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The Rivas Cohort Study: design and baseline characteristics of a Nicaraguan cohort
BMC Nephrology volume 17, Article number: 93 (2016)
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A lack of advanced healthcare information systems and validated scientific cohorts in Nicaragua makes it difficult to estimate disease prevalences and other public health statistics. Although there is concern of an "epidemic" of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in this country, statistics regarding its magnitude are derived from only a small number of non-representative studies. Budgetary constraints and the logistical problems of maintaining a study cohort make longitudinal studies difficult. The Rivas Cohort was created to measure disease burden of CKD and other public health priorities in the Department of Rivas, Nicaragua. Using primarily volunteer research students and technologic innovation including GPS, digital photography and point of care biochemical analysis, the ability to establish a longitudinal chronic disease cohort is demonstrated.
Subjects were recruited from consecutive adjacent households in thirty-two randomly selected communities in the ten municipalities that comprise the Department of Rivas in southern Pacific coastal Nicaragua. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, subjects were enrolled into the cohort and consented for future re-contact. In Phase II, conducted two years later, attempts were made to re-contact 400 of these subjects for additional data collection. Demographic, lifestyle, occupational, exposure and health data was collected for both phases of the study. Blood and urine testing and height, weight and blood pressure measurements were also performed. GPS coordinates of homes were recorded and maps of remote communities created.
Of 1397 adults living in 533 households approached for participation a total of 1242 (89 %) were enrolled in the cohort. The median age is 41 years and 43 % are male, demographics in agreement with Nicaraguan census data for the Department of Rivas. During Phase II we attempted to re-contact 400 subjects for a follow-up study of CKD. It was possible to re-contact 84 % of these participants and of those re-contacted 95 % agreed to participate in the follow-up study. Of subjects that were not successfully re-contacted the majority had either moved (32) or were not at home (22) at the time of the study team visits.
The Rivas Cohort Study enrolled a representative sample of 1242 adults living in the Department of Rivas, Nicaragua. The high re-contact and participation rates at two years suggests that the cohort is suitable for long-term studies and presents opportunities for investigations of disease prevalence, incidence, treatment and other public health matters. GPS coordinates and maps are available for future researchers who wish to use the cohort for additional studies.
The lack of reliable healthcare system data in some developing countries makes it difficult to estimate disease incidence and prevalence and can result in delayed recognition of emerging public health problems [1]. Epidemiological studies, launched after such issues are initially suspected are difficult and expensive to conduct in what are often remote and rural areas with poor healthcare system and transportation infrastructure. These logistical difficulties result in studies with important limitations due to small sample size, bias introduced by subject recruitment methodology and the inability to follow subjects over prolonged intervals of time necessary to estimate disease incidence. Chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) has recently been recognized as an 'epidemic' in Central America [2–4] and has received much attention in the lay press, but epidemiological studies of the entity suffer from these considerations.
Studies of targeted populations, conducted in northwestern Nicaragua and El Salvador between 2008 and 2014, have reported prevalences of CKDu to be between 10 and 40 % with higher rates seen in populations enriched for male agriculture workers [5–10], miners [8], older individuals, participants living at altitudes less than 500 m above sea level [11–13] and those who consumed lija, a home-brewed alcoholic beverage [9]. While these cross-sectional studies of targeted communities identify potential risk factors for CKDu, the broad range of disease prevalence estimates they generate make it difficult to appreciate the impact of the disease across the general population. A particular difficulty in doing longitudinal studies in rural communities in Nicaragua is re-locating visited homes as they typically do not have addresses and roads are generally unnamed.
This report describes the establishment and stability characteristics of a representative geographical-based cohort to study CKDu and other public health issues in Rivas, the southernmost department (a geographical area with administrative responsibilities that correspond to a county in the United States) in Nicaragua that borders the Pacific Ocean. We studied the Department of Rivas at the request of local public health officials who wished to confirm their impression that prevalence of CKD in their region was as high as it was in Northern Nicaragua where the 'epidemic' was first identified. The two Departments share occupational and environmental risk factors for CKD. Rivas has a population of 156,283 and has an area of approximately 2100 km2 [14]. Overall, 52.6 % of the inhabitants of the department of Rivas are considered to be living in rural areas, with 52 % of men and 8 % of women working primarily in agriculture [14]. The study was done with minimal cost by using volunteer research associates and longitudinal follow up was enhanced through the use of global positioning system (GPS) technology to precisely identify participants' residences.
Research objective
The research objective was to establish a cohort of at least 1000 adults representative of the population of Rivas and to determine the ability to maintain follow up of the cohort over a two year time period. Questionnaire, physical exam and laboratory data collected from participants at cohort inception and over time would be useful to study prevalence, incidence and risk factors for CKDu and other public health problems. To the extent that Rivas is reflective of the population and environment of other regions of Nicaragua, the data from this cohort could be used to understand similar public health issues in other departments of Nicaragua.
The study was conducted in two phases. In Phase I (2012) subjects were recruited into the cohort from communities in the Department. In Phase II (2014) these same communities were revisited and an attempt was made to re-contact 400 of the 1021 subjects enrolled in Phase I. Additional subjects were enrolled in Phase II to increase the size of the cohort.
Phase I
Phase I was conducted in eight of the ten municipalities that comprise the Department of Rivas; Rivas (pop. 41080, 67 % urban), Tola (pop. 22012, 26.4 % urban) Belen (pop. 16428, 39.3 % urban), San Juan del Sur (pop. 14741, 49.0 % urban), Potosi (pop. 11904, 39.9 % urban), San Jorge (pop.8024, 88 % urban), Buenos Aires (pop. 5420, 41.3 % urban) and Cardenas (pop. 6990, 13 % urban) [14]. Two municipalities, (Moyogalpa and Altagracia on the island of Ometepe) excluded from Phase I due to logistical difficulties of travel were included in Phase II.
Subject recruitment occurred in selected communities within each municipality over the 8 week period from June 15 to August 15, 2012. Communities were randomly selected by overlaying a grid with numbered squares on maps of the municipalities and then using a random number generator to determine which grid-square would be targeted on a given recruitment day. Typically three or four communities per municipality were visited. On two occasions the randomly selected communities could not be used to recruit subjects - one community was privately owned and not accessible and the second was not inhabited. In both cases an abutting community was instead studied. Each of the communities is less than 400 m above sea level.
Field work was conducted by research teams that consisted of two or three research assistants with at least one Spanish-speaking interviewer on each team. The number of teams operating at any time varied depending with the number of research assistants in-country, but was typically at least two teams daily. Team members were generally North American university, medical, nursing and public health students recruited through social networking and word of mouth. Selection criteria included a minimum of basic Spanish speaking skills, an interest in Global Health as a possible career choice, phlebotomy expertise and a strong recommendation by their school faculty. All research assistants were educated about the goals of the project and were trained on interview technique, data recording, specimen handling and data confidentiality by the project principle investigator (LDF). Interested students were referred to a recruitment web page where application forms were located. Research assistants paid for their own travel to Nicaragua and room and board while there. Home stays were arranged for students who chose to live with local families.
The research team was based in the town of San Juan del Sur and travelled on average approximately one and a half hours in four wheel drive SUVs to reach the communities selected for recruitment. Roads from the Pan-American Highway to the communities were unpaved and not well maintained. Poor signage made use of local drivers essential.
Subject recruitment and data collection
Once the selected community was reached the research team approached consecutive houses sequentially until a predetermined end-time was reached. Only a small fraction of households in any one community could be approached for participation in this time period. Although subjects were recruited from the majority of households visited, no record was kept of the number of unoccupied homes. The research team presented the project to household members by reciting a standardized introductory script. Enrollment was limited to adults (18 years of age or older) currently living in the selected households. A record was maintained of household members who refused participation. To minimize the impact of work restricting participation, sampling was done during lunch hours and on weekends as much as possible and multiple visits were made to each community to try to enroll complete households.
Willing participants gave written consent to complete an orally administered questionnaire and provide a blood sample for creatinine determination via finger stick and a urine sample for dipstick testing. Content areas of the questionnaire included personal identification and contact information, basic demographics, household membership, health symptoms, hydration practices, occupational and exposure history, and personal and family past medical history (see Additional file 1). Questionnaire responses and biological sample testing results were recorded directly onto forms and later entered into a Microsoft Access database. Contact information was collected for eligible persons who were not home at the time of the visit and at least one additional attempt was made to revisit the community to enroll them.
Participants whose creatinine measurement exceeded 1.5 mg/dL (a value considered to indicate possible chronic kidney disease) using a handheld point of care device were given a record of their results to bring to the local community health center. Abnormal urine dipstick test results were communicated to participants for the following indicators: glucose, erythrocytes and protein. Results were communicated to the participant using carefully developed scripts to avoid confusion or emotional stress.
Mapping of participant homes
The rural setting of many homes and the lack of addresses or detailed maps made it important to record precise locations of households so that future visits would be possible. Photos and global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of each home (using a Garmin GPS device) were obtained and Google Earth Satellite images of each community with households and important landmarks identified were compiled (Fig. 1). Cellular phone numbers were collected when available.
Laboratory analysis
Capillary blood creatinine was determined using the StatSensor Express (Nova Biomedical, Waltham, MA, USA) point-of-care creatinine measuring system with well-defined performance characteristics [15]. Blood samples were obtained by finger stick using Dynarex Sensilance Safety Lancets (21 Gauge). When possible, repeat testing was done immediately using a different finger on individuals whose creatinine value exceeded 1.4 mg/dL. Urine dipstick testing was done immediately on voided specimens using Rapid Response 10 Parameter (10SG) Urinalysis Reagent Test Strips (BTNX INC, Markham, Ontario).
Phase II
The aims of Phase II were to determine the ability to maintain follow up of the cohort over a two year time period, to gauge whether enrolled subjects were willing to participate in a follow-up study of CKD and to expand the cohort by enrollment of additional subjects.
Two years after cohort inception the research team returned to 29 of the 30 communities initially visited and made first visits to the municipalities of Myogalpa (pop. 9729, 49.3 % urban) and Altagracia (pop. 19955, 35.3 % urban) located on the island of Ometepe. Subject enrollment and revisits occurred over an 8 week period from June 14 to August 15, 2014. All communities with pre-selected cohort participants were revisited at least twice to maximize the number of subjects re-contacted.
Subject recruitment and data collection
Four hundred individuals enrolled in Phase I were pre-selected for a follow-up visit based on creatinine testing in 2012 that classified them as 'potential cases' of chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 as calculated by the MDRD equation) [16]. The research team, consisting of 2–3 research assistants with at least one fluent in Spanish and using the maps, GPS information and names collected during Phase I, revisited communities to locate these individuals. Three of 10 research assistants who conducted phase II had participated in phase I of the study. One community was not revisited (Papaturro) as no subjects there were selected for a follow-up visit.
Once identified the potential cases were asked to provide informed consent for Phase II data collection including height, weight, two blood pressure measurements (one from each arm when possible) and a venous blood sample for creatinine determination. Where potential cases were not home or had moved additional arrangements (such as travelling to their new communities) were made to contact them. Photos and GPS coordinates were collected for cohort members who had changed residence.
Attempts were also made to enroll household members who were living in the home at the time of Phase I enrollment but were either not at home or had declined participation at that time. Once identified these subjects were enrolled as new cohort participants following enrollment procedures described in Phase I with the addition of a venous blood draw in lieu of a finger stick for creatinine determination. Basic demographic information (age, sex and occupation) was collected if these household members were not available or refused study enrollment.
Finally, new subjects were recruited into the cohort from households in the Departments of Myogalpa and Altagracia, two municipalities not visited in 2012, using the community and household selection process followed in Phase I.
Participants were informed at the time of informed consent that they would be notified if their creatinine determination exceeded 1.5 mg/dl if male and 1.2 mg/dl if female. These results were communicated using carefully worded scripts and subjects were encouraged to follow-up with their care provider at their local health center.
Laboratory analysis
Blood samples were obtained by trained phlebotomists using BD Safety-Lok blood collection sets with 21 and 23 gauge needles. Blood samples were placed on ice immediately after collection, centrifuged at 3000 g for 15 min within 3 h and then refrigerated until transport (once weekly) to the ISO certified Centro Nacional de Diagnostico y Referencia (CNDR) in Managua, a division of the Ministry of Health (MINSA), and stored at −80 C. Serum creatinine was measured at CNDR using a kinetic-rate Jaffe method; calculations were made to calibrate to an isotopic dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) standard. Urine dipstick testing was performed for newly enrolled participants following the same procedure as described in Phase I.
Study enrollment is presented in Table 1. A total of 490 households were visited during Phase I of the study period and an additional 43 were visited in Phase II. Of the 1659 adults living in those homes, 262 were not available for interview at any of the study visits, mostly because they were at work or travelling. A total of 1242 of the 1397 adults approached agreed to participate and were enrolled in the study (1021 during Phase I and 221 during Phase II). The most common reason for refusal was unwillingness to allow a finger stick or blood draw. Demographic information including age, sex and occupation was collected for 252 of the 417 non-enrolled (includes refusals and those not available) household members (Table 2). Participation rates by municipality are given in Table 3.
Cohort description
Demographics of the study cohort by municipality are presented in Table 4. The mean age was 40.4 years (median = 36.4, range 18 to 100), 43.3 % were male and the predominant occupation was agriculture worker. The average duration of residence was 32 years in Rivas Department and 20 years in the current home.
Table 5 compares demographic data of the cohort to census data for the Department of Rivas and Nicaragua [14]. Selected baseline questionnaire data from subjects enrolled in the cohort (Phases I and II) is shown in Table 6. Laboratory and physical exam data collected in Phases I and II will be reported in a separate publication.
Cohort stability
Phase II required re-contact of four hundred subjects from Phase I for venous blood draw and additional data collection as a component of a CKD sub-study to be reported elsewhere. Using the maps, GPS coordinates and photographs of homes obtained during Phase I it was possible for the study team to find all households. Of the 400 potential cases of CKD identified during Phase I, 336 (84 %) were successfully located during Phase II (Table 7). Reasons for failure to re-contact the 64 subjects included 10 participants who had died, 32 who had moved and were not found, and 22 people who were not home at any of the multiple study visits and could not be contacted. A total of 319 (95 %) of these 336 subjects who were re-contacted agreed to participate in Phase II and underwent venous blood draw for creatinine determination (Table 3). Table 8 summarizes re-contact and enrollment for Phase II by community.
There were 10 deaths in these 400 subjects over this 2 year interval (annual mortality rate 1.25 %). The median age of those who died was 68 years and 4 of the 10 deaths occurred in men. Causes of death as reported by household members include "old age", stroke, kidney disease (2), "lungs", hypertension (2), myocardial infarction and unknown (2).
Study expenses
Phase I required 33 days of field work (subject recruitment) and Phase II required 37 days in addition to 8 days required to transport blood samples to Managua. The budgets for Phase I and II were $12,683 and $21,041 respectively excluding travel, room and board for the research assistants which approximated a total of $20,000 for each study phase. Major expenses included vehicle rentals (4 wheel drive SUVs), diesel fuel, driver's salary and study supplies. Costs for Phase I were reduced by the donation of StatSensor Express testing devices and test strips by Nova Biomedical, Waltham, MA, USA. Weekly transportation and testing of venous blood in Managua added significant cost to Phase II.
The aim of this project was to create a representative geographical-based cohort for the study of chronic kidney disease and other public health issues in the Department of Rivas in Nicaragua and to determine the ability to maintain follow up of the cohort over a two year time period. The cohort was created in 2012 with enrollment of 1021 adults and expanded by 221 subjects in Phase II through additional recruitment from homes visited in Phase I as well as from communities in the two municipalities comprising the island of Ometepe which had not been previously visited (Moyogalpa and Altagracia). Subject enrollment followed a geographical household-based approach with thirty-two communities selected at random within the 10 municipalities. Municipalities were chosen as the geographical units for selection of communities (generally 2–3 communities per municipality) because public healthcare services in Nicaragua are delivered by health centers (Centros de Salud) that are administered by these geographical units. Enrollment of adequate numbers of subjects across all municipalities increases the likelihood of participation of each municipality in future research projects that will use this cohort. This approach does however result in disproportionate representation of municipalities when study enrollment is considered on a per capita basis (see Subjects enrolled per 1000 residents, Table 3). Future planned expansion of the cohort in the more populated municipalities will result in normalization of the number of subjects per 1,000 municipality inhabitants.
The 1242 subjects enrolled in the cohort represent 75 % of adults living in the 533 homes visited. Enrollment of all adults living in a household was possible for 63 % of homes. The refusal rate was 9.3 % (155 adults). The most common reason that 262 (15.5 %) of subjects were not approached to participate is that they were away at work and not available for enrollment during the study team visits. Demographic data on 252 of the 417 non-enrolled subjects indicates that they were disproportionately men who were modestly older and performed work in the agricultural sector (Table 2). Nonetheless, data in Table 5 suggests that the cohort is reasonably representative of the population living in the Department of Rivas.
In Phase II it was possible to identify all homes visited in Phase I despite the lack of home addresses and unmarked and unnamed streets and roads. This was accomplished through use of rough maps, GPS coordinates and photos of homes that were collected in Phase I. Retention of the same local driver from Phase I for Phase II was an important aid. Re-contact was made with 84 % of the 400 subjects that were targeted for enrollment in a follow-up study of CKD. With additional effort and time the study team likely could have re-contacted many of the 54 subjects who were not at home or had moved. The stability of the cohort is not surprising given the duration of time that subjects reported living in their current residence (mean of 20 years) and in the Department of Rivas (mean of 32 years, Table 4).
Household members were extremely welcoming to the study team and were eager to engage in conversation regarding public health issues and the purpose of the project. There was a strong general agreement to participate in future projects as demonstrated by the 95 % participation rate in the CKD follow-up study, despite the need for a venous blood draw, among subjects who were successfully re-contacted.
Demographic, questionnaire (Tables 4 and 6), urinalysis and capillary creatinine results (data not shown) are available for all members of the cohort and blood pressure, height and weight and venous blood creatinine results (data not shown) are available for the 319 subjects who participated in the follow-up CKD project. Researchers interested in accessing the cohort for additional studies are encouraged to contact the corresponding author (LDF).
As discussed previously, because they may have been away at work, men were slightly under-represented in the cohort. The majority of interviews were conducted by native English speakers from the United States and Canada who were fluent in Spanish. Occasional translation difficulties with concepts such as occupational and health history and environmental exposures may have reduced the reliability of data collected on the baseline questionnaire. This cohort is limited to the Department of Rivas and thus may not be representative of other regions in Nicaragua. The cohort was created during two separate visits to the region (2012 and 2014) and although we are unaware of any such changes, there is the possibility that practices changed during that interval that would impact the results of the survey or biological testing.
There is a scarcity of reliable data for important healthcare problems in Nicaragua. The Rivas Cohort Study constitutes a longitudinal cohort representative of the Department of Rivas with demonstrated good subject retention at two years. All subjects are consented for re-contact and in general enjoy participating in research. It is hoped that the cohort and all collected data will be useful for researchers to conduct additional studies in the region. Photographs and GPS coordinates of homes along with maps of the communities make it feasible to re-contact subjects despite the extremely remote location of many communities. The study team is planning to revisit the communities in the summer of 2017 for additional research activities.
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We thank the Medical Alumni Association (MAA) at the University Of Toronto Faculty Of Medicine, the Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health and the American Society of Nephrology for providing additional funding. We also thank Dr. Jeff Dubois of Nova Biomedical for his help and for his generous contribution of StatSensor Express creatinine measuring system devices and test strips. Field work was performed by volunteer research assistants from various colleges, universities, nursing, medical and public health schools in the United States and Canada. This work would not have been possible without the efforts of our dedicated research assistants: Devin Worster, Eric Meyerowitz, Jonathon Fainburg, Brian Kroener, Jonathon Sather, Michael Sather, Lieselot Polfliet, Ingrid Rudie, Carly Langlois, Jasmine Henderson, Clancy Thost, Matthew Lane, Marc Ceres, Loraine Santiago, Amber Sackrider, Leonard D'Avolio, Melissa Pritchard, Calan Sowa, Laura Ha and Stephen Waters. A special thanks to our driver and to Harry Yubank and Jimmy Castillo for the use of their trucks.
This project was funded primarily by private donations and the work done in collaboration with the 'Newton-San Juan Del Sur Sister City Project' (http://sanjuandelsursistercityproject.wordpress.com/).
Availability of data and materials
The datasets generated during the current study are not publicly at this time as they are undergoing cleaning and additional analysis for a manuscript describing the study results. They will be publically available in the future and are currently available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Authors' contributions
All authors listed fulfilled the criteria of the ICMJE. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Consent for publication
Not applicable.
Ethics approval and consent to participate
The Institutional Review Board of the Direccion General de Docencia e Investigaciones of the Ministry of Health of Nicaragua approved the Protocol and granted permission to enroll participants from these municipalities for Phase I of the study. Phase II of the study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Centro Nacional de Diagnostico y Referencia of the Ministry of Health of Nicaragua. No approval numbers were assigned to the protocols. The administrative process followed to obtain these approvals was not well defined and required approximately 9 months to complete. All participants gave informed consent, and the study was performed in adherence with the Declaration of Helsinki.
Additional file
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Cite this article
Minnings, K., Fiore, M., Mosco, M. et al. The Rivas Cohort Study: design and baseline characteristics of a Nicaraguan cohort. BMC Nephrol 17, 93 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-016-0320-9
- Cohort studies
- Nicaragua
- Central America
- Renal insufficiency
- Public health
- Public health surveillance
- Data collection
- Baseline Survey
- Creatinine


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Permit me to share a few of the most readily useful natural remedies of which I have tried out that worked wonders for me.
Melatonin sleep aid can be a natural cure for sleep. I-t assists people go off to sleep and improve healthy sleep pattern, especially to women and men who have had sleeping period disturbed like individuals who are carrying out work o-n graveyard shifts and those experiencing plane lags. Melatonin is a hor-mone within the human body. Melatonin sleep aid should really be taken 30 minutes before bedtime. People affected by depressive disorder, schizophrenia, auto-immune diseases shouldn't take advantage of this remedy.
Vitamin B complex is just a different natural sleep remedy; it is a group of essential ten vitamins which are essential for various metabolic processes. Vitamin B complex insufficiency might cause sleep dilemmas. Taking Vitamin B complex is a healthier method of get better sleep.
Calcium facilitates the brain produce melatonin. It's a tranquilizer. It reduces pain and rigidity, decrease leg cramps, alleviate muscle spasms and restless legs that many of people experience at night time.
Magnesium is a nutrient which is deemed to be not just as a key weapon against infection however also an antidote to stress, the most effective peace mineral which could help to enhance sleep. Magnesium defi-ciency could cause pains, muscle spasms, anxiety, irritability, sleeplessness, critical head-aches, heart palpitations and constipation.
Yoga is a body-mind exercise which may be a wonderful sleep rest routine that provides a relaxing effect and helps market sleep.
Additionally there are other ways to eradicate insomnia including refraining from alcohol, caffeine-containing drinks, cigarette smoking, long afternoon naps, activities which may lead to emotional excitement and fast paced exciting music before going to sleep. Take a hot bath, or drink a warm milk or tea, play a calming music and keep your room dark, quiet and cool. Free your mind from all the pressure from work.
More details is found on this page.
Remember these natural treatments help decrease sleep dilemmas gradually. It's usually great to seek assistance from the physician before using these melatonin review.


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Letter to Helen and Art Lees from "Bill" William Coolin 2 February 1940
Coolin, William
MetadataShow full item record
In the letter, William Coolin mentions that he is safe in England after "a sub tried to attack our convoy, with the result that another German sub lies at the bottom of the ocean." He mentions that he has been at the American club several nights and that he has "a nice two room furnished apartment in the Mount Royal Hotel" with his "chum Capt. Dunn".


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Tonight, at 12:26 AM EST, I received an e-mail from DeafRead editors saying that Cochlear Implant Online can no longer be on DeafRead simply because I am a Cochlear Awareness Network volunteer member, and they think that my website is a COMMERCIAL website. They clearly stated in their e-mail that I am "employed as a volunteer" which makes absolutely NO sense! They stated that I am violating this policy:
6) Commerical Sites
We do not link to commerical sites for the purpose of generating
profit, other than our own (we have expenses to cover!).
My website is absolutely not a website for profit nor a commercial website, and it has no affiliation with Cochlear. Cochlear absolutely does NOT direct me how to create nor maintain my website nor give me any money to maintain my website. Cochlear Awareness Network is an organization that is no different from DBC and NAD. I'm just simply a VOLUNTEER member of the ORGANIZATION, not an employee for a business.
This rule absolutely and clearly does NOT justify the excuse to remove my site from DeafRead because, as I said, my website is NOT a commercial website. I am paying out of MY OWN pocket and MY VOLUNTEER time to maintain my website, and I do not make a single penny on this website. I'm just simply creating awareness of CIs like other bloggers who are creating awareness about ASL.
They CLEARLY chose to send me this e-mail to try to create an excuse to remove my site from DeafRead. There are quite a few other bloggers on DeafRead who are Cochlear Awareness Network volunteer members and Bionic Ear Association (Advanced Bionics) members. In fact, there is a blogger who is clearly affiliated with Cochlear Italy and is promoting his/her own book. AND…there is a blogger who is clearly affiliated with Sprint Relay.
It is absolutely DeafRead's greatest loss as they're choosing not to help create and promote the diversity of the deaf community that is happening today in the 21st century AND not to accept and to discriminate against CI users who were raised with AVT and are living a life that is just as fulfilling and happy as any other deaf people who were raised with ASL or whatever. In fact, they are choosing to SHRINK the deaf community by choosing to exclude deaf people like me. AND…they're choosing not to teach people like me about the deaf culture and ASL.
DeafRead chose to pick on ME because I am DeafRead's worst enemy simply because they hate the fact that I am a successful CI user without any use of ASL. They are simply envious of me… And they're afraid of "my destroying the deaf community" which I am not at all. I'm just simply creating an awareness of a whole another different group of happy deaf people.
DeafRead is simply a piece of sh&%! I'll still continue to blog anyway and celebrate the happiness of hearing and speaking whether CI Online is on DeafRead or not…
In fact, parents of newly diagnosed deaf babies can still EASILY find my website…
So, since CI Online is no longer on DeafRead, I would bookmark this website!


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About us
The Social Research Centre (SRC) at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology is an interdisciplinary, social science research and training centre within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities. The centre offers a variety of research services to both university faculty and administrators, as well as clients outside the university looking to do research primarily in the Durham Region.
In addition to assisting with research projects, the centre also provides training opportunities for students and community members in order to learn more about research approaches. By providing students with hands-on training in research methodology and analysis, it is our goal to train future generations of social science researchers. For more information about our student training and community workshops, please visit our Training and education tab.


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First, let's examine the cast. We've got the big star that hasn't gotten any good work since the Sopranos, the "bad boy" in the band in MTV's boy band parody 2GE+HER, Ashley Tisdale's not as cute and not as famous older sister, two people who's only credits are playing people on Law & Order, and oh yeah...the fat kid from The Sandlot. If the cast alone doesn't absolutely dazzle you, the premise of the film will.
A decade has nearly passed since psychopath Jonah brutally murdered two twin teenage girls. Now, after almost 10 years of being incarcerated in a mental institute, Jonah has somehow escaped and has returned to his turf - an amusement park attraction named "Dark Ride". Unknowingly, a group of six friends are on their way to a road trip and have just boarded the ride, unaware of the deadly plans Jonah has for them. Doesn't sound too bad, until you realize...this is fucking stupid. To be honest, I for some reason had high expectations for this film. It was shown at the same festival that showed Gravedancers and The Hamiltons which are both absolutely fabulous films...so I thought this could be good. I thought wrong. My optimism for a film was bitch slapped with a reality check like no other.
If you and your friends were going on a roadtrip and your weird fat friend wants to go on an abandoned "haunted" roller coaster ride and suggests SLEEPING THERE...you shove a twinkie in his mouth and keep driving. You don't stop to check it out. That's seriously stupid. No one does that, not even in movies.
Then we have the killer, who admittedly is sort of creepy because he wears a doll's face over his like a mask. Yet, the kills in this are absolutely ridiculous and poorly made. I enjoy a good slice in half like the next person, but at least make it look like I don't know...THAT THERE'S A BRAIN AND A SKULL IN THAT HEAD?! People don't have red applesauce behind their noggins, so try that again. This film tried excessively hard to make it gory without setting up any suspense behind it. I knew exactly how someone was going to die and who was going to die about 45 seconds before the kill even happened....THAT'S NOT OKAY. I will admit, that there is a decapitation while performing fellatio kill which is pretty hilarious, but this film wasn't trying to be a comedy....so I shouldn't be laughing this hard.
I feel what was so irritating about this film to me was that it had SO much potential, and failed to reach the bar on any of it. It could have been this awesome throwback to the 80's horror films...and it wasn't. It could have been a huge blood bath...and it wasn't. It could have had a very awesome twist ending....and it didn't. This film reeks of dissapointment and wasted talent.
Go buy Snickers, and call it a day.


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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires Mississippi-based Agency
- Details
- October 19, 2018
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires Wellington Associates, Inc.
ROLLING MEADOWS, IL -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of Flowood, Mississippi-based Wellington Associates, Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Wellington Associates is a full service agency providing property/casualty and employee benefits coverages and services to businesses and individuals throughout the state of Mississippi, with expertise in serving a wide range of entities, including schools, churches and towing companies.
Walter "Buster" Wellington, William "Billy" Horne and their associates will continue to operate from their current location under the direction of Bumpy Triche, head of Gallagher's Mid-South region retail property/casualty brokerage operations, and Robby White, head of Gallagher's South Central region employee benefits consulting and brokerage operations.
"We have been building a tremendous business in Mississippi and our capabilities are becoming well-recognized. Adding Wellington bolsters our already strong business and brings into our fold a competitor who we, quite frankly, have a lot of respect for," said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO.
"I've known Buster and Billy for a long time. Wellington Associates will bring complementary strengths in several practice areas, including schools and religious entities. This is really a win-win for both sides and we look forward to serving our clients as one Gallagher team," Bumpy Triche added.


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In this episode, Ben talks about the Huub-TRS Club Championship that took place about an hour north of New York City. The Toughman Half New York event was a riot.
In the second segment, Ben talks to pro triathlete, Thomas Gerlach, who finished first at Ironman Wisconsin only to be snubbed by Mike Reilly and Ironman. Should pros race Ironman events where there is no prize purse? Did he steal glory from a deserving age grouper? Do age groupers deserve to win races and cal themselves Ironman Champions?
Finally, Ben interviewed the 2002 ITU World Champion, Ivan Rana. Ivan is gearing up for Kona again. Last year he had the fastest run split. They discussed how he is feeling heading into Kona, his start in the sport, sex in the Olympic village and much much more.
This episode was also sponsored by TriRig.com. Save up to $100 onTriRig Omega X brakes and clean up your bike's front end. The Omega X: aero braking perfected.
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To hear the other 22 minutes of the Thomas Gerlach interview, become a patreon at patreon.com/trs.


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Here we demonstrate a protocol to carry out live cell staining that can be used to detect odorant receptors on the surface of HEK293T cells conveniently. In addition, it may also be used to assay for surface expression of other chemosensory receptors or GPCRs.
Cite this ArticleCopy Citation | Download Citations | Reprints and Permissions
Dey, S., Zhan, S., Matsunami, H. Assaying Surface Expression of Chemosensory Receptors in Heterologous Cells. J. Vis. Exp. (48), e2405, doi:10.3791/2405 (2011).
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The vivid world of odors is recognized by the sense of olfaction. Olfaction in mice is mediated by a repertoire of about 1200 G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) 1 that are postulated to bind volatile odorant molecules and converting the extracellular signal into an intracellular signal by coupling with G protein Gαolf. Binding of the odorants to the receptors is thought to follow a combinatorial rule, that is, one odorant may bind several receptors and one receptor may bind several odorants to varying degrees 2. Biochemical, signaling and ligand binding studies have been conveniently carried out for most GPCRs using heterologous cells. However use of heterologous cells for study of odorant receptors, was precluded for a long time since on transfection they failed to export to the surface. Saito et al have demonstrated single membrane pass Receptor Transporting Protein (RTP) family chaperones show enhanced expression in the olfactory sensory neurons and act as chaperones to traffic odorant receptors to the surface in heterologous cells, when co transfected together 3. To carry out biochemical assays for receptors using heterologous cells, one must first determine if the receptor shows robust surface expression in the cell line. This can be assayed by overexpressing the receptors with the chaperone RTP1S followed by live cell staining to fluorescently label the extracellular domain or a tag in the extracellular domain exclusively. Here we demonstrate a protocol to carry out live cell staining that can be used to detect odorant receptors on the surface of HEK293T cells conveniently. In addition, it may also be used to assay for surface expression of other chemosensory receptors or GPCRs.
1. Procedure:
The procedure comprises of three parts completed over a total time of 3 days: transferring cells, transfection and immunocytochemistry, one step carried out per day. Transfer and transfection of cells over the first two days must be carried out in sterile conditions in a laminar flow chamber.
Day 1: Transfer of HEK293T cells for surface expression assay.
- Transfer medium (M10): Mix minimum essential medium supplemented with 10% (by volume) fetal bovine serum in sterile condition.
- Grow cells to a desired confluency in a 100mm culture plate, depending on the number of plates required to set up. It is important to determine the fraction of cells to be transferred to avoid overgrown or sparse cells: for instance, from a 100% confluent 100 mm dish, one may transfer about 3% to a 35 mm dish to obtain approximately 30% confluency in the latter.
- Prior to transferring cells, in the sterile laminar flow chamber, coat 22 X 22 mm glass cover slips with sterile poly D lysine (1mg/ mL) and place one in each 35 mm cell culture dish, coated side up for plating cells (Figure 1). Allow the solution to dry for 5- 10 minutes. During this interval, the UV source in the laminar chamber may be turned on to sterilize the cover slips, if desired. Poly D lysine helps heterologous cells stick to the cover slips.
- To transfer cells, aspirate out the existing media in the 100mm dish, wash by carefully adding 8 mL sterile PBS, aspirate PBS and trypsinize the cells using 3 mL 0.05% Trypsin-EDTA; when cells detach from the dish, block further enzymatic reaction by adding 5 mL M10. Triturate the cells and transfer requisite volume to a sterile conical tube; centrifuge at 200g for 5 minutes to pellet the cells. Aspirate out supernatant containing Trypsin-EDTA, leaving the pellet of cells intact. To transfer the cells to 35 mm dishes, add 1 mL M10 for each dish and triturate to dissociate the cells. Add 1 mL of the resuspended cells to each dish. Incubate cells overnight at 37°C, 5% CO2.
Figure 1. Coat 22 X 22 mm glass coverslips with poly D lysine and place one coated side up in each 35 mm dish.
Day 2: Transfection of HEK293T cells.
- 18-24 hours after transferring, cells are ready for transfection of the receptor to be assayed. Use receptor and RTP1S cloned in mammalian expression vector pCI, prepared from bacterial cultures using Qiagen Miniprep Kit following protocol described before4. Use receptors that are N terminally tagged with 20 amino acid long rhodopsin epitope to facilitate immunostaining.
- Use 1000ng of receptor construct, 250 ng of RTP1S construct and 50 ng of green fluorescence protein each transfection. Perform transfection using Lipofectamine 2000, as per manufacturers manual.
Day 3: Immunocytochemistry to visualize cell surface stained receptors.
- Prior to starting, prepare staining and washing solutions and cool them to 4°C. Staining medium: Minimum Essential Medium, 45 mL; Fetal Bovine Serum, 5 mL; HEPES (1M), 500 μL (final concentration 10mM); Sodium Azide (1.5M), 500 μL (final concentration 15mM). Wash solution: HBSS, 500 mL; HEPES (1M), 5 mL (final concentration 10mM); Sodium Azide (1.5M), 5 mL (final concentration 15mM). Both solutions may be stored at 4°C for reuse. Prepare antibody solutions by diluting required antibodies in the staining medium 100 fold.
- Start immunochemistry for surface staining for odorant receptors about 24 hours post transfection. To perform live cell staining, the experimental set up must be cooled to 4°C: fill a large contained with ice and pat the surface of ice to make it as even as possible, place a tray on the ice and spray it with 70% ethanol. Cut a piece of parafilm (smaller than the length of the tray) and affix it on the ethanol sprayed tray, to obtain a smooth surface. Transfer the glass cover slips containing transfected cells on the parafilm, one at a time, cell side up, using tweezers. Layer each cover slip with 100 μL cold primary staining solution, extruding carefully from a corner of the slip (Figure 2). After layering all the cover slips with antibody solution, cover the tray to prevent drying up of the solution in air. Carry out primary incubation for 45-60 minutes.
- After primary incubation, quickly transfer cover slips to the original 35mm culture dishes, containing the media. Aspirate the media and add 2 mL chilled wash solution gently from the edge of the dish to prevent losing cells from the cover slip. Aspirate the wash solution and repeat twice to complete three washes. At the end of the third wash, do not aspirate the wash solution out.
- Prepare secondary antibody solution in the staining media and transfer the cover slips from the wash solution to a newly affixed parafilm layer in the same tray. Again gently extrude 100 μL of antibody solution to layer each cover slip, from the corner like the primary incubation. Carry out secondary incubation for 30- 45 minutes and transfer back to the wash solution in the original 35 mm dishes. Once more, wash the cover slips three times as described.
- Aspirate wash solution from last wash and add 2 mL 1% chilled paraformaldehyde. Fix cells in chilled 1% paraformaldehyde solution, on ice for 15 minutes.
- Mount the cover slips on clean microscope glass slides using mounting reagent Mowiol, with the cell side down and cautiously exclude all air bubbles (Figure 3). Once Mowiol air dries, wash cover slips gently by adding distilled water on the surface and aspirating immediately.
Figure 2. Layer each coverslip with 100 μL cold primary staining solution.
Figure 3. Mount the coverslips with the cell side down on clean glass microscope slides using Mowiol mounting reagent.
2. Representative Results:
Live cell staining enables one to visualize proteins on the surface of cells, on transfection of receptors with chaperones (in this case odorant receptor Olfr62, with Receptor Transporting Protein RTP1S) (Figure 4). Cell surface staining of receptors is characterized by punctate pattern of staining (Figure 4B, inset). Staining carried out inappropriately may lead to higher noise, making it difficult for the observer to distinguish the real surface staining from noise.
Figure 4. Transfection of receptors with chaperones allows for the visualization of proteins on the surface of cells using live cell staining. Transfection of the odorant receptor Olfr62 alone (A) and transfection of Olfr62 with RTP1S chaperone (B). GFP expression levels serve as a transfection control (A' and B').
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Each step must be carried out carefully to ensure prominent and distinctive surface staining. The entire staining process must be carried out in cold (on ice), and the tray on which cover slips are laid must be cooled prior to use to ensure cells stay alive. Moreover fixation is done at the end of the surface staining process. This is in sharp contrast with internal staining where fixation precedes staining to permeabilize the cell membrane to primary and secondary antibodies. Time of exposure of cover slips to air must be minimized to prevent the cells from drying up; therefore layering of cover slips with antibody solutions, transferring cover slips to wash solution, exchange of wash solution between washes must be done quickly and one at a time when handling multiple cover slips.
Depending on the epitope tag and antibodies one uses, one may have to adjust incubation time, number of washes, and fold of antibody dilution. Background noise can be avoided by diluting the antibodies more or increasing the number of washes, or shortening incubation time.
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No conflicts of interest declared.
We thank the members of Matsunami laboratory for critical reading of this manuscript.
|Catalog Number
|Cover slip 22 X 22 mm (#1)
|Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
|Fetal bovine serum
|GIBCO, by Life Technologies
|Lipofectamine 2000
|Minimal essential medium
|With L glutamate, Earle's salt and bicarbonate
|Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) 1X
|GIBCO, by Life Technologies
|With calcium chloride and magnesium chloride
|HEPES Buffer Solution
|GIBCO, by Life Technologies
|Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS)
|Without calcium and magnesium
|Poly D Lysine Hydrobromide
|Sodium Azide
|Electron Microscopy Sciences
|Tissue culture dish 35 X 10 mm
|Falcon BD
|GIBCO, by Life Technologies
- Buck, L., Axel, R. A novel multigene family may encode odorant receptors: a molecular basis for odor recognition. Cell. 65, 175-187 (1991).
- Malnic, B., Hirono, J., Sato, T., Buck, L. B. Combinatorial receptor codes for odors. Cell. 96, 713-723 (1999).
- Saito, H., Kubota, M., Roberts, R. W., Chi, Q., Matsunami, H. RTP family members induce functional expression of mammalian odorant receptors. Cell. 119, 679-691 (2004).
- Zhuang, H., Matsunami, H. Evaluating cell-surface expression and measuring activation of mammalian odorant receptors in heterologous cells. Nat Protoc. 3, 1402-1413 (2008).
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text: My business partners and I were having a meeting and brainstorming ideas on how we can improve BBCB. They were discussing the game plan while I was off to the side trying to come up with as many solutions as I could before we all came back to the meeting. I was becoming very agitated because I could not put the ideas that were in my head on paper. When I put them on paper they didn't make any sense. I had gone through so many sheets of paper and my brain was on overload so I tore up all of the papers and yelled " I GIVE UP". One of my partners came over and told me not to ever do that again. He also told me that every idea is worth keeping because it can be tweaked and to never just throw the entire idea out. A few days later I stumbled upon a quote that took me back to what my partner said to me. The quote was "When A Flower Doesn't Bloom You Fix the Environment In Which It Grows, Not The Flower". It also reminded me of why BBCB was created. If our future leaders and the elders are not growing we have to fix the environment in which they grow. How do we do that as business owners? It's very simple, we have to give back to the community. We NEED to #bepartofthesolution by building playgrounds for the future leaders in the community can have somewhere to play. Take a day and feed the community or Build a Rec center for the neighborhood. Give scholarships for the Seniors that are preparing to attend college. Open a daycare in the community so that parents can have a place for their babies to go while they are working. That's how we can help our future leaders and elders to grow.


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Clan Stereotypes: Nosferatu
The Nosferatu are one of the most maligned clans in the Camarilla. Horribly disfigured physically and, so it's claimed, mentally, the Nosferatu are often viewed as "sewer rats" by the other clans, good only for skulking around and spying; in fact, this belief is part of why the Nosferatu are considered information brokers extraordinaire (if particularly slimy and distasteful ones). In truth, the Nosferatu are often surprisingly humane, but all tend to have a sense of "gallows humor" about their shared condition. Nosferatu warrens are deeply meritocratic, and the clan respects those with vision, intellect, and a great willingness to forge their own path — but being guarded sorts, they rarely seek strong relationships outside their own clan.
Brujah: Nosferatu feel a degree of kinship with the Brujah, who they feel are also often marginalized by the rest of the Camarilla. Both clans respect strength, though the Nosferatu largely feel that the Brujah could use tempering that with a bit of willpower and wisdom.
Gangrel: Many Gangrel find themselves increasingly bestial as they age. The Nosferatu can commiserate with that, and with the loneliness that comes from being ever the outsider. Gangrel and Nosferatu often work together, trading information and boons to achieve their shared goals. Nosferatu see Gangrel as fellow walkers in places other vampires fear to tread.
Malkavian: Few things annoy a Nosferatu more than a Malkavian. Most Nosferatu feel Malkavians are utter madmen with little to offer of value. However, the rare lucid Malkavian can sometimes find kinship with a Nosferatu, particularly if that Malkavian can see past the Nosferatu's physical condition, or if she has an interest in the grotesque. Nevertheless, Nosferatu rarely truly trust Malkavians.
Toreador: Nosferatu largely despise the Toreador. The Artistes have no compunctions about openly feeling either pity or hate for the Nosferatu, and the Nosferatu see them in return as arrogant, effete snobs. A popular Nosferatu "game" is to see who can make the Toreador vomit — or frenzy.
Tremere: The Nosferatu rightly view the Tremere as exceedingly dangerous competition. The secrecy of Tremere makes them quite enigmatic, and they often try to interfere with the Nosferatu information brokering when it might potentially step into matters of the occult. While the two clans sometimes trade information, such arrangements are always temporary and extremely professional.
Ventrue: While the Ventrue feel they have the right — nay, the responsibility — to rule over all Kindred in all things, the Nosferatu disagree. Strenuously. As far as the Nosferatu are concerned, the Ventrue can play their little political games, so long as they keep coming back to the Nosferatu to get their "information fix."
Caitiff: Nosferatu have a wide variety of opinions about the Clanless, though most view them as unfortunate victims of circumstance. A Nosferatu is more likely to aid a Caitiff than attempt to destroy one, as they often have a soft spot for the "refuse" of Camarilla society.
Independents: By and large, the Nosferatu try to stay out of the way of the independents. While Setites are often seen as a threat to business and the stability of a city as a whole, the Giovanni and Ravnos are seen as a problem for the more political Kindred. Sure, they're worth spying on, but their motivations generally don't interfere with those of the Nosferatu.
Nosferatu antitribu and the Sabbat: It's an extremely well-guarded secret, but Nosferatu and their Sabbat cousins often meet up to share information, swap stories, and generally enjoy the company of the only vampires who can truly understand them. These meetings are always extremely secret and held in the Nosferatu warrens beneath a city. Sect secrets are rarely betrayed at these gatherings; instead, the vampires debate philosophy, discuss matters of the kine and technology, and have civilized chats — something the rest of the Camarilla would believe impossible. As a result, the Nosferatu are often the best sources in the Camarilla for Paths of Enlightenment (though they'd never admit it). As for the Sabbat generally, the Nosferatu have little love for religious fanatics and hypocrites, so while they get along with their antitribu cousins, they often fight brutally against the rest of the Black Hand.


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Effect of trailing-edge flap deployment on average downwash at the tailplane at low speeds.
Abstract:ESDU 97021 provides a graphical semi-empirical method based on a correlation of calculations made using a trailing horseshoe-vortex model to represent a straight-tapered wing with plain flaps over a range of wing sweeps, taper and aspect ratios, flap chords and spans, tailplane locations and Mach numbers. It was found that the data could be represented by taking values for a datum geometry and Mach number and applying correction factors for departures from that condition. Predictions by the method were then compared with wind-tunnel data drawn from the literature and a further factor was found to be required depending on whether the tailplane was mounted on the body or on the fin. No effects due to flap type were found and the effect of a central flap cut out is accounted for in the lift coefficient used in the method which is that due to flap deployment. For wings that are not straight-tapered the equivalent wing concept of ESDU 76003 may be used. The method applies to fully-attached flow with linear aerodynamic characteristics (an angle of attack range from -3 to 12 degrees is suggested). Overall, the mean downwash angle is predicted to within 15 per cent as shown by a sketch comparing predictions with experimental results. A fully-worked example illustrates the use of the method. A computer program of the method is provided as ESDUpac A9721. ESDU 80020 provides a prediction method for the case with flaps undeployed.
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Preparing For Your Desert Safari With Safari Clothing
A safari conjures up an enchanting picture of a travel across jungles and mountains. Earlier safaris were by walking, however the current safari is usually conducted by way of a 4 wheeled driven vehicle. The desert safari is yet another mutation with the old safari and is likewise exciting. In particular the city of Dubai offers desert safari that is basically a cross the sand dunes.Desert safari
The desert is often a barren area manufactured from sand and small hillocks called dunes. These dunes have a peculiarity in that they are not static whilst shifting using the direction of strong winds. When transferring the desert sand storms are fairly common and also at that time visibility could be reduced to zero. Thus there's a will need a special 4x4 wheeled vehicle. Generally tin Dubai the Toyota land cruiser is very common.The vehicle is roomy sufficient reason for AC on doesn't heated inside the hot desert. Earlier desert safaris were on camels — however that was in a bygone age.
When you are in Dubai it is possible to book a desert safari with the umpteen tour operators available. All tour operators that run the Dubai desert safaris follow set route and regime. You'll invariably be picked up from a hotel or host to stay. This really is in the morning and you will be section of several six who all travel together.
Each of the vehicles assemble at a starting place. Typically no single vehicle is allowed to go out to the desert. It can be dangerous as disorientation can cost you your life. Thus an entire fleet moves together. This is the thrilling experience and generally the desert safari will drive on inside the desert and converge on a camel farm.You can then have a short ride for the camel. this will let you look regarding how camels are bred.
The safari will likely then go forward and require to Bedouin camp. This can be wonderful experience and you may observe how the Bedouins- the sooner nomads live in the desert. A Bedouin camp will also gain an oasis and you can feel the cool waters along with the romantic surroundings. Local girls will also apply exotic henna designs to suit your needs. Bedouin camps these days supply basic amenities and you'll freshen yourself. You will probably be served exotic barbecue dinner with Lebanese girls carrying out a belly dancing to save you time. The belly dance will be the high point of the evening and quite often girls from Mumbai are also drafted with this show.


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as you can tell, we've been enjoying summer for the last few weeks. Gloria has been in Prince Edward Island visiting her in-laws' farm, and made this video of SBS' song "When You Come Out" inside the barn. Enjoy!
In other news, Grandfather William Commanda, respected Aboriginal elder & defender of the Beaver Pond Forest, passed away last Wednesday. May he rest in peace. He was a great man.
If you live in Ottawa, you should vote in the Apartment613 T-shirt design contest and vote for shirt design #4, "Memory of a forest at Beaver Pond". What a beautiful design!
Finally, we've planned an awesome farewell party on August 20. It involves free t-shirt making and cover song requests and probably more cupcakes. If you'd like to come to this private party, e-mail us at firstname.lastname@example.com for details.


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For the past several years Cyprus has offered a citizenship-by-investment scheme
Currently, applications for citizenship take approximately 3 months, which makes this process one of the fastest not only in Europe, but worldwide.
Once you buy Cypriot property for more than 2 million euros you will be qualify to apply for Cyprus citizenship.
The whole applicant's family is eligible for Cyprus citizenship
To be considered as a tax resident in Cyprus, a Cypriot citizen must be present in Cyprus no less than 60 days per calendar year and should not be a tax resident of any other country.
The main advantage of z Cypriot passport is unlimited stay, including eligibility to work, study and social benefits within the EU.
Besides that, second citizenship is traditionally used to manage personal wealth.
To decide whether to apply for Cypriot citizenship or not
This is recommended for people who wish to relocate to a foreign property. Then, applying minimal effort, the prospects of travel and capital protection will highly increase.
Please send your quote to buy property in Cyprus to apply for Cypriot citizenship.


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The listing below shows our latest News Items and is updated regularly. If you wish to post a news item please select the 'Post News' button on the right. The displayed news feed starts on 1st August 2016. Older items can be found here.
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After you're selected you'll move to our labs at Imperial College London White City Incubator for 3 months and learn how to turn science into tangible products that will impact the lives of people globally. We run a crucible that transforms scientists into entrepreneurs.
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OBN aims to provide sector NEWS that is relevant to our Membership. We filter information from a variety of sources, publish items ourselves and will publish items of News from our Members. Press releases about OBN can be found here.


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The American Journal of Public Health is the monthly journal of APHA. Celebrating more than 100 years, the Journal is dedicated to publishing original work in research, research methods and program evaluation in the field of public health. Our prestigious journal also regularly publishes editorials and commentaries and serves as a forum for the analysis of health policy.
The mission of the Journal is to advance public health research, policy, practice and education. All published papers have undergone rigorous peer review with only one of five submitted papers accepted for publication. Each month, the most influential public health professionals around the world turn to AJPH for the most current, authoritative, in-depth information in the field.
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New AJPH research on long gun age restrictions, social media bots and anti-vaccine conversations, smoke-free colleges, opioid policies and drinking water.
AJPH publishes new research on black lung, congressional districts and opioid prescribing rates, police violence, and inmate opioid risks.
AJPH publishes new research on Prop. 47 and drug arrests, teen self-injury, women's tobacco use, public housing and asthma
AJPH publishes new research on the gun owning population, gun owner policy opinions, suicide risk among gun owners, Syrian refugee mental health, HPV vaccine follow-through and indoor tanning laws
The American Journal of Public Health published a special supplement exploring how climate change is impacting public health.
AJPH publishes new research on opioid prescribing by race, heroin overdose deaths, folate levels in pregnant women and more.
New AJPH research on NYC smoking age, opioids up 500% in Brazil, Defense Dept. policies and traumatic brain injury, Medicaid expansion and opioids.
AJPH publishes new research on gun storage, LARCs and abortion, flu vaccine disparities, air pollution disparities, Brazil birthrate after Zika and more.
A special supplement to AJPH explores updated perspectives and new research on high risk adolescent pregnancy prevention.
AJPH research on medical expenses and income inequality, Medicaid expansion and infant mortality, abortion denial, universal lead screening and more
New AJPH research on hepatitis C and opioids, Medicaid expansion and cancer diagnoses, ACA and breastfeeding, osteoarthritis increases
A special supplement to the American Journal of Public Health explores social work in public health.
AJPH has released a special supplement focused on climate change and its effect on public health.
Highlighted research includes new data on the effectiveness of traumatic brain injury laws, gun violence and declining abortion rate.
Highlighted research includes studies on sugar-sweetened soda and weight, gun retailers as partners in suicide prevention and Twitter as a predictor of health outcomes
The American Journal of Public Health has released a special supplement focused on public health emergency preparedness.
Highlighted research includes studies on Trump voters and life expectancy, premature death and white Americans and urban/rural firearm suicide disparities
This month's issue features research on gestational weight gain and maternal obesity, disparities in hydration status and Zika and reproductive rights in Brazil
A special supplement to the American Journal of Public Health explores oral health inequities.
In this month's release, find new research on: U.S. gun fatalities, quality of health by occupation, marijuana legalization and vehicle crash fatality rates
In this month's release, find new research on: firearm laws and fatal police shootings; walking in airports; and foodborne illness outbreaks in correctional facilities
In this month's release, find new research on: U.S. public opinion about carrying firearms; a media campaign targeting changes in perceptions and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages; and marijuana use in college versus non-college youth.
In this month's release, find new research about: U.S. counties with highest risk of Zika infections; costs of initial hospitalizations for firearm injuries; and sexual assault victimization of women in the U.S. Army.
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