Transport and turnover of microtubules in frog neurons depend on the pattern of axonal growth

Empirical analysis of the profitability of moderate grazing are presented based on sample dairy farms in Pennsylvania and New York. Net income per cow was higher for dairy farms that employed moderate intensive grazing than for dairy farms that employed extensive grazing. Income appeared to be adequate for family living expenses, but moderate intensive grazing could not be considered a high profit system. Detailed analyses of dairy farms that employed moderate and extensive grazing in northern Pennsylvania indicated that returns to management and owner equity were higher for pasture enterprises than for corn silage or hay enterprises. Positive dairy profits were related to lower feed costs. Milk production was lower on farms that employed moderate grazing than on farms that employed extensive grazing. Logit regression analysis characterized farms that employed moderate intensive grazing as oriented toward dairy rather than toward crop production; these farms had lower culling rates and a greater dependence on milk sales as a share of total sales. The reduced use of fertilizers and chemicals suggests that moderate grazing had environmentally sustainable features.     

Agricultural use of antibiotics and the evolution and transfer of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Microbial Resistance to antibiotics is on the rise, in part because of inappropriate use of antibiotics in human medicine but also because of practices in the agricultural industry. Intensive animal production involves giving livestock animals large quantities of antibiotics to promote growth and prevent infection. These uses promote the selection of antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations. The resistant bacteria from agricultural environments may be transmitted to humans, in whom they cause disease that cannot be treated by conventional antibiotics. The author reviews trends in antibiotic use in animal husbandry and agriculture in general. The development of resistance is described, along with the genetic mechanisms that create resistance and facilitate its spread among bacterial species. Particular aspects of resistance in bacterial species common to both the human population and the agrifood industry are emphasized. Control measures that might reverse the current trends are highlighted.     

Laparoscopic esophagomyotomy and antireflux procedure with intraoperative manometry

We have been routinely performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and antireflux procedures. Having this experience, we decided to assess the feasibility and safety of performing a laparoscopic esophagomyotomy and antireflux procedure. Here we present a case of a 37-year-old man with a history of progressive dysphagia and a diagnosis of achalasia, made on the basis of clinical, endoscopic, and manometric studies. Preoperative manometry reported a pressure of 52 mm Hg (normal, 15-25 mm Hg) for 4.5 cm (normal, > 3 cm). Laparoscopic esophagomyotomy and anterior fundoplication were performed. The esophagomyotomy included a 6-cm segment of distal esophagus and 2 cm of stomach; postoperative manometry was 18 mm Hg for 3 cm. Eight months postoperatively, a barium swallow demonstrated no reflux. Laparoscopic esophagomyotomy and antireflux procedure can be performed with efficacy and safety, with the advantage of a shorter hospitalization and an early recovery compared with the traditional procedure. Also, we emphasize the importance of the intraoperative manometry in the relevance of a concomitant antireflux procedure.     

Moving toward a global psychology: Changing theories and practice to meet the needs of a changing world.

Increasingly, the United States is becoming internationalized as a result of sophisticated communication technologies that put us in touch with countries known previously to only a few, through economic development and multinational investment, and by the immigration of people who are sometimes fleeing hostile homelands. US citizens, like others abroad, will need to be responsive to the demands of a multiethnic, multiracial, and multinational society. The challenges of this changing world can and will range from such dilemmas as ethical decisions of who can and will have access to expensive technology that saves and prolongs life; to the development of conflict management strategies for peaceful coexistence with neighbors whose behaviors, beliefs, and values are strongly shaped by their religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic circumstances. With the inauguration of this section, US psychology is invited to consider its contribution to meeting the needs of a changing society. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factors affecting serum oxytetracycline levels in beef calves

Fifteen Aberdeen Angus steers, 295-364 kg, were dosed with either 4.4 or 11 mg of oxytetracycline hydrochloride/kg im. The antimicrobial activity of the serum was determined periodically, and the resulting data were treated statistically to determine the sources of variation. Variance in serum levels of oxytetracycline activity was attributed to dose, time of bleeding, order of dosing, animal, and assay. The total variance component was proportionately greater for the 11-mg/kg dose than for the 4.4-mg/kg dose. Animal variance increased with the higher dose level of oxytetracycline. The influence of dose on serum level was tested by applying a t test to the mean serum levels and their standard deviations at each bleeding time. The 4.4- and 11-mg/kg serum levels were significantly different (p less than 0.01) at all bleeding times. The 4.4-mg/kg serum levels mutliplied by 2.5 were not significantly different (p less than 0.05) from the 11-mg/kg serum levels at all bleeding times.     

Persistent acute renal failure with renal artery stenosis: cure following reconstructive arterial operation

A case of acute renal failure is reported in which renal function returned after surgical correction of renal artery stenosis to the sole functioning kidney. Acute renal failure associated with renal vascular lesions is reviewed. Although often clinically apparent vascular obstruction may be asymptomatic and should be considered in cases of prolonged acute renal failure.