Utah Project Research Articles

Building Neuro-Inclusive Community, Strengthening Mental Health: The Autism After 21 Utah Project

Building Neuro-Inclusive Community, Strengthening Mental Health: The Autism After 21 Utah Project

Risk of atrial fibrillation is increased in patients with exfoliation syndrome: the Utah project on exfoliation syndrome (UPEXS).

Exfoliation syndrome, a systemic disorder with ocular manifestations, is associated with lysyl oxidase-like gene variants. Along with transforming growth factor beta-1, lysyl oxidase-like 1 is a key enzyme in stabilizing extracellular matrix and remodelling collagen/elastin. Given the role that transforming growth factor beta-1, lysyl oxidase-like gene variants and fibrosis play in atrial fibrillation, an association with exfoliation syndrome was investigated. An exfoliation syndrome cohort of 2803 patients and an atrial fibrillation cohort of 43 694 patients aged 60-90 years at disease onset were identified using the Utah Population Database (1996-2015). Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate risk of atrial fibrillation in exfoliation syndrome patients and risk of exfoliation syndrome in atrial fibrillation patients compared with respective 5:1 sex- and age-matched control cohorts. Kaplan-Meier curves were examined to assess survival in atrial fibrillation patients by exfoliation syndrome status. Exfoliation syndrome patients had a 21% greater risk (95% CI 1.06-1.37; p < 0.0001) of atrial fibrillation. This was more pronounced in exfoliation syndrome patients with no hypertension history, who exhibited a 52% increased atrial fibrillation risk (95% CI 1.27-1.82; p < 0.0001). Atrial fibrillation patients exhibited a 20% increased risk of exfoliation syndrome (95% CI 1.07-1.35; p = 0.003), while atrial fibrillation patients with no hypertension had a 72% higher exfoliation risk (95% CI 1.45-2.03; p < 0.0001). Atrial fibrillation patients with exfoliation syndrome had a higher estimated probability of survival (alive at study end or at last follow-up) compared with patients with no exfoliation history (p < 0.0001, log-rank test). Exfoliation syndrome patients were at a statistically significant increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Similarly, atrial fibrillation patients were at a statistically significant higher risk of exfoliation, particularly when hypertension history was absent.

Association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Exfoliation Syndrome: The Utah Project on Exfoliation Syndrome

Exfoliation syndrome (XFS), the most common recognizable cause of open-angle glaucoma worldwide, is a systemic disorder with genetic predisposition due to variations in lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) function, leading to altered elastin matrices in ocular and systemic tissues. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent disorder also involving elastic tissue dysfunction and is associated with glaucoma. Because of the similarities between the disorders, we sought to uncover any relationship in the prevalence of these diagnoses. Case-control, retrospective cohort study. A cohort of 81 735 patients diagnosed with OSA at ages 50 to 90 years was identified from medical records from 1996 to 2017 in the Utah Population Database. Case subjects were matched to random controls on sex and birth year in a 4:1 ratio. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes or their Tenth Revision equivalent were used to define a diagnosis of OSA (ICD-9 327.23) and a diagnosis of XFS (ICD-9 365.52 and 366.11). Conditional logistic regression odds ratios (ORs) accounting for individual matching on sex and birth year were used to estimate the risk of XFS in patients with OSA. Models included adjustment for race, obesity, tobacco use, hypertension (HTN), atrial fibrillation (AF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Whether patients with OSA have an increased risk of diagnosis of XFS compared with controls without OSA. There was an increased risk of an XFS diagnosis in patients with OSA compared with non-OSA controls (OR, 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.59; P= 0.03). In a stratification of patients by HTN diagnosis history, patients with OSA and HTN exhibited an increased risk of XFS compared with non-OSA controls with HTN (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 2.06-3.46; P < 0.0001). Patients with OSA may be at an increased risk of XFS compared with patients without OSA, particularly in patients with a history of HTN.

Association between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Exfoliation Syndrome: The Utah Project on Exfoliation Syndrome

Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is associated with genetic variants of lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1), a key enzyme in the stabilization of extracellular matrix (ECM) and elastin, and in connective tissue repair. Because patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have increased and altered elastin degradation, an association between XFS and COPD was hypothesized and analyzed. Impact of XFS on survival in patients with COPD was evaluated. Case-case and case-control comparison with 5:1 age- and sex-matched controls. Total of 2943 patients with XFS, 20 589 patients with COPD, and 162 patients with both disorders seen between 1996 and 2015 were identified from Utah Population Database-linked medical records. Controls were selected and matched by sex and birth year to patients in a 5:1 ratio. Unconditional logistic regression, using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes (365.52 and 366.11) to define XFS and an outcome of COPD (496.0), was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) to estimate risk of COPD in patients with XFS, adjusting for age and sex. Model covariates included race, obesity, and tobacco use. Whether XFS patients have an increased risk of developing COPD; whether COPD patients have an increased risk of XFS; and, in COPD patients, whether survival differs between those with XFS and those without. In XFS patients, risk of a COPD diagnosis was increased compared with that of non-XFS controls (OR= 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.70; P < 0.0004), particularly in a tobacco users subset (OR= 2.17; 95% CI, 1.15-4.09; P= 0.02). COPD patients and controls with no COPD did not differ in their risk of an XFS diagnosis. COPD patients with XFS had significantly better survival than patients with COPD and no XFS history. XFS patients may have an increased risk of a COPD diagnosis compared with non-XFS individuals. In COPD patients, risk of XFS was not increased compared with those with no COPD history. In COPD patients with XFS, survival is significantly improved compared with COPD patients with no XFS history.

Utah Project on Exfoliation Syndrome (UPEXS): Insight Into Systemic Diseases Associated With Exfoliation Syndrome.

The Utah Project on Exfoliation Syndrome (UPEXS) study was created to investigate the association between exfoliation syndrome (XFS) and systemic disorders or pathologies. The study utilizes the resources of the Utah Population Database, which is linked to the Utah genealogy, a compilation of large pedigrees extending back 3 to ≥11 generations, representing most families in the state. These family members medical and health records are linked to vital records and can be used effectively to identify familial clustering of disorders, like XFS, with comorbid diseases or health-related data. There is growing evidence that XFS patients have an increased risk for systemic disorders that may reflect the systemic tissue involvement of this disease. Epidemiologic studies of individuals with XFS have reported an increased risk of various pathologies that have abnormalities in extracellular matrix metabolism and repair. For this reason, the UPEXS has focused on disorders that involve the extracellular matrix in general and elastin specifically, such as pelvic organ prolapse, atrial fibrillation, inguinal hernias, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this paper we present our results from the analysis of pelvic organ prolapse, as well as, preliminary data for atrial fibrillation.

Water, Agriculture and Urban Growth: A History of the Central Utah Project, the CUP: The First Fifty Years

Water, Agriculture and Urban Growth: A History of the Central Utah Project, the CUP: The First Fifty Years

Risk for Exfoliation Syndrome in Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Exfoliation syndrome, an inherited systemic disorder of elastin and extracellular matrix (ECM), is associated with the LOXL1 gene locus. Pelvic organ prolapse is a common connective tissue disorder that affects women. The presence of an association between exfoliation syndrome (exfoliation of the lens capsule) and pelvic organ prolapse was investigated as part of the Utah Project on Exfoliation Syndrome (UPEXS). To examine the association between exfoliation syndrome and pelvic organ prolapse using the Utah Population Database, a comprehensive resource linked to medical records. A 2-pronged approach was used. In substudy A, a cross-sectional analysis was performed to determine the association between pelvic organ prolapse and exfoliation syndrome in women enrolled in Medicare in Utah from calendar year 1992 to 2009 (n = 132 772). In substudy B, the risk of incident exfoliation syndrome from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2014, was estimated in a cohort of women aged 30 to 65 years at baseline with a diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse (n = 5130) compared with birth year-matched women serving as controls who did not have pelvic organ prolapse (n = 15 338). Exfoliation syndrome outcome was defined by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, diagnosis codes for exfoliation syndrome or exfoliation glaucoma (366.11 or 365.52, respectively). In substudy A, odds ratios (ORs) from unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the exfoliation syndrome risk in women with pelvic organ prolapse compared with those without pelvic organ prolapse. In substudy B, hazard ratios (HRs) from Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate incident exfoliation syndrome risk in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (without exfoliation syndrome history) compared with unaffected controls. Models were adjusted for age, years enrolled, parity, and race/ethnicity. Of the 132 772 women enrolled in Utah Medicare from 1992 to 2009, the mean [SD] age at the last enrollment was 82.2 [7.7] years. Pelvic organ prolapse was associated with a 1.56-fold increased risk of exfoliation syndrome in Medicare beneficiaries (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.42-1.72) in substudy A. We observed a 48% increased incident risk of exfoliation syndrome in women aged 30 to 65 years at baseline who had a pelvic organ prolapse diagnosis compared with controls during 20 years of follow-up (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.14-1.91). The diagnosis of exfoliation syndrome was more frequent in women with pelvic organ prolapse in the Utah Population Database, a robust population-based resource, thus supporting an association of exfoliation syndrome with a nonocular systemic condition. Systemic conditions with altered ECM metabolism, such as pelvic organ prolapse, may share common biological pathways with exfoliation syndrome. LOXL1 dysregulation, thought to occur in exfoliation syndrome, may be a contributing factor.

Froth modification for reduced fuel oil usage in phosphate flotation

The Florida phosphate industry uses millions of pounds of fuel oil per year for phosphate flotation. It is of significant environmental and economic benefit to reduce the usage of fuel oil. This paper presents laboratory-testing results from both a FIPR in-house research program and a contractual project with University of Utah. In the FIPR in-house project, three different flotation feed samples were obtained for laboratory testing. Initial laboratory rougher flotation tests were performed to compare the response of 10 petroleum-based froth modifiers plus one sample of rosin oil derived from tall oil rosin. Successful flotation tests, in which 1/3 of several selected petroleum-based modifiers was replaced by rosin oil, resulted in a P 2O 5 recovery increase. The Utah project showed that the addition of a nonionic polymer could reduce fuel oil use by up to 50% for flotation of coarse phosphates. The mechanisms by which polymers improve phosphate flotation was studied.

Water Resources:The Central Utah Project Completion Act

Water Resources:<i>The Central Utah Project Completion Act</i>

Earthquake Hazards of Grand Teton National Park Emphasizing the Teton Fault

This is a progress report on the research of the University of Utah project: "Earthquake Hazards of The Grand Teton National Park Emphasizing The Teton Fault", to date, 31 December, 1989. The research objectives during 1989 focussed on: 1) excavation of a trench across the Teton fault to determine the age and amount of displacement associated with prehistoric ground breaking earthquakes; 2) collection of paleomagnetic samples of Huckleberry Ridge tuff along an E-W transect across the northern end of the Teton range to assess deformation associated with the Teton fault; 3) mapping and surveying of two study areas along the fault to evaluate the geomorphic expression of the fault; 4) surveying a detailed topographic and gravity profile across the valley from String Lake to the Snake River to evaluate deformation of the valley floor and to help constrain modeling of the subsurface fault geometry, 5) continuing the study of expected fault motion of the Teton fault based on our previous results, 6) mapping of the northern extent of the Teton fault zone, and 7) assisting the NPS with interpretations and use of our data for management and interpretational purposes.

The Political Economy of Western Water Finance: Cost Allocation and the Bonneville Unit of the Central Utah Project

AbstractA common hypothesis is that federal water agencies pursue continued appropriations with little consideration of national economic efficiency. In the mid‐1980s, faced with a vote on a supplemental municipal and industrial water repayment contract on the Bonneville Unit of the Central Utah Project, the Bureau of Reclamation confirmed this hypothesis. Through modifications in cost allocation procedures, the bureau shifted costs from municipal and industrial water to hydropower and irrigation. The result of this action was retention of the irrigation purpose in the Bonneville Unit, which would have been unjustified under previous cost allocation procedures.

WATER QUALITY SIMULATION OF THE PROPOSED JORDANELLE RESERVOIR, UTAH

ABSTRACT Jordanelle Reservoir, a proposed component of the Bonneville Unit of the Central Utah Project, will be a major source of municipal and industrial water for the Salt Lake Valley. The final environmental impact statement identified the need to evaluate Jordanelle in terms of its downstream impact on Deer Creek Reservoir and the use of the water. To evaluate the impact, a combination of temperature and water quality simulation models, anaerobic simulation of the sediments, empirical nutrient loading models, and estimates of primary productivity were utilized. As a result of these efforts, Jordanelle Reservoir is expected to experience seasonal excesses of eutrophication with resulting low dissolved oxygen levels, potential mobilization of mine tailings, and seasonal recycling of nutrients from the sediments. To restrict the impact of these factors on downstream productivity and to allow efficient routing of nutrients and water through Deer Creek Reservoir, a multiple level withdrawal outlet structur...

Utah State Prison Geothermal System: ABSTRACT

A geothermal space heating project was recently completed at the Utah State Prison complex at Crystal Hot Springs located near Murray, Utah. The project was initiated in 1978 as a joint U.S. Department of Energy and State of Utah project. Geologic and geophysical investigations initiated in 1979 consist of surface geologic mapping and aeromagnetic and detailed gravity surveys. This exploration program along with several shallow thermal-gradient holes provided the structural details for a subsequent exploration drilling program. The exploration drilling program involved deepening an existing well (SF-1) to 500 ft (150 m) and drilling a new hole (USP/TH-1) to 1,000 ft (300 m) to test the extent of the thermal anomaly. Well SF-1 intersected 175°F (79°C) temperatures in a low permeable quartzite, and well USP/TH-1 intersected highly fractured quartzite in the lower section of the well. A temperature reversal was noted in USP/TH-1 below 700 ft (213 m) with a maximum temperature of 175°F (79°C) occurring in the zone from 300 to 700 ft (90 to 215 m). Flow testing of USP/TH-1 indicated the well would flow at 1,000 gpm with a sustained flow of 400 gpm at a 3.5 psi drawdown over the heating season. Testing also indicated interference with other nearby wells and thermal springs. Fluid production for space heating of the prison facilities took place during the winter of 1983-84. This production will give more data to refine the calculations of reservoir producibility and provide information on the economics of utilizing geothermal fluids for space heating. End_of_Article - Last_Page 943------------

DISTRIBUTIONAL ISSUES IN WESTERN MUNICIPAL AND INDUSTRIAL WATER SUPPLY1

ABSTRACT Financing and repayment provisions of western water projects effect transfers of income among federal taxpayers, electric power users, local water users, and property owners. We use the Bonneville Unit of the Central Utah Project as a case study in the distribution of municipal and industrial water costs. We examine the distribution of costs among taxpayers and water users in different political/geographical jurisdictions, and how this distribution is affected by water law, cost allocation procedures, and the choice of revenue source for local repayment of reimbursable costs. In light of the magnitude of distributional effects of present water policy, we conclude that lack of open debate on water issues is unfortunate. We conclude with speculation on the relationship of western water policy to the motivation of western water leaders who are instrumental in its formulation

EFFECTS OF INTERBASIN TRANSFERS UPON WATER MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVES IN CENTRAL UTAH1

ABSTRACT. Most of Utah's rapid population and industrial expansion is taking place along the western base of the Wasatch Mountains, with consequent increases in water demand. As a part of Utah's “Developing a State Water Plan,” a foundation investigation of the Utah Lake drainage area, which is at the Southern end of the Wasatch Front, was completed which delineated the quantity and quality of the water resources, present water uses, and opportunities for further water conservation. To prepare water budgets, land use data was collected to delineate all areas using water in excess of normal precipitation, which includes agricultural croplands, phreatophytes, open water surfaces, industrial areas, and urban areas. The water budgets were prepared for the time base 1931‐1960, but adjusted to physical conditions existing in 1960.The Initial Phase of the Bonneville Unit of the Central Utah Project is presently under construction, with costs expected to exceed 300 million dollars. The principal feature of this project is the exportation of waters from the Colorado River Basin into the Utah Lake drainage area (Great Basin). This importation provides a large number of alternatives for allocation, reallocation of present supplies, and exportation. The possible effects of the Central Utah Project for realizing some of the above alternatives is delineated. Fortunately, the features of this project allow a wide latitude for water management in Utah, thereby facilitating its corporation into a “State Water Plan.”