Micronutrients of special concern for the vegan include vitamins B-12 and D, calcium, and long-chain n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids. Unless vegans regularly consume foods that are fortified with these nutrients, appropriate supplements should be consumed. In some cases, iron and zinc status of vegans may also be of concern because of the limited

bioavailability of these minerals. Am J Clin Nutr 2009; 89(suppl): 1627S-33S.”
“Polymeric micelles are frequently used to transport and deliver drugs throughout the body because they protect against degradation. Research on functional polymeric micelles for biomedical applications has generally shown that micelles have beneficial properties, such as specific functionality, enhanced specific tumor targeting,

and stabilized nanostructures. The particular aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize multifunctional polymeric micelles for use in controlled drug delivery systems and biomedical https://www.selleckchem.com/products/stattic.html imaging. In this study, a theranostic agent, doxorubicin/superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-encapsulated Pluronic F127 (F127) micelles, was developed for AZD6738 PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor dual chemotherapy/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) purposes, and the structure and composition of the micellar SPIO were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and magnetic measurements. Our results revealed that the micellar SPIO with a diameter of around 100 nm led to a significant advantage in terms of T2 relaxation as compared with a commercial SPIO contrast agent (Resovist (R)) without cell toxicity. After doxorubicin encapsulation,

a dose-dependent darkening of MR images was observed and HeLa cells were killed by this theranostic micelle. These findings demonstrate that F127 micelles containing chemotherapeutic agents and SPIO could be used as a multifunctional nanocarrier for cancer treatment and imaging. (c) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3357344]“
“The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of sport to the association between physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL).

Cross-sectional data were gathered on 4,909 subjects (age 15-69) from the French National Barometer 2005 survey. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) were administered. An additional EPZ015666 ic50 question was used to assess sporting activity. All analyses used linear regression models and were adjusted on variables associated with QoL in a general population.

The mean age of the participants (both men and women) decreased with increasing PA level. Sport was positively associated with QoL among men (beta range from 4.2 [95 % CI 3.1-5.4] for physical health to 2.4 [95 % CI 1.1-3.8] for social relationship domains) and women (beta range from 3.6 [95 % CI 2.6-4.5] for physical health to 1.6 [95 % CI 0.6-2.8] for social relationship domains).

2). The patients in the IG had lower systolic blood pressures during admission and prior the administration of analgesics in comparison to the CG. Postprocedure, results from administering the HADS-A demonstrated that the IG had 33% lower anxiety (P = 0.02) than CG patients.

Conclusion: The implementation of basic relaxation teaching techniques prior to planned electrophysiology procedures lowers systolic blood pressure and postprocedural anxiety. (PACE 2011: 34: 821-826)”
“An elegantly simple and probably ancient

molecular mechanism of allostery is described for the Escherichia coli arginine repressor ArgR, the master feedback regulator of transcription in L-arginine metabolism. Molecular dynamics simulations with ArgRC, the hexameric domain that binds L-arginine with negative cooperativity, reveal that conserved arginine and aspartate GNS-1480 Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor residues in each ligand-binding pocket promote rotational oscillation of apoArgRC trimers by engagement and release of hydrogen-bonded salt bridges. Binding of exogenous L-arginine displaces resident arginine residues and arrests oscillation, shifting the equilibrium quaternary ensemble and promoting motions that maintain the configurational entropy of the system.

A single L-arg ligand is necessary and sufficient to arrest oscillation, and enables formation of a cooperative hydrogen-bond network at the subunit interface. The results are used to construct a free-energy BAY 11-7082 supplier reaction coordinate that accounts for the negative cooperativity and distinctive thermodynamic signature of L-arginine www.selleckchem.com/products/prn1371.html binding detected by calorimetry. The symmetry of the hexamer is maintained as each ligand binds, despite the conceptual asymmetry of partially-liganded states. The

results thus offer the first opportunity to describe in structural and thermodynamic terms the symmetric relaxed state predicted by the concerted allostery model of Monod, Wyman, and Changeux, revealing that this state is achieved by exploiting the dynamics of the assembly and the distributed nature of its cohesive free energy. The ArgR example reveals that symmetry can be maintained even when binding sites fill sequentially due to negative cooperativity, which was not anticipated by the Monod, Wyman, and Changeux model. The molecular mechanism identified here neither specifies nor requires a pathway for transmission of the allosteric signal through the protein, and it suggests the possibility that binding of free amino acids was an early innovation in the evolution of allostery.”
“The effect of surface alignment on the achievement of analog (“”V”"-shaped) electric field control of director rotation in SmC* liquid crystal devices is investigated experimentally and through numerical modeling. Ferroelectric SmC* liquid crystals are intrinsically analog and thresholdless, i.e. the director can be rotated freely around the tilt cone.

The most common mutation in the Cx26 gene linked to nonsyndromic deafness is 35DG, a frameshift mutation leading to an early stop codon. The large number of deaf individuals homozygous for 35DG do not develop skin disease. Similarly, there is abundant experimental evidence to suggest that other Cx26 loss-of-function mutations cause deafness, but not skin disease. By contrast, Cx26 mutations that cause both skin diseases and deafness are all single amino acid changes. Since nonsyndromic deafness is predominantly a loss-of-function disorder, it follows that the syndromic mutants must show an

alteration, or gain, of function to cause skin disease. Here, we summarise the functional consequences and clinical XMU-MP-1 molecular weight phenotypes resulting from Cx26 mutations that cause deafness and skin disease.”
“A three dimensional scaffold is essential in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) delivery in cell-based therapy for facilitating cell adherence, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The objectives of this GPCR Compound Library study were to evaluate the possibility of beta-tricalcium phosphate incorporated gelatin sponges (Gelatin/beta-TCP sponge) as scaffolds

for equine MSCs and to examine the effects of seeding density and seeding method on the proliferation of equine MSCs in the Gelatin/beta-TCP sponges. Mononuclear cells and MSCs isolated from bone marrow were seeded into Gelatin/beta-TCP sponges at different densities by different seeding methods-static or agitated methods. Proliferation of the MSCs in Gelatin/beta-TCP was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and histological examination. Distribution and proliferation of MSCs in the Gelatin/beta-TCP sponge were observed, and the Gelatin/beta-TCP sponge supported limited growth when seeded at high density. We also found that the agitated seeding method enhanced the proliferation of MSCs. This study demonstrated the suitability of Gelatin/beta-TCP sponges for the proliferation and maintenance of equine MSCs. These results contribute to the application

of MSC-seeded Gelatin/beta-TCP sponges in equine medicine. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Thermal injury destroys Vorasidenib concentration the physical skin barrier that normally prevents invasion of microorganisms. This and concomitant depression of local and systemic host cellular and humoral immune responses are important factors that contribute to colonization and infection of the burn wound. One of the most common burn wound pathogens is Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is both a human commensal and a frequent cause of infections leading to mild to life-threatening diseases. Despite a variety of infection control measures, for example patient cohorting and contact precaution at burn centres, S. aureus is still frequently encountered in burn wounds. Colonization with S. aureus has been associated with delayed wound healing, increased need for surgical interventions, and prolonged length of stay at burn centres.

1% vs. 1805/4425, 40.8%, P < 0.01) among patients with spontaneous otorrhea than in patients with AOM and tympanocentesis. In the multivariate model,

Bedouin Torin 1 cost ethnicity (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2-1.7, P < 0.001), age (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0-1.11, P < 0.001) for each consecutive month, lack of antibiotic treatment for the 48 hours preceding diagnosis (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.7-2.6, P < 0.00 1), >= 1 previous AOM episode (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 2.6-4.0, P < 0,001), >1 previous tympanocentesis (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.4-1.7, P = 0.001), and infection with S. pyogenes (OR: 8.2, 95% CI: 5.4-12.3, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for AOM presenting as spontaneous otorrhea.

Conclusions: AOM presenting as spontaneous otorrhea in patients less than

3 years of age is characterized by older age, previous repeated tympanocenteses, >= 1 previous AOM episodes, lack of recent antibiotic treatment, and infection with S. pyogene.”
“P>Delayed graft function still represents learn more a major complication in clinical kidney transplantation. Here we tested the possibility to improve functional outcome of cold stored kidneys a posteriori by short-term hypothermic machine perfusion immediately prior to reperfusion. A total of 18 kidneys from female German Landrace pigs was flushed with Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate solution and cold-stored for 18 h (control). Some grafts were subsequently subjected

3-Methyladenine price to 90 min of hypothermic reconditioning by hypothermic machine perfusion with (HR+O(2)) or without (HR-O(2)) oxygenation of the perfusate. Early graft function of all kidneys was assessed thereafter by warm reperfusion in vitro (n = 6, respectively). Renal function upon reperfusion was significantly enhanced by HR+O(2) with more than threefold increase in renal clearances of creatinine and urea. HR+O(2) also led to significantly higher urinary flow rates and abrogated the activation of caspase 3. By contrast, HR-O(2) was far less effective and only resulted in minor differences compared to control. It is derived from the present data that initial graft function can be significantly improved by 2 h of oxygenated machine perfusion after arrival of the preserved organ in the transplantation clinic.”
“Background: Interobserver reliability for the classification of proximal humeral fractures is limited. The aim of this study was to test the null hypothesis that interobserver reliability of the AO classification of proximal humeral fractures, the preferred treatment, and fracture characteristics is the same for two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography (CT).

6 dB (95% CI, 18.1 – 19.1) in the group without vein graft, compared with 24.2 dB (95% CI, 23.9 – 24.6) in the group with vein graft (mean difference, 5.6 dB; 95% CI, 5.0 – 6.2). The mean gain in AC was 19.5 dB (95% CI, 18.7 – 20.3) in the group without vein graft, compared with 24.3 dB (95% CI, 23.7 – 24.7) in the group with vein graft (mean difference, 4.8 dB; 95% CI, 3.8 – 5.7).

Conclusion: Patients with otosclerosis undergoing primary stapes surgery may benefit more from a vein graft interposition.

Level of Evidence: 2B”
“Background: Recent studies, performed with the use

of a commercially available diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) sequence, showed that they are sensitive to the increase of water Epigenetic inhibitors library content in the myocardium and may be used as an alternative to the standard T-2-weighted sequences. The aim of this study was to compare two methods of myocardial edema imaging: DWI and T-2-TIRM.

Methods: The study included 91 acute and post STEMI patients. We applied a qualitative and quantitative image analysis. The qualitative analysis consisted of evaluation of the quality of blood suppression, presence of artifacts and occurrence of high signal (edema) areas. On the basis of edema detection in AMI and control (post STEMI) group, the sensitivity and specificity of TIRM and DWI were determined. Two contrast to noise ratios (CNR) were calculated: CNR1

– the contrast between edema and healthy myocardium and CNR2 – the contrast between edema and intraventricular AL3818 Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor blood pool. JNK-IN-8 solubility dmso The area of edema was measured for both TIRM and DWI sequences and compared with the infarct size in LGE images.

Results: Edema occurred more frequently in the DWI sequence. A major difference was observed in the inferior wall, where an edema-high signal was observed in 46% in T-2-TIRM, whereas in the DWI

sequence in 85%. An analysis of the image quality parameters showed that the use of DWI sequence allows complete blood signal suppression in the left ventricular cavity and reduces the occurrence of motion artifacts. However, it is connected with a higher incidence of magnetic susceptibility artifacts and image distortion. An analysis of the CNRs showed that CNR1 in T-2-TIRM sequence depends on the infarct location and has the lowest value for the inferior wall. The area of edema measured on DWI images was significantly larger than in T-2-TIRM.

Conclusions: DWI is a new technique for edema detection in patients with acute myocardial infarction which may be recommended for the diagnosis of acute injuries, especially in patients with slow-flow artifacts in TIRM images.”
“Objective: Is sudden sensorineural hearing loss associated with Lyme disease in adults?

Study Design: A retrospective case report and a systematic literature search in PubMed and Embase were performed.

Future workflow models for telestroke consultation will need to be reconsidered to optimize quality of care and clinical efficiency.”
“Lung cancer (LC) continues to represent a heavy burden

for health care systems worldwide. Quisinostat nmr Epidemiological studies predict that its role will increase in the near future. While patient prognosis is strongly associated with tumour stage and early detection of disease, no screening test exists so far. It has been suggested that electronic sensor devices, commonly referred to as ‘electronic noses’, may be applicable to identify cancer-specific volatile organic compounds in the breath of patients and therefore may represent promising screening technologies. However, three decades of research did not bring forward a clinically applicable device. Here, we propose a new research approach selleck kinase inhibitor by involving specially trained sniffer dogs into research strategies by making use of their ability to identify LC in the breath sample of patients.”
“Background

Polyoma BK virus nephropathy (PVN) is a leading cause of renal allograft injury and loss. The mainstay of treatment, as there are no target therapies approved by the US Food & Drug Administration, is reduction

in immunosuppression. However, current approaches are shifting to screening for viremia as an indicator of oncoming nephropathy, with subsequent reduction in immunotherapy. We attempted not only to replicate these data but also to evaluate MAPK Inhibitor Library manufacturer the utility of polyoma viremia as a surrogate marker for overimmunosuppression in general, thus allowing prevention not only

of PVN but also of other viral opportunistic infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) disease.

Patients and methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of renal transplant recipients at our center. The historical controls (2003-2005, n=134) had received their allograft before the institution of a monthly serum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) polyoma screening protocol. The screened cohort received their allograft afterwards (2006-2008, n=134). Screening was performed using PCR techniques with prompt reduction in immunosuppression for viremic patients. The patients were followed for the development of PVN, acute rejection, renal allograft function, and survival.

Results

Polyoma viremia was noted in 16% of the screened population, with none developing PVN after prompt reduction of immunosuppression. Clearance of the viremia occurred by 6 months in 95% of the patients after reduction of immunotherapy. No patient in the screened group developed CMV or EBV disease. Of the controls, 7 (5%) developed PVN and 12 (9%) developed CMV or EBV disease, compared with none of the screened patients (P < 0.05). The incidence of acute rejection was comparable between the groups (4% controls, 5% screened).

Jaw movements, TMJ healing, condylar remodeling, and

recurrence of ankylosis were assessed by clinical, radiological, and histological examinations.

Results. Both transport distraction and costochondral graft established a neo-condyle separating from the pseudo-disc JNK-IN-8 clinical trial with a joint space. The ankylosis scores were higher in the distraction side in the first 12 weeks. Both techniques showed no significant difference in the calcification scores and recurrence of ankylosis in the long term. The maximal jaw movements in 3 directions returned to the pre-ankylosis stage by both methods.

Conclusions. Distraction osteogenesis is an effective reconstruction method for TMJ ankylosis, matching the gold standard of costochondral grafting. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 108: 32-40)”
“One of the most interesting properties of agrofilled polymer composites is their light weight. Polypropylene composites containing six different agrofillers were prepared in a mixer, and their properties were examined in terms of the density of the fillers and composites. The densities of the composites increased with the level of filler but did not show

a direct relationship with the density of the fillers used. This probably happened because of the different degrees of filler densification during processing. The composites showed decreased tensile strength and increased elastic modulus 4SC-202 with filler loads, and the specific mechanical Poziotinib in vitro properties showed similar trends. However, the addition

of maleated polypropylene improved the tensile strength and decreased the density; this improved the specific properties of the composites filled with cane, wood, and bamboo. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 117: 400-408, 2010″
“The addition of low loss ilmenite impurities, can effectively tailor the dielectric properties of MgTiO3 without modifying the crystal structure. In the present study, the modification of the structural and dielectric properties of sol gel derived MgTiO3 films by doping with Ni and Zn is exploited. The change of the dielectric response and unit cell parameters of doped MgTiO3 is correlated with Ni and Zn occupancy. The temperature stability of MgTiO3 thin films is improved with doping, while the dielectric losses are aggravated with both Zn and Ni doping, which is correlated with the localized d electrons of the dopant cations. The dielectric permittivity decreased with Ni doping while it increased with Zn, which is attributed to the lower ionic polarizability of Ni2+ (1.23 angstrom(3)) as in comparison with Mg2+ (1.32 angstrom(3)) while Zn2+ has a higher ionic polarizability (2.04 angstrom(3)). (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3356938]“
“Nutritional and environmental effects on the amino acid, wax, and suint contents and color of raw cashmere were investigated.

“
“The present work was aimed to rationally design and synthesizes pH-sensitive crosslinked pectin/acrylic acid hydrogels for studying release pattern of alfuzosin HCl. Such hydrogels were prepared through free radical polymerizations. Then these materials were used as model systems Selleckchem BMS202 to envisage various important characterizations like Fourier Transform

Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (X-RD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis. In vitro release pattern of alfuzosin HCl was investigated in buffer solutions of pH 1.2, 5.5 and 7.5. The release kinetics was evaluated by applying zero order, first order, Higuchi and Peppas kinetic models. Dynamic and equilibrium swelling analysis was performed to predict release behavior and releasing site. Remarkable swelling was observed at higher pH values. FTIR spectra showed intensity of esterified carboxyl group at 1755.92 cm(-1), which is of pure pectin, shifted to lower frequency indicating interaction between pectin and acrylic acid. Thermo gravimetric analysis indicated increase in thermal stability while Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results showed increase in enthalpy after copolymerization. The release of drug followed zero check details order and exhibited non-fickian diffusion mechanism. As maximum

of the drug released at pH 7.5, it depicts the character of this developed polymer as a suitable candidate for colon specific drug delivery.”
“Computer-assisted navigation systems are largely used for pedicle screws positioning in degenerative and traumatic spine surgery.

In oncologic spine surgery its use is still developing and could be extended for tumor identification and excision. Aim of this paper is to present our experience.

Seven selected patients (5 females, 2 males), mean age 44 years (min learn more 17-max 62) affected by primary benign or malignant tumors of the spine or spine metastases were surgically treated with the use of computer-assisted navigation system from March to October 2011.

At 18 months mean F.U. (min 15-max 23), no LR were observed. Revision surgery was necessary only in one case for C1 pedicle screw malpositioning.

Navigation system can improve surgical accuracy in screws placement and tumor localization and excision. Learning curve and technical aspects must be considered to avoid potential serious mistakes.”
“The intestinal tight junction (TJ) barrier plays a key role in intestinal barrier. N-(6-oxo-5,6dihydro-phenanthridin-2-yl)-N, N-dimethylacetamide HCl (PJ34), a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitor, has been shown to attenuate heat shock-induced intestinal hyperpermeability and heat stroke-induced cytokine response. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether PJ34 could protect intestinal TJ barrier from heat stroke-induced damage. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats untreated or treated with PJ34 were subjected to heat exposure.

These data revealed several features of the chromoplast. Proteins of lipid metabolism and trafficking were well represented, including all the proteins of the lipoxygenase pathway

required for the synthesis of lipid-derived aroma volatiles. Proteins involved in starch synthesis co-existed with several starch-degrading proteins and starch excess proteins. Chromoplasts lacked proteins of the chlorophyll check details biosynthesis branch and contained proteins involved in chlorophyll degradation. None of the proteins involved in the thylakoid transport machinery were discovered. Surprisingly, chromoplasts contain the entire set of Calvin cycle proteins including Rubisco, as well as the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OxPPP). The present proteomic analysis, combined with available physiological data, provides new insights into the metabolic characteristics of the tomato chromoplast and enriches our knowledge of non-photosynthetic plastids.”
“Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have an increased Smoothened Agonist research buy risk of developing depression as compared with healthy subjects and patients with many other chronic neurological conditions. The observation that depressive

symptoms can precede the onset of neurological symptoms suggests that depression may be related to early disease-specific processes. Several pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed to explain the etiology of depression in patients with MS. This article reviews the current evidence for the contribution of lesional, autoimmune, OICR-9429 iatrogenic, and psychosocial factors. It appears that the etiology of depression is multifactorial and varies in individual patients with MS. (The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 2011; 23:261-276)”
“Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a maternally inherited blinding disease with variable penetrance. Three primary mitochondrial DNA mutations, affecting the respiratory complex I, are

necessary but not sufficient to cause blindness. Reduced efficiency of ATP synthesis and increased oxidative stress are believed to sensitize the retinal ganglion cells to apoptosis. Different therapeutic strategies are considered to counteract this pathogenic mechanism. However, potential treatments for the visual loss are complicated by the fact that patients are unlikely to benefit after optic atrophy occurs. There is no proven therapy to prevent or reverse the optic neuropathy in LHON. Results from a recent trial with idebenone hold promise to limit neurodegeneration and improve final outcome, promoting recovery of visual acuity. Other therapeutic options are under scrutiny, including gene therapy, agents increasing mitochondrial biogenesis, and anti-apoptotic drugs.”
“The yellow variegated2 (var2) mutant in Arabidopsis thaliana has been studied as a typical leaf-variegated mutant whose defect results from the lack of FtsH2 metalloprotease in chloroplasts.

5 degrees C, was obtained near the phase-transition temperature.

(C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3641983]“
“Aims: Diffuse and extensive involvement of the scalp/skull by malignancy mandates holo-cranial radiotherapy with the GS-9973 aim to deliver homogeneous doses to the planning target volume (PTV) while minimising the dose to surrounding organs at risk (OARs). Previously described techniques result in significant heterogeneity, suboptimal coverage or poor conformity and need complicated beam matching. Here we report our preliminary experience of planning and delivery of brain-sparing holo-cranial radiotherapy with helical tomotherapy.

Materials and methods: Three patients with extensive involvement of the scalp/skull by malignancy were planned and treated with image-guided

intensity-modulated selleck chemical radiation therapy on helical tomotherapy. The plan evaluation was carried out using standardised dose metrics.

Results: Helical tomotherapy achieved highly conformal and homogeneous dose distributions with substantial OAR sparing in all three patients. The volume of PTV receiving >= 95% of prescribed dose (V(95%)) was >= 98% in all three patients. The mean (standard deviation) homogeneity index and conformity index was 0.046 (0.006) and 0.783 (0.035), respectively. The mean dose to the brain parenchyma outside the PTV was 17.32 Gy (74%), 28.76 Gy (63.9%) and 26.7 Gy (59.3%) for the three patients. The mean (standard deviation) monitor units and beam-on

time was 6939 (985) and 8.10 (1.137) min, respectively. Overall the treatment was very well tolerated with no significant acute toxicity. Early follow-up evaluation revealed a good clinicoradiological response and the absence of local disease progression with no significant sequelae, implying successful application of the treatment paradigm.

Conclusion: Helical tomotherapy is ideally suited for brain-sparing holo-cranial radiotherapy with its exceptional ability of tangential beam delivery resulting in highly conformal and homogenous dose distribution across large, complex target volumes with substantial OAR sparing. (C) 2010 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The aim of this study was to evaluate Selleck SB203580 stress responses evoked by 2 alternative methods for performing the following processing procedures: 1) teeth resection-clipping vs. grinding; 2) tail docking cold vs. hot clipping; 3) identification-ear notch vs. tag; 4) iron administration-injection vs. oral; 5) castration-cords cut vs. torn. Eight to 10 litters of 8-, 2-, and 3-d-old piglets were assigned to each procedure. Within each litter, 2 piglets were assigned to 1 of 4 possible procedures: the 2 alternative methods, a sham procedure, and a sham procedure plus blood sampling.