WHAT IS EPIPHORA?
The role of tears
Tears are secreted from the tear ducts in the corner of the eye.
The main role of tears is to protect the eyeball but they also have a lot of other duties.
As a lubricant for your eyelids.
As a nutritional supplement for the surface of the eyeballs.
To protect your eyes from bacteria or ultraviolet rays.
To disinfect bacteria.
Anatomical drawing of the Lacrimal duct
(where tears pass)
Tears normally enter the Lacrimal canaliculus through the Lacrimal punctum, two small holes on the inner side of the eyelid of both eyes towards the inner corner. From here they flow down to the nasal cavity through the nasolacrimal duct.
The passage from this Lacrimal punctum to the nasolacrimal duct where the tears pass along is called the tear duct.
What sort of illness is epiphora?
When tears accumulate the eyelids work like a pump when you blink to sweep them to small holes on the inside of the eyelids, through which they pass through the tear ducts to the nasal cavity (tear drainage).
When the tear duct is blocked or gets narrowed by certain reason, your tears will overflow like you are constantly crying (Lacrimal duct obstruction).
Epiphora can also occur due to an increase in tear production, but this brochure will discuss epiphora (Lacrimal duct obstruction) due to problems with tear drainage.
(Do you have these symptoms?)
- Your eyes are filled with tears, blurring your vision
- You often get lots of eye mucus
- The skin around your eyes is inflamed
When the tears don't drain properly, even the slightest stimulus can cause them to overflow, blurring your vision, and the constant flow of tears inflames the skin around your eyes. In addition, leaving this untreated can cause infection from bacteria and may lead to dacryosistitis because, bacteria in the tear duct doesn't get washed away nor untainted. This will increase the amount of eye mucus; make the corners of your eyes red and swollen, and sometimes painful.
The main cause of poor tear drainage is Lacrimal duct obstruction. It usually occurs with age, but can also occur through infection, medicine such as eye drops, fractures of facial bones, empyema, and other nasal diseases. Polyps or tumors can rarely cause epiphora as it forms inside the tear duct. In addition, causes other than Lacrimal duct obstruction can include dysfunction of the eyelid where the tear duct passes through or conjunctiva sagging by aging (conjunctivochalasis).
Congenital infant Lacrimal duct obstruction is comparatively common. Usually, if the tear ducts are closed at birth, they will open up and heal naturally as the infant grows. 90% of cases have healed naturally by one year old. Massage of the
Lacrimal sac is believed to help natural healing. If natural healing does not work, a lacrimal duct bougie (nasolacrimal duct release operation), which is a fine needle-like object, may be inserted into the tear duct to open up the obstructed
area, or a Lacrimal duct tube is inserted for a set period of time to treat the condition.
In addition, neonatal dacryocystitis can be caused by bacteria accumulating in the tear ducts, and so antibiotic eye drops are used in conjunction.
Epiphora Diagnosis (Examination)
With excess tears, the first thing to do is to check whether there is an increase in the amount of secreted tears (secretion volume) or whether there is a reduction in tear drainage. Some of the causes for increased tear production could
be foreign objects in the eye or ingrown eyelashes. Causes of reduced tear drainage such as eyelid dysfunction and conjunctiva sagging (conjunctivochalasis) are also checked.
Next, a Lacrimal canalilula irrigation test is performed. If no water flows through, a Lacrimal duct obstruction (LDO) is diagnosed, and the state of the tear duct is directly examined using an endoscope to determine exactly where the blockage is. Depending on the situation, imaging tests such as CT scans may also be run.
A vital part of an eye examination, which shines a light on the eye and around the eye for the observation of eyeball, through a magnifying glass. In this examination, the amount of accumulated tears is checked to see if it is greater than normal. In addition, the presence of foreign objects, ingrown eyelashes, and other causes of increased tear secretion are also checked. The movement of the eyelids and sagging in the conjunctiva are also checked.
Lacrimal duct irrigation test
The duct is irrigated with saline from the Lacrimal punctum to check if the fluid passes through to the nose.
Tear duct endoscopy
A fine endoscope, designed to be able to pass through the tiny Lacrimal punctum is inserted through the Lacrimal punctum and used to check where the tear duct obstruction is. Anesthetic may be injected into the tear duct before this test.
A special endoscope is inserted into the nasal cavity to observe the tear duct from the nasal cavity side. Anesthetic is given to the nasal mucous membranes before the examination.
Lacrimal duct intubation
Using a tear duct endoscope, a special Lacrimal duct tube is inserted to reconstruct the tear duct. This is done under a local anesthetic, so the patient can return home on the same day. The inserted tube is almost invisible from the outside and it doesn't affect daily life. The tube is normally removed on an outpatient visit two to three months later. In this intubation method the tube is inserted into the tear duct, which cannot be seen from the outside, but recent uses of endoscopes during the surgery have made it able to be done accurately.
Depending on the location of the blockage, Lacrimal duct tube insertion may not always work well, or re-obstruction may repeatedly occur. When this happens, one method is to create a new tear duct using a surgery called dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). There are two procedures for DCR: to cut part of the inner corner of the eye (external), or by using a nasal endoscope from inside the nose (endoscopic). This may be done under general anesthesia and often requires a hospital stay of several days to a week.
If you're having problems with epiphora, you don't have to live with it - see an ophthalmologist soon.
Do you have any of the following symptoms?
Doctor Inouefs Diagnosis
- Symptoms 1, 2, and 3 are believed to be caused by the dry eyes. In addition, Symptom 1 can also be caused by foreign objects in your eye or ingrown eyelashes, so both can be treated by removing the cause.
- Symptom 4 is a temporary issue caused by pollen or other allergens.
- Symptoms from 5 to 7 are considered to be the symptoms of a lacrimal duct obstruction, so treatment will be necessary.
- Symptom 8 means you are getting acute dacryocystitis, so you should see an ophthalmologist immediately.
(Source: "Surprisingly Many People Unaware that Teary Eyes Can be Cured," Body and Mind Report Card Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 21 2011)


The farmhouse San Martino owns 3 hectares of land that are devoted to the cultivation of the “Nocciola Piemonte”, an excellent local hazelnut variety that is strong against adversity and generous in producing fruits which present all the organoleptic qualities required by the hazelnut processing industry:
- the round shape of the fruit allows a quick mechanical shelling, keeping the seed intact
- the shell is thin and the yield of the shelled product is high, between 46 and 50%
- the seed has a good aroma and a delicate taste
- the content of fat of the fruit is low, so it can be well preserved without problems of rancidity
The “Nocciola Piemonte”is grown between 150 and 750 m of altitude and because of its adaptability is widely cultivated in Emilia Romagna and Tuscany as well, with great results. In a clever and specialized plantation its yield can reach or even exceed 2.5 tons per hectare. Thanks to its good yield and above all to its organoleptic qualities, the “Nocciola Piemonte” is considered the best hazelnut variety in the world.


3D mammography, also called breast tomosynthesis, produces very detailed images of the breast tissue. In 2021, Windsor Radiology made a new investment in the latest technology, Genius™ 3D Mammography, to improve screening and diagnostic mammograms:
- Improved artificial intelligence software for an added layer of assurance that nothing is missed.
- 75% less time in compression, making for a more comfortable experience for you patients.
- Quicker exam times with a four-second scan and fewer images needed.
Having revolutionized how breast cancer is detected, 3D Mammography exams are making a difference:
- Fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below.
- More invasive breast cancers are detected.
- Superior exams are given for women with dense breast tissue.
- Fewer patients are called back for additional diagnostic exams.
How 3D mammography works
Mammography uses X-rays to visualize the tissues of your breast. X-rays are absorbed differently, depending on the density or thickness of the tissue. As the X-rays pass through your body, the energy that escapes is measured by the X-ray device. The energy measurements are “interpreted” by the X-ray machine to produce images of the breast, with denser breast tissue and abnormal growths appearing “whiter” or brighter than the surrounding tissue. During the 3D exam, an additional series of images of breast tissue is created, with each image representing a “slice” of tissue. These slices can be viewed individually for greater detail of small growth or abnormalities, or they may be reconstructed into a three-dimensional image of the tissue inside your breast.
What is a diagnostic mammogram?
There are two types of mammograms: screening mammogram, which focus on the entire breast, and diagnostic mammograms, which focus on a specific area. Diagnostic mammograms are performed when a screening mammogram reveals an area of abnormal tissue, such as lumps or masses, or after a clinical breast exam finds a lump or other suspicious findings, such as dimpling or nipple discharge. Sometimes, the diagnostic mammogram procedure is followed by an ultrasound exam of breast tissue or a biopsy to obtain a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope, especially if the lump has uneven edges or appears as a starburst. In some cases, abnormal findings may be due to harmless calcifications of tissue, and no further examination is needed.
What to expect during a 3D mammography exam
The mammography machine is a box-shaped device that contains the X-ray apparatus. During your exam, you’ll stand (or sometimes sit) in front of the box while the technician positions your breast on a flat, paddle-like surface. After the breast is properly positioned, a second flat paddle will descend over the breast, compressing the breast tissue so your breast is very flat. Because breast tissue is composed of different "layers," compression is necessary to enable the X-ray to produce detailed images of each of these layers. Compression also allows the machine to visualize smaller abnormalities that might be obscured by overlapping layers of tissue, and it enables these images to be made with less radiation exposure. Plus, it helps ensure the breast is held very still so the clearest images can be captured. Once the tissue is compressed, the machine emits X-rays to capture images of your breast in two dimensions, passing back and forth in an arc shape, creating a series of images of your breast tissue that provide views from different angles. As with 2D mammography, you’ll need to hold very still during the imaging exam to ensure the clearest images are captured. Most exams take a half hour or less. After your exam, the images will be sent to one of our board-certified radiologists for interpretation, then the final report will be sent to your doctor.


The month of April seems like a blur to me. I have been non-stop for the past several weeks. Now that I have a couple of days off before starting up again on Thursday its time to get caught up on some of the action we have been experiencing the past couple of weeks.
The fishing in Miami seems to happening in flurries. One minute you will be doubled up on sailfish only to sit for the next hour without so much as a nervous bait. One of the factors that is affecting us is the continuous cat and mouse game the current keeps playing. One minute we have blue water and 3 knots of current and the next day we have green current less green water. On some days we have had to work very hard to put the day together and on some days we could do no wrong. Let’s get to the species reports.
We continue to catch a couple of sailfish on almost every trip. The bite remains very similar to last month, a couple of fish here and there but no huge numbers. While kite fishing we have started to catch some black fin tuna with our biggest one weighing 25 pounds. This is a great sign that the black fins are starting to filter into the area. Again, not a vast number of them yet but they should only get better as we move forward into May and June.
Kingfish numbers are also down a little bit. But what I have seen is in increase in the size of the fish which is normal for this time of year. A lot of the snake kings, fish in the 7-12# range, have given way to fish in the 25# average and a while our biggest king was 40#’s right on the nose. The quality and quantity of these bigger kings should only get better. We had a couple of kings close to the 50# mark last year but none that broke it so we will see if we can achieve that this year.
The one fish that has surprised me by its absence have been the mahi-mahi. For some reason I have not caught any in on the reef, which is where you will catch them this time of year. And when I ventured out to 1100′ in search of them I was only rewarded with a large fuel bill. I guess you can’t catch them all! They should become more consistent the closer we get to summer. All the weights you see listed are based on scaled weights and not estimations. The only fish I don’t weigh are billfish and tarpon since I try not to handle them too much.
Well that is it for now and as always please remember to keep our service men and women and first responders in your prayers.
Until next time Best of Luck…


Motac offers a wide range of highly-specialised in vivo and ex vivo services to support the preclinical development of new treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, other movement disorders and disorders of cognition.
State-of-the-art model systems, with excellent translational validity, are routinely available to demonstrate the efficacy of novel therapeutic approaches. These include acute and progressive models of neurodegeneration, Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced dyskinesias and cognitive performance.
Because of our extensive experience in these fields, we are able to offer expert advice on study design as well as performing studies to a high quality, according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and to agreed timelines.
For further information on the models available, to discuss your requirements or to request a quotation, please contact us.


There are many nutrients that you and your baby need to be healthy. Some nutrients, like folate (folic acid), iron, calcium and omega-3 fats are especially important during pregnancy.
Having enough folate during the first 3 months of pregnancy is critical to lower the baby’s risk for neural tube, brain or spinal cord damage. Your doctor will strongly recommend that you take a folic acid supplement over this time, but top up your intake further by focusing on beans, lentils, spinach and whole wheat products.
Try these ideas to boost your folate intake:
Your need for iron almost doubles during your pregnancy! That’s because iron is an essential component of blood, and your blood volume increases by about 50% over this time. To meet your iron requirements, your doctor will recommend a daily prenatal multivitamin which contains iron.
However, it is also important to get iron from foods:
Calcium is critical for developing your baby’s bones, but also helps to preserve your bone mass during pregnancy. Focus on having at least 3 servings of dairy foods per day, like milk or mass (250 ml), yoghurt (200 ml), or cheddar or gouda cheese (40 g). Eating foods which contain vitamin D, like fish, eggs and cod liver oil, also helps to increase your body’s absorption of calcium.
To meet your calcium needs throughout pregnancy:
Omega-3 fats, found in oily fish, are important for your baby’s brain and eye development. To meet your omega-3 fat needs throughout pregnancy:
For more guidelines on health and nutrition during pregnancy, please contact the Pick n Pay Health Hotline registered dietitian on 0800 11 22 88 or email@example.com. To find a registered dietitian in your area, visit the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) website at www.adsa.org.za.


Published: 04 June, 2021 | Volume 5 - Issue 1 | Pages: 009-014
Background: Leukemia is frequently associated with fundoscopic abnormalities. However, no organized effort has been made for analyzing leukemic retinopathy in our country. This study was done to observe the demographic profile and correlation between fundoscopic findings of retinal exudates and hematological parameters in leukemic patients.
Materials and Methods: The study was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study among 50 leukemic patients in Medicine and Oncology departments of Bangladesh Medical College and Hospital (BMCH) from May, 2020 to October, 2020. Fundoscopic examination was done which was reviewed by an ophthalmologist. Collected data was analyzed statistically by using SPSS-17 (Chicago, Illinois).
Results: Among 50 leukemic patients’, the fundal lesion was detected in 32 patients (64%), retinal exudates are rare. Only 3 patients (6%) had exudates while others (29 patients, 58%) have retinal hemorrhages. Exudates did not show any statistically significant relationship with types of leukemia (p value = 0.53). There was no statistically significant association between fundal exudates and high white cell count (p = 0.56) or low hemoglobin level (p = 0.11) or low platelet level (p = 0.11).
Conclusion: This study has identified retinopathy occurring frequently in leukemic patients. Therefore, an adequate attention should be paid at fundoscopic evaluation while treating leukemic patients.
Leukemic retinopathy; Retinal exudates; Thrombocytopenia; Anemia


|kguske wrote: |
Can you explain what you mean by "its LD50 for rats"?
It is the amount per bodymass that kills half the population of rats. Ideally, one would want to know the LD50 for humans but that is rarely known. For example, according to
, the rat LD50 of methyl salicylate, a common ingredient of root beer, is 2642 mg/kg. If I want to use a similar concentration of another compound, I first check to make sure that it LD50 is not less than an order of magnitude, or I adjust the concentration accordingly. For example, before testing methyl benzoate as a substitute for methyl salicylate in root beer, I looked up its rat LD50 here
and found that it was 2170 mg/kg. Thus, I feel safe about using methyl benzoate at equal or less concentration than I would use methyl salicylate in root beer.


Published in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader
Penn Foster hosted a pet vaccination clinic at its Scranton headquarters Saturday, Oct. 19 in celebration of National Veterinary Technician Week.
The clinic offered rabies and distemper vaccines for cats and dogs. Dr. Amanda Teter, assistant director of the school’s veterinary technician program, administered a total of 125 vaccines to the pets of Penn Foster employees and faculty. In addition to Dr. Teter, other veterinary technician program staff members were present to assist and answer pet health-related questions.
Penn Foster’s accredited veterinary technician associate degree allows students to work toward their career goals at their own pace and gain real-world experience through practicums at animal hospitals, such as Penn Foster partner Banfield Pet Hospital, and veterinary practices.


Malaria. Hepatitis (B&C), Syphilis, AIDS are considered as transmissible infections associated with blood transfusion. According to law all these tests are to be conducted after blood collection. It is not pragmatic to conduct these tests before blood collection as donors have to come twice, to suffer the needle pricks and may have to wait for quite some time. As a result, transfusion service may lose donors. So, donor selection can be on the basis of history of past ailments. After donation laboratory testing of blood should be undertaken in the blood bank.
Presently, a sensitive screening test for malaria is not available. The most effective way of screening donors is to take the proper case history of malaria and of fever that could be due to malaria. Donor selection criteria should be designed to exclude potentially infectious individuals from donating blood. However, available slide test for malarial parasites is mandatory according to the rules now in force in the country.
To reduce the occurrence of post transfusion hepatitis, it is essential to screen all blood donors for hepatitis B surface antigen, by the most sensitive and specific tests. Results may be made known to the donor with an advice to contact family physician for guidance. Hepatitis C can also be transmitted through blood transfusion. HCV antibody testing has become mandatory from June 2001 in India. Serum samples from all blood units must be selected for Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test before transfusion to detect syphilis. Any unit found positive should be discarded. But if blood is kept in cold room for three days, then there is no chance of contracting syphilis by transfusion of such blood as these germs become ineffective in cold.
For transfusion safety, each and every unit of blood donated should be tested by combined HIV/1 and HIV/2 assay using ELJSA reader. This is just a screening test, and not a confirmatory test. Blood should be discarded if the test gives positive results but the donor should not be informed and should not be identified as HIV positive or AIDS patient. Strict confidentiality should be maintained. In smaller blood banks or in cases of emergency, rapid spot tests can be done to reduce the possibility of HIV/AIDS infection
due to transfusion. But all these tests are not full proof. These are indirect tests to trace the antibody formed caused by the entry of foreign body from outside. Body mechanism takes time to produce antibody to fight against entry of germs from outside. There is atime lag between the entry of germs and formation of antibody known as window period. The tests are ineffective during this window period. Motivators should, therefore, attach due importance not only to the truthful declaration of the donors but also to the pre-donation counselling for self exclusion to ensure safe blood transfusion.
The confirmatory tests for HIV infection include Western Blot test and Immunofluorescence tests. These tests cannot be done in the blood banks due to high cost, time and expertise required.


Washing a wound or graze ‘stings’, whether you have EB or not. Wetting raw wounded areas with ‘normal’ saline solution doesn’t sting at all, like magic it’s painless.
In 1982 when their EB baby was in so much pain at bath time Martin and Anna remembered their high school biology lessons. They confirmed the exact science with pathologist Dr Graham Kemble Welch and together with EB nurse Hilda Dresdner they introduced saline bathing. Bath time became fun.
Care plans based on pain-free bathing in normal saline have been commonplace in NZ ever since.
Normal saline solution is 0.9% salt (sodium chloride), that’s:
To figure-out the right mix, find how much water fills the bath and then calculate the right amount of salt to add. Using a bucket with a litre measure, count the number of buckets of water it takes to fill the bath to a fixed point.
For example, if you used 10 x 10 litre buckets you would need to add 900 grams (nearly a kilo) of salt.
Our body’s cells are more-salty than fresh water, and less-salty than sea water. Water moves in or out of our cells to equalise the salinity with surrounding liquid, causing the painful stinging.
Normal saline solution is an exact match to our saltiness, so no water moves in or out of our cells – it’s painless to be in saline!


The female Adelie penguin, desperate to obtain the stones she uses to build her nest, visits the nest of a bachelor Adelie, goes through the entire courtship routine, and mates with him. But once the two have had sex, the female collects the stones she came for as a sort of payment, and waddles back home to her actual mate, who’s been keeping the nest nice and warm for her return! She then stays with him for the rest of her life. Sometimes, especially cunning females engage in the courtship ritual, minus the mating part, grab the rocks, and dash home. Luckily, the males of this species, unlike humans, do not seem to bear a grudge.


The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved a new regulation requiring that all boats operating on public fresh water anywhere in Texas be drained before leaving or approaching a lake or river to help combat the further spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.
The rapidly reproducing mussels, originally from Eurasia, can have a serious economic, environmental and recreational impact on Texas reservoirs. Zebra mussels can clog public-water intake pipes, harm boats and motors left in infested waters by covering boat hulls, block water-cooling systems, annoy lake property owners by completely covering anything left under water, and make water recreation hazardous because of their sharp edges.
With the destructive invasive species having spread to Lake Belton, conservation officials and water-supply agencies are very concerned that zebra mussels could expand their range throughout the state, including Lake Travis and the other Highland Lakes.
“Zebra mussels have been moving steadily deeper into Texas since they were first found in Lake Texoma in 2009,” says Brian Van Zee, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division regional director who has spearheaded the agency’s response to zebra mussels in Texas. “Now that they are in Lake Belton, the Highland Lakes are in the cross hairs as are many of the public waters in Central Texas.”
“So far we haven’t seen any evidence of zebra mussels,” Cowan said. “We will continue working closely with Texas Parks and Wildlife in urging the public to help us keep zebra mussels out of the Highland Lakes. The mussels not only are a nuisance, but they could pose serious operational problems for the dams, water intake structures and the general health of the lakes.”
While the new measure won’t take effect until July 1, TPWD urges all boaters to begin the preventative practice immediately since microscopic larvae (called veligers) hiding in your boat can travel to another water body and cause a new zebra mussel infestation.
Currently in effect in 47 North and Central Texas counties, the new rule requires persons leaving or approaching public water to drain all water from their vessels and on-board receptacles. This applies to all types and sizes of boats whether powered or not, personal watercraft, sailboats, kayaks/canoes, or any other vessel used on public waters.
“The way to comply with this requirement is simple,” Van Zee said. “All you have to do is clean, drain and dry your boat. This is critical, because in their initial state, zebra mussels are invisible to the naked eye.”
The soon-to-be statewide rule, which is similar to those in other states impacted by zebra mussels, is based on the fact that trailered boats tend to be the most likely way zebra mussels get from one water body to another. Since boaters in Texas travel throughout the state to engage in various forms of recreational activity, from skiing to fishing, the rule has been made statewide.
The regulation also requires the draining of live wells, bilges, motors, and any other receptacles or water-intake systems coming into contact with public waters.
Live fish, including personally caught live bait, cannot be transported in a vessel in water that comes from the water body where they were caught. Personally caught live bait can be used in the water body where it was caught.
Anglers are allowed to transport and use commercially purchased live bait provided persons in possession of the bait have a receipt that identifies the source of the bait. Any live bait purchased from a location on or adjacent to a public water body that is transported in water from that water body could only be used as bait on that same water body.
The rules allow anglers participating in a fishing tournament confined to one water body to transport live fish in water from that single water body to an identified off-site weigh-in location, provided all water is drained and properly disposed of before leaving that location. Anglers are required to possess documentation provided by tournament organizers that would identify them as participants in the tournament.
Movement from one access point to another on the same lake during the same day does not require draining and there is an exception for governmental activities and emergencies. Marine sanitary systems are not covered by these regulations.
“The BRA supports the efforts of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and will continue to assist them in preventing the spread of mussels to our system reservoirs,” said Phil Ford, general manager and chief executive officer for the Brazos River Authority.
Zebra mussels became established in Texas in Lake Texoma in 2009. In 2012, they were found in Lake Ray Roberts and the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. Last year, zebra mussels spread to Lakes Bridgeport, Lavon, Lewisville, and Belton. From an environmental perspective, zebra mussels are filter feeders that compete with baitfish such as shad for available forage. Any impact on baitfish in turn can affect their predators — game fish such as bass, striped bass and catfish. Zebra mussels also threaten native mussel populations because they colonize on their shells and essentially suffocate them.
“Zebra mussel infestations may also be related to blooms of toxic blue-green algae,” Van Zee said. “In 2011, Lake Texoma was closed to swimming for a time because of an outbreak of blue-green algae. The bottom line about zebra mussels is that they are bad news for Texas and we need to do everything we can to stop their spread.”
TPWD and a coalition of partners are working to slow the spread of zebra mussels by reminding boaters to Clean, Drain and Dry their vessels before traveling from one lake to another. The partners in this effort include: North Texas Municipal Water District, Tarrant Regional Water District, City of Dallas Water Utilities Department, Trinity River Authority, San Jacinto River Authority, Sabine River Authority, Brazos River Authority, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, Lower Colorado River Authority, Upper Trinity Regional Water District, Canadian River Municipal Water Authority, City of Grapevine, Water Oriented Recreation District of Comal County, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
More information, including where water draining regulations are currently in effect, is online at www.texasinvasives.org/zebramussels.
Photos by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department


In a move meant to make manifest the real dangers turtles face in the wild today, the Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) London Zoo unveiled their new Annam leaf turtle (Mauremys annamensis) exhibit last year. But to tell the raw story behind this turtle’s Critically Endangered status, ZSL bypassed the traditional bucolic exhibit depicting turtles in the lowland wetlands characteristic of Vietnam in lieu of a tell-tale tableau that reveals where they more frequently end up: in a traditional Vietnamese kitchen. The resulting still life of still-live turtles shows the stark realities of the wildlife trade, tapping into the grim fate these and other Asian turtles face from overhunting for meat, not to mention traditional medicine and the pet trade.
The ZSL’s all-too-real exhibit takes advantage of everything and the kitchen sink to bring this restaurant kitchen to life. The only thing more macabre than the axeman’s butchering knife, pendant woks, and bubbling soup pot are the kitchen sink itself and the butcher’s block doing double duty as aquarium and basking platform.
According to Ben Tapley, team leader of the Reptile House at ZSL London Zoo, “We’ve gone to town on the new Annam leaf turtle exhibit here at ZSL London Zoo, as we want our visitors to really understand the threats facing these animals. Providing a great habitat for these beautiful turtles, with water for them to swim in and a secluded nesting area hidden behind a carefully positioned wok, the creative exhibit tells a serious story.”
Knowing that Asian turtles like the Annam leaf turtle and Swinhoe’s soft-shell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei), the world’s rarest freshwater turtle, are close to extinction, perhaps it’s time more zoological institutions explore this morbid mode of storytelling.


Founded five years ago, Getty Owl Foundation serves children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder that causes severe, progressive muscle weakness. SMA, the #1 genetic killer of young children, has been classified into five types depending on severity. Most children with this disorder don't live past age two. The winnings of a contestant on a recent episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? were donated to Getty Owl Foundation. For more information about the foundation, go to http://gettyowl.org/.


Airway management devices that improve outcomes, reduce complications, and lower costs.
The Aspire Subglottic Endotracheal Tube
Airway Management doesn’t end once an artificial airway is placed, as breathing tubes can act as a path for infectious agents to enter the lower airways. This is why the leading risk factor for pneumonia (post-operative, ventilator-associated, and aspiration pneumonia) is the presence of a breathing tube.
Subglottic drainage of the human airway is recommended by the CDC, AHRQ, ATS, SHEA, APIC, IDSA, AACN, and many other scientific associations because numerous meta-analysis and randomized control trials show it reduces time on mechanical ventilation, pneumonia incidence, antibiotic needs, and mortality in long-term ventilated patients.
The NEVAP Aspire Subglottic Suction Endotracheal Tube (ASSET) is the only subglottic breathing tube designed with a tissue spacer and multiple ports to prevent tissue blockage. This design results in significantly better airway drainage and and the ability to apply this infection prevention strategy in the ICU, OR, and ED.
Here is a simply visual demonstration. 10ml of thick fluid, mimicking tracheal secretions was added into an acrylic tube and 100mm Hg suctioning was applied. The NEVAP ASSET (Right) and a single port subglottic breathing tube were compared. Cuff pressure was continuously monitored and maintained at 25mm H2O.
The Other Suction Tubes The NEVAP ASSET
Are your trauma patients at particular risk of pneumonia? Listen to a leading trauma expert and his insights


Wegovy, when used together with diet and physical activity, helps people to lose weight and keep their weight under control. Due to the nature of Wegovy, it is only licensed with, who have:
- a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater or
- a BMI of at least 27 kg/m² but less than 30 kg/m² who have weight-related health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal levels of fats in the blood, or a history of heart attacks
BMI (body mass index) is a measure of your weight in relation to your height. Wegovy is available as pre-filled pens containing a solution for injection. It is injected once a week under the skin in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
To reduce the risk of symptoms affecting the gut, the weekly dose starts at 0.25 mg and increases gradually over 16 weeks to 2.4 mg. Patients can administer the medicine themselves. They can also change the injection site and the day of the weekly injection. For the latter, the new day should be at least 3 days after the previous day for the injection.
Although obesity and overweight are associated with resistance to the plasma glucose-lowering actions of insulin, many other metabolic pathways remain responsive to insulin. The incretin GLP-1, through its receptor, increases survival of β cells and inhibits their apoptosis. Plasma concentrations of GLP-1 analogues are not increased in people with obesity or overweight and are, in fact, decreased in people with severe obesity. However, the insulin response to nutrient ingestion in such people is increased, suggesting that, as with glucose and non-esterified fatty acids, the β cell might become more responsive to the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists to modulate insulin secretion. GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide and semaglutide stimulate postprandial insulin secretion, reduce glucagon secretion, delay gastric emptying, and induce weight loss through reduction of hunger and consequent food intake. It can also increase the feeling of fullness in patients, and reduce feelings of cravings.


Our CSA newsletter from June 9:
Dear CSA members,
Sorry about the blue paper—I ran out of white and haven’t had time to get to the store! I promise something a little easier on your eyes for Week 2.
Yay, it’s harvest season! And—also still planting season. Which means it’s a very busy season. We’re making good progress, though, with mostly just the vine crops (squashes, melons, cucumbers), green onions, and corns to plant this weekend.
As you can see, the spinach recovered from the seed corn maggot fly larva that was munching on its roots a month or so ago. Fortunately, the fly has a fairly short life cycle, so once the larva pupated and quit eating the spinach roots, the plants rebounded pretty quickly. The kale has been a little slower to recover, but it’s coming along. I hope to begin harvesting that in a couple of weeks. Despite the trouble these seed corn flies have caused us, it was pretty neat to watch the beneficial insects respond when the flies hatched from their pupas and emerged from the soil. Suddenly, there were hundreds of flies in the garden—ugh! But then, lots and lots of blue damselflies moved in. They were everywhere, darting around the plants and eating the flies.
I see this again and again, with different crops and insect species. One week aphids attack the tomatoes—the next week the tomatoes are full of ladybugs. Colorado potato beetles erupt in the potatoes—but here comes a praying mantis or two. It’s not that we don’t ever suffer crop loss because of insect damage or that we don’t take measures ourselves to prevent that, but over the years I’ve gotten much slower to panic about insect pest problems. I can’t remember the last time I used an organically approved broad spectrum insecticide on the vegetable plants. If I were to do so, I’d knock out those beneficial insects as well as the pests and then I’d have no one to help me with the next pest outbreak. Besides, it’s just fun to watch the insect drama unfold.
These situations also make me feel really grateful to you, our CSA members. By supporting us through bounty and pestilence alike, you make it possible for us to make these ecologically sound choices that might result in crop loss (but often don’t). When I choose not to use a broad spectrum insecticide (even an organically approved one), I feel your support in that choice since I don’t have to worry so much about the financial ramifications of losing that crop. I can wait and see what solutions nature provides before I jump in with extreme action. So thank you for supporting us in farming this way! It means a lot.
A couple of beginning-of-the-season notes on washing and storing your produce:
Washing—probably a good idea! Even though you don’t need to worry about chemical residues on our produce, our gardens are full of bugs and slugs and birds that may have crawled across or sampled your produce prior to harvest. We do rinse off the greens and roots after harvest, but it’s a good idea to give them another wash before you put them on the table. Also, we try very hard to make sure there are no creepy-crawlies hiding out in your vegetables before they get to you, but slugs and bugs are camouflage artists—it’s how they avoid predators and stay alive. So it’s entirely likely that at some point you may find an unwelcome hitchhiker in your produce. Apologies in advance!
Storing produce—different vegetables like different temperatures and humidities. We try to get your veggies to you in prime condition. You can extend their life by storing them under the conditions that suit them best. For example, the lettuce mix and spinach bags will do well in your crisper drawer or on the lower shelf in your refrigerator. The pac choi would do well wrapped in a plastic bag or damp towel to keep the leaves moist and stored in your crisper drawer. The strawberries—well, just eat them.
Pac choi is one of our relatively reliable spring crops. You can stir-fry it with other vegetables and proteins or simply sauté it as a side dish. It’s nice with garlic and ginger, as in this recipe from the FairShare CSA Coalition’s From Asparagus to Zucchini:
Sesame Soy Braised Bok Choy
Ingredients: 1 head bok choy [or pac choi]; 2 Tbsp peanut oil; 1 Tbsp grated ginger; 1 Tbsp minced garlic; ½ cup chicken stock; 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil; 2 Tbsp soy sauce; 2 tsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; salt and pepper; 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Trim the root end off the bok choy head. Slice the leafy portions of the plants from the stalks. Cut both the leaves and the stalks into large matchstick-size pieces (“julienne”), keeping the two piles separate. Heat large skillet or wok for until the surface looks hazy, 2-4 minutes. Add peanut oil and swirl it to coat the pan. Add bok choy stems; stir-fry about 5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic and stir-fry briefly. Add bok choy greens, stock, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar and salt and pepper. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until bok choy is tender and glazed with sauce, about 5-8 minutes. Remove cover, sprinkle with sesame seeds, increase heat to medium-high and cook until excess liquid evaporates, 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Have a great week everyone! And wish us luck with the planting this weekend.
Amy & John


Date Uploaded: 17/02/2017
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against cancer.
They have discovered how certain cancers hijack the immune system for their benefit, tricking it into helping rather than harming them.
The team from the Smurfit Institute of Genetics at TCD, led by professor of medical genetics, Seamus Martin, identified a molecule that sends a ‘wound-healing’ message from tumours.
“If we can disrupt this messaging system, we may be able to fight certain cancers,” said Prof Martin.
The wound-healing aspect of the immune response stimulates the growth of new cells within damaged tissue and brings extra nutrients and oxygen into the injured tissue. However, cancers frequently exploit the wound-healing side of the immune system for their own ends. They can masquerade as damaged tissue to receive help from the immune system.
Scientists found that a molecule called TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, that normally delivers a signal for cells to die can become rewired in certain tumours to send an inflammatory wound-healing signal.
“Understanding how cancers turn on the wound-healing response has been mysterious, so we are very excited to find that certain cancers exploit TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. This suggests ways in which we can turn off this reaction in cancers that use TNF- related apoptosis-inducing ligand to hoodwink the immune system into helping rather than harming them, said Prof Martin.
He said about 90% of solid cancers are fooling the immune cells into doing its best to help the tumour.
“A lot of people don’t realise cancer is very treatable because of breakthroughs like this enable new ways of attacking tumours. What we have discovered is another approach that can be used in the cancer treatment armoury.”
The research, supported by Science Foundation Ireland and Worldwide Cancer Research, is published in the peer-reviewed international journal Molecular Cell.
Journalist: Evelyn Ring


Microbial Speculation of Our Gut Feelings
Tiffany Jaeyeon Shin
Microbial Speculation of Our Gut Feelings uses the gut’s microbes as a way of looking deeply into immigrant health and resisting processes of colonization. Tiffany Jaeyeon Shin’s Session at Recess illuminates the vibrant materiality of immigrant bodies by transforming the gallery space into an immersive DIY indoor garden and micro-brewery. Shin will home-brew lactic acid and use it to facilitate plant growth and seed germination, a tradition used in a Korean natural farming called JADAM. In the spirit of JADAM, which translates to “people that resemble nature,” Shin will harvest plants, herbs, and fungi, all of which will be foraged for a final, microbial dinner feast.
The gut’s microbial composition governs many of our bodily systems: the skin, neurotransmitters, immunity, metabolism, mental health, and digestion. Microbial Speculation of Our Gut Feelings responds to research published in 2018 in the scientific journal Cell that shows that immigrants lose their native gastrointestinal microbes within six to nine months after arriving in the United States. These native microbes are then replaced with microbes more common in European-American people, a process that makes immigrants more vulnerable to metabolic diseases. Given this, how might immigrants resist the literal and material Westernization of their bodies?
Taking ecology as subject and methodology, Microbial Speculation of Our Gut Feelings dives into Shin’s research on lactic acid bacteria (LAB). When consumed, LAB can fortify the gastric lining, improving metabolization and immunity. LAB is also a natural probiotic that inputs microbes into the soil, cultivating complex, indigenous microbial communities. Shin considers these ferments as a vital material that suggests possibilities for common survival, inter-species symbiosis, and care.
Shin’s home-brewed lactic acid and indoor garden provide an opportunity to reimagine the ecological composition of the human body as a speculative and animated site for microbial transformation.
On view: March 7–April 19, 2024


This 1,500-acre wildlife habitat is famous for the large population of Sandhill Cranes during the winter season of October through February. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area lies in the Chiricahua desert grassland habitat of the Sulphur Springs Valley. Spotting scopes are located on the viewing platforms for use by visitors. Allow 2 hours.
Each winter season, October through February, more than 20,000 Sandhill Cranes flock to this playa (an ancient, closed basin lakebed). The area was formed from ancient sedimentary deposits of gravel, sand and silt, as well as dune sand and landslide landslide masses. A birding festival held every January, "Wings Over Willcox", features food, field trips, seminars, etc. Allow 2 hours.


There are many different types of gallbladder disease, some of which can cause extreme pain during an attack. Jaime L. Roman-Pavajeau, MD, PA, is an experienced general surgeon providing outstanding care to patients living in and around Katy, Texas. If you would like to schedule a consultation for abdominal pain, call the office, or book online today.
Gallbladder disease is an umbrella term for a number of conditions that can affect the gallbladder.
Your gallbladder is a small sac that sits underneath your liver, storing the bile that’s produced in the liver and delivering it to your small intestine. Your body uses bile to help it digest fats as they pass through your small intestine.
There are numerous types of gallbladder disease. Some of the more common gallbladder conditions include:
Gallstones form from undissolved cholesterol, bilirubin, and other substances that build up and block off the gallbladder and bile ducts. They vary in size between tiny grains and masses the size of a golf ball.
Cholecystitis can be either an acute or chronic inflammation in the gallbladder. Gallstones often lead to acute cholecystitis attacks, but the condition may occasionally have other causes, including tumors. Chronic cholecystitis develops after repeated attacks of acute cholecystitis when the gallbladder shrinks and can’t store or release its bile supply.
If you have gallstones that get stuck in the neck of your gallbladder or bile ducts, bile builds up and causes inflammation and distension of your gallbladder, a condition known as choledocholithiasis. Choledocholithiasis can cause extreme pain as well as fever, jaundice, and vomiting.
Other conditions affecting the gallbladder include:
To diagnose your gallbladder disease, Dr. Roman-Pavajeau reviews your symptoms and medical history and carries out a comprehensive physical exam. You need to have blood tests and may also need to undergo diagnostic procedures such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or other forms of diagnostic testing.
An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may also be useful, especially if Dr. Roman-Pavajeau suspects you have a gallstone blockage, as he can clear the gallstones during the ERCP procedure.
Making lifestyle changes such as losing weight and managing underlying conditions like diabetes can make a significant difference for many forms of gallbladder disease. If you have an attack of gallbladder pain, it can be severe, so you may need prescription medication to control the pain and ease the inflammation.
The main treatment for bouts of gallbladder disease that cause multiple attacks of inflammation and pain is surgical removal. This is a safe and effective treatment, as you can live without your gallbladder. Dr. Roman-Pavajeau is an expert in performing many forms of surgery, including minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder removal.
If you’re concerned you may have gallbladder disease, call Jaime L. Roman-Pavajeau, MD, PA, today, or book an appointment online.


Stay, Stray, Play and Feast is taking a break from traveling and feasting to post a personal standpoint about GMO's aside from anti-GMO advocates violent stand.
This was written by my then 12 year old daughter 2 to 3 years ago at the Village Montessori School when she was in first year high school.
GMO: Life- Saving Botanical Vaccines
Nicole P. Caceres
The Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) forum that we attended at the Naga Science High School was an exercise of futility. It wasn’t a forum at all as the speakers were all against GMO. I cannot believe that it was even held in (supposed to be) a Science High School but the lecturers invited by the organizers were far from being scientific. They were more of religious zealots.
GMO is not a new thing.
Human beings were the first beneficiaries of the genetically modified organisms that continue to save millions of lives. Scientist cultured deadly microorganisms, and genetically attenuated their virulence and pathogenicity, inoculated them to people to protect them from various diseases.
Measles, pneumonia, typhoid fever, hepatitis, tuberculosis and even certain types of cancer, to name a few- have been eradicated in advanced countries like United States due to strict implementation of their immunization programs.
During the GMO forum, I have noticed that the people who are against genetically modified organisms are being too closed-minded. They based their fears on unproven theories, hearsays and testimonials rather than scientific researches’ conclusions and outcome.
The most ludicrous part of the supposed to be scientific session is that the anti- GMO’s are even using biblical verses to justify their lunacy. Using God as a reason is unacceptable in any scientific endeavour. I would rather go to church if I need a spiritual shot in my arm- but the organizer actually bastardized what is supposed to be a scientific session with so many personal outbursts of emotions.
To justify their contradictions to GMO’s, they cited that a number “innocent creatures”, (that’s how they call them), are going to die because it would interfere with the natural cycle of life.
Let us talk in a more scientific way. It is but natural for Mycobactrum Tuberculosis (the bug that causes TB) to live in someone’s lung. It is a part of their natural cycle or they will petrify and die. It is also of human nature that no one would what their lungs to be the host for the said bacteria. I would not want any TB bacteria in my lungs even if I am a part of their life cycle. I would gladly donate them to the anti- GMO advocates. Would they be happy to host the bacteria until they spit blood after their lungs are eaten by the disease? Even veterinarians give anti- TB shots to cattles. Who would want to eat TB infected beef? If GMO vaccines were not invented, everyone would be eating naturally diseased meat.
If I were a corn and there’s someone offering me protection from bugs- I would want one for myself. Oh, if only corns could talk, every corn in the world would be demanding to become a genetically modified corn.
I also found it silly when they said that GMO is not the answer to decreasing poverty rate. They may be partly right- since the cause of poverty is multi- factorial. GMO is not the answer to poverty but it would help alleviate hunger. The climate change nowadays, brings large amount of rain causing flash floods and sometimes prolonged draught on summer. Extreme changes in temperature and weather brings pestilence.
Who would not want to have flood resistant GMO rice that would assure farmers of bountiful harvest even after a devastating typhoon? Or pest- resistant crops that could resist extreme heat and drought?
The anti- GMO advocates also contended that it has negative effects to humans that consume them. That’s highly speculative and according to my Dad (who is a doctor) he has not heard of any medical condition related to people that consumed GMO in any medical books or any medical literatures. Such condition only exists as a paranoia to some people and they need to be seen by a psychiatrist.
GMOs could make plants, flood and pest- resistant and even sunlight resistant. They would also serve as a protection to the strong ultra-violet lights. They could serve as plant- protective sunblocks. GMOs are botanical vaccines that make plants and animals resistant to disease. Plants with strong resistance to pests and sunlight bear fruits and vegetables with longer shelf life and stay fresh longer.
The contention that some bugs would evolve into stronger and more dangerous creatures- well, I thought these people that have been citing the bible do not believe in evolution. Evolution is a natural thing. Remember, Adam and Eve evolve from Lucy. With or without GMO’s everything in the universe will evolve in response to climactic and environmental changes.
Some species are bound to be extinct even without the GMOs. Imagine humans co- existing with the dinosaurs if they did not get extinct? GMO’s were not invented then so I don’t think they’re responsible for specie evolution and extinction.
Citing biblical verses in a scientific forum is a big NO.
Based from what I learned from our Science and a Religion classes, it was mentioned that Religion and Science do not go hand-in-hand because they conflict with each other. Bible is a book of faith. It was not written as a scientific paper so we should not seek scientific answers from the bible.
While we ask people to respect the bible and the bible believers, isn’t it fair that we respect science and scientists as well?


Curious about a completely natural form a birth control, free of drugs, devices and worry? Want to know how to determine when ovulation has occurred so that you can safely have intercourse without concern of pregnancy – or to know when is the best time to conceive? Wondering about the effects of different hormones, and how women’s cycles are intimately related to the cycles and rhythms of our lives?
The Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) is a natural and precise sympto-thermal method that helps offer a new perspective on cyclical changes, which can be helpful for determining the best time to conceive – or to avoid pregnancy – and also offer insight into how these changes are part of our deeper sexual and creative expression. This introductory course will outline the basic notions of FAM, clarify misconceptions about the practice, and explain when it is and isn’t an ideal method. It is open to anyone interested in learning more about how FAM.


Stress comes from a feeling of being threatened or overwhelmed by life's challenges, we feel stressed when we feel unable to cope or we have a feeling of being out of control. What one person may feel stressed about another person may not; it is very dependent on the individual and their coping strategies.
Refined over thousands of years our bodies have created mechanisms to protect us in stressful, life threatening situations, stress causes a surge of hormones in your body. Stress hormones are released to enable you to deal with pressures or threats, also known as the fight or flight response. Adrenaline and Cortisol are released which increase your heart rate, raises your blood pressure, suppresses your digestive and immune systems.
Once the pressure or threat has passed, your stress hormone levels will usually return to normal. However, if you're constantly under stress, these hormones will remain in your body, leading to the symptoms of stress.
Everyone is different, but stress can affect how you feel, think, behave and how your body works. Signs and symptoms of stress can include anxiety, excessive worrying, sleep disturbance, IBS, loss or gaining of weight, sweating and difficulty concentrating. You may also experience headaches, muscle tension or pain, or dizziness. This may lead to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, worsening of skin conditions such as eczema and depression.
Using tried and tested techniques we can help you to reduce your feelings of stress and learn new ways of dealing with stressful situations, improving your self-
To find out more please contact the Therapy Needs Met team now.


Essential oils are potent phytochemicals that are extracted from plants. They help preserve the plant’s life and functions in adverse conditions. As a result, they can be used to help balance pain and stress conditions that we experience in our lives.
Each of our essential oil blends are carefully formulated and crafted by hand to help the body balance out the stress and discomfort we experience in our routines by simply applying them onto the pressure points, like the wrists, behind the ears, on the temples, and the forehead, or in the case of the pain relief oils, the area of discomfort.
The beauty of essential oils is that they help the body adapt and balance itself to the optimal level without any habit-forming actions. They work on the body as and when applied. The beautiful aromas that accompany essential oil blends are just an additional bonus.


Libragel protective vaginal gel is an aqueous gel that contains purified water, carbomer, phenoxyethanol, polyethylene glycol, sodium hydroxide.
Libragel has been developed by a team of researchers at the Karolinska Institute in collaboration with some of Sweden’s most established midwives and sexologists, to be used by women with dry or sensitive epithelia. Libragel can be used before sexual intercourse or exercise to ease burning sensations, pain, and potential soreness by establishing a protective barrier which reduces friction. It can also be used around the vaginal opening and the outer genitals if needed.
The gel is easy to use and immediately creates protection. Libragel forms a barrier on the vaginal epithelium, which gives a pleasant cooling feeling. The protective membrane reduces friction which can otherwise cause burning sensations, pain and cracking.
The gel has a balanced pH that helps to preserve the vaginal pH.
Libragel gives a soothing, moist sensation. Libragel is hormone-free.
Libragel is intended for use inside the vagina and on the outer labia. Libragel is applied inside the vagina with a pre-filled applicator. The applicator is designed to supply the recommended amount of Libragel.
Using the Libragel applicator:
- Hold the applicator at its wide end.
- Twist off the seal at the narrow end and discard.
- Insert the narrow end of the applicator carefully into the vagina, as deep as possible without discomfort.
- Squeeze the wide end of the applicator firmly and apply the gel. The applicator is intended for single use. Once the applicator has been opened, it should be used immediately.
How Libragel works:
Libragel creates a moist barrier on the inside of the vagina, giving a smooth, cooling sensation. The protective surface reduces friction which could otherwise cause burning sensation, pain and soreness when having sexual intercourse. Libragel has a high water content, which adds moisture to the vagina and the outer genitals. Libragel has a balanced pH that contributes to maintaining the vaginal pH, which makes the gel gentle to use. Libragel is dermatologically tested.
Do not use the product if you are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients stated.
For more information, please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.org or visit www.libragel.se.


StartTime: Sat 29 January 2011 9:30 am
Manual Muscle Testing for the Acupuncturist
Instructor: Matt Callison
Date: 29-30 January 2010
Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Venue: Wellpark College of Natural Medicine, 6 Francis Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland
NZRA CPD 12 Hours approved
Costs: NZRA Members $325.00
Non-NZRA Members $350.00
MMT and other specific orthopedic examinations will be taught that identify muscle imbalance and cause injury. These assessment techniques are an integral part of differential diagnosis.
MMT is performed to identify and evaluate the integrity of the contractile tissue and the muscle's capability of providing support and stability. Learn why a muscle is weak and how to turn the muscle back on with innovative acupuncture needling techniques.
Learn how to identify muscle/tendon injury. MMT will identify the injured tissue therefore providing the practitioner with an accurate assessment of location of the involved muscle/tendon and the affected acupuncture meridian to treat.
This workshop will focus on the anatomy, palpation and the fundamentals of MMT for muscles acting on the neck, shoulder, low back, hip and knee.
Innovative treatment protocols will be demonstrated and practiced consisting of needle techniques to the involved motor and Huatuojiaji points to balance the musculoskeletal system. Direct moxibustion techniques to the injured tendon and myofascial release techniques the injured tissue for long lasting results.
The experience of this workshop will refine your assessment and treatment skills, expand your knowledge of muscle balancing using acupuncture techniques and greatly enhance the success rate in identifying and treating muscle/tendon injuries.
To enroll go to: https://www.sportsmedicineacupuncture.com/acusport-seminar-series-continuing-education/
Contact: Kim Fanelli at firstname.lastname@example.org


Ozone, a powerful antioxidant, is produced when oxygen (O2) molecules are dissociated by an energy source into oxygen atoms and subsequently form an unstable gas, ozone (O3). Most wastewater treatment plants generate ozone by imposing a high voltage alternating current across a dielectric discharge gap that contains an oxygen-bearing gas. Ozone is generated onsite because it is unstable and decomposes to elemental oxygen in a short time after generation. Ozone is a very strong oxidant and virucide.
- Direct oxidation/destruction of the cell wall with leakage of cellular constituents outside of the cell
- Reactions with radical by-products of ozone decomposition
- Damage to the constituents of the nucleic acids (purines and pyrimidines)
- Breakage of carbon-nitrogen bonds leading to depolymerisation


Lab Services Overview
Newland Medical Associates laboratories are dedicated to providing high quality, cost effective laboratory services through clinical expertise and patient focused support services.
Newland Medical Associates has on-site laboratory services to help our physicians rapidly and accurately assess your health care needs. Our laboratories are modern, computerized facilities with state-of-the-art instrumentation. We provide a comprehensive range of diagnostic services, from the complete blood count to specialized processing. As an patient, you can benefit from our compassionate, experienced phlebotomy employees. The lab is staffed by highly trained medical laboratory technicians.
Rapid availability of test results is another valuable service. When needed, many of the critical blood tests your doctor has ordered can be processed immediately in the clinic lab to expedite diagnosis and treatment.
Newland Medical Associates Laboratories maintain unsurpassed quality and performance standards so that you can be assured of accurate, reliable test results. Our clinical and technical quality is maintained through our participation in state and national proficiency and licensure programs.
CBC – Complete Blood Count
This test is usually ordered as part of a routine medical exam. The CBC monitors the cellular elements in your blood such as the infection fighting white blood cells (WBC), the oxygen carrying red blood cells (RBC), and platelets, which aid in the clotting process. It also gives a measure of hemoglobin (HGB) the actual iron binding material inside the RBC.
To the oncology patient the CBC is a very important test. It is the direct reflection of what is happening in the bone marrow. Much of the treatment that a cancer patient receives has an impact on the bone marrow, which in turn is reflected in the CBC. The CBC is used not only to monitor treatment effects. It is used to monitor disease states such as the several forms of leukemia, anemia, and hereditary blood disorders.
WBC – White Blood Count
This test is a part of a CBC and is a count of the actual number of white blood cells per volume of blood. The WBC differential looks at the types of white blood cells present. There are five different types of white blood cells, each with its own function in protecting us from infection. The differential classifies a person’s WBCs into each type: neutrophils, which fight bacterial infection (also known as segs, or grans), lymphocytes, the cells of the immune system which fight viral infections, monocytes, the cells that are on garbage detail that help tidy up the blood and tissues, and the eosinophils and basophils that respond to allergies.
This test is often a part of the CBC. It is ordered when a patient has unexplained bruises or takes a long time to stop bleeding from a small cut or wound. Chemotherapy and some certain drugs can cause a decreased in the platelet count. Patients at risk for bleeding are monitored closely to maintain their platelet count at an acceptable level.
This test is used to monitor therapy during treatment for ovarian cancer. It is also useful to monitor possible disease progression after treatment is complete. It may also be used to follow high-risk women who have a family history of ovarian cancer but who do not yet have the disease.
This test is used to monitor the response to treatment for breast cancer. It is also useful to monitor for recurrence of breast cancer after diagnosis and initial therapy.
Iron is needed to help form red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron is an important part of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and then releases it as blood flows to other parts of the body. Low iron levels can lead to anemia, in which the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Other conditions, some inherited, can cause you to have too much iron in your blood. This too needs to be monitored because of the strain it can put on the liver.
The American Cancer Society recommends that this test be performed on men beginning at age 50 on an annual basis. It is used to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer and to watch for recurrence of prostate cancer after diagnosis and initial therapy.
Common Lab Questions
Since larger needles hurt more, why don’t you always use the smallest needle possible?
Small needles cause pressure changes in the collecting tubes and may cause hemolysis or damage to the red cells. This hemolysis can cause a specimen to be unacceptable or worse yet, when it is small enough to get by, will cause incorrect answers. So, the standard size needles became standard because they cause the least amount of trauma to the patient while giving the laboratory an acceptable specimen. There is no actual difference in the bore size of a butterfly versus a straight needle. Butterflies are more convenient to use for small difficult veins.
Why does everyone keep asking for my date of birth?
Your birthday is only one of the ways we use identify you. We adhere to very strict patient identification standards to make sure that there are no mix-ups when it comes to your blood specimens.
How do I get the results of the tests my doctor ordered?
Some of your lab test results may be available before you leave the office. You can ask your nurse or physician for those results. For other test results, you may call the office several days after your blood is drawn to ask the nurse about your results. Do not call the laboratory for results because we are not allowed to give out this information.
Can I get a copy of my results?
You may ask the person drawing your blood for a copy of the results. If the test results will be available before you leave the clinic, you may have a copy of the result. For tests completed after you leave, you will need to sign an authorization form if you want them sent to you.
Another one of my doctors has ordered lab work in addition to what has been ordered at Newland Medical Associates. Can I get those done here also?
If you have a prescription from the other physician, we may be able to perform this testing. The prescription must have the physician’s name, address, phone number and a medically appropriate diagnosis code. (However this can only be done when you are scheduled for blood work from one of our doctors that same day. In other words we can not draw blood for another doctor only.)
Why can’t I just go to the lab to have a test done without seeing a doctor?
Each test requires a physician’s order to assure appropriate tests are done under the appropriate circumstances. This helps to avoid wasteful testing and assures that there is a single physician ultimately responsible to follow-up on that test result.


You have reached the home of the nutriment range of dietary supplements, an exclusive range that uses barley grass as only additive. No flowing agents. No anti-caking agents. Nothing other than barley grass and the active ingredients.
Normally dietary supplements are made by mixing a number of isolated nutrients (the active ingredients) with an inactive base. This merely provides a few isolated nutrients to correct a possible deficiency in one's diet. By mixing the active ingredients with barley grass however, the dietary supplement is transformed into a wholesome food – a nutriment –which furnishes the body with all the nutrients that are needed on a daily basis. This in turn leads to an increase in energy, vitality and wellbeing.
Isn't that what dietary supplementation is all about?
|Supplement: n Thing added to remedy deficiencies.||Nutriment: n Something that nourishes or promotes growth, provides energy, repairs body tissue and maintains life.|
|The Concise Oxford Dictionary, New Edition||Merriam-Webster Dictionary|
A Need For Supplementation
Supplements are taken in order to provide those nutrients that we no longer obtain from our diets - something that is added to our daily food intake to make up for any deficiency that may exist. We take it for granted that these supplements provide the necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients (the active ingredients, or actives listed on the label), that are missing from our food. What we tend to overlook is that most dietary supplements contain a number of ingredients in addition to those listed as actives, ingredients that are not always indicated on the label. These so called “other ingredients” that are found in dietary supplements include inactive additives such as fillers, anti-caking agents, preservatives and more - often in such quantities that they exceed the amount of the actives themselves.
Take biotin as an example.
Biotin is one of the B vitamins which plays an important role in energy producing cycles in the body. Biotin is required in very small quantities on a daily basis and usually forms part of a vitamin B complex supplement. Sometimes however, there is an added requirement for biotin and then it has to be taken separately.
The RDA (recommended daily allowance) for biotin is 400 microgram - a measure so small that it could be placed on a pin head. Yet a typical biotin supplement will often exceed 300 milligrams in weight – well over 700 times the amount of biotin itself.
Think about that for a moment. If you are taking a supplement for its biotin content, you are not only getting the biotin but also 700 times as much added ingredients, ingredients for which no deficiencies exist.
What exactly are these other ingredients, or additives, that are included with the active component of our supplements, and what role, if any, do they play in our bodies?
The Nature of Additives
It wouldn't make sense to fill a large capsule with a few micrograms of actives such as biotin powder, and so manufacturers add inactive fillers or bulking agents to the active component (biotin), to increase the volume until it reaches a suitable quantity. Often the filler on its own is not enough. The powder may tend to clump together so an inactive anti-caking agent may be added, or a flowing agent to facilitate the powder's flow characteristics. All these various inactive ingredients are invariably synthetic and contain components that are foreign to the body. Even those derived from natural materials such as plant fibre (cellulose) are highly processed and may contain residues of solvents and bleaching agents that can be harmful. The resultant supplement consequently consists of a small amount of active material – the biotin – and a large amount of inactive ingredients consisting mostly of synthetic chemicals and harmful solvent residues.
The Shortcomings of Modern Supplements
Mixing the likes of biotin with inactive ingredients and turning this into a supplement is largely an artificial process which has a number of disadvantages. The first of these is that the additives as a whole provide a less than optimal food source for the absorption and utilization of the active ingredients. Our digestive systems are designed to make use of plants and animals products as a natural food source - living organisms where vitamins and minerals are associated with other nutrients (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) that all play an active part in the body. Isolating nutrients in an inactive base simply doesn't make sense.
During digestion of natural foods vitamins and minerals attach to protein complexes in the digestive tract, which enhances their absorption and ensures that they do not end up as isolated entities in the blood stream. Proteins complexes in the blood are not normally excreted by the kidneys, and so the attached vitamins and minerals remain in the body much longer.
With artificial foodstuffs such as supplements, protein complexes cannot be formed from the inactive additives and the attachment of active ingredients such as vitamins and other nutrients thus cannot take place. Vitamins and minerals are consequently absorbed less efficiently, enter the blood stream as isolated, free-floating nutrients and are rapidly excreted by the kidneys, resulting in strongly coloured so called “expensive” urine.
A second disadvantage of supplements is that the exclusive use of inactive ingredients results in the scarcity of nutrients as a whole, a condition not found in foods that occur naturally. The biotin supplement, for example, contains only biotin and inactive additives, whereas a biotin-rich food source such as an egg provides not only the biotin but numerous other nutrients that are essential for the biochemical processes of the body. Taking a supplement that provides biotin in isolated form can be likened to oiling a single cog in a complex piece of machinery – if the other cogs aren't oiled as well, the machine will eventually come to a complete standstill.
The presense of foreign chemicals is also of concern. Foreign particles of any sort mobilize the immune system and thus use up the body's reserves of nutrients. A single supplement may trigger only a slight immune response, but if 20 or more supplements are taken each day the total amount of inactive material consumed may exceed 2 grams – half a level teaspoon – and could contain a substantial amount of foreign chemicals. In this case the immune response would be much greater, and the body's nutrient reserves would be drained more substantially, counteracting the effect of taking supplements in the first place.
Barley Grass as Supplement Additive
Mixing biotin with barley grass as only additive largely eliminates the shortcomings of supplements. The biotin now forms part of a natural food source. A food source, moreover, that has a higher level of biotin than the active ingredient, as is the case with biotin-rich eggs for example.
During digestion of the biotin/barley grass supplement, the breakdown of the barley grass ensures that protein complexes and other breakdown products are available, as they would be with a natural food source. The biotin can thus attach itself to these protein complexes, resulting in enhanced absorption and retention as with any natural food source.
Barley grass also provides a wealth of nutrients that are absorbed during the digestion process, ensuring that all the biochemical pathway in the body receive adequate nutrients for optimal functioning.
The biotin/barley grass supplement contains no chemical additives or foreign components that unnecessarily mobilize the immune system. Taking in excess of 20 capsules per day would provide the benefits of 2g – ½ teaspoon – of pure barley grass powder in addition to the active labelled ingredients, thus restoring the body's reserves over time and enhancing well-being overall.
Medicatrix Naturae - Natural Medicine
In the time of Hippocrates approximately 2500 years ago people ate foods that were rich in nutrients. Supplements were unknown - the industrial revolution with its processing and refining techniques was still a long way off, and foods had not yet been stripped of the the vitamins and minerals that our bodies require to keep the biochemical pathways functioning optimally and so ensuring peak health. The so called metabolic diseases of today, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer were virtually unheard of – the food you ate was indeed the medicine that kept you healthy.
Animals in the wild eat the same food which they always have, and rarely become ill. Clearly, this is because the grasses and leaves that serve as their food source have remained unchanged since the time of Hippocrates. We humans on the other hand have become prone to a myriad of ailments. The answer lies in the foods that we eat. Genetically, humans and animals have remained virtually the same over the past 2 ½ thousand years, but the environment hasn't. Soil depletion, pesticides, industrial refining processes and pollution have all contributed to the decline in our food quality which in turn has given rise to the large number of metabolic illnesses so prevalent among us. It is only by changing to an organic lifestyle and eating the foods to which we are naturally adapted that we can regain our health. This may not always be possible, but an acute awareness of the foods that we eat and the judicious choice of the dietary supplements taken on a daily basis, will take us a long way there.
Medicatrix nutriments contain all the nutritional benefits of the wholesome foods to which we are naturally adapted, providing the necessary vitamins and minerals needed to keep all the biochemical pathways in the body functioning optimally, thus ensuring optimal health and vitality - very much like foods in the time of Hippocrates.
Medicatrix nutriments have the added advantage that they can supply higher concentrations of active ingredients than normally found in natural food sources. The amount of vitamin B5 from 50 apples, for example, can be supplied in a single capsule. Known deficiency conditions such as arthritis can therefore be specifically targeted with nutriments that contain a higher than normal concentration of vitamin B5 – the active ingredient – mixed with a barley grass base to ensure optimal utilization. It is therefore possible to correct abnormal deficiency conditions more rapidly than when eating normal wholesome food – better even than in Hippocrates day! – making Medicatrix nutriments a natural medicine in the true sense of the word.
We have made every endeavour to create a supplement range as healthy as possible.
* First of all, by using only barley grass, we have eliminated the harmful additives that are normally found in supplements and changed the nutritional format from a highly artificial one to one that is found in wholesome foods.
* We have used capsules made from vegetable material throughout the range, coloured dark green – using chlorophyll – to protect against UV rays from sunlight as much as possible.
* We have used amber glass bottles with metal caps throughout for enhanced UV protection as well as to eliminate the possible harmful effects of plastic contaminants.
* We have provided each bottle with a full-length shrink sleeve seal to further protect against UV radiation and oxidation, thereby keeping the contents fresh and providing tamper proof protection.
* Finally, we have replaced the desiccant sachet and sponge insert with an inert cellophane wad to prevent the possibility of toxins leaching into the supplement.
Sounds good? We think so. It's the type of supplement we would all want to have.
Some images courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


It is too early to be awake. The house is dark and the sun is barely breaking the horizon. Yet we are awake. For some this is the norm, but for us it is not. Neither of our children have functional sleep patterns. Between the two of them there is a 4-6 hour window we can actually sleep.
Sleep is definitely a gift in this house. Sleep plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, memory, learning, and other vital functions, it is during sleep that our body repairs itself.
There are 5 stages in the sleep cycle. Stage 1 – falling asleep. Stage 2 – disengaging from your surroundings. Stage 3 – falling into deep sleep and beginning restorative functions. Stage 4 – deep sleep, most high level functions of the brain are shut down. Stage 5 – REM sleep. The areas of the brain that handle emotions and memory to become highly active.
During deep sleep your body is restoring itself from the damages that occurred during the day from toxins in our environment, hormones released from stress, toxins in our water and food, illness, etc. Research has shown that the brain needs at least 3 hours to shut down. That’s 3 hours of sleep minimum for your body to begin the process of repair.
Sleep is vital.
Without we cannot be prepared to handle the chaos the happens each day. We become impatient. Anxious. Frustrated. All of this only escalates the chaos. not just for us as parents, but for our children. When they have not slept enough their bodies react in chaos, perhaps even to the extreme. Every little thing becomes an irritant to them. It can be a vicious cycle, this lack of sleep.
But how do you find it when you live with dysfunctional sleep patterns? The answer is not easy for us. It is a matter of trial and error and being flexible. Creating an environment where sleep cycles correct. Taking turns on the awakening. And we are still seeking the solution.
In the mean time, a strong cup of coffee might just be in order.
This is day seven in 31 one days of finding quiet in the chaos. To view the whole series click here.


International Schooling for Aquaculture
The International Schooling for Aquaculture-Programme (ISFA) was founded in 2005 because we noticed that the owners and their employees needed support in operating a full-circulation system, as well as in reproducing and fattening fish all year round.
Since 1995 Fischgut Primus has been offering courses and training courses for interested parties and skilled fish workers as individual and group seminars with a focus on fish farming and plant operation. we started to hold special intensive training courses for farm managers and/or responsible employees of aquacultures built by Fischgut Primus Anlagenbau. In order to ensure practical orientation, the training courses are held in the highly modern multiplication and fattening farms of Fischgut Primus and Zierfisch Primus.
Because of the very high demand, these training courses have been open to all in the individual specialist areas since the beginning of 2008. We also offer you support in problem analysis, problem solving and troubleshooting, e.g. with regard to systems, recurring fish losses or waxing problems of individual fish species in different system types.
The training takes place in intensive courses, which take about 2-3 weeks. The pupil receives an intensive training in fully functional systems, tailored to his needs. The training units can last up to 10 hours per day.
The training begins with the normal operation of a modern recirculation system in order to experience the daily recurring tasks of a skilled worker in the field of recirculation technology for himself. Especially in the field of circulatory technology, the detection of diseases and the disease profile axis have proved to be the most important fields, so we start working on this subject at the same time.
The sex and maturity of some Fish species such as sturgeon are of great importance in breeding farms, of course.
After gender determination, reproduction is another important part of our programme to ensure fish production all year round regardless of weather conditions. Especially for fish species that are difficult to reproduce, well-founded training is the guarantee for a functioning aquaculture. Reproduction techniques, especially for sturgeon, present many biologists and fish masters with enormous challenges. In the case of reproduction, without appropriate training there would be no timely functional reproduction in the individual aquacultures.
Special trainings about the treatment of tumors (especially with the Koi), the marking of fish or the storage of sperm over longer periods of time will be treated by the ISFA according to your wish and urgency.
In Fischgut Primus not only the reproduction and rearing of individual fish species are taught, but also the processing of the fish. Slaughtering, refining (smoking) or the special preparation of your own specialities in the Fischrestaurant Primus can become part of your programme if you wish. It would also be possible to offer caviar removal and processing up to canning.
On request, the pupil will receive a certificate of participation in the individual subject areas which he or she will pass through here in the respective companies. Mr. Lothar Primus himself holds several diplomas in aquaculture, the last from the Banat Sturio for the construction and consulting of a sturgeon facility.
On special request the training can also take place directly in the aquaculture in which the participant of the ISFA program works or will work, especially in case of plant problems this approach has proven to be a leading goal.


Mechanisms of Development and Gene Expression Patterns are official publications of the ISDB. Mechanisms of Development is published in 1 volume (12 issues) per year and Gene Expression Patterns is published in 1 volume (6 issues) per year. Subscriptions to Mechanisms of Development and Gene Expression Patterns are available through Elsevier's Customer Service Department. Both journals are published in close collaboration between the ISDB and Elsevier and incorporate all ISDB News and are the official platform for communication with and between the members of the ISDB.
For further details, such as bibliographic and ordering information, instruction to authors, etcetera, click on the cover images


BELVEA LUBRICANT GEL (WATER BASED), 113g
BELVEA Lubricant Gel is ideal for use as lubricant for body orifice, prior to insertion of medical devices, such as vaginal speculum, probes, enemas, thermometers.
- Commonly used for rectal examination and during sexual intercourse.
- Non-sterile, greaseless, water-soluble, spermicide-free and hormone-free.
- Fully synthetic ingredients and contains NO animal and plant origin products.
Direction of Use
- Open cap. Squeeze to obtain the desired amount of lubricant and apply as needed


Posted Jul 27, 2006 19:28 UTC (Thu) by ncm
In reply to: Ubuntu Linux 6.06 review (Jem Report)
Parent article: Ubuntu Linux 6.06 review (Jem Report)
Planetary temperature fluctuations aren't a crippling problem if they take thousands of years to manifest, but what we see happening now is way, way too fast for most species, including our own, to adapt to. Biologists estimate a loss of 30% of species by 2050. Mass extinctions have happened many times in the past. They also are not a crippling problem, except to the species that go extinct, or to the species that depend on them. Of course we do depend on a great many species, e.g. to eat, to pollinate crops, and to build houses from. Even in the worst case, humanity probably won't go extinct, but a 90% (or 99%) population reduction would be hard, particularly on those most dependent on the rest; e.g. you and me.
It's nice to pretend the Earth is too big for people to affect, but the facts are that (1) the CO2 level is much higher than a century ago, and (2) we are clearly the source, and (3) big changes obviously affect the climate.
to post comments)


There is a need “for self-initiated products that women, especially young women, can and will use consistently. Women need practical and discreet tools that they can use to protect themselves from HIV infection,” said Dr. Flavia Matovu, an epidemiologist and investigator with the Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, based in Uganda.
Now, researchers including Matovu hope they may have an option in the vaginal ring, a flexible piece of silicon laced with an antiretroviral medication. Women insert it near their cervix, where it can safely remain for about a month, slowing releasing the drug at the site of a potential infection. The method is being tested in two crucial “open label” extension studies, wherein all willing participants will receive the medicated ring, rather than a placebo.


Unique, long-term effects of nicotine on adolescent brain
Adolescence is a time of major plasticity of brain systems that regulate motivated behavior and cognition, and is also the age of peak onset of nicotine use. Although there has been a decline in teen use of cigarettes in recent years, there has been a huge increase in nicotine vaping. It is therefore critically important to understand the impact of nicotine on this critical phase of brain development. Animal studies have shown that nicotine has unique effects on adolescent brain. The goal of this review is therefore to systematically evaluate age- and sex-differences in the effects of nicotine on brain and behavior. Both acute and chronic effects of nicotine on brain biochemistry and behavior, particularly drug reward, aversion, cognition and emotion, are evaluated. Gaps in our current knowledge that need to be addressed are also highlighted. This review compares and integrates human and animals findings. Although there can be no experimental studies in humans to confirm similar behavioral effects of teen nicotine exposure, an emerging observational literature suggests similarities across species. Given the substantial evidence for long-term negative impact of adolescent nicotine exposure on brain and behavior, further longitudinal assessment of health outcomes in teen and young adult e-cigarette users is warranted.
Source: National Institute of Health (2021). Unique, long-term effects of nicotine on adolescent brain.


Soil Arthropod Biodiversity: An Investigation in Eastern Hemlocks Following Chemical Treatment
Julia Thomas, firstname.lastname@example.org
Office of Sustainability & McCullough Institute
Abstract / Summary:
The hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) (HWA) is an invasive species that poses a significant threat to eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) and is the main contributor to the declining eastern hemlock populations. The HWA infestations have prompted the use of chemical neonicotinoid pesticide treatments across the eastern US. Previous research has demonstrated that the environmental consequences of these chemicals are a concern for many surrounding animal populations such as birds and invertebrates. This study investigated the impact of dinotefuran and imidacloprid (neonicotinoids) treatments on soil arthropod communities in Sandy Mush Game Land (SMGL), Western North Carolina. For this experiment, we examine the impacts of different combinations of the type of chemical control (imidacloprid, dinotefuran and imidacloprid), and time after application (no treatment, 5 years, and less than a year). Leaf litter samples were collected from five different plots, processed in the laboratory using Berlese Funnels, and observed organisms were classified by order. Based on the results, no significant differences in arthropod biodiversity were observed between plots in this experiment. Differences in abundance varied across groups and could suggest both direct and indirect implications of neonicotinoid use immediately after treatment. These findings suggest that the use of neonicotinoids does not have long term implications for arthropod diversity and abundance and that chemical treatment should proceed to avoid ecological implications of the loss of hemlock stands. Further research should take place with a more extensive experimental area and period of time to continue to investigate direct and indirect impacts of neonicotinoids on the soil organism biodiversity.


Buckthorn Removal & Treatment
Buckthorn varieties have aggressively invaded our woodlands and wetlands. As they mature into tall shrubs and small trees, they cast dense shade preventing the establishment of native plants. Once established, buckthorn has the potential to spread very aggressively due to the production of large numbers of berries, each containing 3 to 4 seeds. In addition, the seeds can remain in the soil for up to 6 years before germinating. Removal of these plants is an important first step in controlling buckthorn in our landscapes and woodlands.
Remove all mature buckthorns from site. Treat all cut stumps larger than 1/4 inch in diameter with approved herbicide to prevent resprouting. Perform work June through February. Eliminate all seedlings by pulling, weed whipping, or foliar spraying with approved herbicide (spray from mid October through early November). Replant area with native plant material.
Eliminate all seedlings by pulling, weed whipping, or foliar spraying with approved herbicide (spray from mid October through early November).