A wildlife inventory study on three areas of southeastern Montana (Otter Creek, Prairie Dog Creek and Hanging Woman Creek) encompassing approximately 105,200 acres was begun in April 1979. Field work was completed July 1, 1980. This report, will, among other things, be used to determine habitats unsuitable for mining according to the Secretary of the Interior's "unsuitability criteria." Game species observed on the Otter Creek study area include mule deer, white-tailed deer, antelope, sharp-tailed grouse and ringnecked pheasants. One hundred and ten bird species, including the golden eagle, Swainson's hawk, prairie falcon, upland sandpiper, mountain bluebird and Brewer's sparrow, were observed. Twenty-nine mammals including beaver, raccoon, black-tailed prairie dog and red fox were observed on the study area. Ten species of amphibians and reptiles were observed. The mule deer population structure in October 1979 was 8.7 percent bucks, 41.7 percent does and 49.5 percent fawns. Fawn production was extremely high at 118.6 fawns per 100 does. Antelope production, as observed in August 1979 was 64.4 fawns per 100 does. Twenty sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds were located. Bird species composition was determined on grassland, sagebrush, ponderosa pinejuniper and riparian habitat types. The riparian type had the highest diversity, 31 species, while the sagebrush habitat type had the lowest diversity, 6 species. Prairie falcon aeries and red-tailed hawk nests were located. Small mammal trapping was conducted on 5 habitat types; grassland, sagebrush, ponderosa pinejuniper, deciduous tree riparian and marsh riparian. The deciduous tree riparian type had the highest number of captures, 63, and the sagebrush type had the lowest, 2. The Hanging Woman Creek area had mule deer, antelope, sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse and ring-necked pheasants as resident game species. Seventy-eight bird species, including Cooper's hawk, ferruginous hawk, golden eagle and prairie falcon, were observed. Fifteen mammal species including the coyote, yellow-bellied marmot and black-tailed prairie dog were observed. Eight amphibian and reptilian species were observed. Over 1800 mule deer observations were made during the study period. Fawn production was observed to be 92.2 fawns per 100 does in October 1979. Antelope production, as observed in July 1979, was 67.4 fawns per 100 does. Three sharp-tailed grouse dancing grouncls and five sage grouse strutting grounds were documented. Bird species composition was determined on grassland and sagebrush habitat types. Numbers observed were highest on the sagebrush type while species diversity was highest on the grassland type. Small mammal trapping was conducted on the sagebrush and grassland habitat types. Fourteen prairie dog towns were located within or near the Hanging Woman study area.

Background: Over 92 million prescriptions for benzodiazepines are dispensed in the United States annually, yet little is known about the experiences of those taking and discontinuing them. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the experiences of those taking, tapering, or having discontinued benzodiazepines. Methods: An online survey ( n = 1207) elicited information about benzodiazepine use, including long-term use, tapering, discontinuation, and withdrawal symptoms. Results: Symptoms associated with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation were numerous and ranged from symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness to digestive problems, irregular heart rhythms, uncontrollable anger, photosensitivity, balance problems, and others. When asked how benzodiazepine symptoms affected their lives, 82.9% reported work problems, 86.3% had problems with social interactions and friendships, and 88.8% had problems with fun, recreation, and hobbies. Suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide was reported by 54.4%, and 46.8% said benzodiazepines caused lost employment. Most of the respondents for whom benzodiazepines were prescribed (76.2%) stated they had not been informed that benzodiazepines were indicated for short-term use only and that discontinuation might be difficult. About a third (31.5%) reported food allergies and/or seasonal allergies that occurred only after benzodiazepine use. Conclusion: The trajectory of those who taper or discontinue benzodiazepines is unpredictable, and many patients experience a range of protracted and severe symptoms, even years after benzodiazepines were completely discontinued. Greater awareness is needed for both prescribers and patients about the potential for a difficult withdrawal from benzodiazepines.

Background-Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) members represent an important and relatively understudied population for improving our understanding of alcohol dependence recovery since over one million Americans participate in the program. Further insight into coffee and cigarette use by these individuals is necessary given AA members' apparent widespread consumption and the recognized health consequences and psychopharmacological actions of these substances.

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Purpose Diagnosing pain and pain inflicting diseases are crucial issues in the health care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to delineate possible peculiarities in pain perception, characterizing a syndrome-specific spectrum of pain causing diseases as well as particular features of pain expression in Rett syndrome (RTT). Design/methodology/approach A selective review of the literature on pain, dolorous disorders and diseases, molecular aspects of pain transduction, pain perception, and expression of painful conditions in RTT was undertaken. Findings RTT causing mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) have an impact on various endogenous molecules modulating pain transmission. Individuals with RTT are specifically prone to numerous pathological states which can cause pain. By thorough observation/application of proper tools, it is possible to recognize painful states in persons with RTT. Originality/value This paper imparts empirical/evidence-based data on pain perception/transmission, possible syndrome-specific causes of pain and pain expression/assessment in RTT, with the objective of promoting the quality of clinical practice in this crucial issue.