken egg consumption is currently at the highest level, eggs from other species are also becoming popular. Since our knowledge about Japanese quail eggs is still limited, the aim of this review was to shed light on characteristics of egg parts, chemical composition and nutritive value of quail eggs.

Suture capsulorrhaphy versus capsulolabral advancement for shoulder instability.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the strength of a suture capsulorrhaphy repair versus a capsulolabral repair with knotless suture anchors in a cadaveric model with anteroinferior shoulder instability. METHODS: Fourteen cadaveric shoulders were tested with either a suture capsulorrhaphy to the intact labrum or a capsulolabral advancement using a knotless suture anchor into the glenoid. Specimens were translated with the shoulder in an abducted, externally rotated position to failure. RESULTS: The capsulolabral advancement showed a significantly higher load to failure than did the suture capsulorrhaphy group (P = .030). CONCLUSIONS: Capsulolabral advancement with suture anchors may offer greater initial strength when compared with a suture capsulorrhaphy. In the setting of shoulder instability without evidence of a labral tear, the capsulolabral advancement technique may be considered biomechanically superior. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the setting of shoulder instability due to capsular insufficiency, the capsulolabral advancement may be considered biomechanically superior to a traditional suture capsulorrhaphy.

Sex- and age-related changes of trabecular bone of tibia in growing domestic geese (Anser domesticus).

An analysis of radiological images of the spongious substance of the tibiotarsal bones in domestic goose (120 individuals) was performed for the first time. Based on radiographs obtained from radiological examinations conducted in the region of interest (80 x 90 mm2) of the proximal metaphysis, an analysis of the spongious substance of the tibia was performed with the Trabecula programme in order to construct a map of trabeculae and identify their number, volume and density. The results were evaluated statistically using two-way ANOVA. Changes in the number, volume and density of radiological trabeculae of the tibiotarsal bone (TB) in geese from 4 to 16 weeks old were observed. The lowest number (6.34 per mm2), volume (1.50% mm) and density (33.73%) of radiological trabeculae in the proximal metaphysis of TB was reported in male geese at the age of 6 weeks. Similar tendencies were observed in females as well. It should be noted that the volume and density of radiological trabeculae of the tibiotarsal bone achieved a maximum value in males 12 weeks of age, whereas in females at 8 weeks of age. An inverse relationship between body weight and the number of trabeculae in domestic geese (r = - 0.28; P < or = 0.05) was found. We also found a positive relationship between body weight and the volume of radiological trabeculae in domestic geese (r = 0.43; P < or = 0.05). During posthatching development, from the 4th week to slaughter maturity, a decrease in relative bone mass was observed. Negative changes in the trabecular structure combined with high weight gain could lead to bone deformities and locomotor problems in the studied geese.

The impact of L-NAME and L-arginine chronic toxicity induced lesions on ascites--pulmonary hypertension syndrome development in broiler chickens.

The impact of L-arginine (LA), a precursor for synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), and N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, LN), a non-selective inhibitor of the enzyme producing nitric oxide (nitric oxide synthase; NOS) chronic toxicity induced lesions on Ascites - Pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) development was investigated in 140 one-day-old male broiler chickens (ROSS) during the first 5 weeks of life. Every second day the animals were treated intraperitoneally (ip) with L-NAME (10 mg/kg of body weight; BW), L-arginine (100 mg/kg BW), L-arginine and L-NAME in combination (100 mg/kg BW and 10 mg/kg BW respectively), and with physiological saline (0.90% w/v of NaCl; 0.5 mL/kg BW). Seven birds from each group were euthanized every week. The histopathological examination of the heart, the liver, the lungs, the blood vessels and the lymphoid organs, was performed. Also the organ index values were determined. At the end of the experiment the pre-ascitic condition or ascites - PHS was confirmed in five dead animals in the L-NAME-treated group. In the same group the edema was the most prominent histopathological change confirmed in the heart and in the lungs of the sacrificed chickens. In L-arginine-treated group the congestion and the haemorrhages were the striking changes in the same organs with the highest degree in the last two weeks of trial. While the focal disruption of myocardiofibriole and hepatocytes were predominant lesions in L-NAME-treated chickens (5th and 4th weeks, respectively), in L-NAME/L-arginine-treated group only the mild focal myocardial degeneration was seen. According to the most of the results of present investigation, it was concluded that the consecutive treatment with L-NAME provoked ascites - PHS, while L-arginine has protective effect in this animal model of disease.

Evaluating the opinions of staff and health care service provision of an STD/HIV clinic in Africa: indications for recovery.

OBJECTIVES: Zimbabwe has an incidence of STD/HIV infection and measures are needed to explore the efficiency of clinics in providing adequate patient care. To explore the views or opinions of the currently employed staff of an STD/HIV clinic, and suggest a means for improvement thereof. METHODS: A current position analysis was determined through observation of an STD/HIV clinic. An assessment was made using an adapted, designed questionnaire as interviews of 125 staff. Responses to questions were given as Yes or No responses. Data were analysed according to gender, using a two-sample t-test and chi-square tests. Yates' correction was made for continuity of smaller samples. A value of p < 0.05 was taken a significant. RESULTS: The mean average age of all staff was 31.7 years and 75% of the respondents were female. Notably, there were massive shortages of staff, poor communication with the Ministry of Health, little or no training of staff, poor infrastructure and quality, and a drop in safety standards. There is poor communication in the clinic, insufficient staff and inadequate training in place. Monitoring of STD incidence needs drastic improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Operational research needs to be conducted. There is little or no direct communication between committee members and decision makers with the staff and power-distance relationships are great.

Teenagers must think about healthy living.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of promoting health through talks and workshops, to students at schools and colleges. We believe that this would impact on designing a dynamic curriculum for training health/medical students in a higher education setting. Schools and colleges in the region were contacted with the prospect of offering free health promotion service by qualified academics from a higher education establishment. Questionnaires were distributed prior to the start of the talks and were collected at the end. The talks focussed on smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, healthy eating and STD's. The results showed that the interest, originality and impact factor were high for all talks. The comments obtained from students reflected the need for an external organisation to deliver such talks. The method of delivery and the content of the talks also contributed to the high interest factor. It is therefore essential that a health/medical curriculum should reflect the need for health professionals to work interprofessionally in order to help deliver effective health promotion programmes to schools and to the wider community.

Wild ostrich (Struthio camelus) ecology and physiology.

This work discusses some of the important considerations of wild ostrich evolution, behaviour and ecology, as items included in ostrich production. In the process considerable research was conducted by collating information from peer-reviewed papers; textbooks; manuals; and PubMed and Agricola searches. Selected areas reviewed included activity of ostriches; feeding and water needs; sexual maturity; egg laying and natural incubation; selected physiological parameters; and predation. There is an immediate and urgent need to conserve and protect the rapidly declining populations of wild ostriches with the committed involvement of governments and funding bodies.

The exposure to and health effects of antimony.

CONTEXT: This minireview describes the health effects of antimony exposure in the workplace and the environment. AIM: To collate information on the consequences of occupational and environmental exposure to antimony on physiological function and well-being. METHODS: The criteria used in the current minireview for selecting articles were adopted from proposed criteria in The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Articles were classified from an acute and chronic exposure and toxicity thrust. RESULTS: The proportion of utilised and non-utilised articles was tabulated. Antimony toxicity is dependent on the exposure dose, duration, route (breathing, eating, drinking, or skin contact), other chemical exposures, age, sex, nutritional status, family traits, life style, and state of health. Chronic exposure to antimony in the air at levels of 9 mg/m(3) may exacerbate irritation of the eyes, skin, and lungs. Long-term inhalation of antimony can potentiate pneumoconiosis, altered electrocardiograms, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach ulcers, results which were confirmed in laboratory animals. Although there were investigations of the effect of antimony in sudden infant death syndrome, current findings suggest no link. Antimony trioxide exposure is predominant in smelters. Mining and exposure via glass working, soldering, and brazing are also important. CONCLUSION: Antimony has some useful but undoubtedly harmful effects on health and well-being and measures need to be taken to prevent hazardous exposure of the like. Its biological monitoring in the workplace is essential.

The uses and adverse effects of beryllium on health.

CONTEXT: This review describes the health effects of beryllium exposure in the workplace and the environment. AIM: To collate information on the consequences of occupational and environmental exposure to beryllium on physiological function and well being. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The criteria used in the current review for selecting articles were adopted from proposed criteria in The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Articles were classified based on acute and chronic exposure and toxicity of beryllium. RESULTS: The proportions of utilized and nonutilized articles were tabulated. Years 2001-10 gave the greatest match (45.9%) for methodological parameters, followed by 27.71% for 1991-2000. Years 1971-80 and 1981-90 were not significantly different in the information published and available whereas years 1951-1960 showed a lack of suitable articles. Some articles were published in sources unobtainable through requests at the British Library, and some had no impact factor and were excluded. CONCLUSION: Beryllium has some useful but undoubtedly harmful effects on health and well-being. Measures need to be taken to prevent hazardous exposure to this element, making its biological monitoring in the workplace essential.

Zinc toxicology following particulate inhalation.

The current mini-review describes the toxic effects of zinc inhalation principally in the workplace and associated complications with breathing and respiration. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Criteria were used to specifically select articles. Most of the commercial production of zinc involves the galvanizing of iron and the manufacture of brass. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 15 mg zinc/day. Metal fume fever associated with inhalation of fumes of ZnO is characterized by fatigue, chills, fever, myalgias, cough, dyspnea, leukocytosis, thirst, metallic taste and salivation. ZnCl(2) inhalation results in edema in the alveolar surface and the protein therein the lavage fluid is elevated. Particular pathological changes associated with zinc intoxication include: pale mucous membranes; jaundice; numerous Heinz bodies; and marked anemia. Adequate ambient air monitors for permissible exposure limits, excellent ventilation and extraction systems, and approved respirators are all important in providing adequate protection.

Chloroquine has not disappeared.

Chloroquine (CHQ), an antimalarial, is also used as an anti-inflammatory drug for systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) reduces the frequency of organ involvement and disease flares, and relieves skin and joint symptoms. CHQ reduces the immunologically-mediated inflammation of the joints. HCQ and combination therapies have a significant benefit on synovitis, pain and physical disability on RA. We advocate the investment of resistance Plasmodium prevalence determinations in countries beset by malaria, and to match thereafter the quantity of persons administered CHQ. Follow-up investigations are essential to diagnose and prevent visual damage.

Poisoning in ostriches following ingestion of toxic plants--field observations.

Data from post-mortem and field studies were obtained that discussed poisoning in ostriches following ingestion of toxic plants. From the notes, all plants studied caused death in ostriches and there was systemic organ damage. Poisoning from Sarcostemma viminale (Melktou) resulted in beak patting, muscular tremors and head flopping, followed by collapse and violent kicking before death. Ingestion of Combretum oatesii (Red wings) seeds from plants in free grazing pastures resulted in vomiting, restlessness, eyelid flicking, collapse and kicking movements. Dichapetalum cymosum (Gifblaar) killed an ostrich after episodes of shaking legs, rapid respiration and bradycardia and hyperaemia of the lungs, liver and kidneys. Poisoning from Senecio sceleratus (Ragwort) caused skin haemorrhages and bleeding in tracheal mucous membranes, the pericardium, diaphragm and interperitoneal membrane. Consumption of drupes from Melia azedarach (Syringa berry) caused muscle tremors, kicking movements and respiratory distress. Lantana camara (Cherry pie) poisoning resulted in extremely inflamed eyes with copious yellow exudates extending down their beaks and onto their necks. Bentonite was administered by gavage at a dose of 5 g/kg. Poisoning in these cases is usually associated with the farmer allowing his/her birds to roam free-range in paddocks in which toxic plants are growing. Toxic plants should be removed from grass cut for hay.