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Introduction: Numerous life, peer, and school-related factors have been found to be associated with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents; however, most studies have not explored the possible reciprocal nature of these associations. The aim of the current study was to examine bidirectional and longitudinal associations between NSSI and several life, peer, and school-related factors (i.e., stressful life events, peer relationships, academic achievement, and attitudes towards school).Method: Community-based adolescents completed questionnaires assessing the variables of interest at three time points; age 12 (T1; 55.09% girls), age 13 (T2; 56.95% girls), and ages 14-15 (T3; 57.41% girls). In total, 529 adolescents provided complete data across all three-time points.Results: Analyses showed a bidirectional association between NSSI and both attitudes towards school and stressful life events. Specifically, stressful life events at T2 predicted engagement in NSSI at T3, and NSSI at T2 predicted increased risk of stressful life events at T3. Similarly, having negative attitudes towards school predicted NSSI at T2, which, in turn, predicted negative attitudes towards school at T3. Further, academic achievement at T1 was negatively associated with NSSI at T2. Peer relationships were neither a predictor nor a consequence of NSSI.Conclusions: Our results suggest that NSSI can be both a predictor and a consequence of various life, and school factors. Focus on these factors in prevention and intervention efforts for NSSI among adolescents may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absorption from the lowest-lying ion pair state of HgBr (i.e., Hg+–Br-: B 2∑+1/2 ) has been observed by transient absorption spectroscopy in a pulsed, transverse discharge containing a mixture of Ne, N2, and HgBr2 vapor. A highly structured band peaking at ∼447 nm is shown to be associated with charge–transfer transitions from the B 2∑+1/2 state to a higher-lying, covalently bonded (Hg*–Br) state. By pumping the 447 nm transition with a pulsed dye laser while simultaneously monitoring gain on the HgBr (B 2∑+1/2 →X 2∑+1/2 ) band at 502 nm, the absorption cross section for the blue band was measured to be (3.0±1.5)×10-17 cm2 and the saturation intensity for the transition at 447 nm was determined to be 710±50 kW cm-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bound→free absorption band recently observed in a 114CdI laser discharge [Greene and Eden, Opt. Comm. (1985)] is shown to arise from absorption by the B 2Σ excited state of 114CdI to a previously unobserved level lying ∼4.3×104 cm-1 above ground. Pumping of the absorptive transition with a pulsed blue dye laser strongly suppresses gain (and, hence, laser output power) on the B→X band in the red (657 nm). Therefore, this constitutes the first known report of an ionic excited state→covalent absorption band [i.e., (M+X-)+hω→M*+X; M, X=metal and halogen atoms, respectively] for any of the group IIB metal halides or rare gas–halide laser molecules. Also, ωe for the B 2Σ state of 114CdI is >=110 cm-1 (considerably larger than an existing value in the literature) and the terminal level for this blue absorption band is tentatively assigned to a dissociative 2Σ state correlated with the Cd(5p 3PJ)+I separated atom limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The prevention as well as the treatment of atypical femur fractures (AFFs) remains controversial but there have been many clinical recommendations suggested. We have summarized these recommendations as well as expanded upon them in this paper.Introduction: The purpose of the paper was to develop a clinical practice guideline that both treats AFF and decreases the risk of AFF in patients requiring antiresorptive medications. Examples of these medications include bisphosphonates and denosumab for the treatment of osteoporosis.Methods: A literature review looking for recommendations on AFF identification, management, and prevention was done. We also performed an updated review of clinical guidelines on AFF prevention and treatment that were developed for the Kaiser Permanente osteoporosis/fracture prevention team.Results: Concise clinical practice guidelines are presented that can be applied in treatment of AFF as well as help reduce the risk of developing an AFF in patients requiring antiresorptive medications. These guidelines are based on using both typical fracture and AFF risk assessment to determine duration of antiresorptive of 3 to 5 years before consideration if a drug holiday is needed. Specific groups such as younger Asian women should be reassessed at 3 years with DXA and FRAX to see if a drug holiday is needed whereas patients at higher risk for typical fractures may be reassessed at 5 years of treatment. The DXA rescreening can now be accessed if focal or generalized lateral cortex changes are present that may indicate incomplete AFFs are present. If an incomplete AFF is discovered either by DXA or by other imaging studies, it is imperative to stop antiresorptive medications and to take additional measures to lower the risk of progression to a complete AFF. If complete AFF does occur, then antiresorptive medications should be stopped and additional measures should be taken to decrease the risk of developing an AFF on the contralateral femur.Conclusions: Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment and prevention of AFF will benefit clinicians who are frequently faced with having to make clinical decisions in patients requiring antiresorptive medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Article exposes an inconspicuous, categorically wrong movement within antidiscrimination law. A band of federal courts have denied Title VII protection to individuals who allege "categorical discrimination": invidious, differential treatment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, or sex. Per these courts, a plaintiff who self-identifies as Christian but is misperceived as Muslim cannot assert an actionable claim under Title VII if she suffers an adverse employment action as a result of this misperception and related animus. Though Title VII expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, courts have held that such a plaintiff's claim of "misperception discrimination" is beyond Title VII's scope. Accordingly, Title VII protection is only extended to such a plaintiff if she is "actually" Muslim or brings forth allegations of invidious, differential treatment based upon her actual Christian identity. This Article argues that these judicially created prerequisites to Title VII protection are categorically wrong. They impose a new "actuality requirement" on Title VII plaintiffs in intentional discrimination cases that engenders unfathomable results. Plaintiffs who suffer from invidious, differential treatment animated by either their self-ascribed or misperceived protected status will be denied statutory protection against discrimination if they fail to prove their actual religious, gender, ethnic, racial, or color identity upon defendant-employers' challenge. Though this Article primarily examines the imposition of an actuality requirement in mispercepion discrimination cases, this Article also demonstrates that courts have considered and imposed an actuality requirement in conventionally framed discrimination cases as well. Accordingly, this Article is the first to enumerate the development of, and myriad justifications for, the actuality requirement in cases of categorical discrimination. This Article argues that some courts' imposition of an actuality requirement in misperception and conventionally framed discrimination cases denotes the birth of an unorthodox interpretation of Title VII's reach and meaning nearly fifty years after its enactment--an interpretative methodology that this Article is first to describe as "anti-anticlassificationist." This Article also highlights a few critical, negative implications of courts' antianticlassificationist interpretation of antidiscrimination law. Namely, it examines the emergence of a minimalist "actuality defense" and resulting identity adjudication, which obfuscates the chief issue in intentional discrimination cases: whether the plaintiff suffered unlawful, invidious, differential treatment. Additionally, this Article illuminates that courts' anti-anticlassificationist interpretation and attendant actuality requirement have in fact resuscitated age-old trials of racial determination. They have thereby produced an additional destructive consequence by reifying race as a stable, biological construct. Consequently, this Article proposes fresh, practical, and theoretical interventions to cease the continued anti-anticlassificationist interpretation of Title VII. In doing so, this Article excavates previously unexplored Title VII statutory provisions, longstanding EEOC directives, Fifth and Third Circuit precedent, and recent Supreme Court precedent. Properly read, these sources will show that a prerequisite showing of actuality in cases of categorical discrimination under Title VII is wrong. Thus, this Article affirms that all categorical discrimination plaintiffs--that is, all individuals who have allegedly suffered discriminatory treatment on the basis of their actual or mistaken religious, gender, ethnic, racial, or color identity--are entitled to vindicate their statutory rights to be free from unlawful discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A randomised controlled trial was used in assessing the impact of 6 months of daily calcium and vitamin-D supplementation on trabecular and cortical bone acquisition at distal tibial and radial sites using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Daily supplementation was associated with increased bone density and bone strength at the distal tibia and radius. Introduction: pQCT has not been used to assess bone responses to calcium and vitamin-D supplementation on peripubertal children. This randomised controlled trial aimed to assess the impact of a 6-month daily calcium and vitamin-D supplementation on trabecular and cortical bone acquisition at distal tibial and radial sites using pQCT. Methods: Twenty pairs of peripubertal female identical twins, aged 9 to 13 years, were randomly assigned to receive either 800 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D3, or a matched placebo. Bone structural properties at the distal tibia and distal radius were acquired at baseline and 6 months. Results: The calcium-supplemented group showed greater gains in trabecular density, trabecular area and strength strain index at the 4% of distal tibial and radial sites compared with the placebo group ( p = 0.001). Greater gains in cortical area at the 38% and 66% of tibial sites were also found in twins receiving the calcium supplement ( p = 0.001). Conclusions: Daily supplementation for a period of 6 months was associated with increased trabecular area, trabecular density and strength strain index at the ultra-distal tibia and radius and increased cortical area at tibial mid-shaft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To detail the outcomes of an osteoporosis disease-management program where nurse practitioners (NPs) have taken a leadership role in screening, diagnosing, and treating patients at risk for osteoporosis. Data sources: An electronic medical record (EMR) was used to collect demographic, pharmacy, dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, and fracture data from a population of over 625,000 patients with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis. Monthly reports were generated and distributed to the NPs to assist them in identifying patients that required screening or treatment. Conclusions: Over a 6-year period there was a 263% increase in the number of screening DXA scans done each year, a 153% increase in the number of patients on anti-osteoporosis medications each year, and a 38.1% decrease in the expected hip fracture rate. Implications for practice: NPs play an important leadership role in managing osteoporosis within a large health maintenance organization. The screening and interventions used can be applied by any NP in any practice setting on an individual basis to reduce hip fracture rates in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the author's views concerning the occurrence of the pretextual evidence in dealing with employment discrimination cases in the U.S. The author cites the role of substantive and procedural laws in treating the plaintiffs with such cases. The author denotes the decision of judge on a case, Ash v. Tyson Foods Inc. The adverse employment action is also discussed.

The European Association of Urology guidelines on prostate cancer state that cryotherapy is a true therapeutic alternative for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. The aim of this paper is to establish a uniform practice for performing prostate cryoablation. A collaboration has been set up among five European centres with experience in almost 1000 prostate cancer patients on the use of cryotherapy. The present recommendations were developed through sharing of experience and thorough discussions within the group. This first paper from the group establishes the technical recommendations for use of prostate cryotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-combusted duff (<3 cm depth) is generally considered the best seedbed for small-seeded species on upland sites, but we ask here, What is the optimal, postfire residual duff thickness? We hypothesize that a duff thickness equal to (but not greater than) the length of the germinant will offer the best conditions, because at this thickness, the duff layer will not prohibit radicle penetration into the mineral soil, and yet it will serve as a water-conserving mulch. Data from a recent fire in the Rocky mountains of British Columbia were used to show that for three species of Pinus and Picea, (1) duff depths <3 cm were far more clement substrates than thicker duff, and (2) there was a peak in relative survivorship at about 1–2 cm, somewhat shallower than the typical hypocotyl length for these species. Additional data sets from studies previously conducted at boreal and northern cordilleran sites in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and Quebec (a combined 21 fires) bolstered these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The role of collisions with vegetation elements in seed dispersal by wind has been examined only anecdotally. In particular, the idea that the effect of collisions in dispersal may depend on the aerodynamic class of the diaspore has not been broached. 2. We adapted a collision model for small particles to predict the probability of a winged or plumed seed colliding with a vegetation element as a function of the Stokes number (a dimensionless parameter which quantifies inertial tendency and includes diaspore terminal velocity, wind speed and diameter of the target element). 3. We performed experimental releases of seeds upwind of tree boles in two deciduous forest types (temperate and dry tropical) for 10 mid-latitude and tropical species to test the collision model. The model was a reasonable expression of collision efficiency. At higher Stokes numbers, collisions were far more likely for seeds than for water droplets or other small particles. 4. Experimental releases were used in both forests to determine the effect of collisions with boles on distance travelled for several species. Seeds of the three species with asymmetric wings had significantly reduced dispersal following collisions; the single species with plumed seeds did not. 5. In a leafless tropical forest, we experimentally determined the frequency distribution of collisions per metre of travel for seeds released from a canopy. Approximately one collision occurred for every 2 m of flight through the volume occupied by branches and lianas. Distance achieved by asymmetric samaras was relatively unaffected by collisions with small vegetation elements, because the samaras quickly readopted stable autorotation. Conversely, bilaterally symmetric samaras had their dispersal greatly reduced. 6. Synthesis. The effect of collisions on dispersal depends on aerodynamic type. Collisions with small vegetation elements in forests should be more common for samaras than for plumed seeds, because plumed seeds generally have lower terminal velocities. Among winged seeds, collisions with branches will not seriously reduce dispersal except for bilaterally symmetric diaspores, because they are unable to rapidly regain stable autorotation. Reduction in dispersal due to collisions with boles will be unimportant because bole collisions, unlike branch collisions, are rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the dependence of most wind-pollinated and wind-dispersed species on low relative humidity (RH) for abscission, and the minimization of RH in the early afternoon, there ought to be a marked directional bias in seed dispersal at sites with a strong local diurnal circulation. We filmed the abscission of seeds of five wind-dispersed tropical species near the coast of Mexico (Jalisco). We found that (1) most abscission occurred during the period from 10:00 to 17:00 hours; (2) there was a strong bias for landward dispersal due to the midday sea breeze; (3) the little nocturnal dispersal that occurred was toward the sea (due to the night land breeze); (4) there was no abscission in the absence of wind (i.e., indoors) except for one species; and (5) holding relative humidity constant, the proportion of seeds diurnally abscising is strongly correlated with horizontal wind speed. We predict that a similar bias (this time for upsiope dispersal) for xerochastic dispersal will occur in complex terrain. We conclude that in coastal and mountainous terrain, dispersal models (and inverse modeling efforts) must include a directionality term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone strength index (BSI) combines bone mineral and bone biomechanical properties to measure resistance to bending. This index may have greater clinical significance than the more often described markers of bone mineral content (BMC), areal density, or geometry alone and, in turn, may show a stronger relation to fracture risk. The BSI is the product of volumetric cortical bone mineral density (BMD) and cross sectional moment of inertia within a region of interest. Calculations combine dual energy x ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging technologies and provide a useful, non-invasive measure of in vivo bone strength. Objectives: (a) To compare BSI in adolescent female middle distance runners and age matched controls; (b) to examine factors predictive of BSI in adolescent girls. Methods: Twenty adolescent female middle distance runners (mean (SD) age 16 (1.7) years, physical activity 8.9 (2.1) hours a week) and 20 female controls (age 16 (1.8) years, physical activity 2.0 (0.97) hours a week) were recruited. To calculate BSI, a region of interest representing 10% of the mid- distal tibia was analysed for dual energy x ray absorptiometry derived BMC and was combined with bone geometry and biomechanical properties obtained by magnetic resonance imaging assessments. Potential predictors of BSI were also examined. Results: Independent t tests showed that BMC (p = 0.028), cortical bone volume (p = 0.002), volumetric cortical BMD (p = 0.004), cross sectional moments of inertia (p = 0.005), and BSI (p = 0.002) were higher in the distal tibia of athletes than of controls. The strongest predictor of BSI was hours of physical activity a week (R2 = 0.46). Conclusions: Athletes habitually exposed to high training loads displayed greater BSI at the distal tibia than controls. The results further confirm BSI as a significant and discerning marker in musculoskeletal health in adolescent girls engaged in high and low mechanical loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies of postfire tree recruitment have occurred in severely burned portions, despite the fact that partial burning is common. In this study we examined regeneration following a 1997 fire in the boreal forest of Quebec. A model of postfire recruitment was elaborated using parameters such as the proportion of trees killed (severity), the proportions of postfire seedbed types and their associated juvenile survivorship, the available seed supply, the available bud supply (for Populus tremuloides Michx.), and the granivory rate. All three species had peak recruitment in the first or second summer, and the recruitment episode was essentially finished after the third year. Mineral soil and surviving Sphagnum were the best seedbeds for both conifer species. Seedbed frequency was essentially independent of crown fire severity except for surviving Sphagnum, which was concentrated primarily where severity was light. Conifer fecundity was much lower in the lightly burned stands, a result we attribute to a higher granivory rate. The fecundity (seedlings/basal area for the conifers or suckers/basal area for Populus) in the severe sites was typical of the few other North American studies of postfire recruitment, where the published data permit us to make the comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different harvest intensities, including uncut, 1/3 and 2/3 partial cuts, clearcuts with and without slash, were investigated on the germination and cumulative survivorship of white spruce and balsam fir over 2 consecutive years. We also investigated the regenerative capacity of both species on three different seedbeds across all harvest intensities. The seedbeds included were mineral, humus, and organic soil. At the germination stage, both species were strongly affected by seedbed type (p < 0.032). The germination rates of fir seeds in partial cuts were significantly greater than clearcut treatments, but spruce remained unaffected at this stage by harvest intensity. The addition of slash improved the germination rates of fir relative to the clear-cut plots without slash. The germination rates the following year were reduced on mineral soil for spruce. The cumulative survivorship at the end of the third summer still showed a significant seedbed response for both species (p < 0.007) and a significant harvest response for fir (p < 0.005). The cumulative survivorship of the second fir cohort was no longer affected by either harvest or seedbed type. Spruce, however, was still affected by seedbed type (p = 0.006). The data from this study provide us with a more detailed description of the fate of cohorts recruited following a harvest operation. Still, what remains to be studied is the fate of these cohorts over the next 5–10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To define the natural history of patients with suspicious urinary cytology and negative initial evaluation for malignancy in the investigation of haematuria. Patients and methods: Data from the hospital information support system on urinary cytology examinations carried out at one centre were audited over a period of 24 months. There were 102 patients who had suspicious urinary cytology for malignant cells with negative initial evaluation. Follow up investigations, treatment, and final outcome were noted. Results: There were 102 patients with suspicious urinary cytology and negative initial evaluation for malignancy in 24 months, with a mean follow up of 15.7 months. Seventy patients had no obvious pathology on initial investigations. Forty one patients were found to have urological malignancies (29 bladder, eight ureteric, and four prostate) on follow up. All patients diagnosed as having urothelial malignancies on follow up had either persistent suspicious cytology (29) or recurrent haematuria (eight). The mean duration for appearance of lesions was 5.6 months (range, 3-12 months). Three patients had suspicious digital rectal examination and biopsies confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate. One patient had urinary retention and transurethral resection of prostate showed prostatic adenocarcinoma. The presence of suspicious cells on repeat urine analysis was the only significant factor in predicting the presence of urothelial tumours (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Patients with persistent suspicious/positive cytology or recurrent haematuria need further evaluation and follow up. Asymptomatic patients or patients with obvious benign pathology do not require repeat evaluation. Careful urological evaluation, including prostate, should be carried out in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many aspects of temporal variation in tree seed production (e.g., the proability distribution, periodicity, uni modality) are poorly understood. In this paper, we used 32 annual seed production records from 22 species to show that there are no discernible endogenous cycles, and there is a modest (but seldom significant) tendency for a high seed production year to be followed by an unusually low production year. Finally, we found that all of the records conformed to a single lognormal probability distribution, although our ability to discriminate among species, given short and extremely variable records, is admittedly very limited. We used the lognormal to develop the distribution of the sums of local seed production events (summed across 4 years) as an aid in predicting postharvest or postfire tree regeneration success. Our conclusion is that reliable (defined as 90% of the time) adequate stocking at the edge of an area source requires that the species of interest must comprise a very large fraction of the total basal area per area. Indeed, if the species constitutes less than about 50% of the source, neither burns nor even very narrow strip cuts will be reliably stocked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided needle biopsy of the prostate is a widely practised method for obtaining high quality tissue cores for histological diagnosis in men with suspected prostate cancer. Technological advances such as high-resolution hand held probes with biplanar imaging capabilities and spring-loaded needles that easily permit multiple biopsies to be obtained have ensured that this technique has rightly taken its place at the forefront of prostate cancer diagnosis. However, the capacity for TRUS to identify prostate cancer remains limited because of poor specificity and variability in the ultrasonic appearance of tumours. Widespread prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing has increasingly resulted in greater numbers of tumours being diagnosed at an early stage, when they are clinically impalpable and ultrasonically indistinguishable from surrounding normal prostate tissue. In this setting, the principal role for TRUS is to facilitate systematic sampling of all relevant zones of the prostate. Despite advances in technology and in our understanding of this disease, a number of diagnostic dilemmas arise. Should we perform lesion-directed or random biopsies? How many tissue cores should be obtained for optimal diagnostic yield, to reduce the incidence of false-negative biopsies? What areas of the prostate should be biopsied to give the best diagnostic results? If the initial biopsies fail to detect cancer, who should undergo repeat biopsy? Some have also voiced concern that TRUS risks identifying clinically insignificant disease. Here, we review the studies that have addressed these issues and have lead to the evolution of TRUS-guided prostate biopsy into an essential tool in the detection of carcinoma of the prostate. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2000) 3, 13–20 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optical multichannel detection system was used in conjunction with a pulsed xenon lamp and an ultraviolet preionized discharge to record the continuous absorption spectrum of Kr2F(42Γ-92Γ) in the 255–455 nm wavelength region. The absorbing species was positively identified by its temporal and F2 pressure dependences. Peak absorption occurs at 315 nm and has a half width of 85 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The X2Σ+1/2→B2Σ+1/2 absorption band of HgBr has been observed in the afterglow of a pulsed Ne-N2-HgBr2 discharge. Peaking in the ultraviolet (UV) near 350 nm, this continuum degrades slowly to the red and at 410 nm the absorption coefficient is 30% of its maximum value. Upon exciting the X→B band with an XeF (351 nm) or frequency tripled Nd:YAG (355 nm) laser, intense lasing is observed in the blue-green (λ∼502 nm). For λpump=351 nm, the energy conversion efficiency (UV to green) is 22% which corresponds to a photon conversion efficiency of 32%. The quantum efficiency for this four level system is 71%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insectivorous bats in temperate zones have evolved strategies such as migration or hibernation to overcome challenges of reduced resource availability and increased energy demand during winter. In the southeastern United States Coastal Plain, bats are either year‐round residents and remain active during winter or are migrants from colder areas seeking milder temperatures. Southeastern Coastal Plain forests also may represent important areas for remnant populations of species impacted by white‐nose syndrome. Working pine (Pinus spp.) forests comprise a large proportion of southeastern Coastal Plain forests, yet winter bat habitat associations and how forest management affects bat use remain understudied. Hence, we used hierarchical multispecies spatial occupancy models to evaluate factors influencing winter bat occupancy and foraging habitat associations in working forests of the southeastern Coastal Plain. From January to March 2020–2022, we deployed Anabat Swift acoustic detectors and measured site‐ and landscape‐level covariates on six working landscapes. We detected five species of bats and three species groups at 93% (224/240) of sites. We observed higher species richness at sites with high proportions of contiguous forest and low levels of basal area. At the species level, occupancy patterns were influenced by site and landscape covariates, which had varying effects on species with distinct foraging strategies. Temperature was an important predictor of detectability. Our findings offer new insights into the ecology of bats in working forest landscapes during winter, where we highlight positive responses in occupancy with contiguous forests and lower levels of basal area, as in previous summer work. By providing valuable information on winter community composition and foraging habitat associations, we hope to guide management decisions for forest attributes important to these species, thus increasing conservation opportunities within working forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of seasonal pasture-produced milk is influenced by stage of lactation, animal genetics, and nutrition, which affects milk nutritional profile and processing characteristics. The objective was to study the effect of lactation stage (early, mid, and late lactation) and diet on milk composition in an Irish spring calving dairy research herd from 2012 to 2020 using principal component and predictive analytics. Crude protein, casein, fat, and solids increased from 2012 to 2020, whereas lactose concentration peaked in 2017, then decreased. Based on seasonal data from 2013 to 2016, forecasting models were successfully created to predict milk composition for 2017 to 2020. The diet of cows in this study is dependent upon grass growth rates across the milk production season, which in turn, are influenced by weather patterns, whereby extreme weather conditions (rainfall and temperature) were correlated with decreasing grass growth and increasing nonprotein nitrogen levels in milk. The study demonstrates a significant change in milk composition since 2012 and highlights the effect that seasonal changes such as weather and grass growth have on milk composition of pasture-based systems. The potential to forecast milk composition at different stages of lactation benefits processers by facilitating the optimization of in-process and supply logistics of dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2003, the National Research Council recommended the use of process-based modeling to help provide scientifically sound estimates of ammonia and other pollutant emissions from animal feeding operations (AFOs) for use in regulatory and management programs. Because the primary source of ammonia emissions from AFOs is excreted nitrogen (N), the development of process-based models logically must begin with the quantification of nitrogen excretion and how it varies over time when growing animals are being produced. The objective of this study was to begin the development of such a process-based model by characterizing the relationship between age and nitrogen excretion in squab broiler, broiler, and roaster production based on protein intake as a function of feed consumption and retention. Application of our findings to a typical 1,486 m² house revealed estimates of annual nitrogen excretion rates with values ranging from 7,656 kg for roaster production to 10,149 kg for combined broiler and roaster production. This assumes uniform layout periods of 14 days. We estimate peak daily excretion rates for squab broiler, broiler, roaster, and combined broiler and roaster production to be 60.5, 57.6, 38.9, and 57.6 kg d-1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a case report of 17 year-old male presenting acute urinary retention and abdominal pain after use of ecstacy. Medical background of the patient; Diagnosis indicating that the patient had tachycardia, mydriasis and a tender suprapubic mass.

Summary: Recent reports indicate an increase in forearm fractures in children. Bone geometric properties are an important determinant of bone strength and therefore fracture risk. Participation in non-elite gymnastics appears to contribute to improving young girls' musculoskeletal health, more specifically in the upper body. Introduction: The primary aim of this study was to determine the association between non-elite gymnastics participation and upper limb bone mass, geometry, and strength in addition to muscle size and function in young girls. Methods: Eighty-eight pre- and early pubertal girls (30 high-training gymnasts [HGYM, 6-16 hr/ wk], 29 low-training gymnasts [LGYM, 1-5 h r/wk] and 29 non-gymnasts [NONGYM]), aged 6-11 years were recruited. Upper limb lean mass, BMD and BMC were derived from a whole body DXA scan. Forearm volumetric BMD, bone geometry, estimated strength, and muscle CSA were determined using peripheral QCT. Upper body muscle function was investigated with muscle strength, explosive power, and muscle endurance tasks. Results: HGYM showed greater forearm bone strength compared with NGYM, as well as greater arm lean mass, BMC, and muscle function (+5% to +103%, p < 0.05). LGYM displayed greater arm lean mass, BMC, muscle power, and endurance than NGYM (+4% to +46%, p < 0.05); however, the difference in bone strength did not reach significance. Estimated fracture risk at the distal radius, which accounted for body weight, was lower in both groups of gymnasts. Compared with NONGYM, HGYM tended to show larger skeletal differences than LGYM; yet, the two groups of gymnasts only differed for arm lean mass and muscle CSA. Conclusion: Non-elite gymnastics participation was associated with musculoskeletal benefits in upper limb bone geometry, strength and muscle function. Differences between the two gymnastic groups emerged for arm lean mass and muscle CSA, but not for bone strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite decades of use as the "gold standard" in the detection of prostate cancer, the optimal biopsy regimen is still not universally agreed upon. While important aspects such as the need for laterally placed biopsies and the importance of apical cancer are known, repeated studies have shown significant patients with cancer on subsequent biopsy when the original biopsy was negative and an ongoing suspicion of cancer remained. Attempts to maximise the effectiveness of repeat biopsies have given rise to the alternate approaches of saturation biopsy and the transperineal approach. Recent interest in focal treatment of prostate cancer has further highlighted the need for accurate detection of prostate cancer, and in response, the introduction of transperineal template-guided biopsy. While the saturation biopsy approach and the transperineal template approach increase the detection rate of cancer in men with a previous negative biopsy and appear to have acceptable morbidity, there is a lack of clinical trials evaluating the different biopsy strategies. This paper reviews the evolution of prostatic biopsy and current controversies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectivesTo assess the technical feasibility and compare the semen quality in men with or without pregnancy after percutaneous embolization of varicoceles in the management of infertility.: MethodsThe records of 102 patients who underwent retrograde varicocele embolization between January 1997 and January 2002 were reviewed through the Hospital Information Support System. Infertility was the indication for embolization in 71 cases. The present study consisted of this group of patients. The size of the varicoceles, the size of the testis, the pre-embolization semen analysis parameters, the technical details of embolization procedure, any anomalous vessels seen on venography, and, if unsuccessful, the reason for failure of the procedure were noted. A record of postembolization semen parameters (at least two) was made. Patients were divided into four groups depending on the pre-embolization semen density, and a correlation of this was assessed with improvements in morphology and motility. Follow-up was performed using a questionnaire to evaluate the success rate of the procedure, complications, and any treatment for infertility by the patient or his partner after the procedure. Patients who had a successful pregnancy were compared with those who did not to determine the correlation between the changes in semen quality and pregnancy rate.: ResultsBetween January1997 and January 2002, 71 patients underwent retrograde varicocele embolization, using an embolizing coil, for infertility. In 68 (95.7%), it was technically successful. Nineteen patients (26.7%) had various anomalous vessels on venography. A statistically significant improvement (P = 0.002) was noted in the motility parameters in patients with a pre-embolization semen density between 10 and 30 million/mL. All patients were followed up by questionnaire. Follow-up was possible in 51 patients (75%). One patient had varicocele recurrence and underwent open inguinal surgical ligation. Of 45 patients, the partners of 18 (40%) had a successful pregnancy. A comparison of the postembolization semen quality between those with and without a successful pregnancy found no correlation between the changes in the semen parameters and the pregnancy rate.: ConclusionsVaricocele embolization is a technically feasible, minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that improves semen quality significantly in patients with a pre-embolization semen density of 10 to 30 million/mL. However, no correlation was found between the improvements in semen quality and the pregnancy rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE: Progressive resistive exercises, such as the DeLorme or Oxford techniques, improve strength by adding weights to arrive at the ten-repetition maximum (10RM; DeLorme) or by starting at the 10RM and removing weight (Oxford). The goal of this study was to examine the efficacy of each training method. DESIGN: In this randomized, prospective, group design, evaluator-blind clinical trial, 50 subjects performed either the Oxford or DeLorme weight-training techniques. Three times a week for 9 wks, subjects completed three sets of ten-repetition knee extensions based on the 10RM measured weekly. Incremental or decremental changes in training weight were utilized in training sessions based on the protocol randomly assigned to each subject. RESULTS: The mean 10RM increase was 71.9 kg for the DeLorme group and 67.5 kg for the Oxford group, which was not significantly different. Examination with repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance revealed no significant difference between the two groups for 10RM increase, and no significant sex differences were found. Percentage change scores were not significantly different for 1RM and 10RM for both protocols and sexes. CONCLUSION: Both protocol groups were able to complete their lifting assignments and progressed similarly in weekly 10RM weight lifted. It can be concluded that both the DeLorme and Oxford protocols improve strength with equivalent efficacy. Further studies involving a larger sample size are needed to address potential sex-specific changes in strength improvement in response to the protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the scope of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Prevalence and complications of diabetic neuropathy; Classification and therapeutic approaches; Pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy; Characteristics of distal symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy; Role of hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency in the development of diabetic neuropathy.

The article presents information on a study which explored the hypothesis that inmate morale may be an indicator of the effectiveness of prison programs in the U.S. Recent years have seen a considerable rise in this country in public interest in the field of corrections in general and the prison system in particular. Attention has turned to the quality of life experienced by prison inmates, and inmate morale has come to be considered one measure of prison effectiveness. Indeed, it is perhaps a so self-evident proposition that humane treatment and the high morale associated with it are desirable ends in themselves, whether or not they are productive of a low recidivism rates. Prison administrators have also expressed the belief that participation in work-release programs enhances the self-concept of inmates.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and complications of internal iliac artery embolization as a palliative measure in the control of intractable haemorrhage from advanced pelvic urological malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS Six patients (mean age 80 years, range 76–87) with advanced pelvic malignancies (three each with bladder carcinoma and prostate carcinoma) underwent embolization between September 1997 and July 2001, using permanent coils in the anterior division of internal iliac artery bilaterally. RESULTS All patients had undergone conservative treatment before embolization for a mean of 2 days. The mean requirement for transfusion before embolization was 3.2 units. All patients except one were successfully embolized in a single setting with no complications. Bleeding was successfully controlled in one patient at the second attempt of embolization. There were minor complications, e.g. nausea, vomiting or fever, for a mean of 2 days, responding well to conservative treatment. At a mean follow-up of 22 months, no patient had a recurrence of bleeding. CONCLUSION Internal iliac artery embolization is a feasible, effective and minimally invasive option in managing advanced pelvic urological malignancies presenting with intractable bleeding; it should be bilateral and permanent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Salvage therapeutic options for biochemical failure after primary radiation-based therapy include radical prostatectomy, cryoablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), brachytherapy (for post-EBRT patients) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT and salvage prostate cryoablation (SPC) are two commonly considered treatment options for RRPC. However, there is an urgent need for high-quality clinical studies to support evidence-based decisions on treatment choice. Our study aims to determine the feasibility of randomising men with RRPC for treatment with ADT and SPC.Methods:The randomised controlled trial (CROP) was developed, which incorporated protocols to assess parameters relating to cryotherapy procedures and provide training workshops for optimising patient recruitment. Analysis of data from the recruitment phase and patient questionnaires was performed.Results:Over a period of 18 months, 39 patients were screened for eligibility. Overall 28 patients were offered entry into the trial, but only 7 agreed to randomisation. The majority reason for declining entry into the trial was an unwillingness to be randomised into the study. 'Having the chance of getting cryotherapy' was the major reason for accepting the trial. Despite difficulty in retrieving cryotherapy temperature parameters from prior cases, 9 of 11 cryotherapy centres progressed through the Cryotherapists Qualification Process (CQP) and were approved for recruiting into the CROP study.Conclusions:Conveying equipoise between the two study arms for a salvage therapy was challenging. The use of delayed androgen therapy may have been seen as an inferior option. Future cohort studies into available salvage options (including prostate cryotherapy) for RRPC may be more acceptable to patients than randomisation within an RCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Declines of imperiled small mammals are often attributed to predation without investigating the relative influence of survival and reproductive parameters on population growth. Accordingly, declines in the endangered Key Largo woodrat Neotoma floridana smalli ( KLWR) population have been attributed to predation by feral cats Felis catus, Burmese pythons Python molurus bivittatus and raccoons Procyon lotor. We estimated survival, recruitment and realized population growth rates from four capture-mark-recapture studies to determine if the pattern of demographic variation was consistent with predation as the primary cause of KLWR declines. Additionally, we evaluated the KLWR captive-breeding and release program by comparing survival of captive-born and released KLWRs to wild-born KLWRs. The realized population growth rate of wild-born KLWRs had a strong pattern of covariation with recruitment; covariation between the realized population growth rate and apparent survival was negligible. Consistent with demographic theory, our results suggest that KLWR population dynamics were driven primarily by variation in recruitment, and that periodic reductions in recruitment led to population declines. We found that the survival curve and the first month ( S1) and first 3-month ( S1-3) survival estimates for the wild-born KLWRs [ S1 = 0.929 (0.890-0.968); S1-3 = 0.942 (0.919-0.965)] were considerably higher ( χ2 = 33.9, 1 d.f., P < 0.001) than released KLWRs [ S1 = 0.521 (0.442-0.600); S1-3 = 0.561 (0.493-0.629)]. Low survival rates from predation limited the success of the captive-breeding and release program. This study illustrates the importance of pre-release conditioning of captive-bred animals and the importance of considering reproductive parameters in conjunction with survival estimates to understand the drivers of population decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]