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Introduction: Early detection of neurodegeneration is essential for optimizing interventions. The highly reproducible progression of neurodegeneration in the decrepit (dcr) mouse allows investigation of early biomarkers and mechanisms of brain injury. Methods: Using high-frequency ultrasound, the common carotid arteries of female and male dcr and control mice were imaged longitudinally at time points bracketing the disease progression (50, 75, and 125 days of age) (n = 6 mice/group/sex). Results: Over the disease time course, the female dcr mice demonstrated increased carotid artery blood flow and pulse wave velocity while the male dcr mice had a decrease in heart rate and no change in carotid artery ultrasound parameters. Early imaging biomarkers were sex-specific, with decreased carotid artery blood flow in female dcr mice and increased carotid artery diameter and decreased pulse wave velocity in males. Discussion: Carotid artery and wave reflection ultrasound is a promising screening tool for early detection of neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a survey of beliefs about autism among the general public in the United States and Canada (n = 823) and among individuals working in childcare facilities in the state of Idaho (n = 176). Results included the following. Almost all respondents correctly believed that autism's primary causes are genetic and neurological (not parenting, drugs, or current diet), that it can be identified in early childhood, and that helpful interventions exist. Respondents generally distinguished diagnostic from non-diagnostic traits, but approximately half incorrectly labeled constant squirming as diagnostic and difficulties in making friends as non-diagnostic. College graduates and childcare workers were more likely to have learned about autism in professional/academic settings and to correctly recognize diagnostic traits. Of concern, 10% of respondents considered vaccinations to be among the two main causes of autism. Accurate public understanding of autism spectrum disorders can facilitate early identification and effective intervention; our results suggest that efficient channels for conveying accurate information include broadcast and online media (from which the general public, especially members of ethnic minority groups, were most likely to learn about autism), and professional development courses for childcare providers.

Purpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that is chronic, progressive characterized by symptoms of relapsing fatigue and pain. Despite evidence supporting the use of physical activity (PA) for MS symptom management, low rates of PA participation are observed. Previous research suggests exercise-related cognitive errors (ECEs) can deter and decrease PA participation. The purpose of this study was to examine whether ECEs and self-regulatory efficacy for MS symptom control predict important behavior-related outcomes for MS self-management (dependent variables: PA, maladaptive behavioral responses to illness, and perceived walking impairment). Method: Adults with MS (N = 110; aged 18 and over, with a patient-determined disease steps score of six or less) completed the following validated questionnaires: ECEs, MS symptom control self-efficacy, self-report moderate to vigorous physical activity, behavioral responses to illness, and perceived walking impairment. Results: ECEs significantly predicted behavioral responses to illness (β =.459, p <.01) and perceived walking impairment (β =.279, p <.01). The interaction between ECEs and self-regulatory efficacy significantly predicted all three dependent variables (βs ranged from.155 to.263, ps <.05). Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate associations between ECEs and different illness- and mobility-related perceptions for persons with MS. Findings suggested that self-regulatory efficacy to manage MS symptoms varied based on low, moderate, or high levels of ECEs. Disability status is not easily modifiable; targeting social cognitions, like self-regulatory efficacy or ECEs, may be a promising way to promote PA for MS self-management. Impact and Implications: This study demonstrated that exercise-related cognitive errors (ECEs) predicted and interacted with symptom control self-regulatory efficacy to predict activity-related cognitions important for successful symptom management for individuals with multiple sclerosis. The biased lens associated with ECEs may make it more difficult to regulate physical activity (PA) and individuals who make cognitive errors might need high confidence to manage their symptoms. Modifying social cognitions, like self-regulatory efficacy or cognitive errors, may be one way to promote PA for symptom self-management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Two studies were conducted to examine the relationship between past physical activity, concurrent self-regulatory efficacy (CSRE), and current physical activity during the transition to university. Participants: Study 1 included 110 first-year undergraduate students recruited during October/November of 2012. Study 2 involved 86 first-year undergraduate students recruited during October/November of 2013. Methods: Surveys were completed online, concurrently (Study 1) and prospectively (Study 2). Results: CSRE was found to positively predict current physical activity participation in both studies. However, the relation of CSRE to physical activity was attenuated when past behavior was taken into account. Conclusions: Physical activity is one goal that university students pursue concurrently with other goals. Not only is current planned activity related to one's past participation in physical activity, it is also related to self-regulatory beliefs about managing that activity in the new context of university life.

PURPOSE Moral distress (MoD) is prevalent among health care professionals (HCPs) in oncology and is associated with burnout. The objectives of this study were to quantify MoD among pediatric oncology healthcare professionals (HCPs) at a Canadian quaternary care hospital, identify root causes, and evaluate change over time. METHODS Eligible pediatric oncology HCPs were identified, and consenting participants completed the Measure of Moral Distress-Healthcare Professionals (MMD-HP) and MoD Thermometer (MDT) at baseline, followed by biweekly MDTs over 12 weeks. RESULTS A total of 139 HCPs participated. The meanMMD-HPscore was 123 657.0, range 9-288. Demographic risk factors identified for elevated MMD-HP scores were female sex (female 127.1 and male 83.6, P 5 .01) and nursing role (nurse 136.3 and most responsible physician 85.3, P 5 .02). Higher MMD-HP scores were found in HCPs who were currently considering resigning because of MoD compared with those who were not (169.9 v 115.4, P < .001). Situations involving administration of treatment to children with poor prognosis cancers that was perceived to be overly aggressive were ranked as the greatest environmental contributor to MoD. Baseline and mean MDT scores over time strongly correlated with MMD-HP scores (P < .0001 and P 5 .0003, respectively), with mean MDT scores showing no significant fluctuation over the 12-week period. CONCLUSION MoD was common among pediatric oncology HCPs. Risk factors for elevated levels of MoD included both demographic and environmental factors. Implementation of systems to improve team communication and decision making, especially in the care of patients with poor prognosis cancers, may affect HCP MoD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review assembles pedometry literature focused on youth, with particular attention to expected values for habitual, school day, physical education class, recess, lunch break, out-of-school, weekend, and vacation activity. From 31 studies published since 1999, we constructed a youth habitual activity step-curve that indicates: (a) from ages 6 to 18 years, boys typically take more steps per day than girls; (b) for both sexes the youngest age groups appear to take fewer steps per day than those immediately older; and (c) from a young age, boys decline more in steps per day to become more consistent with girls at older ages. Additional studies revealed that boys take approximately 42-49% of daily steps during the school day; girls take 41-47%. Steps taken during physical education class contribute to total steps per day by 8.7-23.7% in boys and 11.4-17.2% in girls. Recess represents 8-11% and lunch break represents 15-16% of total steps per day. After-school activity contributes approximately 47-56% of total steps per day for boys and 47-59% for girls. Weekdays range from approximately 12,000 to 16,000 steps per day in boys and 10,000 to 14,000 steps per day in girls. The corresponding values for weekend days are 12,000-13,000 steps per day in boys and 10,000-12,000 steps per day in girls. (Contains 5 tables and 1 figure.)

Background: Clubroot of canola (Brassica napus), caused by the soilborne pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae, has become a serious threat to canola production in Canada. The deployment of clubroot-resistant (CR) cultivars is the most commonly used management strategy; however, the widespread cultivation of CR canola has resulted in the emergence of new pathotypes of P. brassicae capable of overcoming resistance. Several host differential sets have been reported for pathotype identification, but such testing is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and based on phenotypic classifications. The development of rapid and objective methods that allow for efficient, cost-effective and convenient pathotyping would enable testing of a much larger number of samples in shorter times. The aim of this study was to develop two pathotyping assays, an RNase H2-dependent PCR (rhPCR) assay and a SNaPshot assay, which could quickly differentiate P. brassicae pathotypes. Results: Both assays clearly distinguished between pathotype clusters in a collection of 38 single-spore isolates of P. brassicae. Additional isolates pathotyped from clubbed roots and samples from blind testing also were correctly clustered. The rhPCR assay generated clearly differentiating electrophoretic bands without non-specific amplification. The SNaPshot assay was able to detect down to a 10% relative allelic proportion in a 10:90 template mixture with both single-spore isolates and field isolates when evaluated in a relative abundance test. Conclusions: This study describes the development of two rapid and sensitive technologies for P. brassicae pathotyping. The high-throughput potential and accuracy of both assays makes them promising as SNP-based pathotype identification tools for clubroot diagnostics. rhPCR is a highly sensitive approach that can be optimized into a quantitative assay, while the main advantages of SNaPshot are its ability to multiplex samples and alleles in a single reaction and the detection of up to four allelic variants per target site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vessels involved in commercial marine shipping in Canada engage in the movement of goods or people by sea on the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. To explore the ways that the activities associated with commercial shipping can impact the marine environment, a suite of activity-based Pathways of Effects (PoE) conceptual models were developed. PoE conceptual models describe the pathways (linkages) between human activities, associated stressors, and their effects on endpoints, based on current knowledge. A visual representation of each PoE model is supported by text describing each pathway linkage based on scientific literature or expert opinion. Indigenous and local knowledge were not used in the current work. PoE models are useful tools for the scoping phase of a variety of environmental assessment, such as ecological risk assessment, environmental impact assessment, and cumulative effect assessments as they clearly outline activities and stressors and clarify connections between human activities and potential effects on ecological endpoints, and provide a science-based foundation for decision-making. The objective of these models and their supporting evidence is to provide a systematic review of the effects of shipping-associated activities on marine ecosystems. PoE models have been developed for five activities associated with commercial marine shipping in Canada: 1) anchoring and mooring, 2) vessel at rest, 3) grounding and sinking, 4) movement underway, and 5) discharge (divided into two PoE models: 'debris' and 'other'). The PoEs were developed to be broad enough to be adapted for application in a range of environments and locations and detail the potential stressors and effects that could be considered in an assessment. The activity-based PoE models contain fourteen stressors (e.g., substrate disturbance, vessel strikes) and are related to three effects (change in fitness, mortality, and change in habitat) on ten generic endpoints (e.g., marine mammals, physical habitat). The models only include activities related to the commercial movement of goods and people by vessels, not included in this document are other vessel activities such as fishing, seismic surveying, dredging, port operations (e.g., when at-berth and while berthing). Non-commercial vessels (e.g., recreational vessels) are also not specifically included in these models. Though endpoints have been identified for illustrative purposes here, ultimately the assessor is responsible for comprehensively scoping the specific endpoints (e.g., valued components) and stressors to be considered in any assessment. PoE models do not include any evaluation of the relative or absolute impact from these activities on specific endpoints; this would occur in a subsequent assessment step, such as risk assessment. The shipping PoE models should be considered "evergreen" and should be reviewed and updated when our understanding of these factors changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the association between breastfeeding and childhood obesity. A multinational cross‐sectional study of 4,740 children aged 9–11 years was conducted from 12 countries. Infant breastfeeding was recalled by parents or legal guardians. Height, weight, waist circumference, and body fat were obtained using standardized methods. The overall prevalence of obesity, central obesity, and high body fat were 12.3%, 9.9%, and 8.1%, respectively. After adjustment for maternal age at delivery, body mass index (BMI), highest maternal education, history of gestational diabetes, gestational age, and child's age, sex, birth weight, unhealthy diet pattern scores, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, sleeping, and sedentary time, exclusive breastfeeding was associated with lower odds of obesity (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval, CI [0.57, 1.00]) and high body fat (OR 0.60, 95% CI [0.43, 0.84]) compared with exclusive formula feeding. The multivariable‐adjusted ORs based on different breastfeeding durations (none, 1–6, 6–12, and > 12 months) were 1.00, 0.74, 0.70, and 0.60 for obesity (Ptrend =.020) and 1.00, 0.64, 047, and 0.64 for high body fat (Ptrend =.012), respectively. These associations were no longer significant after adjustment for maternal BMI. Breastfeeding may be a protective factor for obesity and high body fat in 9‐ to 11‐year‐old children from 12 countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first of two articles describes a pilot project that offered library courses to penitentiary inmates, including the preparation of an education model for certification and the development of learning modules appropriate to distance education. The second describes the prison library and the reactions of inmates enrolled in the program. (CLB)

Background: The Joint Canada/United States Survey of Health (JCUSH) was a one-time collaborative survey undertaken by Statistics Canada and the National Center for Health Statistics. Methods: This analysis provides country-, sex-, and age-specific comparative markers of adult obesity and sedentarism, defined as independent and collective groupings of self-reported leisure-time inactivity (<1.5 MET-hours/day), usual occupational sitting, and no/low active transportation (<1 hour/week). Logistic regression assessed the likelihood of sedentarism in U.S. vs. Canada, with and without adjusting for BMI-defined obesity categories: healthy weight (18.5 ≤ BMI <25 kg/m²; n = 3542), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m²; n = 2,651), and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²; n = 1470). Results: Compared with Canadians, U.S. adults are 24% more likely to be overweight/obese, 59% more likely to be inactive in leisure-time, 19% more likely to report no/low active transportation, and 39% more likely to collectively report all sedentarism markers, adjusting for sex and age. Focusing on obese individuals in both countries, obese U.S. residents were 90% more likely to be inactive during leisure-time, 41% more likely to report no/low active transportation, and 73% more likely to report all sedentarism markers. Conclusions: This ecological analysis sheds light on differential risks of obesity and sedentarism in these neighboring countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial disease American Foulbrood (AFB), caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Paenibacillus larvae , is considered the most contagious and destructive infectious disease affecting honeybees world-wide. The resilient nature of P. larvae bacterial spores presents a difficult problem for the control of AFB. Burning clinically symptomatic colonies is widely considered the only workable strategy to prevent further spread of the disease. Antibiotic use is banned in EU countries, and although used commonly in the U.S. and Canada, it only masks symptoms and does not prevent the further spread of the disease. Not surprisingly, there is an increased demand for chemical-free strategies to prevent and control of AFB. The aim of this study was to implement a management program with a long-term perspective to reduce infection pressure and eliminate AFB outbreaks. The study was conducted within a commercial beekeeping operation in central Sweden that has previously experienced reoccurring AFB outbreaks. For 5 years, P. larvae were cultured from adult bee samples taken in the fall. The following spring, any identified sub-clinically infected colonies were shaken onto new material and quarantined from the rest of the beekeeping operation. After the first year clinical symptoms were not again observed, and during the 5 years of the study the proportion of apiaries harbouring P. larvae spores decreased from 74% to 4%. A multinomial regression analysis also clearly demonstrated that the proportion of infected colonies with the highest levels of spore counts disproportionately declined so that by the end of the study the only remaining infected apiaries were in the lowest spore count category (the three higher spore count categories having been eradicated). These results demonstrate the importance of management practices on AFB disease epidemiology. Early detection of subclinical spore prevelance and quarantine management as presented here can provide an effective sustainable chemical-free preventive solution to reduce both the incidence of AFB outbreaks and continued transmission risk at a large-scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In the current paper, we sought to clarify when and why Asian Americans/Canadians and European Americans/Canadians differ in self-consistency (the consistency of personality traits across situations).Method: European Canadian (n = 220) and second-generation Asian Canadian (n = 166) undergraduates (Mage = 19 years) described the traits they expressed and the traits others wanted them to express (i.e., injunctive norms, or injunctions) in four different social situations (i.e., with parents, with friends, with siblings, and with professors).Results: Self-consistency was greater among European Canadians than Asian Canadians, but only when comparing behavior with parents versus with peers (i.e., friends and siblings). The same pattern was found for injunctive consistency (cross-situational consistency of trait injunctions). Injunctions strongly predicted the behavior of both Asian and European Canadians, but because the injunctions from parents versus peers diverged more for Asian Canadians, so did their behaviors. Controlling for the effect of inconsistent injunctions across situations eliminated the ethnic difference in self-consistency. Finally, Asian Canadians who perceived their immigrant parents as embracing a Canadian identity were as cross-situationally consistent as European Canadians because they tended to behave-and believe their parents approved of their behaving-with parents similarly to how they behaved with peers (e.g., more carefree and outspoken).Conclusion: Contrary to previous theorizing, cultural influences on broad cognitive or motivational dispositions (e.g., dialecticism, collectivism) alone cannot explain the observed pattern of ethnic differences in consistency. To understand when bicultural individuals are less consistent across situations also requires an understanding of the specific situations across which they tend to encounter divergent social norms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reproduces the four original papers which served as the thematic base for the media production of the 1970 National Convention of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (AAHPER) in Seattle, Washington and at the Canadian Biennial AHPER Convention of 1971. These papers are "Is Sport the Struggle or the Triumph?," by W. R. Morford, "Are Sports Education?," L. F. Locke, "Is Sport Really Colorblind?," and "Is Sport Experience?," by Seymour Kleinman. The papers examine the relevance of sports in a changing society.

TERRA (Teaching Ecological Responsibility, Recreation, and Adventure) is an integrated, one-semester, four-course program in environmental science, environmental English, independent geography, and outdoor education for grades 11 and 12 in New Liskeard, Ontario. Program activities include outdoor adventure, environmental research projects, community service projects, and field trips; benefits include empowerment, development of interpersonal relationships, and environmental insight. (SAS)

Health care and leisure services, although different, are similar from the perspective that both focus on enhancing quality of life by improving health and wellbeing. Although both of these services are vitally important, some groups such as aged immigrants face a number of barriers that may limit their access to these services. This paper examines and discusses two related areas of the service sector – health care and leisure – and the growing concern to address the needs of Canada's aging population, specifically, aged immigrants. The paper concludes with the following five suggestions for health care and leisure service providers to alleviate barriers faced by Canada's ethnic aged: 1) Recognize that health care and leisure are closely related, 2) Understand the changing nature of society including trends in immigration, 3) Get to know society's diversity of aged immigrants, 4) Evaluate current services provided, and 5) Establish future goals and directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RAS) has not been adopted as rapidly or widely in Canada as in the U.S. In 2011, Canadian urology residents felt that RAS represented an expanding field that could potentially negatively impact their training. We re-evaluate trainee exposure and attitudes to RAS in Canadian residency training five years later. Methods: All Canadian urology residents were asked to participate in an online survey designed to assess current resident exposure to and perception of RAS. Results: The response rate was 39% (61/157). Seventy-seven percent of residents reported being involved in at least one RAS procedure (52% in 2011), and the majority had exposure to <10 cases. For those in hospitals with access to RAS, 96% desired more console time, while only 50% of those without access wanted more console experience. Of all residents, 50% felt that RAS will become the gold standard in certain urological surgeries (34% in 2011), but only 28% felt that RAS would play an increasingly important role in urology (59% in 2011). Conclusions: Despite an increase in exposure to RAS in residency programs over the past five years, console experience remains limited. Although these residents desire more access to RAS, many voice uncertainty of the role of RAS in Canada. We cannot conclude whether RAS is perceived by residents to be beneficial or detrimental to their training nationwide. Moving forward in the robotic era, it will be important to either modify residency curricula to address RAS experience or to limit RAS to fellowship training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Canadian 24-h movement guidelines were developed with the hope of improving health and future health outcomes in children and youth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate adherence to the 3 recommendations most strongly associated with health outcomes in new 24-h movement guidelines and their relationship with adiposity (obesity and body mass index z-score) across countries participating in the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE). Methods: Cross-sectional results were based on 6128 children aged 9-11 years from the 12 countries of ISCOLE. Sleep duration and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were assessed using accelerometry. Screen time was measured through self-report. Body weight and height were measured. Body mass index (BMI, kg ⋅ m-2) was calculated, and BMI z-scores were computed using age- and sex-specific reference data from the World Health Organization. Obesity was defined as a BMI z-score > +2 SD. Meeting the overall 24-h movement guidelines was defined as: 9 to 11 h/night of sleep, ≤2 h/day of screen time, and at least 60 min/day of MVPA. Age, sex, highest parental education and unhealthy diet pattern score were included as covariates in statistical models. Associations between meeting vs. not meeting each single recommendation (and combinations) with obesity were assessed with odds ratios calculated using generalized linear mixed models. A linear mixed model was used to examine the differences in BMI z-scores between children meeting vs. not meeting the different combinations of recommendations. Results: The global prevalence of children meeting the overall recommendations (all three behaviors) was 7%, with children from Australia and Canada showing the highest adherence (15%). Children meeting the three recommendations had lower odds ratios for obesity compared to those meeting none of the recommendations (OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.18-0.45). Compared to not meeting the 24-h movement recommendations either independently or combined, meeting them was significantly associated with a lower BMI z-score. Whenever the MVPA recommendation was included in the analysis the odds ratios for obesity were lower. Conclusions: For ISCOLE participants meeting these 3 healthy movement recommendations the odds ratios of being obese or having high BMI z-scores were lower. However, only a small percentage of children met all recommendations. Future efforts should aim to find promising ways to increase daily physical activity, reduce screen time, and ensure an adequate night's sleep in children. Trial registration: The International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT01722500) (October 29, 2012). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-indigenous species (NIS) can create significant risks when introduced to foreign ecosystems. One of the many vectors facilitating the global transport of NIS is ballast water, and as commercial shipping increases so does the threat of ballast water-mediated introductions. Despite Canadian regulations, consistent with international guidelines put forth by the International Maritime Organization in the early 1990s, ballast water remains a potential vector for the introduction of many NIS to Canadian marine ecosystems: there have been no new introductions in the Laurentian Great Lakes Region since 2006, yet marine ecosystems continue to see the introduction and establishment of NIS. This paper details and analyzes the development of Canadian ballast water management (BWM), in the context of marine ecosystems, and identifies issues therein. BWM in Canada has a number of management gaps that have persisted since large-scale BWM began in the late 1980s. These include BWM exemptions for vessels not exiting the North American continental shelf, and limitations of effectiveness of mid-ocean exchange as the predominant management method in marine ecosystems. In addition, ballast water regulations for the Canadian Arctic may require additional consideration as the Arctic will likely continue to see an increase in both warming and commercial shipping in the future, thereby increasing the potential risk of NIS. In order to adequately protect all Canadian marine ecosystems, it is recommended that the current BWM regime: fill gaps in management to help prevent further introduction and spread of NIS; focus equally on both marine and freshwater regions, and; look to other aggressive BWM strategies such as those being developed by the state of California. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize first therapeutic change and healthcare resource utilization in older men initiating an overactive bladder (OAB) or benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) medication. A retrospective cohort study using health administrative data from ICES in Ontario, Canada (from April 01, 2010 to December 31, 2018) was conducted in men aged ≥66 years with ≥1 OAB (β 3 agonist, antimuscarinic) or BPO (α -blocker, 5- α -reductase inhibitor) prescription and ≥1-year postindex data (index = first observed dispensation). Exclusions: prescriptions for these drugs ≤1 year preindex, a related procedure ≤5 years. Patients were grouped by condition based on index prescription. Treatment changes in relation to OAB and BPO were characterized by type. Costs and healthcare resource utilization pre- and post-index were compared. Age, geographic region, and income were similar between groups. The most common initial treatments were antimuscarinics (78.1%) in the OAB group and alpha-blockers (86.4%) in the BPO group. The OAB group was more likely to experience a therapeutic change and had a shorter time to first change in therapy (78 [30,231] vs 104 [30,350] days) and higher mean healthcare costs both pre- ($12,354 vs $11,497) and postindex ($14,423 vs $12,852). The most common first therapeutic change in both groups was discontinuing treatment (OAB: 75.6%; BPO: 69.9%). Men initiating OAB medications changed therapy sooner than those initiating BPO medications. Most discontinued first-line therapy without initiating further treatment, suggesting unmet need in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the changes implemented regarding the international law developments in the aerospace and defense industries in 2012. It mentions the efforts taken by the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) eliminating counterfeit parts from the defense supply chain. It reflects on the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in 2011 and also discusses Canada's National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).

The similarity of parasite communities often decays with increasing geographic distance. Here, geographic distance decay is evaluated in parasite communities of 145 ring-billed gulls from six localities in Quebec, Canada, among both individual gulls and gull populations. Spatial decay in similarity is compared to temporal decay, using host age differences as a distance measure. The similarity of parasite communities of individual gulls from localities spanning 300 km within Quebec is more strongly associated with host age differences than with geographic distance. Among gull populations in Quebec, only geographic distance is significantly related to parasite community similarity. The explanatory power of geographic distance is higher still when data from Quebec are combined with those from a study conducted 3000 km away, indicating an effect of spatial scale on geographic distance decay. The rate at which parasite community similarity decays with distance in gulls is compared with that of 17 other host species using data from published studies. Spatial scale explains two thirds of the variance in distance decay rates, and some of the remaining variance is explained by latitude. The rate of decay in parasite community similarity with distance is greater in larger scale studies and further away from the equator. Traits of host species traits such as vagility, body weight and trophic level have little or no effect on distance decay rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examines associations between pedometer-determined steps/day and parent-reported child's Body Mass Index (BMI) and time typically spent watching television between school and dinner. Methods: Young people (aged 5-19 years) were recruited through their parents by random digit dialling and mailed a data collection package. Information on height and weight and time spent watching television between school and dinner on a typical school day was collected from parents. In total, 5949 boys and 5709 girls reported daily steps. BMI was categorized as overweight or obese using Cole's cut points. Participants wore pedometers for 7 days and logged daily steps. The odds of being overweight and obese by steps/day and parent-reported time spent television watching were estimated using logistic regression for complex samples. Results: Girls had a lower median steps/day (10682 versus 11059 for boys) and also a narrower variation in steps/ day (interquartile range, 4410 versus 5309 for boys). 11% of children aged 5-19 years were classified as obese; 17% of boys and girls were overweight. Both boys and girls watched, on average, < 40 minutes of television between school and dinner on school days. Adjusting for child's age and sex and parental education, the odds of a child being obese decreased by 20% for every extra 3000 steps/day and increased by 21% for every 30 minutes of television watching. There was no association of being overweight with steps/day, however the odds of being overweight increased by 8% for every 30 minutes of additional time spent watching television between school and dinner on a typical school day. Discussion: Television viewing is the more prominent factor in terms of predicting overweight, and it contributes to obesity, but steps/day attenuates the association between television viewing and obesity, and therefore can be considered protective against obesity. In addition to replacing opportunities for active alternative behaviours, exposure to television might also impact body weight by promoting excess energy intake. Conclusions: In this large nationally representative sample, pedometer-determined steps/day was associated with reduced odds of being obese (but not overweight) whereas each parent-reported hour spent watching television between school and dinner increased the odds of both overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Patent Act of Canada which does not provide explicitly for liability for inducing patent infringement. It states that courts have developed a test for inducing patent infringement comprising three essential ingredients, including an act of infringement completed by a direct infringer, completion of the infringing act was influenced by the inducer, and the influence was knowingly exercised. It discusses some of the difficult questions that may arise in relation to each

Background: Increases in reported leisure time physical activity (PA) and obesity have been observed in several countries. One hypothesis for these apparently contradictory trends is differential bias in estimates over time. The purpose of this short report is to examine the potential impact of changes in response rates over time on the prevalence of adequate PA in Canadian adults. Methods: Participants were recruited in representative national telephone surveys of PA from 1995-2007. Differences in PA prevalence estimates between participants and those hard to reach were assessed using Student's t tests adjusted for multiple comparisons. Results: The number of telephone calls required to reach and speak with someone in the household increased over time, as did the percentage of selected participants who initially refused during the first interview attempt. A higher prevalence of adequate PA was observed with 5-9 attempts to reach anyone in the household in 1999-2002, but this was not significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Conclusion: No significant impact on PA trend estimates was observed due to differential non response rates. It is important for health policy makers to understand potential biases and how these may affect secular trends in all aspects of the energy balance equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canada on the Move is a national campaign to promote pedometer use and walking among adult Canadians. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the initiative's impact on sufficient walking, defined here as at least an hour daily in the week prior to the survey. Data were collected via the national Canadian Physical Activity Monitor's rolling monthly sample throughout 2004. Population prevalence rates of walking were compared using Bonferroni-adjusted confidence intervals. Correlates of sufficient walking were estimated using odds ratios adjusted for age, sex, income and education. Message recall and pedometer ownership were associated with increased odds of self-reported walking. There was evidence of a campaign effect on walking behavior independent of secular trends. The increased likelihood of sufficient walking suggests an ongoing role for nationally funded public awareness campaigns. The effectiveness of health promotion to increase walking may be enhanced by combining motivational health-related messages with the dissemination and adoption of an easy-to-use tool for self-monitoring purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The upper estuary of the macrotidal Petitcodiac River, New Brunswick, Canada, was converted to a freshwater impoundment by construction of a causeway in 1968. Thirty years later, zooplankton community structure in the impoundment was characteristic of a disturbed ecosystem. The depauperate zooplankton consisted of a mixture of freshwater and marine/brackish taxa, but was not typical of regional estuaries or lakes. The causeway dam was an obstacle to fish migration, and several anadromous species that would formerly have been represented in the ichthyoplankton were absent. The invertebrate plankton community was dominated by rotifers, likely as a result of frequent water level fluctuations, and highly suspended sediment levels in the water column. Estuarine/marine calanoids ( Eurytemora affinis, Temora longicornis, Centropages typicus, Tortanus discaudatus), the mysid Neomysis americana, and Cancer crab zoeae were collected in fresh water up to 14 km upstream of the causeway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the effects of ultraviolet-B levels on zooplankton populations of temperate humic and clearwater lakes in Nova Scotia. Response of zooplankton communities in the humic lake.

Presents a study which collected species of freshwater mussels in a survey of sites in the Petitcodiac River system, New Brunswick. Characteristics of freshwater mussels; Distributions of freshwater mussel populations; Description of the Petitcodiac River; Methods used; Results; Discussion.

Examines the stability of zooplankton food webs in 46 Sudbury, Ontario lakes during the 1970s. Lake acidification and resistance stability; Demonstration of adjustment stability; Food web attributes of recovering lakes; Effect of environmental degradation and recovery; Recovery of planktonic food webs of anthropogenically acidified lakes.

Explores the applications of the Menge-Sutherland (MS) model to acid-stressed lake communities in Sudbury, Ontario. Increase in species richness with pH; Variability of the importance of competition in food web structure at low pH; Effects of acidification; Zooplankton communities.

We are investigating plant species from the Canadian prairie ecological zone by phenotypic cell assays to discover toxins of biological interest. We provide the first report of the effects of extracts prepared from the shrub Symphoricarpos occidentalis in several human cell lines. S. occidentalis (Caprifoliaceae) extracts are cytotoxic, and, strikingly, treated cells undergo light-dependent vacuolation near the nucleus. The range of irradiation is present in standard ambient light and lies in the visible range (400-700 nm). Vacuolization in treated cells can be induced with specific wavelengths of 408 or 660 nm at 1 J/cm2 energies. Vacuolated cells show a striking phenotype of a large perinuclear vacuole (nuclear associated vacuole, NAV) that is distinct from vesicles observed by treatment with an autophagy-inducing agent. Treatment with S. occidentalis extracts and light induces an intense lamin A/C signal at the junction of a nuclear vacuole and the nucleus. Further study of S. occidentalis extracts and vacuolation provide chemical tools that may contribute to the understanding of nuclear envelope organization and human cell biology. Key Contribution: We provide the first description of the biological effects upon human cells of extracts from the toxic plant, Symphoricarpos occidentalis. Treated cells acquire striking nuclear associated vacuoles (NAVs), rarely observed in animal cell biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the development of a new Canadian Urological Association (CUA) guideline specifically addressing female stress urinary incontinence (FSUI). Topics discussed include the definition of the "index case" for FSUI evaluation, indications for cystoscopy and urodynamic studies, and recommendations for non-surgical management options such as weight loss counseling and smoking cessation.

The watershed of the Petitcodiac River, New Brunswick, is the only recorded location of the Dwarf Wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon (Lea1830), in Canada. The species was last collected in the Petitcodiac watershed in 1960, at which time it was considered to be common in the freshwater reaches of the Petitcodiac River and one of its major tributaries, the North River. Surveys in 1984, 1997 and 1998 failed to detect any specimens and the Dwarf Wedgemussel was classified as Extirpated by the Committee on Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in April 1999. The disappearance of the species from Canadianwaters was probably caused by the construction of a causeway across the tidal portion of the Petitcodiac River in 1967-1968 and resultantexclusion of a diadromous fish species required for completion of the glochidial stage of the Dwarf Wedgemussel's lifecycle. Local extirpations of the Dwarf Wedgemussel from much of its American range have also been linked to dam construction, which blocked migration of anadromous fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Canadian Physical Activity Levels Among Youth (CANPLAY) study collected pedometer data from eight surveys between 2005 and 2014, making it a unique database of objective population physical activity surveillance. The purpose of this study was to describe secular physical activity trends for 5-19year olds.Methods: Canadian children from nationally representative samples (10,000 recruited, n≅5500 per survey) were mailed a pedometer kit, asked to wear the pedometer for 7 consecutive days, log steps daily, then return the log by mail. Weighted medians and prevalence estimates were calculated. Trends were tested by χ(2) test of independence.Results: An overall median of 10,935 steps/day was taken by Canadian children 5-19years of age (n=43,806) across the eight surveys. Steps/day increased between 2005-06 and 2007-08, then decreased in 2012-14. The prevalence of taking sufficient steps/day (defined as ≥10,000 steps/day for 5year olds, ≥13,000 steps/day for 6-11year-old boys; ≥11,000 steps/day for 6-11year-old girls; and ≥10,000 steps/day for 12-19year olds;) also increased then decreased over time, whereas the prevalence of accumulating <7000 steps/day generally increased over time. Trends were significant for boys, girls and each age group.Discussion: The CANPLAY surveillance system provided comparable data at multiple time points over 9years. An overall shift in the distribution of steps/day towards a less active lifestyle occurred between 2005-06 and 2012-14 for boys, girls and each age group. This provides evidence that the national policy goal to increase children's steps/day by 2015 has not been met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Harmful algal events occur annually on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Canada. • PST events are the most reported HAEDAT events on both Atlantic and Pacific coasts. • Harmful algal related fish kills have occurred on both coast but are more common on the Pacific coast. • In Canada harmful algae have negatively impacted humans, fish and other marine life. • Potentially harmful algal species are widespread throughout the Canadian arctic. Spatial and temporal trends of marine harmful algal events in Canada over the last three decades were examined using data from the Harmful Algal Event Database (HAEDAT). This database contains the most complete record of algal blooms, phycotoxins and shellfish harvesting area closures in Canada since 1987. This 30-year review of 593 Canadian HAEDAT records from 1988 to 2017, together with other Canadian data and publications, shows that recurring harmful algal events have been widespread throughout both the Atlantic and Pacific coastal regions. The 367 paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) reports revealed annual and frequent recurrence throughout both the Atlantic and Pacific regions, including multi-year PST events in the Bay of Fundy, the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Strait of Georgia. The 70 amnesic shellfish toxin (AST) records revealed no recognizable trend, as these events were usually area specific and did not recur annually. The increasing frequency of diarrhetic shellfish toxin (DST) events over the period of this review, in total 59 records, can be at least partially explained by increased sampling effort. Marine species mortalities caused by harmful algae (including diatoms, dictyochophytes, dinoflagellates, and raphidophytes), were a common occurrence in the Pacific region (87 reports), but have been reported much less frequently in the Atlantic region (10 reports). Notable Canadian records contained in HAEDAT include the first detection worldwide of amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), attributed to the production of domoic acid (an AST) by a diatom (Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries) in Prince Edward Island in 1987. The first proven case of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) in Canada and North America was recorded in 1990, and the first closures of shellfish harvesting due to DST (associated with the presence of Dinophysis norvegica) occurred in Nova Scotia in 1992, followed by closures in Newfoundland and Labrador in 1993. In 2008, mass mortalities of fishes, birds and mammals in the St. Lawrence Estuary were caused by Alexandrium catenella and high levels of PST. During 2015, the Pacific coast experienced a large algal bloom that extended from California to Alaska. It resulted in the closure of several shellfish harvesting areas in British Columbia due to AST, produced by Pseudo-nitzschia australis. Data from the Canadian Arctic coast is not included in HAEDAT. However, because of the emerging importance of climate change and increased vessel traffic in the Arctic, information on the occurrence of harmful algal species (pelagic and sympagic = sea ice-associated) in that region was compiled from relevant literature and data. The results suggest that these taxa may be more widespread than previously thought in the Canadian Arctic. Information in HAEDAT was not always robust or complete enough to provide conclusions about temporal trends. Compilation of spatial and temporal information from HAEDAT and other records is nevertheless important for evaluating the potential role of harmful algae as a stressor on Canadian marine ecosystems, and will support the next step: developing a knowledge gap analysis that will establish research priorities for determining their consequences on human and ecosystem health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous demands on the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine training program have the potential to reduce the amount of time allocated to food animal species in general, including swine medicine, despite it being a key component of veterinary education. The objective of this study was to describe swine medicine training opportunities at North American and Caribbean veterinary education institutions. A 21-question survey was developed and distributed to veterinary colleges across North America and the Caribbean. The survey was available from October 2021 to March 2022, and one response was accepted per institution. Seventy-four percent of contacted institutions completed the survey, representing 29 veterinary colleges located in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean. Responses were aggregated, analyzed, and grouped by topic: institution opportunities, curriculum opportunities, clinical opportunities, and faculty involvement in the swine medicine curricula. There was substantial variation among institutions in the delivery and resources allocated to swine medicine specific curricula. Swine veterinarians help ensure the health and well-being of animals and food safety. More research is required to evaluate the outcomes of the currently available opportunities. Concurrently, veterinary education institutions should prevent the attrition of swine educational programs by investing in the support and development of swine opportunities for students.