Anaerobic digestion of soft drink beverage waste and sewage sludge

Soft drink beverage waste (BW) was evaluated as a potential substrate for anaerobic co-digestion with sewage sludge to increase biogas production. Results from this study show that the increase in biogas production is proportional to the increase in organic loading rate (OLR) rate due to BW addition. The OLR increase of 86 and 171% corresponding to 10 and 20% BW by volume in the feed resulted in 89 and 191% increase in biogas production, respectively. Under a stable condition, anaerobic co-digestion with BW did not lead to any significant impact on digestate quality (in terms of COD removal and biosolids odour) and biogas composition. The results suggest that existing nutrients in sewage sludge can support an increase in OLR by about 2 kg COD/m³/d from a carbon rich substrate such as soft drink BW without inhibition or excessive impact on subsequent handling of the digestate.

The fate of trace organic contaminants during anaerobic digestion of primary sludge: A pilot scale study

A pilot-scale study was conducted to investigate the fate of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) during anaerobic digestion of primary sludge. Of the 44 TrOCs monitored, 24 were detected in all primary sludge samples. Phase distribution of TrOCs was correlated well with their hydrophobicity (>67% mass in the solid phase when LogD > 1.5). The pilot-scale anaerobic digester achieved a steady performance with a specific methane yield of 0.39-0.92 L/gVS_removed and methane composition of 63-65% despite considerable variation in the primary sludge. The fate of TrOCs in the aqueous and solid phases was governed by their physicochemical properties. Biotransformation was significant (>83%) for five TrOCs with logD < 1.5 and electron donating functional groups in molecular structure. The remaining TrOCs with logD < 1.5 were persistent and thus accumulated in the aqueous phase. Most TrOCs with logD > 1.5 were poorly removed under anaerobic conditions. Sorption onto the solid phase appears to impede the biodegradation of these TrOCs.

Breast and ovarian cancer: genetic update and implications for nursing

Advances in genetics are changing approaches to detecting and treating breast and ovarian cancer. Scientific breakthroughs and thus implications for clinical care and patient education are essential areas of knowledge for all medical-surgical nurses. Future discoveries promise to change drastically the prevention and treatment of these diseases.

Long-term central venous catheters: issues for care

Long-term central venous catheters allow the safe administration of chemotherapy, blood and blood products, total parenteral nutrition, fluids, and other medications. Despite their benefits, the risk of certain complications (e.g., fibrin sleeve and mural thrombus formation, infection, catheter occlusion, extravasation, and catheter malposition) exist for every person who has a catheter. Thus, preventative measures, recognition of early signs and symptoms of complications, and adequate care of utmost importance.

Correlates of fatigue in people with breast or lung cancer

Fatigue is regarded as a universal and unavoidable side effect of cancer therapy, yet its epidemiology and prevalence in populations of people with cancer have not been well-documented. Using the conceptual framework of Piper, et al., this study examined and described the perception and manifestations of fatigue and its physiological, biochemical, and behavioral correlates. A convenience sample (N = 77) of people with lung (n = 33) or breast cancer (n = 44) completed several instruments: a brief questionnaire, the Rhoten Fatigue Scale, a visual analogue scale (VAS), the Rhoten Fatigue Checklist, and the shortened version of the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Data on other factors thought to influence fatigue were collected via medical record audit. Seventy-five of 76 people (99%) completing the VAS experienced some level of fatigue. Significant correlates of fatigue included level of pain and POMS scores. Preliminary findings suggest that fatigue is a common problem with a complex etiology and that nurses must consider potential contributing factors when assessing fatigue and its impact on the individual.

Managing chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting: the state of the art

The consequences of inadequately controlled chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting range from minor discomfort to dose-limiting toxicity. Physical complications may occur secondary to protracted nausea and emesis. Furthermore, patient discomfort may be reflected in altered quality of life or noncompliance with therapy. As a primary caregiver, the nurse takes an active role in collaborating with the physician to prevent and/or minimize these side effects and their sequelae. An understanding of the patterns, mechanisms, and risk of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting is crucial to providing optimal patient care. Concepts of drug therapy are emphasized as the cornerstone of antiemetic management.