Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

PURPOSE: To validate the feasibility of robot-assisted simple retropubic prostatectomy (RSP) for men with severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (>80 g). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Institutional Review Board approval was not sought for this series. Men were offered RSP by two surgeons with a combined experience of >350 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies. The RSP replicated previously published robotic and laparoscopic techniques. Postoperative management consisted of continuous bladder irrigation and closed suction pelvic drainage without suprapubic catheterization. RESULTS: A total of nine men were treated. Indications for RSP included urinary retention in three patients, failed medical management in eight patients, and refusal of medical management in one. Average age was 68 years, mean prostate-specific antigen level was 17.4 ng/mL, and the average preoperative gland size (height-width-length volume) was 136.5 g (range 86-265 g). No operative or immediate postoperative complications occurred, and no transfusions were needed. Average blood loss, operative time, and console time were 206 mL, 183 minutes, and 147 minutes, respectively. Average pathologic adenoma volume was 112 g (range 53-220 g). Average hospitalization time and catheterization time were 32 hours and 13 days, respectively. The mean preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score was 17.8 compared with 7.77 at 6 months postoperatively (P=0.0096, 95% CI 2.83 - 17.40), with a mean follow-up time of 9.25 months. The mean Sexual Health Inventory for Men score was 12.7 preoperatively compared with 12.5 postoperatively (P=0.74, 95% confidence interval - 6.66-9.16). Persistent, severe urinary incontinence (4-6 pads per day) occurred in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: RSP is safe and reproducible when performed by experienced robotic surgeons and provides similar benefits to those associated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. In our limited experience, hemostasis was markedly decreased when compared with the open technique. Further investigation is necessary before widespread application of RSP.

Public service motivation (PSM) are motivational factors that are unique in professions that serve the public. This study examined PSM’s relationship to self-reported job satisfaction and job performance in a unique sample of emergency medical services professionals, in which little research on the PSM construct has been undertaken. The PSM factors that emerged in this study did not mirror the traditional four-factor structure. The public interest and self-sacrifice factors formed a single public service factor, and a small number of compassion factors loaded on a second factor, with the policy-making factor being fully replicated. All three factors were significantly related to job satisfaction, and none were related to job performance, while controlling for the influence of demographic and contextual factors. All of these contextual factors were significantly related to job performance, except for the length of time in the emergency medical services (EMS) field, but not job satisfaction.

Close to half of all community college students leave before obtaining their stated goals. In order to determine what student characteristics increase community college student retention, with a heightened interest on the predictive nature of taking a student success course, a post-facto quasi-experimental study was conducted to determine whether or not participation in a study skills course affects retention at a Southeast community college. Results indicate that successful completion of a study skills course increases fall-to-fall retention for students who enroll in the institution with an ACT COMPASS® (American College Test, 2006 American College Test (ACT). ( 2006 ). ACT COMPASS® reference manual. Retrieved from http://www.act.org/compass/secure/InternetManual.pdf [Google Scholar]) score over those who do not participate in a study skills course. Results also show that while ethnicity/race and socioeconomic status were not significant, factors of retention, gender, age, and ACT COMPASS® Reading score significantly predict student retention. Recommendations for researchers and community college administrators and counselors are discussed.

Aims To evaluate the effect of a single early high-dose vitamin D supplement on fracture union in patients with hypovitaminosis D and a long bone fracture. Patients and Methods Between July 2011 and August 2013, 113 adults with a long bone fracture were enrolled in a prospective randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Their serum vitamin D levels were measured and a total of 100 patients were found to be vitamin D deficient (< 20 ng/ml) or insufficient (< 30 ng/mL). These were then randomised to receive a single dose of vitamin D 3 orally (100 000 IU) within two weeks of injury (treatment group, n = 50) or a placebo (control group, n = 50). We recorded patient demographics, fracture location and treatment, vitamin D level, time to fracture union and complications, including vitamin D toxicity. Outcomes included union, nonunion or complication requiring an early, unplanned secondary procedure. Patients without an outcome at 15 months and no scheduled follow-up were considered lost to follow-up. The t-test and cross tabulations verified the adequacy of randomisation. An intention-to-treat analysis was carried out. Results In all, 100 (89%) patients had hypovitaminosis D. Both treatment and control groups had similar demographics and injury characteristics. The initial median vitamin D levels were 16 ng/mL (interquartile range 5 to 28) in both groups (p = 0.885). A total of 14 patients were lost to follow-up (seven from each group), two had fixation failure (one in each group) and one control group patient developed an infection. Overall, the nonunion rate was 4% (two per group). No patient showed signs of clinical toxicity from their supplement. Conclusions Despite finding a high level of hypovitaminosis D, the rate of union was high and independent of supplementation with vitamin D 3 . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1520–5.

Weaver and Bryant (1995) proposed the optimum effort hypothesis, suggesting that undergraduate students were better able to predict comprehension when text materials matched their reading level (grade 12) as opposed to being too easy or too difficult (Weaver and Bryant did not assess the actual reading level of their participants). In the study, we examined the reading level and accuracy of performance prediction of both younger and older adults using Weaver and Bryant's materials. Regardless of our participants' high reading levels (grade 14 and above), they still predicted performance best when texts were written at around the grade 12 level, failing to support the optimum effort hypothesis.

A high-resolution radar sounder has been used in the simultaneous detection of atmospheric structure and insects. The vertical distribution of insects was often correlated with atmospheric structure. Continuous recordings revealed diurnal fluctuations and layering of insects at various altitudes.

Illustrates the results accomplished by an ad hoc committee established at a bank to conduct training throughout the organization, with particular emphasis on providing quality customer service. The ad hoc committee proved to be more effective and efficient than the addition of a training department or the use of external trainers. The primary criteria used for selection of committee members were strong technical competences in their primary functions and good presentation skills, as well as being considered informal leaders by their peers. The ad hoc committee was initially trained via utilization of external training consultants. The training programme conducted by the committee made a major contribution to facilitating integration among the various functions and geographically dispersed units of the organization at a very small direct cost. A key component for the success of this type of training is top management support and commitment.

BACKGROUND: Since the mid 1980s, the clinical use of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has dramatically increased. However, 1 of the primary barriers to providing SLIT is lack of a published dosing recommendations. The purpose of this work is to provide a range of effective SLIT dosing based upon a rigorous review of the existing evidence base. An appendix with SLIT dosing recommendations is also included. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the past 25 years of the medical literature using PubMed was performed for specific antigens. Inclusion criteria for articles included: randomized, placebo-controlled studies of SLIT, studies with clinical allergic rhinitis outcomes, and dosing units available to determine the micrograms per month of major allergen administered. The extracted data was used to compile a range of effective SLIT dosing for individual antigens. RESULTS: Seventy-five articles met the inclusion criteria, providing a range of effective dosing for some allergens. There was commonly a wide range in doses for particular antigens between the individual studies. For some antigens, there was significant overlap in dosage amount between studies showing efficacy and lack of efficacy. Clinical trials meeting inclusion criteria are not available for many allergens. CONCLUSION: This study provided a comprehensive review of the published sublingual dosing ranges for specific antigens. The review provided a range of effective sublingual doses for some allergens, whereas for other allergens there was insufficient published data to determine specific doses. Recommendations for SLIT dosing were produced based on the data revealed in the review and expert opinion.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different types of instructional styles-traditional lecture with and without video examples and contemporary format that simulated a flipped classroom-on dental students' learning of behavior guidance techniques (BGTs) in pediatric dentistry. The study also sought to determine if students had an improved comfort level with BGTs with these instructional methods, if videos improved learning and comfort with BGTs, and if there were differences in outcomes by gender. All 96 second-year dental students at one U.S. dental school were recruited to participate in the study in 2017. Students were randomly divided into three groups: contemporary instruction (CI), traditional instruction with video (TIV), and traditional instruction with no video (TI). CI students watched a 20-minute mini-lecture and were divided into discussion groups led by calibrated faculty members. TIV students received 50 minutes of traditional lecture with video examples. TI students received a traditional lecture with no video examples. All groups completed a questionnaire prior to and on completion of the course. The questionnaire assessed students' learning and perceptions of the learning experience. All students participated in the course and the assessments, for a 100% response rate. The students' post-course scores improved for all teaching methods (TI>CI>TIV) with no significant differences among them. CI students rated comfort with BGTs and usefulness of videos higher than the other groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. Students rated their satisfaction with and usefulness of the course high for all groups (>3 on a four-point scale). Learning style and comfort treating children were not statistically significant by gender. Overall, the students reported high satisfaction with all the teaching methods. Although the differences were not statistically significant, discussion groups were ranked highest in satisfaction and usefulness.

Abstract In 2019, the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Winter Cover Crop Program introduced a delayed termination incentive (after May 1) to promote springtime biomass accumulation. We used satellite imagery calibrated with springtime in situ measurements collected from 2006–2021 ( n = 722) to derive biomass estimates for Maryland fields planted to cereal cover crop species (286,200 ha total over two seasons). Cover crop C content remained steady throughout the cover crop growing season (42.6% of biomass), whereas N concentration had an inverse relationship with biomass and ranged from 1.7 to 2.9%. Throughout Maryland, delayed termination fields ( n = 19,120; average termination of May 18) were, on average, estimated to accumulate an additional 789 kg of biomass, 15 kg of N, and 336 kg of C per hectare when compared to fields associated with standard termination dates ( n = 28,811; average termination of April 16). Over two cover crop seasons (2019–2021), the delayed termination incentive yielded an extra 75,660,000 kg biomass, 1,526,000 kg N, and 32,230,000 kg C across 96,040 hectares. Regularly terminated field incentives cost an average of US$0.10 per kg of biomass and $4.09 per kg of N, with variability associated with agronomic management (species, planting method). Delayed termination fields cost of $0.08 per kg of biomass and $3.51 per kg of N. Late‐planted cover crops that were terminated early had minimal environmental benefit, and wheat, which comprised 68% of cover crop area, performed poorly compared with other cereal species. Our findings demonstrate that substantial additional springtime biomass, C, and N accumulation were achieved through the delayed termination incentive.

S ubgingival plaque removal at interproximal sites by automatic and hand toothbrashes was compared with control sites at which cleansing was not performed. There were 58 patients, 35 to 63 years of age, each with one hopeless tooth requiring extraction. Each patient was randomly assigned to. one of four test groups: hand brash; automatic toothbrush 1; automatic toothbrush 2; and no brushing. The brushing instructions as stated by the manufacturers were demonstrated and the patient brushed the sextant containing the test tooth for 20 seconds. The level of the gingival margin was marked at each interproximal test site. The teeth were extracted and processed for SEM, and subgingival plaque was viewed at X100 and X2000 magnifications. A montage of photomicrographs of the gingival groove to the occlusal margin of the bacterial plaque at XI00 magnification was made and the distance from the groove to the margin was measured. An ANOVA was performed using P = 0.05 level for significance. Due to processing difficulties, only 33 specimens were available for analysis. The average distances from the groove to the subgingival plaque front for the four test groups were 0.514, 0.132, 0.163, and 0.111 mm respectively. The maximum distance (1.5 mm) of plaque removal was greatest for the hand toothbrush. Due to the large standard deviation (0.636 compared to 0.146, 0.250, and 0.124 respectively), the hand brushing group was excluded from ANOVA. There were no statistically significant differences among the automatic toothbrashes and the no brushing control ( P = 0.8393). It was concluded that a single session of oral hygiene instruction with an automatic toothbrush did not result in subgingival inteiproximal plaque cleansing. J Periodontol 1995; 66:191–196 .

In the early 1980s, the Navy developed instrumentation to quantify the geoacoustic properties of the upper 500 m to 1 km of marine sediments in water depths to 6000 m. To obtain this information with the resolution required to support Navy systems (several meters in depth and a few tens of meters along track), a system operating from the sea surface could not be used. Thus, a new system was needed that operated below the surface.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether mental health professionals would breach the confidentiality of HIV-infected patients with uninformed sex partners, and how any such disclosure would occur. Subjects read one of eight vignettes that depicted a patient who refused to disclose his viral status. Results revealed a split of opinion about breaching confidentiality and about the preferred mode for doing so. Neither diagnosis nor mode of viral transmission significantly influenced breaching decisions. Subjects demonstrated a high level of AIDS risk knowledge but only a moderate level of legal/ethical knowledge. Implications of these findings are discussed.

SUMMARY Teaching interactive distance education classes requires extensive training and planning if the faculty and the class are to be successful. First, the different personnel roles associated with distance education must be analysed and understood by the faculty. Next, the process of delivering instruction at a distance usually requires the faculty to adjust, or in some instances, completely alter their instructional techniques. Even the selection and use of instructional material requires a different instructional strategy. Therefore, training in the design and development of interactive distance education must be provided to the faculty to ensure the success of the programme. The purpose of this article is to provide a discussion of the important considerations in developing a faculty training programme for interactive distance education.

Abstract Aim The objective of the present study was to determine which of six bonding protocols yielded a clinically acceptable shear bond strength (SBS) of metal orthodontic brackets to CAD/CAM lithium disilicate porcelain restorations. A secondary aim was to determine which bonding protocol produced the least surface damage at debond. Methods Sixty lithium disilicate samples were fabricated to replicate the facial surface of a mandibular first molar using a CEREC CAD/CAM machine. The samples were split into six test groups, each of which received different mechanical/chemical pretreatment protocols to roughen the porcelain surface prior to bonding a molar orthodontic attachment. Shear bond strength testing was conducted using an Instron machine. The mean, maximum, minimal, and standard deviation SBS values for each sample group including an enamel control were calculated. A t -test was used to evaluate the statistical significance between the groups. Results No significant differences were found in SBS values, with the exception of surface roughening with a green stone prior to HFA and silane treatment. This protocol yielded slightly higher bond strength which was statistically significant. Conclusion Chemical treatment alone with HFA/silane yielded SBS values within an acceptable clinical range to withstand forces applied by orthodontic treatment and potentially eliminates the need to mechanically roughen the ceramic surface.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast community College (MGCCC) Leadership Development Program focuses on developing well-prepared community college leaders. This program is designed to give participants key pieces of leadership and show how they are an essential piece of the college. The curriculum is based on American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) competencies—organizational strategy, resource management, communication, collaboration, advocacy, and professionalism.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous immunotherapy is an effective allergy treatment only if properly dosed. In this article we review the data on the probable effective dose range for subcutaneous immunotherapy and convert the recommended doses into a clinically relevant format. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of dose-response subcutaneous immunotherapy studies was done of EBM databases, Medline database, PreMedline, and the National Guideline Clearinghouse for the period 1980-2016. Recommended doses were converted to the volume of allergen extract that should be added to a 5-mL maintenance vial. RESULTS: A safe and effective dose for subcutaneous immunotherapy is likely 5-20 μg of major allergen per injection. A 0.5-mL injection from a 5-mL maintenance vial containing 0.2 mL of manufacturer's extract of each allergen should reach the lower end of the probable effective dose range for most allergens. A larger volume of extract is required to reach that range when treatment includes cat, dog, or only 1 dust mite. Increasing beyond the commonly prescribed 0.2 mL of manufacturer's extract added to a 5-mL treatment vial is reasonable for nearly all allergens to achieve a maintenance dose higher in the probable effective dose range. CONCLUSION: Current otolaryngic allergy practice usually escalates patients to 0.5-mL injections from 5-mL maintenance vials containing 0.2 mL of manufacturer's extract of each allergen. With the main exceptions of cat and dog, those injections administered 1 or 2 times per month likely provide an efficacious dose of allergen and are consistent with published guidelines. A larger volume of extract should be considered in certain clinical situations.

Abstract Gray triggerfish Balistes capriscus is a reef fish exploited by recreational and commercial fisheries in the southeastern United States. Recent stock assessments indicated that the species is overfished, and a rebuilding plan is in progress. The U.S. fishery is currently managed as a single stock owing to the absence of reliable information on stock structure. We sequenced a 617-base-pair fragment of the ND4 mitochondrial gene in a total of 150 specimens from five localities (South Texas, Louisiana, West Florida, southeastern Florida, and South Carolina) encompassing the exploited range of the species in the USA. Analysis of molecular variance, spatial analysis of molecular variance, and spatial autocorrelation analysis did not reveal significant spatial heterogeneity in haplotype distributions within the studied range. Significant departure from neutrality was inferred from neutrality tests and may reflect the signature of a rapid population expansion following the recent glacial epochs, an inference that was supported by the results of Bayesian coalescent analysis. While the present results are consistent with management of the species as a single stock, development of additional genetic markers is needed to increase the resolution in genetic analyses and evaluate fine-scale genetic stock structure in the region. Received January 10, 2011; accepted May 5, 2011

During the late nineties while the Southern states were very much preoccupied with establishing the principle of universal education at public expense, little attention was given to the matter of library service for schools. Nevertheless, in most states a hazy notion prevailed that in every school there should be a collection of books accessible to the students. In other sections of the country attention was being given to libraries and especially to rural school libraries. It is evident that this interest penetrated into the Southern states, for the rural elementary school library began to occupy the attention of Southern educators after the turn of the century, and the school library development became a movement within the great educational movement.

Software intensive systems are developed to provide solutions in some problem domain and software engineering principles are employed to develop and implement such systems. Software engineering principles should enhance development and production of software artifacts and yet the artifacts often lack in quality. Crucial in the development process are requirements engineering activities and methods for software documentation. This research focused on requirements engineering activities, software requirement documentation and a new approach incorporating ontology engineering principles. The resulting system utilized the benefits of intelligent reasoning to elicit, automatically verify, extract and document software requirements. The resulting Software Requirements Specification documents produced from within this environment conformed to Standard 830-1998 promulgated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).