Vertical distribution of bacteria and intensity of microbiological processes in two stratified gypsum Karst Lakes in Lithuania

Physical-chemical parameters and the vertical distribution of bacteria and organic matter production-destruction processes were studied during midsummer stratification in two karst lakes (Kirkilai and Ramunelis) located in northern Lithuania. The lakes were characterized by high sulfate concentrations (369–1248 mg·L-1). The O2/H2S intersection zone formed at 2–3 m depth. In Lake Kirkilai, the highest bacterial densities (up to 8.7 × 106 cell·mL-1) occurred at the O2/H2S intersection zone, whereas in Lake Ramunelis the highest densities were observed in the anoxic hypolimnion (up to 11 × 106 cell·mL-1). Pigment analysis revealed that green sulfur bacteria dominated in the microaerobic–anaerobic water layers in both lakes. The most intensive development of sulfate-reducing bacteria was observed in the anaerobic layer. Photosynthetic production of organic matter was highest in the upper layer. Rates of sulfate reduction reached 0.23 mg S2−·dm3·d-1 in the microaerobic-anaerobic water layer and 1.97 mg S2−·dm3·d-1 in sediments. Karst lakes are very sensitive to organic pollution, because under such impact in the presence of high sulfate amounts, sulfate reduction may become very intensive and, consequently, the increase in hydrogen sulfide and development of sulfur cycle bacteria may reduce the variety of other hydrobionts

A qualitative study exploring support for self-management of long-term conditions in general practice consultations

This doctoral study sought greater understanding of support for self-management in general practice consultations for people living with long-term conditions, and aimed to understand and help address the gap between policy and practice. Methods: Informed by a review of theoretical and methodological literature, a qualitative mixed methods study was undertaken, involving generation and comparative analysis of empirical data arising from three main sources: 1) observations of general practice consultations (n=86); 2) qualitative interviews with health professionals in general practice (n=17); and 3) qualitative interviews with patients with a long-term condition (n=12). Results: The thesis presents key discourse and discursive practices underpinning long-term condition management in general practice consultations. Coping with the disruption of living with a long-term condition was a key theme and identified to be of importance for both patients and health professionals. However, although a shared value, there was little evidence of this coping with the disruption being discussed during consultations. Patients and professionals had difficulty raising and addressing self-management topics whilst attempting to maintain social relations. Structural factors including the use computer templates as well as the division of labour among primary care professionals reinforced this tension. Discussion: In order for self-management support to become normalised into primary care, policy interventions concerning long-term condition management need to take into account of these tensions underpinning the care of patients with long-term conditions. A framework for embedding and integrating support for self-management of long-term conditions within primary care is proposed.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo