bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Aflatoxin in Grade Sample Components of Farmers Stock Peanuts
Authors: Dorner J. W. , Cole R. J.
Published: June 2010

A two-part study was conducted to measure aflatoxin concentrations in individual grade components of farmers stock peanuts. Components were sound mature kernels (SMK), sound splits (SS), loose shelled kernels (LSK), other kernels (OK), and damaged kernels (DK). In Part 1, components of 151 official grade samples, averaging 1.8 kg, were analyzed for aflatoxin, whereas, in Part 2, analyses were conducted on components of 52 11.3-kg samples taken from 27 farmers stock lots. Results showed that the mean aflatoxin concentration for all samples in Part 1 was 89 ppb and that most of the toxin was associated with the OK, LSK, and DK components. Aflatoxin in the SMK + SS components averaged only 3 ppb, whereas aflatoxin in the OK, LSK, and DK averaged 247, 403, and 4107 ppb, respectively. Similar results were obtained in Part 2 with an overall average of 64 ppb and component averages of 4 ppb (SMK), 1 ppb (SS), 109 ppb (OK), 424 ppb (LSK), and 3188 ppb (DK). In many contaminated lots, the SMK and SS components, which comprised 85% of the total kernel weight, were minimally contaminated (1-2 ppb). Correlation coefficients between aflatoxin concentrations in total grade samples and the combined OK, LSK, and DK components suggest that analysis of just those components could provide a better indication of the aflatoxin risk associated with a lot than is provided by the visual Aspergillus flavus method used in the current grading system. In addition, separate storage of contaminated lots would allow reclamation of the noncontaminated SMKs during years when peanuts are in short supply.
Genetic Studies Involving Wine Testa Color in Peanut1
Authors: Branch W. D.
Published: June 2010

A better understanding of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) testa color genetics would be helpful to breeders in developing new cultivars to meet U.S. market acceptability. Wine is one of the least understood of all basic testa colors in peanut. The objective of this genetic study was to gain further knowledge on the inheritance of wine testa color and possible allelic interactions. Crosses were made using two true-breeding wine testa color genotypes (Wine-Frr and PI 264549) as females with the tan testa and recessive red testa male parents Krinkle-Leaf and Makulu Red, respectively. F1, F2, and F3 data suggest no difference between the two wine testa color genotypes. Inheritance of wine testa color was found to be recessive with a one gene difference between wine and the tan testa color of Krinkle-Leaf, and with two gene differences between wine and the recessive red testa color of Makulu Red. Inheritance of wine seems to closely parallel that for recessive red testa color in the cultivated peanut.
Effect of Irrigation Interval, Planting Date, and Cultivar on Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin Contamination of Peanut in a Sandy Soil of Niger
Authors: Waliyar F. , Traoré A. , Fatondji D. , Ntare B. R.
Published: June 2010

Aflatoxin contamination of peanut is a major threat to consumers in West Africa. High levels of aflatoxin have been reported in West and Central Africa, particularly in Niger. Field trials were conducted from 1991 to 1994 at ICRISAT Sahelian Center, Sadore Research Station near Niamey, Niger. Various production practices were compared to examine their effects on water stress and Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination. Different levels of water stress were achieved by varying planting date and frequency of irrigation in two resistant and two susceptible cultivars. Contamination of seed with A. flavus and aflatoxin was determined. The susceptible cultivars 28–206 and JL 24 had much higher levels of seed infection following 3 wk or more of water stress than did the resistant cultivars. Susceptible cultivars showed up to 81% seed infection. Cultivar 28–206 had low levels of contamination when there was low water stress but became very susceptible when the period of water stress increased (3 wk of drought). Seed infection by A. flavus and contamination by aflatoxin were highly correlated across years and cultivars. Although seed infection by A. flavus was very responsive to water stress in the field, aflatoxin contamination did not increase proportionally. This may have been influenced by high soil temperatures in Niger, which may exceed 40 C. Most reports indicate that a minimum of 20 to 30 d of drought is needed for significant aflatoxin contamination, but contamination was observed after 14 d of water stress in this study.
Rock Remover Design for an Amadas Combine1
Authors: Blankenship P. D.
Published: June 2010

Peanuts are harvested with various amounts and types of foreign materials that must be removed during post-harvest processing for consumer acceptance of peanut products. To assist in rock removal during harvest, a modification to the pneumatic conveyor system used to transport peanuts from underneath a standard Amadas combine to the holding bin was designed. The design utilizes air flow patterns and cavitations following an elbow in the duct system and consists of a properly sized and spaced opening in one component of the conveyor system. A stationary pneumatic conveyor system with a controllable peanut delivery apparatus was utilized in developing the duct modification. After preliminary testing during development, the efficiency of the duct modification rock removal was evaluated with three lots of peanuts averaging 0.45 t containing an average 371 rocks (3.2% of sample mass). Peanuts were conveyed through the duct system at an average flow rate of 3.9 t/hr. An average of 30 rocks comprising 42.5% of the total rock weight was extracted from the peanuts. The weight of rocks removed averaged 153.5 g and ranged from 18.7 to 320.7 g. Rocks not removed averaged 24.2 g and ranged from 1.7 to 202.8 g. Results from the tests indicate that the design of the duct modification appears to be effective in removing larger rocks from peanuts but not effective in removing smaller rocks.
Durable Timing Devices for the Peanut Grading Screen Vibrator1
Authors: Sheppard H. T. , Blankenship P. D.
Published: June 2010

Peanuts are graded at farmer marketing for value determination. The grading procedure requires kernel sizing which is facilitated with perforated screens oscillated with a mechanical vibrator. The vibrator operates for 20-sec periods and is controlled by a hand-adjustable, mechanical timer. The durability of the timer is unsatisfactory and it frequently fails during a single grading season. Subsequent maintenance and replacement costs prompted the development of two more durable timing units. Solid state timers were utilized in both units. Construction of the two units was the same except a mechanical relay was used for switching in one but a solid state relay in the other. During durability testing, a prototype timing device with a mechanical relay switched on and off 11,020 times over an 8-d period before failing. A timing device with a solid state relay switched on and off 68,621 times over a 22-d period without failing. During field testing, six timing units with mechanical relays and five timing units with solid state relays operated an estimated 6000 cycles each at peanut buying points throughout a peanut harvest season without failure.
Consumer Preferences for Peanut Butter (Mamba) Products in Haiti: A Conjoint Analysis
Authors: Nelson R. G. , Jolly C. M. , Hinds M. J. , Donis Y. , Prophete E.
Published: June 2010

Haitian consumers were surveyed to determine their preferences for three attributes of peanut butter: form (spicy, sweet, plain), origin (Haiti, U.S.), and price (lowest, most common, highest). Conjoint analysis was used to calculate relative importance and strengths of preferences for these attributes, which showed that price had more than twice the importance in the buying decision as either of the other attributes. Cluster analysis was used to identify market segments of like preferences, such as those strongly favoring Haitian products, or strongly disliking the plain form, or strongly sensitive to price. A multinomial logit model was used to evaluate the effect of various demographic variables on the probability of membership in a segment. A market share simulation determined that a new, sweet peanut butter product would increase domestic revenues most if priced at the highest level because a segment of the population would purchase the product and increase total peanut consumption.
Genetic Transformation of a Runner-Type Peanut with the Nucleocapsid Gene of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
Authors: Chenault K. D. , Payton M. E.
Published: June 2010

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) lines containing the nucleocapsid protein (N) gene of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) were generated via microprojectile bombardment of somatic embryos from the cultivar Okrun, a runner-type peanut primarily grown in the southwestern U.S. The gene for hygromycin resistance, hph, was included on the plasmid containing the N gene as a selectable marker. PCR and ELISA results indicated that eight of 10 primary transformant lines were positive for incorporation and expression of the TSWV N transgene. PCR and ELISA analyses of T1 progeny indicated that two of the eight transgenic lines demonstrated a 3:1 segregation ratio, indicative of incorporation of a single copy of the TSWV N transgene. Transgene expression levels remained constant through the T1 generation.
Sicklepod Control in Peanut Seeded in Single and Twin Row Planting Patterns
Authors: Lanier J. E. , Lancaster S. H. , Jordan D. L. , Johnson P. D. , Spears J. F. , Wells R. , Hurt C. A. , Brandenburg R. L.
Published: June 2010

Sicklepod [Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin & Barneby] control and peanut pod yield with preemergence applications of dimethenamid and dimethenamid plus diclosulam alone or followed by postemergence application of imazapic were compared when peanut was seeded in single and twin row planting patterns. Sicklepod control was 9% higher when peanut was seeded in the twin row planting pattern (rows spaced 18 cm apart on 91-cm centers) compared with peanut planted in the single row planting pattern (single rows on 91-cm centers) regardless of preemergence or postemergence herbicide treatment. Sicklepod control by dimethenamid plus diclosulam exceeded control by dimethenamid alone in 1 of 2 yr. Imazapic applied postemergence consistently increased sicklepod control over dimethenamid or dimethenamid plus diclosulam alone. Pod yield generally reflected differences noted for sicklepod control when comparing planting patterns and treatments.
Trends in Sensory Quality of Roasted Peanuts Across 15 Years (1986–2000)
Authors: Pattee H. E. , Isleib T. G. , Gorbet D. W.
Published: June 2010

Enhancement of flavor of roasted peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) has been a long-standing objective of the peanut industry. Studies relative to roasted peanut flavor variation have separated the effects of genotype, environment, and genotype-by-environment interaction on the sensory attributes roasted peanut, sweet, bitter, and astringent. Much of the focus of these studies has been on the genotypic variation and the possibility of genetic improvement of peanut flavor. However, most of the variation in sensory attributes is caused by non-genetic factors. Years were found to be the largest single source of variation for the sensory attributes roasted peanut and bitter. Because roasted peanut is the sensory attribute most important to the peanut consumer, it is important to know if the observed year effects varied randomly or if there was any directional trend in peanut flavor over time. Examination of a 15-yr data set for directional trends in peanut flavor indicated that all three sensory attributes (roasted peanut, sweet, and bitter) exhibited adverse trends across the span of this study. These trends were independent of whether or not the effects of years were unadjusted for other effects or adjusted for the effects of regions, locations within regions, and the covariates fruity attribute intensity and roast color. The nature of the evident trends, i.e., whether they were linear or curvilinear, was often affected by adjustment. Changes in sensory quality of a single cultivar over time are likely due to changes in prevailing cultural practices such as rotations and chemicals applied to the peanut crop. It was not clear whether consumers would have noticed the change in sensory quality over time because the trends within individual cultivars were confounded with changes in the dominant runner-type cultivars with variable sensory quality marketed over the span of the study.
Row Orientation and Seeding Rate on Yield, Grade, and Stem Rot Incidence of Peanut with Subsurface Drip Irrigation1
Authors: Sorensen R. B. , Sconyers L. E. , Lamb M. C. , Sternitzke D. A.
Published: June 2010

A 2-yr study was conducted on a Tifton loamy sand (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Plinthic Kandiudults) soil near Sasser, GA during the 2001 and 2002 growing seasons to determine the effects of three plant row orientations (single, twin, and multi-row) and two plant populations on the pod yield, market grade, and stem rot disease incidence of peanut when irrigated with subsurface drip irrigation (SDI). Seeds were planted at the recommended rate [20 seeds/m; 1.0R (recommended rate)] and half the recommended rate (10 seeds/m; 0.5R). Plots were irrigated daily to replace estimated daily evapotranspiration (ETa). Twin row orientation had the highest pod yield with 5407 kg/ha compared with the other row orientations, which averaged 4897 kg/ha. Market grade (total sound mature kernels, TSMK) for the twin and diamond row orientation was 1% point higher (74.7%) compared with the single row orientation. Pod yield was 8.5% greater for the 1.0R seeding rate compared with the 0.5R seeding rate. Stem rot incidence was highest in the single row orientation and lowest in the diamond row orientation. Within the three row orientations, kernel size distribution characteristics showed jumbo kernels had mixed percentages, with medium and ones showing no differences. The 1.0R plant population did have 4.4 % more jumbo kernels than the 0.5R plant population. This study indicates that twin row orientation and planted at the recommended rate (1.0R) had the best pod yield and market grade compared with single row orientation when irrigated with SDI.
Phenotypic and Molecular Evaluation of Interspecific Peanut (Arachis) Lines
Authors: Anderson W. F. , Kochert G. , Holbrook C. C. , Stalker H. T.
Published: June 2010

Peanut breeders are constantly in search of new sources of genes that confer tolerance or resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses to improve the production and quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate peanut lines generated from interspecific crosses for amounts of wild species introgression, including genes for resistance to peanut root-knot nematodes, tomato spotted wilt virus and leaf spot diseases. Nine diploid Arachis species were crossed with peanut breeding lines and 130 different interspecific hybrid lines were developed. These lines were evaluated for the amount of introgression using RFLP analyses, plant morphology, and disease resistant phenotypes. Based on RFLPs, 41 lines showed measurable introgression and 12 hexaploid-derived lines were polymorphic for at least four probes. Greenhouse and field evaluations indicated that resistance was not present in the lines tested for tomato spotted wilt virus, early leaf spot, or Cylindrocladium black rot. However, resistance approaching that of the wild species was found for the peanut root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne arenaria) among lines derived from crosses with Arachis diogoi, A. correntina, A. batizocoi, and A. cardenasii. Introgression lines were resistant (disease ratings of 1.5 to 4.5 and lesion numbers 8 to 63) compared to Southern Runner (ratings of 5.5 to 6 and lesion numbers of nearly 500) for late leaf spot (Cercosporidium personation) in field evaluations performed in Gainesville, FL over 2 yr. The greatest resistance was found among lines from crosses with A. batizocoi, A. duranensis, A. stenosperma, A. magma, and A. diogoi. Results indicate that it should be possible to identify molecular markers to tag resistance genes for use in conventional breeding programs and stack these genes in highly productive peanut cultivars.
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Response to the Hormonal Plant Growth Regulator Early Harvest®
Authors: Beasley J. P. , Grichar W. J. , Jordan D. L. , Lemon R. G. , Besler B. A. , Brewer K. D. , Beam J. B. , Johnson P. D. , Paulk J. E.
Published: June 2010

Experiments were conducted from 1996 through 2001 in Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas to determine peanut response to the commercial plant growth regulator Early Harvest® (a commercial mixture of cytokinin, gibberellic acid, and indole butyric acid). Early Harvest (applied in the seed furrow) or Early Harvest TST (applied as a dry seed treatment) followed by four foliar applications (four-leaf peanut, initial pegging, 14 d after initial pegging, and pod fill), was compared to non-treated peanut in five, 13, and three experiments in these respective states. Early Harvest did not affect pod yield or gross economic value of peanut regardless of location, cultivar, or edaphic and environmental conditions. These data suggest that a spray program consisting of Early Harvest most likely will not improve pod yield or gross economic value of peanut.
Evaluation of Runner and Virginia Market Types for Tissue Culture Responses
Authors: Chengalrayan K. , Gallo-Meagher M.
Published: June 2010

Studies on somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) derived from mature zygotic embryo-derived leaflets of 10 cultivars and two breeding lines representing both runner and Virginia market types were conducted using tissue culture procedures originally optimized for the Spanish market type, J.L. 24. The somatic embryogenesis protocol used was a multi-step process which included embryogenic mass induction, embryo development, germination, and conversion. The percentage of embryogenic mass induction, embryo development, and conversion was genotype-dependent. However, the number of embryos produced per explant and germination to plantlets was genotype-independent. SunOleic® 95R consistently ranked highest for its response during all stages of embryo development, and runner market types were generally more responsive than Virginia market types. The percentage of shoot induction and the number of shoot buds per explant during organogenesis were genotype-dependent, and runner market types were more responsive for organogenesis than Virginia market types. Genotypes with a high embryogenic response also were highly responsive for organogenesis.
Diversity of Root Bacteria from Peanut Cropping Systems
Authors: Gooden D. T. , Skipper H. D. , Kim J. H. , Xiong K.
Published: June 2010

Rhizobacteria play an important role in sustainable agriculture via plant growth and biological control of pests in a number of ecosystems. Understanding the interactions of crop rotation and rhizobacteria on peanut production is a critical research need. Development of a database on the rhizobacteria obtained from continuous and rotational fields of peanut was initiated in 1997 and terminated in 2000. Peanut was planted in monoculture for 4 yr. In rotational plots, peanut, cotton, corn, and peanut were planted in sequence. Rhizobacteria were isolated from the roots of crop plants grown in a Norfolk soil near Florence, SC. These isolates were identified by composition of fatty acids from gas chromatography analysis (GC/FAME). Arthrobacter and Bacillus were the major genera from non-rhizosphere soils. At initiation of this study in July 1997, the plots selected for continuous peanut had more diversity in rhizobacteria than those plots selected for rotation. In July 2000, rhizobacteria diversity was greater from peanut roots in the rotation cropping system than continuous peanut. Even though rhizobacteria diversity was greater in the rotation system, higher peanut yields were recorded in the continuous peanut system in 2000. Burkholderia spp. were always isolated from the peanut and other crop rhizospheres at each sampling date.
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Response to Agricultural and Power Plant By-Product Calcium
Authors: Grichar W. J. , Besler B. A. , Melouk H. A.
Published: June 2010

Field studies were conducted at three locations in the south Texas peanut growing region to compare regular agricultural calcium with power plant byproduct calcium applied at planting or peanut pegging to runner peanut at rates of 560 to 1680 kg/ha. Both calcium sources decreased Rhizoctonia and Pythium pod disease development up to 62% when compared with the non-treated control and resulted in a yield increase over the non-treated control of up to 25%. When Rhizoctonia or Pythium was not a problem, no increase in peanut yield over the non-treated control was noted with any calcium application. Peanut grade (Total Sound Mature Kernels + Sound Splits) was increased at one location with the use of both calcium sources. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium content of foliage, hull, and kernel tissue was variable and was not related to calcium source.
Impact of Sprinkler Irrigation Amount and Rotation On Peanut Yield
Authors: Lamb M. C. , Masters M. H. , Rowland D. , Sorensen R. B. , Zhu H. , Blankenship R. D. , Butts C. L.
Published: June 2010

Irrigated hectares for crop production in Georgia increased from 70,875 ha in 1970 to 587,250 in 2000. The majority of the increase was planted in peanut, corn, and cotton. In 1970, these crops accounted for 40,500 of Georgia's irrigated hectares, and in 2000, these crops totaled 465,750 irrigated hectares. Simultaneously, demand for water resources due to urban expansion and interstate litigation coupled with repeated drought are collectively threatening irrigation water supplies in the southeast U.S. peanut producing regions. A study was conducted during the 2001 to 2003 crop years to quantify the impacts of reduced irrigation amounts and different crop rotation sequences including peanut, corn, and cotton. On average, irrigated peanut pod yield was significantly increased by 906 kg/ha as compared to nonirrigated peanut yield. The affect of crop rotation on peanut yield was also significant. One year out of peanuts, in either corn or cotton, increased irrigated peanut yield an average of 1072 kg/ha over continuous peanut. Two years out of peanuts, in either corn or cotton, increased irrigated peanut yield an average of 2333 kg/ha over continuous peanut. In nonirrigated peanuts, crop rotation sequence had less affect on pod yield than did precipitation during the growing season.
Evaluation of Arachis Species and Interspecific Tetraploid Lines for Resistance to Aflatoxin Production by Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Xue H. Q. , Isleib T. G. , Stalker H. T. , Payne G. A. , OBrian G.
Published: June 2010

Anatoxins are carcinogenic and extremely toxic secondary metabolites produced primarily by two fungi, Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fries and A. parasiticus Speare. Elimination of aflatoxin contamination in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a high priority of the peanut industry. Resistant cultivars should be an effective and low-cost part of an integrated aflatoxin management program. To date, no cultivated peanut has been reported with stable high levels of resistance to aflatoxin production. Arachis species and interspecific tetraploid lines have been evaluated for resistance to several peanut diseases and insect pests, and highly resistant accessions have been reported. Seven accessions of A. cardenasii Krapov. and W.C. Gregory, 29 of A. duranensis Krapov. and W.C. Gregory, and 17 interspecific tetraploid lines derived from A. hypogaea × A. cardenasii were inoculated with A. flavus strain NRRL 3357 and analyzed for aflatoxin content after incubation. On average, A. duranensis and A. cardenasii accumulated significantly less aflatoxin than A. hypogaea checks. The mean difference between the two wild species was not significant. Arachis duranensis accessions PI 468319 (GKBSPSc 30073), PI 468200 (GKBSPSc 30064), and PI 262133 (GKP 10038 sl.); and A. cardenasii accessions PI 262141 (GKP 10017) and PI 475997 (KSSc 36018) had reduced levels of aflatoxin accumulation and should be valuable sources of resistance to aflatoxin contamination. Of the interspecific tetraploid lines, only GP-NC WS 2 supported aflatoxin production not significantly different from resistant parent A. cardenasii GKP 10017, and it appears to be a line with reduced capacity for aflatoxin accumulation.
Vertebral artery–posterior inferior cerebellar artery bypass using a radial artery graft for hemorrhagic dissecting vertebral artery aneurysms: surgical technique and report of 2 cases
Authors: Czabanka Marcus , Ali Muhammad , Schmiedek Peter , Vajkoczy Peter , Lawton Michael T.
Published: June 2010

Endovascular occlusion of hemorrhagic dissecting aneurysms of the vertebral artery (VA) is not possible when the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) originates from the dissecting aneurysm or when the contralateral VA provides inadequate collateral blood flow to the distal basilar circulation. The authors introduce a VA-PICA bypass with radial artery interposition graft and aneurysm trapping as an alternative approach and describe 2 cases in which this bypass was used to treat hemorrhagic dissecting VA aneurysms.

The VA-PICA bypass is performed via a standard far lateral approach. An end-to-side anastomosis between the radial artery graft and the PICA at the level of the caudal loop is performed first, and an end-to-side anastomosis is performed between the V3 segment and the proximal end of the radial artery graft. A 56-year-old woman harbored a hemorrhagic dissecting VA aneurysm incorporating the origin of the PICA. Endovascular treatment failed, with aneurysm refilling on follow-up angiography. A 65-year-old man had a hemorrhagic dissecting VA aneurysm and a hypoplastic contralateral VA. Both patients were treated with the VA-PICA bypass and aneurysm trapping, with adequate filling of the PICA territory in the first patient and both the PICA territory and the basilar circulation in the second patient.

Vertebral artery–PICA bypass with radial artery interposition graft and subsequent trapping of the dissected VA segment is an alternative to occipital artery–PICA and PICA-PICA bypass for the treatment of hemorrhagic dissecting VA aneurysms that are not suitable for endovascular occlusion.
Gamma Knife surgery for pituitary adenomas: factors related to radiological and endocrine outcomes
Authors: Sheehan Jason P. , Pouratian Nader , Steiner Ladislau , Laws Edward R. , Vance Mary Lee
Published: June 2010

Object

Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) is a common treatment for recurrent or residual pituitary adenomas. This study evaluates a large cohort of patients with a pituitary adenoma to characterize factors related to endocrine remission, control of tumor growth, and development of pituitary deficiency.

Methods

A total of 418 patients who underwent GKS with a minimum follow-up of 6 months (median 31 months) and for whom there was complete follow-up were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate for significant factors (p < 0.05) related to treatment outcomes.

Results

In patients with a secretory pituitary adenoma, the median time to endocrine remission was 48.9 months. The tumor margin radiation dose was inversely correlated with time to endocrine remission. Smaller adenoma volume correlated with improved endocrine remission in those with secretory adenomas. Cessation of pituitary suppressive medications at the time of GKS had a trend toward statistical significance in regard to influencing endocrine remission. In 90.3% of patients there was tumor control. A higher margin radiation dose significantly affected control of adenoma growth.

New onset of a pituitary hormone deficiency following GKS was seen in 24.4% of patients. Treatment with pituitary hormone suppressive medication at the time of GKS, a prior craniotomy, and larger adenoma volume at the time of radiosurgery were significantly related to loss of pituitary function.

Conclusions

Smaller adenoma volume improves the probability of endocrine remission and lowers the risk of new pituitary hormone deficiency with GKS. A higher margin dose offers a greater chance of endocrine remission and control of tumor growth.
Myelopathy due to intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula: a potential diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Kim Nam-Hee , Cho Keun-Tae , Seo Hyung Suk
Published: June 2010

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is rare and potentially life-threatening disease often presenting as vascular myelopathy. The early and proper diagnosis is challenging because the clinical manifestations are related to the distribution of the draining vein, not the fistula site, and imaging findings are similar to demyelinating disease of the spinal cord. The authors present the case of a 45-year-old man who developed acute progressive quadriplegia and respiratory difficulty with an enhancing, longitudinally extensive cervical cord lesion. These symptoms were highly suspicious for transverse myelitis but were caused by an intracranial DAVF. Intracranial DAVF with venous reflux to the brainstem and spinal cord is a rare but important differential diagnosis of progressive worsening myelopathy that is treatment resistant and gives the diagnostic impression of transverse myelitis.
Reporting an Unsettled Countryside: The News Media and Rural Protests in Britain
Authors: Woods Michael
Published: June 2010

Most analyses of the role of the media in shaping and reproducing popular discourses of rurality have focused on film, television drama and literature. Comparatively little attention has been directed towards the role of the news media in framing perceptions of contemporary rural issues through reportage and commentary. This paper examines the engagement of the news media with a series of rural protests that developed in Britain between 1997 and 2007 around issues such as hunting and farm incomes. The news media had been complicit in maintaining the previous discursive construct of the countryside as a settled and almost apolitical space, but the emergence of major rural protests forced a shift in the representation of rural life. News coverage of rural issues and rural protests increased with the adoption of a new discourse of the “unsettled countryside”. In adjusting to shifting news values, the news media initially bought and reproduced the frames promoted by the major rural campaign group, the Countryside Alliance, including tropes of the “countryside in crisis”, the “countryside comes to town” and the “countryside speaks out for liberty”. Over time, however, a more complex web of representations developed as the perspectives adopted by different media outlets diverged, informed by political ideology. As such, it is argued that the news media played a key role not in only in mediating public reception of rural protests, and thus modulating their political significance, but also in framing the rural protests for participants within the rural community, and as such contributing to the mobilisation of a politicised rural identity and an active rural citizenship.
Exogenous Molecular Probes for Targeted Imaging in Cancer: Focus on Multi-modal Imaging
Authors: Joshi Bishnu P. , Wang Thomas D.
Published: June 2010

Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in our healthcare system. Molecular imaging is an emerging methodology for the early detection of cancer, guidance of therapy, and monitoring of response. The development of new instruments and exogenous molecular probes that can be labeled for multi-modality imaging is critical to this process. Today, molecular imaging is at a crossroad, and new targeted imaging agents are expected to broadly expand our ability to detect and manage cancer. This integrated imaging strategy will permit clinicians to not only localize lesions within the body but also to manage their therapy by visualizing the expression and activity of specific molecules. This information is expected to have a major impact on drug development and understanding of basic cancer biology. At this time, a number of molecular probes have been developed by conjugating various labels to affinity ligands for targeting in different imaging modalities. This review will describe the current status of exogenous molecular probes for optical, scintigraphic, MRI and ultrasound imaging platforms. Furthermore, we will also shed light on how these techniques can be used synergistically in multi-modal platforms and how these techniques are being employed in current research.
Effect of Sodium Fluoride Ingestion on Malondialdehyde Concentration and the Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Rat Erythrocytes
Authors: Morales-González José A. , Gutiérrez-Salinas José , García-Ortiz Liliana , Del Carmen Chima-Galán María , Madrigal-Santillán Eduardo , Esquivel-Soto Jaime , Esquivel-Chirino César , García-Luna y González-Rubio Manuel
Published: June 2010

Fluoride intoxication has been shown to produce diverse deleterious metabolic alterations within the cell. To determine the effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) treatment on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and on the activity of antioxidant enzymes in rat erythrocytes, Male Wistar rats were treated with 50 ppm of NaF or were untreated as controls. Erythrocytes were obtained from rats sacrificed weekly for up to eight weeks and the concentration of MDA in erythrocyte membrane was determined. In addition, the activity of the enzymes superoxide, dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were determined. Treatment with NaF produces an increase in the concentration of malondialdehyde in the erythrocyte membrane only after the eight weeks of treatment. On the other hand, antioxidant enzyme activity was observed to increase after the fourth week of NaF treatment. In conclusion, intake of NaF produces alterations in the erythrocyte of the male rat, which indicates induction of oxidative stress.
Construction of Eight-Membered Carbocycles with Trisubstituted Double Bonds Using the Ring Closing Metathesis Reaction
Authors: Tori Motoo , Mizutani Reiko
Published: June 2010

Medium sized carbocycles are particularly difficult to synthesize. Ring closing metathesis reactions (RCM) have recently been applied to construct eight-membered carbocycles, but trisubstituted double bonds in the eight-membered rings are more difficult to produce using RCM reactions. In this review, model examples and our own results are cited and the importance of the preparation of suitably designed precursors is discussed. Examples of RCM reactions used in the total synthesis of natural products are also outlined.
Synthesis and Bioactivity of N-Benzoyl-N'-[5-(2'-substituted phenyl)-2-furoyl] Semicarbazide Derivatives
Authors: Cui Zining , Ling Yun , Li Baoju , Li Yongqiang , Rui Changhui , Cui Jingrong , Shi Yanxia , Yang Xinling
Published: June 2010

In order to find novel chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSIs) with good activity, benzoylphenylurea, a typical kind of CSIs, was chosen as the lead compound and 15 novel derivatives containing furan moieties were designed by converting the urea linkage of benzoylphenylureas into a semicarbazide and changing the aniline part into furoyl groups. The title compounds were synthesized by the reaction of substituted benzoyl isocyanates with 5-(substituted phenyl)-2-furoyl hydrazine, and the structures were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses (compound E2). The bioassay results indicated that the title compounds exhibit good insecticidal activity, especially towards Plutella xylostella L., but had lower fungicidal activity. Inspiringly, the title compounds possessed obvious anticancer activity against human promyelocytic leukemic cell line (HL-60), and some of the title compounds also had activity against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (Bel-7402), human gastric carcinoma cell line (BGC-823), and human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line (KB). The results indicated that the linkage in the lead compounds was important to the bioactivity and spectra. The modification on the urea linkage is an effective strategy to discover new pesticide and drug candidates.
Bisbenzamidines as Antifungal Agents. Are Both Amidine Functions Required to Observe an Anti-Pneumocystis carinii Activity?
Authors: Laurent Julien , Stanicki Dimitri , Huang Tien L. , Dei-Cas Eduardo , Pottier Muriel , Aliouat El Mouktar , Vanden Eynde Jean Jacques
Published: June 2010

A library of 19 novel 4-(4-phenylpiperazine-1-yl)benzamidines has been synthesized and evaluated in vitro against Pneumocystis carinii. Among these compounds, N-ethyl- and N-hexyl-4-(4-phenylpiperazine-1-yl)benzamidines emerged as the most promising compounds, with inhibition percentages at 10.0 µg/mL of 87% and 96%, respectively. Those compounds remained active at 0.1 µg/mL.
Turbidity as an Indicator of Water Quality in Diverse Watersheds of the Upper Pecos River Basin
Authors: Huey Gregory M. , Meyer Michael L.
Published: June 2010

Microbial concentrations, total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity vary with stream hydrology and land use. Turbidity, TSS, and microbial concentrations, loads and yields from four watersheds were assessed: an unburned montane forest, a catastrophically burned montane forest, urban land use and rangeland prairie. Concentrations and loads for most water quality variables were greatest during storm events. Turbidity was an effective indicator of TSS, E. coli and Enterococci spp. The greatest threat to public health from microbial contamination occurs during storm runoff events. Efforts to manage surface runoff and erosion would likely improve water quality of the upper Pecos River basin in New Mexico, USA.
Intimate Partner Violence: Screening and Intervention in the Health Care Setting
Authors: Roark Sybil V.
Published: June 2010

Background:

The prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been documented in numerous populations and cultures. IPV is a universal social problem that affects individuals, families, and communities throughout the world. Research supports the idea that victims of IPV view health care providers as a source of help. However, nurses report feelings of inadequacy in their ability to screen for IPV.

Methods:

This quality improvement project was undertaken to increase awareness of IPV by educating nursing staff working in the health care setting. The educational program was evaluated through pretests and posttests. A universal IPV screening question was added to the hospital admission intake procedure. Through retrospective chart reviews before and after the educational session, screening for IPV by the nursing staff was evaluated by examination of disclosure rates and referral data. Populations served or affected include nurses and ultimately victims of IPV.

Results:

The findings support the idea that an educational program can increase nurses’ confidence and competency in screening for IPV. The results of chart review will determine whether there is a significant change in behavior relative to the increase in knowledge.

Conclusion:

Additional measures may be needed to enhance nurses’ screening and interventional work with patients regarding IPV victimization.
Empowering Nurses to Participate in Ethical Decision-Making at the Bedside
Authors: Bicking Cara
Published: June 2010

Nurses at the bedside have widely varied educational backgrounds. Most bedside nurses have insufficient knowledge in the area of ethical decision-making to feel confident in their ability to participate in ethical decision-making along with the health care team. Continuing education programs for staff nurses should focus on ethical decision-making to empower bedside nurses to participate. The effect of a successful continuing education program in ethics could lead to improved relationships among health care professionals, improved communication with patients and families, and reduced stress-related burnout caused by ethical dilemmas. This article describes a successful continuing education program designed to improve knowledge of ethics and confidence in ethical decision-making that can be adapted for any nursing specialty.
Developing a Nursing Personnel Policy to Address Body Art Using an Evidence-Based Model
Authors: Dorwart Shawna D. , Kuntz Sandra W. , Armstrong Myrna L.
Published: June 2010

Background:

An increase in the prevalence of body art as a form of self-expression has motivated health care organizations to develop policies addressing nursing personnel’s body art.

Methods:

A systematic review of literature on body art was completed and a telephone survey of 15 hospitals was conducted to query existing policy statements addressing nursing personnel’s body art.

Results:

The literature established no prevalence of body art among nurses or effect of nurses’ body art. Of the 13 hospitals (86%) that shared their policy on body art, none provided a rationale or references to support their existing policies.

Conclusion:

A lack of published evidence identifying the effect of body art among nurses shifts the burden of determining care outcomes to the leadership of individual hospitals. Further research on patients’ perception of nursing personnel with visible body art, using an evidence-based model, is recommended.
Usher Syndrome Associated With a Variant of Dandy–Walker Malformation
Authors: Simsek Tulay , Ozdamar Yasemin , Simsek Enver , Men Gamze
Published: June 2010

Three cases of Usher syndrome associated with a variant of Dandy–Walker malformation in three siblings from consanguineous Turkish parents are described. The siblings had retinitis pigmentosa and hearing loss. Two of the siblings also had mental retardation, which is not a constant finding in Usher syndrome. Dandy–Walker malformation might have contributed to the mental retardation in two of these patients and might be a coincidental finding with Usher syndrome.
Unusual Association of Peripheral Retinal Ischemia–Induced Neovascular Glaucoma and Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Elgin Ufuk , Berker Nilufer , Teke Mehmet Yasin , Simsek Tulay , Ozdal Pinar
Published: June 2010

A 12-year-old girl with neurofibromatosis type 1 was referred for pain and blurred vision in her right eye for the past 2 weeks. Neovascular glaucoma associated with peripheral retinal ischemia was diagnosed and she was treated with retinal photocoagulation after intravitreal bevacizumab injection and trabeculectomy.
Ectopic Lacrimal Glandular Tissue in a Neonate With Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevi and Cutis Verticis Gyrata
Authors: Raina Usha K. , Chaudhuri Zia
Published: June 2010

This report describes an unusual case of a neonate with giant congenital melanocytic nevi covering more than 80% of the body surface area, with cutis verticis gyrata and abnormal lacrimal glandular tissue rests in the epibulbar area. The patient's mother had pigmented lesions in the periorbital region and sclera.
A New Muscle Transposition Procedure to Correct Cyclodeviation Without Tenotomy
Authors: Muraki Sanae , Nishida Yasuhiro , Harada Yuri , Kakinoki Masashi , Sawada Osamu , Yoshida Kenichi , Ohji Masahito
Published: June 2010

The authors developed a new surgical procedure for use in treating pure cyclodeviation. This procedure was accomplished by a simple muscle transposition technique without tenotomy. Satisfactory postoperative results were achieved without postoperative complications. This procedure may be useful for treating cyclodeviations, with minimal risk of surgical complications, particularly anterior segment ischemia.
Intraocular Teratoma in Association With Sacrococcygeal Teratoma: A Clinicopathologic Report
Authors: Frenkel Shahar , Trese Michael T. , Walsh Mark K. , O'Malley Edward R. , Poulik Janet M. , Abramson David H. , Folberg Robert
Published: June 2010

A benign sacrococcygeal teratoma was resected from an infant at birth. Four weeks later, intraocular tumors were identified in the right eye. The eye expanded in size and was removed at 16 weeks. A benign cystic intraocular teratoma was identified.
Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Assisted by IntraLase™ Femtosecond Laser in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Buzzonetti Luca , Petrocelli Gianni , Laborante Antonio
Published: June 2010

A 14-year-old boy affected by keratoconus underwent an anterior lamellar keratoplasty assisted by IntraLase femtosecond laser (Abbott Medical Optics, Abbott Park, IL). Results after 2 years of follow-up indicate the procedure may be safe and effective in pediatric patients.
Congenital Eyelid Eversion
Authors: Cavuoto Kara M. , Hui Jennifer I.
Published: June 2010

Congenital bilateral upper eyelid eversion is a rare, benign condition that often resolves spontaneously without permanent sequelae. The authors present an unusual case requiring multiple surgical interventions in a newborn child. A previously undescribed method that restored anatomic eyelid position in this patient is also outlined.
Discordant Refraction in Male Monozygotic Twins
Authors: Dirani Mohamed , Schache Maria , Baird Paul Nigel
Published: June 2010

As part of the Genes In Myopia (GEM) Study, the authors describe a pair of monozygotic twins who presented with discordant hypermetropia. Both twins also reported amblyopia, but the cause differed. The phenomenon of refractive discordance in twins is rare, with this case representing only the second to ever be reported.
A Case of Joubert Syndrome With Features of Ocular Neovascularization
Authors: Gulkilik Gokhan , Erdenoz Serkan , Oba Ersin M.
Published: June 2010

A 12-year-old boy with a diagnosis of Joubert syndrome with bilateral horizontal nystagmus was evaluated. Neovascularization over the iris and the pupillary border was observed on biomicroscopy. There was pigmentary retinal dystrophy in both eyes. Fundus fluorescein angiography revealed ischemic areas and fluorescein leakage due to retinal neovascularization in both eyes.
Transient Tadpole Pupil Associated With Primary Uncomplicated Medial Rectus Reattachment
Authors: Weir Robert E. , Hajdu Steven D. , Greaves Brian P.
Published: June 2010

The authors report a case of reversible tadpole pupil, which occurred during a routine primary uncomplicated bimedial recession in a 2½-year-old child. This case highlights a phenomenon underreported by the ophthalmic community significant in the assessment of depth of anesthesia.
Local Anesthesia: A Feasible Option for Pediatric Frontalis Sling Surgery
Authors: William Jerald , Abbott Joseph , Kipioti Athina , Reuser Tristan
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the suitability of local anesthesia in the pediatric age group for oculoplastic procedures. The authors present a case of frontalis sling surgery performed under local anesthesia in a 15-year-old boy with bilateral congenital ptosis. No significant technical difficulties were encountered during the procedure. Optimal intraoperative eyelid placement was facilitated by the patient's comfort and cooperation. For some selected children, local anesthesia is a good alternative to general anesthesia to obtain the best outcome.