Great Day Research Articles

Reproductive performance of dairy cows managed with a program aimed at increasing insemination of cows in estrus based on increased physical activity and fertility of timed artificial inseminations

The objective of this study was to compare the reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows using a treatment (TRT) program for second and subsequent artificial insemination (AI) services aimed at (1) increasing AI upon estrus detection based on increased physical activity (AIAct) and (2) increasing fertility of timed AI (TAI) services for cows not AIAct through presynchronization of the estrous cycle and improved physiological milieu before TAI. Cows in the control (CON) group were managed with a program that combined AIAct and TAI after the Ovsynch protocol. After nonpregnancy diagnosis (NPD) by transrectal ultrasonography at 31±3d after AI, cows received the following treatments: (1) CON (n=634), AIAct any time after a previous AI and resynchronization with the Ovsynch-56 protocol (GnRH-7d-PGF2α-56 h-GnRH-16 h-TAI) 1d after NPD, or (2) TRT (n=616): cows with a corpus luteum (CL) ≥20mm (TRT-CL) received a PGF2α injection 1d after NPD, whereas cows with no CL or a CL <20mm (TRT-NoCL) received a GnRH injection 3d after NPD. Cows in TRT-CL and TRT-NoCL not AIAct were enrolled in a 5-d Ovsynch + progesterone protocol (GnRH + controlled internal drug release-5d-PGF2α + controlled internal drug release removal-24 h-PGF2α -32 h-GnRH-16 h-TAI) 9 and 7d after the PGF2α or GnRH injection, respectively, to receive TAI. The hazard of pregnancy up to 270 DIM was similar for cows in the CON and TRT group (hazard ratio=1.07, 95% CI=0.95 to 1.21), but it was affected by parity (primiparous greater than multiparous cows). Median days to pregnancy for the CON and TRT group were 111 and 110d, respectively. When evaluated after 104 DIM (first time point at which cows were affected by the treatments), the hazard of pregnancy was similar for the CON and TRT group (hazard ratio=1.15, 95% CI=0.95 to 1.39). Based on this analysis, median days to pregnancy for the CON and TRT group were 161 and 178d, respectively. Thus, in spite of increasing the proportion of cows AIAct (29 and 10% for TRT and CON), median days to insemination after NPD were greater for cows in the TRT (17d) than the CON (10d) group, which coupled with similar fertility to AIAct, and TAI failed to improve overall reproductive performance. A low proportion of cows with a CL at NPD (65.2%) and a poor response to PGF2α may explain the poor estrus detection efficiency in the TRT group. We concluded that, when compared with a typical estrus detection and TAI program for cows failing to conceive to previous AI services, a program aimed at increasing the proportion of cows AIAct after NPD and fertility of TAI services increased the proportion of cows AIAct but failed to reduce days to pregnancy during lactation because of greater days to AI after NPD.

Day 45 Lymphocyte Recovery Is Independently Associated with Transplant-Related Mortality after Adult Myeloablative Double-Unit Cord Blood Transplantation (dCBT)

▪Background: Our center has reported that the infused viable CD34+ cell dose of the dominant unit determines the speed & success of neutrophil recovery after dCBT (Purtill et al, Blood 2014). However, how unit characteristics affect lymphocyte recovery has not been determined, & the effect of both delayed neutrophil & lymphocyte recoveries on transplant-related mortality (TRM) requires investigation.Methods: The association between 1) dominant unit characteristics (TNC, CD34+, CD3+ cell doses & 8-allele HLA-match) & lymphocyte recovery, & 2) the effect of both neutrophil & lymphocyte recoveries on TRM were analyzed in 98 adult myeloablative dCBT recipients (median age 42 years, range 16-69) transplanted for hematologic malignancies. The analysis was restricted to adults given the significant differences in patients (pts), grafts, & neutrophil recovery in children.Results: The cumulative incidence of day 45 neutrophil engraftment ≥ 0.5 x 109/L was 96% (95%CI:89-99) with a median recovery of 25 days (range 12-43). The day 45 cumulative incidence of lymphocyte engraftment ≥ 0.2 x 109/L was also 96% (95%CI:89-99, median 25 days, range 12-59). Dominant unit infused viable CD34+ cell dose determined both neutrophil (as previously reported) & also lymphocyte recovery. To analyze if the speed & success of neutrophil & lymphocyte recovery are important in determining subsequent TRM in engrafting pts, we performed a day 45 landmark analysis of the 93 patient subset who achieved neutrophil engraftment & were alive 45 days post-dCBT (5 pts with graft failure or early death were excluded). In univariate analysis, a trend toward increased day 45-180 TRM was observed among the 51 pts with delayed neutrophil engraftment > 25 days [HR 2.71 (95%CI 0.88-8.42), p = 0.084], but there was no association between the absolute neutrophil count on day 45 & subsequent TRM. Conversely, while the time to lymphocyte recovery ≥ 0.2 x 109/L was not significant, the day 45 lymphocyte count correlated significantly with day 45-180 TRM. A lymphocyte cut-point of 0.3 x 109/L was identified below which TRM risk was markedly increased: 17 dCBT recipients with a day 45 lymphocyte count < 0.2 had a TRM HR 12.04 (95%CI: 4.33-33.52), p < 0.001 (Figure). Age > 40 years & recipient CMV seropositivity were also associated with a trend toward increased day 45-180 TRM in univariate analysis whereas regimen intensity, disease status, & dominant unit HLA-match were not. Patient demographics (age, weight, disease stage, CMV serostatus, & conditioning intensity) & dominant unit characteristics (infused TNC, viable CD34+, CD3+ cell doses) were similar in pts with day 45 lymphocyte counts > or < 0.2 x 109/L. Low lymphocyte count < 0.2 x 109/L was not explained by differences in corticosteroid therapy. The causes of day 45-180 TRM in pts with low day 45 lymphocytes were organ failure (n = 5) & acute GVHD (n = 4) with one patient dying of infection. On multivariate analysis, day 45 lymphocyte count < 0.2 x 109/L was independently associated with a greater day 45-180 TRM risk (p < 0.001, Table) while a trend was observed for delayed neutrophil engraftment (p = 0.069). Recipient age > 40 years & CMV serostatus were not significant (p = 0.196 & p = 0.418, respectively). The relationship between lymphocyte recovery & TRM was maintained when the 20 pts on therapy for acute GVHD by day 45 were excluded.Conclusion: Both early neutrophil & lymphocyte recovery are critically important factors in the success of adult myeloablative dCBT. While it is well appreciated that early failure of neutrophil recovery is associated with a very high mortality rate, this analysis of pts engrafting with neutrophils suggests a low lymphocyte count (<0.2) at day 45 was associated with a high risk of early TRM and was an independent and more powerful TRM risk factor than the speed of prior neutrophil recovery. The exact mechanisms that underlie this observation require further investigation but these findings emphasize the importance of considering both neutrophil and lymphocyte recovery in the assessment of the quality of early CB engraftment.TableVariablenHR (95%CI)pSpeed of ANC recovery< 25 days42Reference0.069≥ 25 days512.94 (0.92-9.39)Lymphocyte count at day 45> 0.2 x 109/L76Reference< 0.001< 0.2 x 109/L1712.10 (4.21-34.81)* Recipient age and CMV serostatus were included in the initial model but removed using a backward conditional method. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Effect of delayed breeding during the summer on profitability of dairy cows

The objective of this retrospective observational cohort study, combined with simulation, was to evaluate the effect of extending the voluntary waiting period (VWP) during the summer on profitability on a Florida dairy farm. Data from Holstein cows (n=1,416) that calved between June and September of 2007 and 2008 were used. Cows that calved between June 1 and July 21 (regular group; REG; n=719) were artificially inseminated (AI) for the first time upon estrus detection (ED) after the second PGF2α of the Presynch protocol administered between 57 and 63d in milk (DIM), or underwent timed AI using the Ovsynch protocol (TAI) if not detected in estrus. Cows that calved between July 22 and September 18 (extended group; EXT; n=697) underwent AI for the first time after the first or second PGF2α starting November 14 or November 21 or underwent TAI if not detected in estrus. For second and subsequent AI, all cows underwent AI upon ED or enrolled on TAI after nonpregnancy diagnosis. Following these schemes, average VWP in the REG group and EXT group were 60 and 83d, respectively. Overall profitability for both experimental and subsequent parities were calculated by subtracting the costs existing of feeding costs ($0.30/kg lactating cow diet; $0.25/kg dry cow diet), breeding costs ($2.65/dose PGF2α; $2.40/dose GnRH; $0.25/injection administration; $10/semen straw; $5/AI; $3/pregnancy diagnosis), and other costs ($3/d) from the daily revenues with milk sales ($0.44/kg of milk), cow sales ($1.76/kg of live weight), and calf sales ($140/calf). A herd budget simulation was used to predict future cash flow after culling or end of subsequent parity until 6yr after the start of the study to account for all cash flow consequences of extended VWP. Cows in the EXT group had greater first-service pregnancy per AI (PAI1) but still had greater days open and calving interval. Delaying breeding did not affect total cash flow because the EXT group had greater combined profitability for the experimental parity and subsequent parity but lesser future cash flow. Delayed breeding during the summer increased PAI1 but did not improve overall reproductive efficiency and did not affect overall profitability.

The Island in the Gorge of the Great River

The Island in the Gorge of the Great River Matthew Neill Null (bio) Click for larger view View full resolution [End Page 26] in september, the county sent the dying to the island. This scrap of ground, ten or twelve acres, would have been unremarkable if not for the fact that it was surrounded by water. The island was in the gorge of a brute river, the New, so unruly that the coal had to be hauled out by rail. The track had taken four years to build, including tunnels. There was talk—courthouse talk—of stringing a cable-ferry to send the dying across, but in the end, rafts and pirogues were made to do. To build any bridge over from the mainland would be foolish—what if a heedless patient ran it back some night and brought society her disease? The New River boatmen tied bandannas about their own mouths, all the way up to the eyes, and took pains not to inhale too much, despite their rowing, despite the shortness of their breath. They wouldn’t look at the dying people who reclined in their boats. Drawing close, they heard the puttering of a weird machine: the steam autoclave into which the doctor stuffed bandages. Afterward, their hard money won, the boatmen washed down their hands and implements with burning lye. the island had been timbered over like the rest of the lands, so from the far shore, you could see the dying who milled about. It was thirty yards out in the river—just enough to render the people blurry mystery—near the mouth of Pinch Creek, where it spilled coal slurry into the New. A tote road gave way to a muddy landing where boatmen had tramped down the bank. Across the water, the dying and their nurses slid from building to building, digging graves, washing laundry, unhooking themselves from voluminous greenbrier, wincing at the powerful sun. Not that anyone on the mainland stared. That would be in poor taste. And the region was thinly populated anyhow. The nearest settlement was the coal-camp of Pinch, four miles up hollow, and the miners of Pinch never left. Few had call to pass by the island. Except for the roaming gang of boys. They wished they had field glasses to look through, or even a tube of parchment paper. They left the landing to get a better look, finding the fisherman’s trail that ran for miles along the river, a mere ditch through weeds and the rank, green smell of life. They waved to the islanders. Now and again, an islander waved back. “I know that one,” said a loud boy named Burl. “Oh no you don’t,” the others said. To deny him this glamour. “Yes I do. Look.” One islander was a girl their age, nine, ten. She lifted her skirt and shrieked, a joyful sound that cut through whitewater roar. The boys couldn’t see much, but the pale flash struck them. She wore nothing beneath. At first they were shocked, then fell to the ground in laughing piles. She turned around and let the skirt drop. [End Page 27] The boys would remember it all their lives—or John Drew would anyhow. He felt things more than most. The greatest day. John Drew, sheepish, turned away. He couldn’t believe what he saw. The girl ran off to the infirmary building. There were two or three other dying on the far shore, but none paid the girl’s antics any mind, absorbed as they were in the end of time. “John Drew loves a dead girl,” Burl chanted. “John Drew loves a dead girl.” They laughed at his blushing. They skipped stones, seeing if they could make it to the wretched island. john drew kept thinking of that girl across the waters. She lifted her skirt at him, only him. He returned to Pinch, waiting for the mine whistle to break the day into pieces. When it did, the miners surfaced with empty lunch buckets, leaving the portal, walking the narrow main drag with its bank, commissary, and post office. They found their own company shacks in straggling rows three deep...

O-038 Eosinophil-derived Protectin D1 Attenuates Acute Inflammation during Experimental Colitis

Eosinophils are constituents of the colonic mucosa during homeostasis and increase significantly during inflammation and disease states. While a number of studies suggest that eosinophils contribute to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal inflammation, their role in intestinal health is not certain. We sought to define the impact of eosinophils in a mouse model of acute colitis to provide a greater understanding of the role(s) of these granulocytes during homeostasis. Acute colitis was induced (DSS) in eosinophil competent wild type mice and in 3 models of mice deficient of eosinophils. Physical, histologic, cellular and molecular features were measured. Analysis of lipid mediators was completed in these cohorts and add-back experiments performed. Eosinophil-deficient (PHIL) mouse models developed significantly worse colitis than their eosinophil competent wild type (WT) counterparts (Disease Activity Index: 4.4 points greater day 6, P < 0.001; PHIL versus WT respectively). Eosinophil-deficient mice also succumbed to significantly greater mortality (PHIL–39% death rate versus WT–0% at 7 days). Upon harvest colon length was found to be significantly shorter (44.3 mm versus 53.9 mm, PHIL versus WT respectively; P < 0.001). Tissue injury was significantly greater in PHIL compared to WT DSS colitis challenged mice, as evidenced by histological scoring of ulceration, edema and leukocytic infiltration (19.5 versus 12.1, PHIL versus WT respectively; P < 0.001). Mice experimentally deficient in eosinophils by antibody mediated depletion (TRFK5) or by bone marrow transplantation (PHIL donor into WT recipients) were also found to develop significantly worse clinical and histological measures of colitis. Further analysis revealed a predominance of neutrophils in eosinophil-deficient mice (76.4% versus 45.7%, PHIL versus WT respectively; P < 0.05) and a significantly greater production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in inflamed PHIL versus WT colons (TNF-α [2 fold, P < 0.05], IL-1β [2.9 fold, P < 0.01], IL-6 [3 fold, P < 0.05], and inducible NO synthase [2 fold, P < 0.05]). Lipidomic array of colonic tissue identified a deficiency in protectin D1 in mice deficient in eosinophils (11.1 versus 1.0 ng/g colon, PHIL versus WT respectively, P < 0.0001). Reconstitution of eosinophil-deficient mice with exogenous protectin D1 led to significant decrease of histological scores of colitic inflammation (9.4 versus 16.5, PD1 treated PHIL versus untreated PHIL respectively, P < 0.01) as well as attenuated neutrophil infiltration (54.6% versus 74.5%, PD1 treated PHIL versus untreated PHIL respectively; P < 0.01) and reduced expression of TNF-α (0.7 fold, P < 0.05), IL-1β (0.3 fold, P < 0.05), IL-6 (0.3 fold, P < 0.05), and inducible NO synthase (0.7 fold, P < 0.05). These studies demonstrate that eosinophils exert a protective role in acute mouse colitis through the production of the anti-inflammatory lipid mediator protectin D1.

Dosimetric quality and evolution of edema after low-dose-rate brachytherapy for small prostates: Implications for the use of newer isotopes

To characterize prostate swelling and dosimetry in patients with small prostate volumes (PVs) undergoing brachytherapy. We studied 25 patients with PV <25 cc (range, 15.1-24.8) and 65 patients with PV ≥25 cc (range, 25.0-66.2) based on three-dimensional ultrasound contours who underwent brachytherapy monotherapy with intraoperative planning. Postoperative Days 1 and 30 dosimetry was done by CT-MRI fusion. Small PVs had greater Day 1 swelling than large PVs (32.5% increase in volume vs. 23.7%, p= 0.04), but by Day 30, swelling was minimal and not significantly different (p= 0.44). Small PVs had greater seed and needle densities at implant (p < 0.001). Rectal and urethral doses were nearly identical by Day 30 (small PV rectum receiving 100% of the prescription dose [145Gy] [V100]= 0.32 cc; large PV rectum V100= 0.33 cc, p= 0.99; small PV urethra receiving 150% of the prescription dose [145Gy] [V150]=0.20, large PV urethra V150=0.20, p= 0.91). Swelling at Day 1 created some cool implants (rate dose that covers 90% of the prostate volume [D90 <140Gy=12.0% and 9.4% for the small and large PV groups, respectively, p= 0.71), but Day 30 planning target volume coverage was excellent (rate D90 <140Gy=0% for both groups). Although smaller prostates have greater Day 1 swelling, good Day 30 dosimetry can be achieved, making them excellent candidates for (125)I seeds (half-life [t½]=60 days). Smaller prostates may be suboptimal for shorter t½ sources such as (131)Cs (t½=9.7days), in which the majority of the dose may be delivered to an edematous gland, unless the planning is adjusted to anticipate the edema.

Informal Education and Awareness of the Public in the Field of Waste Management

The modern way of life means that our basic needs are becoming greater day by day. An increasing desire for material goods and a pleasant lifestyle brings with it negative consequences such as an increasing amount of waste. Waste policy in the European Union has been envisioned through the waste management hierarchy. This system gives the greatest emphasis to waste prevention, followed by preparation for reuse, recycling, energy use and the final step, which is disposal. The main problem of excessive amounts of disposing waste in landfill is obscured in the social awareness of waste management. In Slovenia, the educational concept is built to point out and resolve the problem which we have with waste management. The educational concept is based on the raising of people's awareness. This awareness would be achieved in two phases. The first phase of raising awareness would be achieved through the media and through the web. The target group for this phase is adults. Awareness is going to be focused on proper waste management and on the rationale of the waste hierarchy. This concept is based on content such as demonstrating the main mistakes which were made, misconceptions related to treatment and on the benefits obtained by correct handling for achieving a higher rate of waste intended for energy utilization. The second phase of awareness is defined for a target group of all kinds of educators, which could be a school teacher, waste management experts, company directors through non-formal educational mechanisms such as microtraining. In this paper we would like to point out necessity to transfer knowledge about waste management from experts to the general publics, with increasing the awareness of whole populations.

Disrupted Ventromedial Prefrontal Function, Alcohol Craving, and Subsequent Relapse Risk

Alcohol dependence is a chronic relapsing illness; stress, alcohol-related cues, and neutral-relaxing states significantly influence craving and relapse risk. However, neural mechanisms underlying the association between these states and alcohol craving and relapse risk remain unclear. To identify neural correlates associated with alcohol craving and relapse outcomes in 45 treatment-engaged, 4- to 8-week abstinent alcohol-dependent (AD) patients, and to compare brain responses of 30 demographically matched AD patients and 30 healthy control subjects during stress, alcohol, and neutral-relaxing cues. Functional magnetic resonance imaging study while participants were engaging in brief individualized script-driven imagery trials of stress, alcohol cues, and neutral-relaxing scenarios, and a prospective clinical outcome design to assess alcohol relapse 90 days postdischarge from inpatient treatment in the AD group. Inpatient treatment setting in a community mental health center and hospital-based research unit. Forty-five recovering AD patients in inpatient treatment for examining relapse, and 30 healthy control subjects demographically matched to 30 AD patients (subgroup of the relapse sample) for group comparisons. Twelve-step recovery-based addiction treatment for the patient group. Brain response, alcohol craving, and relapse outcome measures (time to relapse and relapse severity). Increased ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activation during neutral-relaxing trials was correlated with high alcohol cue-induced and stress-induced craving in early recovering AD patients (x = 6, y = 43, z = -6; P < .01, whole-brain corrected). This vmPFC/ACC hyperactivity significantly predicted subsequent alcohol relapse, with a hazards ratio greater than 8 for increased relapse risk. Additionally, vmPFC/ACC hyperactivation during neutral trials and reduced activity during stress trials were each predictive of greater days of alcohol used after relapse (P < .01, whole-brain corrected). In contrast, matched control subjects showed the reverse pattern of vmPFC/ACC responses to stress, alcohol cues, and relaxed trials (F = 6.42; P < .01, whole-brain corrected). Findings indicate that disrupted vmPFC/ACC function plays a role in jeopardizing recovery from alcoholism and may serve as a neural marker to identify those at risk for alcohol relapse.

Are the Predictors of Work Absence Following a Work-Related Injury Similar for Musculoskeletal and Mental Health Claims?

To examine if the factors associated with days of absence following a work-related injury are similar for mental health versus musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. A secondary analysis of wage replacement workers' compensation claims in the state of Victoria, Australia. We examined the relationship between individual, injury, occupational and workplace variables with days of wage replacement over the 2-year period following first day of absence from work separately for mental health claims and MSK claims using negative binomial regression models. Mental health conditions were associated with a greater number of days of absence over the 2 years following first incapacity compared to MSK conditions. Differences were observed in employment, injury and industry variables on absence from work for mental claims compared to MSK claims. Working in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries and employment with a small organisation were more strongly associated with the number of days of wage-replacement among MSK compared to mental health claims, and working in the public administration and safety, or education and training industries or being employed in a position with high time pressure were associated with greater days of wage-replacement among mental health compared to MSK claims. Predictors of days away from work in the 2 years following an injury differ for mental health versus MSK claims. Given the increasing number of mental health claims in Australia more research is required to understand differences in return-to-work for this group of claimants compared to those with physical injuries.

Dosimetic quality and evolution of edema after prostate brachytherapy for small prostates: Implications for the use of newer isotopes.

232 Background: Prostate brachytherapy is often avoided in men with small prostate volumes (PV) due to concerns about suboptimal dosimetry. We characterized prostate swelling and dosimetry in patients with small PVs compared with large PVs. Methods: We studied twenty-five patients with PV &lt;25 cc (range 15.1-24.8) and sixty-five patients with PV &gt;=25 cc (range 25.0-66.2) who underwent brachytherapy. Gland size was based on the contoured volume on a 3D transrectal ultrasound before the procedure. Ultrasound-guided brachytherapy was performed under intra-operative planning with loose Iodine-125 seeds to a prescription dose of 145 Gy. Patients underwent CT and MRI scans on post-implant Days 1 and 30 for dosimetric study. MRI was used to contour the prostate and then fused with the CT for dosimetry. Results: Small PVs had greater Day 1 post-implant swelling than patients with large PVs (32.5% increase in volume vs. 23.7%, p=0.04) but Day 30 swelling was minimal and not significantly different (4.4% increase in volume vs. 1.6%, p=0.44) for small and large PVs respectively. Small PVs had greater seed and needle density at implant (p&lt;0.001). Small PV patients had larger Day 1 hot spots in the prostate at (V150 = 59.6% vs. 53.0, p=0 .022) which resolved by Day 30 (V150 = 70.9% vs. 67.1, p=0.20). Rectal and urethral doses were nearly identical by Day 30 (Small PV RV100 = 0.32 cc, Large PV RV100 = 0.33 cc, p=0.99; small PV UV150 = 0.20, large PV UV150 = 0.20, p=0.91). Day 1 swelling created cold areas (rate D90&gt;140 Gy = 88.0% and 90.6% for the small and large PV groups respectively, p=0.71), but day 30 dosimetry was excellent (rate D90&gt;140 Gy = 100% for both groups). Conclusions: While smaller prostates have more immediate post-operative swelling, good Day 30 dosimetry can be achieved in small prostates, which makes them excellent candidates for treatment with I-125 seeds (t½ = 60 days). Due to the increased short-term swelling, small prostates may be suboptimal candidates for implants done with shorter half-life sources such as cesium-131 (t½ = 9.7 days), where the majority of the dose may be delivered to an edematous gland.

Reliability of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Rates of postpartum depression have been found to be significantly higher in mothers of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than the general population estimate of 10%-15%, making routine screening for these mothers essential. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability (internal consistency) and construct validity of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale with a sample of mothers of infants in the NICU. A total of 111 (40% of eligible) mothers participated in the study. Mothers completed a brief demographic questionnaire and the screening scale at 14 or greater days postpartum. Estimates of internal consistency were evaluated using Cronbach's coefficient alpha. On the basis of the scale total score, 52% of mothers had a positive screen and an additional 30% received a score indicating that they were at-risk. Reliability estimates were consistent with previous research and indicate excellent internal consistency for the total score and adequate to good internal reliability for subscales scores. The coefficient alpha for total score equaled .95, and alpha for subscale scores ranged from .72 (Anxiety/Insecurity) to .89 (Suicidal Thoughts). Interscale correlations were consistently lower than subscale reliability estimates (coefficient alpha) and were lower than subscale-to-total score correlations, suggesting initial support for the proposed structure of the scale for mothers in the NICU. Most of this sample of mothers experienced significant symptoms of postpartum depression. The Postpartum Depression Screening Scale is a promising tool for screening mothers with infants in the NICU. Additional research is necessary to better understand the construct and predictive validity of scores among these mothers. Current and future research will contribute to the routine use of scale as a screening tool in this environment.

Relationship between bacteriological findings in the second and fourth weeks postpartum and uterine infection in dairy cows considering bacteriological results

The uterine lumen in early postpartum dairy cows is contaminated with different bacteria. The most relevant uterine pathogens are Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes. Prevalence of α-hemolytic streptococci and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) is also high; however, these pathogens are considered opportunistic. The overall objective of this study was to investigate effects of the intrauterine presence of E. coli, T. pyogenes, α-hemolytic streptococci, or CNS at 10±1 d in milk (DIM) on the type of bacteria 2wk later and their influence on uterine infections and subsequent reproductive performance. Furthermore, we set out to quantify 2 relevant methodological factors (i.e., laboratory and sampling instrument). Bacteriological samples were collected at 10±1 and 24±1 DIM from the uterine lumen using a cytobrush (CB). Vaginal mucus was classified by vaginoscopy. In a subsample, bacteriological results of 3 different laboratories and of CB and cotton swabs (CS) were compared. Samples of uterine discharge were collected at 10±1 DIM and bacteriological samples were taken using CB and CS. Bacteria were identified and bacterial growth quantified on a 4-point scale. Animals infected with E. coli or T. pyogenes at 10±1 DIM had a higher risk for an infection with the same bacterial species at 24±1 DIM [E. coli relative risk (RR)=3.7 and T. pyogenes RR=2.9]. Moreover, the risk of being diagnosed with abnormal vaginal discharge at 24±1 DIM increased in cows with E. coli (RR=1.7) or T. pyogenes (RR=1.7) at 10±1 DIM. Uterine infection with α-hemolytic streptococci or CNS did not increase the risk of an infection with T. pyogenes or E. coli or abnormal vaginal discharge 2wk later. Cows with E. coli at 10±1 DIM or T. pyogenes at 24±1 DIM had greater days to first artificial insemination than cows positive for the 3 remaining bacterial species. Cows with T. pyogenes at 10±1 DIM had more days to pregnancy and more cows were culled when positive for E. coli at 10±1 DIM. Agreement of bacteriological results of 3 different laboratories were significant for laboratory A + B and A + C for the CB and CS. The highest agreement considering the bacterial species was for E. coli. All results for laboratory A + B and A + C for the CB and CS were significant. The results generated from samples collected with CB agreed nicely with those from CS from each laboratory (laboratory A: 250/272; laboratory B: 264/272; laboratory C: 253/272).

Immune responses in lactating Holstein cows supplemented with Cu, Mn, and Zn as sulfates or methionine hydroxy analogue chelates

The aim of this study was to compare effects of inorganic sulfate versus chelated forms of supplemental Cu, Mn, and Zn on milk production, plasma and milk mineral concentrations, neutrophil activity, and antibody titer response to a model vaccination. Holstein cows (n=25) were assigned in 2 cohorts based on calving date to a 12-wk randomized complete block design study. The first cohort consisted of 17 cows that had greater days in milk (DIM; mean of 77 DIM at the start of the trial) than the second cohort of 8 cows (32 DIM at the start of the trial). Diets were formulated to supplement 100% of National Research Council requirements of Cu, Mn, and Zn by either inorganic trace minerals (ITM) in sulfate forms or chelated trace minerals (CTM) supplied as metal methionine hydroxy analog chelates, without accounting for trace mineral contribution from other dietary ingredients. Intake and milk production were recorded daily. Milk composition was measured weekly, and milk Cu, Mn, and Zn were determined at wk 0 and 8. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations and neutrophil activity were measured at wk 0, 4, 8, and 12. Neutrophil activity was measured by in vitro assays of chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and reactive oxygen species production. A rabies vaccination was administered at wk 8, and vaccine titer response at wk 12 was measured by both rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test and ELISA. Analyzed dietary Cu was 21 and 23mg/kg, Mn was 42 and 46mg/kg, and Zn was 73 and 94mg/kg for the ITM and CTM diets, respectively. No effect of treatment was observed on milk production, milk composition, or plasma minerals. Dry matter intake was reduced for CTM compared with ITM cows, but this was largely explained by differences in body weight between treatments. Milk Cu concentration was greater for CTM than ITM cows, but this effect was limited to the earlier DIM cohort of cows and was most pronounced for multiparous compared with primiparous cows. Measures of neutrophil function were unaffected by treatment except for an enhancement in neutrophil phagocytosis with the CTM treatment found for the later DIM cohort of cows only. Rabies antibody titer in CTM cows was 2.8 fold that of ITM cows as measured by ELISA, with a trend for the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test. Supplementation of Cu, Mn, and Zn as chelated sources may enhance immune response of early lactation dairy cows compared with cows supplemented with inorganic sources.

Wilt‐Based Irrigation in Kentucky Bluegrass: Effects on Visual Quality and Irrigation Amounts Among Cultivars

ABSTRACTA critical challenge facing the turf industry is increasingly limited water supplies. Identifying cultivars that use less water while maintaining acceptable quality may mitigate irrigation demands. Our objectives were to identify Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) (KBG) cultivars and phenotypic groups that maintained better visual quality with less water. Thirty bluegrass selections were evaluated in a 2‐yr field study under a rainout shelter near Manhattan, KS. Irrigation (2.5 cm) was applied when &gt;50% of a plot exhibited visible wilt symptoms. Visual quality was rated daily. Average irrigation applications ranged widely from 23.3 cm (mean = 2.2 mm d−1) in Bedazzled to 44.9 cm (mean = 4.2 mm d−1) in Kenblue, and days to wilt between irrigations ranged from 6.4 d in Kenblue to 13.1 d in Cabernet. Visual quality averaged at or slightly below 6.0, defined as “minimally acceptable,” but this may be adequate when water conservation is a priority and some dormancy is tolerable; irrigation at &lt;50% wilt is recommended for improved quality. Based on statistical range tests, 15 of the 30 cultivars were grouped as both receiving the least water and having the greatest visual quality. Overall, the Compact America and Mid‐Atlantic KBG groups exhibited the greatest days to wilt and received the least water. Results suggest that Compact America and Mid‐Atlantic phenotypes have the greatest potential for integrating reduced water inputs with maintenance of acceptable visual quality.

Abstract MP029: Higher Television Viewing Relates to Less Exercise in a Representative Sample of Irish 9 Year Olds

INTRODUCTION: Television (TV) viewing is blamed as a contributor to low physical activity levels in children, yet it is unclear if such a sedentary behavior actually displaces exercise. HYPOTHESIS: Children who engage in higher levels of TV viewing will be less active than children who watch &lt;1 hour of TV/day. METHODS: This study utilized the ‘Growing up in Ireland’ (2008) first wave of data which is a longitudinal study of a representative sample of over 8,000 9 year olds. The main caregiver reported the number of hours/day the child spent watching TV/video/DVDs and responses were then classified as: &lt;1, 1-3 and &gt;3 hours. The number of days out of the previous 14 that the child had engaged in ‘hard’ and ‘light’ exercise for at least 20 minutes was also reported. Responses were classified as ≥9 days (highest possible answer) or ≤8 days out of 14. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 3956 male and 4152 female 9 year olds. Overall, 12.4% of males and 14.1% of females, 32.0% of males and 32.6% of females and 4.4% of males and 4.5% of females watched &lt;1 hour, 1-3 hours and &gt;3 hours of TV/day respectively. Compared to children who watched less than 1 hour of TV/day, children who watched 1-3 or &gt;3 hours/day had significantly lower odds of engaging in exercise ( Table 1 ). Table 1. Odds ratios (95% Confidence Intervals) for TV viewing and likelihood of engaging in 20 minutes of ‘hard’ and ‘light’ exercise on 9 or greater days out of 14 days. Hours of TV/Video/DVD ‘Hard Exercise’ ‘Light Exercise’ Male Female Male Female &lt;1 Referent Referent Referent Referent 1 to 3 0.8 (0.7-0.9) 0.7 (0.6-0.9) 0.7 (0.6-0.8) 0.8 (0.7-0.9) &gt;3 0.4 (0.3-0.6) 0.5 (0.4-0.6) 0.4 (0.3-0.5) 0.5 (0.4-0.6) Analysis controlled for social class (defined from the parent’s occupation and categorized under professional managers, non-manual/skilled manual and semi-skilled/unskilled manual) CONCLUSION: Children with higher levels of TV viewing were less likely to engage in hard or light exercise. These findings support the displacement hypothesis where sedentary behaviors reduce children’s amount of exercise.

Trends in Youth Antidepressant Dispensing and Refill Limits, 2000 Through 2009

Antidepressant (AD) dispensing for depression in youth declined in the years following the 2003-04 Food and Drug Administration actions regarding increased risk of suicidal behavior. To extend observation of youth AD dispensing and associated characteristics through 2009 to determine if AD dispensing continues to decline, has stabilized, or has rebounded. Retrospective time series design. Youth (n=57,782) ages 10 to 17 inclusive. Both new (incident) and refill AD dispensing continued to decline through 2009, with no sign of leveling off. However, among youth who started AD treatment the cumulative supply of AD medication remained consistent across the pre- and postperiods, suggesting that cumulative treatment episode duration has not been degraded--possibly as a function of greater days supply with each new refill in the postperiod. Prescribers dramatically curtailed preauthorized refills in the postwarning period. Declines in AD dispensing to depressed youth may not reflect less intensive treatment for those youth who persist beyond the initial dispense. Lower rates of preauthorized refills may have been an attempt by prescribers to encourage return visits to evaluate response and adverse consequences.

Association between cognitive performance and functional outcome following traumatic brain injury: A longitudinal multilevel examination.

Individuals' cognitive abilities predict functional outcomes following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, it is not known to what extent concurrent cognitive abilities affect the magnitude or the rate of functional recovery. The current study modeled the progression of functional outcome as it related to background, injury severity, and cognitive variables over the first year postinjury. This study comprised 111 individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI assessed on average at 3, 6, and 13 months postinjury. In addition, 79 healthy controls were assessed at a single time point. Each assessment consisted of an administration of a neuropsychological battery--comprising measures of memory, information processing speed, and executive functions--as well as an administration of the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory to examine functional outcomes. Older age, lower levels of education, and greater days of posttraumatic amnesia were associated with poorer functional outcomes. The addition of cognitive variables resulted in better models than simply considering background and injury severity variables. However, the results showed that the model comprising executive functions best characterized the progression of functional outcomes. The findings indicate that consideration of cognitive ability, rather than reliance on demographic and injury severity variables, provide a more accurate representation of functional outcome over the first year postinjury. In addition, the results suggest that specific cognitive domains, particularly executive functions, are likely to have the strongest effect on functional outcomes.

Donor CD8 T Cells and IFN-γ Are Critical for Sex-Based Differences in Donor CD4 T Cell Engraftment and Lupus-Like Phenotype in Short-Term Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Mice

The transfer of unfractionated DBA/2J (DBA) splenocytes into B6D2F(1) (DBA → F(1)) mice results in greater donor CD4 T cell engraftment in females at day 14 that persists long-term and mediates greater female lupus-like renal disease. Although donor CD8 T cells have no demonstrated role in lupus pathogenesis in this model, we recently observed that depletion of donor CD8 T cells prior to transfer eliminates sex-based differences in renal disease long-term. In this study, we demonstrate that greater day 14 female donor CD4 engraftment is also critically dependent on donor CD8 T cells. Male DBA → F(1) mice exhibit stronger CD8-dependent day 8-10 graft-versus-host (GVH) and counter-regulatory host-versus-graft (HVG) responses, followed by stronger homeostatic contraction (days 10-12). The weaker day 10-12 GVH and HVG in females are followed by persistent donor T cell activation and increasing proliferation, expansion, and cytokine production from days 12 to 14. Lastly, greater female day 14 donor T cell engraftment, activation, and cytokine production were lost with in vivo IFN-γ neutralization from days 6 to 14. We conclude the following: 1) donor CD8 T cells enhance day 10 proliferation of donor CD4 T cells in both sexes; and 2) a weaker GVH/HVG in females allows prolonged survival of donor CD4 and CD8 T cells, allowing persistent activation. These results support the novel conclusion that sex-based differences in suboptimal donor CD8 CTL activation are critical for shaping sex-based differences in donor CD4 T cell engraftment at 2 wk and lupus-like disease long-term.

Franklin P. Adams's "Trio of Bear Cubs"

Evers again played second base without an error, accepting seven chances, and in addition secured a clean hit to center. The youngster is remarkably fast in relaying plays. Chicago Daily Tribune, September 16, 1902, 6. For the record, the September 15 game at Chicago's West Side Grounds marked Johnny Evers's second play with his infield colleagues. Just 260 spectators--a mere sprinkling of fans, according to the Chicago Daily Tribune's press account--were on hand to see Evers's dexterity as Frank Selee's Colts beat the Cincinnati Reds by the score of 6-3. Perhaps attendance was down that afternoon due to the double drubbing the Reds gave the Colts the before. Although the two losses on September 14, 1902, (2-1 and 8-6) dampened the spirits of the hometown crowd of some 8,500, the second game did quietly produce one historical statistic: the first 6-4-3 play recorded by shortstop Joe Tinker, second baseman Johnny Evers, and first baseman Frank Chance. (1) There would be more plays, of course, though in the deadball era that particular fielding statistic meant little to record keepers. And besides, as Hall of Fame historian Lee Allen often observed, care very little for statistics as such. My concern is the players. Who are these men? What are they? (2) For Allen, the stories behind the baseball players mattered, and during the early part of the twentieth century, many of these tales centered on the scrappy, steely-eyed Chicago Cubs. Led by Chance, the team's peerless leader, this true baseball dynasty captured four National League (NL) pennants (1906-1908, 1910) and two World Series titles (1907-1908). Chance and his players would be the first to acknowledge that tenacity and old-fashioned grit had much to do with the team's good fortune, and even their opponents admired Chicago's aggressive play. After the Cubs' archrivals, the New York Giants, beat them 5-4 during a hard-fought game in September 1908, the Giants sportswriter covering the game conceded that they're wild and woolly and full of tease, are the Cubs. Hard to handle, and apt to scratch all opposition out of their way. But we like to play with them at that. They keep us trying all the time. (3) The Cubs similarly relished their own confrontations with their New York nemesis. When a Chicago Daily News reporter asked Tinker to recall his greatest day in baseball, the shortstop immediately replied that might know it was against the I think that goes for every Cub who played for 'Husk' Chance in those years on Chicago's West Side. Warming to his subject, he added, If you didn't honestly and furiously hate the Giants, you weren't a real Cub. (4) You weren't much of a Cub fan, either, as New York newspaper columnist and pundit Franklin P. Adams knew. The Chicago-born journalist began his career in 1903 on the pages of the Chicago Journal, but he moved to New York and the New York Evening Mail a year later. Filled with jokes, poems, witty observations about the city, and puns (cotton is the root of boll weevil), his Always in Good Humor column soon became a staple among New York readers and a fixture on the editorial page of the New York Evening Mail. (5) When he wasn't pouring over his writing, F. P. A.--as Adams signed his columns--would often go to the ball games at the Polo Grounds, occasionally with his friends and fellow journalists Grantland Rice, Damon Runyon, and Ring Lardner. Baseball was a passion with Frank, according to biographer Sally Ashley, and he possessed a sincere enthusiasm for the sport. He would usually on the results of the games, and in a city where it was not unusual for three-inch headlines to trumpet GIANTS THROTTLE CUBS, he preferred to root for his hometown team and bet gleefully against the Giants. (6) As Adams recalled decades later in a letter to Hall of Fame historian Ernest Lanigan, one in July 1910 the foreman of the newspaper's composing room told him that eight more lines were needed for his column. …

Donor CD8 T cell activation is critical for sex based differences in lupus-like disease in DBA-into-F1 mice. (93.31)

Abstract Transfer of DBA splenocytes into BDF1 mice (DBA-&amp;gt;F1) results in donor CD4 T cell mediated lupus-like renal disease that is more severe in females and preceded at day 14 by greater female CD4 T cell engraftment. Donor CD8 T cells have no reported role. To compare sex based differences in donor CD4 T cell function, we transferred CD8 depleted DBA splenocytes and surprisingly observed that greater female renal disease severity and greater day 14 female CD4 engraftment were lost or significantly reduced. Kinetic analyses demonstrated that mice receiving undepleted donor cells exhibited a stronger day 8-12 graft-vs.-host (GVH) and host vs. graft (HVG) responses in males followed by contraction of donor CD8 T cells. The weaker GVH/HVG in females was followed by persistence/increase in donor CD8 T cells. Importantly, sex based differences in GVH/HVG were lost or attenuated in mice receiving CD8 depleted splenocytes, linking sex based differences in day 8-10 GVH/HVG to differences in day 14 CD4 engraftment. We conclude that: 1) donor CD8 T cells enhance the proliferation of donor CD4 T cells in both sexes; and 2) prolonged survival of donor CD8 T cells in females is causally related to greater day 14 engraftment of donor CD4 T cells in females. These results support the novel conclusion that sex based differences in sub optimal donor CD8 CTL activation are critical for shaping sex based differences in donor CD4 T cell engraftment at two weeks and lupus like disease long term.