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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2006.06.027 Byline: Anthony C. Edwards (a), David Kay (b), Adrian T. McDonald (c), C. Francis (d), J. Watkins (d), J.R. Wilkinson (b), M.D. Wyer (b) Keywords: Farmyards; Hardstanding runoff; Roof runoff; Livestock; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Potassium; Zinc; Faecal indicator organisms Abstract: Summer sampling of storm runoff generated from areas of roofs and hardstanding situated on four dairy/beef farms has provided novel information regarding its microbiological and chemical quality. All farm hardstandings generated runoff that was contaminated with respect to those pollutants (faecal coliforms, FC, and faecal streptococci, FS, major nutrients, organic carbon) that are ubiquitously associated with faecal matter and urine. The separate analysis of roof runoff indicated that these can contribute significant concentrations of FS, phosphorus (P) and potentially toxic elements such as zinc (Zn), and suggests a level of 'background' contamination originating from wash-off of bird droppings and in the case of Zn galvanised surfaces. On average hardstanding runoff showed enhanced concentrations of >4 orders of magnitude for FC and 2-3 for major nutrients and carbon relative to roof runoff. Organic forms of nitrogen (N) and P contributed significantly (averaging >40%) to the total dissolved fraction in both roof and hardstanding runoff. Part of the substantial variability in composition of runoff samples could be attributed to differences between farms as well as the timing of sample collection during individual storms. Where situations allowed, a comparison of water upstream and downstream of the farmyard demonstrated they acted as a source of multiple contaminants not only during hydrologically active storm events but also during dry periods. Contamination pathways included a combination of both point (e.g., septic overflows) and non-point (e.g., seepage from livestock housing) sources. Farmyards situated within intensive livestock farming areas such as SW Scotland, would be expected to have significant local and accumulated downstream impacts on the aquatic environment. Localised impacts would be particularly important for headwaters and low order streams. Author Affiliation: (a) Nether Backhill, Ardallie, By Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, AB42 5BQ, UK (b) Centre for Research into Environment and Health, IGES, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DB, UK (c) School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK (d) CREH Analytical Ltd., 50 Back Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire LSI8 4RS, UK Article History: Received 20 February 2006; Revised 19 June 2006; Accepted 24 June 2006

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.04.029 Byline: A.T. McDonald (a), A.D.J. McDonald (b), D. Kay (b), J. Watkins (c) Keywords: Woodchip corrals; Effluent; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Coliform; E. coli; Enterococci; Seasonality; Concentration; Fluxes Abstract: Woodchip corrals are increasingly used as cost effective means of over-wintering livestock in temperate regions but there is little information on their potential environmental impact. Four woodchip corrals of varying characteristics were instrumented to capture and quantify the flows reaching the base, where pollutant fluxes may move either vertically to groundwater, or laterally to a water course. Samples for chemical analysis were collected daily by auto-sampler. Samples for bacterial analysis were aseptically hand-sampled. Sampling frequency was increased during high flow events and sampling was conducted over a 12-month period. Microbiological samples were analysed for total coliform (TC), presumptive Escherichia coli (EC) and intestinal enterococci (IE). Leachate was also analysed for total phosphorus, phosphate, total nitrogen, ammonium, total oxidised nitrogen, nitrite and nitrate. Each corral had a recording rain gauge sited within 10m of the corral surface. Mean total nitrogen concentration in leachate was 339.5mgl.sup.-1, of which ammoniacal-N comprised approximately 57%. Mean total phosphorus concentration was 94.7mgl.sup.-1. Geometric mean concentrations of TC, EC and IE were 95,461, 94,983 and 55,552cfu100ml.sup.-1, respectively. Significant flows of leachate occurred at the base of the corrals on most days during the 1-year sampling period and flow rate increased with stocking density. Strong positive linear relationships were found between the concentrations of the nutrient parameters and discharge. Strong positive curvilinear relations were found between faecal indicator concentrations and discharge. Different relationships were observed in the stocked and unstocked corrals. The resulting fluxes are sufficient to give concern and to indicate that corral development is worthy of regulatory attention. Author Affiliation: (a) Earth and Biosphere Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK (b) River Basin Dynamics and Hydrology Research Group, IGES, University of Wales, Aberystwyth SY23 3DB, UK (c) CREH Analytical Ltd., 50 Back Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS18 4RS, UK Article History: Received 29 January 2007; Revised 30 March 2007; Accepted 10 April 2007

Subgenomic flavivirus RNAs (sfRNAs) are structured RNAs encoded by flaviviruses that promote viral infection by inhibiting cellular RNA decay machinery. Herein, we analyze sfRNA production and localization using single-molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (smRNA-FISH) throughout West Nile virus, Zika virus, or dengue virus serotype 2 infection. We observe that sfRNAs are generated during the RNA replication phase of viral infection in the cytosol and accumulate in processing bodies (P-bodies), which contain RNA decay machinery such as XRN1 and Dcp1b. However, upon activation of the host antiviral endoribonuclease, ribonuclease L (RNase L), sfRNAs re-localize to ribonucleoprotein complexes known as RNase L-induced bodies (RLBs). RLB-mediated sequestration of sfRNAs reduces sfRNA association with RNA decay machinery in P-bodies, which coincides with increased viral RNA decay. These findings establish a functional role for RLBs in enhancing the cell-mediated decay of viral RNA by sequestering functional viral RNA decay products. [Display omitted] • Single-molecule imaging of sfRNA production and localization • sfRNAs localize to RNase L-induced bodies • RNase L-induced bodies sequester sfRNAs away from P-bodies • Sequestration of sfRNAs by RNase L-induced bodies enhances decay of viral genomes Watkins and Burke show that the assembly of antiviral biomolecular condensates known as RNase L-induced bodies sequester subgenomic flavivirus RNA (sfRNA) during West Nile virus, dengue virus, or Zika virus infection. This reduces sfRNA association with mRNA decay machinery in processing bodies, which promotes the degradation of viral RNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients who are followed with a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) are generally advised to return for repeat beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (bhCG) level after 48 hours. This study compares the time to final diagnosis for patients who had repeat bhCG levels 24 hours vs. 48 hours after diagnosis of PUL. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with PUL who were recommended to return at 24 hours vs 48 hours at a single site from 2021-2022. We reviewed charts for time to final diagnosis, demographic characteristics, pregnancy history, bhCG levels, interventions, and whether the patient was lost to follow up. We compared the time to final diagnosis using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests between the two cohorts. Over the two-year time period, 61 patients were eligible for inclusion, 18 of whom followed up at 24 hours and 43 of whom followed up at 48 hours. Most patients completed the recommended follow up (94.4%: 24-hour vs 83.7%: 48-hour). The median time to final diagnosis was 2 days (IQR 1-5 days) for the 24-hour cohort compared to 6 days (IQR 3-13) for the 48-hour cohort (p value.03). None of the 24-hour group was lost to follow up compared to 11.6% (n=5) in the 48-hour group. We found the time to final diagnosis was shorter in the 24-hour group compared to the 48-hour group. Clinicians may consider 24-hour follow up for patients at higher risk for ectopic pregnancy or to expedite the time to a final diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first integrated survey of soil biota and chemical properties to assess the biodiversity of soils are discussed. A series of robust datasets are produced from a total of 1052 soil samples that were collected across Great Britain in order to investigate relationships between soil biota and environmental factors.

A study was conducted on the biogeography classifications that produced three different types of zones. The different types of zones were likely to exist for any comparison between classifications of particular regions. It was concluded that the data window should always be larger than the area for which the classification is being made.

To demonstrate technique in resection of stage IV endometriosis in a post-hysterectomy patient, including parametrial dissection, ureterolysis, rectovaginal mobilization, and low anterior resection with reanastamosis. A narrated surgical video. An endometriosis-focused surgical practice in the private setting. The patient is a 40-year-old woman with three previous laparoscopies, including hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoopherectomy. She was notably told after her most recent laparoscopy that she had no residual disease. Patient presented for consult with severe dyschezia, dyspareunia, and pelvic pain. Exam findings were concerning for severe rectovaginal endometriosis at the pelvic cuff. The patient was taken to OR for diagnostic laparoscopy, and ultimately a full excision of endometriosis was performed, including parametrectomy, ureterolysis, and low anterior colon resection with stapled reanastamosis. 6 months postop the patient reports near complete relief of her symptoms, and substantially improved quality of life. Low anterior resection in stage IV endometriosis may be necessary even after hysterectomy for endometriosis. A previous negative laparoscopy does not rule out high grade disease, as inexperienced physicians may under diagnose even severe disease. Hysterectomy and salpingoopherectomy does not resolve pre-existing rectovaginal endometriosis, and symptoms may persist or even worsen despite this treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Faecal indicator organisms (FIOs) are commonly used to quantify pollution of public health significance. Health protection, as indexed by FIO control, is a central aim of new ‘catchment-scale’ water quality management required in the USA by the Clean Water Act and in the European Union (EU) by the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Experience of the former, after a decade of implementation, suggests that the most significant reason for water quality ‘impairment’ is elevated FIO concentrations, mainly in recreational and shellfish harvesting waters. This provides an early warning of possible problems which the EU regulatory authorities are likely to face. To date, however, a surprising lack of EU attention has been given to prediction and control of catchment fluxes of this key parameter. This is likely to prove embarrassing if the experience of the US regulatory community is not acted upon with some urgency. There is a growing, though still partial, body of empirical science to form the ‘evidence-base’ for good regulatory practice. However, adoption of ‘best management practices’ (BMPs) to effect remediation of impacted waters will require close integration of water policy with policies on financial support for the farming community. This is likely to require enhanced communication and integration within the discrete policy communities addressing the agricultural sector through the Common Agricultural Policy and water regulation through the Water Framework Directive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The European Water Framework Directive requires the integrated management of point and diffuse pollution to achieve ‘good’ water quality in ‘protected areas’. These include bathing waters, which are regulated using faecal indicator organisms as compliance parameters. Thus, for the first time, European regulators are faced with the control of faecal indicator fluxes from agricultural sources where these impact on bathing water compliance locations. Concurrently, reforms to the European Union (EU) Common Agricultural Policy offer scope for supporting on-farm measures producing environmental benefits through the new ‘single farm payments’ and the concept of ‘cross-compliance’. This paper reports the first UK study involving remedial measures, principally stream bank fencing, designed to reduce faecal indicator fluxes at the catchment scale. Considerable reduction in faecal indicator flux was observed, but this was insufficient to ensure bathing water compliance with either Directive 76/160/EEC standards or new health-evidence-based criteria proposed by WHO and the European Commission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: During the influenza outbreak of 1999/2000, in the United Kingdom between weeks 49/99 and 06/00. We set out to prospectively recruit all adult patients with respiratory symptoms admitted to the largest non-teaching hospital in the country. Methods: All patients 18 years and older admitted with acute respiratory symptoms to a large district general hospital, serving a population of 190,000, during a period of influenza activity, were seen and if they fulfilled the case definition criteria for the study were recruited. Details were recorded of their age, chronic disease status, smoking behaviour, alcohol consumption, influenza and pneumococcal vaccination status. Each was matched with community controls for family physician, age, sex, socio-economic and chronic disease status. In addition, the study generated a 2:1 pool of unmatched controls to cases. Using case-control methodology, we set out to estimate the clinical effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing hospitalisation and the risks associated with chronic disease, alcohol consumption, smoking behaviour and previous hospitalisation. Presented here are the results for the matched subjects. Results: 346 cases were recruited, 89% with pre-existing chronic disease, matched community controls were found for 326 (95%). In total, the study generated 725 unmatched controls. Matched pair analysis revealed that vaccination protects against hospitalisation with an Odds Ratio of 0.38 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.51) indicating a strong protective effect, giving vaccine effectiveness of 62±13% in preventing hospitalisations. Overwhelmingly previous hospitalisation for respiratory disease (OR 7.6) contributed the greatest risk of being hospitalised with influenza, yet only 33% of cases in recommended groups received vaccination. Conclusions: This study has advantages over some other studies and again shows the benefits of vaccination and reinforces the contribution chronic ill health contributes to the complications of influenza infection and the missed opportunities for protection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: This paper describes the personal and societal impact of a small outbreak of influenza in the United Kingdom over the winter 1999/2000. Methods: All adults hospitalised with acute respiratory symptoms were recruited into a case control study to examine the effectiveness of the influenza vaccination. All patients were admitted to a large district general hospital, serving a population of 190,000. Details were recorded of age, chronic disease, smoking behaviour, alcohol consumption, influenza and pneumococcal vaccination status. While in hospital, utilisation of hospital facilities, length of stay, use of critical care facilities and fatality were recorded. Clinical specimens were taken for serology and chest X-ray findings recorded. These individuals and community controls were followed up for an addition 2 years to compare their pre- and post-influenza morbidity and health-seeking behaviour. Results: Case recruitment occurred from week 51/99 to week 5/00 when influenza was circulating in the community. A total of 186 women and 160 men were recruited with an average age of 68.6 years. Eighty-nine percent had pre-existing chronic disease, stayed on average at least 10 days, the length of stay increasing dramatically with extreme age; 11% of the cases received intensive or critical care during the admission and, overall, the case fatality rate was 15%, 23% in the over-65 age group while hospitalised. Only 33% of the patients with pre-existing chronic disease received the influenza vaccination and only 21% pneumococcal. Follow-up of cases over a further 2 years showed that 94 (28%) had died compared to 25 (3.8%) of the matched controls. They suffered an increased number of hospital admissions, poorer heath and increased morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: Even small outbreaks of influenza have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and society. This study reinforces the need for increased efforts to improve vaccine uptake in those most at risk and the consequences for not taking such action. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Alcohol consumption is a primary or secondary factor in many work-related accidents, suicides, homicides, violent crimes, and motor vehicle accidents. The absentee rate in alcoholics is 3.8 to 8. 3 times greater than that for nonalcoholic workers. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of two interview questionnaires-the Brief Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (BMAST) and the CAGE (cut down, annoyed by criticism, guilty about drinking, and eye-opener drinks). The validity of the BMAST and the CAGE as screening tools for alcohol problems has been verified in a number of nonworkplace settings. If they prove to be as effective for screening workers in an occupational medical setting, follow-up definitive diagnoses could result in earlier detection of alcohol problems and allow prompt intervention. Positive outcomes could include a safer workplace, less absenteeism, improved worker productivity, and a reduction in personal and family problems caused by drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecosystem services provided by urban trees make substantial contributions to the urban environments. However, many of these ecosystem services are strongly connected to tree size and health which means that right tree for site and climate is essential. Whilst most urban forestry literature focuses on finding "the right tree for the right place" by describing the variation in physiological traits at the species level, many species also show substantial intraspecific variation in their traits at the level of the organ, such as leaf economic traits or wood density. The question is how well do the nursery industry that support us with trees acknowledge this fact. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent provenance and ecotypes is understood within the largest tree nurseries in Germany, Netherlands and the UK. We identified five tree species commonly planted within urban forests in central and northern Europe and carried out a brief analysis of the climatic envelopes experienced by them in their natural range. We then carried out short interviews with nursery representatives to examine whether it is possible to identify which ecotypes of these species are represented in commercial horticulture. The results show that in the large majority of cases (63 %), provenance knowledge was unknown. In some cases (11–12 %), the nurseries identified sources at the country level (e.g. Netherlands or Germany). None of the nurseries in the study hade any information from which ecotypes their material originated from. The principal finding of this study is that it is not currently possible for specifiers to select trees at an intra-specific level based on climate or ecological criteria since it is of the utmost importance that the plant material that is used is of the best possible fit with the target site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate technique for liver mobilization as required for full exposure of the right diaphragm in severe right diaphragm endometriosis cases with associated diaphragm resection. N/A Northwest Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery, a subspecialty practice focused on endometriosis care in Portland, OR. N/A This video demonstrates techniques for mobilization of the right side of the liver to achieve full exposure of the diaphragm in diaphragmatic endometriosis surgery N/A Diaphragmatic endometriosis is a relatively rare presentation of endometriosis, but will be frequently present in practices where high grade endometriosis patients are cared for. One of the largest challenges in performing diaphragm surgery is the obstruction of visualization and access to the diaphragm by the liver. Techniques for liver mobilization are well documented in hepatobiliary surgery, and when employed in endometriosis surgery can reveal all areas of the right diaphragm. Full mobilization of the right liver involves section of the falciform ligament (liver to anterior abdominal wall and central diaphragm), triangular ligament (liver to right chest wall and lateral diaphragm), and coronary ligament (liver to posterior upper abdominal wall and posterior diaphragm). Section of each of these ligaments (when required) allows full access to anterior, lateral, and posterior aspects of the right diaphragm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees play major roles in many aspects of urban life, supporting ecosystems, regulating temperature and soil hydrology, and even affecting human health. At the scale of the urban forest, the qualities of these individual trees become powerful tools for mitigating the effects of, and adapting to climate change and for this reason attempts to select the right tree for the right place has been a long-term research field. To date, most urban forestry practitioners rely upon specialist horticultural texts (the heuristic literature) to inform species selection whilst the majority of research is grounded in trait-based investigations into plant physiology (the experimental literature). However, both of these literature types have shortcomings: the experimental literature only addresses a small proportion of the plants that practitioners might be interested in whilst the data in the heuristic (obtained through practice) literature tends to be either too general or inconsistent. To overcome these problems we used big datasets of species distribution and climate (which we term the observational literature) in a case study genus to examine the climatic niches that species occupy in their natural range. We found that contrary to reports in the heuristic literature, Magnolia species vary significantly in their climatic adaptations, occupying specific niches that are constrained by trade-offs between water availability and energy. The results show that not only is ecotype matching between naturally-distributed populations and urban environments possible but that it may be more powerful and faster than traditional research. We anticipate that our findings could be used to rapidly screen the world's woody flora and rapidly communicate evidence to nurseries and plant specifiers. Furthermore this research improves the potential for urban forests to contribute to global environmental challenges such as species migration and ex-situ conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]