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D Omori

Publications and source records attributed to D Omori.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Minimization of sludge production and stable operational condition of a submerged membrane activated sludge process.

Modification of conventional activated sludge process by adding microfiltration type hollow fiber membrane module offers various advantages. The membrane module is immersed directly in the bioreactor to separate the treated water from the sludge and the modified process is called submerged membrane activated sludge process (SMASP). Bench scale SMASP units were operated at constant flux to study the possibility of minimizing the excess sludge production and stable operation at different SRT and BOD loading. The long SRT developed high stabilized MLSS concentration in the bioreactor and decreased the sludge loading rate [kg-BOD/kg-MLSS-d]. In SMASP, very low sludge yield coefficients (0.04-0.09 kg-MLSS/kg-BOD) were obtained at long SRT (500 d) and small BOD loading (< or =0.5 kg/(m3 x d)) as compared to conventional activated sludge process and these coefficients showed considerable minimization in excess activated sludge production. At the same operation conditions, suction pressure was also maintained low (<25 kPa), and then SMASP was operated stably for long time (approximately 200 d).

Biomass↗
PubMed1999

Case-finding for depression in primary care: a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Depression is a highly prevalent, morbid, and costly illness that is often unrecognized and inadequately treated. Because depression questionnaires have the potential to improve recognition, we evaluated the accuracy and effects on primary care of two case-finding instruments compared to usual care. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at three university-affiliated and one community-based medical clinics. Consecutive patients were randomly assigned to be asked a single question about mood, to fill out the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Screen, or to usual care. Within 72 hours, patients were assessed for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Third Revised Edition (DSM-III-R) disorders by an assessor blinded to the screening results. Process of care was assessed using chart audit and administrative databases; patient and physician satisfaction was assessed using Likert scales. At 3 months, depressed patients and a random sample of nondepressed patients were re-assessed for DSM-III-R disorders and symptom counts. RESULTS: We approached 1,083 patients, of whom 969 consented to screening and were assigned to the single question (n = 330), 20-item questionnaire (n = 323), or usual care (n = 316). The interview for DSM-III-R diagnosis was completed in 863 (89%) patients; major depression, dysthymia, or minor depression was present in 13%. Both instruments were sensitive, but the 20-item questionnaire was more specific than the single question (75% vs 66%, P = 0.03). The 20-item questionnaire was less likely to be self-administered (54% vs 90%) and took significantly more time to complete (15 vs 248 seconds). Case-finding with the 20-item questionnaire or single question modestly increased depression recognition, 30/77 (39%) compared with 11/38 (29%) in usual care (P = 0.31) but did not affect treatment (45% vs 43%, P = 0.88). Effects on DSM-III-R symptoms were mixed. Recovery from depression was more likely in the case-finding than usual care groups, 32/67 (48%) versus 8/30 (27%, P = 0.03), but the mean improvement in depression symptoms did not differ significantly (1.6 vs 1.5 symptoms, P = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: A simple question about depression has similar performance characteristics as a longer 20-item questionnaire and is more feasible because of its brevity. Case-finding leads to a modest increase in recognition rates, but does not have consistently positive effects on patient outcomes.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Coxsackievirus-associated pancreatitis mimicking metastatic carcinoma.

The origin of idiopathic acute pancreatitis has not been well defined. Several enteroviruses, including coxsackievirus, have been implicated. We report the case of a 21-year-old woman with severe, acute pancreatitis with no classic risk factors. Initial evaluation failed to show choledocholithiasis. Her condition improved with conservative treatment, but symptoms recurred after resumption of oral intake. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed an atypical pseudocyst and omental nodules suggestive of a metastatic malignancy. An acute coxsackievirus B5 titer delayed CT-guided omental biopsy. The patient showed improvement, but progression of the omental nodules prompted open laparotomy. No malignant or inflammatory process was identified. This is the first reported case of presumed viral pancreatitis causing reactive omental nodules. This case shows a benign process mimicking malignancy, requiring an extensive, potentially dangerous workup. It also emphasizes the need to consider viral causes for unusual presentations of common problems.

Acute Disease↗