bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effects of R- and S-equol and Implication of Transactivation Functions (AF-1 and AF-2) in Estrogen Receptor-Induced Transcriptional Activity
Authors: Shinkaruk Svitlana , Carreau Charlotte , Flouriot Gilles , Bennetau-Pelissero Catherine , Potier Mylène
Published: March 2010

Equol, one of the main metabolites of daidzein, is a chiral compound with pleiotropic effects on cellular signaling. This property may induce activation/inhibition of the estrogen receptors (ER) a or b, and therefore, explain the beneficial/deleterious effects of equol on estrogen-dependent diseases. With its asymmetric centre at position C-3, equol can exist in two enantiomeric forms (R- and S-equol). To elucidate the yet unclear mechanisms of ER activation/inhibition by equol, we performed a comprehensive analysis of ERa and ERb transactivation by racemic equol, as well as by enantiomerically pure forms. Racemic equol was prepared by catalytic hydrogenation from daidzein and separated into enantiomers by chiral HPLC. The configuration assignment was performed by optical rotatory power measurements. The ER-induced transactivation by R- and S-equol (0.1–10 µM) and 17b-estradiol (E2, 10 nM) was studied using transient transfections of ERa and ERb in CHO, HepG2 and HeLa cell lines. R- and S-equol induce ER transactivation in an opposite fashion according to the cellular context. R-equol and S-equol are more potent in inducing ERa in an AF-2 and AF-1 permissive cell line, respectively. Involvement of ERa transactivation functions (AF-1 and AF-2) in these effects has been examined. Both AF-1 and AF-2 are involved in racemic equol, R-equol and S-equol induced ERa transcriptional activity. These results could be of interest to find a specific ligand modulating ER transactivation and could contribute to explaining the diversity of equol actions in vivo.
Response Ant Colony Optimization of End Milling Surface Roughness
Authors: Kadirgama K. , Noor M. M. , Alla Ahmed N. Abd
Published: March 2010

Metal cutting processes are important due to increased consumer demands for quality metal cutting related products (more precise tolerances and better product surface roughness) that has driven the metal cutting industry to continuously improve quality control of metal cutting processes. This paper presents optimum surface roughness by using milling mould aluminium alloys (AA6061-T6) with Response Ant Colony Optimization (RACO). The approach is based on Response Surface Method (RSM) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). The main objectives to find the optimized parameters and the most dominant variables (cutting speed, feedrate, axial depth and radial depth). The first order model indicates that the feedrate is the most significant factor affecting surface roughness.
Metal Oxide Gas Sensors: Sensitivity and Influencing Factors
Authors: Wang Chengxiang , Yin Longwei , Zhang Luyuan , Xiang Dong , Gao Rui
Published: March 2010

Conductometric semiconducting metal oxide gas sensors have been widely used and investigated in the detection of gases. Investigations have indicated that the gas sensing process is strongly related to surface reactions, so one of the important parameters of gas sensors, the sensitivity of the metal oxide based materials, will change with the factors influencing the surface reactions, such as chemical components, surface-modification and microstructures of sensing layers, temperature and humidity. In this brief review, attention will be focused on changes of sensitivity of conductometric semiconducting metal oxide gas sensors due to the five factors mentioned above.
Synthesis of bis(3-{[2-(allyloxy)ethoxy]methyl}-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)(phenyl)phosphine oxide – a tailor-made photoinitiator for dental adhesives
Authors: Moszner Norbert , Lamparth Iris , Angermann Jörg , Fischer Urs Karl , Zeuner Frank , Bock Thorsten , Liska Robert , Rheinberger Volker
Published: March 2010

Because of the poor solubility of the commercially available bisacylphosphine oxides in dental acidic aqueous primer formulations, bis(3-{[2-(allyloxy)ethoxy]methyl}-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)(phenyl)phosphine oxide (WBAPO) was synthesized starting from 3-(chloromethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoic acid by the dichlorophosphine route. The substituent was introduced by etherification with 2-(allyloxy)ethanol. In the second step, 3-{[2-(allyloxy)ethoxy]methyl}-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoic acid was chlorinated. The formed acid chloride showed an unexpected low thermal stability. Its thermal rearrangement at 180 °C resulted in a fast formation of 3-(chloromethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoic acid 2-(allyloxy)ethyl ester. In the third step, the acid chloride was reacted with phenylphosphine dilithium with the formation of bis(3-{[2-(allyloxy)ethoxy]methyl}-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)(phenyl)phosphine, which was oxidized to WBAPO. The structure of WBAPO was confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 31P NMR, and IR spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis. WBAPO, a yellow liquid, possesses improved solubility in polar solvents and shows UV–vis absorption, and a high photoreactivity comparable with the commercially available bisacylphosphine oxides. A sufficient storage stability was found in dental acidic aqueous primer formulations.
Cytokine Profiles of Macrophage Activation Syndrome Associated with Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: MARUYAMA JUNKO , INOKUMA SHIGEKO
Published: March 2010

Objective.

To elucidate the cytokine profiles of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in relation to underlying rheumatic diseases and prognosis.

Methods.

The clinical features and laboratory data of 18 patients with MAS and rheumatic diseases were retrospectively analyzed. Serum levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), interleukin 18 (IL-18), tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6, interferon-γ, ferritin, and ß2-microglobulin (ß2m) were measured. These data were compared between underlying diseases and between those who died and those who recovered.

Results.

Of the 18 patients with MAS, 9 had underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 7 had adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD), 1 had rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 1 had antiphospholipid syndrome. Three patients with SLE and 1 patient with RA died. The serum M-CSF and IL-18 levels were substantially elevated in all the patients. In the patients with SLE, the M-CSF level was higher than the IL-18 level (median: 4879 vs 1341 pg/ml, p = 0.0054), and it was the reverse in the patients with AOSD (5883 vs 228,350 pg/ml, p = 0.0017). The serum M-CSF and ß2m levels were significantly higher in the patients who died than in those who recovered (M-CSF: 18,245 vs 3404 pg/ml, p = 0.019; ß2m: 18.8 vs 5.4 mg/dl, p = 0.0058).

Conclusion.

The cytokine profiles associated with MAS differed between patients with SLE and patients with AOSD. The patients with SLE showed a prominent increase in serum M-CSF levels, as did the patients with AOSD in serum IL-18 level. Patients who died had higher serum M-CSF and ß2m levels, and this suggests that aggressive treatment for patients with MAS and these profiles should be promptly started.
A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial of Low Dose Infliximab in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: INMAN ROBERT D. , MAKSYMOWYCH WALTER P.
Published: March 2010

Objective.

The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitor infliximab (IFX) has been proven effective for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The primary objective of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to assess the safety and efficacy of low-dose (3 mg/kg q8w) IFX therapy in AS.

Methods.

In the 12-week double-blind phase of the study, patients (N = 76) were randomized to infusions of placebo or IFX (3 mg/kg) at Weeks 0, 2, and 6. The primary endpoint was 20% improvement in ASsessments in Ankylosing Spondylitis criteria (ASAS20) at 12 weeks. In the open-label extension phase, all patients received scheduled IFX infusions (q 8 weeks) up to 46 weeks. Patients who did not meet target response criteria (i.e., BASDAI score did not improve by at least 50% and was > 3) at Weeks 22 or 38 had a dose increase to IFX 5 mg/kg.

Results.

At 12 weeks, 53.8% of IFX-treated patients achieved ASAS20, compared with 30.6% of placebo-treated patients (p = 0.042). IFX-treated patients showed significant improvement in measures of disease activity, spinal mobility, and quality of life over the course of the study. During the extension phase, 68% of patients in the IFX group did not meet the clinical target and had an increase in the dose of IFX to 5 mg/kg by 38 weeks. In general, IFX was safe and well tolerated. Ten patients withdrew from the study for various reasons, with only 2 (2.6%) attributed to adverse events.

Conclusion.

IFX 3 mg/kg was effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of active AS, and was generally safe and well tolerated. Dose escalation to 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks was warranted in most patients to achieve the target clinical response of the study.
Refractive Surgery Trends and Practice Style Changes in Germany Over a 3-year Period
Authors: Schmack Ingo , Auffarth Gerd U. , Epstein Daniel , Holzer Mike P.
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:

To study the current practice styles and preferences of refractive surgeons in Germany.

METHODS:

In February 2008, a seven-item questionnaire regarding the practice of refractive surgery was mailed to 282 members of the German Society of Intraocular Lens Implantation, Interventional, and Refractive Surgery (DGII) and the Commission of Refractive Surgery (KRC). Most questions were identical to our 2005 German refractive surgery survey. All data were analyzed in a masked fashion.

RESULTS:

The response rate was 42.2%. The majority (68%) of respondents reported that they perform refractive surgery in laser centers (exclusively or partially) followed by general hospitals (19.4%) and universities (12.6%). Although LASIK was the predominant type of refractive surgery performed (80.6%), other refractive procedures included refractive lens exchange (60.2%), photorefractive keratectomy (47.6%), phakic intraocular lens implants (45.6%), laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (36.9%), epithelial laser in situ keratomileusis (15.5%), intracorneal rings (5.8%), and limbal relaxing incisions (2.9%). The volume of refractive surgery procedures and the preferred type of excimer laser systems, microkeratomes, and diagnostic devices varied at different institutions. Most respondents performed either wavefront-guided custom ablation or wavefront-optimized ablation (63.1%) compared with conventional excimer laser correction (36.9%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Refractive surgery practice styles and preferences in Germany are comparable to trends in other European countries. Although LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive procedure, the numbers of various surface ablation techniques and refractive intraocular lens procedures are increasing. [J Refract Surg.2010;26:202–208.]
Comparison of LASIK and Photorefractive Keratectomy for Myopia From −10.00 to −18.00 Diopters 10 Years After Surgery
Authors: Rosman Mohamad , Alió Jorge L. , Ortiz Dolores , Perez-Santonja Juan J.
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:

To compare the long-term outcomes of LASIK and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for high myopia (⩾−10.00 diopters [D]).

METHODS:

This retrospective study included eyes with high myopia that underwent PRK (51 eyes) and LASIK (141 eyes) at the Instituto Oftalmologico de Alicante, Spain, and returned for 10-year follow-up.

RESULTS:

Ten years after surgery, 45.5% of eyes in the LASIK group achieved uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/40 or better compared to 31.3% in the PRK group. Mean efficacy indices after 10 years in both groups were similar (0.87 in the LASIK group and 0.82 in the PRK group,
P
=.51). Twenty-one (41%) eyes in the PRK group were within ±1.00 D whereas 60 (42.5%) eyes from the LASIK group were within ±1.00 D 10 years after surgery. Six (14%) eyes from the PRK group lost 2 or more lines of BSCVA compared to 7 (6%) eyes from the LASIK group.

CONCLUSIONS:

LASIK and PRK have been shown to have similar visual acuity efficacy in the treatment of eyes with high myopia in the long-term, with LASIK having superior visual acuity efficacy and safety over PRK within the first 2 years after surgery. However, treatment of myopia ⩾−10.00 D by LASIK is no longer routinely advocated whereas the treatment of high myopia by PRK is no longer performed due to potential complications associated with the treatment. Haze in postoperative PRK eyes was a significant long-term problem in our study. [
J Refract Surg
. 2010;26:168–176.]
An Inter-eye Comparison of Refractive Outcomes Following Cataract Surgery
Authors: Landers John , Goggin Michael
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:

To investigate how the refractive outcomes of pairs of eyes are related. Previous evidence suggests altering intraocular lens (IOL) power for the second eye based on the refractive outcomes of the first eye following cataract surgery, which may not be the correct approach to improve second-eye outcome.

METHODS:

Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent bilateral cataract surgery during the preceding 12 months was performed, from which 81 patients were recruited. The difference between postoperative refractive error and preoperative target refraction for both eyes was established. The relationship between pairs of eyes was analyzed.

RESULTS:

The difference from target refraction and postoperative refractive error was statistically significantly correlated between pairs of eyes (t=3.02;
P
=.003); however, only 10% of the variability in the difference from target refraction for the second eye could be accounted for by the first eye. Even if only the direction of this difference was considered (more myopic or hypermetropic than target refraction), there was concordance between pairs of eyes 63% of the time. This relationship was not modified by age, sex, keratometry, biometry (anterior chamber depth or axial length), or IOL type.

CONCLUSIONS:

The data suggest that each eye of an individual patient be considered independently when selecting IOL power as part of cataract surgery. [
J Refract Surg.
2010;26:197–200.]
Microbial Keratitis After LASIK
Authors: Garg Prashant , Chaurasia Sunita , Vaddavalli Pravin K. , R Muralidhar , Mittal Vikas , Gopinathan Usha
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:

To report cases of microbial keratitis after LASIK from a tropical climatic zone.

METHODS:

This retrospective case series included 17 eyes of 15 patients managed at our center from January 1999 to December 2007. All patients had a detailed clinical evaluation followed by corneal scrapings. The material obtained on scraping was subjected to detailed microbiology evaluation. Initial medical treatment was based on microbiology results and included irrigation of the interface with appropriate antimicrobial solutions. The flap was amputated in patients who developed flap necrosis. N-butyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive was applied for gross thinning and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) was performed for advanced cases of keratitis.

RESULTS:

Mean patient age was 25.8 years (range: 18 to 44 years). Two patients had undergone unilateral surgery. Thirteen patients presented with infection in 1 eye and 2 patients had bilateral infection. The microorganisms isolated were filamentous fungi (4 eyes),
Nocardia asteroides
(5 eyes), atypical mycobacteria (4 eyes),
Acanthamoeba
(2 eyes),
Corynebacterium
(1 eye), and
Staphylococcus epidermidis
(1 eye). The infection resolved with medical treatment in 6 eyes, medical treatment and flap amputation in 4 eyes, and PK in 4 eyes. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Five eyes of 4 patients referred to us within 10 days of symptom onset resolved on medical treatment with final visual acuity ranging from 20/20 to 20/80.

CONCLUSIONS:

In a tropical region, it is important to consider uncommon organisms such as fungi,
Nocardia
, and
Acanthamoeba
as possible etiological agents in keratitis after LASIK. A detailed microbiology work-up will help in definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment. [
J Refract Surg
. 2010;26:209–216.]
Circulating Antibodies to IDO/THO Pathway Metabolites in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Duleu S. , Mangas A. , Sevin F. , Veyret B. , Bessede A. , Geffard M.
Published: March 2010

In Alzheimer's disease, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and tryptophan hydroxylase are known to induce an overproduction of neurotoxic compounds, such as quinolinic acid and 3-hydroxykynurenine from the former, and 5-hydroxytryptophol and 5-methoxytryptophol from the latter. Other compounds, such as kynurenic acid, serotonin, and melatonin are produced via the same pathways. An improved ELISA method identified circulating antibodies directed against these compounds, linked to proteins, as previously described for other chronic diseases. This describes how only the A isotype of circulating immunoglobulins recognized a pattern of conjugated tryptophan metabolites in the sera of Alzheimer patients. These data indirectly confirmed the involvement of tryptophan derivatives in the pathogenic processes of Alzheimer's disease. Further studies are required to evaluate the relevance of these antibody patterns in monitoring this disease.
Thrombin antithrombin complex and IL-18 serum levels in stroke patients
Authors: Piazza Ornella , Scarpati Giuliana , Cotena Simona , Lonardo Maria , Tufano Rosalba
Published: March 2010

The complex picture of inflammation and coagulation alterations comes to life in acute stroke phases. Increasing evidence points to a strong interaction and extensive crosstalk between the inflammation and coagulation systems: the interest towards this relationship has increased since recent experimental research showed that the early administration of antithrombin III (ATIII) decreases the volume of ischemia in mice and might be neuroprotective, playing an antiinflammatory role. We aimed to establish the extent of the relationship among markers of inflammation (S100B and IL-18) and procoagulant and fibrinolytic markers (ATIII, thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), Fibrin Degradation Products (FDP), D-dimer) in 13 comatose patients affected by focal cerebral ischemia. Plasma levels of TAT, D-dimer and FDP, IL18 and S100B were increased. IL-18 and S100B high serum levels in ischemic patients suggest an early activation of the inflammatory cascade in acute ischemic injury. The basic principles of the interaction between inflammatory and coagulation systems are revised, from the perspective that simultaneous modulation of both coagulation and inflammation, rather than specific therapies aimed at one of these systems could be more successful in stroke therapy.
Protective head-cooling during cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation: the original animal studies
Authors: Brader Eric W. , Jehle Dietrich , Mineo Michael , Safar Peter
Published: March 2010

Prolonged standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) does not reliably sustain brain viability during cardiac arrest. Pre-hospital adjuncts to standard CPR are needed in order to improve outcomes. A preliminary dog study demonstrated that surface cooling of the head during arrest and CPR can achieve protective levels of brain hypothermia (30°C) within 10 minutes. We hypothesized that protective head-cooling during cardiac arrest and CPR improves neurological outcomes. Twelve dogs under light ketamine-halothane-nitrous oxide anesthesia were arrested by transthoracic fibrillation. The treated group consisted of six dogs whose shaven heads were moistened with saline and packed in ice immediately after confirmation of ventricular fibrillation. Six control dogs remained at room temperature. All 12 dogs were subjected to four minutes of ventricular fibrillation and 20 minutes of standard CPR. Spontaneous circulation was restored with drugs and countershocks. Intensive care was provided for five hours post-arrest and the animals were observed for 24 hours. In both groups, five of the six dogs had spontaneous circulation restored. After three hours, mean neurological deficit was significantly lower in the treated group (P=0.016, with head-cooled dogs averaging 37% and the normothermic dogs 62%). Two of the six head-cooled dogs survived 24 hours with neurological deficits of 9% and 0%, respectively. None of the control group dogs survived 24 hours. We concluded that head-cooling attenuates brain injury during cardiac arrest with prolonged CPR. We review the literature related to the use of hypothermia following cardiac arrest and discuss some promising approaches for the pre-hospital setting.
Imaging of benign solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura: a pictorial essay
Authors: Cardinale Luciano , Ardissone Francesco , Garetto Irene , Marci Valerio , Volpicelli Giovanni , Solitro Federica , Fava Cesare
Published: March 2010

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) is a mesenchymal tumor that tends to involve the pleura, and is also described in other thoracic and extrathoracic sites. SFTP usually presents as a peripheral mass abutting the pleural surface, to which it is attached by a broad base or by a pedicle that allows it to be mobile. SFTPs exist in benign and malignant forms. A precise pre-operative diagnosis can be arrived at with a cutting-needle biopsy, although most cases are diagnosed with postoperative histology and immunohistochemical analysis. In this pictorial essay, we review a large series of cases, with emphasis on the radiographic appearance of these lesions and their findings from computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography and positron emission tomography.
Primary mediastinal Castleman's disease
Authors: Regal Mohamed A.H , Aljehani Yasser M , Bousbait Hanan
Published: March 2010

Castleman's disease is a rare entity with an unknown etiology which was first described by Castleman in 1954. It is a lymphoproliferative disorder histologically classified into three types; hyaline-vascular, plasma cell type and mixed type. It might be localized or multicentric and usually involves the mediastinum. We report a case of Castleman's disease discovered accidentally in a case of blunt chest trauma which caused a challenging diagnostic process and management.
Cystic fibrohistiocytic tumor of the lung presenting as a solitary lesion
Authors: Paci Massimiliano , Cavazza Alberto , Annessi Valerio , Ricchetti Tommaso , Rapicetta Cristian , Sgarbi Giorgio
Published: March 2010

Cystic fibrohistiocytic tumor of the lung is a rare neoplasm. In many cases it represents a metastasis from a benign or low-grade fibrohistiocytic tumor of the skin, but occasionally it may be primary. Radiologically it usually occurs as a cystic change of multiple pulmonary nodules, and pneumothorax is the most frequent presenting symptom. We present here a 16-year-old man with recurrent right pneumothorax. The patient had no history of cutaneous fibrohistiocytic lesions. He underwent videothoracoscopic right apical segmentectomy, right lower lobe nodulectomy, and pleuroabrasion. Microscopy of the apical segmentectomy showed a cystic fibrohistiocytic tumor, whereas the nodule of the lower lobe was an intraparenchymal lymph node. The patient is alive with no tumor recurrence. The differential diagnosis includes Langerhans cell histiocytosis, lymphangioleiomyomatosis, pleuropulmonary blastoma, and metastatic endometrial stromal sarcoma. This disease usually occurs with multiple pulmonary cysts and cavitation. This case is the first reported presenting as a single lesion.
A rare benign genitourinary tumor in a Japanese male: urinary retention owing to aggressive angiomyxoma of the prostate
Authors: Sawada Yugo , Ito Fumio , Nakazawa Hayakazu , Tsushima Nobuhiko , Tomoe Hikaru , Aiba Motohiko
Published: March 2010

Close examination of a 67-year-old Japanese man, who complained of persistent nocturia, revealed that a semitransparent polypoid tumor had developed from the bladder neck to the prostatic urethra obstructing the internal urethral meatus, which resulted in excessive urinary retention and post-renal dysfunction. The tumor was resected by a transurethral procedure and a pathological examination of specimens revealed aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) of the prostate. AAM usually develops in the intrapelvic and perineal organs of females. So far as we know, this is the second case of primary prostatic AAM reported in the English literature, and is the first case where the patient encountered urethral obstruction.
Problems in rare tumor study: a call for papers
Authors: Miller Robert C
Published: March 2010

Rare tumor research presents many challenges. Large, randomized clinical trials are often impractical in this field and access to biospecimens may be problematic. These difficulties can best be addressed through multidisciplinary, national and international collaborative efforts among researchers, clinicians, governmental bodies, and patients. Numerous governmental and private organizations now exist to facilitate cooperation between researchers and institutions. Patient advocacy organizations now play an increasingly important role in partnering with traditional research groups to promote rare tumor research. Rare Tumors is now beginning an editorial series focusing on the problems of rare tumor research. We wish to invite all researchers and clinicians who are involved in rare tumor research and treatment to contribute their observations on the problems of working in this field, either as a letter to the editor, an editorial on a select issue, or as a review paper.
Fibrosarcoma of the meninges
Authors: Chopra Ruchi , Bhardwaj Minakshi , Premsagar Ishwar Chand
Published: March 2010

Meningeal fibrosarcomas are rare tumors. Only 41 cases have been reported in the literature to date. Primary central nervous system fibrosarcomas are very aggressive neoplasms and have a poor prognosis. Hence they need to be correctly diagnosed. This is a case of a 13-year old boy with intracranial space occupying lesion. The mass was completely removed and histological examination was characteristic of meningeal fibrosarcoma. The pathological diagnosis is usually made on routine light microscopic examination; however, occasionally these may be difficult to distinguish from other malignant neoplasms such as gliomas, meningiomas and metastases. The diagnosis of fibrosarcoma is based on the identification of a predominant herringbone architectural pattern, the overall uniformity of the spindle cell population, the prominent vimentin positivity, and the presence of pericellular reticulin fibre network. IHC helps to exclude other diagnoses.
Primary nasopharyngeal interdigitating dendritic cell tumor presentation and response to radiation therapy
Authors: Dunlap Neal E , Woodford Randell L , Shoushtari Asal N , Reibel James F , Douvas Michael G , Cousar John B , Read Paul W
Published: March 2010

We report the case of a primary nasopharyngeal interdigitating dendritic cell tumor (IDDCT). A 25-year old male presented with bilateral decreased hearing, double vision, and ataxia. Flexible nasopharyngoscopy reviewed a large mass obstructing and filling the entire nasopharynx. MRI and PET-CT confirmed the presence of the primary tumor and demonstrated bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of the nasopharynx revealed a hematolymphoid neoplasm with dendritic cell differentiation, most consistent with an IDDCT. The lesion was unresectable. The patient was treated with definitive radiotherapy to 66 Gy to the primary tumor and 50 Gy to the bilateral cervical lymphatics using an IMRT technique. A complete response was achieved and the patient remains disease free at the primary site 23 months after completion of radiotherapy.
The impact of minimum wages for domestic workers in Bloemfontein, South Africa
Authors: Blaauw Phillip F. , Bothma Louis J.
Published: March 2010

Orientation: The number of domestic workers in South Africa has decreased in the last decade, seemingly corresponding with efforts by government to increase regulation.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate possible structural changes in this labour market over the last decade, as well as the possible employment effects of the latest minimum wage provisions.Motivation for the study: Previous studies on the topic were carried out either prior to, or just after, the implementation of the minimum wage legislation for domestic workers. Now, five years after implementation, the conclusions and predictions of these studies need to be evaluated.Research design, approach and method: The study utilised a repeat survey in the suburb of Langenhoven Park in Bloemfontein, where two previous microstudies had been conducted. Structural interviews were conducted with a sample of 132 respondents and the data analysed.Main findings: There are now fewer domestic workers working for more employers, than there were ten years ago. In contrast to predictions from the literature, these changes mostly occurred before the implementation of the legislation. Real wages and legislative compliance improved for those who remained employed.Practical implications: The task of balancing the improvement of the lives of domestic workers and the possible adverse consequences of the legislation, in the form of job losses, remains as daunting as it was ten years ago.Contribution: Literature predicts changes in the market for domestic workers to be long term. This study shows that most changes took place before the implementation of the legislation as employers decided on their course of action.
EVALUATION OF MILK VARIABLES AS MEASURES OF MILK EFFECT ON PREWEANING PERFORMANCE OF BEEF CATTLE
Authors: JEFFERY H. B. , BERG R. T.
Published: March 2010

A study with 176 (1966) and 201 (1967) cows from the University of Alberta beef herd was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a number of milk variables for explaining variance in preweaning gain of beef calves. The seven milk variables calculated over 24 hours were yield of milk, total energy, total protein and total solids, and percentages of butterfat, protein and solids-not-fat. These variables were measured for two periods, August and October, and averages for the two periods were calculated. Mean 24-hour milk yield ranged from 3.8 to 6.1 kilograms. Percentage of butterfat, protein and solids-not-fat, respectively, ranged from 4.10 to 5.77, 3.28 to 3.93, and 8.67 to 9.50. The intercorrelations among yield of milk, energy, protein and total solids were high and positive, ranging between 0.85 and 0.99. Correlations of milk yield with percent milk components were small and predominantly negative. Intercorrelations of percent milk components ranged from 0.09 to 0.55. Correlations of mean milk yield variables and average daily gain (ADG) of calf to weaning for the two periods ranged from 0.73 to 0.78. In most instances, total milk yield was equally or more highly correlated with ADG than the other milk yield variables. Correlations of percent milk components with ADG were low, and in most instances not significant. In 1966 data, little additional variation in ADG was explained by the inclusion of other milk variables over that explained by milk yield alone. In 1967, the inclusion of milk percent components accounted for from 2 to 7% of variance in ADG over milk yield alone. Average milk yield for the two periods of milking was more consistent than a single milking in explaining variance in ADG over both years. The response of ADG of calf to milk yield was essentially a linear relationship, but there were indications that the curvilinear relationship of ADG and milk yield should not be ignored in beef herds of relatively high milk production.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF HEAT TREATED WHOLE SOYBEANS
Authors: ARNOLD J. B. , SUMMERS J. D. , BILANSKI W. K.
Published: March 2010

The heat treatment of whole soybeans was investigated, with consideration for oven temperature, process time and the initial moisture content of the beans, with a view to optimizing the removal of the toxic factors and enhancing the feed utilization of the soybean. Two purified diets equal in both crude protein level and classical metabolizable energy level were used. One of the diets consisted of ground whole soybeans (both heat treated and raw), whereas the other diet, containing commercial soybean meal as the only source of protein, provided the control for the tests. Male, White Leghorn cockerel chicks were selected on a weight basis and randomized in battery pens. The experimental treatments were assigned at random to pens and the chicks were provided feed and water ad libitum. Three experiments were conducted using soybeans with initial moisture of 10, 12.5 and 16% and heat treatment for 10, 5 and 3 minutes in a still-air oven within a temperature range of 149–246 C. Certain combinations of time and temperature not only promoted weight gains and feed efficiencies superior to those of the commercial diet, but also resulted in minimal pancreatic hypertrophy. The data obtained reaffirmed that a critical quantity of heat is required to deactivate the toxic factors and to ensure maximum nutritive availability.
CANADIAN DAIRY COW DISPOSALS: I. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BREEDS, LACTATION NUMBERS AND SEASONS
Authors: BURNSIDE E. B. , KOWALCHUK S. B. , LAMBROUGHTON D. B. , MacLEOD N. M.
Published: March 2010

Primary reasons for disposal of 26,651 dairy cows of the Ayrshire, Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey breeds were collected in Canadian Record of Performance herds from September, 1967 to August, 1968. Reproduction and low milk production were major causes of voluntary herd removals. The percentages culled annually for these problems ranged from 13.4 to 24.4% and from 15.5 to 28.3%, respectively. The Guernsey breed was highest (24.4%) in the percentage culled because of reproduction. The Holstein was lowest (15.5%) in the percentage culled because of low production, but highest (10.2%) in the percent removed because of udder problems. Disposal patterns changed with the lactation number of the cow. Young cows were culled more heavily for low production than their older herdmates. This was offset by increases in the percentages of older cows removed for reproduction, diseases and weaknesses in udders. No major monthly trends were observed in these data, although there was a statistically significant increase in summer sales for dairy purposes with a parallel decrease in beef sales.
SOME EFFECTS OF FLUCTUATING LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES ON BEEF CATTLE
Authors: HIDIROGLOU M. , LESSARD J. R.
Published: March 2010

Feed consumption, average daily gain, liver vitamin A, plasma protein, hemoglobin, leucocytes and the development of the chest were measured in an experiment in which 60 yearling Hereford steers were maintained outside or in a loose housing, closed pole barn. During the course of the experiment, temperature varied from −43 to 13 C, with wide diurnal fluctuations. The steers wintered outside had higher hemoglobin values and required 16% more total digestible nutrients for maintenance than those wintered inside. The maintenance requirements of those wintered inside were 42% greater than proposed NRC requirements. No major differences were observed among the other parameters studied except average daily gain, in which case the steers inside gained 15% faster.
PUBERTY, POST-WEANING ESTRUS AND ESTROUS CYCLE LENGTH IN YORKSHIRE AND LACOMBE SWINE
Authors: DYCK G. W.
Published: March 2010

Age at puberty in gilts and the number of days from weaning to estrus were determined on 132 gilts and 370 primiparous sows. The average age at puberty was 197.5 ± 1.8 (SE) days, in a range of 141 to 254 days. In this study, Yorkshire sows averaged 5.5 ± 0.3 days and Lacombe sows 14.3 ± 0.8 days to estrus after weaning (P < 0.001). In the first week after weaning, 90.5% of the Yorkshire sows and 48.0% of the Lacombe sows returned to estrus. One Yorkshire sow (0.5%) and 35 Lacombe sows (20.2%) failed to show estrus by 28 days after weaning. Yorkshire females had an average estrous cycle length of 21.0 ± 0.2 days, and Lacombe females 21.7 ± 0.1 days (P < 0.05).
OVULATION RATE AND WEIGHT OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF YORKSHIRE AND LACOMBE SWINE
Authors: DYCK G. W.
Published: March 2010

Ovulation rates were determined in 41 Yorkshire, 46 Lacombe and 26 Lacombe × Yorkshire gilts, and in 37 Yorkshire and 32 Lacombe primiparous sows. Ovulation rates in gilts remained constant from puberty to the fifth estrus. For Yorkshire, Lacombe and crossbred gilts the ovulation rates were 12.2, 14.4 and 14.0, respectively. The ovulation rates in Yorkshire and Lacombe sows were the same (17.0). In sows, ovulation rate increased significantly from the first to second post-weaning estrus (15.4 vs. 17.5). In Yorkshire gilts, ovarian and uterine weights were significantly less than in Lacombe gilts. Within breeds, ovarian weight remained similar while uterine weight increased (P < 0.05) from the first to second estrus. In sows, ovarian weight, which was similar for both breeds, increased significantly from the first to second post-weaning estrus. Uterine weight in Lacombe sows was significantly greater than in Yorkshire sows, and increased (P < 0.05) from the first to third post-weaning estrus. In Yorkshire sows uterine weight remained constant over the first three estrous periods after weaning.
EFFECT OF SPROUTING ON NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF WHEAT IN CATTLE DIETS
Authors: FARLIN S. D. , DAHMEN J. J. , BELL T. D.
Published: March 2010

A 140-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of wheat containing 60% sprouted kernels. Groups of 10 yearling steers were fed a 60% wheat diet. The wheat fraction of the diet consisted of all nonsprouted wheat, 1/3 sprouted wheat and 2/3 nonsprouted wheat, 2/3 sprouted and 1/3 nonsprouted wheat, or all sprouted wheat. Wheat containing 60% sprouted kernels had the same feed value as normal wheat when measured by weight gain. Substitution of sprouted wheat for nonsprouted wheat in the diet had no effect on carcass weight, grade, cutability, loin eye area, marbling, fat cover, kidney fat, or incidence of abscessed liver. Feed consumption was not noticeably affected by sprouted wheat. Digestibility data were obtained for normal wheat and wheat containing 60% sprouted kernels. Results are discussed with respect to application in determining the market value of comparable sprouted wheat.
TOXICITY OF A GLUCOSINOLATE CONCENTRATE PREPARED FROM RAPESEED MEAL
Authors: LO M. T. , HILL D. C.
Published: March 2010

Glucosinolates in myrosinase-inactivated commercial meal of Brassica napus or in a concentrated extract of the meal were fed to weanling mice at 12.5 to 50.0 μmoles per g of diet. Weight gains and feed intakes were depressed when the glucosinolate exceeded 25 μmoles per g. Digestion of glucosinolate in the two forms was compared by measuring the amounts excreted in the feces. The concentrated glucosinolate was more "digestible" than that in the meal. When glucosinolate was fed to rats, 46% was found in the caecum and large intestine after four hours and 31% was decomposed and/or absorbed in the caecum and the large intestine after 24 hours.
SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL AND NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS OF THE DWARF CHICKEN
Authors: RAJARATNAM G. , SUMMERS J. D. , WOOD A. S. , MORAN Jr. E. T.
Published: March 2010

A study was undertaken to investigate the feasibility of hypothyroidism as an explanation for the smaller body size and lower metabolic activity of the recessive sex-linked dwarf chicken. A significant increase in body weight gain and feed intake for dwarf chicks with little change in these parameters for normal chicks receiving a diet supplemented with Protamone (brand name for iodinated casein) suggests a hypothyroidic state for the dwarfs. Similarly, a significantly lower body temperature, oxygen consumption and basal metabolic rate with a higher percentage of carcass fat in dwarf chicks as compared with normal ones supports the above hypothesis. Protamone supplementation of the diet increased body temperature and metabolic rate, and altered the carcass composition of the dwarfs to values closer to that of normal chicks, again suggesting a low thyroxine output for the dwarfs.
SOLVENT-EXTRACTED RAPESEED MEAL AS A REPLACEMENT FOR SOYBEAN MEAL IN DIETS FOR SWINE REPRODUCTION
Authors: SABEN H. S. , BOWLAND J. P.
Published: March 2010

At an average weight of 83 kg and age of 163 days, 32 gilts were allotted to four dietary treatments, 0, 4 or 8% solvent-extracted rapeseed meal (RM) throughout the experiment, or 8% RM fed for the first 100 days of gestation followed by 0% RM. The RM, of Brassica campestris origin and containing 2.40 g oxazolidinethione and 2.60 g isothiocyanates per kg meal, was added in substitution for isonitrogenous levels of soybean meal (SM) for two reproductive cycles. Feeding RM did not significantly influence daily gain or feed conversion efficiency from 83 kg to the first breeding or during the two gestation periods. No significant differences were noted in number of services to conception, length of gestation, number of pigs born or born alive, number of pigs weaned, litter birth weights or weaning weight, or pig birth weights or weaning weights. There was a trend toward reduced litter size from gilts and sows fed the diets containing RM. Changing the diet from 8% RM to 0% RM after 100 days of gestation did not influence reproductive performance. Lacombe × Yorkshire sows gained more from 83 kg live weight to the first breeding, had higher breeding weight in both gestation periods, and increased pig weaning weight for the second lactation period compared with Yorkshire sows. The latter sows had higher individual pig birth weights for the first reproductive cycle than the crossbred sows. The results indicate that a level of 8% commercial solvent-extracted RM of the type fed may be acceptable as a substitute for an isonitrogenous level of SM in the diets of gestating and lactating gilts and sows.
FETAL MORTALITY IN THE PREPUBERAL GILT
Authors: SHAW G. A. , McDONALD B. E. , BAKER R. D.
Published: March 2010

Forty prepuberal gilts weighing from 45 to 55 kg were injected with 1000 IU of pregnant mare’s serum (PMS), followed 48 hours later by an injection of 500 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and 10 mg of diethylstilbestrol (DES). They were inseminated 24 hours after the HCG and DES injections. Ten gilts killed four days after insemination ovulated a mean of 18 ova; 91% of the ova recovered were fertilized, of which 81% were in the morula stage and undergoing normal cleavage. A mean daily oral intake of 26.4 mg of chlormadinone acetate (CAP) and 52.8 μg of DES per gilt, commencing seven days after insemination, appeared to assist in the maintenance of pregnancy early in gestation, as seven of nine gilts killed at 20 days of gestation were pregnant (anatomical abnormalities were found in the other two gilts) whereas a similar intake of hormones failed to maintain pregnancy in 15 gilts slaughtered 50 days after insemination. Similarly, six gilts administered 1000 IU of PMS and 500 IU of HCG at 9 and 11 days of gestation, respectively, in an attempt to induce a second set of corpora lutea, were not pregnant when killed 50 days after insemination. All 21 gilts slaughtered 50 days after insemination displayed complete regression of the corpora lutea. Maintenance of pregnancy to 20 days of gestation by oral administration of CAP and DES suggests that fetal mortality subsequent to this period was due to a lack of endogenous hormonal support.
INEFFECTIVENESS OF CYSTINE FOR PROTECTION AGAINST NUTRITIONAL MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY IN BEEF CALVES
Authors: Jenkins K. J. , Hidiroglou M. , Proulx J. G.
Published: March 2010

not available
WEIGHT OF PLACENTAL MEMBRANES IN SEVEN BREEDS OF SWINE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH LITTER SIZE AND WEIGHT AT BIRTH
Authors: Fahmy Mohammad H.
Published: March 2010

not available
COMPARISON OF CHICKEN SEMEN DILUENTS AND EVALUATION OF VARIOUS METHODS OF ESTIMATING FERTILITY
Authors: Buckland R. B.
Published: March 2010

not available
A NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON OF VARIOUS RAPESEED AND MUSTARD SEED SOLVENT-EXTRACTED MEALS OF DIFFERENT GLUCOSINOLATE COMPOSITION
Authors: BELL J. M. , YOUNGS C. G. , DOWNEY R. K.
Published: March 2010

Seven solvent-processed meals from Brassica napus, B. campestris and B. juncea seed, were compared with soybean meal in a replicated factorial experiment involving three levels of meal (5, 10 and 20%), with and without a flavoring mixture, with and without dietary myrosinase, in a feeding trial with male weanling mice. The addition of 0.3% myrosinase improved the digestibility of both protein and energy fractions, but resulted in growth depression in diets containing meals high, in glucosinolates and fed at 10 or 20% levels. Removal of feed intake differences by regression methods revealed that non-hydrolyzed glucosinolates in diets containing 10% Brassica meals had little effect on growth rate, except for one B. napus meal high in 2-hydroxy-3-butenyl glucosinolate. Diets containing glucosinolates giving rise to allyl- and butenyl isothiocyanates, as well as oxazolidinethione, inhibit growth; therefore, total glucosinolate content should be considered in assessing the nutritional value of Brassica meals.
CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUTHFUL BEEF CARCASSES IN RELATION TO WEIGHT, AGE AND SEX: III. MEAT QUALITY ATTRIBUTES
Authors: MARTIN A. H. , FREDEEN H. T. , WEISS G. M.
Published: March 2010

A total of 574 youthful beef carcasses from three sources comprising 168 steers, 147 heifers and 259 bulls were processed to study the influence of carcass weight, age and sex on beef quality. Source differences in pre-slaughter treatment were associated with differences in ultimate pH and in color of the longissimus dorsi muscle. Dark color and high pH values (pH > 6.0) were characteristic of the 1. dorsi muscle from bulls subjected to the greatest pre-slaughter stress. Stress effects markedly influenced palatability factors, with dark-colored bull beef from this one source scoring significantly higher for tenderness, juiciness and flavor than beef from steers subjected to the same pre-slaughter treatment. For these bulls the correlation between tenderness and meat color score was −0.50. Comparisons within source groups indicated that in meat color and shear values at 72 hr post mortem, heifers were superior to bulls and inferior to steers. After excluding the stressed (high ultimate pH) bulls from one source there were no significant sex-source differences in shear value at 13 days. However, taste panel evaluations indicated unstressed bull beef to be less tender than beef from heifers. Heifers had significantly more marbling than comparable bulls or steers, but differences in percent ether extract were significant only for the heifer-bull comparison. Correlations between live-weight and the various quality measurements were generally insignificant. A negative relationship was indicated between tenderness and age for bull carcasses (correlations about −0.3 in terms of merit) and the amount of chemically determined intramuscular fat of bulls was positively correlated (0.3 to 0.4) with age.
INFLUENCE OF BODY SIZE DURING LACTATION ON LEVEL OF MILK PRODUCTION
Authors: HICKMAN C. G. , LEE A. J. , SLEN S. B. , KOZUB G. C.
Published: March 2010

The influence of body weight on milk fat and solids-not-fat yield declined with increasing parity. The decline was more evident in Holsteins than in Ayrshires and Jerseys. Standard partial regression coefficients demonstrated that liveweight 180 days after freshening had a negative relationship with yield, when age at freshening and freshening weight were held constant. Also, wither height at first freshening had a negative relationship with yield when freshening weight and age were constant. These results show that body condition at freshening and weight loss during lactation are as important as actual weight in determining yield. Since body condition at first freshening affects yield-age relationships within and between herds, it has important implications in the evaluation of sires from first-lactation daughter performance. An objective and practical measure of optimum body condition is needed, particularly if maximum growth and minimum breeding age are to be achieved.