Water Your Opinions: A Social Assessment of the Lake Bloomington and Lake Evergreen Watersheds

The purpose of this report is to better understand the knowledge of and attitudes of residents towards water resources in the McLean County area. The assessment consisted of nine key informant interviews and two community focus groups with local residents who have a vested interest in and specific knowledge about these water resources. This is one part of a larger assessment in partnership with the McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District (MCSWCD). The results of this assessment will help to inform specific questions to be used in a residential household survey in spring 2015. The survey will be used to gain a better insight into the public’s knowledge and attitudes towards water resources in McLean County. This will enable MCSWCD and water managers to strategically plan for future water resources in McLean County. A number of other findings, limitations of the assessment, and recommendations and future research are discussed

Creation of gap solitons in Bose-Einstein condensates

We discuss a method to launch gap soliton-like structures in atomic Bose-Einstein condensates confined in optical traps. Bright vector solitons consisting of a superposition of two hyperfine Zeeman sublevels can be created for both attractive and repulsive interactions between the atoms. Their formation relies on the dynamics of the atomic internal ground states in two far-off resonant counterpropagating sigma^+ sigma^- polarized laser beams which form the optical trap. Numerical simulations show that these solitons can be prepared from a one-component state provided with an initial velocity.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figure

Hot gas in groups: NGC 5328 and the intriguing case of NGC 4756 with XMM-Newton

[Abridged] NGC 5238 and NGC 4756 are the brightest unperturbed elliptical galaxies in their respective loose groups. In the present study we aim at characterizing the properties of the hot gas in the halos of the brightest members and in the environment. In NGC 4756 we are also interested in the properties of a substructure identified to the SW and the region connecting the two structures, to search for a physical connection between the two. However, we have to take into account the fact that the group is projected against the bright, X-ray emitting cluster A1361, which heavily contaminates and confuses the emission from the foreground structure. We present a careful analysis of XMM-Newton data of the groups to separate different components. We also present a re-evaluation of the dynamical properties of the systems and . SPH simulations to interpret the results. We find that the X-ray source associated with NGC 4756 indeed sits on top of extended emission from the background cluster A1361, but can be relatively well distinguished from it as a significant excess over it out to r\sim150"\ (~40 kpc). NGC 4756 has an X-ray luminosity of ~10^41 erg/s due to hot gas, with an average temperature of kT\sim0.7 keV. We measure a faint diffuse emission also in the region of the subclump to the SW, but more interestingly, we detect gas between the two structures, indicating a possible physical connection. The X-ray emission from NGC 5328 is clearly peaked on the galaxy, also at 10^41 erg/s, and extends to r\sim110 kpc. Simulations provide an excellent reproduction of the SED and the global properties of both galaxies, which are caught at two different epochs of the same evolutionary process, with NGC 5328 ~2.5 Gyr younger than NGC 4756.Comment: Accepted for publication, Astronomy and Astrophysic

Immigration, Acculturation and Chronic Back and Neck Problems Among Latino-Americans

Higher acculturation is associated with increased obesity and depression among Latino-Americans, but not much is known about how acculturation is related to their prevalence of back and neck problems. This study examines whether acculturation is associated with the 12-month prevalence of self-reported chronic back or neck problems among US-born and immigrant Latinos. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis of data from 2,553 noninstitutionalized Latino adults from the 2002–2003 National Latino and Asian American Survey (NLAAS). After adjusting for demographic, physical and mental health indicators, English proficiency, nativity and higher generational status were all significantly positively associated with the report of chronic back or neck problems. Among immigrants, the proportion of lifetime in the US was not significantly associated. Our findings suggest that the report of chronic back or neck problems is higher among more acculturated Latino-Americans independent of health status, obesity, and the presence of depression

30-day morbidity and mortality of sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and one anastomosis gastric bypass: a propensity score-matched analysis of the GENEVA data

Background: There is a paucity of data comparing 30-day morbidity and mortality of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). This study aimed to compare the 30-day safety of SG, RYGB, and OAGB in propensity score-matched cohorts. Materials and methods: This analysis utilised data collected from the GENEVA study which was a multicentre observational cohort study of bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) in 185 centres across 42 countries between 01/05/2022 and 31/10/2020 during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 30-day complications were categorised according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. Patients receiving SG, RYGB, or OAGB were propensity-matched according to baseline characteristics and 30-day complications were compared between groups. Results: In total, 6770 patients (SG 3983; OAGB 702; RYGB 2085) were included in this analysis. Prior to matching, RYGB was associated with highest 30-day complication rate (SG 5.8%; OAGB 7.5%; RYGB 8.0% (p = 0.006)). On multivariate regression modelling, Insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia were associated with increased 30-day complications. Being a non-smoker was associated with reduced complication rates. When compared to SG as a reference category, RYGB, but not OAGB, was associated with an increased rate of 30-day complications. A total of 702 pairs of SG and OAGB were propensity score-matched. The complication rate in the SG group was 7.3% (n = 51) as compared to 7.5% (n = 53) in the OAGB group (p = 0.68). Similarly, 2085 pairs of SG and RYGB were propensity score-matched. The complication rate in the SG group was 6.1% (n = 127) as compared to 7.9% (n = 166) in the RYGB group (p = 0.09). And, 702 pairs of OAGB and RYGB were matched. The complication rate in both groups was the same at 7.5 % (n = 53; p = 0.07). Conclusions: This global study found no significant difference in the 30-day morbidity and mortality of SG, RYGB, and OAGB in propensity score-matched cohorts

30-Day morbidity and mortality of bariatric metabolic surgery in adolescence during the COVID-19 pandemic – The GENEVA study

Background: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an effective treatment for adolescents with severe obesity. Objectives: This study examined the safety of MBS in adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This was a global, multicentre and observational cohort study of MBS performed between May 01, 2020, and October 10,2020, in 68 centres from 24 countries. Data collection included in-hospital and 30-day COVID-19 and surgery-specific morbidity/mortality. Results: One hundred and seventy adolescent patients (mean age: 17.75 ± 1.30 years), mostly females (n = 122, 71.8%), underwent MBS during the study period. The mean pre-operative weight and body mass index were 122.16 ± 15.92 kg and 43.7 ± 7.11 kg/m2, respectively. Although majority of patients had pre-operative testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (n = 146; 85.9%), only 42.4% (n = 72) of the patients were asked to self-isolate pre-operatively. Two patients developed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection post-operatively (1.2%). The overall complication rate was 5.3% (n = 9). There was no mortality in this cohort. Conclusions: MBS in adolescents with obesity is safe during the COVID-19 pandemic when performed within the context of local precautionary procedures (such as pre-operative testing). The 30-day morbidity rates were similar to those reported pre-pandemic. These data will help facilitate the safe re-introduction of MBS services for this group of patients

Transurethral electrovaporization and vapour-resection of the prostate: An appraisal of possible electrosurgical alternatives to regular loop resection

Electrovaporization is a modification of electrodesiccation and has the potential to allow the removal of prostatic tissue with reduced bleeding. This effect is improved by greater contact time from slow electrode excursion and the type of contact between electrode and tissue, both of which are operator-controlled variables. The tissue removal efficiency of TUEVAP depends on the delicate balance between simultaneous vaporization and coagulation, which governs the amount of tissue desiccation and the limitation of the vaporization effect with time. Factors critical to this balance include the configuration of the electrode, the efficiency of the generator across a range of impedance, and the technique of the operator. Early clinical data suggest that TUEVAP is associated with lower morbidity and shorter hospitalization than TURF. There is no dangerous or remote deep tissue heating provided the operator uses pure cutting current only and relies on low current density areas of the electrode to provide haemostasis. The use of coagulating current should be avoided at the prostatic apex. Long-term outcomes of TUEVAP are equivalent to TURF at 3 years. Pressure-flow studies and studies of the completeness of tissue removal also show equivalence to TURF. The electrode configuration, generator power curve characteristics, and use of a modified operative technique appear to be more critical when tackling medium to large prostates. Differences in electrode design between a regular loop and an electrovaporization electrode indicate that apical prostatic tissue should not be treated as in TURF, but requires the use of a modified operative technique, if sphincter damage from direct electrode contact is to be avoided. The place of vapour-resection loops is not yet established, but it is likely that they are associated with morbidity that lies between TUEVAP and TURF. Further fluid absorption studies and longer follow-up are required for each new electrosurgical modality, before their place in the endourological treatment of symptomatic prostatic enlargement is assured alongside the time-honoured standard set by TURF with a thin wire loop

Completeness and efficiency of prostate tissue removal: Loop resection compared with a new operative technique of transurethral electrovaporization

Objective. To compare the completeness and efficiency of the removal of prostatic adenomatous tissue between transurethral resection (TURP) and a new operative technique of electrovaporization (TUEVAP) using a modified roller electrode. Patients and methods. In a prospective double-blind study, patients with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms and objective evidence of obstruction, were randomized to undergo either TURP (using a standard cutting-wire loop) or TUEVAP (performed with a new operative technique and the spiked-bar electrode). The prostate volume measured using transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS-PV) was used to assess the completeness of tissue clearance after treatment. Results were compared using group median values. For the TURP group, the TRUS-PV estimate of tissue removed was divided by the dry resected weight to derive a correction factor for any discrepancy between the values. This factor was applied to the TRUS-PV reduction in the TUEVAP group (where there was no tissue to be weighed) to estimate the actual tissue removal in this group. The efficiency of tissue removal for each treatment modality was derived by dividing the amount of tissue removed by the operative duration. Results. There was no difference in the reduction in TRUS-PV at 3 months (23.9 cm3 vs 21.45 cm3, P < 0.9), or in the operative duration (45 min vs 52.5 min, P < 0.2), between TURP and TUEVAP, respectively. The TRUS-PV of tissue removed exceeded the actual dry resected weight after TURP (15 g) by a factor of 1.59. After applying this factor to the TRUS-PV reduction for the TUEVAP group, the calculated dry weight of tissue removed for this group was 13.49 g (P < 0.55); the difference in tissue removal rate by TRUS criteria was 0.48 cm3/min vs 0.37 cm3/min (P < 0.15). Conclusions. These data suggest an equivalent completeness of removal of adenomatous prostate tissue between TURP and TUEVAP. The efficiency of tissue removal for TUEVAP was slightly less than that of regular loop resection, but this difference was not statistically significant. These results are specific to the combination of electrode, electrosurgical unit and operative technique used in this study, and may differ if any of these variables are altered

Preauricular tags: Prevalence, clinical characteristics and maternal risk factors [Apéndice preauricular: Prevalencia, características clínicas y factores de riesgo materno]

Objective: To determine prevalence and maternal risk factors associated with preauricular tags. Material and method: A case-control study of 254 newborns with isolated preauricular tags not considered part of a syndrome and their controls, and who were delivered at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca between 1990 and 2003. The maternal risk factors were demonstrated by means of a direct interview with the mother. Results: The prevalence of the isolated preauricular tags was 1.96 per 1,000 newborns alive, in a 1.2 men for each woman. The history of another affected relative was strongly associated with preauricular tags (OR 19.28; 95% CI: 4.44-117.60). Infants with preauricular tags frequently showed parents consanguinity (OR 3.04; 95% CI: 0.28-76.26), maternal age ≥35 years (OR 1.14; 95% CI: 0.53-2.48), exposure to some disease (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.72-2.12), and drugs use in the first trimester of pregnancy (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.65-1.92). No associations were found for the frequency of abortion, exposure to organic solvents and maternal occupation. Conclusions: The prevalence of isolated preauricular tags in this population was similar to that reported in other regions of Latin America, but lower to the prevalences in Sweden and Israel. This malformation has an important hereditary component; however, it is probably that some teratogenic factors, such as diabetes mellitus, can increase its frequency