bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined diet and exercise intervention reverses the metabolic syndrome in middle‐aged males: results from the Oslo Diet and Exercise Study
Authors: Anderssen S. A. , Carroll S. , Urdal P. , Holme I.
Published: July 2010

We examined the single and combined effects of a 1‐year diet and exercise intervention on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) metabolic syndrome among middle‐aged males. The study was a randomized, controlled, 2 × 2 factorial intervention study. Participants included 137 men with metabolic syndrome according to the IDF criteria aged 40–49 years randomly allocated to four intervention groups: diet alone (n=34), exercise alone (n=34), the combination of the diet and exercise intervention (n=43) or control (n=26). The main outcome measure was metabolic syndrome as defined by IDF criteria (2005). In the combined diet and exercise group, 14 participants (32.6%) (P<0.0001 as compared with control) had the metabolic syndrome after 1‐year intervention. In the diet‐only group, 22 participants (64.7%) (P=0.023 vs control) and in the exercise‐only group 26 participants (76.5%) (P=0.23 vs control) had the metabolic syndrome following the intervention. Utilizing the factorial design, both dietary and exercise intervention had significant effects (P<0.005) on the resolution of the metabolic syndrome. Both exercise and dietary intervention reduced metabolic syndrome prevalence compared with control after 1 year of intervention. However, the combined diet and exercise intervention was significantly more effective than diet or exercise alone in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome.
“I have never taken performance enhancing drugs and I never will”: drug discourse in the Shane Warne case
Authors: Lamont‐Mills A. , Christensen S.
Published: July 2010

This study investigates the discursive management of taking prohibited substances in sport. In particular, it explores how one high‐profile athlete, Australian cricketer Shane Warne, accounted for his drug‐taking behavior when talking to the media. Discursive psychology (DP) is used as the theoretical and methodological framework to study drug discourses in sport. Emphasis in DP is on making explicit how psychological concepts (e.g., drug explanations) are used in everyday talk to perform certain actions. The research data is Warne's first public press statement concerning his 2003 positive test for hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride. Analysis reveals that Warne constructed his drug taking as not being related to performance enhancement and substantiated this with a history of negative test results. Warne worked up his taking as the result of ignorance rather than deliberate deception. Further, he presented this as a one‐off event and not reflective of systematic drug usage. It is argued in this study that to better understand drug taking in sport, sport researchers need to understand how athletes talk about drugs. For it is through talk that most sporting activities are conducted and maintained, and it is this talk that needs to be understood and analyzed.
Injury risk in female floorball: a prospective one‐season follow‐up
Authors: Pasanen K. , Parkkari J. , Kannus P. , Rossi L. , Palvanen M. , Natri A. , Järvinen M.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the incidence, nature, causes, and severity of injuries in female floorball. Three hundred and seventy‐four licensed female floorball players from Finnish top leagues were observed prospectively for one season (6 months). The practice and game hours of floorball were recorded on an exercise diary. All injuries were registered with a structured questionnaire and verified by a physician. During the study period, 133 out of the 374 (35%) players sustained 172 injuries. The injury incidence was 1.8 per 1000 practice hours and 40.3 per 1000 game hours. Of all injuries, 70% were traumatic and 30% were from overuse. The most common injury type was joint sprain (27%). The most commonly injured sites were the knee (27%) and ankle (22%). Twenty‐one of the knee injuries (46%) were serious including 10 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. Eight of ACL ruptures occurred during floorball games, giving an ACL rupture incidence of 3.6 per 1000 game hours. Eleven injuries (6%) needed hospital admission. The study attested that injury rate in floorball game is very high. Injury prevention strategies in female floorball should be targeted at injuries occurring at the knee and ankle.
Difference in breathing strategies during exercise between trained elderly men and women
Authors: Deruelle F. , Nourry C. , Mucci P. , Bart F. , Grosbois J. M. , Lensel G. h. , Fabre C.
Published: July 2010

This study compared the ventilatory responses and exercise tidal flow‐volume (Vt) loops during exercise in order to analyze the influence of gender on breathing strategy in a fit aging population. Sixteen trained elderly men (63.0±2.9 years) and eight peer women (62.3 ± 5.5 years) performed an incremental test on a cycle ergometer. At 90% maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max), the women presented a significantly higher expiratory flow limitation (EFL) than the men (38 ± 10 vs 17 ± 8% of Vt, respectively) (P<0.01) and a lower value of expiratory reserve volume relative to forced vital capacity (FVC) compared with the men (16.8 ± 5.3% vs 23.0 ± 5.2%, respectively) (P<0.05). Inspiratory reserve volume relative to FVC was significantly higher in women than men at 50% (P<0.05), 70% (P<0.01) and 90%V̇O2max (25.2 ± 5.4% vs 12.2 ± 4.2%, respectively, at 90%V̇O2max) (P<0.01). Mechanical ventilatory constraints occurred in trained elderly men and women. However, different breathing strategies were observed relative to gender. A significantly higher EFL was measured in women, whereas men rather presented a dynamic hyperinflation. This specific breathing strategy measured in trained elderly women would induce lower ventilatory efficiency than in peer men.
Prevalence of eating disorders and the predictive power of risk models in female elite athletes: a controlled study
Authors: Torstveit M. K. , Rosenvinge J. H. , Sundgot‐Borgen J.
Published: July 2010

The purposes of this study were to examine the percentage of female elite athletes and controls with disordered eating (DE) behavior and clinical eating disorders (EDs), to investigate what characterize the athletes with EDs, and to evaluate whether a proposed method of screening for EDs in elite athletes does not falsely classify sport‐specific behaviors as indicators of EDs. All athletes representing the national teams at the junior or senior level, aged 13–39 years (n=938), and age‐group matched, randomly selected population‐based controls (n=900) were invited to participate. From the screening data, a random sample of athletes (n=186) and controls (n=145) were subjects for a clinical interview. More athletes in leanness sports (46.7%) had clinical EDs than athletes in non‐leanness sports (19.8%) and controls (21.4%) (P<0.001). Variables predicting clinical EDs, and thus candidates for valid screening procedures, were menstrual dysfunction in leanness athletes, self‐reported EDs in non‐leanness athletes, and self‐reported use of pathogenic weight control methods in controls. Hence, statistically based risk factors are not universally valid, but specifically related to athletes and non‐athletes, respectively.
Physical activity on prescription in primary health care: a follow‐up of physical activity level and quality of life
Authors: Kallings L. V. , Leijon M. , Hellénius M.‐L. , Ståhle A.
Published: July 2010

To examine whether physical activity on prescription in routine primary care patients would influence physical activity level and quality of life 6 months later. In 2001–2003, 13 Swedish primary health care units took part in an uncontrolled clinical study. If a patient in primary health care needed physical activity preventively or for treatment of a disease and patient‐centered motivational counseling found physical activity to be suitable, individualized physical activity could be prescribed. Patients (n=481) of both sexes and all ages [75% women, mean age 50 (12–81)] participated in the study. Self‐reported physical activity, readiness to change to a more physically active lifestyle and quality‐of‐life data were collected through questionnaires. The follow‐up rate was 62% at 6 months. Intention‐to‐treat analysis showed a significant increase (P<0.01) in self‐reported physical activity level, the stages of action and maintenance of physical activity as well as quality of life. Physical activity level, stages of change and quality of life increased analogically, indicating that physical activity on prescription may be suitable as a conventional treatment in an ordinary primary health care setting to promote a more physically active lifestyle.
Structure–function relationships of entheses in relation to mechanical load and exercise
Authors: Shaw H. M. , Benjamin M.
Published: July 2010

Entheses are regions of high‐stress concentration that are commonly affected by overuse injuries in sport. This review summarizes current knowledge of their structure–function relationships – at the macroscopic, microscopic and molecular levels. Consideration is given to how stress concentration is reduced at fibrocartilaginous entheses by various adaptations which ensure that stress is dissipated away from the hard–soft tissue interface. The fundamental question of how a tendon or ligament is anchored to bone is addressed – particularly in relation to the paucity of compact bone at fibrocartilaginous entheses. The concept of an “enthesis organ” is reviewed – i.e. the idea of a collection of tissues adjacent to the enthesis itself, which jointly serve a common function – stress dissipation. The archetypal enthesis organ is that of the Achilles tendon and the functional importance of its subtendinous bursa, with its fibrocartilaginous walls and protruding fat pad, is emphasized. The distribution of adipose tissue elsewhere at entheses is also explained and possible functions of insertion‐site fat are evaluated. Finally, a brief consideration is given to enthesopathies, with attention drawn to the possibility of degenerative changes affecting other regions of an enthesis organ, besides the enthesis itself.
Muscular strength after different types of training in physically active patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Sahlberg M. , Svantesson U. , Magnusson Thomas E. , Andersson B. A. , Saltin B. , Strandvik B.
Published: July 2010

Physical training is important in the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Optimal types of training and intensity are unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect on muscular strength after 6 months of endurance training (ET) and/or resistance training (RT). Twenty patients (eight females) participated, 16–35 years, with mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s 91% of the predicted. ET or RT for 30–45 min three times a week for 3 months was followed by a mixed program for another 3 months. Heart rate recording, diaries and frequent personal contacts were used for monitoring. Vitamin E and cytokines were analyzed. Fifteen tests of muscular strength were used. Handgrip strength in females and quadriceps strength in males were significantly decreased compared with healthy age – and sex‐matched controls and positively associated with lung function. Sixteen patients completed the program. By ET, quadriceps strength was further decreased and after 6 months quadriceps isometric strength was also decreased in females. There was a tendency toward different effects on the serum levels of IL‐6 and vitamin E by the different types of training. CF patients showed no improvements in muscular strength after 6 months of controlled training, suggesting a physiological muscular impairment despite normal anthropometry, but associated with lung function.
Nordic Walking does not reduce the loading of the knee joint
Authors: Hansen L. , Henriksen M. , Larsen P. , Alkjaer T.
Published: July 2010

The use of Nordic Walking (NW) as a rehabilitation modality has increased considerably. NW (walking with poles) is advocated as a healthy physical activity that reduces the load on the knees. Few studies using the techniques of NW exist, and the findings are contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NW reduces the loadings upon the knee joint compared with walking without poles (NP). Seven experienced female NW instructors volunteered. Three‐dimensional gait analyses were performed. Internal flexor and extensor joint moments were calculated using an inverse dynamics approach and the knee joint compressive forces were calculated. No differences in compression or shear forces between NW and NP were found. The peak knee flexion angles were larger during NW (−32.5±6.0°) compared with NP (−28.2±4.2°). The hip range of motion (ROM) was significantly increased during NW (64.4±10.2°) compared with NP (57.8±9.7°); no differences in the knee and ankle joint ROM were observed. The changes in the joint angles were not followed by changes in the joint dynamics. The present study does not support the statement that NW reduces the load on the knees.
A comparison of pediatric freestyle and Greco‐Roman wrestling injuries sustained during a 2006 US national tournament
Authors: Yard E. E. , Comstock R. D.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to compare the epidemiology of freestyle and Greco‐Roman wrestling injuries sustained during a 2006 United States (US) national tournament. A prospective injury surveillance study was conducted at the US 2006 ASICS/Vaughan Cadet and Junior National Championships. There were 83 freestyle‐ and 55 Greco‐Roman‐related injuries sustained, with the rate of injury per 1000 athlete‐matches higher in freestyle (7.0) compared with Greco‐Roman (4.6) wrestling [Rate ratio (RR)=1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–2.12]. Compared with Greco‐Roman wrestling, there was a greater proportion of knee injuries in freestyle wrestling [injury proportion ratio (IPR)=4.17, 95% CI: 1.30–13.41]. In GrecoRoman wrestling, there were greater proportions of elbow (IPR=9.11, 95% CI: 1.13–73.59) and head/face/neck (IPR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.10–2.67) injuries and a greater proportion of concussions (IPR=1.95, 95% CI: 0.92–4.12), although the latter was statistically insignificant. Greco‐Roman wrestlers sustained a greater proportion of injuries from being driven into the mat (IPR=2.97, 95% CI: 1.72–5.14). There were no statistically significant differences in injury outcome by wrestling style. The differing injury rates and patterns of injury between freestyle and Greco‐Roman wrestling are likely due to the different rules between these styles that allow lower leg attacks in freestyle wrestling and encourage the use of throws in Greco‐Roman wrestling.
Post‐exercise heart rate variability of endurance athletes after different high‐intensity exercise interventions
Authors: Kaikkonen P. , Rusko H. , Martinmäki K.
Published: July 2010

Methodological problems have limited the number of studies on heart rate variability (HRV) dynamics immediately after exercise. We used the short‐time Fourier transform method to study immediate (5 min) and slow (30 min) recovery of HRV after different high‐intensity exercise interventions. Eight male athletes performed two interval interventions at 85% and 93% (IV85 and IV93) and two continuous interventions at 80% and 85% (CO80 and CO85) of the velocity at VO2max (vVO2max). We found no increase in high frequency power (HFP), but low frequency (LFP) and total power (TP) increased (P<0.05) during the first 5 min of the recovery after each intervention. During the 30‐min recovery, HFP, LFP and TP (1) increased slowly toward resting values, but HFP remained lower (P<0.01) than at rest, (2) were lower (P<0.05) after IV93 and CO85 when compared with IV85 and CO80, respectively and (3) were lower (P<0.01) after CO85 when compared with IV85. HRV recovery was detected during the immediate recovery after interventions. Increased exercise intensity resulted in lower HRV both in interval and in continuous interventions. In addition, when interval and continuous interventions were performed at a similar workload, HRV was lower after continuous intervention.
Chronic tendinopathy tissue pathology, pain mechanisms, and etiology with a special focus on inflammation
Authors: Fredberg U. , Stengaard‐Pedersen K.
Published: July 2010

Continuing progress in research in molecular biology and biomechanics has provided considerable new information and has given rise to new hypotheses in chronic tendinopathy. Overloading is still, however, crucial in the development of tendinopathy. Most of the histologic findings in tendinopathy represent chronic degeneration, regeneration, and microtears of the tendinous tissue. The prevailing opinion is that no histological evidence of acute inflammation has been documented, but in newer studies using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry inflammatory cells have been detected. The existing data indicate that the initiators of the tendinopathic pathway include many proinflammatory agents (e.g. cytokines, prostaglandins, different growth factors, and neuropetides). Because of the complex interaction between the classic proinflammatory agents and the neuropeptides, it seems impossible and somewhat irrelevant to distinguish sharply between chemical and neurogenic inflammation. Furthermore, glucocorticoids are, at the moment, the most effective treatment in tendinopathy with regard to reduction of pain, tendon thickness, and neovascularization. This review indicates – despite a great deal of uncertainty regarding the concepts – that an inflammatory process may be related not only to the development of tendinopathy but also chronic tendinopathy. More attention should be directed towards the “tendinitis myth” in the future.
Physical activity in children measured by accelerometry: stability over time
Authors: Nyberg G. , Ekelund U. , Marcus C.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to examine the stability of objectively measured physical activity in Swedish children and to study variables that predicted physical activity and body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) at follow‐up. A total of 97 children provided valid repeated measurements of physical activity between 2002 and 2005. The children were on average 7.5 years at baseline (SD±0.92) and 9 years at follow‐up (SD±0.92). The mean follow‐up time was approximately 1.5 years (mean 558 days, SD±224). An accelerometer (Actiwatch®, Cambridge Neurotechnology Ltd., Cambridge, UK) was used to measure physical activity during 7 consecutive days. Yearly weight and height were examined and BMI SDS was calculated. Baseline physical activity was significantly correlated with physical activity at follow‐up (r=0.59) with a stronger correlation for boys (r=0.72) than for girls (r=0.51). High physical activity levels were more stable (r=0.74) than low physical activity levels (r=0.55). Physical activity at follow‐up was explained by physical activity at baseline and season (R2=0.46) whereas BMI SDS at follow‐up was explained by BMI SDS at baseline and age (R2=0.90). The results of this study suggest that physical activity levels are fairly stable in 6–10‐year‐old children.
Objectively measured habitual physical activity in 1997/1998 vs 2003/2004 in Danish children: The European Youth Heart Study
Authors: Møller N. C. , Kristensen P. L. , Wedderkopp N. , Andersen L. B. , Froberg K.
Published: July 2010

Based on two cross‐sectional studies conducted in 8–10‐year‐old third‐grade children living in the municipality of Odense, potential differences were examined in the level of habitual physical activity (HPA) in Danish children between 1997/1998 and 2003/2004. HPA was assessed objectively by accelerometry. Primarily, overall differences were analyzed as gender and day type specific (i.e. Mon–Thu vs Fri–Sun) levels in HPA. Secondarily, differences were analyzed across socioeconomic gradients defined according to parents' occupation. Data were expressed as total counts per registered time. During the period 1997/1998–2003/2004, no significant differences were observed in the level of HPA during Mon–Thu or Fri–Sun or across socioeconomic gradients. Post hoc analyses indicated a slightly more favorable ratio between the percentages of time spent in light and moderate intensity levels during Mon–Thu in 2003/2004 when compared with 1997/1998. Gender differences in the level of HPA were found to be more distinct during Mon–Thu than during Fri–Sun. This study does not support the idea that Danish children are becoming less physically active. However, a limited statistical power should be considered when interpreting differences across socioeconomic gradients. Boys were found to be more physically active than girls, especially during the weekdays (Friday not included).
The Reliability of Fatmax
Authors: Meyer T. , Folz C. , Rosenberger F. , Kindermann W.
Published: July 2010

The exercise intensity eliciting maximal fat oxidation (Fatmax) is typically determined during an incremental test. Its reproducibility, however, has not been thoroughly investigated so far. To address this issue, 21 healthy subjects (23.5±1.7 years; BMI 22.4±1.8 kg/m2; VO2peak 47.4±11.3 mL/min/kg) carried out two identical cycling tests to determine Fatmax after an initial incremental baseline test. The duration of each of five stages during the Fatmax tests was 6 min. The first stage equalled the first increase in blood lactate during the baseline test; the highest stage corresponded to a respiratory exchange ratio of 1.00. Between these intensities the other three stages were distributed evenly. Fatmax was 28.0±8.6 L/min (59.2±18.1% VO2peak) in the first test and 29.8±10.5 L/min (62.9±22.2% VO2peak) in the second one. There was no significant difference between both Fatmax determinations [number of stage: P=0.31; total VO2: P=0.20; VO2 utilized for fat oxidation (VO2Fat): P=0.33]. Linear correlation coefficients between tests were r=0.84 (total VO2; P<0.001) and r=0.83 (VO2Fat; P<0.001). However, Bland–Altman plots revealed wide 95% limits of agreement of 0.91 L/min (total VO2) and 0.32 L/min (VO2Fat). In conclusion, spontaneous intraindividual variability in Fatmax appears too large to recommend the use of this parameter for the prescription of training intensity.
Do elite athletes exhibit enhanced proprioceptive acuity, range and strength of knee rotation compared with non‐athletes?
Authors: Muaidi Q. I. , Nicholson L. L. , Refshauge K. M.
Published: July 2010

The aims of this study were to compare proprioception in knee rotation in Olympic‐level soccer players (N=18) with non‐athletes (N=18), to explore between‐limb differences in soccer players, and examine correlations between proprioception and years of playing, function, physical measures and skill level. The knee rotatory kinaesthetic device was used to present stimuli of different magnitudes to determine proprioceptive acuity for internal and external active rotation, and to measure active and passive rotation range of motion (ROM). Knee rotation strength was measured using a dynamometer. Proprioceptive acuity of the athletes was significantly (P=0.004) better than that of the non‐athletes. Athletes displayed significantly less passive ROM (P=0.001), higher isometric muscle strength (P=0.006) and greater hop for distance (P=0.001) than non‐athletes. No significant between‐limb differences were found in the athletes in any objective outcome measure. Internal rotation proprioceptive acuity was negatively correlated with coach‐rated ball skill (r=−0.52) and positively correlated with internal rotation ROM (r=0.59). Our findings suggest that highly trained athletes possess enhanced proprioceptive acuity and muscle strength that may be inherent, or may develop as a result of long‐term athletic training.
Personal and contextual determinants of elite young athletes' persistence or dropping out over time
Authors: Le Bars H. , Gernigon C. , Ninot G.
Published: July 2010

Two studies were conducted among elite young judokas to examine (a) whether those who persisted in national training centers (n=52) were different from dropouts (n=52) in their perceptions of coach‐, parent‐, and peer‐induced motivational climates, goal orientations, self‐perceptions, perceived competence, and intention of dropping out, and (b) whether these variables varied during the persisting athletes' (n=82) first 2 years in these centers. Compared with persisting athletes, dropouts perceived the roles of coaches, parents, and peers as less task‐involving, were less task‐oriented, and intended more to drop. The association of peer‐, coach‐, and parent‐induced task‐involving climates predicted athletes' persistence. During the 2 years, persisting athletes' perceptions of coach‐, parent‐, and peer‐induced task‐involving climates decreased, while perceptions of a coach‐induced ego‐involving climate and the intention of dropping out increased in spite of more positive self‐perceptions. Gender differences favoring males were observed for self‐perceptions only. These results stress the importance for all the agents of the athletes' social environment to promote task‐involving climates, because such climates appear to be naturally prone to degradation in the context of elite competition. The results also shed light on some high‐level athletes' characteristics regarding motivational dispositions and self‐concept.
Ethics of technologically constructed hypoxic environments in sport
Authors: Loland S. , Caplan A.
Published: July 2010

With the use of technologically constructed hypoxic environments (TCHE) in soccer as our case, we propose four check points from which to evaluate new performance‐enhancing technologies in sport. These are (I) Is the technology beneficial, (II) Is it safe, (III) Can fairness be assured, and (IV) Is the technology in line with the spirit of or rationale for sport? The use of TCHE is ambiguous. On the one hand, in situations with grave inequalities between teams due to lack of acclimatization of one team, TCHE can be an efficient means to even the playing field and out of concern for athlete welfare and health. On the other hand, if used as a pure performance‐enhancing means to enhance the oxygen‐carrying capacity of the blood independent of altitude, it belongs to a category of expert‐assisted performance enhancement that may challenge athletic autonomy and the responsibility for one's own performance and, hence, the spirit of sport.
Physiology of alpine skiing
Authors: Turnbull J. R. , Kilding A. E. , Keogh J. W. L.
Published: July 2010

The extreme environment of cold, altitude and movement complexity makes alpine ski racing a difficult sport to study. This review comprises >30 years of research and includes 29 on‐snow investigations of specific physiology relating to the various ski racing disciplines, nine off‐snow investigations of the physiological capacities of ski racers of varying ability and four review articles. Alpine ski racing appears to involve a complex integration of many different physiological systems, none of which may be more important than the other to overall performance. While technical ability appears to be the greatest influencing factor on performance, the ability to continually exhibit technical competence through a long competitive season requires high capabilities within all physiological systems. Identifying the optimal approach and time to concurrently develop these systems is a challenge for sport scientists. Further research is required using modern portable investigative tools for determining aerobic and anaerobic demands and abilities, especially in the areas of muscle function and relative energy system contribution during both single and multiple runs on varying terrain.
Poling force analysis in diagonal stride at different grades in cross country skiers
Authors: Pellegrini B. , Bortolan L. , Schena F.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to characterize the dynamic parameters of poling action during low to moderate uphill skiing in the diagonal stride technique. Twelve elite cross country skiers performed an incremental test using roller skis on a treadmill at 9 km/h at seven different grades, from 2° to 8°. The pole ground reaction force and the pole inclination were measured, and the propulsive force component and poling power were then calculated. The duration of the active poling phase remained unchanged, while the recovery time decreased with the increase in the slope. The ratio between propulsive and total poling forces (effectiveness) was approximately 60% and increased with the slope. Multiple regression estimated that approximately 80% of the variation of the poling power across slopes was explained by the increase of the poling force, the residual variation was explained by the decrease of the pole inclination, while a small contribution was provided by the increase of the poling relative to the cycle time. The higher power output required to ski at a steeper slope was partially supplied by a greater contribution of the power generated through the pole that arises not only by an increase of the force exerted but also by an increase of its effectiveness.
Citric acid treatment of necrotizing fasciitis: a report of two cases
Authors: Nagoba Basavraj S , Gandhi Rajan C , Wadher Bharat J , Gandhi Sanjay P , Selkar Sohan P
Published: July 2010

Necrotizing fasciitis is a destructive invasive infection of skin, subcutaneous tissue and deep fascia, with relative sparing of muscle. It is a life‐threatening condition.

Here we report two cases of necrotizing fasciitis, which were not responding to conventional antibiotic therapy and local wound care after aggressive debridement. These two cases were treated simply by local application of 3% citric acid. Thus, citric acid was used to compliment wound management following surgical treatment with antibiotics.
Audit of patients with mesothelioma treated with pemetrexed in a single institution in Western Australia
Authors: HASANI Arman , FEENEY Kynan , NOWAK Anna , MILLWARD Michael
Published: July 2010

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a devastating malignancy that until recently has had no effective treatment. Pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin entered routine clinical practice following reports of efficacy in 2003. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with malignant mesothelioma at a single institution treated with pemetrexed in any combination or as monotherapy between 2004 and 2007. During this period, 62 patients received pemetrexed‐based chemotherapy for MPM, most of whom were male (87%), treated in the palliative setting (84%) and received pemetrexed in combination with a platinum agent (95%). Pemetrexed was found to be well tolerated and produced clinical benefit and response rates similar to other published studies for its use in MPM in the phase IV or community practice settings. Patients with progressive disease as their best radiological response had very poor outcomes, while patients with stable disease had similar outcomes to those with responses. We confirmed that survival after commencement of pemetrexed‐based chemotherapy remains under one year in this group of patients, somewhat less than the survival reported in phase III trials that currently inform clinical decision making. Further research is required to identify those patients who might benefit from pemetrexed based on molecular predictive markers.
TRENDS IN FARM LABOUR: FARM LABOUR IN ONTARIO
Authors: Anderson W. J. , LANE S. H.
Published: July 2010

A shortage of farm labour in Ontario which developed during World War II and which has continued since, has tended to offset the trend toward larger farm business units. In other words it seems probable that the average size of farm unit in Ontario would have been larger had farmers been able to obtain the quantity and quality of help they deemed necessary for the best operation of their farms. This conclusion assumes, of course, that any increase in size of farm which has resulted from increased mechanization (which has also been encouraged by a scarcity of farm labour) has been more than offset by the inability of farmers to obtain adequate labour. This assumption is partly justified by the fact that 50 percent of the farmers who reduced their crop acreage to lessen their dependence on labour also purchased machinery. Similarly, 20 percent of the farmers who reduced their livestock numbers because of a labour shortage also installed electricity or water pressure systems.

Since the average level of mechanization does not appear to be excessive, further mechanization where practical should not only reduce farm labour requirements but should aid farmers in obtaining and retaining satisfactory hired help.

Attention to living and working conditions, particularly food, lodging and hours of work are very important in promoting good operator‐labourer relationships. Reasonable wages are also important but wages that are higher than typical for the quality of help employed are not likely to aid the farmer in retaining satisfactory hired help.

Since a shortage of seasonal labour is the most aggravating farm labour problem at the present time, farmers should give serious consideration to changing their farm organization so that more year‐round and less casual labour is required. Since the seasonal nature of farm production is such that some variation in labour requirements throughout the year is bound to exist, further study of methods whereby potential seasonal farm workers and farmers may be brought together is suggested.

The importance of operating the farm in an efficient businesslike manner so that farmers' sons, as well as other farm labourers, are attracted to farm employment cannot be over‐emphasized.
FINANCING BEGINNING FARMERS
Authors: CALDWELL H. W.
Published: July 2010

The problem of financing beginning fanners has become more complex with the disappearance of agricultural frontiers. At present due to high prices, and more machines and equipment being used to replace scarce labour, the amount of capital required to start farming has greatly increased. Refinancing the business every generation necessitates having a supply of capital available at all times but in larger amounts under present conditions. However, a word of caution might not be amiss. When money is borrowed, caution is always desirable but especially so when prices, incomes and debts are high. If credit is available in too large amounts and too easy to obtain, the beneficial results of such policy can be lost through capitalization into higher land values. Even if this capitalization does not take place, large debts may cause distress and discouragement in periods when price relationships are unfavourable. Governments have recognized the need for more adequate credit facilities for farmers and have attempted in many instances to provide the necessary capital for meeting the increased need.
CURRENT PRACTICES IN THE MARKETING OF COMMERCIAL POTATOES IN ALBERTA AND SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGRICULTURAL: MARKETING RESEARCH1
Authors: DARCOVICH WM.
Published: July 2010

This paper has indicated that recent developments in the potato industry have led to a division of some of the more important marketing services like storage and grading between farmers and wholesalers. This paper also has indicated possible future areas of research in marketing. One of the important areas is in the measurement of the relative efficiency of the marketing services performed by wholesalers and farmers in the potato industry. Other important areas include the continuation of descriptive research, namely, the description of the marketing function, marketing margin, and demand functions for those commodities where such description is lacking or has become out‐dated. This paper also has stressed the need to apply the theories of marginal productivity and of monopsonistic and monopolistic competition to the measurement of resource efficiency in marketing.
Prospects and Potentials in Canadian Beef Production*
Authors: Slen S. B. , Cameron M. A.
Published: July 2010

The production technology available to the Canadian beef industry comprises a much broader range than is generally recognized. It includes forest and pasture improvement, new grading standards, cross breeding, performance testing, use of bull and dairy beef, artificial insemination, introduction of new breeds, use of new physiological and nutritional knowledge, environmental control, and others. This article appraises the prospect for Canadian beef production moving onto a new technology base, and combining this technology with competent management and promotion in order to meet the demands for beef in the 1980“s.

PERSPECTIVES ET POSSIBILITÉS DE PRODUCTION DU BOEUF AU CANADA–La technologie de production à la disposition de l'industrie canadienne du boeuf comprend une gamme beaucoup plus et éndue qu'on le pense en général. Elle comprend ‘amélioration des forêts et des pâturages, les nouvelles normes de classification, le métissage, les assais de rendement, l'usage de la viande de taureaux et de vaches laitières, l'insémination artificieile, l'introduction de nouvelles races, l'utilisation de nouvelles connaissances physiologiques et nutritives, le contrôle écologique et autres. Cet article évalue les perspectives du déplacement de la production canadienne de boeuf à une nouvelle base technologique, et la combinaison de cette technologie à une gestion et promotion compétentes pour répondre à la demande en boeuf au cour des années 1980.
Alternative Methods of Marketing Livestock1
Authors: Hawkins M.H.
Published: July 2010

This paper attempts to establish a set of criteria, against which current or potential livestock marketing systems can be evaluated. The approach is straightforward, and the concepts are not profound. The author attempts to simplify current marketing efficiency requirements and to blend these economic criteria with the systems approach to marketing that is presently being developed in the business schools.

QUELQUES SOLUTIONS CONCERNANT LA COMMERCIALISATION DU BETAIL – Le présent mémoire essaie d‘établir un ensemble de critères selon lesquels les systèmes présents et futurs de mise en marche“ des bestiaux peuvent être évalues. L'approche est directe et les concepts ne sont pas fouillés. L'auteur essaie de simplifier les besoins courants d'une mise en marché efficace et de relier ces entères économiques à l'approche systématique de la mise en marché qu'on élabore présentement dans les écoles commerciales.
The Demand for Agricultural Economists by Canadian Universities and Governments*
Authors: Gilson J. C.
Published: July 2010

The author reviews the recent history of public support for agricultural economics in Canada, and reports on a survey of present and projected needs for agricultural economists in public institutions. An overall growth in staff requirements of 130 per cent is foreseen from 1969–1975, with the largest increases occurring at the Master's (200 per cent) and PhD. (300 per cent) levels. Areas which are expected to grow especially rapidly include marketing, natural resources, regional development, and interdisciplinary studies.

LA DEMANDE EN ÉCONOMISTES AGRICOLES PAR LES UNIVERSITÉS ET GOUVERNEMENTS CANADAIEN5 – L'auteur examine la récente histoire de tappui du public pour l'éiconomie agricole au Canada, et présente un rapport sur un relevé des besoins presents et futurs d'économistes agricoles dans les institutions publique. On prévoit un accroissement général de 130% des besoins en personnel de 1969 à 1975, les plus forts augmentations se sltuant aux niveau de la mattrise (200%) et du doctoral (300%). Les domaines où on s'attend à une croissance particuliegrement rapide comprennent la mise en marché, les ressources naturelles, le développment régional et les études interdisciplinaires.
Minimum Resource Requirements for Specified Resource Returns on Ontario Farms
Authors: Brooks Scott E. , Constable G. A.
Published: July 2010

This paper discusses one phase of the background research for the Ontario Special Committee on Farm Income. The specific research area is that reported in Chapter 3 of “The Challenge of Abundance”, The Farm As A Production Unit.

Research was undertaken by the Committee to develop ‘benchmark farms'.

These benchmarks were interpreted as the minimum resources (labour, capital and management) required by a farmer in order to obtain certain specified returns to those resources. ‘Benchmark farms’ were used in policy formulation in a number of ways. Comparisons between the existing farms and farming industry and the ‘benchmarks’ indicated the size and nature of the adjustment problem in Ontario. Moreover, by varying prices and input‐output coefficients used in the models, the sensitivity of the simulated farms to changes in technology and cost‐price relationships was studied.

Six of the major farm types in Ontario were chosen and linear programming models developed to determine minimum resource requirements for specified rates of return to labour, capital and management.

MINIMUM DES RESOURCES NÉCESSAIRES POUR RAPPORTER UN REVENU SPECIFIQUE SUR LES FERMES EN ONTARIO – Ce document exprime une des étapes des origines de la recherche pour la Commission spéciale du revenu agricole en Ontario. Cette recherche est expliquée dans le chapitre 3 et elle s'intitule “The Challenge of Abundance”, The Farm As A Production Unit.

La Commission a entrepris une minimisation dans la recherche afin d'aider le développement de ces fermes échantillons en fonction d'un revenu donné pour les fermes de l'Ontario. Ces fermes échantillons étaient recueillies parmi les mains prospères (main‐d'oeuvre, capital et terrain); un certain résultat était retiré de ces fermes. Le développement de ces fermes échantillons a été utile de plusieurs façons. Elles ont indiqué la grandeur et la nature des ajustements nécessaires dans l'industrie agricole de l'Ontario en permettant une comparaison entre chacune de ces fermes et aussi en rapport avec l'industrie telle qu'elle existe actuellement dans la province. En plus, il était possible d'étudier les effets de changements des prix et des coefficients intrants et extrants sur la rentabilité de ces fermes échantillons.

Les chercheurs ont choisi six types de fermes parmi les plus importantes en Ontario. En utilisant les techniques de programmation linéaire; ils ont pu démontrer le niveau des ressources minima nécessaires pour obtenir un revenu adéquat.
Fertilization Strategy Under Uncertainty*
Authors: Colyer D.
Published: July 2010

Production functions have been fitted to data from nitrogen fertilization and plant population experiments that have been repeated annually for a period of eight years. These functions were used to‐ determine expected returns and the variance of expected returns at various rates of nitrogen application with plant population held constant. Expected returns and variance functions for nitrogen were then estimated. The returns function was maximized subject to the variance constraint to determine the cost, via evaluation of the Lagrangian term, of limiting the variance of returns. Finally the probability of returns falling below a specified level was determined and the rate of nitrogen application to minimize that probability was determined.

STRATÉGIE DE FERTILISATION EN CAS D'INCERTITUDE – Les fonctions de la production ont été adaptées à des données fondées sur des expériences en fertilisation azotique et en accroissement végétal qui ont été répétées annuellement pendant huit ans. Ces fonctions ont servi à la détermination des résultats attendus et de la variation des résultats attendus à des niveaux variés d'applications azotiques en fonction d'un nombre constant de plantes. Les résultats attendus et la variance des fonctions selon l'azote ont alors étéévalués. La fonction des résultats a été portée au maximum sous réserve de la variance contraignante de déterminer le coût. selon une évaluation de l'équation de Lagrange, de limiter la variance des résultats. En dernier lieu, la probabilité d'une chute des résultats au‐dessous d'un niveau défini a étéétablie et le taux d'applications azotiques pour réduire cette possibilité a aussi été déterminé.
TOWARD A MARKET‐ORIENTED CANADIAN GRAIN ECONOMY*
Authors: Capian Joseph
Published: July 2010

This article is a farmer's analysis of problems in the Canadian grain economy. It is shown that Canada's share of world grain markets has declined, and that major costs to Canadian agriculture have arisen from existing storage and selling policies.

Several solutions are suggested, including free domestic and export trade in coarse grains, a Canadian Wheat Board concerned with wheat alone, changes in C.W.B. structure to permit improved operation and readier evaluation, government sales credits, and access to futures markets. The farmers of Western Canada, taking advantage of good soil and suitable climatic conditions, grow the best quality high protein wheat, barley and oats, in the world. With improved grading methods designed for the needs of world buyers, and new aggressive marketing systems, Western Canada could and should become the world's most reliable producer, and the leading exporter of high quality grain.

POUR UNE MEILLEURE ORGANISATION DU MARCHÉ CANADIEN DES GRAINS – Cet article constitue une analyse de ľéconomie canadienne des grains au niveau du producteur. On y montre notamment que la part canadienne par rapport au marché mondial a diminué et que les coûts de ľagriculture canadienne se sont élevés à cause des politiques de prix et de stockage.

Plusieurs solutions sont suggérées, par exemple la liberté du commerce des grains de provende sur le plan intérieur et pour les exportations, une Commission Canadienne du Blé concernant uniquement le blé, des changements de structure de cette commission permettant ďaméliorer sa gestion, des crédits gouvemementause au niveau des ventes et la possibilitéďaccéder aux marchés à terme. Les fermiers de ľouest avantagés par le sol et des conditions climatiques adéquates, produisent les meilleures qualités de blé, ďavoine et ďorge avec le plus haut degré de protéines. En adoptant des méthodes de classification plus conformes aux besoins des acheteurs et une commercialisation plus agressive, les producteurs de ľouest pourraient et devraient devenir les plus sérieux producteurs de grains du monde.
WORLD AGRICULTURAL TRADE AND MERCHANDISING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE 1970s*
Authors: Rackham T. S.
Published: July 2010

“There is going to be a continuing great need for food.” In a wide review of Canadian and world markets, the author makes a case for an opportunity‐oriented agriculture, geared to the developing and changing market potentials of the 1970s. Canadian and world market potentials for the 1970s present attractive prospects, but the future will only be as bright as agriculture and its institutions are flexible to adapt to the emerging environment.

LES POSSIBILITÉS DE DÉVELOPPEMENT DU COMMERCE MONDIAL AGRICOLE AU COURS DE LA PROCHAINE DÉCENNIE –“Il y a un besoin croissant de biens alimentaires.” Au cours ďune large revue des marchés canadiens et mondiaux, ľauteur étudie les chances ďune agriculture orientée, axée sur le développement et le changement des marchés pour les années 1970. Les possibilités de développement des marchés canadiens et mondiaux au cours de la prochaine décennie apparaissent favorables, à condition toutefois que ľagriculture et ses institutions s'adaptent au nouvel environnement.