Relationships between numbers of antral follicles and postpartum interval in Brahman females.

To determine relationships of ovarian antral follicle count (AFC) on d 28 postpartum with postpartum interval (PPI) and AFC on d 8 post-estrus, three-dimensional ultrasonography was performed on multiparous (n = 47) and primiparous (n = 20) Brahman cows on d 28 postpartum and on d 8 post-estrus. Follicles were evaluated to determine numbers of total, small (≤17 mm3), medium (17 mm3-67 mm3), and large follicles (≥67 mm3) on each ovary. Estrus was detected using vasectomized, penile-deviated bulls fitted with chin-ball markers during the AI period and with tail paint during the natural service period. Cows with AFC ≥ ½ SD above the mean were classified as high, those within ½ SD of the mean were classified as intermediate, and those ≥ ½ SD below the mean were classified as low. Classes of AFC for total follicles included low (L ≤ 73), intermediate (74 ≤ I ≤ 112), and high (H ≥ 113). Classes of AFC for small follicles included low (L ≤ 55), intermediate (56 ≤ I ≤ 87), and high (H ≥ 88). Classes of AFC for medium follicles included low (L ≤ 13), intermediate (14 ≤ I ≤ 23), and high (H ≥ 24). Classes of AFC for large follicles included low (L ≤ 2), intermediate (3 ≤ I ≤ 4), and high (H ≥ 5). Cows with PPI ≥ ½ SD above the mean were classified as long, those within ½ SD of the mean were classified as intermediate, and those ≥ ½ SD below the mean were classified as short. Classes of PPI included short (S ≤ 47 d), intermediate (48 d ≤ I ≤ 75 d), and long (L ≥ 76 d). The PROC MIXED procedure of SAS was used to analyze potential differences among classes of AFC and PPI. The PROC REG procedure of SAS was used to analyze relationships between AFC and PPI and between AFC on d 28 postpartum and on d 8 post-estrus. The PPI differed among classes of total (P < 0.01; L = 76.2 ±â€¯6.0, I = 61.7 ±â€¯4.5, H = 43.8 ±â€¯6.5), small (P < 0.01; L = 74.3 ±â€¯5.6, I = 64.6 ±â€¯4.8, H = 42.9 ±â€¯5.9), and medium AFC (P = 0.04; L = 72.3 ±â€¯5.9, I = 59.3 ±â€¯5.8, H = 52.1 ±â€¯5.8). The PPI did not differ among classes of large AFC (P = 0.81). As total AFC on d 28 postpartum increased, PPI decreased (P < 0.01, Adj.R2 = 0.13). Total AFC on d 8 post-estrus was positively associated with total AFC on d 28 postpartum (P < 0.01, Adj.R2 = 0.66). These results suggest that: a) populations of total, small, and medium follicles in the postpartum period predict PPI in Brahman females and b) total AFC in Brahman females are consistent.

Source, variability, and transformation of nitrate in a regional karst aquifer: Edwards aquifer, central Texas.

Many karst regions are undergoing rapid population growth and expansion of urban land accompanied by increases in wastewater generation and changing patterns of nitrate (NO3(-)) loading to surface and groundwater. We investigate variability and sources of NO3(-) in a regional karst aquifer system, the Edwards aquifer of central Texas. Samples from streams recharging the aquifer, groundwater wells, and springs were collected during 2008-12 from the Barton Springs and San Antonio segments of the Edwards aquifer and analyzed for nitrogen (N) species concentrations and NO3(-) stable isotopes (δ(15)N and δ(18)O). These data were augmented by historical data collected from 1937 to 2007. NO3(-) concentrations and discharge data indicate that short-term variability (days to months) in groundwater NO3(-) concentrations in the Barton Springs segment is controlled by occurrence of individual storms and multi-annual wet-dry cycles, whereas the lack of short-term variability in groundwater in the San Antonio segment indicates the dominance of transport along regional flow paths. In both segments, longer-term increases (years to decades) in NO3(-) concentrations cannot be attributed to hydrologic conditions; rather, isotopic ratios and land-use change indicate that septic systems and land application of treated wastewater might be the source of increased loading of NO3(-). These results highlight the vulnerability of karst aquifers to NO3(-) contamination from urban wastewater. An analysis of N-species loading in recharge and discharge for the Barton Springs segment during 2008-10 indicates an overall mass balance in total N, but recharge contains higher concentrations of organic N and lower concentrations of NO3(-) than does discharge, consistent with nitrification of organic N within the aquifer and consumption of dissolved oxygen. This study demonstrates that subaqueous nitrification of organic N in the aquifer, as opposed to in soils, might be a previously unrecognized source of NO3(-) to karst groundwater or other oxic groundwater systems.

Prenatal transportation stress alters temperament and serum cortisol concentrations in suckling Brahman calves.

This experiment examined the relationship between prenatal stress and subsequent calf temperament through weaning. The prenatal stressor used was repeated transportation of pregnant Brahman cows for 2 h at 60 ± 5, 80 ± 5, 100 ± 5, 120 ± 5, and 140 ± 5 d of gestation. Prenatally stressed calves ( = 41) were compared with controls ( = 44; dams did not undergo transportation during pregnancy) from 2 wk of age until weaning (average age at weaning = 174.8 ± 1.3 d). Temperament was defined by pen score (PS; 1 = calm and 5 = excitable), exit velocity (EV; m/sec), and temperament score (TS; (PS + EV)/2) and was recorded for each calf on d -168, -140, -112, -84, -56, -28, and 0 relative to weaning (d 0 = weaning). Cortisol concentrations were determined in serum samples obtained on d -168, -140, -28, and 0 relative to weaning. Birth weight and weaning weight were not different between treatment groups ( > 0.1). Pen score was greater ( = 0.03) in prenatally stressed calves (2.84 ± 0.21) relative to controls (2.31 ± 0.21). Exit velocity was greater ( < 0.01) in prenatally stressed calves (2.1 ± 0.14 m/sec) than in controls (1.61 ± 0.14 m/sec). Exit velocity was affected by a treatment × calf sex interaction ( = 0.04) and was greater in prenatally stressed females. Exit velocity was also affected by day ( < 0.0001). Temperament score was greater ( = 0.01) in prenatally stressed calves (2.45 ± 0.16) than in controls (1.95 ± 0.16). Temperament score was affected by day ( < 0.01). Basal cortisol concentrations were greater ( = 0.04) in prenatally stressed calves (15.87 ± 1.04 ng/mL) than in controls (13.42 ± 1.03 ng/mL). Basal cortisol concentrations were greater ( < 0.01) in females (16.61 ± 1.06 ng/mL) than in males (12.68 ± 1.02 ng/mL). Cortisol concentrations were positively correlated ( < 0.01) with PS ( = 0.55, < 0.01), EV ( = 0.4, < 0.01), and TS ( = 0.55, < 0.01). Overall, suckling Brahman calves that were prenatally stressed were more temperamental and had greater circulating serum concentrations of cortisol than control calves.

Survey of transportation procedures, management practices, and health assessment related to quality, quantity, and value for market beef and dairy cows and bulls.

This survey consisted of data collected from 23 beef harvest plants to document transportation procedures, management practices, and health assessments of market beef and dairy cows and bulls (about n ≅ 7,000 animals). Gooseneck/bumper-pulled trailers were used more often to transport dairy cattle than beef cattle to market whereas tractor-trailers were used more often to transport beef cattle than dairy cattle. All loads (n = 103) met the American Meat Institute Foundation guidelines for spacing. Loads where more than 3% of the cattle slipped during unloading were observed in 27.3% of beef loads and 29.0% of the dairy loads. Beef loads had numerically greater usage of electrical prods (32.4%) versus dairy loads (15.4%) during unloading and were more likely to have a variety of driving aids used more aggressively on them. Fewer cattle had horns, brands, and mud/manure contamination on hides than in the previous survey in 1999. The predominant hide color for beef cows was black (44.2%) whereas the predominant color for dairy cows was the Holstein pattern (92.9%). Fewer cattle displayed evidence of bovine ocular neoplasia (2.9%) than in previous surveys in 1994 (8.5%) and 1999 (4.3%). Knots on live cattle were found less in the round (0.5%) and more in the shoulder region (4.6%) than in 1999 (1.4% and 0.4%, respectively). Dairy cows were more frequently lame in 2007 (48.7%) than 1999 (39.2%) whereas beef cows had numerically less lameness (16.3% vs. 26.6%, respectively). Most beef cows (62.3%) and dairy cows (68.9%) received midpoint body condition scores (3, 4, and 5 for beef; 2 and 3 for dairy). Beef cows had higher numerical percentages of no defects present (72.0%) versus dairy cows (63.0%) when evaluated for a variety of reproductive, health, or management conditions. Continued improvements in several key factors related to transportation, management, and health were observed in this survey, which could result in increased value in market beef and dairy cows and bulls.

Effects of prepartum supplementation of linoleic and mid-oleic sunflower seed on cow performance, cow reproduction, and calf performance from birth through slaughter, and effects on intake and digestion in steers.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of sunflower seed supplements with varying fatty acid profiles on performance, reproduction, intake, and digestion in beef cattle. In Exp. 1, 127 multiparous spring-calving beef cows with free-choice access to bermudagrass hay were individually fed 1 of 3 supplements for an average of 83 d during mid to late gestation. Supplements (DM basis) included 1) 1.23 kg/d of a soybean hull-based supplement (control treatment); 2) 0.68 kg/d of linoleic sunflower seed plus 0.23 kg/d of the control supplement (linoleic treatment); and 3) 0.64 kg/d of mid-oleic sunflower seed plus 0.23 kg/d of the control supplement (oleic treatment). During the first 62 d of supplementation, the BW change was 11, 3, and -3 kg for cows fed the control, linoleic, and oleic supplements, respectively (P < 0.001). No difference in BW change was observed during the subsequent period (-65 kg, P = 0.83) or during the entire 303-d experiment (-31 kg, P = 0.49). During the first 62 d of supplementation, cows fed sunflower supplements tended (P = 0.08) to lose more body condition than cows fed the control diet, but BCS was not different (P > 0.22) for any subsequent measurement. At the beginning of the breeding season, the percentage of cows exhibiting luteal activity was greater for cows fed the control diet (43%; P = 0.02) than for cows fed either linoleic (20%) or oleic (16%) supplementation; however, first-service conception rate (67%; P = 0.22) and pregnancy rate at weaning (92%; P = 0.18) were not different among supplements. No differences were detected in calf birth (P = 0.46) or weaning BW (P = 0.74). In Exp. 2, 8 ruminally cannulated steers were used to determine the effects of sunflower seed supplementation on forage intake and digestion. Treatments (DM basis) included 1) no supplement; 2) a soybean hull-based supplement fed at 0.29% of BW/d; 3) whole linoleic sunflower seed fed at 0.16% of BW/d; and 4) whole high-oleic sunflower seed fed at 0.16% of BW/d. Hay intake was not influenced (P = 0.25) by supplement (1.51% of BW/d); however, DMI was greatest (P < 0.01) for steers fed the soybean hull-based supplement (1.93% of BW/d). Sunflower seed supplementation reduced (P < 0.01) NDF and ADF digestibility while increasing (P < 0.01) apparent CP and apparent lipid digestibility. In conclusion, whole sunflower seed supplementation resulted in reduced cow BW gain during mid to late gestation, but this reduction did not influence subsequent cow BW change, pregnancy rate, or calf performance.

Fibromyalgia: prevalence, course, and co-morbidities in hospitalized patients in the United States, 1999-2007.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate hospitalisation data for patients with a primary or secondary fibromyalgia (FM) diagnosis. We estimated the number of men and women with an FM diagnostic code and compared them across a number of demographic and hospitalisation characteristics; examined age-specific, population-based FM hospitalisation rates; and determined the most common co-morbid diagnoses when FM was either the primary or secondary diagnostic code. METHODS: Hospital discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) were used. Records were evaluated between 1999 and 2007 that contained the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification FM diagnostic code (729.1, Myositis and Myalgia, unspecified), the FM criterion used in large-scale health services studies. RESULTS: There were 1,727,765 discharges with a 729.1 diagnostic code (FM) during this nine-year span, 213,034 men (12.3%) and 1,513,995 women (87.6%). Discharges coded for FM increased steadily each year. The population-based rate of male FM discharges rose gradually across the lifespan; the rate for women rose sharply but then declined after age 64. Few differences between men and women across demographic and hospitalisation characteristics were evident. The most common co-morbidities with FM as the primary diagnosis were non-specific chest pain, mood disorders, and Spondylosis/intervertebral disc disorders/other back problems. Most common primary diagnoses, with FM as a secondary diagnosis, were essential hypertension, disorders of lipid metabolism, coronary atherosclerosis/other heart disease, and mental disorders. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of U.S. residents with FM were hospitalised over the study period. Further analysis of hospitalisation data from patients with FM may provide guidance for both research and treatment, with the goal of improved care for FM patients.

Effect of weaning date (normal vs. late) on performance of young and mature beef cows and their progeny in a fall calving system in the Southern Great Plains.

Data from 158 predominantly Angus fall-calving beef cows were used in 4 consecutive years to determine the effects of weaning date and cow age class on cow and calf performance. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial with 2 weaning dates and 2 age classes (young cows or=4 yr). Weaning dates were 1) normal weaning in mid-April at 210 d of age (NW) and 2) late weaning in mid-July at 300 d of age (LW). Mature cows were heavier (P < 0.01) than young cows throughout the trial, although BCS was similar (P >or= 0.10) among cow age classes. Cow BW (P = 0.58) and BCS (P = 0.40) were similar among weaning treatments at NW; however, at the beginning of the calving season, NW cows were heavier (585 vs. 562 kg; P = 0.02) and had greater BCS (6.57 vs. 5.95; P < 0.0001) than LW cows. Postpartum BW and BCS losses were greater (P < 0.0001) for NW cows, resulting in similar BW (P = 0.56) and BCS (P = 0.07) at the beginning of the breeding season and until April. Progeny of NW cows were 2.4 kg heavier (P < 0.01) at birth and grew faster before the April weaning date, resulting in increased BW (8 kg; P < 0.05) at the time of normal weaning. This increase in BW gain may be partially explained by the increased milk production of NW cows (0.59 kg/d as measured in February; P < 0.05). Although NW calves had increased BW in April, LW calves were heavier in July because of increased ADG during the weaning interval (1.13 vs. 0.8 kg; P < 0.0001). A cow age class x weaning date interaction (P = 0.007) was detected for pregnancy rate. Pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.10) for LW-mature cows (96.7%) and NW-young cows (98.4%) than for LW-young cows (89.3%). However, pregnancy rate of NW-mature cows (90.2%) did not differ (P = 0.12) from that of LW-mature or LW-young cows, but was less than that of NW-young cows. These findings indicate that producers may benefit from matching weaning date to cow age class. It appears more advantageous to delay weaning of calves born to dams 4 yr or older while maintaining NW for dams 3 yr or younger at the time of calving. Late weaning had no detrimental effects on the performance of mature cows.

Interrelationships among growth, endocrine, immune, and temperament variables in neonatal Brahman calves.

Interrelationships among growth, endocrine, immune, and temperament variables were assessed in neonatal Brahman calves. The velocity upon exiting a working chute (exit velocity) of an animal was measured and used as an objective indicator of temperament to classify calves as calm, intermediate, or temperamental. Calves (n = 116) were weighed weekly between d 0 and 21 to 24, and blood samples were collected for plasma and serum on d 0, 1, 2, 7, 14, and 21 to 24 after birth to measure concentrations of immunoglobulins, cortisol, and epinephrine (EPI). Body weight increased from d 0 through d 21 to 24 (P < 0.001) with bulls (n = 60) having greater BW than heifers (n = 56; P = 0.02). Serum concentrations of cortisol were greatest on d 0 before declining (P < 0.001) over the ensuing 21 to 24 d and were not related to temperament (P = 0.89) or sex (P = 0.97). Concentrations of EPI were affected by time, with an increase in EPI concentrations in temperamental bulls between 2 and 14 d of age (P < 0.008). Concentrations of EPI were not affected by temperament (P = 0.44) or sex (P = 0.68). Serum immunoglobulin concentrations peaked on d 1 before declining (P < 0.01) but were not related to temperament (P = 0.40 to 0.68). Of the stress hormones measured (cortisol and EPI), only cortisol was associated with the early performance of the calf. Calf BW at d 21 to 24 and BW gain were positively associated with serum immunoglobulin concentrations, yet negatively associated with concentrations of cortisol. Serum immunoglobulin concentrations were negatively correlated with cortisol concentrations (r = -0.28; P = 0.003), yet positively associated with EPI concentrations (r = 0.51; P = 0.003). During the neonatal period in this study, there was no relationship of temperament with passive immunity or stress hormone concentrations; however, growth was positively associated with passive immunity and negatively associated with stress hormones. Measuring exit velocity as early in life as d 21 to 24 fails to accurately predict temperament at weaning in over 40% of Brahman calves. Our conclusion is that measurement of exit velocity should be done nearer to the time of weaning than to birth. These data can be beneficial in developing best management practices for young calves.

Measurements of airborne methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) concentration in the U.S. workplace.

This article summarizes a large body of industry air sampling data (8134 samples) in which airborne MDI concentrations were measured in a wide variety of manufacturing processes that use either polymeric MDI (PMDI) or monomeric (pure) MDI. Data were collected during the period 1984 through 1999. A total of 606 surveys were conducted for 251 companies at 317 facilities. The database includes 3583 personal (breathing zone) samples and 4551 area samples. Data demonstrate that workplace airborne MDI concentrations are extremely low in a majority of the manufacturing operations. Most (74.6%) of the airborne MDI concentrations measured in the personal samples were nondetectable, i.e., below the limits of quantification (LOQs). A variety of validated industrial hygiene sampling/analytical methods were used for data collection; most are modifications of OSHA Method 47. The LOQs for these methods ranged from 0.1-0.5 microg/sample. The very low vapor pressures of both monomeric MDI and PMDI largely explain the low airborne concentrations found in most operations. However, processes or applications in which the chemical is sprayed or heated may result in higher airborne concentrations and higher exposure potentials if appropriate control measures are not implemented. Data presented in this article will be a useful reference for employers in helping them to manage their health and safety program as it relates to respiratory protection during MDI/PMDI applications.

Acute effect of nut consumption on plasma total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation.

BACKGROUND: Nuts have been shown to have beneficial effects on human health due to the healthy fat content; however, the effect of antioxidants (i.e. polyphenols) in nuts have not been fully investigated. The present study aimed to assess the immediate effect of a polyphenol-rich meal (75% of energy from nuts: walnuts or almonds) and a polyphenol-free meal on plasma polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Thirteen subjects participated in a randomized, crossover, intervention study. After an overnight fast, walnuts, almonds or a control meal in the form of smoothies were consumed by study subjects. Each subject participated on three occasions, 1 week apart, consuming one of the smoothies each time. Blood samples were obtained at fasting and then at intervals up to 3.5 h after consumption of the smoothies. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in plasma polyphenol concentration following both nut meals, with peak concentrations being achieved at 90 min, and with a walnut meal having a more sustained higher concentration than an almond meal. The plasma total antioxidant capacity reached its highest point at 150 min postconsumption of the nut meals, and was higher after the almond compared to walnut meal. A gradual significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the susceptibility of plasma to lipid peroxidation was observed 90 min after ingestion of the nut meals. No changes were observed following consumption of control meal. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of both nuts increased plasma polyphenol concentrations, increased the total antioxidant capacity and reduced plasma lipid peroxidation.

Whole soybean supplementation and cow age class: effects on intake, digestion, performance, and reproduction of beef cows.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of whole soybean supplementation on intake, digestion, and performance of beef cows of varying age. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 3 factorial with 2 supplements and 3 age classes of cows (2-yr-old, 3-yr-old, and mature cows). Supplements (DM basis) included 1) 1.36 kg/d of whole raw soybeans, and 2) 1.56 kg/d of a soybean meal/hulls supplement. Supplements were formulated to provide similar amounts of protein and energy, but a greater fat content with the whole soybeans. Supplements were individually fed on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. During the treatment period, cows had free choice access to bermudagrass hay [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.; 8.4% CP; 72% NDF; DM basis]. In Exp. 1, 166 spring-calving Angus and Angus x Hereford crossbred beef cows were individually fed supplements for an average of 80 d during mid to late gestation. During the first 50 d of supplementation, cows fed soybean meal/hulls gained more BW (10 kg; P < 0.001) and body condition (0.18 BCS units; P = 0.004) than cows fed whole soybeans. However, BW change (P = 0.87) and BCS change (P = 0.25) during the 296-d experiment were not different between supplements. Although calves from cows fed soybean meal/hulls were 2 kg heavier at birth, there was no difference in calf BW at weaning between supplements. Additionally, first service conception rate (68%; P = 0.24) and pregnancy rate (73%; P = 0.21) were not different between supplements. In Exp. 2, 24 cows from Exp. 1 were used to determine the effect of supplement composition on forage intake and digestion; cows remained on the same supplements, hay, and feeding schedule as Exp. 1. Crude fat digestibility was the only intake or digestibility measurement influenced by supplement composition; fat digestibility was higher for cows fed whole soybeans compared with cows fed the soybean meal/hulls supplement (58.1 vs. 48.8%). Hay intake and DMI averaged 1.63 and 1.92% of BW daily, respectively. Dry matter, NDF, and CP digestibility averaged 54.1, 55.1, and 63.2%, respectively. Compared with supplementation with soybean meal/ hulls, whole soybean supplementation during mid to late gestation resulted in reduced BW weight gain during supplementation, inconsistent effects on reproduction, no effect on calf weaning weight, and no effect on forage intake or digestion.

20th-century industrial black carbon emissions altered Arctic climate forcing.

Black carbon (BC) from biomass and fossil fuel combustion alters chemical and physical properties of the atmosphere and snow albedo, yet little is known about its emission or deposition histories. Measurements of BC, vanillic acid, and non-sea-salt sulfur in ice cores indicate that sources and concentrations of BC in Greenland precipitation varied greatly since 1788 as a result of boreal forest fires and industrial activities. Beginning about 1850, industrial emissions resulted in a sevenfold increase in ice-core BC concentrations, with most change occurring in winter. BC concentrations after about 1951 were lower but increasing. At its maximum from 1906 to 1910, estimated surface climate forcing in early summer from BC in Arctic snow was about 3 watts per square meter, which is eight times the typical preindustrial forcing value.

20th-Century doubling in dust archived in an Antarctic Peninsula ice core parallels climate change and desertification in South America.

Crustal dust in the atmosphere impacts Earth's radiative forcing directly by modifying the radiation budget and affecting cloud nucleation and optical properties, and indirectly through ocean fertilization, which alters carbon sequestration. Increased dust in the atmosphere has been linked to decreased global air temperature in past ice core studies of glacial to interglacial transitions. We present a continuous ice core record of aluminum deposition during recent centuries in the northern Antarctic Peninsula, the most rapidly warming region of the Southern Hemisphere; such a record has not been reported previously. This record shows that aluminosilicate dust deposition more than doubled during the 20th century, coincident with the approximately 1 degrees C Southern Hemisphere warming: a pattern in parallel with increasing air temperatures, decreasing relative humidity, and widespread desertification in Patagonia and northern Argentina. These results have far-reaching implications for understanding the forces driving dust generation and impacts of changing dust levels on climate both in the recent past and future.

Effects of interval-feeding whole sunflower seeds during mid to late gestation on performance of beef cows and their progeny.

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of interval feeding of whole sunflower seeds on the performance of beef cows and their progeny. During mid to late gestation, 144 multiparous, spring-calving beef cows (588 kg of initial BW; 5.6 initial BCS; 4 to 13 yr old) were individually fed 1 of 3 supplements 4 d/wk for a 76-d period. Supplements (DM basis) included: 1) 0.68 kg of soybean meal/feeding (NCON); 2) 3.01 kg of a soybean hull-based supplement/feeding (PCON); and 3) 1.66 kg of whole sunflower seeds high in linoleic acid/feeding (WSUN). Supplements were formulated to provide similar amounts of CP and ruminally degraded intake protein; PCON and WSUN were also formulated to be isocaloric. During the supplementation period, cows had free-choice access to bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and tall-grass prairie hay. By the end of the 76-d supplementation period, cows fed PCON (P < 0.01) and NCON (P < 0.01) had gained more BW than cows fed WSUN (33, 23, and 10 kg, respectively). However, from the end of this supplementation period to the beginning of the breeding season 84 d later, cows supplemented with PCON had lost more (P < 0.01) BW than cows supplemented with WSUN (-123 kg vs. -111 kg). Cow BW change through weaning (-50 kg, P = 0.43) and final cow BW (536 kg, P = 0.70) at weaning were not different among supplement groups. Furthermore, cow BCS was similar among supplement treatment groups at the end of the supplementation period (5.3, P = 0.09), at the beginning of the breeding season (4.8, P = 0.38), and at weaning (4.7, P = 0.08). No difference among treatments was detected for calf birth weight (36 kg, P = 0.42), calf weaning weight (235 kg, P = 0.67), percentage of cows exhibiting luteal activity at the beginning of the breeding season (57%, P = 0.29), or pregnancy rate (88%, P = 0.44). However, first service conception rate was greater (P = 0.01) for cows fed PCON (79%) and tended (P = 0.07) to be greater for cows fed WSUN (74%) than for cows fed NCON (53%). After weaning, all steer calves were placed in a feedlot and fed a high-concentrate finishing diet for an average of 188 d. Supplements fed to dams during gestation did not influence feedlot performance or carcass characteristics. Prepartum energy supplementation, regardless of energy source or prepartum energy balance, resulted in improved conception rate, but other measures of reproduction, calf and feedlot performance, and carcass characteristics were not affected.

Effects of extra immunization efforts on routine immunization at district level in Pakistan.

A study was made of the effects of extra immunization activities on routine immunization coverage at district level in Pakistan in a secondary analysis of data from UNICEF and the Pakistan national census. Linear regression analysis was made on data from 107 districts to estimate the effects of extra immunization efforts in the national neonatal tetanus programme on the coverage rate of the third dose of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT3) after controlling for other potential confounding factors. The districts that implemented extra national neonatal tetanus immunization were at risk of having lower routine DPT3 coverage than those that did not. Additional immunization efforts, without additional resources, may reduce the effect of the routine Expanded Programme on Immunization.

Effects of gibberellin mutations on tolerance to apical meristem damage in Arabidopsis thaliana.

To examine the role of gibberellin hormones (GAs) in tolerance to apical meristem damage (AMD), we characterized the reaction norms of several GA-deficient and insensitive mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana in response to AMD and compared them to those of the wild type, Landsberg, from which they were derived. We included 'natural' genotypes of A. thaliana--accessions with shorter lab histories--in order to evaluate how representative Landsberg is of other genotypes. The GA mutations did not alter the level of tolerance to AMD, which was consistent with equal compensation for all genotypes. Generally, the reaction norms to AMD did not differ among the GA mutants themselves, or between the GA mutants and Landsberg. The GA mutations did affect the overall phenotypes of the plants, but these effects were not simply related to whether the mutation was early or late in the biochemical pathways. The GA-insensitive mutant was phenotypically different from the GA-deficient mutants and from Landsberg. The natural populations differed significantly from Landsberg, particularly in attributes related to size and inflorescence production, one more example of the need for researchers to be careful when generalizing the results of studies based upon laboratory strains. Our results indicate that early-flowering genotypes of A. thaliana can be remarkably tolerant to AMD, and that GA deficiency/insensitivity does not hinder tolerance to AMD, at least in this genetic background. Moreover, we confirm that mutations at regulatory loci can have noncatastrophic effects on fitness, as recently found by other investigators.

Effects of extra immunization efforts on routine immunization at district level in Pakistan

A study was made of the effects of extra immunization activities on routine immunization coverage at district level in Pakistan in a secondary analysis of data from UNICEF and the Pakistan national census. Linear regression analysis was made on data from 107 districts to estimate the effects of extra immunization efforts in the national neonatal tetanus programme on the coverage rate of the third dose of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus [DPT3] after controlling for other potential confounding factors. The districts that implemented extra national neonatal tetanus immunization were at risk of having lower routine DPT3 coverage than those that did not. Additional immunization efforts, without additional resources, may reduce the effect of the routine Exp and ed Programme on Immunization

The evolution of gait analysis: a treatment decision-making tool.

The development of analytical techniques to define the abnormalities contributing to pathological gait patterns in human locomotion is complex. From the earliest attempts to draw static figures of the human form, physicians and scientists have devised unique paradigms to analyze various body segments in motion. The earliest studies were founded upon the discoveries of anatomy and physiology in the Renaissance. All subsequent advances have developed on that foundation. The discoveries of photography, electromyography, and the computer have led to today's advanced technology. Abnormalities of human locomotion can now be defined with accuracy in three dimensions and sufficient speed to be viable in a clinical setting. The objective documentation of gait through clinical gait analysis has not only gained for the physician a better understanding of the pathomechanics of gait abnormalities; it has become a valuable tool in treatment decision-making and evaluation. In treatment decision-making, gait analysis is used routinely to determine specific surgical procedures in patients of all ages with neuromuscular and other disorders. In treatment evaluation, gait analysis is becoming more relevant with the recent emphasis on outcome measures as a justification for insurance coverage.

Presumed topiramate-induced bilateral acute angle-closure glaucoma.

PURPOSE: We describe a case of bilateral angle-closure glaucoma associated with oral topiramate therapy. METHODS: Interventional case report. Case report with echographic illustration. RESULTS: A 51-year-old man developed bilateral acute angle-closure glaucoma 2 weeks after beginning topiramate therapy for bipolar affective disorder. Laser peripheral iridotomy was performed in the right eye without resolution of the acute attack. Echography revealed lens thickening and ciliochoroidal detachments in both eyes. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and anterior and posterior segment anatomy normalized 2 weeks after cessation of topiramate therapy. CONCLUSION: Topiramate, a new sulfa-derivative antiepileptic medication, may cause idiosyncratic ciliochoroidal detachments and ciliary body edema leading to anterior displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm, lens thickening, and acute angle-closure glaucoma.