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Pompe disease, caused by deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), leads to widespread glycogen accumulation and profound neuromuscular impairments. There has been controversy, however, regarding the role of central nervous system pathology in Pompe motor dysfunction. We hypothesized that absence of GAA protein causes progressive activation of neuropathological signaling, including pathways associated with cell death. To test this hypothesis, genomic data (Affymetrix Mouse Gene Array 2.0ST) from the midcervical spinal cord in 6 and 16 mo old Pompe (Gaa−/−) mice were evaluated (Broad Institute Molecular Signature Database), along with spinal cord histology. The midcervical cord was selected because it contains phrenic motoneurons, and phrenic-diaphragm dysfunction is prominent in Pompe disease. Several clinically important themes for the neurologic etiology of Pompe disease emerged from this unbiased genomic assessment. First, pathways associated with cell death were strongly upregulated as Gaa−/− mice aged, and motoneuron apoptosis was histologically verified. Second, proinflammatory signaling was dramatically upregulated in the Gaa−/− spinal cord. Third, many signal transduction pathways in the Gaa−/− cervical cord were altered in a manner suggestive of impaired synaptic function. Notably, glutamatergic signaling pathways were downregulated, as were “synaptic plasticity pathways” including genes related to neuroplasticity. Fourth, many genes and pathways related to cellular metabolism are dysregulated. Collectively, the data unequivocally confirm that systemic absence of GAA induces a complex neuropathological cascade in the spinal cord. Most importantly, the results indicate that Pompe is a neurodegenerative condition, and this underscores the need for early therapeutic intervention capable of targeting the central nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: SUNCT (short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing) is a rare syndrome characterized by the sudden onset of excruciating unilateral periorbital pain that is accompanied by conjunctival injection and lacrimation or further autonomic signs. Similar to patients with chronic cluster headache, Leone and Lyons showed a beneficial effect of deep brain stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic region in two patients with a chronic SUNCT. Case: Here, we present the case of a man with a chronic SUNCT responding to deep brain stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic area. Conclusion: This case supports the idea of a central origin of SUNCT and shows that deep brain stimulation of the hypothalamic region can be effective in the treatment of the chronic form of this rare disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: SUNCT (short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing) is a rare syndrome characterized by the sudden onset of excruciating unilateral periorbital pain that is accompanied by conjunctival injection and lacrimation or further autonomic signs. Similar to patients with chronic cluster headache, Leone and Lyons showed a beneficial effect of deep brain stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic region in two patients with a chronic SUNCT.Case: Here, we present the case of a man with a chronic SUNCT responding to deep brain stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic area.Conclusion: This case supports the idea of a central origin of SUNCT and shows that deep brain stimulation of the hypothalamic region can be effective in the treatment of the chronic form of this rare disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) sought to determine the prevalence of alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUDs), other drug use and drug use disorders (DUDs), and co-use and co-morbidity in the general adult U.S. population. Findings indicate that 5.6 percent of U.S. adults used both alcohol and drugs in the past year and that 1.1 percent had a co-morbid AUD and DUD. Alcohol use prevalence peaked between the ages of 25 and 44 and declined thereafter. The prevalence of other drug use, co-use, AUDs, DUDs, and co-morbid disorders was highest between the ages of 18 and 24 and declined steadily thereafter. Women and men showed similar trends for alcohol use, drug use, and co-use. Among ethnic/racial groups evaluated, Whites displayed the highest rates of alcohol use and American Indians/Alaskan Natives the highest rates of drug use. For AUDs, DUDs, and co-morbid disorders, rates were highest among American Indians/Alaskan Natives. The prevalence of drug use, weekly drug use, and DUDs increased with increasing levels of alcohol consumption and the presence of AUDs. The proportion of people with AUDs who had a co-morbid DUD varied considerably by drug type. These findings have important implications for the development of prevention and intervention approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pattern of follicular growth and the timing of the initiation of a fixed-time artifical insemination (TAI) protocols, relative to the stage of the estrous cycle, influence the conception rate in heifers. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of incorporating a supplemental GnRH injection into a CIDR-based TAI protocol on conception rate of heifers. Beef replacement heifers (n = 192) were paired by body condition score and body weight, and received a CIDR insert at random stages of the estrous cycle (d 0). On the same day, heifers were assigned randomly to receive either a single dose of 100 ug of GnRH (GnRH-CIDR; n = 94) or physiological saline (Sal-CIDR; n = 98). On d 7, the CIDR was removed and all heifers received 25 mg PGF. Forty eight h later (d 9), all heifers were administered GnRH (100 ug) and received AI by a single technician. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound 35 d after AI. Blood samples were collected on d -7, 0, 7, and 9 and analyzed for progesterone (P4) concentrations. There was no difference (P = 0.46) in the proportion of anovular heifers between groups (Sal-CIDR = 97.8% vs. GnRH-CIDR = 97.8%). Serum P4 was similar between groups on d 0, but was greater (P < 0.05) for the GnRH-CIDR than the Sal-CIDR on d 7. Moreover, there was a tendency for greater proportion of heifers from the GnRH-CIDR group to have P4 > 1.3 ng/ml on d 9 (GnRH-CIDR = 23.6% vs Sal-CIDR = 14%; P = 0.11), resulting in a smaller (P =0.11) synchronization rate in GnRH-CIDR compared with Sal-CIDR (76.4% vs 86%). However, conception rate at 35 d after AI was not affected (P = 0.52) by synchronization treatment (Sal-CIDR = 58.9% vs GnRHCIDR = 55.9%). The results of this experiment indicate that GnRH administration at CIDR insertion did not affect conception rates when a CIDR-PGF-GnRH fixed-time AI protocol was used in beef heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the internal globus pallidus (Gpi) is an effective therapy for various types of dystonia. The authors describe their technical approach for securing appropriate placement of the stimulating electrodes within the Gpi under general anaesthesia, including MRI based individualised anatomical targeting combined with electrophysiological mapping of the Gpi using micro-recording (MER) as well as macrostimulation and report the subsequent clinical outcome and complications using this method. We studied 42 patients (male-female ratio 25:17; mean age 43.6 years, range 9 to 74 years) consecutively operated at the Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, between 2001 – 2006. One patient underwent unilateral implantation after a right-sided pallidotomy 30 years before and strictly unilateral symptoms; all other implantations were bilateral. Two patients had repeat surgery after temporary removal of uni– or bilateral implants secondary to infection. Overall, 86 DBS electrodes were implanted. In 97% of the implantations, at least three microelectrodes were inserted simultaneously for MER and test stimulation. Initial anatomical targeting was based on stereotactic atlas coordinates and individual adaptation by direct visualisation of the Gpi on the stereotactic T2 or inversion-recovery MR images. The permanent electrode was placed according to the results of MER and test stimulations for adverse effects. The average improvement from baseline in clinical ratings using either the Burke-Fahn-Marsden-Dystonia (BFMDRS) or Toronto-Western-Spasmodic-Torticollis (TWSTR) rating scale at the last post-operative follow-up (mean 16.4 ; range 3–48 months) was 64.72% (range 20.39 to 98.52%). The post-operative MRI showed asymptomatic infarctions of the corpus caudatus in three patients and asymptomatic small haemorrhages in the lateral basal ganglia in two patients. One patient died due to a recurrent haemorrhage which occurred three months after the operation. The electrodes were implanted as follows: central trajectory in 64%, medial trajectory in 20%, anterior in 9% and lateral dorsal trajectories in 3.5% each. The reduction in BFMDRS or TWSTR motor score did not differ between the group implanted in the anatomically defined (central) trajectory bilateral (−64.15%, SD 23.8) and the physiologically adopted target (uni– or bilateral) (−63.39%, SD 23.1) indicating that in both groups equally effective positions were chosen within Gpi for chronic stimulation (t-test, p > 0.4). The described technique using stereotactic MRI for planning of the trajectory and direct visualisation of the target, intra-operative MER for delineating the boundaries of the target and macrostimulation for probing the distance to the internal capsule by identifying the threshold for stimulation induced tetanic contractions is effective in DBS electrode implantation in patients with dystonia operated under general anaesthesia. The central trajectory was chosen in only 64%, despite individual adaptation of the target due to direct visualisation of the Gpi in inversion recovery MRI in 43% of the patients, demonstrating the necessity of combining anatomical with neurophysiological information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Susceptibility to black spot [caused by Mycosphaerella pinodes (Berk. and Blox.) Vestergr.] and weak stem strength in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) are major restrictions to yield, seed quality, and ease of harvest. Previous studies have established that additive genetic variance is present for both traits, and that stem strength is strongly associated with a field test of compressed stem thickness at the base of the stem. This study aimed to improve these two complex traits simultaneously by recurrent selection. Heritabilities and responses to selection for resistance to black spot and stem strength were evaluated during two cycles of recurrent selection after intercrossing diverse genotypes. Response to selection was indicated by a reduction of 10% in the mean black spot leaf disease in the F2 of cycle 2 compared with the F2 of cycle 1, when considered as a percentage of the mean of cycle 1 parents in the same trials. Likewise, there was a 15% increase in stem strength, based on the mean compressed stem thickness in the F2 of cycle 2 compared with the F2 of cycle 1. Broad sense heritability for resistance to black spot leaf disease was moderate (H = 0.63 ± 0.35 across cycles 1 and 2) and for compressed stem thickness was also moderate (H = 0.66 ± 0.34). Genetic gains were realized for both traits simultaneously in the first two cycles and were predicted to be rapid over the next five to six cycles based on a random mating quantitative genetics model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The deep brain stimulation (DBS) withdrawal syndrome (DBS-WDS) is a rare, life-threatening complication in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with long disease duration and stimulation when stimulation is terminated for extended periods mostly due to infection of the DBS-hardware.Methods, Results: In five patients explantation became necessary because of infection after a mean of 11.4 years (range 4-15 years) of DBS and a mean disease duration of 24.6 years (range 3-22 years). Mean UPDRS motor-score pre-explantation was 38 points (range 24-55 points) which increased to a mean of 78.4 points (range 58-90 points) after explantation, despite optimal Levodopa dosing. Reimplantation of the hardware after 23 days (range 3-45 days) under antibiotic treatment led to an improvement to a mean of 40 points (range 25-73 points) and a complication free survival.Conclusion: Early reimplantation of the DBS-hardware is a treatment option of the DBS-WDS when the life-threatening urgency overrides surgical standards. Observation of the syndrome indicates pharmacological unresponsiveness of the dopaminergic system in advanced PD and long-term DBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize the short- and long-term effects of bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus ( STN- DBS) on gait and freezing of gait ( FOG) in Parkinson's disease and to detect predictors of post-stimulation outcome. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted up to October 2015 using Medline Ovid databases for studies analyzing the effect of bilateral STN- DBS on FOG and/or gait. Sixteen studies with available data for the gait item (no. 29) of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale ( UPDRS) and six studies with the FOG item (no. 14) were included. Data were summarized for the following follow-up periods: 6-15, 24-48 and >48 months. For the medication (Med)-Off/stimulation(Stim)-On condition compared with baseline Med-Off, STN- DBS significantly improved gait on average from 2.43 to 0.96, 2.53 to 1.31 and 2.56 to 1.40 points at 6-15, 24-48 and >48 months, respectively ( P < 0.05). Pre-operative levodopa responsiveness of UPDRS- III and Med-Off severity of gait were the predictors of this beneficial effect. STN-DBS significantly improved FOG for the Med-Off/Stim-On condition compared with baseline on average from 2.26 to 0.82, 2.43 to 1.13 and 2.48 to 1.38 points at 6-15, 24-48 and >48 months, respectively ( P < 0.05). There was no significant effect in the Med-On/Stim-On condition. This meta-analysis showed a robust improvement of gait and FOG by STN- DBS for more than 4 years in the Med-Off/Stim-On condition. No beneficial effect was found for the On state of medication. Pre-operative levodopa responsiveness of global motor performance ( UPDRS- III) is the strongest predictor of the effect of deep brain stimulation on gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Parkinsonian patients demonstrate particular difficulties when performing sequential motor tasks compared to simple movements indicating an important role of the basal ganglia in switching between different motor programs. Objective: To investigate the impact of subthalamic stimulation on the kinematics of composed reach-to-grasp movements and on isolated movement segments. Methods: 11 age matched controls and 16 PD patients with subthalamic stimulation were examined without medication with stimulation switched on and off. All subjects were instructed to perform three different externally cued hand movements: 1) The complete reach-to-grasp movement consisting of hand transport to and precision grip around a target. 2) The isolated reach movement to the grip device 3) The isolated precision grip and button press. Kinematic data were recorded with a 3D ultrasound movement analysis system (CMS 70 P4-V5, Zebris, Germany). Results: The effect of subthalamic stimulation was accentuated during the reach phase compared to the grip formation during the composed movement. Stimulation induced kinematic changes of the composed movement were comparable to those of both isolated submovements. Conclusion: Subthalamic stimulation improved certain aspects of all three hand movement types but did not differentially impact the composed reach-to-grasp task compared to the simple submovements. We assume that the complete reach-to-grasp task is encoded in a single generalised motor program which is affected by stimulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The green-revolution Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b dwarfing alleles are usually associated with increased wheat yields but are linked to reduced early growth and poor emergence if sowing conditions are unfavourable. Other dwarfing genes are available but not used in commercial breeding. The Rht13 bread wheat donor, Magnif M1, produces uniquely short peduncle and penultimate internodes to reduce plant height. A set of near-isogenic (NILs) and recombinant inbred (RILs) lines varying for height were developed from the cross of Magnif M1 and the Rht8c-containing Chuan-mai 18, and evaluated for a range of agronomic characteristics across favourable environments. Reductions in plant height were associated with increased grain number (r 2 =0.35**) and harvest index (r 2 =0.62**) in the NILs. Reduced-height RILs containing the Rht13-linked, Xgwm577 M microsatellite marker were significantly shorter, produced greater biomass, yield and harvest index, and increased spike and grain number than lines without the marker. Approximately 74 and 7% of the total phenotypic variance in plant height was accounted for by allelic differences in Xgwm577 and Rht8 loci, respectively. The peduncle and penultimate peduncle internodes of Rht13-containing lines were proportionately shorter than Rht8c-containing sibs and lines containing the Rht-B1b dwarfing allele. The unique height-reducing phenotype, increased grain number and yield associated with Rht13 indicate considerable potential for use of this dwarfing allele for improving wheat performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The cerebellum and the motor thalamus, connected by cerebellothalamic pathways, are traditionally considered part of the motor-control system. Yet, functional imaging studies and clinical studies including patients with cerebellar disease suggest an involvement of the cerebellum in olfaction. Additionally, there are anecdotal clinical reports of olfactory disturbances elicited by electrical stimulation of the motor thalamus and its neighbouring subthalamic region. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the cerebellothalamic pathways is an effective treatment for essential tremor (ET), which also offers the possibility to explore the involvement of cerebellothalamic pathways in the sense of smell. This may be important for patient care given the increased use of DBS for the treatment of tremor disorders. Therefore, 21 none-medicated patients with ET treated with DBS (13 bilateral, 8 unilateral) were examined with “Sniffin'' Sticks,” an established and reliable method for olfactory testing. Patients were studied either with DBS switched on and then off or in reversed order. DBS impaired odor threshold and, to a lesser extent, odor discrimination. These effects were sub-clinical as none of the patients reported changes in olfactory function. The findings, however, demonstrate that olfaction can be modulated in a circumscribed area of the posterior (sub-) thalamic region. We propose that the impairment of the odor threshold with DBS is related to effects on an olfacto-motor loop, while disturbed odor discrimination may be related to effects of DBS on short-term memory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Prevention of oxidative stress via antioxidants attenuates diaphragm myofiber atrophy associated with mechanical ventilation (MV). However, the specific redox-sensitive mechanisms responsible for this remain unknown. We tested the hypothesis that regulation of skeletal muscle proteolytic activity is a critical site of redox action during MV. Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to five experimental groups: 1) control, 2) 6 h of MV, 3) 6 h of MV with infusion of the antioxidant Trolox, 4) 18 h of MV, and 5) 18 h of MV with Trolox. Trolox did not attenuate MV-induced increases in diaphragmatic levels of ubiquitin-protein conjugation, polyubiquitin mRNA, and gene expression of proteasomal subunits (20S proteasome a-subunit 7, 14-kDa E2, and proteasome-activating complex PA28). However, Trolox reduced both chymotrypsin-like and peptidylglutamyl peptide hydrolyzing (PGPH)-like 20S proteasome activities in the diaphragm after 18 h of MV. In addition, Trolox rescued diaphragm myofilament protein concentration (μg/mg muscle) and the percentage of easily releasable myofilament protein independent of alterations in ribosomal capacity for protein synthesis. In summary, these data are consistent with the notion that the protective effect of antioxidants on the diaphragm during MV is due, at least in part, to decreasing myofilament protein substrate availability to the proteasome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress promotes controlled mechanical ventilation (MV)-induced diaphragmatic atrophy. Nonetheless, the signalling pathways responsible for oxidative stress-induced muscle atrophy remain unknown. We tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress down-regulates insulin-like growth factor-1–phosphotidylinositol 3-kinase–protein kinase B serine threonine kinase (IGF-1–PI3K–Akt) signalling and activates the forkhead box O (FoxO) class of transcription factors in diaphragm fibres during MV-induced diaphragm inactivity. Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of five experimental groups: (1) control (Con), (2) 6 h of MV, (3) 6 h of MV with infusion of the antioxidant Trolox, (4) 18 h of MV, (5) 18 h of MV with Trolox. Following 6 h and 18 h of MV, diaphragmatic Akt activation decreased in parallel with increased nuclear localization and transcriptional activation of FoxO1 and decreased nuclear localization of FoxO3 and FoxO4, culminating in increased expression of the muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases, muscle atrophy factor ( MAFbx) and muscle ring finger-1 ( MuRF-1). Interestingly, following 18 h of MV, antioxidant administration was associated with attenuation of MV-induced atrophy in type I, type IIa and type IIb/IIx myofibres. Collectively, these data reveal that the antioxidant Trolox attenuates MV-induced diaphragmatic atrophy independent of alterations in Akt regulation of FoxO transcription factors and expression of MAFbx or MuRF-1. Further, these results also indicate that differential regulation of diaphragmatic IGF-1–PI3K–Akt signalling exists during the early and late stages of MV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Prescription monitoring in the United States suggests that oral olanzapine is prescribed in doses that exceed the approved range of 5 to 20 mg/d. OBJECTIVE: In this double-blind, randomized study, the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of higher-dose (30 or 40 mg/d) olanzapine were examined relative to the highest approved dose (20 mg/d) among non-treatment-resistant patients with psychiatric illnesses. METHODS: After a 10-day period in which all patients were stabilized on 20 mg/d olanzapine, 37 patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar I disorder were randomized to receive treatment with olanzapine 20 mg/d for 20 days (group A, n=12), 30 mg/d for 10 days followed by 40 mg/d for 10 days (group B, n=11), or 40 mg/d for 20 days (group C, n=14). On days 10, 20, and 30, blood samples were collected before dosing and at 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 14, 18, and 24 hours after dosing. Plasma olanzapine concentrations were assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Tolerability was assessed by spontaneously reported treatment-emergent adverse events; changes from baseline in vital signs, electrocardiograms, and standard laboratory test values; incidences of categorically defined treatment-emergent akathisia and parkinsonism; and 2-hour standard oral glucose tolerance tests. RESULTS: Of the 53 subjects who entered the study, 16 were excluded (7 because entry criteria were not met, 6 because of subject's decision, and 3 for other reasons). Subjects were primarily men (group A, 75%; group B, 55%; group C, 79%), approximately 40 years old (mean [SD] age: group A, 40.6 [8.6]; group B, 37.9 [8.6]; group C, 39.4 [9.2] years), and black (group A, 83%; group B, 55%; group C, 64% [the remainder were white]). Mean (SD) baseline weight was 84.0 (17.5) kg for group A, 82.1 (12.0) kg for group B, and 100.9 (23.3) kg for group C. By day 20, dose-proportional increases were observed in plasma olanzapine Cmax,ss and AUC. Geometric mean (percent coefficient of variation) values for groups A, B, and C at day 20 were as follows: Cmax,ss 57.8 (40.2), 75.6 (86.7), and 94.1 (50.2) ng/mL, respectively; and AUC: 997 (38.5), 1220 (88.0), and 1630 (53.9) ng . h/mL, respectively. The most frequently reported adverse events were weight gain (group A, 2/12 [17%]; group B, 3/11 [27%]; group C, 2/14 [14%]) and sedation (group A, 3/12 [25%]; group B, 2/11 [18%]; group C, 2/14 [14%]). Mean (SD) weight gain from baseline to end point was 3.5 (2.81) kg for group A, 3.0 (3.15) kg for group B, and 3.1 (2.22) kg for group C. Changes in glucose tolerance, vital signs, or laboratory parameters did not appear to be dose dependent. During double-blind therapy, 7 subjects experienced akathisia (spontaneously reported, n=3 [group C]; categorically defined, n=3 [group B]; both, n=1 [group C]). Of the subjects with categorically defined akathisia, 2 had a history of akathisia and the other had a score of 1 (questionable) on the Barnes Akathisia Scale at baseline. No cases of parkinsonism were observed at any time. CONCLUSIONS: Among these subjects with psychiatric illnesses, olanzapine at doses of 30 and 40 mg/d displayed a pharmacokinetic profile consistent with that of 20 mg/d. Higher-dose olanzapine exhibited a tolerance profile similar to that of 20 mg/d; however, akathisia may be more likely to occur at higher doses, particularly in subjects with a history of akathisia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships between residual feed intake (RFI) and other performance variables were determined using 54 purebred Angus steers. Individual feed intake and BW gain were recorded during a 70-d post-weaning period to calculate RFI. After the 70-d post-weaning test, steers were fed a finishing ration to a similar fat thickness (FT), transported to a commercial facility, and slaughtered. A subsample of carcasses (n = 32) was selected to examine the relationships among RFI, meat quality, and palatability. Steers were categorized into high (>0.5 SD above the mean; n = 16), medium (mid; ±0.5 SD from the mean; n = 21), and low (<0.5 SD below the mean; n = 17) RFI groups. No differences were detected in ADG, initial BW, and d 71 BW among the high, mid, and low RFI steers. Steers from the high RFI group had a greater DMI (P = 0.004) and feed conversion ratio (FCR; DMI:ADG; P = 0.002) compared with the low RFI steers. Residual feed intake was positively correlated with DMI (r = 0.54; P = 0.003) and FCR (r = 0.42; P = 0.002), but not with initial BW, d 71 BW, d 71 ultrasound FT, initial ultrasound LM area, d 71 ultrasound LM area, or ADG. The FCR was positively correlated with initial BW (r = 0.46; P = 0.0005), d 71 BW (r = 0.34; P = 0.01), and DMI (r = 0.40; P = 0.003) and was negatively correlated with AIDG (r = -0.65; P = 0.001). There were no differences among RFI groups for HCW, LM area, FT, KIPH, USDA yield grade, marbling score, or quality grade. Reflectance color b* scores of steaks from high RFI steers were greater (P = 0.02) than those from low RFI steers. There was no difference between high and low RFI groups for LM calpastatin activity. Warner-Bratzler shear force and sensory panel tenderness and flavor scores of steaks were similar across RFI groups. Steaks from high RFI steers had lower (P = 0.04) off-flavor scores than those from low RFI steers. Cook loss percentages were greater (P = 0.005) for steaks from low RFI steers than for those from mid RFI steers. These data support current views that RFI is independent of ADG, but is correlated with DMI and FCR. Importantly, the data also support the hypothesis that there is no relationship between RFI and beef quality in purebred Angus steers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To respond to meat safety and quality issues in dairy market cattle, a collaborative project team for 7 western states was established to develop educational resources providing a consistent meat safety and quality message to dairy producers, farm advisors, and veterinarians. The team produced an educational website and CD-ROM course that included videos, narrated slide sets, and on-farm tools. The objectives of this course were: 1) to help producers and their advisors understand market cattle food safety and quality issues, 2) help maintain markets for these cows, and 3) help producers identify ways to improve the quality of dairy cattle going to slaughter. DairyBeef: Maximizing Quality & Profits consists of 6 sections, including 4 core segments. Successful completion of quizzes following each core segment is required for participants to receive a certificate of completion. A formative evaluation of the program revealed the necessity for minor content and technological changes with the web-based course. All evaluators considered the materials relevant to dairy producers. After editing, course availability was enabled in February, 2003. Between February and May, 2003, 21 individuals received certificates of completion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Question Low or empty battery status of non-rechargeable deep brain stimulation impuls generators (IG) requires a surgical IG exchange several years after initial implantation. Complications in patients undergoing DBS-Surgery are reported in the range between 7.6% and 25.3%. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of complications after IG changes and to identify risk factors for complications. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the complications in IG change surgery from 2008 to 2015 in a single center university hospital setting. Medical reports from all patients, who had undergone IG exchange surgery were systematically reviewed. The shortest follow-up was 2 months. Results From 2008 to 2015, 438 generators were exchanged in 319 patients. Overall complication rate and revision rate was 8.9% of cases. 13 patients (2.96%) developed an infection of the IG with a secondary removal of the IG. Five patients (1.14%) suffered from local wound erosions surrounding the IG; for this particular complication in one patient the IG had to be removed while in the other 4 patients a local wound revision was sufficient. We found hardware malfunctions in 11 patients (2.51%) and local hemorrhage surrounding the IG in three cases (0.68%) requiring surgical revision. In two patients (0.46%) the IG needed to be refixated. In two patients (0.46%) tension of the connecting cables triggered a surgical revision because of patient’s discomfort. One 80 years patient (0.23%) suffered from worsened severe heart failure and died 4 days after IG exchange in local anesthesia. In two cases (0.46%) the IG was placed abdominally or changed to a smaller device due to patient discomfort from initial positioning. Conclusion IG exchange surgery, although often considered a “minor surgery”, is associated with a complication rate of roughly 9% in our center. Infection is the most relevant complication as it causes removal of the IG. The implantation of smaller IGs might reduce complications such as wound erosions or local hemorrhages. Patients and physicians should know the rate of complication in IG exchange surgery since this information might facilitate a decision in favor of a rechargeable IG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]