Abstract:The growing scarcity of potable water supplies is among the most important issues facing many cities, in particular those using single sources of water that are climate dependent. Consequently, urban centers are looking to alternative sources of water supply that can supplement variable rainfall and meet the demands of population growth. A diversified portfolio of water sources is required to ensure public health, as well as social, economical and environmental sustainability. One of the options considered is the augmentation of drinking water supplies with advanced treated recycled water. This paper aims to provide a state of the art review of water recycling for drinking purposes with emphasis on membrane treatment processes. An overview of significant indirect potable reuse projects is presented followed by a description of the epidemiological and toxicological studies evaluating any potential human health impacts. Finally, a summary of key operational measures to protect human health and the areas that require further research are discussed.

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The University of Glasgow 12/15 lead ECG analysis program has been in continuous development for over 20 years. It has been adapted to meet the needs of different users and keep abreast of changes in terminology as well as new morphological features described in the literature. It is applicable to neonates as well as adults and takes account of racial variation in wave amplitudes. It has a capability for comparing serially recorded ECGs using one of two different approaches.The many varying features of the software have led to the introduction of the descriptor Uni-G (unique) ECG analysis program.

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Among current-generation computer-based electrocardiographs, clinically small but statistically significant differences exist between ECG interval measurements by individual algorithms. Measurement differences between algorithms for QRS duration and for QT interval are larger in long QT interval subjects than in normal subjects. Comparisons of population study norms should be aware of small systematic differences in interval measurements due to different algorithm methodologies, within-individual interval measurement comparisons should use comparable methods, and further attempts to harmonize interval measurement methodologies are warranted.

The unique physicochemical characteristics of geogenic particles induced a proinflammatory response in the lung. These data suggest that particle composition should be considered when setting community standards for PM exposure, particularly in areas exposed to high geogenic particulate loads.

BackgroundThere are many communities around the world that are exposed to high levels of particulate matter <10 µm (PM10) of geogenic (earth derived) origin. Mineral dusts in the occupational setting are associated with poor lung health, however very little is known about the impact of heterogeneous community derived particles. We have preliminary evidence to suggest that the concentration of iron (Fe) may be associated with the lung inflammatory response to geogenic PM10. We aimed to determine which physico-chemical characteristics of community sampled geogenic PM10 are associated with adverse lung responses.MethodsWe collected geogenic PM10 from four towns in the arid regions of Western Australia. Adult female BALB/c mice were exposed to 100 µg of particles and assessed for inflammatory and lung function responses 6 hours, 24 hours and 7 days post-exposure. We assessed the physico-chemical characteristics of the particles and correlated these with lung outcomes in the mice using principal components analysis and multivariate linear regression.ResultsGeogenic particles induced an acute inflammatory response that peaked 6 hours post-exposure and a deficit in lung mechanics 7 days post-exposure. This deficit in lung mechanics was positively associated with the concentration of Fe and particle size variability and inversely associated with the concentration of Si.ConclusionsThe lung response to geogenic PM10 is complex and highly dependent on the physico-chemical characteristics of the particles. In particular, the concentration of Fe in the particles may be a key indicator of the potential population health consequences for inhaling geogenic PM10.

reduced the effectiveness of the second dose. This was probably due to the lower osmotic susceptibility of P mtirabilis compared with E co/jI, the reduced efficacy of the second dose reflecting the selection of an osmotically stable fraction of the population during the first cycle of drug exposure. The osmolality of the broth used (325 mmol (mOsm)/kg) is within the normal range for human urine, which may, however, be much higher. At higher osmolalities E coli is similarly protected and, conversely, at lower osmolalities P mirabilis is more susceptible to antibioticinduced lysis."3 High fluid intake has been recommended in the treatment of urinary tract infection on other grounds,' but an additional benefit might accrue in treatment with 3-lactam antibiotics because of the consequent reduction in urinary osmolality.Charlton et al' successfully treated urinary infection in nonpregnant women in general practice with amoxycillin, 500 mg three times a day for three days, and observed no advantage when treatment was extended for 10 days. Our findings offer microbiological evidence that similar success may be achieved by reducing the dose as well as the length of treatment.