Introduction Gender disparities in income continue to exist, and many studies have quantified the gap between male and female workers. These studies paint an incomplete picture of gender income disparity because of their reliance on notoriously inaccurate or incomplete surveys. We quantified gender reimbursement disparity between female and male healthcare providers using objective, non-self-reported data and attempted to adjust the disparity against commonly held beliefs as to why it exists. Methods We analysed over three million publicly available Medicare reimbursement claims for calendar year 2012 and compared the reimbursements received by male and female healthcare providers in 13 medical specialties. We adjusted these reimbursement totals against how hard providers worked, how productive each provider was, and their level of experience. We calculated a reimbursement differential between male and female providers by primary medical specialty.

Objective To feasibility test a 12-week church-based physical activity intervention that was culturally sensitive, age- and gender specific directed at changing attitudes of Black adolescent girls to be more physically active. Design and Sample A one-group pre- and posttest design was used. A convenience sample of Black adolescent girls between the age of 12 –18 (n = 41). Intervention A 60-min 12-week church-based program that included interactive educational sessions followed by a high energy dance aerobics class was used. Measures Data were collected on biophysical measures. Surveys were used to assess the following variables: attitudes, enjoyment, self-efficacy, intention, social and family support, and PA levels. Results Paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant changes in key variables. Positive changes were noted in the odds ratios for attitudes, self-efficacy, and intention. Body mass index, metabolic equivalent tasks, and fitness showed positive trends from pre to post intervention. Family support was significantly correlated with physical activity level (p < .01). Conclusions The study showed that physical activity programs in Black churches aimed at Black adolescent girls are feasible. Participants evaluated the intervention very favorably. Family support may be a key factor in increasing physical activity levels in Black adolescent girls.

Physical activity is an essential component for a healthy life and has implications for the prevention of chronic diseases and obesity. Physical inactivity is an independent risk factor for many chronic diseases and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Attitudes of Black adolescent girls toward physical activity were identified as an important predictor for engaging in physical activity among Black adolescent girls. Understanding and addressing attitudes of Black adolescent toward physical activity could help increase physical activity levels of Black adolescent girls. Physical activity programs that are enjoyable and culturally relevant are discussed as effective strategies that can increase physical activity levels of this target group, that is, Black adolescent girls. To reverse this growing trend of physical inactivity noted in Black adolescent girls, more intervention programs directed at Black adolescent girls are needed.

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An outbreak of sulfur toxicosis, with clinical signs and pathologic diagnosis of polioencephalomalacia (PEM), occurred in a case-lot of 150 crossbred, mixed-gender beef calves in northeast Georgia during May and June of 2009. Sixty head of cattle were clinically affected during a four-week period, with 35 of 60 cases resulting in death. Samples of feed, forage, and water were submitted for nutrient analysis. Sulfur concentration was 0.82% (8240 ppm) in the total mixed ration (TMR). Analysis of individual ration components revealed a sulfur concentration of 1.25% (12,500 ppm) in the corn gluten feed (CGF), while water samples had low sulfur concentrations (3.8 ppm). The sulfur content of the TMR was more than twice the maximum tolerable concentration of 0.40% of diet dry matter for cattle. Treatment was attempted with parenteral thiamine/B-vitamin complex and supportive care, with response rates reported as poor. The TMR was reformulated to non-toxic sulfur concentrations by reducing the percentage of CGF in the diet, reducing the daily feed intake, and offering supplemental forage, resulting in cessation of clinical cases.