#anaerobic indicator

[labtronltd]

Anaerobic Incubator ± 3 % RH

Labtron Anaerobic Incubator featuring a microprocessor control system and UV sterilizer. It establishes anaerobic conditions in under < 5 min, operates within a temperature range of RT+3 to 60 °C, and includes safety features such as leakage protection and an overheating alarm.

[goblisslive]

National Fitness Test: 10 Categories with By-Decade Standards

1. Bar Hang (Grip Strength)

Purpose: Measures grip strength and muscular endurance, critical for functional tasks and correlated with longevity (studies show grip strength predicts mortality risk).

Test: Hang from a pull-up bar with an overhand grip, arms fully extended, for maximum time.

Standards (seconds):

20s: Men: 60, Women: 45

30s: Men: 55, Women: 40

40s: Men: 50, Women: 35

50s: Men: 45, Women: 30

60s: Men: 35, Women: 25

70s+: Men: 25, Women: 20

2. 1-Mile Run (Aerobic Endurance)

Purpose: Assesses cardiovascular fitness and endurance, a key indicator of heart health (VO2 max declines ~10% per decade).

Test: Run 1 mile on a flat surface or track as fast as possible.

Standards (minutes:seconds):

20s: Men: 6:30, Women: 7:30

30s: Men: 7:00, Women: 8:00

40s: Men: 7:30, Women: 8:30

50s: Men: 8:15, Women: 9:15

60s: Men: 9:00, Women: 10:00

70s+: Men: 10:00, Women: 11:00

3. 200m Run (Speed/Power)

Purpose: Tests anaerobic power and sprint capacity, reflecting fast-twitch muscle performance.

Test: Sprint 200 meters on a track as fast as possible.

Standards (seconds):

20s: Men: 28, Women: 32

30s: Men: 30, Women: 34

40s: Men: 32, Women: 36

50s: Men: 35, Women: 39

60s: Men: 40, Women: 45

70s+: Men: 48, Women: 54

4. Pull-Ups (Upper Body Strength)

Purpose: Measures upper body pulling strength (lats, biceps), crucial for functional movements.

Test: Perform maximum pull-ups with full range of motion (chin above bar, no kipping).

Standards (reps):

20s: Men: 12, Women: 5

30s: Men: 10, Women: 4

40s: Men: 8, Women: 3

50s: Men: 6, Women: 2

60s: Men: 4, Women: 1

70s+: Men: 2, Women: 1 (or assisted pull-ups)

5. Dips (Upper Body Strength)

Purpose: Assesses pushing strength (triceps, chest, shoulders) and core stability.

Test: Perform maximum dips on parallel bars, lowering until shoulders are below elbows.

Standards (reps):

20s: Men: 20, Women: 12

30s: Men: 18, Women: 10

40s: Men: 15, Women: 8

50s: Men: 12, Women: 6

60s: Men: 8, Women: 4

70s+: Men: 5, Women: 3

6. Push-Ups (Upper Body Endurance)

Purpose: Tests upper body endurance and core strength, accessible to all fitness levels.

Test: Perform maximum push-ups in one set with proper form (chest to within 2 inches of ground).

Standards (reps):

20s: Men: 40, Women: 25

30s: Men: 35, Women: 22

40s: Men: 30, Women: 18

50s: Men: 25, Women: 15

60s: Men: 20, Women: 12

70s+: Men: 15, Women: 10 (or modified push-ups)

7. Plank Hold (Core Endurance)

Purpose: Evaluates core stability and endurance, vital for posture and injury prevention.

Test: Hold a forearm plank with a neutral spine for maximum time.

Standards (seconds):

20s: Men: 120, Women: 100

30s: Men: 110, Women: 90

40s: Men: 100, Women: 80

50s: Men: 90, Women: 70

60s: Men: 75, Women: 60

70s+: Men: 60, Women: 50

8. Vertical Jump (Lower Body Power)

Purpose: Measures explosive leg power, reflecting strength and coordination.

Test: Jump as high as possible from a standing position, measuring vertical height.

Standards (inches):

20s: Men: 24, Women: 18

30s: Men: 22, Women: 16

40s: Men: 20, Women: 14

50s: Men: 18, Women: 12

60s: Men: 15, Women: 10

70s+: Men: 12, Women: 8

9. Sit-and-Reach (Flexibility)

Purpose: Assesses lower back and hamstring flexibility, key for mobility and injury prevention.

Test: Sit with legs extended, reach forward toward toes, measure distance past or before toes.

Standards (inches past toes):

20s: Men: +2, Women: +4

30s: Men: +1, Women: +3

40s: Men: 0, Women: +2

50s: Men: -1, Women: +1

60s: Men: -2, Women: 0

70s+: Men: -3, Women: -1

10. Single-Leg Balance (Balance/Stability)

Purpose: Tests balance and proprioception, critical for fall prevention, especially in older adults.

Test: Stand on one leg with eyes open, hands on hips, for maximum time (up to 60 seconds).

Standards (seconds):

20s: Men: 60, Women: 60

30s: Men: 60, Women: 60

40s: Men: 55, Women: 55

50s: Men: 50, Women: 50

60s: Men: 40, Women: 40

70s+: Men: 30, Women: 30

Rationale for Additional Categories

Plank Hold: Core strength is foundational for all movements and reduces injury risk.

Vertical Jump: Adds a lower body power metric, complementing the sprints and assessing explosive strength.

Sit-and-Reach: Flexibility is often overlooked but critical for mobility and injury prevention.

Single-Leg Balance: Balance becomes increasingly important with age, especially for fall prevention (falls are a leading cause of injury in 60s+).

Notes

Standards: Numbers are based on fitness norms (e.g., ACSM guidelines, Cooper Institute data) adjusted for age and sex, aiming for a "healthy" benchmark (roughly 50th-60th percentile). They’re challenging but achievable with regular training.

Modifications: For 60s and 70s+, modified versions (e.g., assisted pull-ups, knee push-ups) can be offered to ensure inclusivity.

Implementation: Tests should be conducted with proper warm-up and supervision to ensure safety, especially for older adults.

[ezonwatch]

Healthy Heart Rates During Workouts: A Deep Dive

Understanding your heart rate during workouts is essential for optimizing your fitness and overall well-being. The heart rate serves as a vital indicator of exercise intensity, allowing you to tailor your workouts to meet your fitness goals effectively. In this article, we will explore the science behind healthy heart rates during various workouts, how different exercise intensities impact heart rates, and why monitoring your heart rate is crucial for your health.

What is a Healthy Heart Rate?

The heart rate is measured in beats per minute (bpm) and varies based on factors such as age, fitness level, and the type of physical activity. A healthy resting heart rate for most adults ranges from 60 to 100 bpm, but athletes and more physically active individuals may have lower resting heart rates due to improved cardiovascular efficiency.

Maximum Heart Rate Calculation

To determine your target heart rate zones for exercise, you first need to know your maximum heart rate (MHR). A commonly used formula to estimate your MHR is:

MHR = 220 — your age

For example, a 30-year-old would have an estimated MHR of 190 bpm.

Heart Rate Zones and Exercise Intensities

Understanding different heart rate zones helps you tailor your workouts for specific fitness goals. Here are the primary heart rate zones:

1. Resting Zone (60–100 bpm)

This is your heart rate when at rest. Athletes may have a resting heart rate below 60 bpm, which indicates a well-conditioned heart.

2. Fat Burn Zone (50–70% of MHR)

Heart Rate Range: Approximately 95–133 bpm for a 30-year-old.

Benefits: This zone is ideal for weight loss and improving endurance. Activities like brisk walking, light jogging, or cycling at a relaxed pace fall into this category.

3. Aerobic Zone (70–80% of MHR)

Heart Rate Range: Approximately 133–152 bpm for a 30-year-old.

Benefits: This zone enhances cardiovascular fitness and increases your aerobic capacity. Moderate-intensity activities, such as running, swimming, or cycling, will typically keep you in this range.

4. Anaerobic Zone (80–90% of MHR)

Heart Rate Range: Approximately 152–171 bpm for a 30-year-old.

Benefits: This zone is excellent for building speed and power. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and intense sprinting workouts fall into this category.

5. Max Effort Zone (90–100% of MHR)

Heart Rate Range: Approximately 171–190 bpm for a 30-year-old.

Benefits: This zone is typically not sustainable for long periods. It is used for short bursts of maximum effort and training for peak performance.

Factors Affecting Heart Rate During Workouts

1. Exercise Intensity

The intensity of your workout directly impacts your heart rate. Higher intensity workouts lead to increased heart rates, while lower intensity activities keep your heart rate within a moderate range.

2. Type of Exercise

Different types of exercises can elicit varying heart rate responses:

Aerobic Exercises: Activities like running, cycling, and swimming typically elevate heart rates significantly due to their sustained nature.

Strength Training: While heart rates may not be as elevated during weight lifting, circuit training or high-repetition sets can keep heart rates higher due to minimal rest periods.

3. Fitness Level

Individuals who are more physically fit often have lower resting heart rates and can maintain higher intensities without exceeding their maximum heart rate. As you train, your cardiovascular system becomes more efficient, allowing you to work out at higher intensities with less strain.

4. Hydration and Nutrition

Proper hydration and nutrition play a crucial role in heart rate response. Dehydration can lead to an increased heart rate, while adequate fuel can help maintain optimal performance.

The Importance of Monitoring Heart Rate

Using a heart rate monitor watch or a fitness tracker watch for men can significantly enhance your workout experience. Here’s why monitoring your heart rate is essential:

1. Real-Time Feedback

A heart rate monitor provides real-time data, allowing you to adjust your intensity and ensure you remain within your desired heart rate zones.

2. Tracking Progress

Over time, you can track improvements in your heart rate response during workouts, indicating enhanced cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

3. Preventing Overtraining

Monitoring your heart rate helps prevent overtraining and reduces the risk of injury by ensuring you’re not pushing your body beyond its limits.

4. Stress Tracking

Many modern stress tracking watches can assess your heart rate variability (HRV), providing insights into your stress levels and recovery needs.

Conclusion

Understanding and monitoring your heart rate during workouts is crucial for achieving your fitness goals and maintaining overall well-being. By recognizing the various heart rate zones and how different factors influence your heart rate, you can tailor your workouts for optimal performance. Utilizing a best sports watch for workouts or a heart rate monitor watch can provide you with valuable insights and help you stay on track. Embrace the science of heart rate management, and elevate your fitness journey with confidence!

EZON Watch: Click here to get it!

https://ezonwatch.com

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Signs of alien life may be hiding in these gases

Scientists have identified a promising new way to detect life on faraway planets, hinging on worlds that look nothing like Earth and gases rarely considered in the search for extraterrestrials.

In a new Astrophysical Journal Letters paper, researchers from the University of California, Riverside, describe these gases, which could be detected in the atmospheres of exoplanets — planets outside our solar system — with the James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST. 

Called methyl halides, the gases comprise a methyl group, which bears a carbon and three hydrogen atoms, attached to a halogen atom such as chlorine or bromine. They’re primarily produced on Earth by bacteria, marine algae, fungi, and some plants.  

One key aspect of searching for methyl halides is that exoplanets resembling Earth are too small and dim to be seen with JWST, the largest telescope currently in space. 

Instead, JWST would have to aim for larger exoplanets orbiting small red stars, with deep global oceans and thick hydrogen atmospheres called Hycean planets. Humans could not breathe or survive on these worlds, but certain microbes might thrive in such environments.

“Unlike an Earth-like planet, where atmospheric noise and telescope limitations make it difficult to detect biosignatures, Hycean planets offer a much clearer signal,” said Eddie Schwieterman, UCR astrobiologist and paper co-author.

The researchers believe that looking for methyl halides on Hycean worlds is an optimal strategy for the present moment in time.

“Oxygen is currently difficult or impossible to detect on an Earth-like planet. However, methyl halides on Hycean worlds offer a unique opportunity for detection with existing technology,” said Michaela Leung, UCR planetary scientist and first author of the paper.

Additionally, finding these gases could be easier than looking for other types of biosignature gases indicative of life. 

“One of the great benefits of looking for methyl halides is you could potentially find them in as few as 13 hours with James Webb. That is similar or lower, by a lot, to how much telescope time you’d need to find gases like oxygen or methane,” Leung said. “Less time with the telescope means it’s less expensive.”

Though life forms do produce methyl halides on Earth, the gas is found in low concentrations in our atmosphere. Because Hycean planets have such a different atmospheric makeup and are orbiting a different kind of star, the gases could accumulate in their atmospheres and be detectable from light-years away. 

“These microbes, if we found them, would be anaerobic. They’d be adapted to a very different type of environment, and we can’t really conceive of what that looks like, except to say that these gases are a plausible output from their metabolism,” Schwieterman said.

The study builds on previous research investigating different biosignature gases, including dimethyl sulfide, another potential sign of life. However, methyl halides appear particularly promising because of their strong absorption features in infrared light as well as their potential for high accumulation in a hydrogen-dominated atmosphere.

While James Webb is currently the best tool for this search, future telescopes, like the proposed European LIFE mission, could make detecting these gases even easier. If LIFE launches in the 2040s as proposed, it could confirm the presence of these biosignatures in less than a day.

“If we start finding methyl halides on multiple planets, it would suggest that microbial life is common across the universe,” Leung said. “That would reshape our understanding of life’s distribution and the processes that lead to the origins of life.”

Moving forward, the researchers plan to expand this work on other planetary types and other gases. For example, they’ve done measurements of gases emanating from the Salton Sea, which appears to produce halogenated gases, such as chloroform. “We want to get measurements of other things produced in extreme environments on Earth, which could be more common elsewhere,” Schwieterman said. 

Even as researchers push the boundaries of detection, they acknowledge that direct sampling of exoplanet atmospheres remains beyond current capabilities. However, advances in telescope technology and exoplanet research could one day bring us closer to answering one of humanity’s biggest questions: Are we alone?

“Humans are not going to visit an exoplanet anytime soon,” Schwieterman said. “But knowing where to look, and what to look for, could be the first step in finding life beyond Earth.”

IMAGE: Artist's illustration of a potential Hycean world, where methyl halide gases would be detectable in the atmosphere.  Credit NASA, ESA, CSA, Joseph Olmsted/STScI

[ask-dr-kujo]

Ehem. You mentioned that while in morioh you were working on a paper. I would like to read it or im impregnating your wife x (Pls dont block me)

I have the paper saved somewhere, but it's about the marine pollution resistance of starfish off of the coast of Morioh.

The starfish there are extremely biodiverse, especially for a town as populated as Morioh. So, they must have some resistance to the pollutants in the runoff from Morioh. Especially considering how sensitive most starfish are to pollution.

Starfish are also an important bio-indicator for other marine life. As they do not survive in lower oxygen levels. Lower oxygen levels are commonly caused by nutrient pollution (typically fertilizers) and can cause anaerobic algae blooms. Areas with low oxygen levels are also known as "dead zones" for their lack of marine life.

Also. I'm divorced.

-Jotaro

[fitnessnirvana]

TABATA WORKOUT ( Part 1 )

Tabata training, a sort of HIIT activity, is said to be one of the most effective ways to burn fat while improving overall health and fitness in as little as 4 minutes! With more and more members, particularly Tabata newcomers, asking questions about the Tabata workout and what it entails, we wanted to address some of the most common inquiries.

What Is The Tabata Workout?

Tabata is a type of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) that involves very short, precise periods. All HIIT exercise consists of periods of high-intensity training followed by periods of moderate-intensity or rest, though the times can vary. Each Tabata exercise includes the following:

20 seconds of extremely intense, all-out movement

10 seconds of rest

Repeat 8 times for a total of 4 minutes

Typically, a workout may mix numerous rounds to create a lengthier workout (about 20 minutes) that targets multiple muscle groups and works the cardiovascular system while remaining easy to fit into a busy schedule. A four-minute round could include the same exercise or a variety of activities, such as:

20 seconds of sprinting + 10 seconds rest

20 seconds of push ups + 10 seconds rest

20 seconds of mountain climbers + 10 seconds rest

20 seconds of squat jacks + 10 seconds rest

What Are The Benefits Of A Tabata Workout?

Tabata training provides numerous health and lifestyle benefits. These include (but are not necessarily limited to):

Boosted anaerobic capacity: Anaerobic exercise enhances your body's tolerance to lactic acid, allowing you to work out more efficiently before reaching the lactate threshold. This means you can perform at a higher intensity for longer periods.

Improved aerobic endurance: Aerobic endurance refers to your body's ability to use oxygen to fuel physical exertion. The more efficient you are, the easier it is to exercise, allowing you to push harder and for longer periods.

Fat burning: Tabata and other HIIT workouts push your body to its limits, increasing your heart rate and burning a lot of energy, making them ideal for burning calories (and thus fat). As an anaerobic exercise, it depletes the body's oxygen supplies, and restoring them burns calories long after the session.

Convenience: Tabata workouts may easily fit into even the busiest schedule. There is no need for equipment or a large amount of space; you could even conduct a Tabata workout while waiting for the kettle to boil!

Where Did Tabata Come From?

Tabata originated in Japan and was named after Dr. Izumi Tabata, a professor at Ritsumeikan University. He was employed by the Japanese speed skating team in the 1990s to evaluate the success of their training regimen, which consisted of brief maximal bursts of sprints followed by short rest periods. Dr. Tabata conducted thorough scientific investigations and was able to demonstrate the remarkable benefits of this training approach.

Are Tabata Workouts Effective?

Tabata workouts may sound too wonderful to be true, but they are scientifically proven. Dr. Tabata's study contrasted two groups on a six-week fitness program: one group completed an hour of moderate-intensity exercise on a stationary cycle five times a week (1800 minutes of training), and the other group did high-intensity Tabata-style training four times a week (120 minutes).

While both groups improved their aerobic capacity, the Tabarta group performed significantly better, with a 15% increase in VO2 max (which indicates cardiovascular health and maximal aerobic power) and a 28% increase in anaerobic fitness compared to no improvements in the moderate exercise group. Steady-state, moderate-intensity cardio has benefits and should not be overlooked, but this demonstrates how beneficial short Tabata sessions are!

[longhaulerbear]

(via Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the times of COVID - YouTube)

I want to highlight a very important paper published in January in Nature Communications by a group from Amsterdam. They looked at muscle abnormalities worsening after exercise in patients with Long COVID. This symptom is very common in chronic fatigue syndrome, and we see it in over 80% of patients with Long COVID. In this study, they included 25 patients with Long COVID and 21 age- and sex-matched controls who had fully recovered from COVID-19. They collected blood and muscle biopsies before and after exercise. Both groups were healthy and socially active. None of the participants were hospitalized due to COVID-19 infections. Fatigue questionnaires and exercise data confirmed the impact of Long COVID on daily lives. The study found that people with Long COVID have lower VO2 max, indicating decreased oxygen absorption and reduced peak power output. They also had lower gas exchange (CO2 and oxygen) levels, suggesting that their muscles were affected by physical activities. Structural changes in the muscle were observed, with a shift from type 1 fibers (aerobic) to type 2X and 2A fibers (anaerobic). This indicates a shift towards glycolytic metabolism, which is less efficient for sustained energy production. Further, mitochondrial function was compromised in patients with Long COVID, showing lower oxidative phosphorylation capacity. This means their cells were less efficient at producing energy. After exercise, these changes were more pronounced. Mitochondrial dysfunction was evident, as seen by decreased oxygen transport and increased markers of mitochondrial stress. Interestingly, the study found no amyloid depositions in healthy controls or fully recovered individuals, refuting the theory of microclots as a cause of Long COVID symptoms. However, in Long COVID patients, amyloid deposition was found around the vascular endothelium, indicating a possible biomarker for this condition. Muscle atrophy was also observed in Long COVID patients, with increased damage and necrosis after exercise. This suggests that physical activity can exacerbate muscle damage in these patients. Additionally, signs of muscle regeneration were noted, indicating ongoing muscle repair processes. Metabolic abnormalities were also highlighted, including reduced TCA cycle activity and lower levels of creatine and ATP synthesis. This contributes to the reduced oxidative phosphorylation capacity in Long COVID patients. In summary, this study confirms mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities in Long COVID patients, with a shift towards anaerobic pathways. Physical activity exacerbates muscle damage and inflammatory responses, leading to further complications. The presence of viral proteins in both healthy and Long COVID patients suggests ongoing immune activation, but not active viral replication.

[spacenutspod]

The search for extrasolar planets is currently undergoing a seismic shift. With the deployment of the Kepler Space Telescope and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), scientists discovered thousands of exoplanets, most of which were detected and confirmed using indirect methods. But in more recent years, and with the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the field has been transitioning toward one of characterization. In this process, scientists rely on emission spectra from exoplanet atmospheres to search for the chemical signatures we associate with life (biosignatures). However, there’s some controversy regarding the kinds of signatures scientists should look for. Essentially, astrobiology uses life on Earth as a template when searching for indications of extraterrestrial life, much like how exoplanet hunters use Earth as a standard for measuring “habitability.” But as many scientists have pointed out, life on Earth and its natural environment have evolved considerably over time. In a recent paper, an international team demonstrated how astrobiologists could look for life on TRAPPIST-1e based on what existed on Earth billions of years ago. The team consisted of astronomers and astrobiologists from the Global Systems Institute, and the Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics and Statistics, and Natural Sciences at the University of Exeter. They were joined by researchers from the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria and the Natural History Museum in London. The paper that describes their findings, “Biosignatures from pre-oxygen photosynthesizing life on TRAPPIST-1e,” will be published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS). The TRAPPIST-1 system has been the focal point of attention ever since astronomers confirmed the presence of three exoplanets in 2016, which grew to seven by the following year. As one of many systems with a low-mass, cooler M-type (red dwarf) parent star, there are unresolved questions about whether any of its planets could be habitable. Much of this concerns the variable and unstable nature of red dwarfs, which are prone to flare activity and may not produce enough of the necessary photons to power photosynthesis. With so many rocky planets found orbiting red dwarf suns, including the nearest exoplanet to our Solar System (Proxima b), many astronomers feel these systems would be the ideal place to look for extraterrestrial life. At the same time, they’ve also emphasized that these planets would need to have thick atmospheres, intrinsic magnetic fields, sufficient heat transfer mechanisms, or all of the above. Determining if exoplanets have these prerequisites for life is something that the JWST and other next-generation telescopes – like the ESO’s proposed Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) – are expected to enable. But even with these and other next-generation instruments, there is still the question of what biosignatures we should look for. As noted, our planet, its atmosphere, and all life as we know it have evolved considerably over the past four billion years. During the Archean Eon (ca. 4 to 2.5 billion years ago), Earth’s atmosphere was predominantly composed of carbon dioxide, methane, and volcanic gases, and little more than anaerobic microorganisms existed. Only within the last 1.62 billion years did the first multi-celled life appear and evolve to its present complexity. Moreover, the number of evolutionary steps (and their potential difficulty) required to get to higher levels of complexity means that many planets may never develop complex life. This is consistent with the Great Filter Hypothesis, which states that while life may be common in the Universe, advanced life may not. As a result, simple microbial biospheres similar to those that existed during the Archean could be the most common. The key, then, is to conduct searches that would isolate biosignatures consistent with primitive life and the conditions that were common to Earth billions of years ago. This artistic conception illustrates large asteroids penetrating Earth’s oxygen-poor atmosphere. Credit: SwRI/Dan Durda/Simone Marchi As Dr. Jake Eager-Nash, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Victoria and the lead author of the study, explained to Universe Today via email: “I think the Earth’s history provides many examples of what inhabited exoplanets may look like, and it’s important to understand biosignatures in the context of Earth’s history as we have no other examples of what life on other planets would look like. During the Archean, when life is believed to have first emerged, there was a period of up to around a billion years before oxygen-producing photosynthesis evolved and became the dominant primary producer, oxygen concentrations were really low. So if inhabited planets follow a similar trajectory to Earth, they could spend a long time in a period like this without biosignatures of oxygen and ozone, so it’s important to understand what Archean-like biosignatures look like.” For their study, the team crafted a model that considered Archean-like conditions and how the presence of early life forms would consume some elements while adding others. This yielded a model in which simple bacteria living in oceans consume molecules like hydrogen (H) or carbon monoxide (CO), creating carbohydrates as an energy source and methane (CH4) as waste. They then considered how gases would be exchanged between the ocean and atmosphere, leading to lower concentrations of H and CO and greater concentrations of CH4. Said Eager-Nash: “Archean-like biosignatures are thought to require the presence of methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor would be required as well as the absence of carbon monoxide. This is because water vapor gives you an indication there is water, while an atmosphere with both methane and carbon monoxide indicates the atmosphere is in disequilibrium, which means that both of these species shouldn’t exist together in the atmosphere as atmospheric chemistry would convert all of the one into the other, unless there is something, like life that maintains this disequilibrium. The absence of carbon monoxide is important as it is thought that life would quickly evolve a way to consume this energy source.” Artist’s impression of Earth in the early Archean with a purplish hydrosphere and coastal regions. Even in this early period, life flourished and was gaining complexity. Credit: Oleg Kuznetsov When the concentration of gases is higher in the atmosphere, the gas will dissolve into the ocean, replenishing the hydrogen and carbon monoxide consumed by the simple life forms. As biologically produced methane levels increase in the ocean, it will be released into the atmosphere, where additional chemistry occurs, and different gases are transported around the planet. From this, the team obtained an overall composition of the atmosphere to predict which biosignatures could be detected. “What we find is that carbon monoxide is likely to be present in the atmosphere of an Archean-like planet orbiting an M-Dwarf,” said Eager-Nash. “This is because the host star drives chemistry that leads to higher concentrations of carbon monoxide compared to a planet orbiting the Sun, even when you have life-consuming this [compound].” For years, scientists have considered how a circumsolar habitable zone (CHZ) could be extended to include Earth-like conditions from previous geological periods. Similarly, astrobiologists have been working to cast a wider net on the types of biosignatures associated with more ancient life forms (such as retinal-photosynthetic organisms). In this latest study, Eager-Nash and his colleagues have established a series of biosignatures (water, carbon monoxide, and methane) that could lead to the discovery of life on Archean-era rocky planets orbiting Sun-like and red dwarf suns. Further Reading: arXiv The post Will We Know if TRAPPIST-1e has Life? appeared first on Universe Today.

[all-eyes-lead-to-the-truth]

All Eyes Lead to the Truth | The List (3x05)

Dr. Juan Ullrich’s tired sigh echoes within the cold, metal-filled room. He sets aside the clipboard containing another stack of autopsy forms assigned to the correction officers dropping like flies, and slowly rolls out the tension forming around his C3-C6 vertebrae. The satisfying pops down his spine make him moan. 

“Is this a good time?” A feminine voice from the doorway startles him. Heels click across the tiled floor as a woman enters. 

“Yes, yes.” Juan sidesteps around the embalming table to meet the pretty, petite redhead halfway. “Special Agent…?”

“Dana Scully,” she adds, smiling as they shake hands. “I’m the Bureau Pathologist here to view the remains.”

“Of course.” He’d been informed the FBI is now involved in the mysterious prison murders case. But for Juan, death is never a mystery. It’s “how” life ends that provides intrigue. “I’m glad you’re here. Now, I’ve seen my fair share of creativity when it comes to C.O.D., but this one…” 

Juan grabs a pair of latex gloves and slides them on as he walks over to the mortuary drawer that holds what’s left of the latest victim. “It’s pretty brutal.”

“I’m sure, considering the six foot two officer’s remains were found inside a paint can,” Agent Scully says with a wince. “A small one.”

“Part of him was.” He nods, her blue eyes fixed intently on his hands as he removes Officer Fornier’s head wrapped in plastic from cold storage and places it gently on the metal examination table. “I guess they haven't recovered the body yet so it's going to be difficult to establish an exact cause of death.”

She nods. “What did your preliminary exam turn up?”

“Well, it looks like the head was severed just below the jawline with repeated stabbing blows from a putty knife,” Juan says, reluctantly impressed at the originality. The cranium certainly looks like Swiss cheese, but not from the stab wounds that caused decapitation. “There were no other indications of trauma to the head.”

Agent Scully catches on immediately. “From the eyewitness reports, there were already fly larvae infesting the flesh. That seems unusual considering the short time-of-death window.”

“Not altogether. Here, let me show you this.” He walks over and holds up a green-tinted jar full of dead fly larvae he’d just spent hours plucking from every orifice of Rick Fornier’s head.

Juan excitedly explains in detail the larvae’s life cycle as it pertains to feasting on decaying flesh. And to his utter delight, this intelligent, gorgeous woman looks impressed. 

“In the anaerobic environment inside the paint can?” 

“On my autopsy on the first victim, the lungs were absolutely alive with infestation,” he adds eagerly. 

“Hmm.” She brings the specimen jar closer to her face. Her faint rust-colored freckles pop under the fluorescent light.

Juan sucks in a breath.

Maybe he should ask her out to dinner at that new restaurant tonight. Maybe, if he’s lucky, she likes to talk science over seafood and Salcheto, too. 

“Not to sound unprofessional, but-”

The door flings open, ushering in a tall man with green eyes, almost as bright as his own, that instantly latch onto Agent Scully. 

“Hey, Scully,” the man says. “Done slicing and dicing?”

“For now. This is Agent Mulder, my partner,” she swiftly introduces before excusing herself, leading the two of them into a corner of the morgue.

“You sure you’re okay?” Juan hears Agent Mulder softly ask, tenderly touching her arm when her chin dips. “You left death row in a hurry. I know how… uncomfortable-”

“I’m fine, Mulder.” Their voices are hushed, but a morgue’s acoustics are unmatched. “What’s next?” she prods. 

Juan looks down at the severed head staring up at him. It’s a damn good question. 

“We need to interview the blockmate named Roque.” Agent Mulder tilts his head, still trying to snag his partner’s eyes with his. “Or… I can do it…” 

Juan tries not to eavesdrop. Tries hard not to analyze and dissect others like his career so aptly demands, but the underlying meaning in Agent Mulder’s words are hard not to hear: Men walking the row are less likely to be objectified or assaulted than women. He’s certainly not wrong. And with the way he reaches out to supportively squeeze her hand, implies this isn’t the first time she’s been treated as prey amongst predators.

“Okay. I have more work to do here anyway,” she airily dismisses, though Juan senses by the relief in her breathy tone that she’s grateful for the offer. “Maybe physical evidence will arise that eliminates Neech.”

“Good, we’ll always benefit from your expertise.”

Her pale cheeks pinken. 

Neech.

They’re referring to convicted murderer Neech Manley. Juan represses a shiver. He’d examined Manley’s body post-execution, and for the first time since med school, chills had run down Juan’s spine. Something about that man’s lifeless, wild-eyed expression was truly frightening.

“You’re curious about this list Neech left behind?” she asks.

“Safe to say it’s not the Nice one,” Agent Mulder quips. “And he definitely checked it twice.”

Juan fidgets with an evidence bag, trying not to blatantly stare at the agents holding an entire conversation with their eyes while systematically categorizing every sway of their bodies, every touch of her hands. 

“Someone is facilitating Neech’s grievances as debt on the inside, Mulder. I just don’t believe it’s Neech.” 

“It’s plausible,” he agrees.

“It’s probable.”

The sterile room is silent as the duo unblinkingly stare at one another. Agent Scully finally glances back at the remnants of the mutilated victim and frowns. 

Juan watches her turn to search her partner’s eyes for something only she can see. “Transmigration of the soul. Really?”

He shrugs. “Human knowledge isn’t linear, Scully.”

“But scientific evidence is, Mulder,” she replies evenly. There is no malice. She’s pleased, almost, and Juan is struck by the amused way her eyes crinkle at the corners. 

She enjoys an intellectual repartee. 

He just wishes it was with him.

Maybe seafood and Salcheto isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Read the other All Eyes Lead to the Truth chapters on Ao3!

@monikafilefan

[labtronltd]

Anaerobic Incubator

Labtron Anaerobic Incubator is designed for culturing anaerobic microorganisms and features a microcomputer control system and UV sterilizer. It achieves anaerobic conditions in under 5 minutes, operates at RT+3 to 60 °C, and includes safety features like leakage protection and an overheating alarm.

[kingsonne-zedecks]

Reblogging to fight misinformation and panic.

Clostridium botulinum: A bacteria that needs low oxygen, low acid, low salt conditions to thrive. Most commonly found in improperly handled home canned goods. Generally low acid, low salt foods that have been canned (turning them into anaerobic containers). Most canned goods have enough acidity to prevent growth of clostridium botulinum. Those that don't need to be pressure canned in order to reach a higher heat than boiling water, at which heat the bacteria is destroyed.

Botulinum toxin: An odorless, tasteless, neurotoxin produced as a byproduct of clostridium botulinum.

Botulism: The food borne illness caused by exposure to botulinum. About 110 cases occur each year in the US. About 80% of those are from home canned goods. About 8% of cases are fatal.

Specific correction on this post. Botulinum doesn't generally offgas. That is nearly certainly any other food borne bacteria. Don't eat it because it will make you sick. Also don't panic, it's not poison, it's not going to kill you to be around, opening it will just expose you to bad smells.

Yes toss it. It's gross, and that's enough.

Also, yes avoid viral food trends that create low acid anaerobic environments. No avocados in water, don't store your garlic confit in the oil, don't home can without doing research into proper techniques for each food you can. The Ball Book of canning/preserving is a gold standard resource.

Sources below the line

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/foodborne-illness-and-disease/pathogens/clostridium-botulinum

Hey kids, wanna learn what signs of botulism look like?

[calculatingislandwave]

The Fundamentals of Septic System and Heater Maintenance

The Basics of Septic Tank and Heating System Upkeep

As a house owner, you know maintaining your septic tank and heater is important for your building's performance and longevity. Routine evaluations, prompt pumping, and proper garbage disposal can protect against expensive failings in your septic tank. Likewise, routine furnace maintenance, including filter substitutes and yearly tune-ups, guarantees your home stays comfy and energy-efficient. Yet do you genuinely recognize the ins and outs of these important systems? Uncovering the tricks to maintaining them running smoothly might be the key to a more sustainable and stress-free living experience.

Trick Takeaways Consistently evaluate septic systems and have them pumped every 3-5 years to avoid obstructions, backups, and damages to the drain area. Stay clear of activities that can portable the dirt over the drainpipe field, such as parking cars, to keep correct drainage. Perform regular heating system upkeep, consisting of changing air filters and scheduling annual tune-ups, to ensure peak performance and efficiency. Display heater efficiency for problems like strange noises or irregular home heating, and address them quickly to prevent even more serious troubles. Update to energy-efficient furnace versions with high AFUE scores and attributes like variable-speed motors to minimize heating prices and ecological influence. Understanding Septic System Parts

Your septic tank consists of a number of key components, each playing an essential role in the reliable therapy and disposal of home wastewater. The heart of the system is the sewage-disposal tank, where solid waste clears up and undergoes anaerobic decay. There are various types of septic systems, such as concrete, plastic, and fiberglass, each with their own benefits and factors to consider.

Past the sewage-disposal tank, the leach area, or drainpipe field, is the location where the liquid effluent is dispersed and filtered through the dirt. The style of the leach field is important, as it determines the system's ability and lifespan. The dimension and format of the leach field Check out this site are based upon factors like dirt type, slope, and the variety of bed rooms in your home.

Understanding the components of your septic tank is the initial step in keeping its optimal performance and stopping pricey fixings. By being aware of just how each component works, you can proactively deal with any kind of problems and make certain your system remains to work successfully for many years ahead.

Septic System Inspection and Upkeep

Normal septic tank assessments are crucial to guarantee your system operates at its ideal and avoids pricey breakdowns. Generally, you should have your sewage-disposal tank pumped and examined every 3-5 years, or as recommended by your local laws.

During an inspection, a professional will certainly examine the container's honesty, measure the sludge and residue degrees, and check for any indicators of breakdown in the leach field.

Keeping up with septic tank pumping is necessary for preserving your system's efficiency. When the storage tank's contents reach a particular degree, it's time to have it pumped. Disregarding this job can lead to blockages, backups, and also damage to the drainpipe field.

In addition, the drainpipe field requires regular maintenance to avoid soil compaction and maintain

[maettenspd]

The Function of Biomethane in the Gas Industry

The Role of Biomethane in the Gas Sector

You may be amazed to discover just how biomethane is improving the gas sector by providing a sustainable choice to standard nonrenewable fuel sources. Its capability to convert natural waste right More helpful hints into power not only improves energy security yet also help in decreasing greenhouse gas exhausts. As modern technology breakthroughs, the potential of biomethane expands, pressing us closer to significant carbon neutrality goals. Yet what does this mean for the future of energy markets and plan structures? Checking out these implications can uncover some unanticipated understandings.

Secret insights Biomethane functions as an eco-friendly option to nonrenewable fuel sources, considerably lowering greenhouse gas exhausts in the gas sector. It improves power safety and security by expanding sources within the gas supply chain, adding to an extra secure power market. The combination of biomethane into existing gas framework makes it possible for reliable distribution and use alongside conventional natural gas. Economic benefits include task production in production, distribution, and technical technology within the renewable resource sector. Regulative frameworks and incentives are important for advertising biomethane fostering and getting over barriers to its development in the gas market. Recognizing Biomethane

Biomethane, a renewable energy source originated from natural products, plays a necessary function in the change towards lasting power systems. Comprehending biomethane starts with recognizing its key resources, that include farming waste, food waste, and animals manure. These biomethane sources go through anaerobic food digestion, a procedure where bacteria break down raw material in the lack of oxygen, resulting in biogas a combination mainly composed of methane and carbon dioxide.

The performance of anaerobic food digestion differs based upon elements such as temperature level, retention time, and the make-up of feedstock. As an example, co-digestion, where various organic materials are integrated, can boost the biogas yield. Research study indicates that optimizing these parameters can significantly raise methane production, with some researches reporting returns going beyond 600 m of biomethane per ton of organic waste.

Moreover, the quality of the created biomethane should meet specific standards for grid injection or automobile fuel. This entails the elimination of contaminations like hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. By leveraging varied biomethane resources and maximizing anaerobic digestion processes, you can add to a more sustainable power future while also attending to waste management challenges.

Manufacturing Processes

The production of biomethane involves numerous essential procedures that boost effectiveness and yield. You'll begin with biomethane sourcing, which stresses feedstock diversity such as agricultural residues, food waste, and power crops. This Gas Booster Installation variety not only makes the most of source utilization yet likewise supports waste administration campaigns. Anaerobic digestion is the key procedure where microorga

[thenursingtime-blog]

Metronidazole Nursing Considerations & Management

Metronidazole is a widely used antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication that treats a variety of infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. For nurses, managing metronidazole therapy involves understanding its indications, administration techniques, potential side effects, and patient-specific considerations. This guide provides a detailed roadmap to ensure optimal patient…

[akljduwhu]

Understanding and Managing Drip Septic System Repair: A Homeowner's Guide

Septic systems are an essential component for many homes, especially those located in rural or off-grid areas. While most people are familiar with conventional septic systems, fewer are aware of the more advanced drip septic system, a solution designed to offer efficient wastewater treatment in areas with poor soil conditions or limited space. Like all systems, however, the drip septic setup is not immune to issues. This brings us to the crucial topic of Drip Septic System Repair, an area that homeowners must understand to maintain their systems effectively and avoid costly problems.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what a drip septic system is, how it works, common issues that require repair, how to handle those repairs, and tips for ongoing maintenance. Whether you’re dealing with a current issue or just want to be proactive, this article will provide valuable insights.

What Is a Drip Septic System?

A drip septic system is a type of septic wastewater dispersal system that delivers treated effluent into the soil using a network of narrow, flexible drip tubing. These tubes are placed either at the surface level or shallow subsurface, and they slowly release small amounts of wastewater across a wide area.

This system is particularly beneficial in situations where:

Soil conditions are not optimal for a traditional drain field

There is limited available land for absorption

A higher level of treatment is necessary before dispersal

Drip systems are often paired with advanced treatment units like aerobic treatment systems (ATS) or sand filters, which help further purify the wastewater before it is released.

How Does a Drip Septic System Work?

The process typically involves four major stages:

Wastewater Collection Wastewater flows from the house into a septic tank or pretreatment unit, where solids settle and undergo anaerobic digestion.

Advanced Treatment (Optional but Common) In many drip systems, the effluent is sent to an advanced treatment unit for further filtration and microbial breakdown.

Pump Chamber and Filtration The pretreated effluent is pumped into a dose tank where it's filtered through a disc or sand filter to prevent debris from entering the drip tubing.

Drip Dispersal The wastewater is then dispersed through the drip tubing into the soil, where further treatment occurs as it percolates through the earth.

A timer-controlled pump ensures even and efficient distribution, avoiding over-saturation of the soil.

Why Would a Drip Septic System Need Repair?

Despite their efficiency, drip septic systems are complex and rely on many interconnected components. Over time, problems can arise due to:

Clogged Drip Lines: Drip tubing has very small emitters, which can get clogged by solids, bacteria, or mineral build-up.

Pump Failures: The pump is crucial for pushing effluent through the system. Malfunctions here can halt the entire process.

Filter Obstruction: Filters can become dirty or blocked, which restricts flow and increases pressure.

Root Intrusion: Tree roots can grow into the lines and block flow.

System Imbalance: Poor pressure regulation can lead to uneven dispersal, causing some areas to flood while others get no treatment.

Freezing: In colder climates, shallow lines may freeze, leading to back-ups or system failure.

These issues necessitate timely Drip Septic System Repair to restore functionality and protect the surrounding environment.

Common Signs That Your System Needs Repair

Being alert to the warning signs can help you catch problems early before they escalate into expensive damage. Some of the most common indicators include:

Foul odors around the drain field or near the septic tank

Soggy or overly green patches in your yard

Frequent pump alarms or high-level warnings

Slow drains or sewage backups inside the home

Unusual noises coming from the pump chamber

Any of these symptoms may suggest that a component of the drip system is failing or clogged.

How to Handle Drip Septic System Repair

Addressing issues in a drip septic system should be done with care and, ideally, with the assistance of a licensed professional. However, understanding the process can help you make informed decisions.

1. Diagnose the Issue

The first step is identifying what part of the system is malfunctioning. This can involve:

Checking control panels for alarms or warnings

Inspecting filters and drip lines for clogs

Listening for pump operation

Measuring pressure in the drip tubing

Professional septic technicians often use pressure gauges, inspection ports, and diagnostic tools to pinpoint the problem.

2. Clean or Replace Clogged Components

If filters or drip lines are clogged, they can often be cleaned using:

Backflushing: Many drip systems allow reverse flushing of the tubing to clear out blockages.

Chemical Treatment: Cleaning agents may be used to dissolve mineral build-up or bacteria biofilms.

Physical Removal: In some cases, drip tubing may need to be manually cleared or replaced.

3. Repair or Replace Pumps

Pump failures require either repair or full replacement. Modern systems often include duplex pumps (dual pumps), allowing one to take over if the other fails. Be sure to install a model that matches your system’s pressure and flow requirements.

4. System Rebalancing

If pressure is uneven, a technician may adjust the flow regulation valves or timer settings to ensure even distribution.

5. Preventing Root Intrusion

Installing root barriers or relocating the drip field away from trees can prevent future intrusions. If roots are already in the system, specialized root-cutting equipment may be needed.

The Importance of Professional Assistance

While some maintenance tasks like filter cleaning can be done by homeowners, most Drip Septic System Repair tasks are best left to licensed professionals. These systems are highly technical, and improper repair can cause environmental damage or violate local health codes.

Hiring a certified technician ensures:

Accurate diagnostics

Proper part replacement

Compliance with municipal and state regulations

Preservation of your septic permit and warranties

Routine Maintenance to Prevent Future Repairs

The best way to minimize repairs is through routine care and preventive maintenance. Here's how you can keep your system healthy:

Clean filters regularly (as recommended by the manufacturer)

Schedule annual inspections with a qualified septic technician

Backflush the system according to your system’s guidelines

Avoid flushing grease, wipes, or chemicals down the drain

Keep a maintenance log including repairs, cleanings, and inspections

Install effluent filters and keep them clean

Protect the drip field from vehicles, livestock, or heavy equipment

In colder climates, consider insulating pipes or adding seasonal antifreeze protocols to avoid freezing issues.

Environmental and Financial Benefits of Timely Repair

Addressing drip septic problems promptly not only prevents more extensive damage but also protects the environment. Untreated or improperly dispersed wastewater can lead to:

Groundwater contamination

Algal blooms in local waterways

Property damage

Legal fines or environmental violations

Additionally, timely repair often costs less than a complete system replacement, preserving the value of your home and property.

Final Thoughts

A drip septic system is a powerful and environmentally friendly solution for wastewater management, particularly in challenging soil or terrain conditions. However, it requires a level of diligence and understanding that many homeowners overlook.

Being proactive about inspections, maintenance, and especially Drip Septic System Repair can save you thousands of dollars, prevent health hazards, and ensure your system runs efficiently for decades.

If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs discussed above or simply want a check-up, don’t hesitate to consult a licensed septic technician. Your home, your health, and your environment will all benefit from your commitment to responsible septic care.

[nursingwriter]

¶ … Pelvic inflammatory disease, a critical problem Occurence or recurrence of pelvic inflammatory disease or PID has been linked to STIs such as C. trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Patient education and simplified guidelines are needed to develop accurate diagnosis. In order for changes to take place, more research must be done to understand the complex nature of the disease and the most effective and cost effective method of treatment. This paper delves into the risk factors, diagnosis processes, treatment, relevant psychological issues, public health implications, patient and family education, and appropriate referral to specialty by reviewing literature pertinent to PID. The results of the literature review show very little in the past was done in regards to researching symptoms of PID and treatment efficacy. New research shows lower abdominal pain as a main indicator of PID as well as C. trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The data also elaborates on the risks of infertility associated with PID. The costs of treating infertility are high. The costs of treating of ectopic pregnancy, another risk of developing PID, is also high. Earlier detection, most importantly, preventative measures are needed to keep healthcare costs down and help women from developing the disease. Infertility is not only a costly problem, but one that affects women on a psychosocial level. Introduction Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID, remains to this day, a mystery to the average medical professional. "PID affects around 10% of the reproductive-age female population each year." (Landers & Sweet, 2013, p. 12) The mystery lies within attaining definitive diagnostic criteria and how to tell who has it and when a PID could form. One of the reasons why PID is so hard to diagnose, let alone determine within a set group, is due to the lack of laboratory test validation available that other infectious phenomena have. Instead, providers must rely on their own clinical judgement to prevent the worst of the disease. Normally a regimen of various antibiotics prove successful in both inpatient and outpatient treatments; but, many patients tend to have complications such as tubo-ovarian abscess/tubal occlusion and may result in ectopic pregnancy and/or infertility. Women who experience PID must not only deal with the personal costs of this disease, but also the financial. PID treatment can turn costly and lead to high medical bills for both the patient and the hospital/clinic. Risk Factors "PID is the clinical syndrome associated with upper genital tract inflammation caused by the spread of micro-organisms from the lower to the upper genital tract. PID can be caused by genital mycoplasmas, endogenous vaginal flora (anaerobic and aerobic bacteria), aerobic streptococci, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as C. trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae." (Simms & Stephenson, 2000, p. xx-xx) Risk factors play an important role in determining who will most likely develop Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is most frequently caused by sexually transmitted infection (STI). "PID occurs because of migration of pathogens (most commonly chlamydia and gonorrhea) to the upper female genital tract, provoking tubal inflammation and subsequent tissue damage." (Smith, Cook, & Roberts, 2007, p. xx-xx) To detect PID, and prevent further complications, women should undergo routine STI screening in order to rule out any STI's being in the system. As Smith, Cook, & Roberts state in their paper, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend annual screening for sexually active women aged 20-25 and adolescent women to aid in early diagnosis of PID. Although some recommend adolescent women and women under 25 go as much as every six months for STI screening especially routine gonorrhea screenings. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force adds that previously infected women should get tested every 6- to 12-months due to high rates of reinfection Diagnostic Processes Liu et al. wrote about the very little research performed in improving practitioner and patient adherence to PID diagnosis and management guidelines. Of the three studies they identified, the need for further studies, particularly in primary care settings, should be performed. It is here where they found diagnosis and management of PID to be suboptimal, and where further research should be conducted. They advised that in order for diagnosis and treatment to improve, patient and practitioner must follow certain guidelines such as: "abbreviated practitioner clinical management guidelines, provision of the full course of antibiotic treatment to the patient at presentation, simplified antibiotic regimens, and written instructions for patients." (Liu et al., 2012, p. xx-xx) Blake, Fletcher, Joshi, & Emans wrote in their paper, that "most patients given a clinical diagnosis of PID in an adolescent medical setting reported lower abdominal pain in the medical history and that all patients diagnosed with PID reported either lower abdominal pain or dyspareunia." These two symptoms may be seen as indicators of PID. When there is no presence of these symptoms, a low risk of PID may be noted. Of the many studies evaluating diagnostic indicators, only a few were performed in primary care settings, where most were done in hospital settings. "Many have used the symptom "lower abdominal pain" as a required inclusion criterion, preventing an analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of its presence." (Blake, Fletcher, Joshi, & Emans, 2003, p. xx-xx) Blake et al. noted, most studies identified in their review used abdominal pain as a required inclusion criterion. Labeling it as a required inclusion criterion kept analysis of its sensitivity low and from being a diagnostic indicator. Blake et al. further note that two studies used abdominal pain as a diagnostic indicator of PID. "In one study, 112 women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility were interviewed prior to the laparoscopic procedure. Eighty percent of the women noted to have laparoscopic findings consistent with a previous episode of PID reported a past history of lower abdominal pain compared with 42% of those with no findings consistent with previous PID. In the other study 72 of 90 patients (82%) diagnosed with a lower genital tract infection due to chlamydia or gonorrhea and who had an endometrial biopsy consistent with endometritis reported abdominal pain as compared with 36 of 60 patients ( 60%) with lower genital tract infection but no endometritis." (Blake, Fletcher, Joshi, & Emans, 2003, p. xx-xx) Treatment Mirblook, Asgharnia, Forghanparast, & Soltani performed a study with an aim to compare two oral treatments: Ofloxacin and Metronidazole, with Azithromycin and Metronidazole in outpatients with PID. The study was administered through Randomized Clinical Trial in Al-zahra Women's Hospital of Rasht. The number of women selected and who participated in the study were two hundred. Eligibility was based on the following criteria. Women with the three of the five following symptoms were considered: lower abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, adnexal tenderness, cervical motion tenderness and cervicitis. "Group A was treated with Ofloxacin (400 mg) with Metronidazole (500 mg) and Group B. was treated with a single dose of oral Azithromycin (1gr) with Metronidazole (500 mg) for 10 days." (Mirblook, Asgharnia, Forghanparast, & Soltani, 2011, p. xx-xx) The regimens were compared with regards to efficacy and side effects. Patient check up began after two weeks passed from initial treatment. The study lasted for six months with only 4 patients taken off treatment due to adverse reactions. After the six months, the study found that post-treatment cure rates for groups A and B. were 90.3% for group A and 93.75% for group B. Although there was a small difference in cure rate between the groups, there was no statistical difference in the outcome of both treatments. Both medications were proven to have high efficacy and cure rate. The difference with patient satisfaction between medications is Azithromycin was the preferred treatment for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease "due to the simplicity and shorter duration of its use." (Mirblook, Asgharnia, Forghanparast, & Soltani, 2011, p. xx-xx) Successful treatment has been shown with Azithromycin but it has also proven resistant to M. genitalium which is often the leading cause of PID. "M. genitalium has demonstrated susceptibility to macrolides, azithromycin resistance has recently been reported." (Sweet, 2011, p. xx-xx) Relevant Psychosocial Issues Infertility is a major concern is Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Because PID is an upper genital tract infection, the uterus and fallopian tubes may get damaged from complications of PID . Long-term implications of PID include "higher rates of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain." (Songer, Lave, Kamlet, Frederick, & Ness, 2004, p. xx-xx) Fertility is often the most important in preserving when it comes to treatment of PID and often becomes a major goal in generating optimal treatment strategies. "About 10% of the population of childbearing age is affected by infertility." (Songer, Lave, Kamlet, Frederick, & Ness, 2004, p. xx-xx) Although fertility plays a vital role in a woman's emotional well being, limited research on the role infertility plays in quality of life is severely limited. Of the few reports that exists, some suggest infertility causes social isolation, depression/anxiety, and decreased or impaired job performance. In general, little is known on how infertility impacts women overall. Public Health Implications STIs or STDs as some will call it, are of concern to not just young women, but the overall public. STIs can cause serious side effects and aid in generation of other diseases such as PID. People need to know the relevancy of PID and sexually transmitted disease. Because PID is known to cause infertility in women, public health becomes a concern. Infertility along with the diseases that come from unprotected sex (what causes the PID, and the infertility) form a complex and expensive problem in the long run. Millions of dollars are spent on fertility drugs, MRI's, ultrasounds, and other additional tests, that can easily be replaced with inexpensive preventative measures. Preventative measures such as STI/STD screenings, pelvic examinations, and pap smears, allow medical professionals to detect early on any potential health problems. It is important for the public to realize the importance of preventative medicine. Preventative medicine in the long run helps women who develop diseases such as PID from running the risk of more serious issues such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Patient and Family Education Preventative measures such as IUDs for unwanted pregnancy has also been studied in regards to PID complications. In a paper written by Mohllajee, Curtis, & Peterson, they reviewed "indirect evidence from six prospective studies that examined women with insertion of a copper IUD and compared risk of PID between those with STIs at the time of insertion with those with no STIs." (Mohllajee, Curtis, & Peterson, 2006, p. xx-xx) The six studies indicated that women with chlamydial infection or gonorrhea at the time of IUD insertion were more likely to develop PID than those with no infection. Overall, "the absolute risk of PID was low for both groups (-5% for those with STIs and 0-2% for those without)." (Mohllajee, Curtis, & Peterson, 2006, p. xx-xx) Their paper suggests that even preventative measures such as IUDs which are meant for pregnancy and not STIs, are still indicating low instances of PID leading researchers to believe women who act in a preventative way towards their health are more likely to not participate in activities that will lead to adverse health complication such as unprotected sex. Appropriate Referral to Specialty Appropriate treatment for women who develop PID becomes a priority. Referring a patient to a specialist is often needed. In an article by Simms et al., PID is described as having a multifactorial aetiology. "Although Chlamydia trachomatis causes a substantial proportion of cases, serological evidence has associated Mycoplasma genitalium with PID." (Simms et al., 2003, p. xx-xx) Previous attempts at further investigation of PID have always been hindered by the lack of straightforward, precise diagnostic methods, but polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are presently available. "A recent Kenyan study suggested an association between M. genitalium and acute endometritis." (Simms et al., 2003, p. xx-xx) PID is a disease that can lead to serious consequences for women who suffer from it. The risks of infertility and/or ectopic pregnancy increase when women develop PID. Research indicates STIs, particularly C. trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae are known causes of PID. Preventative measures such as STI screenings and condom use may keep women from going through a stressful and potentially devastating ordeal. It is important to not only educate women of these risks, but also educate their family and partners. Education is key in stopping the spread of PID. Conclusion In conclusion, PID is a costly and potentially devastating disease. Priority must be placed on patient education and practitioner guidelines. If patients and medical professionals practice simplified and accurate diagnosis and adherence guidelines, early detection of PID is possible. Limited research on what methods and strategies can improve practitioner and patient adherence to PID diagnosis and management guidelines presents a problem, but new research attempts to fix that. Interventions that make managing PID easier and more available, such as summary guidelines and plan of treatment on-site, appear to lead to better obedience but further empirical evidence is necessary. Researchers able to find new ways to approach this problem, such as studies on analysis of PID symptoms can help develop better methods for medical professionals in the near future. Hopefully with more studies and information, PID will become a disease that is not only easily treatable, but easy to diagnose early on. Preventative medicine is the key to better health. References Berger, G.S., & Westrom, L. (1992). Pelvic inflammatory disease. New York: Raven Press. Blake, D.R., Fletcher, K., Joshi, N., & Emans, S.J. (2003). Identification of Symptoms that Indicate a Pelvic Examination is Necessary to Exclude PID in Adolescent Women. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 2003(16), 25-33. doi:10.1016/S1083-3188(02)00207-3 Landers, D.V., & Sweet, R.L. (2013). Pelvic inflammatory disease. S.l.: Springer. Liu, B., Donovan, B., Hocking, J., Knox, J., Silver, B., & Guy, R. (2012). Improving Adherence to Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Pelvic Inftammatory Disease: A Systematic Review. Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2012(32510), 6. Mirblook, F., Asgharnia, M., Forghanparast, K., & Soltani, M.A. (2011). A comparative study on ofloxacin and azithromycin in combination with metronidazole to outpatients with pelvic inflammatory disease. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 13(14), 400-402. Mohllajee, A.P., Curtis, K.M., & Peterson, H.B. (2006). Does insertion and use of an intrauterine device increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease among women with sexually transmitted infection? A systematic review. Contraception, 2006(73), 145-153. Simms, I., & Stephenson, J.M. (2000). Pelvic inflammatory disease epidemiology: what do we know and what do we need to know? Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2000(76), 80-87. Retrieved from http://sti.bmj.com/content/76/2/80 Simms, I., Eastick, K., Mallinson, H., Thomas, K., Gokhale, R., Hay, P., . . . Rogers, P.A. (2003). Associations between Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Journal of Clinical Pathology, 8(56), 616-618. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1770020/ Smith, K.J., Cook, R.L., & Roberts, M.S. (2007). Time from Sexually Transmitted Infection Acquisition to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Development: Influence on the Cost-Effectiveness of Different Screening Intervals. Value in Health, 10(5), 358-366. Songer, T.J., Lave, J.R., Kamlet, M.S., Frederick, S., & Ness, R.B. (2004). Preferences for fertility in women with pelvic inflammatory disease. Fertility and Sterility, 81(5), 1344-1350. Sweet, R.L. (2011). Treatment of Acute Pelvic Inftammatory Disease. Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2011(561909), 1-13. Tepper, N.K., Steenland, M.W., Gaffield, M.E., Marchbanks, P.A., & Curtis, K.M. (2013). Retention of intrauterine devices in women who acquire pelvic inflammatory disease: a systematic review. Contraception, 5(87), 655-60. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23040135 Read the full article