Effects of electrical stimulation and age at slaughter on carcass and meat quality of two Sudanese Baggara beef types

This study aimed to evaluate the influences of electrical stimulation (ES), age at slaughter, and breed type on muscle pH, the decline in carcass temperature, and meat quality attributes of Sudanese indigenous Baggara cattle. Eighty Baggara bulls, representative of Nyalawi (n = 40) and Mesairi (n = 40) breed types, were selected at their typical marketing age of about 4.5 years. Electrical stimulation was applied for 30 seconds at 20 minutes post mortem to 20 randomly selected carcasses from each breed type and compared with 20 carcasses from each type that were not electrically stimulated (NES). Samples of the Longissimus dorsi muscle were collected for meat analyses. Breed type showed no significant influence on meat quality characteristics, while ES and age at slaughter did. Electrical stimulation accelerated the carcass pH decline significantly up to 24 hours post mortem. Meat from electrically stimulated carcasses and younger animals resulted in higher L* values, lower a* values, higher hue values, and better tenderness. Older Mesairi animals had darker meat than their younger counterparts. Electrical stimulation reduced water-holding capacity (WHC), although it had no influence on cooking loss (CL). Meat from older cattle showed better WHC compared with meat from younger animals. The ES treatment decreased the variations in meat tenderness between the younger and older bulls. It is concluded that the use of ES and younger bulls produced more tender meat with better colour. Therefore, these practices should be adopted in Sudan to ensure better beef quality management.Keywords: Longissimus dorsi muscle, meat characteristics, Mesairi, Nyalawi, Suda

Parents, teachers, and media: agents of biased socialization

The main aim of this dissertation was to provide insight into possible subtle forms of bias in youth socialization by various socializing agents in the Netherlands, and exploring new ways to document bias. Additionally, it addresses the importance of using sound statistical methods for calculating effect sizes. Social bias and unequal treatment of people can lead to structural societal inequalities. Findings in research on the sustained existence of bias have been inconsistent. These inconsistencies may obscure the importance of continuous effort to diminish inequalities. By studying subtle messages, this dissertation shows that bias is present in various contexts. Firstly, parents who talked about kissing and dating to their adolescent child subtly endorsed a sexual double standard, for instance by describing girls as sluts and boys as players. Secondly, in written evaluations by teachers on report cards of primary school pupils, positive bias towards White Dutch girls was found. Lastly, prolonged media attention to a child sexual abuse case was found to negatively affect the attitudes of parents towards male babysitters.As bias and discrimination change over time and context, continuous study is necessary. This dissertation demonstrates that using relevant and authentic data is an important tool in unveiling subtle bias.Fontys Opleidingscentrum Speciale Onderwijszorg; European Research CouncilGlobal Challenges (FGGA

Potential toxicity of Chlorpheniramine plus chloroquine for the treatment of childhood malaria

Objectives: To compare the adverse effects of two regimens of chlorpheniramine plus chloroquine (CP+CQ) in childrenwho live in a countrywhere chloroquine resistantmalaria is endemic. Methods: 99 children with acute uncomplicated malaria were randomised into two treatment groups. Group I received high dose chlorpheniramine (6mg +12mg/day for 7days in children = 5years; 8mg + 18mg/day for 7days in those >5years) plus chloroquine 10mg/kg daily for 3 days. Group II received a 50% higher dose of chlorpheniramine plus chloroquine 10mg/kg daily for 3 days. Outcome measures were vital signs, clinical response and parasite clearance on days 0-7 and day 14. Results: Parasite clearance, fever clearance and cure rate were comparable for the two groups. Drowsiness occurred in 66.7% of high dose and 86.3% of higher dose CP+CQ subjects (p = 0.05). Compared to children treated with high dose, those treated with higher dose CP+CQhad significantly lower respiratory rates on day 2 (p = 0.001), day 6 (p = 0.015), and on day 14 (p = 0.003). Conclusion: The higher rates of drowsiness and lower respiratory rates in children treated with higher dose CP+CQ calls for caution in the clinical application of the higher dose combination. The higher dose has no additional benefit andmay in fact be dangerous.Keywords: Chloroquine resistant malaria, chlorpheniramine-chloroquine, treatment, adverse effects, drowsiness, respiratory depressio

Radiological Determination Of Cranial Size And Index By Measurement Of Skull Diameters In A Population Of Children In Brazil [determinação Radiológica Do índice E Do Tamanho Craniano Por Mensuração Dos Diâmetros Cranianos Em Uma População Infantil Brasileira]

OBJECTIVE: To measure radiologically obtained skull diameters and, based on these data, calculating the cranial index and size to compare with diameter measurements and indices reported in the literature, particularly those reported by Haas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study evaluated 732 individuals with no cranial disease, whose skull diameters were measured, Subsequently, the authors calculated the cranial index and size which demonstrate the different phases of the skull growth by inner-table to inner-table measurements. RESULTS: The comparative study of diameters averages by inner-table measurements has demonstrated a clearly progressive skull growth in the first year of life for both genders, and a slower growth as from the second year. Overall diameters averages did not present any significant difference between male and female individuals. CONCLUSION: Cranial index and size are good skull growth indicators, especially in the first four years of life, a period characterized by an accelerated growth in the first year and a moderate growth until the fourth year. After this age, a slight and stable growth occurs with a decrease in the statistical value. No statistically significant difference was found for both genders. It is recommended that mean diameters are utilized for both genders; and it is suggested that the cranial index is utilized until four years of age, and the cranial size after the age of four, as the ideal parameter for following up the skull growth. © Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem.414229234MacKinnon, I.L., Kennedy, J.A., Davis, T.V., The estimation of the skull capacity from roentgenologic measurements (1956) Am J Roentgenol Radium Ther Nucl Med, 76, pp. 303-310Taveras JM, Wood EH. Cráneo. In: Taveras JM, Wood EH, editores. Diagnóstico neuroradiológico. Buenos Aires: Editora Panamericana1968. p. 146-7Gordon, I.R.S., Measurement of cranial capacity in children (1966) Br J Radiol, 39, pp. 377-381Cronqvist, S., Roentgenologic evaluation of cranial size in children (1968) Acta Radiol Diagn (Stockh), 7, pp. 97-111Austin, J.H., Gooding, C.A., Roentgenographic measurement of skull size in children (1971) Radiology, 99, pp. 641-646Gooding, C.A., Skull vault: Size and shape (1971) Radiology of the skull and brain, pp. 61-93. , Newton TH, Potts DG, editors, St. Louis: CV Mosby;Haas, L.L., Roentgenological skull measurements and their diagnostic applications (1952) Am J Roentgenol Radium Ther Nucl Med, 67, pp. 197-209Meredith, H.V., Growth in head width during the first twelve years of life (1953) Pediatrics, 12, pp. 411-429Swischuk, L.E., (2006) Radiologia do recém-nascido do lactente e da criança pequena, , Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Koogan;Moss, M.L., Greenberg, S.N., Postnatal growth of the human skull base (1955) Angle Orthodontist, 25, pp. 77-84Shapiro, R., Janzen, A.H., The normal skull (1960) A roentgen study, , New York: Paul B. Hoeber;Sullivan, P.G., A method for the study of jaw growth using a computer-based three-dimensional recording technique (1972) J Anat, 112 (PART 3), pp. 457-470Watson, E.H., Lowrey, G.H., (1967) Growth and development of children, , ChicagoYear Book Medical Publisher;Tanner, J.M., Some notes on the reporting of growth data (1951) Hum Biol, 23, pp. 93-159Moss, M.L., Vertical growth of the human face (1964) Am J Orthodontics, 50, pp. 359-376Dorst, J.P., Functional craniology: An aid in interpreting roentgenograms of the skull (1964) Radiol Clin North Am, 2, pp. 347-366Momose, K.J., Developmental approach in the analysis of roentgenograms of the pediatric skull (1971) Radiol Clin North Am, 9, pp. 99-11

Cellular angiofibroma of the orbit

Cellular angiofibroma is a benign mesenchymal tumor most commonly located in the distal genital tract of both men and women. Although extragenital locations have been reported rarely, this is the first report of cellular angiofibroma of the orbit. A 58-year-old man presented with a mass in the left superomedial orbit since 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-demarcated lesion with a homogeneous intermediate signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images, homogeneous contrast enhancement and high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted images. Complete excision was performed through a medial upper eyelid crease incision. Histopathology showed a vascular CD34-positive and STAT6-negative spindle cell tumor with monoallelic loss of FOXO1, indicating cellular angiofibroma

Safety and Efficacy of Methanol Fraction of Moringa oleifera as Antihypertensive in L-NAME Induced Hypertensive Rabbits: Bedside to Bench, Implications for Bench Back to Bedside

Context: Hypertension, a global menace requires innovative research into the use of Moringa oleifera being promoted and traditionally used as alternative therapy.Objective: To innovatively evaluate the mechanistic effect, safety and efficacy of the methanol fraction of M. oleifera (MMO) leaves on L-NAME induced hypertensive rabbits.Methods: Rabbits were divided into six groups: Control, L-NAME alone, L-NAME with 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg of MMO and enalapril. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were similar baseline parameters and Day 3 systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than baseline SBP respectively. The primary outcome was a 10% reduction of SBP on Day 21. Enalapril group was excluded from analysis. Safety was assessed with liver and renal functions, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide concentrations to elucidate mechanistic effect.Results: Moringa 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg reduced SBP by 4.75, 18.00 and 15.25 mmHg (F=22.123, p=0.000). SBP control was achieved with MMO 200mg/kg, 14% reduction and 400mg/kg, 12% reduction. Nitric oxide concentration, 0.06, 0.094 and 0.114mmol (F= 30.255, p= 0.000) dose-dependently increased and was most predictive of SBP control (r2=0.802, p=0.000). Nitric oxide production was inversely related to heart/body weight ratio which was dose-dependently reduced. MMO reduced hydrogen peroxide and ALT level but no significant effect on urea, HDL, and TG.Conclusion: MMO reduced SBP and dose-dependently increased nitric oxide concentration in L-NAME induced hypertensive rabbits. The effect may be mediated via activation of nitric oxide pathway. MMO demonstrated a potent anti-oxidant activity and safety. Effect on ventricular hypertrophy needs further evaluation

Accelerated growth of orbital schwannomas during pregnancy does not correlate with sex hormone- or growth factor receptor status

Purpose: Until now, three cases of growth of an orbital schwannoma during pregnancy have been published. We aim to provide additional insight in the effect of pregnancy on orbital schwannomas. Methods: We present two additional cases of accelerated growth of orbital schwannomas during pregnancy and investigate receptor expression profiles for estrogen, progesterone, androgen, VEGF, EGF, FGF, PDGF-Rβ and ki-67 in the two pregnant cases and six non-pregnant cases. Results: Case 1: A 26-year-old woman developed unilateral exophthalmos during pregnancy, with normal visual acuity and ocular motility. During a subsequent pregnancy, again the exophthalmos progressed. MRI showed a mass suggestive of schwannoma. After delivery, resection of the lesion was performed through an anterior approach. Pathology confirmed schwannoma. The expression profile was positive for estrogen- and FG

Histopathological and Molecular Features of a Conjunctival Caruncular Deep Penetrating Nevus

We describe the first presentation of a deep penetrating nevus (DPN) on the lacrimal caruncle. This lesion was seen in an 18-year-old woman presenting with hemorrhage of a long-standing pigmented mass on the caruncle. Histology showed a combined melanocytic neoplasm that consisted of two different melanocytic components. The differential diagnosis, based on histological examination, was a conventional melanocytic nevus, a Spitz nevus, or a combined melanocytic nevus. On the molecular level, one of the components revealed a mutation in the CTNNB

Efficacy of lateral eyelid-block excision with canthoplasty and full-thickness skin grafting in lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion

Purpose: To report on the outcomes of our preferred surgical technique for the correction of lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, nonrandomized, interventional analysis of a consecutive case series of patients with cicatricial lower lid ectropion treated with adhesiolysis, lateral eyelid-block excision with canthoplasty and full-thickness skin grafting. Donor sites included the ipsi- or contralateral upper eyelid and pre- or retroauricular skin. All patients were treated by one of our oculoplastic surgeons in the period from January 2005 to January 2017 in the Rotterdam Eye Hospital/Focus Clinic Rotterdam. We assessed postoperative lower eyelid apposition, the occurrence of intra- and postoperative complications and the reoperation rate. Results: We included 38 eyelids of 32 patients, of whom 17 were male and 15 were female. The minimal postoperative follow-up was 3 months. A total of 27 of 38 eyelids showed good postoperative apposition. Skin graft donor sites were the ipsi- or contralateral upper eyelid (47% and 16%, respectively) and the pre- or retroauricular skin (26% and 11%, respectively). No intraoperative complications occurred, but one patient developed a transient allergic contact dermatitis in the early postoperative phase. Two of 38 eyelids (two of 32 patients) required another surgical intervention (block excision) for residual or recurrent ectropion, with favourable outcomes. There was 100% viability of the skin grafts. Conclusion: Repair of lower eyelid ectropion with lateral block excision, canthoplasty and full-thickness skin grafting is an effective procedure with minimal donor site morbidity, excellent graft survival rates and a low reoperation rate

Influence of hyperglyceamia on some haemorheological markers in diabetic Nigerians

The altered rheological properties of the blood have been shown to precede clinically detectable diabetic vasculopathy. This study seeks to investigate whether hypoglycaemic treatment would have any impact on some haemorheological markers: haematocrit (Hct), total plasma protein (TPP) and relative plasma viscosity (RPV). We studied fifty normotensive diabetic patients that were on insulin, metformin or glibenclamide treatment and 25 non-diabetic subjects matched by age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Results showed that age, BMI, haematocrit, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were similar among all groups. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) which was significantly higher (p< 0.05) in the three groups of diabetic patients when compared to that of the non-diabetic control group. The mean TPP and RPV were significantly elevated (p< 0.05 and p< 0.01 respectively) in all the diabetic groups than that observed in non-diabetic control group. In diabetic patients, FBS significantly correlated positively with RPV in either sex while weak positive correlation was found between FBS and RPV in non-diabetics. These results have shown that hyperglycaemia is associated with elevated plasma viscosity and plasma protein levels in diabetic patients. This finding suggests that treatment with insulin, metformin or glibenclamide does not impact beneficial effects on plasma rheology. In addition, the results imply that hyperglycaemia mediates hyperviscous plasma that may exert risk factor for the initiation and/or progression of diabetic vasculopathy. Hence, it may be necessary to use rheomodulators in the management of diabetes mellitus. Due to technical difficulties, this article is available in PDF format only. Some problems exist within the article. Bioline has contacted the publisher and will update the PDF file with a corrected version as soon as possible