Clear-cut Trend Research Articles

Competition or facilitation for stored soil water by cover crops in rotation and additional effect of fertilization in a juvenile tung-based intercropping system

Intercropping or agroforestry systems are among the strategies used to prevent soil erosion or crusting and water loss by evaporation in the bare soil during early growth stage of tree crop plantations. However, the pattern of water use in intercropped, juveline orchard crop plantations is still poorly known. This study aimed to evaluate competition or facilitation for soil water stored by cover crops in rotation and the impact of additional fertilization in a juvenile tung-based intercropping system in southern Brazil during the winter and summer periods of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 growing seasons. A split plot in randomized complete block design arrangement, with four replications, was used comprising crambe winter cover crop plus poultry manure or NPK; a mixture of oats and vetch, sunflower, and soybean in rotation; and sole tung as control. Cover crop intercropping significantly increased water content of the surface layer of the juvenile tung soil only at the beginning of the second growing season. The cover crops showed interspecific facilitation for water use by tung during the summer period, but no clear-cut trend for the winter cover crops. The additional organic manure did not enhance profile soil water storage. Any of the summer cover crops (soybean, sunflower, or peanut) could be used for soil and water conservation in juvenile tree crop plantations. Further studies are required during the winter season to establish whether the winter cover crops are competitors or facilitators for stored soil water in agroforestry systems.

Dark Matter in Fractional Gravity II: Tests in Galaxy Clusters

Recently, in Benetti et al. (Astrophys. J. 2023, 949, 65), we suggested that the dark matter (DM) component in galaxies may originate fractional gravity. In such a framework, the DM component exists, but the gravitational potential associated to its density distribution is determined by a modified Poisson equation including fractional derivatives (i.e., derivatives of noninteger type), which are meant to describe nonlocal effects; as such, this scenario is different from theories where baryonic matter emulates DM-like effects via modifications of gravity (e.g., MONDian frameworks). In Benetti et al., we showed that fractional gravity worked very well for reproducing the kinematics of disk-dominated galaxies, especially dwarfs; there is also preliminary evidence that the strength of fractional effects tends to weaken toward more massive systems. Here, we aim to test fractional gravity in galaxy clusters, with a twofold aim: (i) perform an independent sanity check that it can accurately describe such large and massive structures; (ii) derive a clear-cut trend for its strength in systems with different DM masses. To this purpose, we forward model the density and pressure distributions of the intracluster medium (ICM), working out the hydrostatic equilibrium equation in fractional gravity. Then, we perform a Bayesian analysis of the X-COP galaxy cluster sample and infer constraints on the fractional gravity parameters, for individual clusters as well as stacked clusters. We find that fractional gravity performs remarkably well in modeling the ICM profiles for the X-COP sample. We also check that the DM concentration vs. mass relation is still consistent with the expectations of N-body simulations in the standard cosmological scenario. Finally, we confirm the weakening of the fractional gravity effects toward more massive systems and derive the overall scaling of the fractional gravity parameters from dwarf galaxies to massive clusters, spanning six orders of magnitude in DM mass. Such an overall trend implies that fractional gravity can substantially alleviate the small-scale issues of the standard DM paradigm, while remaining successful on large cosmological scales.

Not the usual suspect - an unexpected organometallic product during the synthesis of cytotoxic platinum(II) complexes.

The reaction of (1R,2R)-(cyclohexane-1,2-diamine)dichloridoplatinum(II) with maleic acid unexpectedly resulted in the formation of an organometallic platinum(II) complex featuring a C,O-coordinating ligand. Additionally, a small series of close derivatives with increasing lipophilicity was synthesized. All complexes were fully characterized by multinuclear one- and two-dimensional (1H, 13C, 15N, and 195Pt) NMR spectroscopy, high resolution mass spectrometry, and in one case by X-ray diffraction. The lipophilicity and the impact on the DNA secondary structure as well as the cytotoxic properties in three human cancer cell lines (A549, SW480, and CH1/PA-1) were investigated. Unexpectedly, no clear-cut trend in cytotoxicity was observed with increasing lipophilicity. Also unexpectedly, the complexes showed only a low potential to inhibit cancer cell growth and no sign of interaction with DNA, in sharp contrast to the parent drug oxaliplatin, which seems to be caused by the low reactivity of the investigated compounds.

A study on the composition of heavy organic precipitates at various locations of a petroleum production line: wellhead, separator, and flowline

The heavy fractions from crude oil samples from different locations of a petroleum production line was investigated by gravimetric precipitation technique through the varying of n-alkane precipitant(s) type, volume, and volume ratios. The type of heavy organics (HOs) obtained at the different locations was studied using chromatographic fractionation into saturates, aromatics, resins and residual asphaltenes. Saturates and aromatics compositions were qualitatively and quantitatively determined by Gas Chromatographic-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID), while Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy was used for the resins. The results obtained show that the amounts of HOs precipitated changes with precipitants type, volume, and volume ratios and are in the order: wellhead (WH) > flowline (FL) > separator (SR). With changes in the total volume of precipitant binary mixtures, maximum precipitation is obtained at 40 mL/g of oil. Between 70–80 mL/g of oil, the amount of precipitate produced remain constant for all samples. There is no clear-cut trend in the concentration of individual and total saturate and aromatic compositions of the heavy organics along the different locations of the production system. However, the concentration of resins increases in the order: separator > flowline > wellhead.

The Energetics of Fermentation in Natural Settings

Fermentation plays a fundamental role in organic carbon degradation on a global scale. However, little is known about how environmental variables influence this process. In a step towards quantifying how temperature and composition influence fermentation, we have calculated the Gibbs energies of 47 fermentation reaction, ΔGr, from 0–150 °C for a broad range of compositions representing microbial habitats as variable as sediments, estuaries, soils, and crustal rocks. The organic compounds in these reactions include amino acids, nucleic acid bases, monosaccharides, carboxylates, methanogenic compounds and more. The amount of energy available varies considerably, from +54 kJ (mol C)−1 for palmitate fermentation, to −184 kJ (mol C)−1 for methylamine disproportionation. For some reactions, there is little difference in ΔGr between low and high energy systems (e.g., the monosaccharide reactions) while others span a much broader range (e.g., the nucleic acid bases). There is no clear-cut trend between exergonicity and temperature, and the values of standard state Gibbs energies of reactions, , for nearly half of the reactions lie outside the range of ΔGr values. To carry out some of these calculations, the thermodynamic properties for six organic compounds were estimated: dimethylamine, trimethylamine, resorcinol, phloroglucinol and cyclohexane carboxylate and its conjugate acid.

Effect of temperature on yolk sac utilisation and growth of newly hatched larvae of cobia Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766)

The effect of temperature on the utilisation of yolk-sac and growth in terms of length of the larvae of cobia Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766) was investigated. Five temperature levels viz., 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33°C were experimented with the newly hatched larvae for a total duration of 52 hours post-hatch (hph). A clear-cut trend of increase in larval length with increase in temperature was noted. The maximum length recorded was 4.41±0.11 mm at 33°C by the end of the experiment. The yolk-sac volume decreased proportionately with rise in temperature. At the end of 52 hph, the lowest yolk-sac volume was recorded at temperature range of 31 to 33°C. Results of the present study suggest that temperature plays a vital role in the yolk-sac utilisation as well as on growth of cobia larvae.

Haematological and hormonal profiles of Jaffrabadi heifers on feeding regimens supplemented with rumen bypass lysine and methionine

An experiment was conducted to evaluate supplementation of rumen protected LYS (lysine) and MET (methionine) on hematological and hormonal profile in Jaffrabadi buffalo heifers. Eighteen buffalo heifers of Cattle Breeding Farm, Junagadh Agricultural University receiving either of the dietary treatments for a period of 180 days: T 1 -DCP requirement met through Concentrate mixture, T 2 -DCP requirement through cottonseed cake and concentrate mixture (50:50) and T 3 -In addition to DCP requirement through concentrate mixture with supplementation of rumen bypass LYS and MET @ 5.0 g and 2.5 g/day/anima, respectively. Mean RBC (red blood cell), WBC (white blood cell), HB (haemoglobin), MCV (mean corpuscular volume), MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration), MCH (mean corpuscular haemoglobin), PLT (total platelets), PCT and HCT (hematocrit / packed cell value) values were analysed. Also Plasma Estradiol and progesterone concentration was estimated by employing standard Radio Immuno Assay (R.I.A.) technique. Treatment and period has no effect in influencing the hematological values of experimental Jaffrabadi buffalo heifers. Mean values for the entire periods for Estradiol (pg/ml) and Progesterone (ng/ml) were 22.61±4.18, 22.28±3.59, 31.00±9.03; 0.24±0.05, 0.15±0.03 and 0.20±0.06. There was no clear cut trend in T 1 and T 2 but however, in T 3 there was a linear response with regard to Estradiol level. Treatment effect was non-significant (P>0.05) at 0, 90, 180 days levels on plasma concentration of Estradiol and Progesterone. By pass LYS and MET have no effect on haematological and hormonal parameters in Jaffrabadi heifers with these feeding supplements.

Study of Temperature Dependence of Electrode–Glass Ceramic Interface Using Impedance Spectroscopy

The electrical behavior of strontium titanate borosilicate glass ceramics (SrO.TiO2- 2SiO2.B2O3) with additives K2O, La2O3, CoO and Nb2O5 was studied by using Impedance Spectroscopy as a function of temperature and composition. An equivalent circuit model having three parallel RC's connected in series with a capacitor C4 could represent the data well. By comparing the complex modulus plots with simulated ones and looking at the values of the time constants these RC's were attributed to represent crystalline, glassy and glass-crystal interface regions of the glass- ceramic whereas C4 represented the glass-ceramic sample and contact electrode interface. When the glass ceramic sample contained only SrTiO3 crystalline phase and the remaining glassy matrix, the interface capacitance showed an Arrhenius type of nature with an activation energy (0.11 ± 0.04) eV and when the glass- ceramic sample contained number of crystalline phases no clear cut trend appeared. These findings are useful in selecting suitable electrodes for applications as well as in deciding upon experimental techniques for measurement of dielectric constants of materials.

FLAMES AND XSHOOTER SPECTROSCOPY ALONG THE TWO BLUE STRAGGLER STAR SEQUENCES OF M30

We present spectroscopic observations acquired with FLAMES and XSHOOTER at the Very Large Telescope for a sample of 15 Blue Straggler Stars (BSSs) in the globular cluster (GC) M30. The targets have been selected to sample the two BSS sequences discovered, with 7 BSSs along the blue sequence and 8 along the red one. No difference in the kinematical properties of the two groups of BSSs has been found. In particular, almost all the observed BSSs have projected rotational velocity lower than ~30 km/s, with only one (blue) fast rotating BSS (>90 km/s), identified as a W UMa binary. This rotational velocity distribution is similar to those obtained in 47 Tucanae and NGC 6397, while M4 remains the only GC studied so far harboring a large fraction of fast rotating BSSs. All stars hotter than ~7800 K (regardless of the parent BSS sequence) show iron abundances larger than those measured from normal cluster stars, with a clearcut trend with the effective temperature. This behaviour suggests that particle trasport mechanisms driven by radiative levitation occur in the photosphere of these stars, as already observed for the BSSs in NGC 6397. Finally, 4 BSSs belonging to the red sequence (not affected by radiative levitation) show a strong depletion of [O/Fe], with respect to the abundance measured in Red Giant Branch and Horizontal Branch stars. This O-depletion is compatible with the chemical signature expected in BSSs formed by mass transfer processes in binary systems, in agreement with the mechanism proposed for the formation of BSSs in the red sequence.

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Jatropha curcas L. Fruits from Different Planting Densities

Jatropha curcas L. is a versatile and rugged crop with enormous unexploited potentials. In order to efficiently take advantage of its full potentials, its physical and mechanical properties need to be well understood. Laboratory tests were conducted to investigate the properties of Jatropha curcas L. fruits obtained from trees of three planting densities namely 10880, 5446 and 3630 plants acre-1. The properties included detachment force, rupture force, deformation at rupture point, deformation ratio at rupture point, hardness, energy used for rupture at both vertical and horizontal loading positions. Other properties studied were 1000 unit mass, dimensions, sphericity, bulk density, solid density, porosity, coefficient of static friction on plywood, steel and stainless steel. The solid density value of 0.97 g cm-3 was obtained which implies that the fruit could float in water for easy cleaning and separation from foreign materials. It was observed that the fruit had the least coefficient of static friction on stainless steel (0.44). The average values obtained for the detachment force and rupture force at vertical orientation were 16.62 N and 57.17 N, respectively. No clear cut trend was observed in the physical and mechanical properties with respect to planting density. However, the mechanical properties were significantly different with respect to the orientation of the fruits. Both the physical and mechanical properties are essential for the design and development of harvesting and processing machines for Jatropha curcas L. fruit.

Responses of different phytoelements to habitat light level and their dynamic convergence towards crown development of Aucuba japonica Thunb. var. japonica

We analyzed crown development in Aucuba japonica Thunb. var. japonica resulting from the responses of phytoelements to habitat light conditions over a long period of time. Over the years, the degree of extension unit (EU) dimorphism and the degree of anisophylly were higher under shaded conditions than in brighter conditions. An overall temporally increasing pattern in the degree of EU dimorphism was found while no clear-cut trend was found in the case of anisophylly. EU length and number of leaves per EU co-varied in a spatio-temporal context. The number of terminal buds and their sizes acted as the key initiators of morphological differences of phytoelements which were further amplified following bud break. Leaf area density was displayed mostly in the apex peripheral layer of the crown and the apex layer received most of the incident light. There was a tradeoff between annual leaf production and mean leaf size. Depending on the heterogeneity of irradiance level within a crown, correlative growth inhibition caused higher EU mortality at brighter sites. Due to high mortality, shorter EUs had a mere role in the construction of structural framework of the crown except for the formation of some gaps. There was a strong convergence of EU dimorphism, anisophylly, EU extension growth and variations in leaf size towards formation of functional crown to reduce potential self-shading. Depending on the irradiance level, Aucuba japonica Thunb. var. japonica showed two different modes of crown expansion. At the brighter sites, individual crown expansion was progressive while at the darker sites, individual crown expanded in a diminishing manner and maintained a stable size. A plant's "growth diminishing phase" appeared earlier at shaded sites than brighter sites.

Artificial regeneration with Quercus ilex L. and Quercus suber L. by direct seeding and planting in southern Spain

The limited ability of Quercus species to regenerate naturally in Mediterranean forests has led to the development of various artificial regeneration methods; however, there is no general consensus as to what specific method is the best one for this purpose. In this work, we assessed morphology, growth and survival of two Quercus species (Quercus ilex ssp. ballota and Quercus suber) using two different methods of artificial regeneration (viz. direct seeding and planting) and two seedling ages (1-year-old seedlings and 3-year-old seedlings) in southern Spain. The 1-year-old seedlings of both species were found to exhibit the highest survival percentages and direct-seeded plants intermediate survival values. For direct-seeded plants, seed mass was found to have a significantly positive effect on the establishment success in both species. No clear-cut trend in survival was detected in the 3-year-old seedlings. The survival of the 3-year-old Q. suber seedlings and the direct-seeded plants was similar, but not in Q. ilex, where the survival of the 3-year-old seedlings was the lowest. The latter result may have been a consequence of cultivation in smaller containers leading to root deformation and limiting plant access to water. Differences in survival could not be ascribed to morphological and growth variables or stomatal conductance. Based on the results, all three artificial regeneration methods can be similarly effective provided appropriate nursery cultivation conditions are used and seeds are protected against predators, the best choice in each case being dictated by the particular restoration goals.

Temperature-Dependent Solvatochromic Probe Behavior within Ionic Liquids and (Ionic Liquid + Water) Mixtures

Spectroscopic responses of absorbance probes, betaine dye 33, N,N-diethyl-4-nitroaniline, and 4-nitroaniline, and fluorescence dipolarity probes, pyrene (Py) and pyrene-1-carboxaldehyde (PyCHO) within ionic liquids (ILs) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4]), and aqueous mixtures of [bmim][BF4] are used to assess the changes in important physicochemical properties with temperature in the range 10-90 degrees C. ETN obtained from betaine dye 33, indicating dipolarity/polarizability and/or hydrogen bond donating (HBD) acidity, decreases linearly with increasing temperature within the two ILs. Changes in Kamlet-Taft parameters dipolarity/polarizability (pi*), HBD acidity (alpha), and HB accepting (HBA) basicity (beta) with temperature show interesting trends. While pi* and alpha decrease linearly with increasing temperature within the two ILs, beta appears to be independent of the temperature. Similar to ETNand pi*, the first-to-third band intensity ratio of probe Py also decreases linearly with increasing temperature within the ILs. The lowest energy fluorescence maxima of PyCHO, though it decreases significantly within water as the temperature is increased from 10 to 90 degrees C, it does not change within the two ILs investigated. The temperature dependence of the dipolarity/polarizability as manifested via betaine dye 33 behavior is found to be more within the aqueous mixtures of [bmim][BF4] as compared to that within neat [bmim][BF4] or neat water. The sensitivity of pi* toward temperature increases as IL is added to water and that of alpha decreases. The temperature dependent Py behavior shows no clear-cut trend within aqueous mixtures of [bmim][BF4]; insensitivity of the PyCHO response toward temperature change is reasserted within aqueous IL mixtures. All-in-all, the temperature-dependent behavior of solvatochromic probes within [bmim][PF6], [bmim][BF4], and aqueous mixtures of [bmim][BF4] is found to depend on the identity of the probe.

Agricultural practices in relation to yield and quality of sugar beet: Yield and yield components

The root number/feddan of the two seasons sown with planter showed distinct advantage compared to the manual sowing. The narrower the ridge space (15 cm) the higher, the root numbers/fed. (30716 and 31175 in both seasons, respectively). The differences between soaking treatments with respect to their effect on root number/feddan were not significance in the second seasons. Sowing sugar beet mechanically attained additional increment in root yield over those under the traditional method (sowing manually) amounted by 8.52 % and 25.08 % in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. Soaking sugar beet seeds befor sowing significantly surpassed the dried method with respect to root yield. There was a positive response in the values of root yield due to ridge space from 15 cm to 20 cm produced on increment in root yield amounted by 4.79 % in the 1st season corresponding 4.94 % in the 2nd season. There was no clear cut trend due to the effect of sowing method on richness per cent. The values of richness per cent reflected an opposite response in the two seasons, where the narrow ridge space (15 cm) recorded the higher values of this trait in the first season. On the contrary the wider ridge space (20 cm) attained the highest value of this trait in the 2nd season. Sowing sugar beet seeds by using soaked seeds attained relative increments in richness per cent in the 1st season. On the contrary, sowing sugar beet seeds using the dried seeds in the 2nd season appeared significant increase in this trait. There are general tendencies toward increasing the sugar yield/fed by using planter technique for sowing sugar beet seeds. The wider, ridge space (20 cm), gave the higher sugar yield/fed (4.19 and 4.14 ton/fed.). Sowing sugar beet crop by the soaked seeds attained and significant increase in sugar yield in the 2nd season.

Volume and Outcome for Major Upper GI Surgery in England

BackgroundThe correlation between hospital or surgeon volume and outcome for complex surgical procedures has been the subject of several studies in recent years. In the UK, such studies have been used to strengthen the case for centralization of such procedures. The recent availability of easily accessible and fully independent data on hospital outcomes for surgical services in the UK has provided the opportunity to review any potential associations between volume and outcome in the UK. MethodsHospital Episode Statistic (HES) data were collected through Dr Foster® for four different upper GI procedures (gastrectomy, esophagectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy, and liver resection) for a 6-year period from 1999 to 2005. Data for each procedure were divided into volume-dependant quartiles to assess any differences in mortality outcome. ResultsGenerally, mortality rates for all four procedures are lower than previously studies have suggested. A significant trend favoring high volume providers was noted for esophagectomy, with mortality rates varying from 7.8% to 4.0% for lowest to highest volume providers (p < 0.001). A similar but less clear-cut trend was noted for pancreaticoduodenectomy. There was no significant difference for gastric and liver resection between low- and high-volume providers. There was a 20% decrease in centers performing esophagectomy and 28% for centers performing pancreaticoduodenectomy. ConclusionThere is a volume outcome association for esophagectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy. There is no association for gastrectomy or hepatectomy.

VW’s modular system and workers’ organization in Resende, Brazil

This article discusses the changes taking place in the Brazilian vehicle assembly industry of the 1990s with particular reference to the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It focuses upon a case study of Volkswagen’s bus and truck assembly plant, opened in 1996, and its workers at Resende. The experience of the `modular system’ of production has been presented as a major development in vehicle assembly. The article analyses the originality of VW’s new form of organization of production and the strategy of the firm to look for localities with weak labour unionism. It also argues that despite the difficulties the local union faced in its attempts to intervene in the process of wage bargaining and to influence the management of aspects of production, there has been a rapid process of mobilizing the new workers for effective labour union action.L’article traite des transformations intervenues dans l’industrie automobile brésilienne dans les années quatre–vingt dix, avec une attention particulière pour l’Etat de Rio de Janeiro. Il s’attache à l’usine d’assemblage que Volkswagen ouverte en 1996 à Resende pour y assembler des véhicules industriels. Cette expérience de production modulaire a été présentée comme une innovation organisationnelle majeure dans l’industrie automobile mondiale. Le texte met en évidence les spécificités de la nouvelle organisation de la production et la stratégie de localisation de la firme fondée sur la recherche d’espaces d’implantation à faible activisme syndical. Il montre que malgré sa faiblesse initiale et une intervention réduite dans la négociation salariale et l’organisation du travail, une mobilisation rapide des nouveaux travailleurs a permis la reconstitution d’un mouvement syndical actif.

Nature of sedimentary organic matter in the lower reaches of the Godavari River basin, India

The distribution and nature of sedimentary organic matter (OM) have been examined in sediment cores collected from the lower reaches, including estuary, of the Godavari River in order to understand sedimentation patterns, sources, and diagenesis of OM. The samples were analyzed for organic carbon (Corg), total nitrogen, amino acids and hexosamines. The observed irregular trends in Corg distribution with depth indicate the unstable nature of bed sediment in the lower reaches of the river. Yet, in the lower estuarine region, regular trends in Corg distribution with depth reflect the deposition of sediment. The atomic ratio of Corg and total nitrogen (C/N; 10.5–16.1) also supported this observation. The distribution of amino acids and diagenetic indicators (β-ala+γ-aba mol.%, AA/HA and Glc-NH2/Gal-NH2) in individual cores revealed the post-depositional changes in the OM. In the core sediment from the lower reaches, there was no clear cut trend in amino acid content with depth. In the estuarine region, however, amino acid content was very low (50.5 and 186.5μgg−1) in the upper layers compared to that in the lower layers (558.5 and 1099.3μgg−1). Reactivity index (range 0.3–3.7) revealed that OM in the upper few centimeters, especially in the lower estuarine region, was more reactive relative to that in the deeper layers.

The relativistic effect on energies of light elements: a RESC-BOP study

The scalar relativistic contribution to energies and geometries of molecules containing the first- and second-row atoms is estimated by the density functional theory with the BOP functional. The relativistic effect is considered through the relativistic scheme by eliminating small-component (RESC) of the four-component Dirac equation. The relativistic corrections to the energies of light elements are rather small but show a clear-cut trend. The scalar relativistic effect nearly always reduces atomization energies, ionization potentials, and electron affinities. Furthermore, the relativistic corrections to the ionization potentials and electron affinities increase with the atomic numbers in the component atoms. On the other hand, there is little change in the geometric parameters of the first- and second-row diatomic molecules.

7182 Long-term outcome of dorsal duct stenting in patients with symptomatic pancreas divisum.

<i>Aim</i>: To evaluate the long-term outcome of endoscopic stent therapy in patients with symptomatic pancreas divisum. <i>Methods</i>: All consecutive patients with pancreas divisum from April `87 to May `99 who underwent dorsal duct stent therapy were included. Indications were recurrent attacks of pancreatitis and/or pain. Data were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were contacted and completed a written questionaire. Additional information was obtained from family members, general practitioners, and referring physicians. <i>Results</i>: During the study period a total of 29 patients (16 men and 13 women, mean age 43 years, SD 16) underwent dorsal duct stent therapy. Two groups of patients were identified. There were 13 patients with chronic pain (medium follow-up after stent removal 52 months; range 16-135). In these patients a total of 18 stents were inserted (median 1, range 1-4) which remained in situ for a median of 54 days (range 2-121). Minor papilla sphincterotomy was performed in five patients (38%). There were 16 patients with recurrent pain attacks (median follow-up after stent removal 33 months; range 5-153). In these patients a total of 33 stents were inserted (median 2, range 1-5) which remained in situ for a median of 35 days (range 1-430). Minor papilla sphincterotomy was performed in nine patients (70%). Initially, 7 patients (54%) with chronic pain and 13 patients (81%) with recurrent pain attacks responded favorably to dorsal duct stenting [95% CI -0.6 to 0.06]. Of these responders, however, 4 patients (57%) with chronic pain (after a median of 13 months, range 8-40) and 6 patients (46%) with recurrent pain attacks (after a median of 5.5 months, range 0.5-12) relapsed. Long-lasting pain relief up to the date of follow-up was achieved in 3 patients (23%) with chronic pain (follow-up 33, 39 and 60 months) and in 7 patients (44%) with recurrent pain attacks (median follow-up 62 months, range 14-153) [95% CI -0.54 to 0.13]. In none of the two groups sphincterotomy of the minor papilla was associated with a more favorable outcome. <i>Conclusions</i>: In symptomatic pancreas divisum about 55% of patients with chronic pain and 80% of patients with recurrent pain attacks respond favorably to dorsal duct stenting, but during follow-up many patients relapse. Although the difference did not reach statistical significance, there is a clearcut trend towards a more favorable long-term outcome of dorsal duct stenting in patients with recurrent pain attacks compared to patients with chronic pain.

The influence of folic acid supplement on the outcome of pregnancies in the county of Funen in Denmark: Part III. Congenital anomalies. An observational study

Objective: The effect of folic acid supplement on the prevalence of congenital anomalies was studied in a Danish population. Material and methods: From 1983 to 1986 all Danish women resident in the county of Funen were offered free folic acid when pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Data concerning the starting time of folic acid supplement and congenital anomalies were recorded on close to all pregnancies. Children of folic acid supplemented mothers were subdivided as to start of supplement with dividing lines at week 7 and week 11 calculated from the last menstrual period. Structural malformations were subdivided into an early group with malformation development in the first 7 weeks from the last menstrual period and a late group where malformations develop in weeks 8 to 11. Results: In a total of 14 021 pregnancies 10 494 pregnant women (74.8%) had folic acid supplement. No folic acid was taken by 2721 women (19.4%) and in 806 cases (5.8%) information was lacking. The prevalence of congenital anomalies was 380 in 14 185 children (26.7 o/oo). Children whose mothers started folic acid supplement before the 7th week of pregnancy showed a significantly lower prevalence of the malformations which develop in the first 7 weeks, when compared to pregnancies with a later start of supplement. The result was interpreted as a clearcut trend.