bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Patients with “Radioresistant” Brain Metastases
Authors: Brown Paul D. , Brown Cerise A. , Pollock Bruce E. , Gorman Deborah A. , Foote Robert L.
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the treatment of patients with brain metastases that have been determined to be “radioresistant” on the basis of histological examination.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 41 consecutive patients who presented with 83 brain metastases from radioresistant primaries and subsequently underwent SRS. All patients were followed until death or for a median of 31 months after SRS. Tumor histologies included renal cell carcinoma (16 patients), melanoma (23 patients), and sarcoma (2 patients). Eighteen patients (44%) had a solitary metastasis, and 23 patients (56%) had multiple metastases.

RESULTS

The median overall survival time was 14.2 months after SRS. On the basis of univariate analysis, systemic disease status (P = 0.006) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class (P = 0.005) were associated with survival. The median survival time was 23.5 months for patients in RPA Class I status and 10.5 months for patients in RPA Class II or III status. There was a trend (P = 0.12) toward improved median survival for patients with renal cell carcinoma (17.8 mo) as compared with patients with melanoma (9.7 mo). Multivariate analysis showed RPA class (P = 0.038) and histological diagnosis of primary tumor (P < 0.001) to be independent predictors for overall survival. In the 35 patients who underwent follow-up imaging, 9 (12%) of 73 tumors recurred locally. In 54% of the patients, distant brain failure (DBF) developed. Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) improved local control and decreased DBF, according to the univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients who received adjuvant WBRT in addition to SRS had 6-month actuarial local control of 100% as compared with 85% among those who did not receive WBRT (P = 0.018). Patients who received adjuvant WBRT with SRS had a 6-month actuarial DBF rate of 17%, as compared with a rate of 64% among patients who had SRS alone (P = 0.0027).

CONCLUSION

Well-selected patients with brain metastases from radioresistant primary tumors who undergo SRS survive longer than historical controls. RPA Class I status and primary renal cell carcinoma predict longer survival. Adjuvant WBRT improves local control and decreases DBF but does not affect overall survival. Further studies are needed to determine which patients should receive WBRT.
Origin and Diversification Dynamics of Self-Incompatibility Haplotypes
Authors: Gervais Camille E , Castric Vincent , Ressayre Adrienne , Billiard Sylvain
Published: April 2011

Self-incompatibility (SI) is a genetic system found in some hermaphrodite plants. Recognition of pollen by pistils expressing cognate specificities at two linked genes leads to rejection of self pollen and pollen from close relatives, i.e., to avoidance of self-fertilization and inbred matings, and thus increased outcrossing. These genes generally have many alleles, yet the conditions allowing the evolution of new alleles remain mysterious. Evolutionary changes are clearly necessary in both genes, since any mutation affecting only one of them would result in a nonfunctional self-compatible haplotype. Here, we study diversification at the S-locus (i.e., a stable increase in the total number of SI haplotypes in the population, through the incorporation of new SI haplotypes), both deterministically (by investigating analytically the fate of mutations in an infinite population) and by simulations of finite populations. We show that the conditions allowing diversification are far less stringent in finite populations with recurrent mutations of the pollen and pistil genes, suggesting that diversification is possible in a panmictic population. We find that new SI haplotypes emerge fastest in populations with few SI haplotypes, and we discuss some implications for empirical data on S-alleles. However, allele numbers in our simulations never reach values as high as observed in plants whose SI systems have been studied, and we suggest extensions of our models that may reconcile the theory and data.
Extensive and Heritable Epigenetic Remodeling and Genetic Stability Accompany Allohexaploidization of Wheat
Authors: Zhao Na , Zhu Bo , Li Mingjiu , Wang Li , Xu Liying , Zhang Huakun , Zheng Shuangshuang , Qi Bao , Han Fangpu , Liu Bao
Published: April 2011

Allopolyploidy has played a prominent role in organismal evolution, particularly in angiosperms. Allohexaploidization is a critical step leading to the formation of common wheat as a new species, Triticum aestivum, as well as for bestowing its remarkable adaptability. A recent study documented that the initial stages of wheat allohexaploidization was associated with rampant genetic and epigenetic instabilities at genomic regions flanking a retrotransposon family named Veju. Although this finding is in line with the prevailing opinion of rapid genomic instability associated with nascent plant allopolyploidy, its relevance to speciation of T. aestivum remains unclear. Here, we show that genetic instability at genomic regions flanking the Veju, flanking a more abundant retroelement BARE-1, as well as at a large number of randomly sampled genomic loci, is all extremely rare or nonexistent in preselected individuals representing three sets of independently formed nascent allohexaploid wheat lines, which had a transgenerationally stable genomic constitution analogous to that of T. aestivum. In contrast, extensive and transgenerationally heritable repatterning of DNA methylation at all three kinds of genomic loci were reproducibly detected. Thus, our results suggest that rampant genetic instability associated with nascent allohexaploidization in wheat likely represents incidental and anomalous phenomena that are confined to by-product individuals inconsequential to the establishment of the newly formed plants toward speciation of T. aestivum; instead, extensive and heritable epigenetic remodeling coupled with preponderant genetic stability is generally associated with nascent wheat allohexaploidy, and therefore, more likely a contributory factor to the speciation event(s).
Pch2 Modulates Chromatid Partner Choice During Meiotic Double-Strand Break Repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zanders Sarah , Brown Megan Sonntag , Chen Cheng , Alani Eric
Published: April 2011

In most organisms, the segregation of chromosomes during the first meiotic division is dependent upon at least one crossover (CO) between each pair of homologous chromosomes. COs can result from chromosome double-strand breaks (DSBs) that are induced and preferentially repaired using the homologous chromosome as a template. The PCH2 gene of budding yeast is required to establish proper meiotic chromosome axis structure and to regulate meiotic interhomolog DSB repair outcomes. These roles appear conserved in the mouse ortholog of PCH2, Trip13, which is also involved in meiotic chromosome axis organization and the regulation of DSB repair. Using a combination of genetic and physical assays to monitor meiotic DSB repair, we present data consistent with pch2Δ mutants showing defects in suppressing intersister DSB repair. These defects appear most pronounced in dmc1Δ mutants, which are defective for interhomolog repair, and explain the previously reported observation that pch2Δdmc1Δ cells can complete meiosis. Results from genetic epistasis analyses involving spo13Δ, rad54Δ, and mek1/MEK1 alleles and an intersister recombination reporter assay are also consistent with Pch2 acting to limit intersister repair. We propose a model in which Pch2 is required to promote full Mek1 activity and thereby promotes interhomolog repair.
Vitamin D Status in Relation to Glucose Metabolism and Type 2 Diabetes in Septuagenarians
Authors: Dalgård Christine , Petersen Maria Skaalum , Weihe Pal , Grandjean Philippe
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D deficiency is thought to be a risk factor for development of type 2 diabetes, and elderly subjects at northern latitudes may therefore be at particular risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Vitamin D status was assessed from serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] in 668 Faroese residents aged 70–74 years (64% of eligible population). We determined type 2 diabetes prevalence from past medical histories, fasting plasma concentrations of glucose, and/or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

RESULTS

We observed 70 (11%) new type 2 diabetic subjects, whereas 88 (13%) were previously diagnosed. Having vitamin D status <50 nmol/L doubled the risk of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes after adjustment for BMI, sex, exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, serum triacylglyceride concentration, serum HDL concentration, smoking status, and month of blood sampling. Furthermore, the HbA1c concentration decreased at higher serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations independent of covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

In elderly subjects, vitamin D sufficiency may provide protection against type 2 diabetes. Because the study is cross-sectional, intervention studies are needed to elucidate whether vitamin D could be used to prevent development of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Is Associated With Increased Arterial Stiffness Without Changes in Carotid Intima–Media Thickness in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kim Eun Sook , Moon Sung-dae , Kim Hun-Sung , Lim Dong Jun , Cho Jae Hyoung , Kwon Hyuk Sang , Ahn Chul Woo , Yoon Kun Ho , Kang Moo Il , Cha Bong Yun , Son Ho Young
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to investigate the association of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) with both arterial stiffness and intima–media thickness (IMT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 731 subjects with type 2 diabetes. DPN was diagnosed on the basis of neuropathic symptoms, insensitivity to a 10-g monofilament, abnormal pin-prick sensation, and abnormal current perception threshold. Arterial stiffness was assessed by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), and IMT was assessed by B-mode ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Patients with DPN had higher CAVI than those without DPN in multivariate-adjusted models, whereas no differences in IMT were observed between patients with and without DPN after adjustment for age and sex. In the multivariate analysis, CAVI was a significant determinant of DPN (odds ratio 1.36 [95% CI 1.13–1.65], P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

DPN is significantly associated with arterial stiffness without carotid intimal changes in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Idéal féministe et injonction à l'autonomie économique. Le travail social des associations luttant contre les violences conjugales
Authors: Herman Elisa
Published: April 2011

Résumé Les associations luttant contre les violences sont prises dans une ambivalence : malgré l’idéal féministe de l’émancipation et de la prise de conscience des rapports de force hiérarchisés, la « réinsertion » par l’économie prévaut. Sous la pression de leurs financeurs demandant une « rotation » des personnes hébergées, les travailleuses sociales sont contraintes de céder aux sirènes de l’autonomie économique, amenant les femmes hébergées à chercher un emploi parmi les plus précarisés et les plus pénibles. Celles-ci étant souvent seules avec leurs enfants, elles doivent trouver un mode de garde et ainsi alimenter la chaîne de la délégation marchande du travail de care . C’est alors que se trouve renforcée la division sexuelle du travail professionnel et domestique, malgré l’ambition féministe d’un changement social, quand le travail social ne peut apporter qu’une aide individualisée sans maîtriser l’ensemble des rouages dans lesquels il est pris.
THE LEPIDOPTERA OF BERMUDA: THEIR FOOD PLANTS, BIOGEOGRAPHY, AND MEANS OF DISPERSAL
Authors: Ferguson D.C. , Hilburn D.J. , Wright B.
Published: April 2011

The 183 species of Lepidoptera recorded from Bermuda are discussed with respect to their world distribution, origin, long-range dispersal capability, host plants, nomenclature, and the circumstances of their occurrence in Bermuda; most are illustrated. Fifty-nine species are reported from Bermuda for the first time; Oenobotys invinacealis Ferguson (Pyralidae) and Tetanolita mynesalis inaequalis Ferguson (Noctuidae) are described as new. Four new genus–species combinations and four new synonymies are proposed.The Bermuda islands have a distressed fauna dominated by introduced pest species and migrants from the North American mainland and Caribbean Region. About 125 of the 183 recorded species are thought to be established residents; the remainder are assumed to be vagrants. Of approximately 50 resident species identified as probably indigenous, 11 species and three subspecies are endemic, and one of these, Semiothisa ochrifascia (Warren), is believed extinct.All Bermudian Lepidoptera are of American origin except the few introduced Old World species that are nearly cosmopolitan. Like Norfolk Island, Australia, Bermuda has a supersaturated lepidopterous fauna — more recorded species than its land area might support, which can be explained only by a high incidence of migrants and transients. This migratory component is explained relative to long-range movements of the same or congeneric species elsewhere; and hypotheses are proposed concerning the natural history of long-range dispersal in eastern North America and the ability of these moths to reach Bermuda. From a list of 113 species of Lepidoptera identified as frequent south–north migrants on the mainland, 76 are recorded from Bermuda. These include 38 of the 40 best-known cutworm moths of the eastern United States. It is argued that such moths reach Bermuda repeatedly without man's assistance and must regularly travel similar distances in North America.
GENERIC REVISION OF PHORIDAE OF THE NEARCTIC REGION AND PHYLOGENETIC CLASSIFICATION OF PHORIDAE, SCIADOCERIDAE, AND IRONOMYIIDAE (DIPTERA: PHORIDEA)
Authors: Brown Brian V.
Published: April 2011

The Nearctic Region genera of Phoridae are revised, and it is shown that the current classification into three subfamilies is inadequate. The hypothesis that the most closely related taxa to the Phoridae are the Sciadoceridae and Ironomyiidae is supported. Use of these outgroups to polarize character states in the Phoridae allows the reorganization of this family into five subfamilies: Hypocerinae, Phorinae, Aenigmatiinae, Conicerinae, and Metopininae. The newly re-defined Phorinae is the adelphotaxon (sister-group) of the Aenigmatiinae + Conicerinae + Metopininae, among which the relationships are unresolved. The hypocerines are the adelphotaxon of all other extant Phoridae. Within the Hypocerinae the relationships of the 15 included world genera are hypothesized, and three new genera are proposed. The relationships of the eight world phorine genera are only partly resolved. The Aenigmatiinae is organized into two tribes: Aenigmatiini and Diplonevrini. The relationships of the seven world genera of Diplonevrini are hypothesized, whereas those of the Aenigmatiini are not discussed. The six world conicerine genera are revised and their relationships hypothesized. In the Metopininae, two major groups are recognized, theMetopina-group and theMegaselia-group.BeckerinaMalloch is the adelphotaxon of these two groups, whereasRhopicaSchmitz andTriphlebaRondani are successive outgroups of all metopinines. TheMetopina-group is mostly tropical in distribution and is not discussed further. TheMegaselia-group is partially organized into theGymnophora-subgroup and theApocephalus-subgroup. Species-level revisions of genera are needed before further progress can be made in this family, because the distribution of character states is insufficiently known. Genera in great need of revision includePeromitraEnderlein,ChaetopleurophoraSchmitz,MegaseliaRondani, andApocephalusCoquillett.
Determination of breeding strategies for beef cattle bull breeders selling bulls into two competing markets on a non-linear price grid
Authors: Wade C. M. , Wilton J. W. , Miller S. P.
Published: April 2011

Computer simulation was used to suggest potential selection strategies for beef cattle breeders with different mixes of clients between two potential markets. The “traditional” market paid on the basis of carcass weight (CWT), while a “new” market considered marbling grade in addition to CWT as a basis for payment. Both markets instituted discounts for CWT in excess of 340 kg and light carcasses below 300 kg. Herds were simulated for each price category on the carcass weight grid for the new market. This enabled the establishment of phenotypic relationships among the traits examined [CWT, percent intramuscular fat (IMF), carcass value in the traditional market, carcass value in the new market, and the expected proportion of progeny in elite price cells in the new market pricing grid]. The appropriateness of breeding goals was assessed on the basis of client satisfaction. Satisfaction was determined by the equitable distribution of available stock between markets combined with the assessment of the utility of the animal within the market to which it was assigned. The best goal for breeders with predominantly traditional clients was a CWT in excess of 330 kg, while that for breeders with predominantly new market clients was a CWT of between 310 and 329 kg and with a marbling grade of AAA in the Ontario carcass pricing system. For breeders who wished to satisfy both new and traditional clients, the optimal CWT was 310–329 kg and the optimal marbling grade was AA–AAA. This combination resulted in satisfaction levels of greater than 75% among clients, regardless of the distribution of the clients between the traditional and new marketplaces. Key words: Beef cattle, carcass, marbling grade, breeding, breeding objectives, breeding goals
Effect of fumaric acid supplementation and dietary buffering capacity on the concentration of microbial metabolites in ileal digesta of young pigs
Authors: Blank R. , Sauer W. C. , Mosenthin R. , Zentek J. , Huang S. , Roth S.
Published: April 2011

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of different levels of fumaric acid supplementation to diets with a low or high buffer capacity on the concentrations of microbial metabolites and lipopolysaccharides, as an indicator of gram negative bacteria in ileal digesta of young pigs. In two experiments, 12 pigs each were weaned at 14 d of age and fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum between 15 and 17 d of age. In experiment 1, the pigs were fed wheat–soybean meal diets without or with inclusion of 1, 2 or 3% fumaric acid according to a balanced two-period changeover design. In experiment 2, the same diets were fed, except that the dietary buffering capacity was increased by inclusion of 3% sodium bicarbonate to all diets. The pigs were fed three times daily, equal amounts at 8 h intervals. The diets were supplied at a rate of 5% (wt/wt) of body weight. The inclusion of fumaric acid to the diet with a low buffering capacity (exp. 1) decreased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of lactic acid, ammonia, spermidine and lipopolysaccharides in ileal digesta. Supplementation of fumaric acid to a diet with a high buffering capacity (exp. 2) did not affect (P > 0.05) the concentrations of fermentation products in ileal digesta, but there was a decrease (P < 0.05) in the concentration of lipopolysaccharides. Furthermore, in both experiments, the concentration of most fermentation products decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing age after weaning. These results give further evidence that supplementation of fumaric acid to diets for young pigs during the first 3–4 wk after weaning reduces the metabolic activity and the concentrations of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The magnitude of this effect, however, is dependent on the buffering capacity and the inclusion level of fumaric acid in the diets. Key words: Pigs, fumaric acid, buffering capacity, microbial metabolites, ileal digesta, lipopolysaccharides
Assessment of tail-end dehulled canola meal for use in broiler diets
Authors: Clark W. D. , Classen H. L. , Newkirk R. W.
Published: April 2011

The value of tail-end partially dehulled canola meal (DCM) was assessed in comparison to the conventional canola meal (CCM) from which it was derived using broiler chickens. CCM obtained from five crushing plants underwent the partial-dehulling. Nutrient retention was determined using 33-d-old broiler chickens and a 21 -d growth study was also conducted. DCMs contained a higher concentration of crude protein and amino acids and the utilization of energy and amino acids was improved. Energy utilization was also affected by crushing plant and there was an interaction between plant and meal type, suggesting that the dehulling was not uniform for meals obtained from the five plants. The DCM had higher digestibilities than the CCM (for 10 amino acids), but there were also plant effects for 7 amino acids. In the second experiment, feed intake, weight gain and mortality levels were not affected by tail end dehulling, but feed efficiency was. The similarity in chick performance and health between the chicks fed DCM and CCM indicates that there was no apparent concentration of anti-nutritional factors. In conclusion, although variability between crushing plants is a concern, tail-end dehulling has potential to increase the quality and marketability of canola meal for poultry diets. Key words: Dehulled canola meal, broiler chickens, metabolizable energy, amino acids, digestibility, growth
The influence of narasin level, type of feed, and gender on the palatability attributes and cooking properties of pork
Authors: Jeremiah L. E. , Merrill J. K. , Gibson L. L. , Dick P. , Ball R. O.
Published: April 2011

A total of 256 pork chops were obtained from pigs of different genders (128 barrows and 128 gilts) produced at two different geographical locations (64 barrows and 64 gilts produced in Alberta and in Ontario). Pigs received two different types of feed (32 barrows and 32 gilts received either mash or pellets at each location) with or without narasin treatment (16 barrows and 16 gilts received either 0 or 15 ppm of narasin, within each geographical location and feed type ). Chops were evaluated for the influence of these production factors on palatability attributes (initial and overall tenderness, amount of perceptible connective tissue, juiciness, flavor intensity and desirability, and overall palatability) and cooking properties (thaw-drip losses, total cooking losses and cooking times). Results clearly demonstrated 15 ppm of narasin could be incorporated into the diet of growing/finishing pigs without influencing the palatability attributes (initial and overall tenderness, amount of perceptible connective tissue, juiciness, flavor intensity, flavor desirability, and overall palatability) or cooking properties of the final product. Neither gender nor feed type exerted influences of practical importance on palatability attributes or cooking properties. Key words: Pork, narasin, ionophores, feed type, gender, palatability, cooking properties
The effect of feeding soybean oil to mid-lactation dairy cows on milk production and composition and on diet digestion
Authors: Veira D. M. , Charmley L. L. , Charmley E. , Lee A. J.
Published: April 2011

Mid-lactation Holstein cows were used to test the effect of feeding 3% soybean oil (SBO) on total mixed ration intake, apparent digestibility, milk production, and milk composition. Effect of SBO on rate and extent of rumen digestion was determined with nylon bags incubated in the rumen of fistulated cows. SBO reduced fibre digestion by 9% and degradability by 20%. Feeding of SBO caused a slight reduction in total mixed ration (TMR) intake, milk production, and milk protein production. However, these reductions were minor compared with the large reduction in fat production (0.2 kg d–1). Key words: Milk composition, soybean oil, digestibility, dairy cow
Calcineurin-mediated signaling in skeletal muscle
Authors: Carpenter C. E.
Published: April 2011

Calcineurin (Cn; protein phosphatase 2B) is a calcium-activated phosphatase that is highly conserved among eukaryotes. Calcineurin dephosphorylates a wide variety of substrates making it a versatile second messenger for intracellular calcium signals in many tissues. In muscle, Cn transduces signals that determine fiber type, hypertrophy, and commitment to the myogenic lineage. Calcineurin-mediated fiber transitions of fast to slow involve the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of the transcription factor, NFAT. Less is known about the Cn-mediated signaling pathways that promote muscle hypertrophy and expression of the fast phenotype, although they are undoubtedly intertwined with a variety of other signaling pathways. This paper reviews Cn-dependent signaling in muscle with special emphasis on the role of Cn in mediating fiber type transitions and muscle hypertrophy. To open the door on the role and extent of Cn-mediated signaling in livestock, evidence is presented that in callipyge lambs Cn actively mediates muscle hypertrophy in a fiber type-specific manner. Increased understanding of Cn-dependent signaling in livestock will enhance our ability to control and select for extent of muscling and meat quality attributes. Key words: Calcineurin, signal transduction, muscle, review
The interactive effects of enriched sources of Aspergillus ferulic acid esterase and Trichoderma xylanase on the quantitative release of hydroxycinnamic acids from oat hulls
Authors: Yu P. , McKinnon J. J. , Maenz D. D. , Racz V. J. , Christensen D. A.
Published: April 2011

Oat hulls contain relatively high amounts of hydroxycinnamic acids, mainly ferulic (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic) and p-coumaric acids (4-hydroxy-cinnamic), which are inhibitory to cell wall biodegradability by rumen microorganisms. In this paper, a study of the interactive effects of enriched sources of Aspergillus ferulic acid esterase (A-FAE) and Trichoderma xylanase (T-XYL) at different levels on the quantitative release of ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid from oat hulls was carried out. The results show that relative to A-FAE alone, the combined action of A-FAE and T-XYL was superior in causing the release of ferulic acid [up to 41.0% (± 2.1%)], indicating that T-XYL is important in acting with A-FAE in the degradation of feruloyl-polysaccharides of oat hulls. There was no effect of A-FAE alone, but a significant effect of A-FAE in combination with T-XYL on the release of p-coumaric acid from oat hulls. However, there was no extensive release of p-coumaric acid [(maximum release of 9.0% (± 0.7%)] by A-FAE in the presence of T-XYL, indicating a specificity of A-FAE for feruloyl groups, which only efficiently releases ferulic acid and not p-coumaric acid from oat hulls. This study suggests that A-FAE with T-XYL has an interactive effect to be able to break the ester linkage between ferulic acid and the attached sugar, releasing a significant proportion of the ferulic acid from oat hulls. This action, which causes disruption of crosslinks, has the potential to improve hydrolysis of the remaining polysaccharides by rumen microorganisms, which, in turn, would improve rumen degradability of oat hulls. Key words: Ferulic acid esterase, oat hulls, hydroxycinnamic acids, biodegradation
Effect of dietary methionine to lysine ratio on lactation performance of first and second parity Yorkshire and Hampshire lean genotype sows
Authors: Grandhi R. R.
Published: April 2011

A total of 196 Yorkshire (Y) sows, 137 of first and 59 of second parity, and 97 Hampshire (H) sows, 55 of first and 42 of second parity, were used to determine the effect of increased dietary amino acids and two methionine-to-lysine ratios on sow lactation performance. The three treatment diets were: (1) a barley-wheat-soybean meal diet containing lysine at 0.43 g MJ-1 DE with no supplemental amino acids, 2) the same as diet 1, except the lysine content was increased to 0.68 g MJ-1 DE with supplemental threonine and methionine providing threonine and methionine to lysine ratios of 0.60 and 0.26, respectively, and 3) the same as diet 2, except with an increased methionine-to-lysine ratio of 0.30. All diets were fed as pellets, ad libitum in self-feeders, with free access to drinking water during a 28-d lactation period. Nursing piglets were given creep feed after 14 d of age. The average daily feed intake increased during lactation, and it was higher (P < 0.05) in the second than the first parity sows. Feeding diets 2 and 3 increased (P < 0.05) sow lactation weight and backfat gains, compared to diet 1 for both breeds. Feeding diet 3 increased (P < 0.05) the sow lactation weight and backfat gains and piglet weight gains in the second parity Y sows, but not H sows. Post-weaning sow weight loss and weaning to estrus interval were not different (P > 0.10) among the diets in both breeds. Feeding diets 2 and 3 decreased (P < 0.05) the serum urea nitrogen concentration in Y sows indicating less amino acid catabolism. The results indicated that a dietary methionine-to-lysine ratio higher than 0.27 was not beneficial in maximizing lactation performance of modern lean genotype sows. Key words: Sows, lactation, ideal amino acid, Yorkshire, Hampshire, piglet
The effect of spring turnout date on weight gain by cattle on native pasture
Authors: Jannasch R. W. , Charmley E. , Rodd A. V.
Published: April 2011

The effect of early turnout on pasture quality and weight gain by beef cattle was assessed with 32 Hereford feeder cattle which were turned out on pasture on four separate dates in each of 2 yr in a randomized complete block design with two replications. In 1998, steers were allocated to four treatments numbered consecutively T1 to T4 according to turnout date: 6 May [110 growing degree days above 5°C (GDD)], 13 May (152 GDD), 20 May (195 GDD) and 27 May (255 GDD). Steers grazed separate 0.4-ha paddocks continuously for 28 d. In 1999, turnout dates were 11 May (124 GDD), 18 May (156 GDD), 26 May (226 GDD) and 2 June (304 GDD), with 0.6, 0.5, 0.4 and 0.3 ha of pasture allocated to each treatment (two steers, two heifers), respectively. Soil resistance to penetration, sward height, herbage mass and chemical composition, and animal liveweight gain were recorded. Early turnout did not increase soil compaction. Herbage mass at turnout for T1 to T4 was 532, 780, 1370 and 1299 kg dry matter (DM) ha-1, respectively, in 1998, and 901, 983, 1324 and 1719 kg ha-1, respectively, in 1999. Herbage mass increased by 273 kg ha-1per week as turnout was delayed in 1998 and 256 kg ha-1in 1999. Crude protein concentration declined from approximately 200 g kg-1 DM at T1 to less than 175 g kg-1 DM at T4 in both years. Fibre concentration, as indicated by ADF and NDF, increased 1 wk after turnout. Forage quality declined as turnout was delayed, but grazing did not improve forage quality relative to ungrazed swards. In 1998, cattle in T1 to T4 lost 4.7, 4.0, 1.2 and 4.2% of BW, respectively, in the week after turnout, whereas in 1999, T1 to T4 lost 1.2, 4, 0.5 and 1.5% of BW, respectively. In 1998 over the 28-d period, steers in T1 and T2 lost 0.52 and 0.21 kg d-1, respectively, whereas steers in T3 and T4 gained 0.60 and 0.51 kg d-1. In 1999, over the 28-d period, cattle in T1 to T4 gained 1.1, 0.64, 1.1 and 0.61 kg d-1, respectively, with cattle in T1 gaining significantly more weight (P < 0.014) than those in T4. The results suggest a weight gain of 0.5 to 1.0 kg d-1 can be achieved in a 28 day grazing period with early turnout on native pasture provided herbage mass ranges between 900 and 1300 kg DM ha-1 and approximately 130 kg forage DM head-1 is initially on offer. Key words: Native pasture, grazing, steer performance
Expression levels of STAT5A and STAT5B in mammary parenchymal tissue from Upton-Meishan and Large White gilts
Authors: Palin M. F. , Beaudry D. , Roberge C. , Farmer C.
Published: April 2011

The implication of STAT5A and STAT5B in mammary gland development and maintenance of lactation is well documented in rodents and humans. However, little is known regarding their roles in mammary gland development during gestation in pigs. We identified and analyzed the complete coding sequences of swine STAT5A and STAT5B and evaluated their mRNA levels in mammary glands of gestating gilts (day 110) in two different breeds, Upton-Meishan and Large White. Sequence analysis revealed a new APASA insertion in the STAT5A amino acid sequence that is in close proximity to residue Tyr 699 and whose phosporylation leads to the activation of target genes’ transcription. STAT5A mRNA levels were higher in Upton-Meishan than in Large White. In both breeds, STAT5B mRNA levels were higher than those of STAT5A , which is contrary to what was found in other mammals. A correlation between circulating IGF-I levels and STAT5B mRNA levels in the mammary gland was noticed in the Upton-Meishan breed only. STAT5B mRNA levels in mammary tissue of Large White gilts were highly correlated with extra-parenchymal tissue weight, parenchymal tissue weight, total parenchymal DNA, RNA and RNA/DNA ratio. In Upton-Meishan gilts, correlations were observed only between extra-parenchymal weight and STAT5A and STAT5B mRNA levels. These results indicate that there are significant differences in mRNA levels of STAT5A and STAT5B in the mammary glands of pregnant gilts when compared to other mammals, and between swine breeds. Key words: Mammary glands, signal transducers, pregnancy, kinases, pig, expression
Effects of folic acid supplement on uterine prostaglandin metabolism and interleukin-2 expression on day 15 of gestation in white breed and crossbred Meishan sows
Authors: J. Jacques Matte Frédéric Guay, , Girard Christiane L. , Alain Giguère Marie-France Palin, , Laforest Jean-Paul
Published: April 2011

The effects of a dietary folic acid (B9) supplement on the uterine environment of nulliparous Yorkshire- Landrace (YL) and multiparous Landrace (LD) and multiparous Meishan-Landrace (ML) sows were investigated. Sows were randomly assigned to two treatments: 0 mg kg-1 and 15 mg kg-1 of B9. The supplements were given daily from the estrus preceding insemination up to slaughter on Day 15 of gestation. At slaughter, one uterine horn was used to collect the “uterine flush” and conceptuses in order to determine the uterine content of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and F2α(PGF2α), estradiol-17β (E2) and transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), and conceptus expression of cytochrome P450aromatase (P450) and interferon γ mRNA (IFNγ). The other horn was used to determine endometrial expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX1) and -2 (COX2) mRNA and to evaluate endometrial in vitro secretion of PGE2. The B9 supplement tended to decrease the uterine content of PGE2 (P < 0.08), and decrease endometrial expression of COX1 mRNA (P < 0.05). The in vitro secretion of PGE2 was reduced by B9 supplement only in YL sows (P < 0.05). The type of sow did not have any effect on the uterine content of PGE2 (P > 0.10). However, endometrial expression of COX2 mRNA was lower for YL than LD sows (P < 0.05), but there was no difference between ML and LD sows. Endometrial expression of COX1 mRNA was higher for ML than LD sows (P < 0.05). The B9 supplement tended to decrease uterine content of E2 and TGF-β2 in YL and LD sows (P < 0.07), but conceptus expression of P450 mRNA increased only for YL sows (P < 0.05). The uterine content of E2 was lower for YL than LD sows (P < 0.05). The B9 supplement decreased endometrial expression of IL-2 mRNA in LD and YL sows ( P < 0.05), but increased it in ML sows (P < 0.05). Conceptus expression of IFNγ mRNA was not affected either by B9 supplementation or the type of sow. In conclusion, the effect of B9 supplementation on the porcine uterine environment at Day 15 of gestation was influenced by sow type (genotype and/or parity). Key words: Sow, gestation, folic acid, prostaglandin, interleukin-2
Effect of partially replacing silage with straw-barleysoybean meal mixtures on cow-calf performance
Authors: Charmley E. , Duynisveld J. L.
Published: April 2011

Forty-eight multiparous, medium-framed cows, calving between Jan. 02 and Mar. 05 were used in a 3 × 2 factorial experiment with three totally mixed ration (TMR) formulations and two levels of protein supplementation. The TMRs were formulated to contain 75, 50 or 25% silage (DM basis). The balance of the diet comprised barley, barley straw, soybean meal and urea, such that all TMRs were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Supplemental protein was supplied as soybean meal at either 0 or 0.44 kg DM d-1. Diets were fed from Jan. 11 to turnout on May 26. Intake and performance were monitored during this period, and performance at pasture was recorded until weaning on Sep. 03. The only interactions between TMR and protein supplementation were a positive response to protein for DM intake (P < 0.05) at the 50% silage level and for blood urea N (P < 0.05) at the 25% silage level. Reducing the amount of silage in the TMR had no effects on calf performance or milk production, except that milk protein concentration was higher when the TMR contained 50% silage (quadratic effect; P < 0.04). However as the percentage of silage in the TMR declined, cows lost less body weight (linear effect; P < 0.001) and appeared to improve in condition. The interval between calving and conception increased linearly as the percentage of silage in the TMR declined (P < 0.05). Supplemental protein had no major effects on performance, but limited the loss of body condition during the feeding period (P < 0.03), although this was offset by increased loss of condition on pasture (P < 0.01). There were no effects of protein supplementation on calf performance or reproductive efficiency. It is concluded that silage can be successfully replaced with other ingredients in winter beef rations, provided the nutrient concentration is balanced. Supplemental protein had little effect on any parameters of performance. Key words: Beef cow, cow-calf, silage, straw, gains, weaning weight, reproduction
Time of feeding and growth promotant effects on the winter growth performance and carcass traits of steers
Authors: Small J. A. , Kennedy A. D. , Veira D. M. , McCaughey W. P. , Ward D. R.
Published: April 2011

The effects of time of day of feeding and estrogenic growth promotant on growth performance and carcass traits were determined in three experiments conducted over 3 yr (winters 1998–1999, 1999–2000, 2000–2001). Crossbred steers (year 1, n = 144, year 2, n = 128, year 3, n = 144) were assigned at fall weaning on the basis of sire, age (190 ± 21 d, mean ± SD), and body weight (244 ± 34 kg) to one of eight pens in an outdoor lot at the Brandon Research Centre (49°54′N). In years 1 and 2, pens were assigned to either morning-fed (MF, 0900) or evening-fed (EF, 2000) treatments, and steers within pen were assigned to either Synovex Plus® (TAE) or Synovex S® (PE) growth promotants. In year 3, pens were assigned to either TAE or PE treatments and all were evening-fed. Beginning on Nov. 09 (0 d), steers were given a 20% hay, 80% concentrate (79.2% barley, 0.8% premix) mixed ration (88.6% dry matter, 13.7 MJ kg-1 digestible energy, 124 g kg-1 crude protein, 33.6 mg kg-1 lasalocid). Diets were fed, once daily, in amounts that were consumed before the next feeding, until steers were marketed. Growth promotants were administered at 0 and 84 d. The winter of year 2 was warmer (P < 0.05) than, and years 1 and 3 similar (P > 0.05) to, the 30-yr average ambient temperature (-8.8°C and -12.9°C, respectively). Evening feeding increased (P < 0.05) gain in body weight, especially in year 2 and backfat, especially in year 1, and this was reflected in heavier (P < 0.05) carcass weight in year 2, and whiter (P < 0.05) fat and greater (P < 0.05) rib eye moisture in year 1 and overall reduced (P < 0.05) feed cost of gain in winter. In all 3 yr TAE, relative to PE, produced greater (P < 0.05) body weight gain, and heavier, leaner carcasses with greater (P < 0.05) rib eye area, coarser (P < 0.05) meat texture and greater (P < 0.05) shear force, and reduced (P < 0.05) the feed cost of gain. Time of feeding and choice of growth promotant have significant potential to reduce the business risk of feeding steers in winter. Key words: Beef steer, growth implant, feeding strategy, growth promotant, carcass trait
Changes in delayed type hypersensitivity, egg antibody content and immune cell fatty acid composition of layer birds fed conjugated linoleic acid, n-6 or n-3 fatty acids
Authors: Selvaraj R. K. , Cherian G.
Published: April 2011

The effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), egg yolk antibody content, immune tissue fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation products of layer birds were investigated. One hundred and twenty layer birds were fed diets containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) + animal fat (Diet I), sunflower oil (Diet II), canola + flax oil (Diet III) or fish oil (Diet IV). The total added lipid content of the diet was 3%. Birds fed Diets III and IV had higher content of n-3 fatty acids in lymphocyte and splenocytes. Thiobarbituric reactive substances were higher (P < 0.05) in the breast and thigh muscle of Diet IV fed birds. Serum and yolk anti-BSA antibody contents were higher (P < 0.05) in birds fed Diets III and IV. DTH was decreased (P < 0.05) in birds fed Diets IV and III. The number of lymphocyte CD4+ and CD8+ cells and spleen mononuclear cell CD4+, CD8+ and IgM+ cells did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatment groups. Feeding n-3 fatty acids increased antibody-mediated immune response, while n-6 fatty acids and CLA increased cell-mediated immune response. Key words: Conjugated linoleic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, delayed type hypersensitivity, immunoglobulins
Ultrasonic imaging of marbling at feedlot entry as a predictor of carcass quality grade
Authors: Keefe G. P. , Dohoo I. R. , Valcour J. E. , Milton R. L.
Published: April 2011

This study evaluated the ability of ultrasonic examination at entry into the feedlot to predict carcass traits. Feeder calves (487) from eight Prince Edward Island feedlots were examined with an Aloka 500 ultrasound and Critical Vision® image analysis software to determine carcass attributes (backfat, ribeye area and intramuscular fat) at feedlot entry. These measures, along with potential confounders, were evaluated for their ability to predict carcass grade. Three statistical procedures (multinomial logistic regression, constrained multinomial logistic regression and a proportional odds logistic regression) were used to evaluate the data. After evaluation, final analyses were performed using the constrained multinomial logistic regression (adjacent category) procedure. All three ultrasound determined carcass attributes were significantly associated with slaughter grade. The odds of being one grade category higher (e.g., AAA) versus the adjacent category (e.g., AA) were 1.74, 1.37 and 0.98 per percentage point intramuscular fat, mm of backfat or cm2 of ribeye area, respectively. Heifers were 2.1 times more likely to be in the next higher grade category than steers. Feedlot of origin, days on feed and carcass weight were also significant predictors of final grade. Key words: Cattle, beef; carcass traits; ultrasound; marbling; carcass grade
The partial replacement of silage with straw, with or without barley or soybean meal, in rations for winter calving beef cows
Authors: Charmley and J. L. Duynisveld E.
Published: April 2011

The effects of partially replacing grass-legume silage with barley straw, without or with either supplemental energy or protein, were assessed in 72 lactating beef cows. Diets were fed from calving in January-February until turnout to pasture in late May. Performance of cows and their calves was measured over this period, and weight and body condition were measured at weaning in September. Apparent digestibility and N balance of these diets was also assessed in growing steers. Replacing half the silage with barley straw reduced diet digestibility (P < 0.05), intake (P < 0.05), body weight (BW) gain (P < 0.001) and body condition (P < 0.001) of cows but did not affect BW gain or weaning weights of calves. Reproductive performance was also unaffected, although overall production efficiency (kg weaned calf kg-1 cow BW) was impaired (P < 0.10). When the silage-straw diet was supplemented with barley, metabolizable energy (ME) intake was increased to the level supplied by the all-silage diet. However, there was a tendency for cows to partition more ME to calf growth and less to body reserves as indicated by body condition score (P < 0.05). This may have been related to better N utilization, since N losses in urine were lower for steers fed the barley-supplemented mixture than those fed silage (P < 0.01). When the silage-straw was supplemented with soybean meal (SBM) to increase crude protein (CP) to equal the all-silage diet, there were no benefits for the cow or calf, because SBM reduced intake relative to silage fed alone (P < 0.001). Thus, although supplementing with SBM improved N balance, relative to silage (P < 0.01), there was no response in calf performance, probably because of insufficient ME intake in the cow. Although silage appears not to be well balanced for the nutrient requirements of lactating beef cows, attempts to optimise nutrient supply did not markedly improve growth performance of the calf or reproductive performance of the cow. Key words: Beef cow, cow-calf, silage, straw, gains, weaning weight, reproduction
Efficacy of water-soluble feed supplements for the prevention of bloat in cattle
Authors: Majak W. , Garland G. J. , Lysyk T. J. , Olson M. E.
Published: April 2011

Alfalfa herbage at the vegetative to early bud stage of growth was simultaneously fed to cattle with or without water-soluble feed supplements in drinking water. Yucca and Quebracho were ineffective in the prevention of frothy bloat. A surfactant component of the commercially available Alfasure™ was completely effective, as was Alfasure™ itself, either in drinking water (0.05%) or as a top-dressing. Key words: Steers, frothy bloat, Medicago sativa L., feed supplements, Alfasure™
Mare milk nitrogen fractions during lactation and determination by reversed-phase HPLC of the major whey proteins
Authors: Summer A. , Tirelli A. , Formaggioni P. , Malacarne M. , Mariani P.
Published: April 2011

The aim of this research was to describe the changes of the nitrogen fractions in milk of Haflinger nursing mares and in particular to determine the whey protein content and distribution, and their evolution throughout the first 6 mo of lactation. Samples were collected by hand-milking on days 4, 20, 40, 60, 80, 120, 150 and 180 post-partum. Nitrogen fractions were determined by Kjeldahl on 80 samples from 10 mares, while HPLC separation of whey proteins was conducted on 40 samples from 5 mares. The total N, casein N, and true whey protein N contents showed a statistically significant decrease from day 4 to day 40, and then remained unvaried. In general, the nitrogen distribution of mare’s milk significantly changed between day 4 and day 20 and then remained almost unchanged until day 180 (except for the day 150 value, which showed a statistically significant increase for CN × 100/TN). β-Lactoglobulin and serum albumin contents showed a marked reduction, of 27 and 45.5%, respectively, between day 4 and day 20, and then remained unchanged; α-lactalbumin and immunoglobulins contents had a reduction of 24.7 and 38.3%, respectively, between day 4 and day 20, and another decrease between day 20 and day 40, of 20 and 32.8%, respectively. All whey proteins, expressed as a percentage on the total sum of the four whey proteins considered, did not vary significantly during lactation. However, the sum on the two whey proteins of mammary gland origin (β-Lg + α-La) increased between day 4 and day 20 by 6.3%, and between day 20 and day 40 by 3.8%; the sum of the whey proteins of blood origin (SA + Ig) showed an opposite trend, with a decrease by 14.5% between day 4 and day 20 and by 11% between day 20 and day 40. Key words: Mares milk, lactation stage, whey protein distribution, reversed-phase HPLC