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Walking in the community allows participation in meaningful activities which positively influences self-rated health and quality of life. Our objective was to identify factors associated with social participation and community ambulation in a representative sample of Canadian adults with osteoarthritis (OA).Data were from3800 participants in the Baseline Tracking Dataset of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging with OA of the hip and/or knee. Outcomes included frequency of participation in 8 community-based activities (past year, social participation), and frequency walking outside the home (past 7 days, community ambulation). Explanatory variables (15 for social participation, 11 for community ambulation) established in previous literature were evaluated. Variables significant in univariate binary logistic regression models were entered into multivariable models.Frequency of social participation was greater for females, and individuals with higher levels of education. Those who were younger, dissatisfied with life, and had difficulty walking 2-3 blocks were less likely to participate. Having fewer chronic conditions, being younger, being single/widowed and being interviewed in spring/summer were associated with more frequent ambulation. Lower self-rated health, difficulty walking 2-3 blocks, pain and being female were associated with less frequent walking outside the home.Many factors influence frequency of social participation and community ambulation. The ability to walk short distances is positively associated with both outcomes. This important factor can and should be addressed clinically to improve health and quality of life in people with OA.

Obesity is an important public health concern, and large studies of rural-urban differences in prevalence of obesity are lacking. Our purpose is to compare body mass index (BMI) and obesity in Canada using an expanded definition of rurality.A cross-sectional analysis of self-reported BMI across diverse communities of Canadians aged 45-85 years was conducted using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), a national sample representative of community-dwelling residents. Rurality was identified in the CLSA based on residential postal codes, which were divided into 4 categories: urban, peri-urban, mixed and rural. Logistic regression models were constructed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) between obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/mTwenty-one thousand one hundred and twenty-six Canadian residents aged 45-85 years, surveyed during 2010-2015, were included. 26.8% were obese. Obesity was less prevalent amongst urban (25.2%) than rural (30.3%, P0.0001), mixed (28.7%, P0.0001) or peri-urban communities (28.1%, P0.0001). When compared to urban areas, the aOR (95% CI) for obesity was 1.09 (1.00-1.20) in rural regions and 1.20 (1.08-1.35) in peri-urban settings. In areas of mixed urban and rural residence, the aOR was 1.12 (0.99-1.27).One in four Canadian adults were obese. Living in a non-urban setting is an independent risk factor for obesity. Rural-urban health disparities could underlie rural-urban differences, but further research is needed.

ObjectiveIn studies of trajectories of physical functioning among older people, the data cannot be measured continuously, but only at certain time points in prespecified cycles. We examine how data collection cycles can affect the estimation of trajectories and their associations with survival.Study design and settingLongitudinal data from the Manitoba Follow-Up Study (MFUS), with 12 measurements collected annually from 2004 to 2015, are analysed using a summary measures of physical functioning from the Short Form-36 questionnaire. Based on the joint models of the functioning trajectories and risk of death, we compare the estimations among models using different frequency of data collection (annually, biennially and triennially).ResultsOur 2004 baseline includes 964 men who were survivors from the original MFUS cohort with mean age of 84 years and range between 75 and 94 years. Results from analysis of annual data indicate that the mean physical functioning is significantly decreasing over time. Further, the rate of decline is increasing over time. The current value of physical functioning is significantly associated with the hazard of death (pConclusionThe impact of frequency of data collection depends on the shape of functional trajectories and its linking structure to survival outcome.

Geophysical prospection and soil chemical analyses were conducted at the Early Copper Age (ECA, ca. 4500–3900 cal BC [Antiquity 76 (2002) 619, Journal of Field Archaeology (2004) in press] site of Veszto-Bikeri as part of the Koros Regional Archaeological Project investigations of the Neolithic–Copper Age transition on the Great Hungarian Plain. The goal of these investigations was to locate and map subsurface features and activity areas at the settlement. Vertical magnetic gradient measurements defined the extent and layout of the structures and features across the settlement and revealed that previously unidentified concentric ditches enclosed the site. Excavations confirmed the locations of most of the wall trenches, postholes, ditches, and pits detected in the geophysical survey. The soil chemical survey recorded high concentrations of phosphate around the perimeter of the site, some of which were associated with a midden. With the geophysical survey, details of the plan and organization of the Early Copper Age settlement were revealed that could not be discerned from surface artifact distribution patterns and test excavations. The soil chemistry survey results showed a contrast between the “cleaner” center of the site (near the structures) and the ring of debris at the edge of the site (near the circular enclosures). The continuation of such nondestructive investigations at other ECA sites will help improve models of settlement organization during the Neolithic–Copper Age transition.

A simple and rapid assay based on hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry has been first developed and validated for simultaneous determination of caprolactam (CA) and 6-aminocaproic acid (6-ANCA) in human urine using 8-aminocaprylic acid as internal standard. A 20μL aliquot of urine was injected directly into the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) system. The analytes were separated on a Phenomenex Luna HILIC column with gradient elution. Detection was performed on Triple Quadrupole LC-MS in positive ions multiple reaction monitoring mode using electrospray ionization. The calibration curves were linear (r(2)≥0.995) over the concentration range from 62.5 to 1250ng/mL for CA and 31.25 to 1000ng/mL for 6-ANCA. The detection limits of CA and 6-ANCA were 62.5 and 15.6ng/mL, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were within 8.7% and 9.9%, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day accuracy were between 5.3% and 3.5%, and between 6.1% and 6.6%, respectively. The method proved to be simple and time efficient, and was successfully applied to evaluate the kinetics of caprolactam in one unusual case of caprolactam poisoning.

Contracting the municipal tree care operation can generally handle specialized tasks more efficiently. It offers greater managerial/technical expertise. Contractors have the ability to manage their workforce more effectively. They can respond to crisis situations more rapidly and can downsize when no longer needed. Contracting only works well when it is functioning under properly trained customer supervision, well written specifications, good contract administration, competition and honesty.

The purpose of this study was to determine if cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is more effective than traditional radiography (TR) in diagnosing pediatric dental clinical cases involving impacted and supernumerary teeth.Surveys were given to 10 pediatric dental faculty and 10 pediatric dental residents after viewing 8 clinical cases in either CBCT or TR in which the patient presented with pathology (impaction or supernumerary) in the anterior maxilla. The surveys asked for pathology diagnosis, location, and identification of root resorption, as well as questions about the usefulness of the radiographic mode in treatment planning.A statistically significant difference in CBCT vs. TR viewed cases was found with CBCT statistically better (P0.05) for pathology location, determining root resorption, usefulness, adequacy in treatment planning, and was the overall recommended mode. More faculty were able to correctly identify the pathology location (P=0.034), while more residents believed they could determine presence of root resorption P=0.029). For impacted versus supernumerary cases, more pathology was correctly located when viewed in CBCT mode (P0.05). No statistical significance in diagnosing the presence of pathology for all cases was found.CBCT and TR were effective in the initial diagnosis of pathology in the cases presented. CBCT, however, provides more information on the location of pathology, the presence of root resorption, and treatment planning. The pediatric dental community can benefit from the amount of additional information provided by CBCT. The benefits of CBCT imaging must be weighed against the radiation risk to the pediatric patient and the complexity of the pathology.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infections.Design: An unlinked seroprevalence study on all ‘left over’ blood submitted for syphilis testing during three consecutive six month periods (April 1, 1990 to September 30, 1991). After the capture of demographic data, sera to be tested for antibodies were stripped of all personal identifiers and assigned a random number. The study fulfilled Canadian ethical guidelines.Participants: Persons with a valid Manitoba Health Services Commission number were included only once in a study year. Persons were enrolled into one of five categories: infants, injection drug users, pregnant women, persons investigated for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and routine testing.Results: Of the 50,929 persons tested. 133 (0.26%) were positive, a low prevalence of HIV infections. A significant increase in positivity was noticed in the second study period. While 77.7% of those tested were women, only 10 (0.025%) were positive for HIV. The rate of positivity for pregnant women was 0.72 per 10,000 tested. Of the 11,314 males tested. 123 (1.08%) had antibodies. Most of the positives were males in the STD category residing in Winnipeg; for them, the rate of positivity increased by middle age, while the rate of testing decreased with each decade of age (from age 15 to 44 years).Discussion/Recommendation: This is the first report from a sentinel laboratory in Canada of an unlinked seroprevalence study in persons with STD. Results suggest an urgent need to target strategies for the control of HIV for persons with STD, particularly males in urban centres, by routine HIV testing for STD patients.

The ISA Tree Valuation Guide is the most widely used method to determine the monetary values of amenity plants. Variables used to arrive at an appraisal are divided into subjective and objective classes and are critically examined. Each of the four factors: size, species, condition and location used to determine the final value of a plant are discussed. Suggestions and recommendations are made to improve the evaluation process and the individual appraiser.

Methods are discussed which illustrate ways data from properly planned street tree inventories can be used to create an urban tree management program, to aid in obtaining programmatic increases, to help a program in which survival is threatened, to protect from budget cutbacks, to increase the efficiency of an existing program, and to provide information for public information and education.

Approximately one quarter of cities and counties in the United States contract for tree maintenance. This percentage is increasing. On the average, tree contracting saves about one-third when compared to in-house costs with no loss of quality. The reasons contracting is cost efficient are outlined. Problems with contracting can be avoided if several guidelines are followed. Unit, time and material, and lump sum practices are evaluated. Contracting will increase in the future because contractors are generally more efficient, cities will be faced with continuing budget problems, and there will be more opportunities for contractors, which will increase competition.

A 1983 survey of 329 cities to determine the level of municipal tree care in New Jersey resulted in a return of 34 percent. The largest obstacle to tree care was lack of funding. Tree care agencies in New Jersey spent just over 50 percent of their time on actual tree-related work activities. A greater percentage of larger cities have suffered budget reductions than did smaller ones. Most tree care is divided into the activities of removal, pruning, and planting. Most tree work is scheduled by requests from residents. Contracting for tree work is widely used and satisfies the needs of the cities. Shade tree ordinances and public tree bodies are widely used, but less so in larger cities. Nearly all trees for street planting are purchased from commercial nurseries and are similar in composition to what is being planted by other cities in the northeast United States.

Contracting for all types of government services has increased recently. Contracting can provide efficient low-cost, high-quality services if the contracting process is properly understood. Good specifications must be developed and enforced. Steps have to be taken to ensure competition and qualified bidders. The contract should be monitored to guarantee performance because the responsibility of getting the work done still remains in the hands of city officials even though a contractor does it.

A 1983 survey of 13 municipally-owned street and shade tree nurseries in the Northeast United States determined that the average nursery was slightly larger than 2 acres, contained 830 trees and had been in existence 20 years. Tree stock for municipal nurseries was obtained by direct purchase from commercial nurseries and is grown in the nursery for an average of 3 years before outplanting as a 1 Vi-I % inch diameter street tree. The average initial purchase price of a bare-root tree was $12.50, cost $.80 to plant it, $3.40 to maintain it each year and $4.80 to lift and prepare it for planting. The type and level of nursery maintenance varied by community.

Guidelines are developed for an in-service training program to increase the quality and quantity of production in a tree maintenance operation. The three major elements in a typical program of what to teach, preparation, and how to teach are explained. A typical job example in a tree maintenance operation is divided into two areas of theoretical and practical material necessary to perform it.

Due to cutbacks in local sources of funding for urban tree maintenance activities, urban tree managers may become more reliant on federal funding grants. The need for information regarding the grant process was desired by a high percentage of surveyed urban tree managers. The sources of information about federal grants and the general process of writing and applying for them is summarized to enable tree managers to be in a more competitive position if outside funding is sought.

Girdling roots were examined on 336 street-side mature Norway maple trees [Acer platanoides) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Most ot the girdled trees were girdled by multiple, shallow, subsurface roots. There was no association between girdled trees and narrow tree lawns. Most of the trees were not girdled severely. There did not appear to be any significant effects on crown characteristics attributable to root girdling.

In a one-year retrospective review, 138 symptomatic infections were identified in 145 admissions to a rehabilitation unit. One hundred twenty-six (91%) infections were either urinary or skin and soft tissue infections. The daily incidence of infection increased with increasing numbers of infections for infected patients. Patient factors associated with infection included male sex, young age, spinal cord injury, admission for management of decubitus ulcers or urinary infection, history of urinary infection, urologic interventions or skin breakdown, and bladder and bowel incontinence. All patients with a history of chronic urinary infection or skin breakdown developed infection. In a logistic regression model, factors that were independently associated with risk of infection in the remaining patients included sex, incontinence, chronic neurologic disease, and prior urologic interventions. This review suggests rehabilitation patients are at high risk of acquiring nosocomial infection. The subgroup of patients with the highest risk of infection are identifiable by specific characteristics.

Increment cores were taken from a random sample of 617 trees in Central Park in 1983-84. On the average just over 16 percent of the trees cored had stem decay. The percentage of trees with stem decay varied by species and increased by diameter class. There is a high degree of association in the sample between trees with stem decay and trunk abnormalities such as bark wounds and longitudinal cracks.

Increment cores were taken from 1,014 trees along streets in central New Jersey and in Central Park, New York in 1983-84. Of the trees cored, 142 (14.4 percent) had stem decay. A greater number of park trees had stem decay than did street trees (16.2 vs. 12.6 percent, respectively). Honeylocust (Gleditsia sp.) was the least affected by decay. Linden (Tilia sp.) was the most affected. Ginkgo [Ginkgo biloba), considered to be highly tolerant to urban conditions was seriously affected with 17.8 percent of the stems sampled having decay. Stem decay and the potential hazard caused by it should be carefully considered by the urban tree manager.