bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Breed and Age on Histopathological Changes in Pig M. Semimembranosus
Authors: Wojtysiak Dorota , Połtowicz Katarzyna , Migdał Władysław 
Published: July 2012

Effect of Breed and Age on Histopathological Changes in Pig M. SemimembranosusThe aim of the study was to determine the type and extent of histopathological changes in m. semimembranosus of Polish Landrace (PL), Polish Large White (PLW), Duroc, Pietrain, and Puławska pigs at 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 days of age. Changes in fibre size (atrophy, hypertrophy - giant fibres), changes in fibre shape (angular fibres), degenerative lesions (necrosis with phagocytosis) and connective tissue hypertrophy were evaluated. The presence of giant fibres was the only histopathological change observed in all age groups of PL, PLW, Duroc and Pietrain pigs, with the percentage of pigs with this type of pathology and the frequency of giant, atrophic and angular fibres increasing significantly with age. In Puławska pigs, giant fibres were only found in the oldest pigs aged 210 days. In these animals, giant fibres as well as atrophic fibres (at 180 and 210 days of age) and angular fibres (at 120, 150, 180 and 210 days of age) occurred in the smallest number of animals and were least extensive. Meanwhile, Pietrain pigs were characterized by a greater number of animals, a significantly greater proportion of giant fibres in all analysed age groups, and a greater proportion of atrophic fibres at 180 and 210 days of age compared to the other pig breeds under analysis. For connective tissue hypertrophy and necrosis with phagocytosis, the changes were not extensive. It is concluded that both the advancing age of the animals and selection of the pigs for increased leanness significantly increases the incidence of histopathological changes in muscle tissue, which may directly translate into pork quality.
Relationship Between Apoptotic-Like Changes in Stored Boar Semen and DNA Fragmentation in Preimplantation Embryos
Authors: Bryła Magdalena , Trzcińska Monika 
Published: July 2012

Relationship Between Apoptotic-Like Changes in Stored Boar Semen and DNA Fragmentation in Preimplantation EmbryosThe aim of this experiment was to study the relationship between apoptotic-like changes in spermatozoa and DNA fragmentation in embryos obtained after insemination with fresh and stored semen. The ejaculates collected from three boars (five ejaculates from the same boar) were extended in Biosolwens Plus extender and stored for five days at 15-17°C. Semen, both fresh (Day 0) and stored (Day 5) used for insemination was analysed to detect apoptotic-like changes using fluorescence method: an assay to assess early changes in the membrane integrity of the sperm using the YO-PRO-1 fluorophore. After 5.5 days of insemination embryos were flushed out of the uterus and DNA fragmentation using TUNEL was analysed. In the fresh semen an average of 2.7, 3.7 and 6.2% of apoptotic sperm was observed in boar nos. 1, 2 and 3, respectively. After five days of storage the percentage of apoptotic sperm significantly increased up to 8.0, 15.7 and 23.2% in each analysed boar. The TUNEL index was 7.1% in the morphologically normal expanded blastocysts obtained after insemination with stored semen, and approximately 1.7% after insemination with fresh semen. A greater number of degenerated embryos and higher incidence of DNA fragmentation in the morphologically normal blastocysts were observed after insemination with stored semen which consists of higher percentage of apoptotic sperm compared to results from insemination with fresh semen.
Nutritional Value and Technological Suitability of Milk from Cows of Three Polish Breeds Included in the Genetic Resources Conservation Programme
Authors: Litwińczuk Zygmunt , Barłowska Joanna , Chabuz Witold , Brodziak Aneta 
Published: July 2012

Nutritional Value and Technological Suitability of Milk from Cows of Three Polish Breeds Included in the Genetic Resources Conservation ProgrammeThe study included milk obtained from cows of three native cattle breeds, i.e. White-backed (BG), Polish Red (RP) and Polish Black-and-White (ZB) kept under conventional conditions. The reference group consisted of milk from Polish Holstein-Friesian cows (PHF) maintained in the intensive system and milk from Simmental cows (SM) kept under conventional conditions. The following parameters were determined in 976 samples of milk: content of fat, protein, casein, lactose and solids; acidity (pH value); heat stability; rennet coagulation time; content of α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, serum albumin, lactoferrin and lysozyme. Additionally, a certain proportion of samples was investigated for fatty acid profile and content of macro- and microelements. Cows of native breeds produced milk of higher nutritional value (higher content of whey proteins and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including CLA) and more suitable for processing as compared to PHF cows. Milk from cows of the Polish Red breed was the most valuable in terms of these parameters, which can be associated with a distinctive phylogenetic origin of this breed. The favourable parameters in regard to the nutritional value and technological suitability of milk obtained from analysed population of cows of 3 breeds included in the programme of genetic resources conservation are therefore an important reason of validity for subsequent implementation of this programme.
Assessment of Soil Structure Under Monoculture of Vines
Authors: Šimanský Vladimír 
Published: July 2012

Assessment of Soil Structure Under Monoculture of Vines
Long-term impact of vine growing on the soil structure stability was studied in three wine-growing areas of Slovakia. In Leptosols, the highest content of water-stable aggregates was determined. This soil type had the lowest vulnerability of soil structure as well. In Chernozems, the highest stability of soil structure was determined, while on the other hand, in Fluvisols, soil structure had the highest vulnerability. Between rows of vines in comparison to rows of vines a more favourable soil structure was determined. In vineyards, the soil structure state depends on the quantity and stability of soil organic matter, as well as particle size distribution.
Fresh egg mass estimation using machine vision technique
Authors: Asadi V. , Raoufat M. , Nassiri S. 
Published: July 2012

Fresh egg mass estimation using machine vision technique
In the present study a machine vision system was developed for estimating the mass of eggs arranged in a single array. A grabber frame equipped with a mirror was developed for positioning the eggs. Therefore, two images could be captured from each egg. Images were then processed by Matlab software. Six algorithms were developed to extract eggs features such as minimum, maximum and effective radii, perimeter and the frontal area from each image. The eggs were also weighed by a sensitive digital scale. Seventy percent of data after discarding the outliers were used to establish some models, and the remaining was used to verify the final model. The results showed that egg mass estimation can be accurate by using two perpendicular views of each egg. Amongst the models, one with predictors of area and effective radius was found to be the best. A high correlation coefficient was observed between eggs mass measured and predicted by the model, with an accuracy of about 95%.
Impact of pretreatment on colour and texture of watermelon rind
Authors: Athmaselvi K. , Alagusundaram K. , Kavitha C. , Arumuganathan T. 
Published: July 2012

Impact of pretreatment on colour and texture of watermelon rind
The effect of osmotic dehydration pretreatment on water loss, solid gain, colour and textural change was investigated. Watermelon rind 1 x 1 cm size was immersed in sucrose solution of 40, 50 and 60° Brix after pretreatment with microwave and conventional boiling in water for 1, 3, and 5 min, respectively. Water loss and solid gain increased with the time of cooking and sugar concentration. Microwave pretreated samples showed higher water loss and solid gain. Increase in the time of cooking decreased the brightness of all the samples. Microwave pretreated samples showed higher ‘b’ values than conventionally pretreated ones. There was no significant difference (P≤0.05) in texture profile analysis parameters except for hardness. Hardness decreased with increase in time of cooking and sugar concentration. Second order regression model was developed for water loss and solid gain of microwave and conventional pretreated watermelon rind.
Impact of presowing laser irradiation of seeds on sugar beet properties
Authors: Sacała E. , Demczuk A. , Grzyś E. , Prośba-Białczyk U. , Szajsner H. 
Published: July 2012

Impact of presowing laser irradiation of seeds on sugar beet propertiesThe aim of the experiment was to establish the influence of biostimulation on the sugar beet seeds. The seeds came from the specialized breeding program energ'hill or were irradiated by the laser in two doses. The impact of the biostimulation was analyzed by determining the nitrate reductase activity and the nitrate, chlorophyll and carotenoids contents in leaves, as well as, the dry matter and sugar concentration in mature roots. The field experiment was established for two sugar beet cultivars. Biostimulation by irradiation and a special seed breeding program energ'hill had a positive influence on some examined parameters (particularly on nitrate reductase activity in Ruveta and in numerous cases on photosynthetic pigments in both cultivars). Regarding the dry matter accumulation and sugar concentration this impact was more favourable for Tiziana than for Ruveta cultivar.
Impact of diverse tillage on soil moisture dynamics
Authors: Sławiński C. , Cymerman J. , Witkowska-Walczak B. , Lamorski K. 
Published: July 2012

Impact of diverse tillage on soil moisture dynamicsThe influences of traditional and reduced tillage on the water content dynamics of two soils were investigated in a long-term field experiment under nearly the same meteorological conditions for a winter wheat monoculture during three years. In addition to the moisture changes, the basic physicochemical properties, water retention, differential porosity and hydraulic conductivity of the investigated soils were measured. The results have shown the dependence between moisture and the tillage system applied for both types of soil. The soil water content was higher under reduced tillage in comparison to traditional management.
Measurement of Segmental Lumbar Spine Flexion and Extension Using Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Chleboun Gary S. , Amway Matthew J. , Hill Jesse G. , Root Kara J. , Murray Hugh C. , Sergeev Alexander V. 
Published: July 2012

Study Design Clinical measurement, technical note. Objectives To describe a technique to measure interspinous process distance using ultrasound (US) imaging, to assess the reliability of the technique, and to compare the US imaging measurements to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements in 3 different positions of the lumbar spine. Background Segmental spinal motion has been assessed using various imaging techniques, as well as surgically inserted pins. However, some imaging techniques are costly (MRI) and some require ionizing radiation (radiographs and fluoroscopy), and surgical procedures have limited use because of the invasive nature of the technique. Therefore, it is important to have an easily accessible and inexpensive technique for measuring lumbar segmental motion to more fully understand spine motion in vivo, to evaluate the changes that occur with various interventions, and to be able to accurately relate the changes in symptoms to changes in motion of individual vertebral segments. Methods Six asymptomatic subjects participated. The distance between spinous processes at each lumbar segment (L1–2, L2–3, L3–4, L4–5) was measured digitally using MRI and US imaging. The interspinous distance was measured with subjects supine and the lumbar spine in 3 different positions (resting, lumbar flexion, and lumbar extension) for both MRI and US imaging. The differences in distance from neutral to extension, neutral to flexion, and extension to flexion were calculated. Results The measurement methods had excellent reliability for US imaging (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC3,3] = 0.94; 95% confidence interval: 0.85, 0.97) and MRI (ICC3,3 = 0.98; 95% confidence interval: 0.95, 0.99). The distance measured was similar between US imaging and MRI (P>.05), except at L3–4 flexion-extension (P = .003). On average, the MRI measurements were 1.3 mm greater than the US imaging measurements. Conclusion This study describes a new method for the measurement of lumbar spine segmental flexion and extension motion using US imaging. The US method may offer an alternative to other imaging techniques to monitor clinical outcomes because of its ease of use and the consistency of measurements compared to MRI. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(10):880–885, Epub 19 July 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3915
Botulinum Toxin Effects on Gasatrocnemius Strength and Plantar Pressure in Diabetics with Peripheral Neuropathy and Forefoot Ulceration
Authors: Hastings Mary K. , Mueller Michael J. , Sinacore David R. , Strube Michael J. , Crowner Beth E. , Johnson Jeffrey E. , Racette Brad R. 
Published: July 2012

Background: High forefoot plantar pressure is associated with plantar ulcers in people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin A injected into the gastrocnemius-soleus muscles to reduce muscle strength and plantar pressure. Methods: This double blind, randomized clinical trial studied 17 people with diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy and a forefoot plantar ulcer. Subjects were randomized into one of three groups receiving gastrocnemius-soleus muscle injections on the involved side with; 1) Saline ( n = 5, weight = 99 ± 21 kg), 2) 200-units of Botox® ( n = 7, weight = 101 ± 5 kg), or 3) 300-units of Botox® ( n = 5, weight = 129 ± 22 kg). Botox® dose was converted to units/kg, the majority received between 1.9 and 2.4 units/kg ( n = 11) and one 3.2 units/kg. Plantarflexor peak torque and forefoot peak plantar pressure were quantified prior and 2 weeks post-injection. Results: There were no complications from the injections. Plantarflexor peak torque on the involved side increased in the placebo and 300 groups (3 ± 4 Nm and 6 ± 10 Nm, respectively) and decreased −8 ± 11 Nm in the 200 group. There was no relationship between units/kg of Botox® for each subject and change in plantarflexor peak torque. Forefoot peak plantar pressure did not change in the placebo and 300 groups (0 ± 11 and 0 ± 5 N/cm2, respectively) and decreased −4 ± 16 N/cm2 (4%) for the 200 group. Conclusion: There were no adverse events associated with the Botox® injections. This study was unable to determine the dose to consistently reduce plantarflexor strength and forefoot plantar pressure. Additional research is needed to investigate diabetes mellitus specific physiological changes and their impact of BoNT-A effectiveness in order to guide appropriate dosing. Level of Evidence: I, Randomized Controlled Trial
Correlating MRI Findings with Disability in Syndesmotic Sprains of NFL Players
Authors: Sikka Robby S. , Fetzer Gary B. , Sugarman Eric , Wright Rick W. , Fritts Hollis , Boyd Joel L. , Fischer David A. 
Published: July 2012

Background: Syndesmotic sprains may be a significant source of missed playing time, especially in football players. Advanced imaging is frequently used to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Our purpose was to evaluate the prognostic ability of MRI in predicting time of disability. Methods: Training room records from 1993 to 2007 for three National Football League teams were reviewed. Forty-three players were diagnosed with syndesmotic ankle injuries and underwent radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. A blinded musculoskeletal radiologist interpreted all images. Players with fractures were excluded. Results: Thirty-six professional football players were included in the final analysis. Twenty-three players had a positive squeeze test which was correlated with increased missed practices ( p = 0.012) and increased missed games ( p ≤ 0.01). The average number of games missed was 3.3 (range, 0 to 20) and the average number of practices missed was 16.7 (range, 0 to 114). Four players had isolated injury to the anterior tibio-fibular ligament (AITFL) (MRI Grade I). Five players had injury to the AITFL and interosseous ligament (MRI Grade II). Twenty-four players sustained injury to the AITFL, interosseous ligament, and posterior inferior tibio-fibular ligament (MRI Grade III). Three players had Grade III injuries with additional injury to the deltoid ligament (MRI Grade IV). Increasing grade of injury was positively correlated with increased number of missed games ( p = 0.033) and missed practices ( p = 0.002). Conclusion: MRI can be useful to help delineate the injury pattern and associated injuries, and may be useful in predicting time of disability using a grading system. Positive squeeze test can also be useful to determine prognosis. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Combination of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis and Proximal Correction for Severe Hallux Valgus Deformity
Authors: Rippstein Pascal F. , Park Young-Uk , Naal Florian D. 
Published: July 2012

Background: Arthrodesis of the first metatarso-phalangeal (MTP-1) joint is a widely accepted procedure for the treatment of hallux valgus in patients with MTP-1 degeneration, severe or recurrent deformity, or inflammatory arthritis. This study aimed to evaluate if an additional more proximal correction was beneficial in cases with a severely increased intermetatarsal 1–2 angle (IMA 1–2). Methods: A consecutive series of 18 feet (4 bilateral, all females; mean age, 61 years) with severe hallux valgus and an increased IMA 1–2 treated by MTP-1 fusion and an additional more proximal correction (Mau osteotomy or modified Lapidus procedure) was evaluated. Radiographs were analyzed for IMA 1–2 and hallux valgus angles (HVA), and for the position of the tibial sesamoid according to the AOFAS guidelines. Results: At a mean followup of 14 months, all patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the results of surgery. There were no intraoperative complications. The IMA 1–2 significantly improved from a mean of 18.8 degrees before surgery to 4.6 degrees at followup ( p < 0.001) and the HVA from a mean of 49.9 degrees to 9.7 degrees ( p < 0.001), respectively. Sesamoid position improved two grades on average. We found no difference between the Mau osteotomy and the modified Lapidus procedure. Conclusion: The present results indicate that the combination of a more proximal procedure with a MTP-1 arthrodesis in cases of hallux valgus with severely increased IMA 1–2 has a high correction capability and achieved normal HVAs as well as normal IMAs 1–2. This technique appeared to be safe and clinically successful. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Percutaneous Treatment of Calcaneus Fractures Associated with Underlying Bone Cysts
Authors: Chen Linwei , Zhang Guoyou , Li Shi , Wu Zhipeng , Yuan Wen , Hong Jianjun 
Published: July 2012

Background: Calcaneal bone cysts with pathological fractures are rare. There is no clear consensus on their management with a few reports of open curettage, bone grafting and internal fixation in the treatment of pathological calcaneal fractures. No minimally invasive management has been reported before. Methods: We reviewed our experience in treating five patients with pathologic calcaneus fractures associated with preexisting bone cysts who underwent percutaneous cyst curettage, fracture reduction, screw fixation and calcium sulfate cement injection between 2004 and 2009. Results: All of the pathologic fractures healed with satisfactory radiological results. There were no soft tissue complications or cyst recurrences. Partial weightbearing with plaster cast immobilization was allowed at 4 weeks postoperatively and full weightbearing was allowed at 6 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion: This percutaneous technique provided a minimally invasive option for treatment of a calcaneal bone cyst with pathologic fracture. Level of Evidence:
Results of Extra-Articular Subtalar Arthrodesis in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Mazis George A. , Sakellariou Vasileios I. , Kanellopoulos Anastasios D. , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J. , Lyras Dimitrios N. , Soucacos Panayotis N. 
Published: July 2012

Background: Grice-Green extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis is considered to be a valid surgical method which improves foot alignment in patients with spastic pes planovalgus deformity. The purpose of the present study was to examine the long-term results of Grice-Green procedure and whether it can achieve significant correction of each of the components of pes planovalgus deformity. Methods: Eleven children (16 feet) with cerebral palsy who underwent Grice extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 9 years and 8 months (range, 6 years 5 months to 12 years 4 months). The mean followup was 3 years and 7 months (range, 2 years 1 month to 8 years 3 months). Seven radiographic parameters of each patient before surgery, after surgery and at the latest followup were used. In addition, position of the graft relative to the weightbearing axis of the tibia was evaluated. Results: Most of the examined parameters showed statistically significant correction which was maintained in the long run. Moreover, the placement of the graft along the mechanical axis seemed to play an important role for stability and preservation of correction of the planovalgus deformity. On the other hand, there were three cases where the osseous graft was absorbed and two cases where triple arthrodesis was necessary due to recurrence of the deformity. Conclusion: Grice-Green extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis improves foot alignment in patients with spastic pes planovalgus deformity and can achieve significant correction, postoperatively as well as on a long-term basis, of each of the components of pes planovalgus deformity. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Radiographic Assessment of Medial Cuneiform Opening Wedge Osteotomy for Flatfoot Correction
Authors: Castaneda Deborah , Thordarson David B. , Charlton Timothy P. 
Published: July 2012

Background: Opening wedge osteotomy of the medial cuneiform has become an established intervention for correction of forefoot varus in relation to a flatfoot deformity. The purpose of this study was to use a newly described radiographic measurement to determine the effectiveness and durability of the medial column correction with a plantarflexion opening wedge osteotomy of the medial cuneiform without internal fixation using an allograft. Methods: Twenty-three feet underwent medial cuneiform opening wedge osteotomies for correction of forefoot varus associated with flatfoot deformity. The angle between the proximal and distal articular surfaces was measured on lateral radiographs preoperatively, postoperatively prior to weightbearing and at final followup visit. Results: The average angle between the proximal and distal articular surfaces of the medial cuneiform on lateral foot radiographs was 1.0 degree preoperatively (±0.8 degrees). The average angle postosteotomy, pre-weightbearing, was 8.4 degrees (±3.6 degrees) and at final followup was 7.5 degrees (±2.9 degrees). All patients achieved bony union. Conclusion: We describe a new radiographic measurement to focus on the correction achieved by a plantarflexion osteotomy of the medial cuneiform. It was found to be stable without internal fixation and reliably proceeded to union without significant loss of correction. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series