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While the literature is abundant on hand therapy assessment and treatment of nonsurgical thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA), clarity and uniformity are meager, making it a desirable diagnosis to establish expert consensus. This study aimed to ascertain if consensus exists for the assessment and treatment of nonsurgical management of thumb CMC OA in the hand therapy clinical setting. This was a consensus paper via the modified Delphi approach. A modified Delphi method was used to determine consensus among an expert panel, including hand therapists and hand surgeons, via two online surveys. A consensus paper steering committee (from the American Society of Hand Therapist's research division) designed the surveys and analyzed responses. Consensus was established as 75% agreement among the expert panel. Demographic information was collected from the expert panel. The expert panel included 34 hand therapists and seven hand surgeons. The survey response rates were 93.6% for the first survey and 90.2% for the second survey. Consensus recommendations were classified according to the World Health Organization categorization. These included evaluating the body structures for clinical signs/clinical testing and body functions for pain, range of motion for palmar abduction, radial abduction, opposition, and thumb metacarpal phalangeal flexion/extension, and grip and tripod pinch strength. Further consensus recommendations were for the assessment of function using a region-specific, upper extremity patient-reported outcome measure (activity and participation), environmental factors, outcome expectation, and illness perception within the patient's unique environmental and social contexts. Treatment recommendations included the use of an orthosis during painful activities, a dynamic stability program (stable C posture, release of tight adductors, and strengthening of stabilizers), patient education, joint protection techniques, adaptive equipment, and functional-based intervention. The findings describe the consensus of a group of experts and provide a clinical reference tool on the hand therapy assessment and treatment of nonsurgical thumb CMC joint OA. • A consensus paper using a modified Delphi process to determine consensus on non-surgical assessment and treatment of thumb CMC OA. • Assessment recommendations: evaluate clinical signs/testing, pain, thumb range of motion grip and tripod pinch, a region-specific PROM, environmental factors, outcome expectation, and illness perception. • Treatment: orthosis during painful activities as needed, a dynamic stability program, patient education, joint protection techniques, adaptive equipment, and functional based intervention. • Findings provide a clinical reference tool on hand therapy assessment and treatment of non-surgical CMC joint OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cash register receipts made of thermal paper expose workers and shoppers to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and contaminate paper recycling streams. In 2022, 571 receipts were collected from retail stores in the United States and tested for developer chemicals using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. The results were compared to a 2017 study of 167 receipts to determine changes in color developer use over time. Receipts were tested as-is and a subset were additionally subjected to a simple extraction that improved detection of receipt chemicals. Bisphenol S was the most frequently detected developer (85% of tested receipts), followed by Pergafast 201 (12%), bisphenol A (1%); and Appvion Alpha Free, D-8, and NKK-1304 (each below 1%). NKK-1304 is reported here for the first time in a scientific journal. The frequency of bisphenol A usage in receipts decreased and the frequency of bisphenol S and Pergafast 201 increased between 2017 and 2022, particularly among large companies. National retailers were more likely than regional or local retailers to have adopted non-bisphenol alternatives. Potential health and environmental hazards of the detected developer chemicals and strategies for reduction are discussed. [Display omitted] • Infrared spectroscopy was used to identify thermal paper receipt chemicals. • BPS is a major replacement chemical for BPA in U.S. thermal paper receipts. • Non-bisphenol receipt frequency was 5% in 2017 and 16% in 2022. • Between 2017 and 2022 large national businesses mostly replaced BPA with non-bisphenols. • Between 2017 and 2022 local/regional businesses mostly replaced BPA with BPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is a case study of a small modular reactor supplying steam and electricity to a pulp and paper mill. • Resulting steam conditions in the mill are analyzed using steady-state and dynamic models. • Models of the paper mill were built in Aspen HYSYS and Dymola, a Modelica Ecosystem. • Integrated SMRs with pulp and paper mills is feasible but may present cost limitations. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are reactor designs producing less than 300 MWe and are generally planned for deployment as multimodule nuclear power plants. The possibility of factory-manufactured, flexibly sized plants expands the opportunities for nuclear power to different communities and industries, including manufacturing plants that currently utilize fossil fuels to produce both steam and electricity. This paper examines the feasibility of coupling a NuScale SMR with a midsize pulp and paper mill in the Southeastern United States. A steady-state mill model was developed in Aspen HYSYS, based on real data from the operation of the mill, and modified it to include the SMR while maintaining steam quality requirements and making as few changes as possible to existing equipment. Dynamic plant models were also developed Dymola to demonstrate possible plant conditions, using three configurations. Preliminary results suggest that, while SMR coupling is physically feasible, its economic feasibility is limited by the differences in steam and electricity demands. Because of limitations in the amount of steam the mill can take from the SMR, sizing the SMR for the plant's steam demand may result in an electricity deficit, or vice versa. Dynamic analyses show that the addition of a thermal storage system could reduce such deficits, but this entails its own challenges. Each plant must determine the best configuration and control scheme for itself, based on its electricity and heat needs, including the peak duration and intensity for both. Ultimately, an implementation of SMRs with manufacturing processes would benefit from partnering with a local utility to purchase excess electricity generated by the SMR. This will help manufacturing facilities meet their environmental and cost-savings goals, in addition to meeting the need for cost-effective baseload power across the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The recent emergence of Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) in the Americas constitutes a major public health problem on this continent, where the mosquito vector is widespread. The rapid diagnosis of suspected cases is essential for the monitoring and control of this ongoing outbreak. However, this requires reliable tools that are difficult to establish in areas without specialized laboratories. Objectives The aim was to evaluate the performances of serum samples spotted onto filter paper for molecular and serological diagnosis of Chikungunya infection. Study design Analyses were performed from frozen sera and serum spotted onto filter paper provided from 121 Chikungunya suspected cases collected at a biological laboratory on Saint-Martin Island. Results This approach performed well in comparisons with standard methods, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93.6% for the combined technical approaches (RT-PCR and serological results). Comparisons of serum samples spotted onto filter paper and frozen samples showed a concordance rate of 94.8% in molecular tests and 98.2% in serological tests. Conclusions This simple sampling technique could overcome the problems of the lack of efficient CHIKV diagnosis tools in remote regions, providing good results regardless of the molecular or serological approach used. This simple filter paper-based method can be used to diagnose both chikungunya and dengue infections, as previously demonstrated following transport at ambient temperature to specialized laboratories. Given the set-up costs and high performance of this method, it could be recommended for the monitoring and control of Chikungunya virus expansion in the Americas and in other affected regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Adoption of energy efficient technologies is considered a key sustainability strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in global industries. This article aims to assess costs of energy savings and carbon reduction from applying energy efficiency technologies in the US pulp and paper sector. Applicable efficiency measures were identified and their cost effectiveness was evaluated in two historical years – 1994 and 2006. Potential savings of final energy use resulting from applicable sustainability options were estimated as 707 PJ in 1994 and 1064 PJ in 2006, respectively, corresponding to approximately 32% of the sector''s annual final energy use in 1994 and 62% in 2006. The associated carbon-emission reduction was 8.1 million ton of carbon (MtC) in 1994 and 11.8MtC in 2006, corresponding to 26% and 45% of sector''s total energy-related carbon emissions in 1994 and 2006, respectively. Using the concepts of cost of conserved energy and cost of carbon reduction, we estimated that cost effective sustainability options contributed to final energy savings in the range of 15–25% of the annual energy use, and carbon-emission reduction from 14% to 20% of annual carbon emissions from the sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Clinical trial data and fracture risk prediction models unequivocally demonstrate the utility of identifying prevalent vertebral fractures to predict future fractures of all types. Knowledge of prevalent vertebral fractures can alter patient management decisions and result in initiation of therapy to reduce fracture risk in some patients who would not otherwise be treated. Cost-benefit analysis demonstrates that identifying and treating patients with vertebral fractures, even those with a densitometric classification of osteopenia, is cost effective. Vertebral fractures can be readily identified in the office setting using standard radiography or Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA), a software addition to a central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) machine. In the United States, VFA was assigned a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code in January 2005. Nevertheless, coverage of VFA has not been uniformly embraced by Medicare carriers, companies that contract with the federal government to administer Medicare coverage and process claims for a region of the United States. Unlike DXA, for which uniform national coverage of qualified Medicare beneficiaries is mandated by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, VFA coverage policies are determined by the local Medicare carriers. Third-party insurers are also variable in their coverage of VFA. This International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) White Paper documents the role of VFA in the evaluation and treatment of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and compares it with standard spine radiography. Arguments used by some Medicare carriers and insurers to deny coverage of VFA in the United States are analyzed and critiqued. For health care providers within the United States, this White Paper may serve as a resource to respond to insurers who deny coverage of VFA. For health care providers regardless of their country, this article underscores the value of VFA as an alternative to spine radiography in the evaluation and management of postmenopausal women with suspected osteoporosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The climate change policy debate and ensuing discussions about industrial energy use and carbon emissions have highlighted the need to: (a) aggregate engineering information to a level relevant for economic policy analysis while maintaining sufficient detail so that results are meaningful for industry decision makers, (b) properly represent an industry’s capital vintage structure to better understand inertia associated with changes in aggregate industrial emissions profiles, and (c) identify policy instruments that leverage an industry’s potential for technological change such that carbon emissions can be noticeably reduced. This paper presents an econometric analysis of energy use and emissions profiles of the US Pulp and Paper Industry and uses the resulting set of equations to specify a dynamic model for the analysis of select climate change policies. Scenarios of cost of carbon, energy tax, and investment-led policies indicate that a combination of cost of carbon and investment-led policies can achieve the desired result of rapidly improving overall efficiency of the industry and promoting changes in fuel mix, which together can result in drastic reductions of carbon emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Annual ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is an important cool-season forage grass in the southeastern US. Since large portions of soils in this region are too acidic for optimum ryegrass production, there exists an opportunity to use lime mud waste from numerous regional pulp and paper mills as an agricultural liming material. In this study, four lime mud application rates, 2.25 (L1). 4.51 (L2), 9.01 (L3), and 22.50 (l4) ton ha-1 dry weight basis, and a control (L0) were evaluated for response to ryegrass growth during the first 6 weeks to estimate an optimum application range over the testing soil for future field test. Results indicated that applied lime mud slowed ryegrass germination and seedling emergence, with differences of whole plant length among treatments L0-L4 significant only during the first three weeks. Differences of whole plant dry weight among treatments L0-L4 reduced thereafter. The initial soil pH increase due to the lime mud application dropped in treatments L1-L4 by the end of the 6-week experiment. The optimum lime mud application range was estimated between L2 and L3, which provided higher ryegrass yields (kg ha-1) of 84 and 80 over 77 of the control and complied with the Code of Federal Regulation, CFR 40 Part 503 for land application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In school, at least in the US, we were taught to multiply by hand according to a standard algorithm. Most people find that algorithm difficult to use, and many children fail to learn it. We propose a new way to make sense of this difficulty: to treat explicit computation as perceptually supported physical and mental action. Based on recent work in neuroscience, we trace the flow of arithmetic information to emphasize demands on visual working memory and attention. We predict that algorithms that make moderate demands on memory and attention will work better than others that make stronger demands. We suggest that the judicious use of spatial schemas can reduce such cognitive demands. Experimental evidence from children in an inner-city school supports this claim. Our work suggests new ways to think about instruction. The goal should be to minimize demands that present obstacles and maximize instead what human eyes, bodies, and brains do well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is a widely held view to the effect that internal flexibility is most reliably secured through the provision of employment security. The research reported here provides a test of this theory. Interviews were conducted with managers and, to a lesser extent, union officials in a judgment sample of 21 plants in the U.S. paper industry. With limited and specific exceptions, since the early 1980s paper mills have provided generally secure employment. Despite this, unions vigorously opposed management attempts to increase flexibility. In response, management used threats and intimidation to increase flexibility, with some considerable success. The theory that employment security produces internal flexibility requires some revision. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To (1) generate discussion about the role of the pharmacist in supporting patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), (2) provide practical recommendations on how pharmacists can work with employers and other health care providers to improve patient outcomes, and (3) develop a pharmacist-based service offering for patients with COPD. Data sources: Literature review and survey information provided by a group of national stakeholders who participated in a roundtable discussion. Summary: COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and incidence rates have been increasing. COPD is estimated to affect 24 million American adults, with almost one-half remaining undiagnosed. If current trends continue, COPD is predicted to become the third leading cause of death and fifth leading cause of morbidity in the United States by 2020. This will cause a dramatic increase in use of health care resources, which is projected to reach annual total lusts of $49.9 billion in 2010. Roundtable participants uniformly agreed that based on current and projected statistics. COPD is a major health concern. To address this growing concern, emphasis should be placed on the collaborative efforts of the health care community to become active in the detection, assessment, treatment, and management of patients with COPD and that pharmacists can contribute to each of these areas considerably. Conclusion: Access in the community (often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) combined with extensive clinical knowledge makes pharmacists uniquely capable of helping those with chronic disease, especially patients with COPD who require monitoring and encouragement throughout their lifelong treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article examines the history of the Outdoor Recreation Resource Review Commission (ORRRC) in the United States between 1955 and 1963 and efforts to make recreational resources legible for federal governance. By drawing on insights from Critical Resource Geography, I highlight the ways that the ORRRC systematically accounted for and categorized recreational resources, creating a “patchwork landscape” that zoned outdoor recreational resources and promoted efficient use and rational resource conservation. I argue that these efforts required a negotiation between abstraction and an awareness of the situated nature of recreational landscapes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To convene a group of expert stakeholders to develop recommendations for standardizing systems for the implementation of risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS). Data sources: On July 15, 2009, the American Pharmacists Association convened an expert panel of stakeholders to explore standardized solutions to REMS development and implementation. Meeting participants included pharmacists from various practice settings, physicians, researchers, patient advocates, and a nursing delegate, and the meeting was observed by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration representative. The stakeholders' recommendations were combined with themes arising from discussion of their experiences with existing REMS, and a review of the literature on REMS and risk management was performed by the author. Summary: A systematic, standardized REMS process that balances the need to control the risks of medications with the need to minimize the impact on patient access is required. A standardized REMS system could address various aspects of development and implementation, including the creation of specific REMS "levels," centralized systems for data management and program structure, public education, individualized patient education, provider education, access to medications, pilot testing, outcomes monitoring, and quality of care. Conclusion: Several strategies to streamline the development and implementation of a REMS system are feasible. Incorporating such strategies is necessary to manage the rapidly growing number of individual and diverse REMS programs that patients and health care providers must navigate. Furthermore, a standardized REMS system could be used to improve quality of care and support patient education and empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this Initiative was to establish a Coordinating Council to Improve Collaboration in Supporting Patients with Alzheimer's Disease. The Council convened on March 5-6, 2008, in Washington, DC. The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation, in conjunction with leading national experts in Alzheimer's disease (AD), assessed the level of care and services currently provided by pharmacists to AD patients and developed this "blueprint document" for how they might be more effective in helping patients and family caregivers manage the burden of this devastating disease. Data source: A premeeting survey of Council members was conducted to elicit their perceptions regarding the needs and challenges facing AD patients and their family caregivers and to gain insights as to what roles pharmacists could and should be playing to help manage drug therapy and enhance the quality of life in patients with AD. Summary: AD is one of the most significant health crises that will be faced in the United States over the next 30 years. Currently, it Is the sixth leading cause of death In the country. The findings of the Council confirmed that pharmacists are, playing Important roles In the management of AD but can expand these roles. Conclusion: Pharmacists are accessible, trusted, and respected resources. Increased pharmacist involvement in the care of Individuals with AD could improve clinical outcomes and family caregiver quality of life. With the expected increase in the number of individuals diagnosed with AD, the resources and services to care for and support this population will be even further taxed. Innovative approaches for expanding pharmacist involvement in AD should be developed to maximize the difference pharmacists can make in the lives of those who suffer from the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling is generally recognized as a key component of strategies to achieve improved resource efficiency and reduce the environmental burden associated with resource use. However, to maximize the net benefits offered by recycling, one must understand the system-wide effects of substituting primary materials with recycled materials and how those effects vary under alternative strategies. Consequential life cycle assessment (cLCA) approaches to evaluate the impact of increasing use of recycled materials require identification of grades and sources of scrap materials used at the margin. Various grades of recycled materials differ in their substitution possibilities and supply limits. However, most studies of cLCA for material recycling overlook these aspects and typically assume a fixed set of marginal activities. This study develops a model to describe the resource consumption behaviors of material producers and the resulting cascade of material flows for the case of the United States (US) pulp and paper industry. We observe that grades and sources of scrap materials used at the margin dynamically change so as the resulting environmental impact when demand for recycled containerboard products increases. The results show that the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission savings effect of using recycled materials can be considerably larger when marginal recovered fiber comes from additional recovery from landfill rather than being diverted from the export market. Also, the results show that the behavior of international trade partners for recovered paper may offset GHG emission savings from the domestic replacement of virgin pulpwood with recovered paper. Most importantly, such behaviors are dependent on grades used at the margin. The developed model and results can help inform the US pulp and paper industry, policymakers, and other stakeholders about the system-wide effects of increasing use of recovered paper. • We develop a model to describe resource consumption behaviors of the US pulp and paper producers and resulting fiber flows. • This study suggests the importance of identifying the grade and source of scrap used at the margin in the recycling industry. • CLCA based on static marginal technologies may not correctly quantify the system-wide effect of material recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic conservation planning (SCP) is a field of conservation biology concerned with the effective allocation of conservation efforts and the implementation of actions aiming to guarantee biodiversity persistence in the long-term and the efficient use of conservation resources. Here, we evaluated the main spatial-temporal trends and patterns among highly-cited papers in SCP. We considered "highly-cited" articles as those papers with at least 100 citations according to Web of Science database. A total of 132 highly-cited articles were published between 1989 and 2014, with the highest frequency at 2006. Papers were published in 25 different scientific journals (with a highlight for Conservation Biology and Biological Conservation) by researchers from 208 institutions and 25 countries (most from Australia and USA). Most of the analytical and methodological studies were carried out in the terrestrial environment, by considering more than one taxonomic group, and at a regional scale. Eleven studies included information on costs (e.g., economic or land use) in the prioritization process, and only one article considered information on other biodiversity dimensions such as phylogenetic diversity. Among analytical papers, 41 included only biodiversity data in the prioritization process, while 16 papers considered data on other features such as ecosystem services, biophysical factors, and vegetation. Furthermore, a plethora of different algorithms and software were used to perform the analyses. By analyzing the top-cited papers, we could track through time the main advances and stages of the development in SCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a case study which determined if the acidity level of library materials treated with chlorine dioxide differs than that of untreated materials. Details on the use of chlorine dioxide for the treatment of molds on books at the University of Oklahoma Libraries in Norman; Methodology; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Since the early 2010s, the production of industrial wood pellet for overseas exports has grown considerably in the Southern United States (U.S.). In order to meet the increasing demand for woody biomass feedstock, the wood pellet mills in the U.S. South consume roundwood pulpwood along with low-valued logging residues and sawmill wood wastes. By estimating empirical roundwood pulpwood market models based on the bi-monthly time-series data, this study estimates the impacts of wood pellet production, precipitation, and the COVID-19 Pandemic on the hardwood and softwood pulpwood stumpage prices in 12 southeastern Atlantic coastal micro-markets. Results suggest that the wood pellet industry has led to an increase in pine pulpwood prices, but no statistically significant impact is found on the hardwood pulpwood prices. Rainfall is found to be a positive determinant of the roundwood pulpwood prices. Furthermore, since March 2020, the COVID-19 Pandemic is estimated to lead about 6% decline in both pine and hardwood pulpwood prices. This study provides empirical evidence and additional insights on the timber market dynamics and how small roundwood markets have reacted to the additional wood demand from a growing bioenergy industry in the U.S. South. • The wood pellet industry competes with pulp and paper mills for woody biomass. • The wood pellet industry has led to an increase in pine pulpwood prices. • No significant impact of wood pellets is found on the hardwood pulpwood prices. • The COVID-19 Pandemic has led to decline pulpwood stumpage prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors priority health-risk behaviors among US high school students. To better understand the ramifications of changing the YRBSS from paper-and-pencil to Web administration, in 2008 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study comparing these two modes of administration. Eighty-five schools in 15 states agreed to participate in the study. Within each participating school, four classrooms of students in grades 9 or 10 were randomly assigned to complete the Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire in one of four conditions (in-class paper-and-pencil, in-class Web without programmed skip patterns, in-class Web with programmed skip patterns, and “on your own” Web without programmed skip patterns). Findings included less missing data for the paper-and-pencil condition (1.5% vs. 5.3%, 4.4%, 6.4%; p <.001), less perceived privacy and anonymity among respondents for the in-class Web conditions, and a lower response rate for the “on your own” Web condition than for in-class administration by either mode (28.0% vs. 91.2%, 90.1%, 91.4%; p <.001). Although Web administration might be useful for some surveys, these findings do not favor the use of a Web survey for the YRBSS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents abstracts of contributed research papers to the Joint Forces Pharmacy Seminar (JFPS) including glucose intolerance or diabetes in the active duty soldier population in the U.S., ambulatory medication compliance at an academic tertiary care medical center, and implementing Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (PTC) changes to pharmaceutical service.

The article presents abstracts of contributed papers related to pharmacy presented at the 2008 Joint Forces Pharmacy Seminar (JFPS) in the U.S. which include the assessment of blood pressure control following switch from irbesartan to telmisartan in patients with type 2 diabetes, assessment of several factors affecting the low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol control of deployed military and an analysis of insulin determir and glargine use at an academic medical center.

Abstract: Coalbed methane (CBM) or coal seam gas (CSG) as it is known in Australia is becoming an increasingly important source of energy around the world. Many countries such as United States, Canada, Australia and China are investing in the CSG industry. A rise in the cost of conventional natural gas and many other energy resources, along with a decline in these conventional resources and issues such as climate change have encouraged a global interest in alternative sources of energy like CSG. The estimated quantity of CSG worldwide is around 1.4×1014 m3, it is clear that coal seam gas is a significant source of energy. The first section of this paper will discuss the production size of CSG worldwide and the future of the industry. The usage of the coal bed seam for the sequestration of CO2 is also an added benefit. The reduction of CO2 released to the environment may help in the future mitigation of global warming. In addition, the re-injecting of the co-produced CO2 enhances the commercial recovery and production of CSG wells. In the second section, the impact of the CSG industry's by-products on the environment, the freshwater ecosystem and human health are analysed. The second section includes issues associated with the large volume of co-produced water with undesirable composition in the CSG industry. The management of this enormous amount of water requires cost effective technologies and methods. Many methods for dealing with water problems are discussed and analysed in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents abstracts of research related to pharmacy in the U.S. which include the assessment of basic medication management knowledge for individuals with diabetes and hypertension in an indigent care setting, assessment of pharmacists' confidence in Ohio in giving pharmaceutical care to children in a community setting and assessment of patient perceptions related to antidepressants and depression in the community pharmacy practice.

Objective: To address the value of Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) certification, particularly as perceived by different stakeholders (pharmacists, employers, government, and academia), and to draw a parallel between specialization and certification in pharmacy and in medicine.Data Sources: Electronic databases (Medline, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts), associations/health care organizations Web sites, outside reports, and clinical pharmacists involved in certification processes.Study Selection: Studies and reports that addressed the value of specialty certification were selected by the authors.Data Extraction: By the authors.Data Synthesis: Pharmacists with specialty certification report enhanced feelings of self-worth, improved competence, and greater marketability. Other values of certification include increased acceptance by health care professionals, salary increases, and job promotions. Employers have acknowledged board-certified pharmacists through public recognition, increase in responsibility, and some types of monetary compensation. In some governmental organizations, certified pharmacists receive salary raises and are granted prescribing authority. However, the overall value of specialty certification in pharmacy as perceived by the public or payers lags behind when compared with the status of specialty certification in medicine.Conclusion: Board-certified pharmacists appreciate the value of pharmacy specialty certification, and in a number of organizations and practice settings, board-certified pharmacists are perceived as valuable. Still, unlike board-certified physicians, board-certified pharmacists are not widely recognized outside or even within the pharmacy profession. To address this challenge, board-certified pharmacists ought to market their services to assure that other stakeholders recognize their value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Administration of psychological questionnaires via the Internet has gained popularity in recent years and touts many advantages. However, before questionnaires that were originally developed as paper-and-pencil measures can be confidently administered over the Internet, it is necessary to document the equivalence of the paper and computer-generated versions [American Psychological Association. (1986). Guidelines for computer-based tests and interpretations. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association; Cohen, R.J., Swerdlik, M.E., & Smith, D.K. (1992). Psychological testing and assessment (2nd ed.). Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing; Cronbach, L.J. (1990). Essentials in psychological testing (5th ed.). New York: Harper Collins; Meier, S. (1994). The chronic crisis in psychological measurement and assessment: A historical survey. San Diego: Academic Press; Schulenberg, S.E., & Yutrzenka, B.A. (2001). Equivalence of computerized and conventional versions of the Beck Depression Inventory- II (BDI-II). Current Psychology: Developmental, Learning, Personality, Social, 20, 216–230]. The current study tested this equivalence for the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory [Foa, E.B., Kozak, M.J., Salkovskis, P.M, Coles, M.E., & Amir, N. (1998). The validation of a new obsessive compulsive disorder scale: The obsessive-compulsive inventory. Psychological Assessment, 10(3), 206–214] and the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire-44 [Obsessive Compulsive Cognitions Working Group. (2005). Psychometric validation of the obsessive belief questionnaire and interpretation of intrusions inventory–Part 2: Factor analyses and testing of a brief version. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 43, 1527–1543] in an unselected student sample. Study results support the equivalence of these measures of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms and beliefs independent of administration method (paper versus secure project website). These findings create new opportunities for conducting OCD-related research online. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Practice Papers are evaluative summaries of scientific and/or evidence-based topics. They are meant to provide key opportunities for critical reasoning on timely topics and quality improvement in dietetics practice and to include peer-reviewed perspectives from content practitioners and other experts. How does a practice topic become a Practice Paper? Proposals may be generated by any member of the American Dietetic Association via submission of a topic identification proposal, which may be obtained by contacting ADA headquarters at 800/899-4835 or ppapers@eatright.org. The Association Positions Committee oversees the development of Practice Papers and welcomes proposals from members. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) have been due largely to the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, cultivation of the grasslands, drainage of the land, and land use changes. This has led to increase in greenhouse gases, created concerns about the potential for long-term climate change and interest in developing methods to sequester some of this atmospheric carbon. In agricultural land areas no-tillage (NT) systems have been proposed, to replace moldboard plow and chisel systems as a way to sequester soil organic carbon (SOC). Numerous estimates have been published of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration total and rates as a result of a switch to NT systems. Other researchers have proposed the use of cover crops, synthetic fertilizers, organic fertilizer, manure, liming, agricultural systems and management, agroforestry, forages, compost, crop rotations, and reduced row crop use as ways to sequester SOC. For SOC sequestration to occur as a result of a treatment applied to a land unit, all of the SOC sequestered must have come from atmosphere and be transferred into the soil humus through the unit plants, plant residues and other organic solids. The amount of SOC present in the soil humus at the end of the study has to be greater than the pre-treatment SOC levels in the same land unit and there needs to be a net depletion of atmospheric CO2 as a result. The objectives of this paper are to: (1) determine long-term study SOC levels and trends in agricultural lands, (2) application of the SOC sequestration concept to a specific site, (3) identify appropriate experimental designs for plot area use in determining SOC sequestration, (4) develop a procedure, such as pre-treatment measurements of SOC levels in the plots before treatments are applied, to verify SOC sequestration at a site (5) equivalent soil mass sampling method, (6) compare laboratory methods for quantifying SOC content, and (7) account for the loading of C rich amendments. To unequivocally demonstrate SOC sequestration at a specific site has occurred, a temporal increase must be documented relative to pre-treatment SOC level and linked to a net depletion of atmospheric CO2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The current technologies to treat hypersaline produced water (PW), such as thermal evaporation, are usually energy-intensive and cost-prohibitive. This study developed a low-cost, robust, solar-driven carbon black and airlaid paper-based evaporator (CAPER) for desalination of PW in the Permian Basin, United States. The study aims to better understand the removal of aromatic organic compounds and heavy metals during solar distillation, water output, and heat transfer. Outdoor experiments using CAPER assisted with polystyrene foam in a single slope, single basin solar still achieved an enhanced average evaporation rate of 2.23 L per m2 per day, 165% higher than that of a conventional solar still. Analysis of heat transfer models demonstrated that CAPER solar evaporation achieved an evaporative heat transfer coefficient of ∼28.9 W m−2·K−1, 27.9% higher than without CAPER. The maximum fractional energy of evaporation and convection heat transfer inside the solar still with and without CAPER was ∼81.4% and ∼78.2%, respectively. For the PW with a total dissolved solids concentration of 134 g L−1, solar distillation removed 99.97% salts and over 98% heavy metals. The high removal efficiency of 99.99% was achieved for Ca, Na, Mg, Mn, Ni, Se, Sr, and V. Organic characterization revealed that solar distillation removed over 83% aromatic compounds. Solar desalination using CAPER provides a low-cost and high-performance process to treat PW with high salinity and complex water chemistry for potential fit-for-purpose beneficial uses. Image 1 • A carbon black and airlaid paper-based solar evaporator (CAPER) was developed. • Outdoor distillation of produced water (PW) achieved evaporation of 2.23 L m−2·d−1. • The evaporation rate of PW with CAPER is 165% higher than without CAPER. • Heat transfer coefficient with CAPER is 27.9% higher than without CAPER. • 99.97% salts, 98% metals, >83% aromatic compounds removed from 134 g L−1 TDS PW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have recently gained greater credibility with regulatory bodies aiming to standardise their use and interpretation in RCTs, thereby supporting medicinal product submissions. For this reason, the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) have released guidelines. This review paper provides an overview of the current perspectives and views on these guidelines. Method: To evaluate the FDA and EMEA PRO guidelines, 47 expert responses to the FDA guidance were qualitatively reviewed. Two reviewers independently extracted data from these letters and checked these responses to warrant consistency and agreement in the evaluation process. A PubMed literature review was systematically examined to obtain supporting evidence or related articles for both the guidance documents. Results: Generally, there is agreement between regulatory authorities and the research community on the contents of the FDA and EMEA PRO draft guidance. However, disagreements exist on significant philosophical topics (e.g. the FDA focuses more on conceptual models and symptoms than the EMEA) and design topics (e.g. the FDA is more restrictive on issues of recall bias, blinding of oncology trials and degrees of psychometric validation than researchers and the EMEA). This could influence the approval of PRO claims. Conclusion: PRO guidance from the EMEA and FDA has been valuable, and has raised the profile and active debate of PROs in oncology. However, our review of the current opinion shows that there are controversial aspects of the guidance. Consequently, greater latitude should be given to how the guidance is interpreted and applied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, issues in Internet recruitment of ethnic minorities in the US are explored through an analysis of an Internet survey study. The issues include those related to: (a) the difficulties in ensuring authenticity; (b) a lack of cooperation by gate keepers; (c) the flexibility required in the recruitment process; (d) a very low response rate; and (e) selected groups of ethnic minorities. Based on the discussions on the issues, we propose regular updates of knowledge and skills related to Internet interactions and technologies, usage of multiple recruitment sources, pluralistic recruitment approaches, and a quota sampling method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper examines long-term recovery outcomes of businesses impacted by major natural disasters. Data were collected via two large-scale mail surveys—one administered to Santa Cruz County, California businesses 8 years after the Loma Prieta earthquake and the other administered to businesses in South Dade County, Florida, 6 years after Hurricane Andrew. Based on the results of OLS regression models, we argue that long-term recovery experiences of businesses are affected by various factors, including the economic sector in which a business operates, its age and financial condition, and the scope of its primary market; direct and indirect disaster impacts, including physical damage, forced closure, and disruption of operations; and owner perceptions of the broader economic climate. Previous disaster experience, level of disaster preparedness, and use of external sources of aid were not found to significantly affect the long-term economic viability of businesses in the two study communities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects between 2 and 14% of pregnant women in the United States every year. Currently, glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are the standard biomarkers used to monitor GDM but HbA1c is representative of 2–3 months of glycemic data and is too infrequent for managing clinical impact of GDM while glucose provides multiple daily readings which arguably are not entirely necessary for mild to moderate GDM and often result in non-compliance from the patient's side. Thus, there is a need for an intermediate biomarker which can be used effectively to monitor the glycemic status of GDM patients. Serum albumin, the most abundant protein in blood, undergoes non-enzymatic glycation in the bloodstream. Owing to its half-life of ~21 days, it can effectively be used as an intermediate biomarker. Normal level of glycation of albumin is between 10 and 16% whereas in diabetic patients it is much higher, between 16 and 40%. Thus, a point-of-care (POC) monitoring system to detect glycated albumin (GA) as a % of total serum albumin has been developed here. Specifically, a dipstick paper fluidic test to measure % glycated albumin has been developed that used an aptamer assay with gold nanoparticles to produce colorimetric measurements. Both the glycated and unglycated versions of albumin were measured in their relevant physiological concentration ranges – 50 μM–300 μM with a limit of detection (LoD) of 6.5 μM for glycated albumin and 500 μM–750 μM with a LoD of 21 μM for unglycated serum albumin. The use of aptamers as recognition elements, instead of commonly used antibodies, not only provided the required sensitivity, specificity, and dynamic range but they also have the added advantage of being stable at room temperature for an extended period of time providing the potential for these dipstick tests to be used for GDM monitoring at the point-of-care (POC). Image 1 • Gestational diabetes requires timely glycemic monitoring, ideally at the point of care. • Glycated albumin can be an ideal intermediate biomarker for gestational diabetes. • Glycated albumin can be measured using colorimetric paper-based assays that cover physiologically relevant ranges. • Aptamers are highly selective for their targets and can be used instead of antibodies. • Aptamer-nanoparticle probes are stable at room temperature in the long term and are ideal for use at the point-of-care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To comprehensively report Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) member program usage of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for diagnosis of specific conditions, and preimplantation genetic screening for aneuploidy (PGS). Design: Retrospective study. Setting: United States SART cohort data. Patient(s): Women undergoing a PGT cycle in which at least one embryo underwent biopsy. Intervention(s): PGT. Main Outcome Measure(s): PGT use, indications, and delivery rates. Result(s): Of 190,260 fresh, nondonor assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles reported to SART CORS in 2007–2008, 8,337 included PGT. Of 6,971 cycles with a defined indication, 1,382 cycles were for genetic diagnosis, 3,645 for aneuploidy screening (PGS), 527 for translocation, and 1,417 for elective sex election. Although the total number of fresh, autologous cycles increased by 3.6% from 2007 to 2008, the percentage of cycles with PGT decreased by 5.8% (4,293 in 2007 and 4,044 in 2008). As a percentage of fresh, nondonor ART cycles, use dropped from 4.6% (4,293/93,433) in 2007 to 4.2% (4,044/96,827) in 2008. The primary indication for PGT was PGS: cycles performed for this indication decreased (−8.0%). PGD use for single-gene defects (+3.2%), elective sex selection (+5.3%), and translocation analysis (+0.5%) increased. PGT usage varied significantly by geographical region. Conclusion(s): PGT usage in the United States decreased between 2007 and 2008 owing to a decrease in PGS. Use of elective sex selection increased. High transfer cancellation rates correlated with reduced live-birth rates for some PGT indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To establish guidance on grading strength of evidence for the Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) program of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Study Design and Setting: Authors reviewed authoritative systems for grading strength of evidence, identified domains and methods that should be considered when grading bodies of evidence in systematic reviews, considered public comments on an earlier draft, and discussed the approach with representatives of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. Results: The EPC approach is conceptually similar to the GRADE system of evidence rating; it requires assessment of four domains: risk of bias, consistency, directness, and precision. Additional domains to be used when appropriate include dose–response association, presence of confounders that would diminish an observed effect, strength of association, and publication bias. Strength of evidence receives a single grade: high, moderate, low, or insufficient. We give definitions, examples, mechanisms for scoring domains, and an approach for assigning strength of evidence. Conclusion: EPCs should grade strength of evidence separately for each major outcome and, for comparative effectiveness reviews, all major comparisons. We will collaborate with the GRADE group to address ongoing challenges in assessing the strength of evidence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Comparative effectiveness reviews (CERs) are systematic reviews that evaluate evidence on alternative interventions to help clinicians, policy makers, and patients make informed treatment choices. Reviews should assess harms and benefits to provide balanced assessments of alternative interventions. Identifying important harms of treatment and quantifying the magnitude of any risks require CER authors to consider a broad range of data sources, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. This may require evaluation of unpublished data in addition to published reports. Appropriate synthesis of harms data must also consider issues related to evaluation of rare or uncommon events, assessments of equivalence or noninferiority, and use of indirect comparisons. This article presents guidance for evaluating harms when conducting and reporting CERs. We include suggestions for prioritizing harms to be evaluated, use of terminology related to reporting of harms, selection of sources of evidence on harms, assessment of risk of bias (quality) of harms reporting, synthesis of evidence on harms, and reporting of evidence on harms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: This article discusses the identification, selection, and refinement of topics for comparative effectiveness systematic reviews within the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality''s Effective Health Care (EHC) program. Study Design and Setting: The EHC program seeks to align its research topic selection with the overall goals of the program, impartially and consistently apply predefined criteria to potential topics, involve stakeholders to identify high-priority topics, be transparent and accountable, and continually evaluate and improve processes. Results: A topic prioritization group representing stakeholder and scientific perspectives evaluates topic nominations that fit within the EHC program (are “appropriate”) to determine how “important” topics are as considered against seven criteria. The group then judges whether a new comparative effectiveness systematic review would be a duplication of existing research syntheses, and if not duplicative, if there is adequate type and volume of research to conduct a new systematic review. Finally, the group considers the “potential value and impact” of a comparative effectiveness systematic review. Conclusion: As the EHC program develops, ongoing challenges include ensuring the program addresses truly unmet needs for synthesized research because national and international efforts in this arena are uncoordinated, as well as engaging a range of stakeholders in program decisions while also achieving efficiency and timeliness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: This article describes some of the fundamental principles that have been developed to guide the work of producing comparative effectiveness reviews (CERs). Study Design and Setting: We briefly describe the role stakeholders play in providing important insights that inform the evidence-gathering process, and discuss the critical role of analytic frameworks in illuminating the relationship between surrogate measures and health outcomes, providing an understanding of the context in which clinical decisions are made and the uncertainties that underlie clinical controversies. Results: We describe the Effective Health Care program conceptual model for considering different types of evidence that emphasizes minimizing the risk of bias, but places high-quality, highly applicable evidence about effectiveness at the top of the hierarchy. Finally, we briefly describe areas of future methodological research. Conclusion: CERs have become a foundation for decision-making in clinical practice and health policy. To be useful, CERs must approach the evidence from a patient-centered perspective; explore the clinical logic underlying the rationale for a service; cast a broad net with respect to types of evidence, placing a high value on effectiveness and applicability, in addition to internal validity; and, present benefits and harms for treatments and tests in a consistent way. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Measurement of time to first antibiotic dose (TFAD) in the emergency department (ED) in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been controversial. Objective: To evaluate original articles reporting outcomes in CAP patients before and after TFAD measurement and assess whether it increases antibiotic overuse in non-CAP conditions. Methods: We performed searches using PubMed, addressing two questions: 1) Is the measurement of TFAD associated with improved outcomes in CAP? and 2) Is the measurement of TFAD associated with antibiotic overuse or interventions that could result in overuse in non-CAP conditions? Two independent reviewers assessed studies addressing these questions. Results: Eight studies were identified. All were Grade C or D and of “Adequate” quality: two studies supported TFAD by showing improved outcomes (improved survival in one study and no survival difference but shorter hospital length-of-stay in the second) in CAP patients after the implementation of TFAD; one neutral article reported no difference in survival with improved TFAD timing; five studies opposed TFAD either by showing increases in antibiotic overuse in non-CAP patients, or suggesting that TFAD measurement would promote antibiotic misuse. Conclusion: Given inconsistent evidence to demonstrate that improving TFAD in CAP improves outcomes or that TFAD is associated with antibiotic overuse, a Class C indication has been assigned (not acceptable/not appropriate) for ED TFAD measurement. The American Academy of Emergency Medicine recommends that measurement of TFAD in CAP be discontinued. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are the consequences of disease and/or its treatment as reported by the patient. The importance of PRO measures in clinical trials for new drugs, biological agents, and devices was underscored by the release of the US Food and Drug Administration's draft guidance for industry titled “Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: Use in Medical Product Development to Support Labeling Claims.” The intent of the guidance was to describe how the FDA will evaluate the appropriateness and adequacy of PRO measures used as effectiveness end points in clinical trials... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the United States, post-asylum geographies of people with intellectual disabilities implicate the condition of service dependency in their social impoverishment, here defined as “isolation from the community and lack of real friendships and relationships” (The importance of income. The Self-Determination National Program Office of the Institute on Disability, University of New Hampshire, Concord, 1998, p. 2). Social historical geographies of people with intellectual disabilities, both general and local to Baltimore, Maryland, contextualize how one voluntary service organization re/created service dependency and social poverty of people with intellectual disabilities through residential location decisions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that older Americans receive appropriate care; have broadened access to coordinated, comprehensive food and nutrition services; and receive the benefits of ongoing research to identify the most effective food and nutrition programs, interventions, and therapies across the spectrum of aging. Food and water and nutritional well-being are essential to the health, self-sufficiency, and quality of life for the fast growing, heterogeneous, multiracial, and ethnic populations of older adults. Many people, as they age, remain fully independent and actively engaged in their communities; however, others fare less well and need more support. A broad array of appropriate, culturally sensitive food and nutrition services, physical activities, and health and supportive care customized to the population of older adults are necessary. National, state, and local policies that promote coordination and integration of food and nutrition services into health and supportive systems are needed to maintain independence, functional ability, chronic disease management, and quality of life. Dietetics professionals can take the lead by researching and developing national, state, and local collaborative networks to incorporate effectively the food and nutrition services across the spectrum of aging. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents the recommendations of The American Dietetic Association (ADA) on the nutrition standards in child care programs. Meal planning; Food preparation; Foodservice; Nutrition consultation and guidance; Nutrition education and training; Physical and environmental environment of the child care centers; Compliance with local and state regulations.

The number of citations a peer-reviewed article receives is often used as a measure of its importance and scientific impact. This paper identifies, describes and categorizes the highly cited papers in addiction research on cannabis, heroin, cocaine and psychostimulants. Highly cited papers were identified in the Web of Science Core Collection database. Several bibliometric indicators were calculated. Social network analysis was applied to draw groups of authors and institutions with the greatest number of collaborations and co-words. The number of citations for the top 100 cited articles ranged from 649 to 4,672. The articles were published in 40 journals. The subject category Substance Abuse included 10 papers. The United States was the most productive country (79 papers), followed by the United Kingdom (9). The main funding institutions were the National Institutes of Health in the United States. The network of collaboration between authors distributes the 352 researchers into 53 groups. The three most cited works address the neural basis of drug craving as an incentive-sensitization theory of addiction, the clinical and research uses of the Addiction Severity Index, and the neurocircuitry of addiction. Scientific literature on addictions is widely dispersed both in multidisciplinary and specific journals of neurology, psychiatry and addictions, with relatively few publications providing most of the citations. An ongoing challenge for this field is the concentration of highly cited papers coming from a select number of countries, with the United States being the research hub of the world, with the highest volume of publications and total citations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is common practice for emergency physicians to give parenteral opioids for acute pain, however, some treating physicians have concerns that using parenteral opioids can lead to nausea and vomiting when used alone. Therefore, antiemetics are often given prophylactically with opioids for nausea and vomiting in the emergency department (ED). This systematic review evaluates the use of prophylactic antiemetics with parenteral opioids for the treatment of acute pain in the ED.Methods: A 10-year literature search using keywords was performed in PubMed for English-language human studies. Abstracts were screened to identify high-quality studies, which then underwent a more rigorous structured review. The recommendations are made based on the literature review.Results: Eight articles met criteria for structured review and citation in this article. These include one review article, two randomized controlled trials, three prospective observational trials, one retrospective study, and one pre- and post-intervention trial.Conclusions: Based on the literature review, routine use of prophylactic antiemetics are not indicated with administration of parenteral opioids for treatment of acute pain in the ED, as nausea and vomiting are infrequent side effects. The recent literature clearly demonstrates that there are potential undesirable side effects from the use of antiemetics when using opioids. However, one subgroup of patients, those with a known history of nausea and vomiting after opioid use or a history of travel sickness, may benefit from the use of prophylactic antiemetic when being treated with parenteral opioids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Clinical trials require sufficient samples recruited within limited time and budget constraints. Trials with minors are additionally burdened by the requirement for youth assent and parental permission. This paper details the use of Facebook ads and traditional paper mailings to enroll 797 adolescent girls for a longitudinal, web-based, drug abuse prevention trial. Data on sample representativeness and retention are also provided.Methods: Facebook ads appeared on the pages of females aged 13 or 14years who reside in the U.S. Ads linked girls to a recruitment website. Girls who wanted more information submitted contact information and were mailed information packets to their homes containing, among other things, youth assent and parent permission forms. Returned forms were verified for accuracy and validity.Results: The Facebook ad campaign reached 2,267,848 girls and had a unique click-through rate of 3.0%. The campaign cost $41,202.37 with an average cost of $51.70 per enrolled girl. Information packets were mailed to 1,873 girls. Approximately one-half of girls returned the forms, and 797 girls were enrolled. The Facebook campaign's success varied by ad type, month, and day of the week. Baseline data revealed comparability to national data on demographic and substance use variables.Conclusions: Results suggest that Facebook ads provide a useful initial point of access to unparalleled numbers of adolescents. Clinical trials may benefit from a two-fold recruitment strategy that uses online ads to attract interested adolescents followed by traditional recruitment methods to communicate detailed information to adolescents and parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the position of the Society for Nutrition Education (SNE) with U.S. Congress regarding the Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act (IMPACT). The efforts made by the Congress to address obesity and overweight through the IMPACT bill are applauded by SNE. SNE, which is an international organization of nutrition education professionals, represents the unique professional interests of nutrition educators in the U.S. and worldwide. Some of the key provisions addressed in the U.S. Congress Senate IMPACT legislation are supported by SNE.

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Energy Big Sky Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership completed drilling the world’s first continental flood basalt sequestration pilot borehole to a total depth (TD) of 1253 m at a paper mill site near the town of Wallula located in Southeastern Washington State. Site suitability was assessed prior to drilling by acquisition, processing and analysis of a four-mile, five-line, three component seismic swath, which was processed as a single data-dense line. Analysis of the seismic survey data indicated absence of major geologic structures that would preclude CO2 injection at the site. Drilling of Wallula pilot borehole was initiated on January 13, 2009 and reached TD on April 6, 2009. Hydrogeologic information was obtained primarily during borehole drilling/advancement utilizing a progressive drill-and-test characterization strategy. A general decreasing transmissivity trend with depth pattern was observed, which is consistent with results exhibited for Columbia River basalt interflow zones at a number of other deep wells in the region. Based on the comparative results from 10 test intervals, a candidate injection test zone was identified between the general depth interval of ∼828 and 875 m bgs. Over this interval, three brecciated interflow zones were intersected and isolated for CO2 injection. The flow tops have moderate permeability (75 to 150 millidarcies) and are bounded by thick flow interiors that have extremely low (microdarcy) permeability. The borehole configuration established at the Wallula pilot site provides a unique opportunity to scientifically study the reservoir behaviour of three connected reservoir intervals confined between primary and secondary caprock zones. The permitting process for the CO2 injection has proceeded in accordance with formal rules for geologic sequestration projects enacted in June 2008 into the underground injection control program administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology. The permitting process is expected to conclude in October 2010 and injection would begin soon thereafter. Post-injection monitoring includes long-term sampling of water retrieved from the injection zone, shallow groundwater and soil gas monitoring, and PSInSAR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]