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Objectives: The objective was to report and compare the complications and recurrence rates of urethral prolapse in dogs when treated with urethropexy, resection and anastomosis or a combined surgical technique. Study design: Retrospective study. Materials and Methods: A total of 86 dogs were identified from the medical records of 10 veterinary referral hospitals from February 2012 and October 2022. Dogs were included if they underwent surgery for a urethral prolapse at first presentation. Complications were classified as minor or major based on the necessity of further surgical intervention. Complications leading to death were also considered major complications. Results: Seventy‐nine dogs were included, urethropexy (n=44), resection and anastomosis (n=27) and a combined surgical technique (n=8). Minor complications were identified in 41 of 79 dogs (51.9%): urethropexy 19 of 44 (43.2%), resection and anastomosis 18 of 27 (66.6%) and a combined surgical technique four of eight (50%). Major complications occurred in 23 dogs (29.1%), of which 21 were recurrence (26.6%). Recurrence occurred in 17 of 44 dogs following a urethropexy (38.6%), three of 27 dogs following resection and anastomosis (11.1%) and one of eight dogs treated with a combined surgical technique (12.5%). Recurrence of a urethral prolapse was significantly more likely following urethropexy in comparison to resection and anastomosis. Clinical Significance: Resection and anastomosis was associated with a lower recurrence rate in comparison to urethropexy for the surgical treatment of urethral prolapse. Based on these results, we concluded that resection and anastomosis may be preferable to urethropexy for treatment of urethral prolapse at first presentation. Urethropexy, and resection and anastomosis combined surgical technique was associated with low recurrence rate; however, further studies will be needed to clarify if it provides any benefit over resection and anastomosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite‐based Fire radiative power (FRP) retrievals are used to track wildfire activity but are sometimes not possible or have large uncertainties. Here, we show that weather radar products including composite and base reflectivity and equivalent rainfall integrated in the vicinity of the fires show strong correlation with hourly FRP for multiple fires during 2019–2020. Correlation decreases when radar beams are blocked by topography and when there is significant ground clutter (GC) and anomalous propagation (AP). GC/AP can be effectively removed using a machine learning classifier trained with radar retrieved correlation coefficient, velocity, and spectrum width. We find a power‐law best describes the relationship between radar products and FRP for multiple fires combined (0.67–0.76 R2). Radar‐based FRP estimates can be used to fill gaps in satellite FRP created by cloud cover and show great potential to overcome satellite FRP biases occurring during extreme fire events. Plain Language Summary: The radiant energy emitted by wildfires (FRP) is an important variable that controls many aspects of the smoke plume including the amount of emission released into the atmosphere and how high it travels. Biomass burning debris, which are large particles generated by combustion, can be suspended in the atmosphere along with smoke. Weather radars can detect and retrieve information from these large particles, which can be used for a variety of applications. In this work, we show that retrievals from weather radars can be used to estimate FRP with reasonable results. Echoes associated with ground artifacts affect these results but can be effectively screened using machine learning algorithms trained on manually selected data of representative plume and non‐plume cases. Satellite FRP can often be missing or underpredicted especially for extreme fire events, and thus this technique offers an alternative way to provide a more accurate depiction of fire evolution that can be used to predict smoke impacts. Key Points: Weather radar products integrated in the vicinity of fires can be used to estimate Fire radiative power (FRP) through a power‐law relationshipThe relationships between FRP and radar products are skillful only after removing artifacts using a machine learning classifierRadar‐based FRP has potential to fill gaps and overcome satellite FRP biases occurring during extreme fire events [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: To report the clinical characteristics and recurrence rate of spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to pulmonary blebs and bullae following surgical management in a large cohort of dogs. To explore potential risk factors for recurrence and describe outcome. Materials and Methods: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for cases with spontaneous pneumothorax managed surgically between 2000 and 2017. Signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, surgery, histopathology findings and patient outcomes were recorded. Follow‐up was performed via patient records and telephone contact. Results: Records of 120 dogs with surgically treated pneumothorax were identified and reviewed, with 99 cases appropriate for exploratory statistical analysis. Median follow‐up was 850 days (range: 9–5105 days). Two‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 88.4% and 83.5%, respectively. There was recurrence in 14 of 99 dogs (14.1%) with adequate follow‐up, with a median time to recurrence of 25 days (1–1719 days). Univariable Cox regression analysis suggested increased risk for recurrence in giant breeds (hazard ratio = 11.05, 95% confidence interval: 2.82–43.35) and with increasing bodyweight (HR = 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.09). Of 14 dogs with recurrence, six were euthanased, two died of causes related to pneumothorax and six underwent further treatment, of which five were resolved. Clinical Significance: Long‐term survival for dogs with surgically managed spontaneous pneumothorax was good and associated with a low risk of recurrence. Giant breed dogs and increased bodyweight were the only variables identified as possible risk factors for recurrence. The outcome for dogs with recurrence undergoing a second intervention was also favourable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional disorders within dermatology present as various constellations of skin symptoms, but without evidence of organic pathology. Examples can include mucocutaneous pain syndromes, functional pruritus, somatoform pain disorder and rarer entities, such as undifferentiated somatoform idiopathic anaphylaxis and multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. These conditions can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life, and can present challenges in communication, investigation and management. The aetiology of functional disorders is not fully understood, but with an effective collaborative approach, a psychological explanation for these symptoms is often found. A structured approach to assessment can lead to a confident diagnosis, and understanding a patient's belief system and the impact of symptoms on their functioning can give better grounding for successful management. Treatment is dependent on the level of the patient's engagement with healthcare professionals, and often takes a measured and rehabilitative approach. Psychological therapies have been shown to be effective, often alongside both psychopharmacological and topical medications. Click here for the corresponding questions to this CME article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional – or somatoform – symptoms are those that arise with no proven organic pathology. Also known as 'medically unexplained' symptoms, they can present in any medical speciality, including dermatology. Mucocutaneous pain syndromes and functional pruritus are two examples of functional disorders encountered by dermatologists. Patients presenting with somatoform symptoms have paradoxically complex and often subjectively severe symptomatology, yet minimal abnormalities on clinical examination or investigation. Such disparity can be frustrating and distressing for patients and clinicians alike, and there are many pitfalls regarding overinvestigation and misleading communication. However, with an honest and open approach – sometimes requiring collaboration with psychological services – management of functional symptoms can be effective, and patients can be successfully rehabilitated. Click here for the corresponding questions to this CME article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the Green-flowered Helleborine Epipactis phyllanthes which is present in Wiltshire, Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey in England, and deemed to be a very rare orchid in Lancashire and Cumbria, England. Topics discussed include discovery of Helleborine in Cusworth Park, Doncaster, England in 1975 by John Hodgson, and associated ground flora with Helleborine involving Wood Sanicle Sanicula europaea, Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Lesser Celandine Ficaria verna.

The article discusses seasonal trends in emergence times and culling pressure on the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes in lowland South Yorkshire, England. Topics discussed include analysis of Post-emergence behaviour of the Red Fox, comparison of nocturnal emergence of red fox to that with badgers Meles meles, and link of weather conditions and cub development to emergence times of Foxes.

The article focuses on the first appearance of the Weasel in the fauna of Yorkshire, England. It says that evidence of a mammal fauna of temperate forest and lakeside habitats are produced by skeletal material excavations at the Mesolithic seasonal hunting camps by the River Kenneth at Thatcham, Berkshire. Moreover, wessel was regarded as a sufficiently detrimental to agriculture in 1566.

Summary A key first step in any reintroduction programme is to identify the former native range of the species in question. Such information provides the geographical framework for the project, within which potential reintroduction sites can be assessed. This study provides a historical review of the former distribution and status of the burbot, Lota lota, a freshwater gadoid extirpated from England. The review examines records of burbot presence and abundance from a range of historical and anecdotal sources and provides a qualitative evaluation of the species' decline in English rivers. Burbot were found to have inhabited 42 rivers in eastern England ranging from the River Skerne in County Durham to the River Blyth in Suffolk. The literature suggests the species persisted in greater numbers in a few isolated areas such as the Yorkshire Derwent and the Great Ouse. The review also indicates that rather than be confined to slow-flowing lowland rivers, burbot occupied a range of aquatic environments including small upland headwaters as well as some lake systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the historic distribution of burbot (Lota Lota) in Great Britain. The study examined the archaeological records and place-name evidence for the presence of burbot to validate the former distribution of the burbot created from the historical literature. The results show that burbot exhibited earlier decline in the Trent catchment than the Fenland and Yorkshire areas and that interaction between natural processes and anthropogenic factors affect its distribution.

The article reports on the spread of Sowerby's freshwater jellyfish, also known as Craspedacusta sowerbii (C. sowerbii), in Great Britain. It states that C. sowerbii is naturalised in slow moving waters in various tropical and warm temperature regions and they have occasionally appeared in heated freshwater aquaria. It shows that feral populations have been encountered in unheated outdoor situations and their hydroid stages seem to attach to the submerged water plants.

The article discusses the phenomenon of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in inland tidal water bodies in Yorkshire, Humber and adjacent regions in England. It seeks to collate data from several disparate and potentially ephemeral studies of harbour porpoises. It illustrates how the local harbour porpoise population has historically been under pressure from a variety of anthropogenic sources. In accordance with current Originally, cetaceans that were caught or found stranded provided a source of meat, oil and other products. Cetaceans are currently protected under a range of European and British legislation.

The article reports on the Wheatley Elm which as part of Yorkshire's arboricultural heritage. Wheatley Elm is a pyramidal, tightly uprightly branched columnar tree with a narrow pointed crown and small rounded glossy leaves. The tree's horticultural potential was already recognized and specimens were planted in the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens by the early 19th century. George Loddiges, a nurseryman and botanical illustrator was the first to propagate this newly discovered elm from Guernsey. He recognized in his 1836 catalogue that the tree was sufficiently distinctive to justify its own specific name.

Defects at sewer joints can contribute significantly to the reduction of the overall performance of the sewerage network. Full-scale laboratory experiments were carried out on standard joint assemblies for small diameter clay pipes. The results showed that the joint assembly failed the UK water test performance specification (BS EN 1610: 1998 and EN 295: 1-1991) for a range of angular displacements and bedding arrangements. The standards do not describe in engineering terms the provisions that should be made to restrain the pipeline, or section of pipelines, when completing the water test. Movement of the complete pipe/joint occurred as a result of static hydraulic pressures and the performance of the pipeline can be further compromised when subjected to angular deflections. In the long term, effects could contribute to the development of latent defects within newly laid joint assemblies and adversely influence the performance of the sewer under operational conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A greater understanding of the erosion behaviour of sewer sediments is necessary in order to reliably estimate the amount and nature of the sewer sediments released from deposits in sewers and transported either to waste water treatment plants or discharged into the environment. Research has indicated that microbial activity in sediment can influence the physical release of sediment from in-pipe deposits. This paper reports on a series of erosion tests in which sewer sediments from different sewer networks are kept under different environmental conditions and their resistance to erosion is examined. The erosion tests are carried out under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and two temperatures, one representing ambient sewer temperatures and a lower temperature that significantly suppresses bacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the long term distribution and status of Great Britain's vertebrate fauna. Identity of church owls; Cultural attitudes and possible reasons for killing owls; Earliest Yorkshire records and an indication of former abundance.

The bronchoconstrictor response to adenosine is markedly and selectively increased following ovalbumin (OA) challenge in actively sensitized, Brown Norway rats. We present a pharmacological analysis of the receptor mediating this response. Like adenosine, the broad-spectrum adenosine receptor agonist, NECA, induced dose-related bronchoconstriction in actively sensitized, OA-challenged animals. In contrast, CPA, CGS 21680 and 2-Cl-IB-MECA, agonists selective for A(1) A(2A) and A(3) receptors, respectively, induced no, or minimal, bronchoconstriction. Neither the selective A(1) receptor antagonist, DPCPX, nor the selective A(2A) receptor antagonist, ZM 241385, blocked the bronchoconstrictor response to adenosine. MRS 1754, which has similar affinity for rat A(2B) and A(1) receptors, failed to block the bronchoconstrictor response to adenosine despite blockade of the A(1) receptor-mediated bradycardia induced by NECA. 8-SPT and CGS 15943, antagonists at A(1), A(2A), and A(2B) but not A(3) receptors, inhibited the bronchoconstrictor response to adenosine. However, the degree of blockade (approximately 3 fold) did not reflect the plasma concentrations, which were 139 and 21 times greater than the K(B) value at the rat A(2B) receptor, respectively. Adenosine and NECA, but not CPA, CGS 21680 or 2-Cl-IB-MECA, induced contraction of parenchymal strip preparations from actively sensitized OA-challenged animals. Responses to adenosine could not be antagonized by 8-SPT or MRS 1754 at concentrations >50 times their affinities at the rat A(2B) receptor. The receptor mediating the bronchoconstrictor response to adenosine augmented following allergen challenge in actively sensitized BN rats cannot be categorized as one of the four recognized adenosine receptor subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cognitive and socioemotional development of 733 children was examined longitudinally from ages 4 to 8 years as a function of the quality of their preschool experiences in community child-care centers, after adjusting for family selection factors related to child-care quality and development. These results provide evidence that child-care quality has a modest long-term effect on children's patterns of cognitive and socioemotional development at least through kindergarten, and in some cases, through second grade. Differential effects on children's development were found for two aspects of child-care quality. Observed classroom practices were related to children's language and academic skills, whereas the closeness of the teacher-child relationship was related to both cognitive and social skills, with the strongest effects for the latter. Moderating influences of family characteristics were observed for some outcomes, indicating stronger positive effects of child-care quality for children from more at-risk backgrounds. These findings contribute further evidence of the long-term influences of the quality of child-care environments on children's cognitive and social skills through the elementary school years and are consistent with a bioecological model of development that considers the multiple environmental contexts that the child experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia affecting the elderly. Although the risk of cardioembolic stroke is well defined, the effects of chronic atrial fibrillation on exercise tolerance and quality of life have been less well quantified.Methods: We compared a group of 52 elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation to a group of 48 control patients in sinus rhythm. Each patient underwent an interview that incorporated the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) to quantify individual perceptions on quality of life. In addition each person underwent physiologic testing that included a Modified Bruce Protocol exercise tolerance test, 24-hour ambulatory monitor test, and an echocardiogram.Results: Both groups were elderly, 77 vs 76 years of age (P=0.35). The two groups had similar ejection fractions, 55.4% vs 58.4% (P=0.10). The atrial fibrillation patients demonstrated a higher level of comorbidity based on the Charlson Comorbidity Index, 2.46 vs 1.57 (P=0.03). On formal exercise testing there was no statistical difference in exercise duration between the two groups 9.0 vs 10.1 minutes (P=0.24). Similarly the Physical Summary Score (PCS) and the Mental Summary Score (MCS) of the SF-36 quality of life survey did not demonstrate a statistical difference between the two groups. PCS: 43.0 vs 45.9 (P=0.24);Mcs: 52.5 vs 55.7 (P=0.07).Conclusions: Despite a higher level of comorbidity, elderly, ambulatory patients with chronic atrial fibrillation demonstrate similar exercise tolerance and report similar quality of life to a group of age-matched control patients in sinus rhythm. There is a cohort of patients in chronic atrial fibrillation in whom a strategy of rate control and anticoagulation may be appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the quality of center child care relationships with adults and peers for 414 children. Classification of classrooms by ratio and group size provisions of the Federal Interagency Day Care Requirements (FIDCR) and by the Early Childhood and Infant and Toddler Environmental Rating Scales; Competence of children with social orientations to adults; Method; Results; Discussion; Conclusion.

Peer interaction, social status, and reciprocated friendships were examined in 2 ethnically diverse groups of children: 104 kindergartners and 106 third graders. There was no correlation between social status and ethnicity. Third-grade children formed more cross-ethnic friendships and engaged in more cross-ethnic positive peer interaction than kindergartners. Children with more cross-ethnic friendships and more cross-ethnic peer interaction were no different in social status than children with fewer cross-ethnic experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For each month of the year rainfall totals are regressed on sea-level pressure which has been redefined, using principal component analysis, as a set of uncorrelated pressure fields. This new set has been used, in the multiple linear regression procedure, as independent variables. It is shown that rainfall and sea-level pressure are related, linearly, in a way that is spatially dependent. The pattern of this association also varies from month to month but does so in a gentle way across the country. The strength of the relationship does not necessarily follow the seasonal march of rainfall across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reports on the hot-house spider "Achaearanea Tepidariorum" which infested an underground in Broadworth Colliery, South Yorkshire in England. It states that director E. F. Gilmour of Doncaster Museum received a letter from R. W. Scott on December 13, 1963 regarding the infestation of the hot-house spider. It also mentions that the spider is a synanthropic species that obtains most its water requirements from its prey and can be found in buildings, such as heated greenhouse.

We have constructed an emissive probe with a thin tungsten filament spot-welded across two nickel wires insulated with ceramic paint. We show that the ceramic supports covering the nickel wires have a large effect on the potential measurements in low-density plasmas. It is found that the potential measured by the emissive probe is more negative than the potential derived from a Langmuir probe current-voltage (I-V) characteristic curve when the plasma density is so low that the emitting filament remains immersed in the sheaths of the ceramic supports. The length of the filament L needs to be larger than about 2 Debye lengths (L > 2λDe) in order to avoid the influence of the ceramic supports and to achieve reliable plasma potential measurements using emissive probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]