Mm For T1 Research Articles

Effect of legume hay supplementation on feed intake, growth, digestibility and volatile fatty acid production of Xhosa goats

Abstract 
 The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sex and supplementing Chloris gayana hay with either Lablab purpureus or Vigna unguiculata on growth, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and apparent nutrient digestibility. Eighteen goats, one-year-old, of average live weight 14.13 ±0.24kg was apportioned in a completely randomized design to three diets which were iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic. Animals were housed individually with 6 animals per treatment composed of three males and three females. Total DM intake was higher (P < 0.05) in T2 (694.8 g/head/day) and T3 (688.1 g/head/day) compared to T1 (607.8 g/head day). The goats gained at a rate of 35.0g/d; 45.0g/d and 38.3g/d for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Goats on T2 showed a non-significantly higher (P > 0.05) growth rate exhibiting total gain of 2.68kg compared to 2.08kg and 2.33kg for T1 and T3, respectively. Animals on T1 (19.16) exhibited a significantly lower FCR (P < 0.05) than T2 (15.44) and T3 (18.11). Apparent DM digestibility were significantly different (P < 0.05) among treatment diets. Sex significantly influenced DM, ADF and NDF digestibilities (P < 0.05). There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in individual VFA molar concentrations among treatment diets and due to sex for acetate, propionate, valerate, iso-butyrate and iso-valerate. However, diets significantly influenced butyrate concentration (P < 0.05) with 0.25, 0.95 and 0.25mM for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The percentage molar concentration for acetate was 75%, 73%, and 77% while the propionate concentration was 12%, 8% and 10.7 % for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The acetate to propionate ratio was 6.2, 9.12 and 7.15 for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that Cowpea and Lablab forages can support growth in goats at the same level of CP as in commercial pellets.

A Comparative Study of Intermolar Arch Width before and after Orthodontic Treatment in Alignment Phase among Class II Div-I Patients

For an orthodontist, changes in the width of the arch caused by treatment with fixed appliances are important. Understanding these changes is critical to your physician's planning for treatment. Aim: The purpose of the study was to compare and determine the width of the inter- molar arch in cases of class II, division 1 before and 4 months after fixed orthodontic treatment. Study Design: A cross-sectional intervention study. Place and Duration: In the Orthodontics department of Jam Ghulam Qadir Govt. Hospital, Hub Govt of Balochistan and Bhitai Dental and Medical College Mirpurkhas, for six-months duration from July 2021 to December 2021. Methods: 200 Class II Division 1 malocclusion patients were included by the purposive non- probability technique of sampling. 14 to 28 years was the patients age range. The impressions of the upper arch were measured before and six months after orthodontic treatment, and the maxillary inter-molar width was measured. Standard 0.012 Nitinol to 0.019x0.028 arch wires were used. The width of the inter-molar arch was taken as the transverse distance from the central fossa of the 1st molar on one side of the same arch to the central fossa of the 1st molar on the same arch of other side. Results: 200 Class II Division 1 malocclusion patients were included (120 males and 80 females) with 14-28 years of age range and 18.24 ± 2.8 years of mean age. The mean values of the inter-molar width in the entire sample were 46.01 mm ± 2.58 mm in T1 and 48.201 mm ± 2.70 mm in T2 (Table 2). The mean width of the inter-molar arches in men and women before treatment was 43.7± 2.2 mm and 46.2 ± 2.8 mm. Though, the mean T2 inter-molar arch width after treatment was 47.1 ± 2.3 mm in women and 48.3 ± 2.7 mm in men. Conclusion: There was an average rise in the width of the inter-molar arch by 1.7 mm before and after treatment, therefore the orthodontist should consider the mechanics of expanding the arch, especially when the treatment plan does not include extractions. Keywords: width of the inter-molar arch, shape of the arch, malocclusion class II division 1

Hydraulic performance of mole drains and validation of steady-state drainage spacing equations for Mollisols

Central Santa Fe (Argentina) is a low-gradient region with impaired natural drainage. Extreme rainfall events are increasingly common and cause significant economic losses to agriculture. There is a growing interest in the use of mole drainage as a cost-effective strategy to mitigate such impacts. However, there is no information available that assists with mole drainage design, installation and maintenance, or the field assessment of a system’s hydraulic performance. This work was conducted with the dual objective of evaluating the hydraulic performance of an existing mole drains system and validating Hooghoudt’s steady-state drainage spacing equation for Mollisols. Three treatments representing different hydrologic conditions were tested; namely: (T1) rainfall of 360-min duration and intensity of 23 mm h-1, (T2) surface water ponding achieved through rainfall intensity of 50 mm h-1 and water depths between 50 and 100 mm, and (T3) similar surface water ponding conditions to treatment T2, but achieved through a rainfall intensity of 65 mm h-1 and either one (T3A) or two (T3B) sequential rainfall events. Following application of water, drainage commenced at 270 and 21 min for T1 and T2, and at 40 and 30 min for T3A and T3B, respectively. Mean drained depths were 1 and 3 mm for T1 and T2, respectively. For T3A, the mean drained depth was about one-third that measured for T3B (2.5 vs. 8.5 mm). Under a dry antecedent soil moisture condition, and rainfall intensity of 23 mm h-1, downward water movement was better described by piston flow. As surface water depth and soil water content increased, water flowed preferentially through the fissures and leg slots created by the mole plough implement at installation. Soil fissuring increased field hydraulic conductivity by factors between approximately three and ten. A 4 m mole drains spacing system was considered to be appropriate for managing excess water in the studied soil type. If the contribution of soil fissures to the field hydraulic conductivity can be accounted for, the Hooghoudt’s equation applied to two-layered soils may be used with confidence to help optimise the design of mole drainage systems for Mollisols. Application of this numerical approach, however, will require that the resultant spacing between mole drains be increased by about 30–40 %. Such an allowance will reduce installation costs and will not compromise the hydraulic efficiency of the drainage system.

Effects of different photovoltaic shading levels on kiwifruit growth, yield and water productivity under “agrivoltaic” system in Southwest China

Agrivoltaic systems (AVS) are emerging mixed production systems where crops are cultivated below the photovoltaic (PV) panels. This study investigated the effects of different PV shading levels on kiwifruit growth, yield and water productivity (WPc), with three densities of 19.0% (T1), 30.4% (T2) and 38.0% (T3) of translucent PV panels installed on the South-oriented AVS roof. The AVS perimeter was left open with the full sun treatment outside the AVS as the control treatment (CKL). Results showed that the solar radiation in T1, T2 and T3 was reduced by 43.8 ± 0.6%, 50.5 ± 0.6% and 55.0 ± 0.5%, respectively, compared with CKL, whereas the air temperature was uniform and the relative humidity increased with increased PV shading. The leaf area index and leaf light use efficiency improved, while the leaf transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency decreased with increased shading. The accumulated transpiration (T) was higher in CKL (419.9 ± 9.9 mm) than shading treatments (380.8 ± 26.7, 319.2 ± 15.1 and 308.8 ± 12.9 mm in T1, T2 and T3, respectively), and shading also reduced soil evaporation (E) (63.4 ± 1.0, 51.9 ± 3.1 and 47.4 ± 3.8 mm in T1, T2 and T3, respectively, compared to 79.4 ± 1.1 mm in CKL) and thus decreased the total evapotranspiration (ETc act=E + T) requirement. The kiwifruit volume and yield were slightly reduced (−7.3 to 5.5% and −6.5 to −2.6%) in T1 relative to CKL (101.4–106.8 cm3 and 17.6–18.9 t/ha), while the negative effects of shading on the volume and yield were significant (p < 0.05) in T2 and T3. The water productivity (WPc) was improved in T1 (8.2 ± 5.7%) and T2 (5.8 ± 1.9%) relative to CKL, however, it was significantly reduced in T3 (−9.8 ± 1.4%). It was concluded that 19% (T1) PV coverage was a suitable shading treatment management in the AVS, as kiwifruit growth and yield were less affected, and WPc was increased with reduced water consumption. The total potential profit can be largely promoted from electricity production, especially for dry rainfed and no electricity remote areas, where they can benefit from using produced electricity locally for irrigation.

A cadaveric study of thoracic paravertebral spaces from the point of view of paravertebral block

Background: Paravertebral block (PVB) is a regional anesthetic technique, in which a local anesthetic is injected into the thoracic PVS, resulting in ipsilateral somatic and sympathetic nerve blockade. Objectives: The present study aimed at observing the extent of thoracic paravertebral space (TPVS) at the levels of T1–2, T6–7, and T11–12 by measuring the horizontal and vertical spread of the dye in the Indian population. Materials and Methods: Methylene blue dye was injected into the TPVS at the levels of T1–2, T6–7, and T11–12 and its spread observed. Results: A total of 25 cadavers were studied. The extent of horizontal the spread was average of 83.0 mm at the level of T1–2, 103.0 mm at the level of T6–7, and 88.2 mm at the T11–12 level. The average vertical spread in the intercostal space at the level of T1–2 was found to 48.1 mm, at the level of T6–7 was found to be 44.6 mm, and at the level of T11–12 was found to be 55.04 mm. The maximum vertical spread of dye was over three intercostal spaces. Sixty-four percent of the cadavers studied showed a spread of dye from TPVS to lumbar paravertebral space. In 20% of the cadavers, a contralateral spread of injected dye was observed. The average depth of the needle to reach the TPVS was observed to be 36.8, 35.7, and 36.1 mm for T1–2, T6–7, and T11–12, respectively. Conclusions: A paravertebral block (PVB) has immense potential in regional anesthetic techniques involving thoracic and lumbar dermatomes. The present study will be helpful for surgeons and anesthesiologists to reduce uncertainties of the spread of anesthetic agents in thoracic PVB and its complications.

A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing Conventional and Computer-Assisted Implant Planning and Placement in Partially Edentulous Patients. Part 4: Accuracy of Implant Placement.

The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of conventional and computer-assisted implant planning and template-guided placement (CAIPP) protocols. Partially edentulous patients (N = 73) were randomly assigned to either a conventional implant planning and freehand placement protocol (control group, n = 26) or one of two different CAIPP protocols (stereolithographic guide [T1, n = 24] or 3D-printed guide [T2, n = 23]). The virtually planned and final implant positions were compared. Differences between the planned and the obtained implant position were evaluated as horizontal, vertical, and angular measurements. Descriptive statistics were calculated for overall deviation values and their fragmented mesiodistal and bucco-oral vectors at each evaluation plane. To study overall accuracy differences between study groups, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used with Bonferroni post hoc test (Scheffé method). Possible confounding variables were analyzed using multiple linear regression with respect to treatment group. The mesiodistal or bucco-oral distribution of the positioning errors was evaluated with chi-square test. A multiple linear logistic regression was used to identify confounding variables. Inaccuracy at the level of the occlusal plane of the restoration averaged 0.65 ± 0.26 mm in the control group, 0.59 ± 0.4 mm in T1, and 0.76 ± 0.5 mm in T2. At the implant shoulder level, the inaccuracy amounted to 1.25 ± 0.62 mm, 0.97 ± 0.36 mm, and 0.72 ± 0.31 mm in the control group, T1, and T2, respectively. At the implant apex, mean deviations of 2.32 ± 1.24 mm were recorded in the control group, 0.97 ± 0.57 mm in T1, and 1.08 ± 0.57 mm in T2. Mean discrepancies in vertical direction measured 0.28 ± 1.01 mm (control), 0.2 ± 0.65 mm (T1), and -0.1 mm ± 1.0 mm (T2). Angular deviations of 7.36 ± 3.36 degrees (control), 4.23 ± 2.68 degrees (T1), and 3.13 ± 2.12 degrees (T2) were measured. Statistically significant differences were observed between the conventional and the two CAIPP groups for overall deviations at implant shoulder, apex, and implant angulation. CAIPP protocols seemed to provide a higher accuracy and precision compared to conventional freehand protocols. Still, the amount of inaccuracy using guides demands a safety margin. Moreover, intrasurgical verification during drilling and the implant placement procedure should be performed, including clinical parameters that may not be available from cone beam computed tomography data during the planning phase.

Nasal soft- and hard-tissue changes following tooth-borne and hybrid surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion: A randomized clinical cone-beam computed tomography study

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the effects of tooth/bone-borne (hybrid) and tooth-borne (TB) surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) on the width of the nasal soft and hard tissue. Patients and methodsTwenty skeletally mature patients (nine males and 11 females; mean age 19.4 years) with transverse maxillary hypoplasia were randomly assigned to hybrid or TB devices. The patients had undergone SARME operations, performed by the same surgical team using the same procedure (Le Fort I osteotomy with pterygomaxillary dysjunction, midline osteotomy, and no down-fracture). Nasal soft- and hard-tissue changes were analyzed using CBCT preoperatively (T0), at the end of the active expansion phase (T1), and after 6 months of retention (T2). The study was approved by the relevant ethics committee. ResultsThe skeletal and soft-tissue nasal parameters increased significantly in the T0–T1 and T0–T2 periods in both groups (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences between the groups were observed. The mean piriform aperture width increased from 1.26 mm in T0–T1 to 0.97 mm in T1–T2 and 2.17 mm in T0–T2 (P < 0.008). In the soft tissue, the alar base width increased to 2.78 mm and the alar width to 2.95 mm in T0–T2 (P = 0.001). There was a positive correlation (63.6%) between the changes in skeletal and soft-tissue values. ConclusionThe hybrid and TB devices led to similarly significant widening effects in nasal soft and hard tissues in both the short term and 6 months after SARME.

Evaluation of the equine mental foramen block: cadaveric and in vivo injectate diffusion

ObjectiveTo describe injectate diffusion for two equine mental foramen block techniques. Study designDescriptive anatomic study. AnimalsA total of 12 equine heads and three live horses. MethodsEquine heads were longitudinally sectioned to create 24 hemi-heads for testing two mental foramen block techniques (T1 and T2) and two injectate volumes (3 and 5 mL) of mixed dye and contrast medium. T1 needles were directed rostrocaudally into the mental foramen for 3 cm, and T2 needles were directed dorsolaterally to ventromedially into the foramen for 1 cm. Hemi-heads were randomly assigned one injection technique and volume. Radiographs evaluated needle tip positioning, distance traveled by injectate and injectate diffusion pattern. Specimens were dissected to measure the length of circumferential nerve staining. The more effective technique was tested in three live horses and evaluated via computed tomography. Summary statistics described results. ResultsNeither injection technique nor injectate volume had a significant impact on circumferential nerve staining. Circumferential nerve staining, median (range), was 15 (0–33) mm for T1 and 10 (0–42) mm for T2. Injectate diffusion patterns revealed that injectate was more likely to thread alongside the inferior alveolar nerve for T1 (9/12) and bolus around the rostral inferior alveolar nerve for T2 (9/12). Bolus diffusion patterns were associated with increased circumferential nerve staining ≥1 cm (9/24) when compared with thread patterns (6/24). Diffusion of injectate within the mandibular canal was greater with 5 than 3 mL. In vivo testing of T2 with 5 mL injectate resulted in decreased incidence of circumferential nerve staining ≥1 cm [median (range) 5 (0–14) mm]. Conclusion and clinical relevanceT2 created an injection diffusion pattern more likely to result in circumferential nerve staining ≥1 cm, but the low incidence of in vivo circumferential nerve staining ≥1 cm suggests that block efficacy may vary.

Evaluation of dimensions of the distal alveolar bone of the second molar by cone beam after extraction of third molars

Several studies have assessed the quality of periodontal tissues adjacent to the second molar after extraction of third molars using clinical assessment and radiographs. In clinical practice, the space occupied by these molars is used to perform distalizing movements and tissue integrity is a condition to do it, so it is necessary to evaluate with suitable methods such as digital volume tomography alveolar bone quality, before and after the removal of third molars. The aim of the study was to evaluate through cone beam dimensions the distal alveolar bone of the second molar after third molar extractions in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. A quasi-experimental study was implemented with a six months follow up in patients with orthodontic treatment that attended the post-graduate clinic of the University of Cartagena. The sample consisted of 128 molars of 32 individuals treated with fixed appliances. Bone dimensions behaved as follows: height was 3.44 mm T0, T1 of 3.96 mm and 3.44 mm in T2; the thickness was 2.90 mm T0, T1 was 2.79 mm and 3.37 mm T2; T0 width was 15.58 mm, 15.50 mm in T1 and T2 of 15.19 mm. The alveolar process can recover its dimensions after extraction thanks to dental movements generated by orthodontics thus maintaining a stability which results in periodontal health.

Differential Impact of Close Surgical Margin on Local Recurrence According to Primary Tumor Size in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

The extent of surgical safety margin (gross tumor border to resection margin) in oral cancer surgery remains unclear, and no study has determined the differential impact of close surgical margin and microscopic extension according to primary tumor size in oral cancers. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 325 patients with surgically treated oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas to determine the effect of a close surgical margin (<5mm) (cSM5) on local recurrence. In addition, the depth of microscopic tumor infiltration was determined in 90 available surgical specimens. The cSM5 was not related to the risk of local tumor recurrence in early-stage oral cancer, while it significantly increased the rate of local tumor recurrence in resectable advanced-stage oral cancers (hazard ratio 3.157, 95% confidence interval 1.050-9.407, p=0.041). Addition of postoperative adjuvant radiation to early-stage tumors with cSM5 did not further reduce the local recurrence rate compared to surgery alone. The depth of microscopic tumor extension from the gross tumor border was significantly associated with primary tumor thickness (ρ=0.390, p<0.001) and tumor sizes (ρ=0.308, p=0.003), which was a median (range) of 0.84 (0.14-2.32)mm in T1, 1.06 (0.20-4.34)mm in T2, and 1.77 (0.13-4.70)mm in T3-4. The cSM5 was a significant risk factor for local recurrence only in advanced oral cancers, but not in early-stage tumors, where microscopic tumor extension was not beyond 3mm in T1 tumors. Thus, the extent of surgical safety margin can be redefined according to the primary tumor size.

The impact of kiddy dentures on maxillary arch growth

BackgroundKiddy dentures are used to restore the self-confidence, chewing function, and pronunciation of children or when a care provider is concerned about the loss of incisor teeth. However, most studies to date have investigated normal dental arch development, and only a few have explored the effect of kiddy dentures on upper arch development. MethodsFourteen Taiwanese children (7 male and 7 female) who were wearing kiddy dentures due to the loss of their upper anterior teeth were enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria were the premature loss of maxillary incisors, the patient wearing kiddy dentures with both upper primary first molars as abutments, and the patient having complete records allowing a full longitudinal clinical follow-up. Dental casts were obtained immediately (T1), at 6 months (T2), and at 12 months (T3) after delivery of the kiddy dentures. The measured parameters included intercanine width (ICW, C1 to C2), interfirst molar width (IDW, D1 to D2), and intersecond molar width (IEW, E1 to E2). All the measurements were performed by one experienced examiner using a vernier caliper. ResultsThe mean ages of the enrolled children for the periods T1, T2, and T3 were 43.8 ± 8.3 months, 50.6 ± 8.5 months, and 56.7 ± 8.4 months, respectively. There was no significant difference in gender when ICW, IDW, and IEW were compared. The mean changes in ICW values were 23.6 ± 6.2 mm, 24.2 ± 5.9 mm, and 24.6 ± 6.4 mm for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between T1 and T2, T2 and T3, and T1 and T3 for ICW (p < 0.05). The mean changes in IDW were 25.7 ± 8.4 mm, 25.8 ± 9.0 mm, and 25.8 ± 9.1 mm for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between T1 and T2, T2 and T3, and T1 and T3. The mean changes in IEW were 30.6 ± 10.1 mm, 31.2 ± 8.8 mm, and 31.3 ± 8.2 mm for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. There was statistical significance between T1 and T2 or T1 and T3 for IDW (p < 0.05). ConclusionKiddy dentures do interfere with the transverse growth of the dental arch over the abutment tooth area during a 1-year follow-up period. However the teeth adjacent to the confined abutments still show transverse growth.

Postoperative changes in the position of anterior nasal spine and A-point after Le Fort I osteotomy

PurposeThis study focused on the postoperative changes in the position of the anterior nasal spine (ANS) and A-point after Le Fort I osteotomy (LFI). Materials and methodsThirty-two patients underwent LFI, and cephalograms and computed tomography (CT) images were taken to assess skeletal changes immediately (T1) and 1 year (T2) postoperatively. In each cephalogram and 3D-CT analysis, changes in the coordinates (X, Y, Z) of the A-point, ANS, and PNS were evaluated between the T1 and T2 periods. Results3D-CT analyses demonstrated a significant difference in the identification of the Y-coordinate of ANS: 89.2±4.1mm in T1 and 87.0±3.6mm in T2 (P=0.04). The median of Y-coordinates of ANS on 3D-CT was 2.0mm backward (range 0.44–7.3mm). No significant differences were identified in SNA on conventional cephalometric analysis. Both 3D-CT and conventional cephalometric analyses showed that no significant differences were identified in PNS between the T1 and T2 periods. ConclusionANS tends to move backward after LFI, while the A-point tended to simultaneously move backward and downward. 3D-CT superimposition is more precise than conventional cephalograms in consideration of changes in the positions of ANS and the A-point for the evaluation of surgical stability after LFI. It may be possible to improve the reliability of 3D-CT and cephalometric analyses for determining maxillary bone stability by considering that ANS and the A-point tend to move backward and PNS is a more reliable reference point than ANS and the A-point after LFI.

Anthropometry of the Vertebral Pedicles of the Thoracic Spine without Pathology in Mexican Patients of a Public Institution in the Metropolitan Area

Introduction The anatomy of the pedicles is complex and vary according to the region valued. For proper placement of a transpedicular screw requires a high knowledge of the anatomy of the pedicle and the different surgical techniques for placement. Tomography is the best radiological tool for measuring various parameters of the pedicles. The purpose of this study was to determine, through tomography, thoracic pedicle anthropometry of the Mexican population and its variations according to sex, with the aim of providing irrefutable anatomical information for the development of techniques, materials, and tools more specific to our population pedicle fixation. Methods This study is a descriptive, retrospective, and observational study. The source collection and measurement were performed on CT chest scan of Unit Trauma Hospital “Dr. Victorio de la Fuente Narv·ez,” between January 2012 and June 2013, on computer tomographic Siemens Somatom and General Electric of 16 cuts, which were made in Mexican patients without lesions in the thoracic spine, with an age range of 18 and 60 years, who had axial, sagittal, and coronal to no more than 3 mm in T1 to T12 levels in the left and right pedicles. The sample size was calculated using tables Hulley, given a universe of 1,620 thoracic CT, with a confidence level of 95% amplitude interval 0.15, an expected ratio of 0.15, and a β 0.20, determined a sample of 122 scans. Measurements (axial and sagittal diameter, coronal morphology, axial, and sagittal angulation) were performed by two observers and the involvement of a third when discordance of more than 10% between the first two was found. Data analysis was performed with SPSS version XVII, using descriptive statistics and weighted Kappa. Results The pedicles were of smaller diameter T5, with 2.03 ± 0.94 mm in men and 1.66 ± 0.77 mm in women. The smallest sagittal diameter was found in T2, with 1.95 and 10.15 ± 9.27 ± 2.60 mm, respectively. The angle was increased axial T1, averaging 32.70 ± 4.37ʃ. The sagittal angle of thoracic pedicle showed greater angles from T4 to T10. Predominated teardrop at T1–T3, the elongated drop in T4–T5 and T11–T12, and kidney-shaped in T6–T10. Conclusions Women may be less than the male population values. From T3 to T9 pedicles are smaller than the diameter of the screws that are included in the market. Therefore, anteroposterior, lateral, and axial assessment of each vertebral body to the pedicle screws placement necessary; we also seek new screw placement techniques as described in-out-in, and use technology such as neuronavigation, to continue to benefit from the biomechanical properties of transpedicular instrumentation both to the surgeon and the patient.

Egg shell and yolk quality characteristics of layers fed with sugarcane press residue in soya and fish based diets.

Aim:Sugarcane press residue (SPR), a by-product of sugarcane industry, which is rich in inorganic salts was assessed at different levels in both soya based and fish based diets of layers for egg shell and yolk quality characteristics.Materials and Methods:SPR was incorporated in 32-week-old white leghorn layer diets at 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% either in the soya based or fish based diets to form T1 to T8 diets, respectively. Each diet was offered to five replicates of four laying hens each constituting a total of one sixty birds kept for 84 days under colony cages.Results:Mean egg shell thickness obtained from eggs of experimental hens measured was 0.342, 0.329, 0.320, 0.322, 0.319, 0.332, 0.328 and 0.336 mm in T1 through T8 groups, respectively. About the main factor effects, both showed non-significant results. Similarly, influence of different treatment diets, in imparting colour to the yolks, was found to be non-significant (p>0.05) at different 28-day time intervals. Further, the average yolk index values ranged non-significantly from 0.360 (T6) to 0.383 (T4).Conclusion:The SPR can be incorporated into layer diet as a source of inorganic as well as organic nutrients without affecting its egg quality characteristics.

Primary tumor staging for oral cancer and a proposed modification incorporating depth of invasion: an international multicenter retrospective study.

The current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for oral cancer demonstrates wide prognostic variability within each primary tumor stage and provides suboptimal staging and prognostic information for some patients. To determine if a modified staging system for oral cancer that integrates depth of invasion (DOI) into the T categories improves prognostic performance compared with the current AJCC T staging. Retrospective analysis of 3149 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma treated with curative intent at 11 comprehensive cancer centers worldwide between 1990 and 2011 with surgery ± adjuvant therapy, with a median follow-up of 40 months. We assessed the impact of DOI on disease-specific and overall survival in multivariable Cox proportional hazard models and investigated for institutional heterogeneity using 2-stage random effects meta-analyses. Candidate staging systems were developed after identification of optimal DOI cutpoints within each AJCC T category using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and likelihood ratio tests. Staging systems were evaluated using the Harrel concordance index (C-index), AIC, and visual inspection for stratification into distinct prognostic categories, with internal validation using bootstrapping techniques. The mean and median DOI were 12.9 mm and 10.0 mm, respectively. On multivariable analysis, DOI was a significantly associated with disease-specific survival (P < .001), demonstrated no institutional prognostic heterogeneity (I² = 6.3%; P = .38), and resulted in improved model fit compared with T category alone (lower AIC, P < .001). Optimal cutpoints of 5 mm in T1 and 10 mm in T2-4 category disease were used to develop a modified T staging system that was preferred to the AJCC system on the basis of lower AIC, visual inspection of Kaplan-Meier curves, and significant improvement in bootstrapped C-index. We propose an improved oral cancer T staging system based on incorporation of DOI that should be considered in future versions of the AJCC staging system after external validation.

Solvent-based ethyl silicate for stone consolidation: influence of the application technique on penetration depth, efficacy and pore occlusion

The efficacy of stone consolidating treatments is significantly affected by the application procedure, including the technique used and the amount of product applied. Indeed, in the common on-site practice, consolidants are not applied until ‘apparent refusal’ (i.e. a drastic slowing down of the liquid absorption by the substrate), as usually recommended in commercial products’ technical data sheets and performed in laboratory tests, but a lower number of applications is performed for practical and economic reasons. Nevertheless, the influence of the application procedure on the absorption mechanism and distribution of the consolidant has not been fully elucidated yet, especially for solvent-based products, for which a competition between capillary uptake and solvent evaporation might arise. In this study, the influence of the treatment conditions on the consolidant efficacy was investigated with the aim of determining whether increasing the number of applications results in a deeper penetration depth and remarkably higher mechanical properties or in a higher saturation of the surface layer. For the experimental tests, an organic solvent-based ethyl silicate (or tetra-ethyl-ortho-silicate, TEOS) was selected, as it is the most commonly-used product in stone consolidation. Brushing was selected as the application method, because it is widely used in current practice and because it involves a discontinuous fluid supply to the stone, possibly causing an over-accumulation of product near the surface. Two different treatments were compared: brushing application by 5 strokes (T1) and 10 strokes (T2). The effect of the two treatments, applied on a porous limestone, was evaluated in terms of increase in mechanical properties (tensile strength, resistance to abrasion), alteration in microstructural features (determined by mercury intrusion porosimetry) and penetration depth (assessed by visual inspection of fractured samples, water sorptivity test and dynamic X-ray radiography). The results of the study indicate that increasing the number of TEOS applications from 5 to 10 brush strokes leads to a higher (but less than proportional) increase in mechanical properties (+33 % for T1, +47 % for T2) and a higher penetration depth (7–8 mm for T1, 12–13 mm for T2), while no accumulation of the additional product near the surface and no hard crust formation were found.

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PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate conjunctival melanoma outcomes based on American Joint Committee on Cancer classification. The study design constituted a nonrandomized interventional case series. METHODS This was a retrospective chart review comprising 343 participants, and the main outcome measures were melanoma local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and death. RESULTS On the basis of the American Joint Committee on Cancer classification (seventh edition), conjunctival melanoma was classified as T1 (196 [57%]), T2 (110 [32%]), T3 (37 [11%]), and T4 (0). The mean tumor basal diameter increased with tumor staging with 8.5 mm for T1, 12.7 mm for T2 (p = 0.0003), and 16 mm for T3 (p < 0.0001). The melanoma arose from primary acquired melanosis (T1 = 71%; T2 = 84%; T3 = 81%), preexisting nevus (T1 = 8%; T2 = 5%; T3 = 3%), or de novo (T1 = 21%; T2 = 12%; T3 = 16%). Outcomes at 5 years (Kaplan-Meier) revealed melanoma local recurrence/new tumor in 44% T1, 78% T2 (p < 0.0001), and 76% T3 (P=0.0044); regional lymph node metastasis in 17% T1, 52% T2 (p < 0.0001), and 49% T3 (p = 0.0092); melanoma-related distant metastasis in 11% T1, 35% T2 (p < 0.0001), and 42% T3 (p = 0.0018); and melanoma-related death in 5% T1, 20% T2 (p = 0.0655), and 23% T3 (p = 0.0526). Based on American Joint Committee on Cancer classification, factors predictive of melanoma recurrence included T2 stage (p < 0.0001), and T3 stage (p = 0.0061). After adjusting for tumor origin, factors predictive of regional lymph node metastasis, melanoma-related distant metastasis, and melanoma-related death included melanoma arising de novo (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001), T2 stage (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p = 0.007), and T3 stage (p = 0.005; p = 0.0014; p = 0.0342). CONCLUSION The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging predicts prognosis of conjunctival melanoma. Melanoma classified as T2 and T3 (compared with T1) showed significantly higher rates of local recurrence, regional lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and death.

115 EFFECT OF FEED SUPLEMENTATION ON PREGNANCY RATE AND EMBRYONIC SURVIVAL IN ALPACAS (VICUGNA PACOS)

Alpacas, like all camelids are induced ovulators which means mating is required to induce ovulation. Studies over the last decades have clearly established the link between nutrition and ruminant fertility. These animals live above 4000 m with a deficient quality and quantity of pastures and with a rate of birth less than 50%. The study was carried out with the objective to evaluate feed supplementation before service on the pregnancy rate and embryonic survival in alpacas. One hundred ninety-four alpaca adults of 4–6 years were assigned to 4 treatments: T1 (n = 49): alpacas lactating with supplementation; T2 (n = 48): alpacas lactating without supplementation; T3 (n = 49): alpacas non-lactating with supplementation and T4 (n = 48): slpacas non-lactating without supplementation. Body weight and body condition score were measured before the initiation of the experiment and every two weeks. Animals in T1 and T3 were supplemented with 2 kg of alfalfa hay and 500.00 UI mL–1 of vitamin A, 75 000 UI mL–1 vitamin D3 and 500 mg mL–1 vitamin E four weeks before the initiation of the experiment. Animals were maintained on Festuca dolichophylla and Calamagrostis vicunarum grasses. Ultrasound examinations with a rectal probe of 7.5 MHz were performed on mating day (Day 0) and Days 2, 9, 20, 30, and 60 after mating. Pregnancy rate was evaluated with a Fisher test. Follicular size before mating was 9.1 ± 0.7, 8.3 ± 0.5, 8.2 ± 0.6 and 7.9 ± 0.8 mm for T1, T2, T3, and T4; differences between T1 and T4 were significant (P &lt; 0.05); corpus luteum size: 13.6 ± 1.1; 11.2 ± 0.9; 11.6 ± 1.3 and 10.8 ± 1.9 mm for T1, T2, T3, and T4; different T1 and T3 and T4 (P &lt; 0.05); conception rate on Day 20: 65.6; 51.7; 52.9 and 51.1% for T1, T2, T3, and T4 different between T1 with respect to T2, T3, and T4 (P &lt; 0.05). Day 30: 62.5; 37.9; 47.1 and 33.3% for T1, T2, T3, and T4 different T1 with respect to T2, T3, and T4 (P &lt; 0.05); D60: 62.5; 34.5; 47.1 and 30.3% different for T1 with respect to T2, T3, and T4 (P &lt; 0.05). Feed supplementation before mating was important to conception rate on Day 20 but appeared to be more important to embryo and fetal survival.

American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Clinical Classification Predicts Conjunctival Melanoma Outcomes

The aim of this study was to evaluate conjunctival melanoma outcomes based on American Joint Committee on Cancer classification. The study design constituted a nonrandomized interventional case series. This was a retrospective chart review comprising 343 participants, and the main outcome measures were melanoma local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and death. On the basis of the American Joint Committee on Cancer classification (seventh edition), conjunctival melanoma was classified as T1 (196 [57%]), T2 (110 [32%]), T3 (37 [11%]), and T4 (0). The mean tumor basal diameter increased with tumor staging with 8.5 mm for T1, 12.7 mm for T2 (p = 0.0003), and 16 mm for T3 (p < 0.0001). The melanoma arose from primary acquired melanosis (T1 = 71%; T2 = 84%; T3 = 81%), preexisting nevus (T1 = 8%; T2 = 5%; T3 = 3%), or de novo (T1 = 21%; T2 = 12%; T3 = 16%). Outcomes at 5 years (Kaplan-Meier) revealed melanoma local recurrence/new tumor in 44% T1, 78% T2 (p < 0.0001), and 76% T3 (P=0.0044); regional lymph node metastasis in 17% T1, 52% T2 (p < 0.0001), and 49% T3 (p = 0.0092); melanoma-related distant metastasis in 11% T1, 35% T2 (p < 0.0001), and 42% T3 (p = 0.0018); and melanoma-related death in 5% T1, 20% T2 (p = 0.0655), and 23% T3 (p = 0.0526). Based on American Joint Committee on Cancer classification, factors predictive of melanoma recurrence included T2 stage (p < 0.0001), and T3 stage (p = 0.0061). After adjusting for tumor origin, factors predictive of regional lymph node metastasis, melanoma-related distant metastasis, and melanoma-related death included melanoma arising de novo (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001), T2 stage (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p = 0.007), and T3 stage (p = 0.005; p = 0.0014; p = 0.0342). The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging predicts prognosis of conjunctival melanoma. Melanoma classified as T2 and T3 (compared with T1) showed significantly higher rates of local recurrence, regional lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and death.

Effects of plastic film mulch and tillage on maize productivity and soil parameters

This paper determined the effects of mulching time for double furrows and ridges using plastic film on soil water status, grain yield of maize, soil quality, and economic benefits. The study was conducted in a typical semiarid area during two growing seasons of 2006–2007 with the following three treatments: (i) plastic film mulching at maize sowing with conventional tillage, and the film was removed at harvest (CK); (ii) mulching applied 30 d before sowing with conventional tillage, and the film was removed at harvest (T1); and (iii) mulching at sowing with no-tillage, and the film left on the field after harvest in the first season and used for mulching in the second season (T2). The T1 in both years and T2 in the second year (2007) improved soil water content (in the 0–60 cm layer) and temperature (10 cm) at sowing compared with CK. After the two seasons, the soil water content was significantly higher in the 0–80 cm soil layer in CK and T1, and in the 0–120 cm soil layer in T2; however, it decreased significantly in 140–200 cm soil layer in CK and T1, compared to their initial values at sowing in April 2006, and there was no significant change in T2. The rainfall storage in the 0–200 cm soil layer during the non-growing season (late September 2006 to late April 2007) was 18.2 mm in CK, 34.0 mm in T1, and 59.7 mm in T2, and the rainfall storage in 100–200 cm soil layer was 16.5 and 18.6 mm higher in T2 than in CK and T1, respectively. In 2006, there were no significant differences in yield and water use efficiency (WUE) in all treatments. In 2007, the yield in T1 was significantly higher than in T2, but yields in T2 and CK were not significantly different, and there was no significant difference in WUE among treatments. Soil organic carbon (SOC) (0–20 cm) decreased in CK and T1, but increased (by 2.7%) in T2 at harvesting in September 2007 from the initial value of sowing in April 2006. The ratio of output to input was 1.32:1 for CK, 1.40:1 for T1, and 1.67:1 for T2 averaged across the two seasons. Therefore, T2 was a more sustainable model for increasing water storage, producing greater economic benefit and maintaining SOC balance for maize production in semiarid area.