In my last post I reviewed where we get exposed to toxins and why it is important to reduce one’s exposure to them as much as possible. There is a connection between toxin exposure as a fetus and to lower IQ levels in children. These toxins are the chemicals found in food, cleaning agents, paint and other household items including skin care products that contain preservatives, perfumes and formaldehyde. One of these categories are products that are “phthalates”. They are known as endocrine disruptors –the endocrine disruptors are linked to infertility, lower sperm counts, and endometriosis, and may be associated with contributing to preterm birth, among other problems relating to the menstrual cycle. These chemicals are used in plastics (most of our food is wrapped or contained in some form of plastic), and perfumes; so it is best to avoid exposure, especially during pregnancy to limit the food that is contained in plastic and not microwaving food in plastid containers, avoiding clothes dryer sheets that are scented. In fact, most (70%) of perfumes , especially synthetic perfumes, contain phthalates. Also, check the number on the plastic container, those with 3, 6, and 7 should be avoided.
So how else can you eliminate toxins other than not eating, drinking, breathing, or bathing? If you did all or those you would be dead, so there has to be some other way. The truth of the matter is that all fruits and veggies should be washed well before eating them; secondly, use stainless steel cookware or iron skillets rather than the non-stick pots and pans; thirdly, filter your water with a good filter, and this goes for ALL the water used for cooking and drinking. Buying water in plastic bottles is actually loaded not only with BPA, but also there are microscopic plastic pieces that are in the water too.
In this process to eliminate toxins, you have to help your liver do its job. Everything that you eat, drink or put on your skin ends up going through your liver at some point in time. So you have to make sure that it is functioning optimally. Certain things can make the liver sluggish. Drugs can affect the liver–especially too much acetaminophen, and too much alcohol damage the liver, so it is important to keep these at a minimum. Also foods that are high in sugar make the liver work harder and that includes many fruit juices that are predominantly sugar. Fresh fruits low in fructose are better, dried fruits tend to be higher in fructose, too. One fruit that helps to detox is lemon. Squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon or lime into a glass of water and drink that instead of some other concentrated sugar drink such as a carbonated beverage. The artificial sweeteners are also bad for your liver. Another way to help the liver is to cut down on the amount of red meat, as it is harder to digest. Fast food is especially hard on the liver because of the salt content, calorie content and trans fats. There are foods that can detoxify the body, broccoli is one of them, in addition to the other cruciferous veggies.
As part of the detoxification process it is important to stay well hydrated, to eliminate toxins through the kidney, but the process should be done slowly, as toxins that are stored can contribute to headache, joint pain, malaise, and fatigue if they are released too quickly. Often minerals that the body needs may be eliminated as well in the process, so taking a really good multi-vitamin such as “Maximum Vitality” during the process is essential. Products such as Pectasol (made from modified citrus pectin) help to eliminate environmental toxins and heavy metals from the system. During this time of detoxification, it is essential to have a “cleaner diet”, more whole, unprocessed foods, and less processed high sugar items.
Don’t forget that a part of the detox process is getting sufficient exercise and stress management. Stress has been found to be a toxic component to many people’s lives.


Dr. Hamed Khalili, MD, MPH received a Clinical Research Investigator-Initiated Award from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation for his project "Epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among US Black Women" with Dr. Adjoa Anyane-Yeboa. This study will 1) expand our understanding of the burden of IBD and critical lifestyle and social factors associated with the disease among Black women, a critical knowledge gap in the field; 2) increase awareness of IBD among providers and Black individuals through dissemination of our work; 3) build the necessary infrastructure for developing a novel disease model for studying IBD among Black individuals incorporating lifestyle (e.g diet and physical activity), biological (e.g. genetics and microbiome) and contextual (e.g. neighborhood SES and social stressors) factors
Dr. Daniel DiGiacomo, MD, MPH was selected for the MGH ECOR Fund for Medical Discovery Population Healthcare Sciences Research Fellowship Award to study the non-infectious gastrointestinal complications of predominant antibody deficiency using nationwide data from Sweden. He has also recently obtained funding through Pfizer to provide educational outreach on diagnosing and managing primary immunodeficiency in underserved populations.
Dr. Emily Lopes, MD, MPH was awarded one of four 2022 Junior Faculty Development Grants from the American College of Gastroenterology for her project, "Prevention of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Unaffected First‐Degree Relatives," which aims to understand if adherence to certain dietary and lifestyle factors can help prevent the development of IBD in high-risk individuals such as those who have a family member with IBD.


The following article appeared in the Whanganui Chronicle on the 13th of April, 2021. Link to the full article here.
In mid-March, two large timber structures were erected at Tapuarau Lagoon in the Waitotara Conservation Area, just inland from the mouth of the Waitotara River.
Constructed from heavy, 3m long, old wharf piles, and connected by joists of eucalyptus, they were built by MacBlack Timber in Whanganui, then taken to Tapuarau in kitset form and reassembled.
Given the weight of the timber and having to work in waist-deep water over a muddy bottom, erecting these structures was a challenge for those involved: Richard Thompson and three of his team from MacBlack Timber; Josh Penn from Ridgeline Forest and Farm Ltd; and Tony Woodill of Hawken Contracting, who transported the materials to the site.
What are these structures and why were they being erected?
They are bird roosts, set up primarily for the shags that forage at Tapuarau. Shags feed underwater on fish and large aquatic invertebrates. Despite having water-repellent flight feathers, the birds' body feathers become wet and need drying out after each foraging session. This is why one often sees these birds sitting out of the water with wings spread.
Ideal foraging habitat for shags is therefore one where there is both adequate food and somewhere to rest and dry out afterwards. But why shag roosts and why at Tapuarau? To answer these questions, let us step back a bit.
At the end of February 2021, Tilt Renewables' 980-hectare Waipipi Wind Farm started producing electricity.
A project of this magnitude is not without environmental impacts. One of these was the loss of three farm ponds at the site, which were filled in to lessen the area's attractiveness to waterbirds, thereby reducing the risk of bird strikes.
To mitigate the loss of these ponds and its impacts on the birds that use them, Tilt Renewables consented to various mitigation measures, including enhancing habitat quality at a nearby wetland.
In consultation with the Department of Conservation and Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, Tilt Renewables agreed to improve waterbird habitat at Tapuarau, 10 km ESE of Waipipi, and monitor the outcomes.
This area, comprising a series of small dune lakes, adjoining wetlands and grasslands, sustains some noteworthy bird species. These include the critically endangered Australasian bittern, New Zealand dabchick, three shag species—one of the groups affected by the loss of the ponds at Waipipi—the increasingly rare grey duck, various other waterfowl, and North Island fernbird. The area also supports several regionally rare or uncommon plant species.
Tilt Renewables' Ecological Monitoring and Management Plan proposes several conservation actions at Tapuarau. One of these was to erect two shag roosts, as the area lacked safe resting places for these birds. This has now been done.
Another is to control non-native predators in the area, such as feral cats, stoats and rats, which will help protect the birds at Tapuarau and further enhance the area's attractiveness to them. That part is currently being prepared.
The outcomes of these measures are being monitored to assess their effectiveness. To date, they look positive. Two instances of shags already using the roosts have been noted; more will surely follow.
Peter Frost is an ecologist contracted to monitor the impacts of the roosts and other measures on waterbirds at Tapuarau.


Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important environmental factor involved in the development of skin cancer, including melanoma. It is also the one factor that is most easily controlled. When used consistently, sun-protective practices can prevent skin cancer. UV rays from artificial sources of light, such as tanning beds and sunlamps, are as dangerous if not more so, as those from the sun and should also be avoided. There is no “safe” tan. Although both tanning and burning can increase a person’s risk for skin cancer, most Americans do not consistently protect themselves from UV rays.
Melanoma is an extremely preventable cancer when taking the following precautions:
- Protect your skin.
- Avoid sunburns.
- Limit sun exposure, especially between the hours of 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest
- Wear protective clothing – such as long sleeves and hats – when exposed to sunlight
- Use at least a SPF 30 sunscreen – applying 30 minutes before going out and 1-2 hours thereafter.
- Look for a sunscreen that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation in the sun’s rays-UVA and UVB.
- Use a higher SPF when you are at higher elevations.
- Avoid sunbathing and tanning salons. Studies suggest that your risk of melanoma increases by 75% if you start using artificial tanning before you are 30 years old.
- Examine your skin regularly, and have your doctor check your skin during all other health exams, or at least once a year or visit one of Melanoma Know More’s free monthly skin cancer screening clinics.
- Use sunscreen as a part of your daily moisturizing ritual.
- Set a good example for your children by protecting your skin from too much sun.
Those with a family history, i.e. first degree relative, have 2-3 times the risk of developing a melanoma and with more than one first degree relative with melanoma, the incidence is even higher.
Moles and Having an Atypical (Dysplastic) Nevi
The number and size of moles increases the risk of developing melanoma. Also, atypical or dysplastic moles (nevi) are a common genetic disorder. People with these nevus’s usually have several large moles with more than one color and they typically develop in childhood and increase in size and number through adolescence. If you have these moles and have a genetic predisposition to melanoma, you are at an especially high risk for developing melanoma and should be followed regularly by a dermatologist. Also, encourage your family members to get their skin checked.
Being Born with a Mole(s)
Some infants are born with a mole called a nevomelanocytic congenital nevus or having neurocutaneous melanosis puts a person at increased risk for developing melanoma. Larger moles increase the risk of developing melanoma.
Parents should consult with their Pediatrician and/or Pediatric Dermatologist to determine the appropriate medical plan when dealing with these moles.
Developing one melanoma increases the risk of developing another melanoma.
Caucasians are 20% more likely than African Americans to develop melanoma because they do not produce as much pigment to protect them from UV exposure. Fair-skinned, red-haired, blue/green-eyed people have a higher incidence of melanoma.
Being a White Male Over Age 50
People of any race and age can get melanoma, white men are at particularly higher risk. Melanomas on white men are most often found on the back. Also pay close attention to moles on the scalp, since melanomas on the scalp have a higher mortality rate than elsewhere, because they are usually diagnosed at a more advanced stage.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light Exposure
Frequent and intense exposure either from sun or artificial indoor tanning beds is a major risk factor for developing melanoma. The more blistering sunburns, particularly before 18 years of age, increases the risk of developing melanoma.


20 February 2007
Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?
Author: Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrator: Eric Carle
This is the third installment of the series, following the Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Polar Bear, Polar Bear books. This one distinguishes itself from the other two in that it features all animals on the endangered species list.
Note: One of the things that made the first two books so successful and fun to read with kids was making the animal noises. However, you may need to do some background research here because this book is a little more challenging. Be prepared to dust off your water buffalo impersonation. And what the heck does a green sea turtle sound like?


Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey
Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey -- the pharmacologist whose bold stance against inadequate drug testing saved countless newborns from the perils of thalidomide, a drug which caused severe birth defects in over 10,000 infants -- was born on this day in 1914. On her first month on the job at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1960, the Canadian-born scientist resisted pressure from thalidomide's manufacturer to quickly approve the drug, which was already being widely prescribed in Europe as a sedative for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness. As a result of Dr. Kelsey's insistence on further safety testing, the drug was never approved in the United States, saving an untold number of children from its devastating effects. When Dr. Kelsey started working at the FDA, she was part of a new generation of scientists who wanted to ensure that drugs were proven safe and effective before being marketed to the public. At the time, the FDA did not have the authority to enforce these requirements and pharmaceutical companies often engaged in minimal safety testing. It was even a common practice for companies to send new or experimental drugs to doctors for them to try out on their patients. When Dr. Kelsey received the application from the Richardson-Merrell Company for approval of thalidomide, the company expected a fast approval since the drug was already in use in numerous countries including Germany, the UK, Canada, and Australia. Distrustful of the information provided by the company and, as she later explained, feeling that its representatives were "at no time being wholly frank with me" about the drug's safety, Dr. Kelsey told the company further tests were needed. Over several months, the company continued to submit their application and Dr. Kelsey continued to reject it citing the need for additional tests. Throughout this period, the company complained to her supervisors, contacted her repeatedly, and, as written in a 1962 Washington Post story, she "[lived] the while with insinuations that she was a bureaucratic nitpicker, unreasonable – even, she said, stupid." Dr. Kelsey's determined stance was vindicated eight months after the company's initial filing when evidence from Europe showed that thalidomide was the cause of severe birth defects. In Germany alone, between 5,000 and 7,000 children were born without limbs or with flipper-like limbs, of which only 40% survived, and numerous cases emerged in other countries. In the US, fewer than 100 babies were born with thalidomide-related birth defects; the drug was never licensed in the US due to Dr. Kelsey's efforts however a small number of pregnant women were exposed to it through samples provided to doctors from the drug company. After news of the thalidomide disaster broke, there was huge public outcry for better drug testing and the U.S. Congress unanimously passed the Kefauver Harris Amendment in 1962 to strengthen drug regulations and gave the FDA enforcement authority. Dr. Kelsey was selected to help write the rules governing clinical trials -- rules that have since been adopted throughout the industrialized world -- and then oversee their enforcement as the chief of the Division of New Drugs. On August 7, 1962, Dr. Kelsey became the second woman ever to receive the country's highest civilian honor when President John F. Kennedy awarded her the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service. Dr. Kelsey's far-reaching impact on science and drug testing was described by Harvard historian Daniel Carpenter as follows: "She had a huge effect on the science that we all take for granted today... She and the F.D.A. had a huge role in determining the terms and sequence of what is now modern clinical science." In 2005, Dr. Kelsey retired from the FDA at the age of 90 after 45 years of service and they established the Dr. Frances O. Kelsey Award to "celebrate courage and scientific decision-making" in her honor. This determined scientist, whose courageous actions helped save the lives of countless people, passed away in 2015 at the age of 101.


Wetlands and grapes don’t mix – the saying is that grapes don’t like wet feet. At Gleason Brook Winery, we have an irrigation pond adjacent to a large wetland that sits well below the bench where the grapes are grown. Most of the time, grapes don’t t need irrigation – they send out deep roots. But newly planted vines may require some irrigation in their first two or three years if there is an extended period of low or no rainfall.
Most farm ponds are pretty sad from an ecological perspective. Excess nutrients and pesticides drain in from adjacent fields, limiting the types of flora and fauna that can exist there. At our winery, we don’t use pesticides, and fertilizer use is strictly controlled. As a result, the pond is teeming with life, including several species of frogs, fish, turtles, salamanders, and one species of water snake. Ducks and geese nest here in the spring, and great blue herons frequently try their luck at getting a free meal from the abundant frog population. Mink have also been observed working the edge of the pond. The pictures show some of the pond’s abundant wildlife.


The welfare of animals in livestock farming is a critical concern that impacts not only the quality of the produce but also the overall sustainability of the industry. Animal welfare encompasses various aspects, including the health, physiological well-being, and ethical treatment of animals. It has gained significant attention due to increasing consumer awareness and demand for ethically sourced products. This article sheds light on the importance of animal welfare in livestock farming and discusses the best practices and strategies for enhancing it. Furthermore, it explores the challenges faced in implementing these practices and how technology can aid in overcoming these hurdles and revolutionizing animal welfare in livestock farms.
Best Practices For Animal Welfare In Livestock Farming
In enhancing animal welfare in livestock farming, the development and implementation of comprehensive policies and standards are paramount. These include guidelines that promote humane farming practices, ensuring animals are not only free from pain and disease but also from stress and discomfort. To guarantee adherence to these practices, rigorous oversight systems are necessary. Clear expectations need to be set, and stringent monitoring mechanisms need to be established with punitive measures for non-compliance.
Additionally, investing in research and education to propagate these humane farming standards is vital. Research provides evidence-based approaches to improving animal welfare, while education equips farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement these standards effectively. Only with a comprehensive, informed approach can we truly enhance the welfare of animals in livestock farming.
Establishing Guidelines for Humane Treatment Establishing guidelines for humane treatment is an essential first step in enhancing animal welfare in livestock farming. These guidelines should focus on providing a safe, comfortable environment for animals, minimizing their stress, and ensuring that their nutritional and health needs are met. Regulations should be developed against practices that cause unnecessary harm or discomfort to animals. These might include guidelines on the proper handling of animals, housing conditions, feeding procedures, and veterinary care protocols.
Implementation of these guidelines requires a commitment from all stakeholders in the livestock farming industry, from farmers to veterinarians, to transportation and slaughter facilities. It’s important that these guidelines are not merely recommendations but are enforced with regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance. Enforcing these humane treatment guidelines not only ensures the well-being of the animals but also contributes significantly to the overall quality of products derived from them.
Monitoring and Reducing Stress in Animals A crucial aspect of enhancing animal welfare in livestock farming involves continuous monitoring and proactive measures to mitigate stress in animals. Stress in livestock can manifest due to various factors, including environmental conditions, overcrowding, improper handling, and an inadequate nutritional supply. These stressors not only affect the animals’ overall well-being but can also negatively impact their productivity and predispose them to illness.
Incorporating stress-reducing strategies is, therefore, critical. This could involve creating comfortable living conditions, ensuring proper handling and transportation, providing satisfactory nutrition, and implementing measures to prevent disease outbreaks. Advances in technology can also be harnessed, with stress-monitoring devices and digital platforms helping farmers identify signs of stress early and take corrective actions promptly. By reducing stress, livestock farmers can significantly improve animal welfare, enhance production efficiency, and ensure sustainable farming operations.
Ensuring Adequate Nutrition and Veterinary Care Ensuring adequate nutrition and veterinary care is a critical aspect of enhancing animal welfare in livestock farming. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in animal health, productivity, and overall well-being. It is crucial to provide livestock with a balanced diet that meets their specific nutritional requirements, which can vary based on their age, breed, and stage of life. Furthermore, the provision of clean water at all times is a non-negotiable aspect of animal welfare.
In addition to nutrition, regular veterinary care is paramount to maintaining the health of livestock and preventing disease outbreaks. This includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and immediate treatment of any health issues that arise. Farmers should also be educated on basic animal health care practices and signs of common livestock diseases to enable early detection and treatment. By prioritizing adequate nutrition and veterinary care, livestock farmers can significantly improve the welfare and productivity of their animals.
Strategies For Improving Animal Welfare In Livestock Farming
Adopting a proactive approach toward improving animal welfare in livestock farming necessitates strategic collaboration and resource allocation. Farmers’ partnerships with animal welfare organizations can provide essential resources, including expertise in humane animal husbandry and veterinary care. Leveraging public-private partnerships can further augment these resources by combining the efficiency of the private sector with the regulatory oversight of public agencies.
A strategic focus on high-impact programs can enable the livestock farming sector to make significant strides toward improved animal welfare. The use of government incentives to encourage the adoption of humane farming practices can be a powerful tool in this endeavor. By identifying and implementing best practices for animal welfare, and reducing crowding and stress on livestock farms, we can ensure a more sustainable and humane industry. The ultimate goal should always remain the health and well-being of the animals in our care.
Identifying Best Practices for Animal Welfare In the quest to enhance animal welfare in livestock farming, identifying and implementing best practices stand as paramount measures. These practices revolve around integral aspects of animal health and well-being, such as nutrition, housing conditions, veterinary care, handling, and stress management. It is crucial to undertake comprehensive research and consultations with experienced veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and other industry experts to unearth effective methodologies for animal care specific to each species.
Moreover, these best practices should be adaptable and flexible to accommodate the ever-evolving discoveries in veterinary science and animal welfare research. They should promote humane treatment, encouraging farmers to avoid unnecessary discomfort or stress for the animals. By consistently identifying and refining these best practices, livestock farmers can play a pivotal role in bolstering animal welfare, ultimately contributing to enhanced farm productivity and sustainability.
Implementing Humane Farming Practices Implementing humane farming practices is a crucial step toward improving animal welfare standards on livestock farms. This can be achieved in a myriad of ways, with one of the most common being the provision of adequate space for livestock. By reducing overcrowding, animals can move freely, engage in natural behaviors, and live in a less stressful environment. Additionally, the adoption of natural living conditions such as pasture-based systems not only promotes animal welfare but also results in better product quality, thus benefiting both the animals and the farmers.
Furthermore, humane farming practices encompass the proper handling and transportation of animals. By training staff on low-stress handling techniques, the risk of injury and stress on animals is substantially reduced. Similarly, implementing well-planned transportation strategies can help minimize stress and the potential for injury during transit. Overall, humane farming practices not only improve the welfare of the animals but also contribute to the success of the farm, creating a win-win situation for both livestock and farmers.
Reducing Crowding and Stress in Livestock Farms One of the vital strategies for enhancing animal welfare in livestock farming is the reduction of crowding and stress. Overcrowding in livestock farming often leads to increased stress levels among the animals, resulting in detrimental effects on their overall health and productivity. High stress levels can lower the animals’ immune responses, making them more vulnerable to diseases and negatively impacting their growth and reproduction rates.
Therefore, farmers should prioritize creating spacious and comfortable environments for their livestock. Implementing practices such as rotational grazing, where animals are regularly moved to fresh pastures, can help prevent overgrazing and maintain a healthy environment. Similarly, providing ample space in barns and shelters, ensuring adequate ventilation, and regularly cleaning the living areas are vital for reducing stress and promoting animal welfare. By reducing crowding and stress, livestock farmers can significantly improve animal health, welfare, and productivity.
Technology And Animal Welfare In Livestock Farming
The advent of technology has brought about significant improvements in animal welfare within the context of livestock farming. For instance, the automation of several farming practices has reduced the physical stress on animals by providing a consistent and reliable care system that ensures their comfort, safety, and health. This includes tasks such as feeding, milking, and cleaning livestock pens, which are carried out with a high degree of precision and regularity.
The innovation of animal tracking systems, on the other hand, has revolutionized the way farmers monitor the health and well-being of their livestock. These systems provide real-time data on an animal’s location, behavior, and physiological state, thereby enabling early detection of health issues and prompt veterinary care. Moreover, the application of AI in livestock farming has the potential to further enhance animal welfare by predicting disease outbreaks, improving breeding methods, and optimizing feed regimes. Such advancements underscore the positive impact of technology on animal welfare and the growing importance of its integration into livestock farming.
Automating Livestock Farming to Improve Animal Welfare Automation in livestock farming stands as a significant game-changer in enhancing animal welfare. The integration of technology in livestock farming has ushered in an era of precision farming, which not only increases efficiency and productivity but also greatly improves the living conditions of the animals. Automated systems for feeding, milking, and environmental control are reducing the stress on animals by providing consistency and meeting their individual needs more effectively.
Advanced robotics have taken over tasks that were previously done manually, minimizing the risk of human error and ensuring a high standard of care. Automated health monitoring systems can detect signs of disease or distress early, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing suffering. By automating livestock farming, we are paving the way toward a more humane and sustainable future in animal agriculture.
The Benefits of Using Technology in Livestock Farming When we consider the vast potential of technology in the realm of livestock farming, it is clear that its integration offers profound benefits for animal welfare. First and foremost, technology can significantly aid in monitoring animal health, thus allowing for early detection of any signs of disease or distress. With the use of advanced devices and applications, farmers can track key health indicators like heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and activity levels in real time. This contributes to a more proactive approach to veterinary care, significantly reducing the risk of illness spreading within the herd and improving overall animal well-being.
Moreover, technology helps reduce stress among animals in livestock farming. Automated feeding and milking systems, for instance, can deliver consistent and regular care, minimizing the need for invasive human intervention. In addition, innovations in tracking systems can provide data to optimize living conditions, such as adjusting temperature, lighting, and spacing in animal enclosures. As a result, technology not only boosts productivity in livestock farming but also plays a critical role in ensuring the humane treatment of animals, enhancing their overall quality of life.
How AI Can Revolutionize Animal Welfare on Farms The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds the potential to transform the landscape of animal welfare in livestock farming. AI can be utilized to create sophisticated systems for real-time monitoring and assessment of livestock health conditions. This helps farmers identify and address health issues promptly, ensuring animals receive appropriate veterinary care at the right time.
Advanced AI-based technologies can also facilitate stress detection in livestock, aiding in the identification of environmental or health-related stress factors. By continuously monitoring behavioral patterns in real-time, AI can help mitigate animal stress levels by alerting farmers to make necessary changes in livestock management. Therefore, AI proves instrumental in promoting a humane approach to livestock farming, thereby significantly enhancing animal welfare.
In conclusion, the enhancement of animal welfare within livestock farming is a multi-faceted and complex task. It requires the development and implementation of humane practices, thorough monitoring systems, ongoing education and research, and optimal utilization of available technologies. Together, these strategies can address the challenges and maximize the benefits of good animal welfare in terms of health, productivity, and business sustainability.
The role of technology, in particular, is undeniably significant. Automatic systems, tracking software, and data-driven health monitoring can transform the way animals are cared for in farming environments. Such technologies not only improve efficiency but also enable the detection and mitigation of stress, disease, and other welfare issues more effectively. We, therefore, encourage all stakeholders in livestock farming to take these insights to heart and prioritize animal welfare as a key component of their operations.
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Osteopathy is a system of healthcare grounded in human anatomy and physiology.
It is bound by the principles of natural science, of how the body functions and its interaction with its environment. It is the science, philosophy and principles that define Osteopathy, rather than any particular form of diagnosis or treatment.
The science and principles of osteopathy are applied to a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues. As the osteopath takes the case history, examines, diagnoses and treats the patient, they are using the principles of osteopathy to develop an understanding of the person and their problem. They consider the nature of the condition, how it relates to its surrounding structures, what the vitality of the body system is like, and how the person’s body is functioning as a whole. All of these factors have a bearing on the diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
It is the philosophy and principles of osteopathy that render it unique and different to comparable modes of physical therapy, such as chiropractic and physiotherapy.
The following principles guide the practice of Osteopathy.


Oral cancer screening
Our team will check for any signs of oral cancer on the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums. If any signs of oral cancer are present, we may use the VELscope to assist with our examination. The VELscope is a handheld device that emits a harmless, bright blue light that is used to inspect the mouth and tongue. The device is sensitive to abnormal tissue changes, and the distinctive blue-spectrum light causes the soft tissue of the mouth to naturally fluoresce. Healthy tissues fluoresce in distinct patterns that may be visibly disrupted when tissue undergoes an abnormal change, which can occur in the oral mucosa for a multitude of reasons, such as oral cancer.
Gum disease evaluation
A thorough examination of the surrounding tissues of the teeth is performed to check for any signs of periodontal disease. The gums are carefully measured below the gumline next to the tooth to determine if they are healthy or if periodontal disease is present and needs to be treated.
Examination of existing restorations
We also inspect any existing fillings, crowns, etc. to check for any signs of wear or damage. Over the years, your existing fillings and crowns can break down and may need restoration or replacement to function well.
Examination of tooth decay
All surfaces of the teeth are checked for signs of decay. Digital x-rays are used to check the surfaces not visible in the mouth. If any tooth decay is present, our team will provide a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs with all your options to restore your teeth back to a healthy functioning dentition.
X-rays are essential for the detection of decay, tumours, cysts, and bone loss. They also help us determine the position of the tooth as well as the roots. Digital x-rays use smallest dosage of radiation possible. They are recommended every other year to check for routine maintenance, if there has been trauma to a tooth, or if there is a concern that cannot be diagnosed with a visual exam.
Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. It can only be removed with proper dental instruments. Removal of calculus formed above the gum line is called scaling, and the removal of calculus formed below the gum line is called root planing.
Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms as a colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva over time. The bacteria are toxic and can break down the enamel and cause the formation of cavities as well as inflammation of the gums, which is the beginning of periodontal diseases.
A special polishing cup and paste are used to remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed from the teeth during home care or with professional scaling.
A Fluoride varnish treatment is brushed on each tooth. This high-intensity fluoride is taken up by the freshly polished surface of the enamel and helps to strengthen it. The varnish forms a coating on the tooth surface within seconds, so no more waiting half an hour before eating or drinking, with the exception of hot beverages that may melt it off.


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ORGINAL QUINTON ISOTONIC & HYPERTONIC
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Cellular life began and evolved in the sea for nearly 3-billion years. In the late 1800’s, revolutionary biologist Rene Quinton was inspired to prove that the extracellular fluid and blood plasma of animals and humans was inherited from seawater. Years of research culminated in his famous treatise, L’eau de Mer Milieu Organique*, that changed our understanding of physiology forever.
*Seawater, the organic medium
Seawater – What is it?
Seawater is the most complex fluid on planet Earth, containing a biochemical record of every aspect of evolution from enzymes to RNA and DNA. It served as life’s biological terrain, supporting homeostasis throughout the development of all five Kingdoms of Life. Most importantly, the Primordial Ocean provided the complete spectrum of mineral and trace elements of the Periodic Table that nourished all cellular life.
Today, modern terrestrial life is deficient in the complex nutrients once provided by the sea to support a healthy and balanced extracellular matrix. Rene Quinton recognized that seawater could be one of the most important nutrients for achieving homeostasis. He and his researchers located the ideal location for harvesting the purest, most biologically active seawater – a plankton bloom.
Plankton blooms are huge assemblages of both phytoplankton and zooplankton that interact in a process known as Biocenosis, generating a complex and nutrient-rich biochemical diversity.
Modern Preparation of Original Quinton Seawater
Today, after 118 years, Laboratoires Quinton continues to harvest, process and package seawater under the proprietary protocols developed by Rene Quinton. Far from coastal areas in the pristine open Atlantic Ocean, a precise location within the plankton bloom is determined for harvesting seawater from a depth of 30 meters into sterile containers. The containers are chilled to 4o C and transported to the Laboratoires Quinton, an EU certified pharmaceutical facility. To produce a raw bioactive mineral and trace element supplement of this quality requires:
- A month-long detailed QC evaluation of each seawater batch
- Minimal processing and no direct human contact
- Pharmaceutical clean-room conditions
- Cold micro-filtration (never heated or energy sterilized)
- Robotic packaging in sterile glass ampoules
- Extensive chemical and microbiological QC testing of the finished product
Oral Original Quinton Isotonic™ - “Restoring the Terrain”
Rene Quinton and his researchers discovered that when they diluted seawater to match the osmotic concentration (0.9%) of the blood, it was quickly absorbed and replenished the composition of the extracellular fluid. The result was enhanced cellular nutrition required for homeostasis.
Original Quinton Isotonic™ has 0.9% bioavailable minerals and trace elements of the Periodic Table, which uniquely supports restoration of the biological terrain.
Oral Original Quinton Hypertonic™ - “Optimum Mineralization”
Quinton Hypertonic™ is pure seawater harvested from a protected plankton bloom, following the strict protocols developed by Rene Quinton.
Original Quinton Hypertonic™ has 3.3% bioavailable minerals and trace elements of the Periodic Table, which support optimal mineralization and alkalization.
If you are on a low sodium diet, Original Quinton™ does not recommend the use of Quinton Hypertonic™. One ampoule of Quinton Hypertonic™ contains 108 mg of sodium, approximately the same amount in an average size apple.
Quinton seawater exclusive properties:
- The ONLY nutritional seawater harvested from pure Biocenosis zones within plankton blooms.
- The ONLY nutritional seawater prepared in a dedicated GMP facility with EU certification and FDA registration.
- The ONLY nutritional seawater that is refrigerated during transportation and all processing.
- The ONLY nutritional seawater that is raw, unheated, dual-microfiltered, un-concentrated and packaged in glass ampoules.
- The ONLY nutritional seawater source of organo-complexed bioavailable minerals, trace elements and bioactive marine cofactors – 78 laboratory-verified elements.


Want to prevent moles and pests from taking over your yard and home this summer? When it comes to pest control, you need to be vigilant. Be on the lookout for the earliest signs of pests and prevent their invasion through biological or chemical control.
Although the cold season is finally over, many homeowners have to contend with the problem of rodents, insects, moles, caterpillars, snails and slugs that can quickly destroy the plants in the yard. These pests hide beneath leaves, under stones and in other places.
Pests cannot only damage the plants in the yard, but also the entire home. You need to act fast to contain or prevent them from destroying your plants. Here are eight ways through which you can keep your yard pest free this summer:
1. Control moisture level. Excess moisture provides good breeding conditions for some pests. Seal all roof, gutter and plumbing leaks and do not overwater your plants or lawn. Make sure your yard and home stay as dry as possible.
2. Seal off any cracks on walls near your yard. Weather stripping around doors is also a good way to keep pests away.
3. Get rid of plants that attract insects and rodents to your yard. Examples of these plants include oleander, fig trees and bamboo. You should also trim the lawn and bushes near your home.
4. Use mole traps to catch moles. Insert the trap in the run (preferably in between hills) and place it in a dark area.
5. Add coffee grounds to your yard. Apart from adding nitrogen to soil and increasing acidity in plants, coffee helps to keep away some pests. Cats and slugs for example hate coffee. Coffee has also proved to be an effective olfactory based repellant for deer.
6. Use organic sprays to repel insects. Some of the ingredients found in organic sprays include garlic cloves and hot pepper. Some sprays have a combination of both ingredients and repel all kinds of pests including bugs.
7. While slugs are the most annoying small pests, rabbits and deer are competing for this position among the big pests. Rabbits can bring down an entire yard of plants in a matter of days. Fencing your yard all round is a great way to keep big pests away during summer.
8. Apply Bloodmeal. Blood meal is dried and flaked blood, a byproduct of meat packaging. Animals, especially deer and rabbits, do not like the smell of Bloodmeal. Besides keeping rodents away, Bloodmeal is also a good addition to your yard because of its high nitrogen content. Sprinkle the powder on the garden beds and around the plants, not on top of the leaves.
The above are some of the ways through which you can keep pests away from your yard. In some cases, you will need to apply pesticide to get rid of the pests completely. If you must use pesticide, then ensure it is not very toxic to the extent that it will kill your plants.


Intercostal nerve block is a procedure used to treat pain in the chest and upper abdomen areas. An intercostal nerve block is a block of nerves that lie underneath the lower edge of each rib.
The intercostal nerve is found between ribs throughout the thoracic region. Injecting anesthetics, steroids, or other medications inhibits the transmission of pain signals and reduces inflammation of these nerves. This procedure may also be used to diagnose pain and identify the route of the pain signal. Conditions treated with the intercostal nerve block include:
- Neuropathic pain in the chest associated with herpes zoster or shingles.
- Chronic pain after mastectomy.
- Rib fracture pain.
- Pain related to the formation of scar tissue after surgery.
- Somatic pain, secondary to metastatic cancer to the ribs.
Fluoroscope guidance using X-ray helps the doctor determine the correct placement of the needle. Once correct placement is verified, the nerve block injection is administered. A successful block is marked by pain relief. During the procedure, one nerve site may be blocked, or the injection may be performed at different sites along the nerve.
Intercostal nerve block is a short outpatient procedure that is capable of relieving pain in the muscles, bones, and skin in the chest and upper abdomen. Patients suffering from difficult-to-treat neuropathic or metastatic bone cancer pain may find an intercostal nerve block reduces their pain or relieves it completely. If the procedure is successful, the patient is a candidate for repeat injections to treat recurring pain.
The use of fluoroscopy in identifying proper needle placement greatly reduces the risk of pneumothorax and damage to surrounding tissues.
The first nerve block functions as a test as well as a possible treatment for pain. If the block results in pain relief, the physician can identify the role of the intercostal nerve in the patient’s condition. After a successful block, pain relief varies from patient to patient. Those being treated for acute pain tend to respond better to the nerve block than chronic pain sufferers. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief that lasts a few hours. It takes longer for the steroid component to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. The steroid takes effect in about three to five days and can continue to provide pain relief for weeks or months. Patients who respond positively to treatment may receive repeat injections over time to prolong pain relief. Once the role of the intercostal nerve is identified, a permanent ablation may be performed to provide long-term pain relief.
The procedure is relatively low risk. Less than 1% of patients experience pneumothorax. This minimally-invasive treatment for pain that is often resistant to other medical interventions is easy for the patient to tolerate with minimal discomfort. If effective, the block allows patients to be more physically active in activities of daily living and improves quality of life.


Bone grafting is an operational procedure where the doctor uses the transplanted bone to repair and rebuild the diseased or damaged bones. Bone graft is a choice to fix the bones almost anywhere in your body. For instance, jawbone recession or loss is a severe dental condition contributing to tooth loss and a sunken facial appearance. Thus, your dentist may recommend bone grafting to enhance the amount of bone in your jawline to offer additional support or replace the hollowness. Thus, in this treatment, the bone is taken from one part of your body to surgically fuse it to the existing bone in the jaw.
Here are a few conditions that make you an eligible candidate for the bone-grafting procedure:
The majority of the patients who require bone grafting have lost jawbone tissue due to missing teeth. When a patient chews or bites food, the teeth roots stimulate the alveolar bone, making the body respond by sending blood flow and nutrients to the jawbone. However, if the roots of your tooth are missing, then the jawbone will no longer receive the nutrition or stimulation, leading to reabsorption or breaking down. This causes the remaining teeth to become loose, further distorting the facial aesthetics of your face.
Thus, patients who require dental implants and adequate volume to support the dental implants require a bone grafting procedure.
A knocked-out tooth or a blow to the face can lead to the deterioration of the jawbone. Thus, if you are suffering from any oral injury due to an accident or assault, your dental surgeon may recommend bone grafting surgery to help you fix and restore the strength of your jawbone. This will further help you achieve the natural aesthetics of your face.
Cyst removal or tumor
If your surgeon is performing oral surgery to remove the cysts or tumors, he may need to remove a portion of the jawbone. In such a situation, they may conduct a reconstructive bone graft to restore the appearance and strength of your jawbone. Therefore, when thinking of bone grafting treatment, it is advisable to consult a well-experienced dentist or a maxillofacial surgeon in town.
In cases where the periodontitis is left unaddressed, the bacterial infection is prone to reach the jawbone, resulting in gradual deterioration. Gum disease is one of the typical causes of tooth loss that further damages the jawbone. So, if you are suffering from any gum disease, your dentist may recommend bone graft treatment as a comprehensive treatment plan.
Therefore, consider looking for a reputed dentist in town who offers several advanced and effective bone graft techniques. It can include sinus lift, block grafts, particulate grafts, and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs).
Need a facial or dental trauma surgeon? We are here to help! At Premier Oral Surgery, we offer complete solutions associated with oral and maxillofacial surgery services. Our professionals hold extensive specialization in multiple oral surgeries, such as bone grafts, cone beam CT scan, implant placement, and removal of wisdom or impacted teeth. Call us at 203-939-9390 or at firstname.lastname@example.org to know more!


I am a graduate of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine: Medical Scientist Training/MD-PhD Program and I am currently a first year resident in the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Specialty Training and Advanced Research (STAR) Program and dermatology residency.
My interests include: precision dermatology, preventive medicine, public health, data science, machine learning, and digital health.
I have performed research in computational medicine as part of the Hopkins Individualized Health Initiative to improve disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through data science and predictive analytics. With support from the NIH F30 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award, I completed my PhD in biomedical engineering with a focus on machine learning for clinical risk prediction, under the mentorship of Dr. Scott Zeger, the John C. Malone Professor of Biostatistics and Medicine.
Before starting my training as a physician scientist at Hopkins, I completed my undergraduate studies in bioengineering and biomedical research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). At UCLA, I also performed tissue engineering research in Dr. Benjamin Wu’s lab as a Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Program Scholar and Goldwater Scholar.
Contact information: swongvibulsin at mednet dot ucla dot edu


The Platform aims to increase scientific knowledge and experience in Turkey concerning mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi by a co-creation methodology through membership networking, scientific meetings, working groups, seminars, discussions, technical trainings and publications. Active participation of food chemists and technologists, plant pathologists, mycologists, nutritionists, food producers, retailers, associations and policy makers are expected in the platform.
The Platform will promote research on mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi thereby leading to prevention and reduction in exposure to mycotoxins, enhanced food safety in Turkey. This well-structured multi-disciplinary research group, which deals with all known aspects of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi issues, will be able to provide the most adequate strategies and solutions for the different stakeholders. And the updates of the progress and the news about the improvements in the area will be announced in the web page of the project and also through the newsletters.
Registration to the MycoTWIN activities


My family has been traveling annually to the area around Cancun, Mexico, for the past twenty years. There are many wonderful things about visiting this area of the world, and you can find a list of my favorites here. One of our favorites has been being exposed to and safely interacting with magnificent sea turtles. These beauties quickly became one of my favorite sea animals with their grace and peaceful nature.
Table of Contents
When Can I See Sea Turtles Mate?
May through July is the mating season, and you can book tours to glimpse this during diving tours around Isla Mujeres. The Carey Dive Center runs turtle mating dives.
How Can I See an Adult Sea Turtle Onshore in Cancun?
Female sea turtles come onshore to eastern Mexican beaches from May through September. All seven species of sea turtles are in danger of extinction because of poaching, habit destruction, death by the rubbish in our oceans, and inadvertent capture in fishing nets. Sea turtles spend most of their lives in the ocean, only being on shore at their birth and laying eggs. Being on the sand can be one of the most dangerous periods of the turtles’ lives as they are exposed to predators and poachers. Naturally, only one or two eggs out of one thousand will become adult sea turtles.
They are spectacular creatures to see walking along the sand, but it is ILLEGAL to disrupt them in any way. If you want to see them, pick a nice quiet spot, preferably on a moonlit night, and chill. Stay far away (at least 10 meters) when you see a turtle, and do not smoke or use any flash photography. Watch this miracle from a respectful distance, staying very quiet. If you disrupt the mother, she may abandon what she is doing. Then she may return to the ocean and dump the eggs where they will have no chance of survival. When encountering a nest, let the security guards know so they can protect it.
Guided turtle walks are offered by Centro Ecological Akemal and are a great way to gain knowledge while observing these creatures.
Where Can I See Baby Sea Turtles?
Four of the seven species of sea turtles live and make nests off the coast of eastern Mexico. You can find green turtles (which they call tortuga blanca), loggerhead turtles, and hawksbill turtles, as well as the occasional leatherback.
The hotels around Cancun, marine biologists, and conservation groups work to protect these animals by increasing the chances of eggs making it back into the water as baby sea turtles. Consequently, when they find a nest, they dig up the eggs and move them to a protected place to guard them against poachers or animals who would like to eat them. They dig a hole the same size and depth as the original nest at the nursery. Then they post a sign with the species, date, time of nesting, and the number of eggs.
Depending on the species and sand temperature, it generally takes 45-60 days for the eggs to hatch. If the hatchlings have to make their way to the water over a considerable distance in the daylight, they would be easy prey to predators, especially birds, such as frigates. The hatchlings are brought inside to a safe place. They are later released into the ocean at night, preferably with a full moon, high tide, and no predatory birds around.
There are three ways that you may be involved in the hatchling release:
If you are staying at a hotel participating in turtle conservation, they may allow guests to watch the release. We have often stayed at the Royal Uno Hotel in Cancun, so I know that turtles nest here, and the hotel protects the nest. At this resort, the security guards organize the program, so they are the best to ask about it.
Some other hotels that participate: CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, Royal Islander Hotel Cancun, Royal Sands All-Inclusive Resort Cancun, and Grand Residences in Puerto Morelos. Call or email other hotels and ask if they also participate in this program.
You can visit the Isla Mujeres Tortugranga (turtle farm), where, for minimal cost, you can see all stages of sea turtles and be part of a release.
Where Can I Swim with Adult Turtles?
Akumal is a shallow bay full of grasses that the turtles love to eat. It is both a great turtle hang-out and an easy snorkel. I have returned about ten times to Akemal and have seen numerous turtles each time. I consider it an ideal place to visit and high on the list of My Best Adventures Yet. You can also have a great lunch, and relax on the beach between swimming straight from the shore to snorkel with the turtles.
The easiest way to do this is to book a snorkeling tour.
There is parking at the entrance to the resort and a collectivo stop (group taxi from Playa del Carmen) from which you can walk in. It gets harder and harder to get in as time goes by, and you may need a driver to pay your way through the gates. I have a list of drivers in my Yucatan post. You can dive right from the shore if you bring your own equipment. You can also visit Akemal as part of several tours which visit Tulum. Off the beach, where you see all the boats, are numerous turtles, and they are there year-round!
One of my favorite things I have ever done in my life is snorkeling with sea turtles in this area. If you do, please respect these magnificent creatures by watching them, not interacting with them. Wear biodegradable sunscreen or a swim shirt to keep from polluting their habitat.
Check out my YouTube video of swimming with the turtles at Akumal above.
What a peaceful, blissful experience!
If you are as crazy about these majestic animals as I am, I hope that this article has inspired you to respect them, help to work to conserve them, and respectfully visit them in their natural environment. Another place you can swim with sea turtles is in Barbados! You can read about that on Ginger of the Go.
What is your best experience with an animal in the wild? Please share it in the comment section.


R Bioinformatics Cookbook
Handling biological data effectively requires an in-depth knowledge of machine learning techniques and computational skills, along with an understanding of how to use tools such as edgeR and DESeq. With the R Bioinformatics Cookbook, you’ll explore all this and more, tackling common and not-so-common challenges in the bioinformatics domain using real-world examples.
This book will use a recipe-based approach to show you how to perform practical research and analysis in computational biology with R. You will learn how to effectively analyze your data with the latest tools in Bioconductor, ggplot, and tidyverse. The book will guide you through the essential tools in Bioconductor to help you understand and carry out protocols in RNAseq, phylogenetics, genomics, and sequence analysis. As you progress, you will get up to speed with how machine learning techniques can be used in the bioinformatics domain. You will gradually develop key computational skills such as creating reusable workflows in R Markdown and packages for code reuse.
By the end of this book, you’ll have gained a solid understanding of the most important and widely used techniques in bioinformatic analysis and the tools you need to work with real biological data.


PM is an abbreviation of Particulate Matter (substance in form of particles). It is tiny particles of solid matter or liquid in gas state.
PM particles may be :
- Natural - the result of volcanoes, sandstorms, forest and steppe fires, etc. or
- Created by human activity (anthropogenic) - combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants and various industrial processes.
PM 10 particles have a size less than 10 μm (micrometers ) in diameter. MP 2.5 particles have a size less than 2.5 μm in diameter. For comparison, a grain of sand is the size of about 90 μm in diameter.
The measurement of the presence of PM particles in the environment is micrograms in a cubic meter. According World Health Organization, the permissible limit for PM 10 particles during a period of 24 hours is 50 micrograms/m3 while for the PM 2.5 is 25 micrograms/m3. During the winter period it is happening in certain parts of Skopje to have the presence of PM particles up to 20 times more than the permitted amount.
When the air is polluted, we take in a large number of PM particles with single inhalation. The bigger particles adhere to the respiratory tract and rarely reach the lungs. They are usually eliminated by rinsing and coughing.
The tiny particles are much more dangerous. They reach the lungs, and those smaller than 2.5 microns go directly into the bloodstream and are thus transported throughout the body.
According to medical science, breathing polluted air can cause stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and other diseases. These diseases, which are a consequence of the air pollution, significantly increase the mortality rate in Macedonia in winter time. Unofficial information (official does not exist) indicates that as a result of air pollution there are up to 1200 deaths per year in Macedonia.


|Where do the museum's birds come from?|
British museum collections largely grew up from the early 19th century onwards, coinciding with the time of exploration. Trade with the British Empire (including America and much of Canada at that time, India, parts of Africa, Australia and New Zealand amongst others) meant that large previously unexplored (by British) areas were opened up for the first time. Specimens were sent back to Britain to be studied by experts, who worked out which species they belong to, and the distribution of different species. Many of these birds would have been shot specially, but many were picked up in markets.
If you have any comments, or would like to contribute your own information to this narrative, please use our feedback form.
The copyright in these data and images is property of The Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester. Data and images are supplied for personal and research use only.
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Often compared to an army tank or bus, Ankylosaurus was a heavily armored dinosaur with a large club-like protrusion at the end of its tail. Ankylosaurus means "fused lizard" in Greek, and it was given that name because bones in its skull and other parts of its body were fused, making the dinosaur extremely rugged. Ankylosaurus lived in the late Cretaceous Period, about 65.5 million to 66.8 million years ago, and roamed the Western United States and Alberta, Canada.While this herbivorous dinosaur was a massive animal, a re-examination of its fossils in 2004 by armored dinosaur expert Kenneth Carpenter downsized it a bit. The largest Ankylosaurus specimen ever found was 20.5 feet (6.25 meters) long, 5.6 feet (1.7 m) tall at the hips and 4.9 feet (1.5 m) wide, according to the study, published in the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences. It likely weighed up to 4 tons (3.6 metric tons).
Herbivore (plant-eater) - Ankylosaurus had to eat a huge amount of low-lying plant material to sustain itself so its gut must have been very large. It probably had a fermentation compartment to aid in the digestion of the tough plant material, producing prodigious amounts of gas!


A paradise for amazing nature focused sailing tours
Costa Rica is located in the neotropics. With a particularly high biodiversity, many endemic species, genera and families of plants and animals, and diverse ecosystems, Costa Rica is considered one of the world’s megadiverse countries. The Pacific mountain slopes , together with Colombia’s Chocó, contain the greatest biodiversity on earth. In addition, with a land area of about 51,100 square kilometers and an area of 589,000 square kilometers of territorial waters, the country belongs to the biodiversity hotspot Mesoamerica due to its great vulnerability.
The two coasts and the mountainous regions have a variety of different microclimates, which are one of the reasons for the abundance of different ecosystems in the country. The state’s recorded 500,000 species are four percent of the world’s accepted species. 300,000 of the 500,000 total species are insects.
Climate protection, nature conservation and forest protection are considered an important part of the state’s environmental policy and are consistently implemented. Whereas loggers cleared about 80 % of the rainforest in the 1970s and 1980s, today more than 50 % of the country is covered by forest again. To protect the forest, the country successfully relies on ecotourism, from which both locals and environmentally conscious travelers benefit. For example, some 1.5 million tourists spend nearly $1.5 billion annually visiting the country’s rainforests and other ecological destinations. The Camino de Costa Rica hiking trail runs once across the country from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast. It was created to support ecotourism and at the same time the rural population.
About 27% of Costa Rica‘s land is protected. In 2012, there were 160 protected areas such as biological reserves, national parks and nature reserves.
There are 26 national parks scattered throughout the country with very different characteristic features. In the 1969 Forest Conservation Act, Santa Rosa in the northwest of the country on the Pacific coast was established as the first national park. At the same time, a national park administration was created, but initially it had neither sufficient financial resources nor personnel to effectively protect the park from farmers and new settlers. Thanks to the private initiative Rainforest of the Austrians, the situation has since improved considerably.
The uninhabited Cocos Island (Isla del Coco), which belongs to C.R., lies 500 kilometers off the coast in the Pacific Ocean and may only be entered with special permission. Like the national parks of La Amistad and Guanacaste, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In front of Puerto Viejo (Puerto Viejo de Talamanca) is the National Park Cahuita with birds, snakes, lizards and butterflies. In the treetops you can find mantled howler monkeys. On the coastal stretch toward Manzanillo, dense forest prevails in most sections. Plants, sea and animals are protected in the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. Moving along the route are toucans, sloths and herds of monkeys with powerful prehensile tails that feed on leaves. Also common in this part of Costa Rica are white-shouldered capuchin monkeys. The rare red-backed squirrel monkeys, on the other hand, can now only be seen in the southwestern region of Costa Rica, for example in Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks. The fourth species of monkey in Costa Rica, the Geoffroy’s spider monkey, prefers dense forest areas and feeds on insects and small fruits.


HUPO 2017 took place from 17th – 21st September in the Convention Centre Dublin, welcoming over 1,350 delegates from around the globe, including former Vice President of the United States Joe Biden. The Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) is an international scientific organization representing and promoting proteomics through international cooperation and collaborations by fostering the development of new technologies, techniques and training. HUPO was initially launched on February 9, 2001. On that date, a global advisory council was officially formed that included leading global experts in the field of proteomics from the academic, government, and commercial sectors. Over the next 12 months, the council, in consultation with industry, identified major proteomics issues and initiatives that needed to be addressed by HUPO.
The Objectives of HUPO 2017
- Provide an important opportunity to consolidate and record the key achievements of proteomics to date
- Embrace a forward-looking perspective to deliver an inflection point – a key milestone event – in the evolution of proteomics. One that will be a lasting legacy for the field.
- Engage new constituencies with the field of proteomics to support new scientific and new business opportunities.
- Elicit a quantum change in global engagement of the field with the public
The vision for HUPO2017 Congress on “Integrated Proteomics for Healthcare Systems” was to create a meeting that would bring together world leaders with a new generation of scientists to promote HUPO’s capabilities for advancing our knowledge of the Human Proteome and the impact this will have on our understanding of health, disease and ageing. The Congress celebrated past achievements and presented new disruptive advances in proteomics. This was achieved with a balanced scientific programme that took into account previous milestone developments in proteomics, the current state of the art as well as newly arising areas and opportunities.
This five day conference consisted of a broad and complex scientific programme including Seminars, Workshops, Debates on the latest Science and Technology developments, Sponsored Symposia, a Meet The Experts for PhD students & young researchers to further develop their careers, and an Exhibition to showcase the best of European public and private research.
The programme included sessions covering each of the twelve current HUPO Initiatives and the Biology/Disease driven Human Proteome Project (HPP). In recognition of the increasing role of proteomics and complementary ‘omics technologies in personalised medicine there was a special focus on the application of proteomics to disease diagnosis, therapeutic protein production (and characterisation) and drug development as well as the analysis and integration of proteomic data. The presence of world-leading major international pharmaceutical biopharmaceutical and information technology companies in Ireland provided a wonderful opportunity for cross discipline information exchange and personal networking.
The CCD provided a superb environment in which to present, discuss and advance proteomic research. The world class scientific programme consolidated existing knowledge while at the same time increasing awareness of leading edge and forward looking advances in the field.
KEY PROGRAMME THEMES
- Cellular Proteomics
- Drug and Biopharmaceutical Proteomics
- Systems, Bioinformatics and Omics Data Integration
- Disease & Clinical Proteomics
- Precision & Personalised Proteomics
- HPP (B/D-HPP & C-HPP)
HUPO2017 has left a lasting legacy on the city. Delegates received a positive experience of Dublin and the HUPO2017 organisers received excellent feedback from all stakeholders involved in the conference. 1351 attendees from over 61 countries witnessed 223 oral presentations and took part in an incredible total of 668 programme presentations and were able to network and chat with 35 exhibitors.
On top of this there were 10 innovation presentations and 18 meet the expert sessions. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a bio-informatics hub, an innovation stage, a quiz bowl and a treasure hunt.
Finally, possibly one of the most exciting additions to HUPO2017 was the HUPO2017 Global Leadership Gala Dinner on Saturday 16th September. The event was catalysed in part, by the Cancer Moonshot initiative. The organizers were delighted that the 47th Vice President of the United States of America Joseph R. Biden Jr. delivered a keynote address at the dinner on the theme of “International Cooperation in the Fight Against Cancer.” The evening dinner event was held in the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin and brought together the world’s leading proteomic and proteogenomic researchers including those working on cancer research in the company of government, academia and industry leaders. The event focused on both raising awareness of HUPO and its activities, and advances in proteomics and their impact on human health, as well as the ICPC which currently comprises 11 countries and seeks to encourage more institutions to join this global partnership.


Calories is a unit of measuring thermal energy defined as the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree centigrade. (Between 5 and 14 ° C and 5 and 15 ° C) under regular atmospheric pressure (1 atmospheric pressure or an equivalent of 101.325 kPa). It is a unit to measure the thermal energy needed and created by the body in order to carry out its work normally, by burning food. A person needs the energy to carry out his basic functions of life, and this energy is primarily from food and oxygen that we breathe. The food differs in the amount of energy it produces on what it contains from the three basic elements in the food, namely: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
- Calculate the daily intake of calories
- Calculating burned calories
- Calculate the ideal body weight
- BMI Calculator
The word “calorie” means in English (1 cal) and this is not completely correct because that calorie is what is sometimes called a “small calorie”; In the field of nutrition when talking about calorie, we usually mean “big calories”; It is in English (1 kcal) 1 kcal; That’s 1,000 small calorie.
In the field of nutrition, where the list of contents is written on the canned or bag (let it be a bag of rice, sugar or lentils), both formulas are sometimes used, and in most cases it means a large price (1 kcal).
Sources of calories
These sources produce thermal energy in varying proportions:
Carbohydrates: produce 400 calories (100 grams) per 100 grams. In English, one kilogram of calories is one thousand calorie.
Fat: produces about 900 calories per 100 grams; That is 900 kilocalorie per 100 grams.
Proteins: produce 400 (large) calorie per 100 grams; That is, 400 kcal / 100 g protein.
That is why it is necessary to distinguish between the price and the large price which is 1000 calories (small).
Calories are found in vegetables and fruits in small amounts relative to carbohydrates; While we find in carbohydrates 400 large calorie / 100 grams, they are for vegetables between 20 – 40 large calories / 100 grams. Eating salad from fresh vegetables before eating, for example, helps reduce carbohydrate, fat and meat intake, so people feel full and have eaten adequate quantities of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vegetables, so they do not lead to weight gain that we do not want.
For eating vegetables and fruits, nutritionists advise that they contain all colors as possible: such as yellow or red carrots, red tomatoes, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, green radishes, green cucumbers. Fruits: strawberries, red apples, yellow apricots, yellow guava, blueberries, red grapes and their equivalents, bearing in mind that a week does not pass without eating three or four types of this assortment. The body’s organs perform their functions and improve their immunity against epidemics and diseases. The purpose of persevering in eating those healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, etc.) is for the body to obtain its needs and not lack any element, so that it remains healthy and healthy.
The body needs a specific amount of calories daily, and it increases according to the person’s activity, the size of his body, and age. Children and young adults in the process of developing need large amounts of calories. There must be a balance between the calories we take from food and the calories we burn so that our weight does not increase because the body stores the extra calories it needs in the form of fats to use later if it is forced to do so in the event of a decrease in calories taken by eating. If we eat too much, the amount of fats increases. If we reduce food, the body uses fat to produce energy and burn it, so our fat decreases.
The body consumes calories from food in all its vital activities such as breathing and digestion and the work of all devices such as the heart, kidneys, liver, as well as thinking.
The body also consumes calories during its physical activity, such as walking, running, climbing the ladder, carrying weight, and sports.
Definition of calories
The energy needed to increase the temperature of a given block of water by 1 ° C depends on the temperature. Therefore, in the table below we find different (but close) values that were measured at different temperatures. Such as at 0 ° C, at 15 ° C, or at 20 ° C. The most common definition, and in particular the price used for food, is the measured price at 15 ° C.
The calorie conversion factor for joules is:
1 calorie (small) = 18 and 4 joules.
There are two calories names:
Small calorie, which is the calorie per gram of water, and symbolized by cal. It is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 ° C, which is approximately 2 and 4 joules.
The large calorie, or calorie per kilogram of water, which is known as the calorie of food, symbolized by the symbol Cal or kcal.
This is the amount of heat needed to raise 1 kg of water by 1 ° C. It is thus 1000 times more than the small calorie, and accordingly the amount of the large calorie is 2 and 4 kilojoules
Calories and energy balance
Energy balance We mean by here is the amount of energy entering the body in the form of calories from different foods, and the amount of energy that comes out of it “consumed” through various daily and vital activities.
And this balance is the secret of losing or increasing weight if we know how to control it in order to reverse the equation in favor of what we want to achieve. It is as follows:
1_ If the equation is as follows: the energy entering the body = the energy consumed or leaving the body, then this means maintaining a constant weight.
2_ The following equation: The energy entering the body> of the energy consumed, then this means extra calorie in the body, which may mean converting and storing it in the form of fats in the body, and thus increasing the weight if this system is adopted as a way of life.
3_ If the equation is as follows: the energy entering the body <of the energy consumed, here we get the results of weight loss and loss of accumulated fat in the body, and this is what most certainly hope for!
Calories in different foods
Knowing the caloric intake in foods eaten daily is very important for maintaining a healthy weight and making sure that we do not start more than necessary.
It is possible to determine the amount of calorie in packed and processed foods via the food label, which shows the amount of energy under the name “calories”, and by using a unit of calorimetry or calories.
To find out more about the food label and how to read it, just enter the following article: Food labels are a way for us to feed healthy.
As for the calorie contained in different foodstuffs, this is specified in the menus and their alternatives according to the food rations of the different groups. For example: a grain of medium-sized fruits such as a small apple, which is equal to one food ration of fruit rations, it provides us with approximately 60 calories, while A portion of starches such as bread, which is equal to 30 grams, provides us with approximately 80 calories and so on.
To find out more about the food rations and their quantities, here is the guide for determining the amount of rations: The guide for determining the amount of food and rations.
The amount of calories a person consumes by performing a specific physical activity varies depending on a group of factors, including size, age, intensity and type of activity. The more you perform the activity with more power and effort, the more calories you burn.
For example, brisk walking consumes more calorie than walking at a moderate pace. We should not forget to mention that the human body consumes more calories to carry out the necessary metabolism, and its various vital functions are respiration, digestion, brain functions, and others.


Yuxing Peng Zizhong Li Tao Sun Feixia Zhang Qi Wu Mengya Du Tingting Sheng
The long-term effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)-corn (Zea mays L.) rotation on soil water use and economic returns have not been evaluated and optimized in the corn belt of northeast China (CBNC). Crop modeling based on long-term weather data and short-term field data helps evaluate agricultural practices’ long-term effect. The Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) was calibrated and validated based on the data sets on soil water storage (SWS), aboveground biomass (biomass), and yield under continuous corn (CC), five years of alfalfa (5A), and three years of alfalfa followed by two years of corn (3A2C) cropping systems from 2014 to 2018 at Quanyangou-Lishu in Jilin province, China. The APSIM could simulate well SWS, evapotranspiration (ET), and annual biomass of alfalfa (5A) with normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 9.6%, 5.0% and 13.2%, respectively. This model was also confirmed to simulate well the SWS, ET, yield, and biomass of corn (CC) with the NRMSE of 9.6%, 3.4%, 6.5% and 9.8%, respectively and that of alfalfa-corn rotation (3A2C) with the NRMSE of 8.4%, 4.5%, 8.7% and 12.2%, respectively. The validated APSIM was used to optimize the alfalfa-corn rotation systems by simulating water use and economic returns under five scenarios, including CC, 3A2C, four years of alfalfa followed by two years of corn (4A2C), five years of alfalfa followed by two years of corn (5A2C) and five years of alfalfa followed by five years of alfalfa (5A5A) based on the weather data from 1984 to 2018 (35 years) at Quanyangou-Lishu (black soil with losing mollic epipedon, relatively warm and moist climate, in Jilin province, the center of CBNC), Fujia-Lishu (aeolian sandy soil, relatively warm and moist climate, in Jilin province), Chaoyang (cinnamon soil, warm and dry climate, in Liaoning province, the south of CBNC) and Hailun (black soil with moderately thick mollic epipedon, cold and wet climate, in Heilongjiang province, the north of CBNC). Dry soil layers were only found in 250–400 cm soil layer in 18-yr 5A5A or 20-yr 5A2C treatment at Chaoyang and in 350–450 cm soil layer in 20-yr 5A5A or 26-yr 5A2C treatment at Quanyangou-Lishu. At four sites, the highest and lowest mean annual biomass water use efficiency (WUEB) could be found in CC (30.91–38.93 kg ha−1 mm−1) and in 5A5A (20.53–26.31 kg ha−1 mm−1), respectively. The alfalfa-corn rotation treatments had similar WUEB ranged from 22.91 to 30.17 kg ha−1 mm−1. The NR of alfalfa-corn rotation treatments at four sites were 38–169% higher than that of CC and 6–35% lower than that of 5A5A. Alfalfa-corn rotation treatments improved the stability of NR at Fujia-Lishu and Chaoyang by the CV of 40–75% and 65–95%, compared to that of CC treatment by the CV of 79% and 101%, respectively. Among alfalfa-corn rotation treatments, the 5A2C had higher and more stable NR than 4A2C and 3A2C. Therefore, we suggested 5A2C at Fujia-Lishu and Hailun and 4A2C at Quanyangou-Lishu and Chaoyang to achieve dry soil layer’s prevention, relatively high WUEB and high and stable NR.
APSIM; Alfalfa-corn rotation; Water use; Economic returns; Corn belt of northeast China


An aortic aneurysm is an enlargement of a weakened area of the aorta. Aneurysms which involve the ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta are termed "thoracic aortic aneurysms." Aneurysms in these regions are prone to rupture once they reach a certain size (see below). Fifty percent of patients who experience a rupture of a thoracic aortic aneurysm die before reaching the hospital. Furthermore, surgical repair of a ruptured thoracic aneurysm carries a 25-50% mortality as opposed to a 5-8% mortality when such aneurysms are treated electively.
Ascending Aortic Aneurysm Descending Thoracic Aneurysm
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm
Aneurysms are also prone to dissection, or a tearing of the wall of the aorta. When this occurs in the ascending aorta or aortic arch it represents a life threatening emergency which is typically treated with emergency surgery. When a dissection involves the descending thoracic or abdominal aorta, treatment rarely includes surgery. Control of the blood pressure and adequate pain control typically results in healing of the injury. However, dissections of the descending and abdominal aorta do weaken the wall of the aorta and are prone to aneurysmal formation. Close follow-up with an aneurysm specialist is recommended.
Most thoracic aneurysms are asymptomatic and are typically detected when imaging studies (chest x-rays, CT scans, MRI, etc) are being obtained for unrelated reasons. When aortic aneurysms reach larger sizes the symptoms are typically based on the location of the aneurysm.
Ascending aortic aneurysms frequently cause dilatation and leakage of the aortic valve. This can result in shortness of breath or even heart failure should the leakage be severe. Ascending aortic aneurysms can also result in a dull pain underneath the breastbone or radiating to the upper back.
Aortic arch aneurysms can also produce upper chest and back pain. However, when large, these aneurysms can compress both the esophagus and the airway resulting in difficulty swallowing and hoarseness.
Descending thoracic aneurysms are mostly asymptomatic, but can occasionally cause back pain. In contrast, abdominal and thoracoabdominal aneurysms may cause a pulsating feeling in the upper abdomen. Abdominal and back pain may also be present if the aneurysm increases in size.
Whereas, most of the symptoms of stable thoracic aneurysms are vague and non-specific, rupture or dissection of these aneurysms produces dramatic symptoms. A ripping sensation within the chest accompanied by severe pain in the back between the shoulder blades is the most typical complaint during thoracic aortic dissection or rupture. Dizziness, difficulty walking and speaking can all accompany this acute event. Patients with known aortic aneurysms experiencing such symptoms need to contact their physician or surgeon immediately and go to the nearest emergency room.
Idiopathic cystic medial degeneration
The most common cause of ascending aortic aneurysms is a condition known as idiopathic cystic medial degeneration. The elastic fibers which make up the outer wall of the aorta normally break down as we age, making the aorta more prone to dilation. In some patients this process is accelerated resulting in early aneurysm formation. We presently do not know the exact mechanisms involved in this process (hence the term idiopathic). Cystic medial degeneration can also be the cause of aortic arch and descending thoracic aneurysms. It rarely is the cause of thoracoabdominal or abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Atherosclerosis is the term used to describe hardening of the arteries. Smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are the primary causes of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis typically results in blockages of arteries that deliver blood to the heart (coronary arteries), the legs (femoral arteries), or the brain (carotid arteries). The damage caused to the aortic wall by atherosclerosis can result in aneurysm formation.
Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition which is transmitted from parent to child that affects the connective tissues throughout the body. The defect is in the gene that makes fibrillin, a major elastic fiber protein found in the wall of the aorta. Nearly all patients with Marfan syndrome develop aneurysms of the ascending aorta and subsequent leakage of the aortic valve. These aneurysms are prone to rupture at smaller sizes when compared to aneurysms of other etiologies. The risk of aortic dissection is likewise significantly increased in Marfan syndrome. Patients with Marfan syndrome may also develop leakage of the mitral valve. Connective tissue abnormalities throughout the rest of the body can result in slender, tapering fingers, long arms and legs, curvature of the spine and eye problems.
Certain families without specific genetic disorders may exhibit a strong history of aortic aneurysm formation. If a sibling or parent has been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, there may be an increased risk of aortic aneurysm formation in the patient.
Aneurysms Associated with Aortic Dissection
An aortic dissection results when the inner layer of the aorta separates from the middle layer of the aorta (see above). When this occurs within the ascending aorta it is frequently fatal unless emergency surgery is performed. However, in the descending aorta, an aortic dissection can typically be treated with medications. Nonetheless, the dissection weakens the aortic wall and the aorta is then prone to aneurysm formation. Chronic dissections need to be managed like all other aneurysms and surgery is indicated once a certain size is reached.
Aneurysms Associated with Bicuspid Aortic Valve
A bicuspid aortic valve is one which contains 2 leaflets instead of the usual three. Such valves are prone to both leakage and stenosis. A bicuspid aortic valve is composed of abnormal connective tissue. This same abnormal tissue also composes the ascending aorta making it susceptible to aneurysm formation. Patients with bicuspid aortic valves frequently have aneurysms of the ascending aorta and surgery on the aortic valve should involve replacement of the aorta should there be any aortic dilation.
Infection of the aortic wall (bacterial, syphilis, etc.) can rarely result in an aneurysm known as a "mycotic aneurysm." Inflammatory aortic aneurysms are a special type of aneurysm associated with a vigorous fibrotic and inflammatory response and require special surgical interventions. Takayasu's arteritis is an autoimmune inflammatory response which is typically found in Japanese patients and results in aneurysms of the ascending aorta and aortic arch.
Suggestions of a thoracic aneurysm can frequently be inferred from routine chest X-rays. However, thoracic aneurysms are most reliably diagnosed with a CT scan or MRI. Frequently, the diagnosis is made when one of these imaging studies is performed for symptoms unrelated to the aneurysm. Echocardiography is important for the evaluation of the aortic valve and also can be used to evaluate the size of the ascending aorta.
Once an aneurysm is diagnosed, strict control of the blood pressure and avoidance of smoking are two interventions which may prevent growth. At present there are no medications which can either shrink the aneurysm or prevent its growth.
Once a thoracic aneurysm is diagnosed, routine, scheduled follow-up is necessary by an aortic specialist. Aneurysm size needs to be followed closely and surgery is warranted if there is rapid growth over a short period of time or if a critical size is reached. Follow-up typically includes CT scans or MRI's every 6-12 months.
The ascending aorta grows at a rate of 0.10 cm per year and the descending aorta at a rate of 0.20 cm per year. Should an aneurysm increase in size by 0.4cm in any one year then surgery should be performed.
Decisions regarding surgery can be made if the risk of death, dissection or rupture is known for any particular aneurysm size. This risk can then be compared to the risk of surgery. At St. Luke's-Roosevelt Aneurysm Center the operative mortality of ascending aortic aneurysm surgery is 2.3%. The mortality for aortic arch surgery increases to 5-8% and the mortality for descending thoracic aneurysm surgery is 5.5%. Below is listed the yearly risk of complications based on aortic aneurysm size.
Given these statistics it is recommended that asymptomatic ascending aortic aneurysms be resected at a size of 5.0-5.5 cm. If severe aortic insufficiency is present in the setting of a bicuspid valve, the ascending aorta should be resected when it is 4.5 cm in diameter. Descending thoracic and aortic arch aneurysms typically are resected when they exceed 6.0 cm in diameter. A patient with Marfan's syndrome typically warrants earlier intervention. Symptomatic aneurysms should be resected regardless of size.
Surgery to repair an ascending aortic or arch aneurysm involves removing the aneurysmal portion of the aorta and replacing it with an artificial Dacron tube. If the aortic valve is damaged it also need to be replaced or repaired. Replacement options include mechanical and tissue valves (see valve surgery link).
This type of surgery traditionally has been performed by dividing the breastbone. At the St. Luke's-Roosevelt Aneurysm Center, minimally invasive surgical techniques are now routinely being applied to ascending and arch aneurysm resection. Instead of dividing the breastbone, the upper part of the sternum is only partially divided. This allows for less blood loss and quicker recovery.
Descending Thoracic Aneurysms
The traditional approach to descending thoracic aneurysms is through an incision made in the side and between the ribs. The diseased portion of the aorta is removed and replaced with a Dacron graft. However, techniques of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair are now applicable to some descending thoracic aneurysms. In this procedure two small incisions are made in both groins and a graft is placed inside the aneurysm in order to exclude it from the circulation. These devices are presently only available in the
Below is the angiogram of a complicated patient treated with endovascular surgery for a descending thoracic aneurysm.
|For a referral to the St. Luke's- Roosevelt Aneurysm Center call 212-523-2717.|


Pets are adorable and become members of the family. At the same time, however, they need special attention. Pet stains are one of the unpleasant problems that pet owners must deal with and they know very well how difficult it is to remove them completely.
Vinegar is a very popular ingredient in homemade solutions that people use to clean pet stains. But is it really good?
Vinegar has multiple beneficial uses when it comes to pets. It improves the digestion of dogs and cats, by lowering the pH and stimulating good bacterial cultures, keeps insects away from the animal’s fur and can be used to clean the pet’s ears, as it rebalances the skin’s pH and kills mycoses.
But when it comes to using it to clean pet stains, caution is recommended. It is true that the acetic acid lowers and may even neutralize the ammonia from the animal urine, also breaking down bacteria that can exist in pet waste. However, considering that it is acidic in nature, vinegar also holds many of the same properties as pet urine. Besides, its scent can actually draw the animals back to the same place again, which is something you want to avoid.
So if you want to remove cat urine from carpet, you should replace vinegar with an enzymatic solution from Planet Urine for cleaning pet stains.


Application of Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose in Eye Drops
HydroxyPropyl Methyl Cellulose solution with the maximum viscosity and clarity is very important for its application in eye drops.
Eye-drop preparations generally use many excipients, such as adjusting the pH value within the range of 5.0 to 9.0, adjusting the osmotic pressure in the isotonic range and adding antimicrobial agents to prevent microbial contamination. Some drugs even need to add solubilizers and stabilizers.
The pH value of 1% HydroxyPropyl Methyl Cellulose solution is 4-8 and the viscosity is stable in the pH range of 3.0 -11.0. In addition, it has optimum compatibility with the electrolyte, so suitable for use in the eye drops as thickening agents. The use at a concentration of 0.45% to 1.0% can extend the contact time with the eye, increase drug absorption, and improve bioavailability.
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose often acts as the suspending agent in suspension eye drops. It can increase the viscosity of the solvent, reduce the density difference between particles and the dispersion medium, and increase the hydrophilicity of particles. By the effect of gravity, suspended particles will naturally settle on standing, and the sedimentation rate is in accordance with Stokes law. The sedimentation rate is inversely proportional to the viscosity of the dispersion medium, but proportional to reducing the density difference between particles and the dispersion medium. In addition, HydroxyPropyl Methyl Cellulose can act as the gel matrix in gel-type eye ointments.


Shallow Waters is a marine conservation social enterprise working toward a community led coral reef management programme on the beautiful Koh Sdach island located off Cambodia’s south west coast.
We offer marine conservation programmes and research internships to international volunteers and students in order to fund and execute our project in the long term. We are working alongside resident fisherman, academics from the Royal University of Phnom Penh, local and international NGO’s, and the Cambodian Fisheries Administration, to develop a marine resource management programme for the Koh Sdach archipelago.
Our research is being funded in part by The Rufford Small Grant Foundation, a charity that provide start-up grants for nature conservation projects in developing countries. Shallow Waters is supported by Anglia Ruskin University and is alumni of the Accelerate programme at the Cambridge Judge Business School.