Group EF Research Articles

Genetic relationships among breeding soundness traits in yearling bulls (2001)

Summary Breeding soundness examination data on over 1,200 yearling Angus bulls were ana- lyzed to determine heritability of and genetic relationships among breeding soundness traits. Breeding soundness exam procedures were consistent with those currently recom- mended by the Society of Theriogenology. Presence of seminal white blood cells (an indicator of seminal vesiculitis), penile warts and persistent frenulums were noted and recorded. Data were adjusted for age at measurement and contemporary group ef- fects. Heritability was high for scrotal cir- cumference, moderate for percentage of abnormalities, low for sperm motility, and near zero for semen white blood cells, persis- tent frenulum, and penile warts. Genetic correlations between scrotal circumference and both sperm motility and abnormalities were favorable, indicating that selection for increased scrotal circumference should result in higher fertility.

Does the additive risk of mitral valve repair in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy prohibit surgical intervention?

To assess the surgical risk of additional mitral valve repairs in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Severe mitral regurgitation in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy increases the death rate and symptomatic status. The 1-year survival rate for medical therapy in this subset of patients is less than 20%. Transplantation is usually not feasible because of donor shortage and death while on the waiting list. To assess additive risk, a retrospective chart review from 1993 to 1998 was performed comparing patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction [EF] <25%) and severe mitral regurgitation undergoing mitral valve repair and coronary artery bypass graft operations with patients with an EF of <25% undergoing coronary artery bypass graft alone. These groups were also compared with 140 patients receiving heart transplants since 1993 (group 3). The overall hospital death rate for group 1 was 6.3%. The one death occurred 2 weeks after surgery secondary to sepsis. This was not significantly different from the death rate of 4.1% in group 2. In group 1, there were two deaths at 1 year (87% survival rate), one related to heart failure. One patient was New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV at 1 year; the remainder of patients were NYHA class I-II. These results were not significantly different than the 8% death rate noted with transplantation. There was no change in EF and minimal residual mitral regurgitation in group 1 based on postoperative transesophageal echocardiography, whereas group 2 had an average 11.7% improvement in EF. Previously, severe mitral regurgitation in the setting of ischemic cardiomyopathy has been associated with poor survival. In these authors' experience, repairing the mitral valve along with coronary artery bypass grafting does not increase the surgical risk, yields improvement in symptomatic status, and compares favorably to coronary artery bypass grafting alone and cardiac transplantation. However, the lack of change in EF in these patients probably represents an overestimation of the EF before surgery secondary to severe mitral regurgitation.

Oocyte competence for in vitro maturation is associated with histone H1 kinase activity and is influenced by estrous cycle stage in the mare.

The in vitro maturation rate of equine oocytes remains low, regardless of culture conditions. Our objective was to determine the reasons for failure of equine oocytes to resume meiosis during in vitro maturation and to ascertain the influence of the estrous cycle stage on meiotic competence. In 10 cyclic mares, 7 ultrasound-guided follicular punctures were performed alternately during the follicular phase (group DF; n = 3 punctures), at the end of the follicular phase (group EF; n = 2), and during the luteal phase (group DL; n = 2). We evaluated the competence of the oocytes for in vitro maturation and measured their maturation-promoting factor activity by histone H1 kinase assay. Puncturing once at the end of the follicular phase and once during the luteal phase, or three times during the follicular phase, yielded about 11 cumulus-oocyte complexes per 22 days. The maturation rate was different between the groups, 51% in group EF, 34% in group DL (p < 0.05), and 15% in group DF (p < 0.01), and it increased with an increase in follicular diameter (p < 0.05). After in vitro culture, the H1 kinase activity was lower in oocytes that remained in germinal vesicle or dense chromatin stages than in oocytes that reached metaphase I or metaphase II (p < 0.05). The H1 kinase activity was not different between oocytes in germinal vesicle stage after in vitro maturation and immature oocytes that were not cultured in vitro, and was higher in preovulatory oocytes that reached metaphase II in vivo than in the oocytes that reached metaphase II after in vitro maturation (p < 0.001). This is the first report on kinase activity in the equine oocyte.

TBI containing regimens followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia of childhood

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood is the domain of chemotherapy giving rates of event free survival of up to 80% for the vast majority of children. Only 6% of well defined high risk patients during frontline treatment but on the other side the majority of children following relapse do not have a satisfying chance of cure by chemotherapy alone. The controversy persists, whether hematopoietic stem cell transplants provide a superior chance of cure. The answer can only be given by c1early defined prospective studies including patients with the intention to transplant but finally events before the transplant can be performed. The BMF group is currentlyconducting such a study during frontline therapy. Out of 3050 children with newly diagnosed ALL 197 patients fulfilled the criteria for a matched related bone marrow transplantation. An acceptable family donor was available in 53 children, which is in the expected range of 27% of HLA-identical siblings or family members in Germany. Only 30 children have been transplanted at the end, using a conditioning regimen of fractionated TBI (6 × 2 Gy) and VP16 (60 mg/kg). Although the transplanted children have an EFS of about 70% and the whole group with a donor and the intention to transplant of about 60% compared to 30% EFS in the complementary group, the transplant group is by far too small lead to furtherincrease of survival in the whole group of children with ALL. Some children received alternative conditioning regimens with obviously less chance of cure. But the major question for the future remains the donor availability for high risk frontline patients but more important for relapse patients in order to prove the transplant approach in general in such patients. Clearly autografts seem not to give any advantage in these type of children, unless any new approach of maintenance/immunotherapy is providing a significant additional effect. Unrelated grafts on the other side might be one option but still require a significant reduction of treatment risks, which are currently still in the range of 30–50% compared to 10% and less in matched related transplants. Cord blood transplants especially – in children may be superior to adult marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplants. And finally, first steps have been done now to overcome the high rejection rate of mismatched related grafts by increasing for example the stem cell dose and thus offering another source of stem cell grafts also for ALL patients. Unfortunately, also these transplants are still associated with high transplant related risks. Almost all centers employing haploidentical stem cell transplants are using TBI containing regimens even with an increased dose. Our own approach on this fields is to understand the side effects of conditioning regimens containing TBI on the homing process of stem cells in the microenvironment of the marrow, and to overcome ex vivo as well as in vivo such critical dysfunctions with the aim to ensure engraftment and limit transplant risks by accelerating the hematopoietic and lymphopoietic reconstitution. This model will be discussed.

Contributing factors influencing type III open tibial fractures.

Ninety-five patients with severe open tibial fractures (96 fractures) were treated with nonoperative treatment alone (NO group, n = 16), immediate internal fixation (I group, n = 22), delayed internal fixation (D group, n = 34), or external fixation (EF group, n = 24). The D group was divided into a delayed internal fixation group following nonoperative treatment (D1 group, n = 14), and a delayed internal fixation group following external fixation (D2 group, n = 20). Using the classification system of Gustilo, there were 43 type IIIA, 42 type IIIB, and 11 type IIIC open tibial fractures. There were 17 deep infections (type IIIA, n = 3; IIIB, n = 12; IIIC, n = 2). The difference in the deep infection rate (DIR) between the type IIIA and type IIIB fractures was statistically significant (7.0% vs. 28.0%, p < 0.05). The DIRs in groups NO, I, D1, D2, and EF were 12.5, 27.3, 7.1, 35, and 4%, respectively. There was a significant difference in DIR between the D2 group and the EF group. The DIR in the D (D1 + D2) group and group I showed no significant difference. There was no relationship between the DIR and either Injury Severity Score or skin closure time. The authors of this study, therefore, do not feel there is an advantage to immediate internal fixation over delayed procedures for Gustilo type III open fractures of the tibia. However, careful attention must be given to the application of delayed internal fixation, especially intramedullary nailing, after external fixation.

784-6 Unexplained Heart Failure in Cardiac Transplant Recipients: Intracoronary Ultrasound Identifies Two Distinct Subgroups

Cryptogenic heart failure in cardiac transplant recipients (CTR) is frequently attributed to humoral rejection. Histopathology in humoral rejection has identified angiographically silent coronary intimal thickening. We studied transplant patients with unexplained CHF using intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) to identify occult CAD. Twelve CTR (8 male, 4 female; age 51 ± 15 years; 2–7 years post-transplant) were referred for angiography and ICUS because of recent-onset CHF (radionuclide EF &lt; 30%). All patients had normal coronary arteries by angiography at their previous surveillance catheterization, no recent infections, and no biopsy evidence of cellular rejection. ICUS was performed with 4.3F, 30 mHz imaging catheters to the distal LAD andlor LCX. Images were analyzed via computer-planimetry for intimal thickness liT). All 12 patients had normal angiograms. All patients were treated with high-dose IV steroids. Surviving patients had repeat radionuclide EF at 3 months. Five patients (Group I) had significant intimal thickening by ICUS (IT = 0.66 ± 0.1 0 mm, for ≥ 180° of vessel circumference). Seven patients (Group II) had no abnormal intimal thickening (IT = 0.26 ± 0.06 mm). Group I vs. II, P &lt; 0.001. At three months, EF in Group I survivors was unchanged (2 patients died); Group II patients (none died) experienced a 21 ± 9 point improvement in EF (p &lt; 0.01). ICUS segregates CTR with cryptogenic CHF (and normal angiograms) into two groups; one with marked intimal thickening, and one with normal intima. These groups have markedly different prognoses. Group I may represent patients with ongoing humoral rejection; EF in these patients is unchanged at 3 months despite high-dose steroids, Group II may represent cellular rejection not sampled during biopsy, or a steroid-responsive acute myopathy.

L'étomidate modifie la réponse hémodynamique au fentanyl chez des patients à fonction ventriculaire gauche altérée

The haemodynamic effects and the side-effects of anaesthesia using high doses of fentanyl were compared in two groups of 12 patients each. All the patients had poor left ventricular function and were scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery or valvular replacement. Patients were randomly assigned to cither group. In group EF, patients were given 5 μg · kg −1 of fentanyl, followed by 0.3 mg · kg −1 of etomidate. Once they had lost consciousness, they were given 15 mg of pancuronium and 25 μg · kg −1 of fentanyl over a 5 min period. Patients in group F received the full 30 μg · kg −1 dose of fentanyl over a 5 min period, followed by 15 mg of pancuronium. The patients were intubated 2 min after the end of the fentanyl infusion. They were mechanically ventilated with 100 % oxygen. Anaesthesia was maintained with a continuous infusion of fentanyl (total dose 100 μg · kg −1). The usual haemodynamic parameters were monitored and calculated, as well as pain during injection of the drugs, myoclonia, chest wall rigidity and the time to loss of consciousness. The two groups were comparable with respect to age, weight, height and surgery. One third of the patients in group EF complained of pain during etomidate injection. The time required to loose consciousness was shorter in group EF (55 ± 16 sec) than in group F (177 ± 56 sec) (p < 0.001). The cardiac index decreased in group EF (2.0 ± 0.41 · min −1 · m −2 vs. 1.9 ± 0.41 · min −1) · m −2 (p < 0.05), respectively between the time just before tracheal intubation (T1), and 10 min after tracheal intubation (T3). Systemic vascular resistances were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in group EF at time T3. Mean arterial blood pressure at T1 was lower than baseline in both groups (p < 0.001 in group EF and p < 0.05 in group F). Mean arterial blood pressure returned to baseline values 1 min after tracheal intubation. Combining 0.3 mg · kg −1 of etomidate with high doses of fentanyl decreased the time required to induce anaesthesia, and did not induce any chest wall rigidity. However, it decreased mean arterial blood pressure and cardiac index for a short while in patients with altered left ventricular function.

Synthesis and metabolism of PAF in activated human neutrophils: inhibitory effect of calcium channel blockers nifedipine and verapamil and pertussis toxin

Danhong injection (DHI) is a standardized product extracted from Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae and Flos Carthami , which has been long applied mainly used to treat ischemic encephalopathy and cardiac diseases including myocardial infarction and angina in clinical practice.Aim of this study was to investigate the salutary effects of DHI by slowing ventricular remodeling and improving cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats.In this study, Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to ligation on left anterior descending coronary artery to establish MI models and valsartan was selected as positive control. Cardiac function examination was conducted at the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th and the 28th days after LAD. Haematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were conducted to observe cardiac pathology and morphological changes levels of VEGF, TGF-β, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue were determined in gene and protein expressions.After 3 days post-treatment and thereafter, EF and FS in DHI group were greater than that of model group (p<0.05). Compared with the MI group, ratio of infarct was markedly decreased in treated-DHI group(p<0.05). TGF-β1 protein and fibrosis-related proteins MMP-2 and MMP-9 were up-regulated after MI, and they were significantly suppressed by the administration of DHI(p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Moreover, DHI improved the mRNA expression of VEGF and increased the blood vessel density of myocardial infarct border zone. DHI decreased the expression of cell apoptosis protein of caspase-3 and increased the anti-apoptotic protein, bcl-2.We provided direct evidences that DHI improves cardiac remodeling and preserves ventricular function post-MI in rats. DHI conferred cardio-protection in rats with MI via anti-myocardial apoptosis, angiogenesis, reduction of myocardial fibrosis and many other aspects of joint actions.

Hipertansiyonda Sistolik Pik Basıncının / Sistol Sonu Çapa Oranının Sol Ventrikül Sistolik Fonksiyonunu Değerlendirmedeki Önemi

SUMMARY The role of the ratio of the systolic peak pressor to the end of the systolic diameter on the determination of the left ventricular fonction in the hyper¬tensive parents. Left ventricular systolic functions (EF, Vcf and LVESD ratio) inves¬tigated non-invansively in 27 hypertensive and 10 normal adults EF and Vcf were found normal in a group of patients and as decreased in others. LVSPP/LVESD ratio was increased in all hypertensive patients (% 96.29). The mean values of EF, Vcf, LVSPP/LVESD and LVESD were compared in normal and adults patient group Vcf were singificantly decreased (p<0.01), LVESD and LVSPP/LVESD ratios were singificantly increased than that of control group (p<0.01) LVSPP LVESD, EF and Vcf were compared both in normal and hypertensive groups. It was found that there was a correlation between EF and Vcf (p<0.01) but cantradiction existed between LVSPP/LVESD ratios and EF and Vcf which was thought to be due to altered LVSPP measurements with cuft. As a result it was concluded that faulty results can be obtaired if left ventricular systolic functions were determinend only by LVSPP/LVESD ratios' in hypertensive patients. Ozet 27 hipertansiyonlu 10 normal olguda sol ventrikul sistolik fonksiyonlari (EF, Vcf ve SPB/SSC orani) noninvasif olarak incelendi. Hasta grubunda EF ve Vcf bir kisim olguda normal saptanirken bir kisim olguda dusuk olarak bulundu. SPB/SSC orani tum olgularda (% 96.29) artmisti. Normal ve hasta grubunda EF, Vcf, SPB/SSC ve SSC ait verilerin ortalamalari is¬tatistik? olarak karsilastirildi. Hasta grubunda EF ve Vcf'nin normale naza¬ran anlamli olarak azaldigi CP|-2 <0.01), SSC ve SPB/SSC oraninin ise art¬tigi saptandi (P<0.01). Gerek normal, gerek hipertansiyonlu grupta SPB/SSC orani, EF ve Vcf ile karsilastirildi. EF ve Vcf'nin kendi aralarinda anlamli korelasyon goster¬melerine (P<0.01) ragmen SPB/SSC orani ile celiskili korrelasyon gos¬terdikleri saptandi. Bu cuff'la olculen SPB degerinin degiskenligine baglandi. Sonuc olarak, hipertansiyonlularda sol ventrikul sistolik fonksiyonlari yal¬nizca SPB/SSC orani ile degerlendirilecek olursa hatali sonuclar verebi¬lecegi kanisina varildi.

Factors affecting outcome of coronary reperfusion with intracoronary streptokinase in acute myocardial infarction

Aggressive interventionai therapy in acute myocardial infarction (AN) is expensive, time-consuming and not without significant risk. To determine which patients are most likely to benefit from such therapy, the effects of patient age, reperfusion success, admission left ventricular (LV) function, infarct location, admission clinical class, time from onset of pain to reperfusion and admission electrocardiographic findings on the outcome of coronary reperfusion in AMI were assessed in 292 prospectively studied, sequential patients from August 1980 to January 1984. Two hundred ten patients received intracoronary streptokinase (SK) therapy on admission and 82 patients, who either refused the protocol or met exclusion criteria, served as control subjests. Patients older than 65 years showed little improvement in 1-year mortality risk and no significant improvement in LV function during hospitalization after treatment with intracoronary SK. The remaining patients, 178 treated with SK and 48 control, were well matched and served as the basis for further comparisons. In. this subgroup of patients, reperfusion success was associated with improved survival and LV function (mortality rate 3%, vs 17% in control subjects; increase in ejection fraction [EF] 18% vs 4%). Patients with an EF of less than 45% on admission showed a 21 ± 30% increase in EF, compared with an increase in control subjects of 8 ± 19%, and a lower 1-year mortality rate than controls (6% vs 21%, p = 0.01). Patients with anterior AN had a significant increase in EF in the SK group (22 ± 31 %) and lower mortality compared with control subjects (5% vs 25%, p = 0.003). Patients admitted in Killip class I or II showed improvement after thrombolytic therapy in both LV function (14 ± 27% vs 4 ± 18%, p = 0.01) and mortality (3% vs 11%, p = 0.005). There was no correlation between duration of chest pain before reperfusion and change in LV function or 1-year mortality rate, although few patients were successfully reperfused less than 3 hours after onset of pain. Patients with inferior AN, an LVEF of more than 45% or who were older than 65 years showed no significant improvement in LV function or mortality after SK therapy. 0 waves occurring early in the course of AMI were not associated with increased mortality or poor ventricular function.

Effect of Early and Late Flowering on Agronomic Traits of Soybean at Different Planting Dates1

Double‐cropping soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] after a winter small grain crop often forces planting to be delayed beyond the date when maximum yield, plant height, and vegetative mass can be attained. The objective of this study was to evaluate soybean plant introduction (PI) lines selected for differing flowering dates, but with a constant maturity, for differences in vegetative size and yield reduction due to delayed planting. Two groups, each consisting of 12 PI lines, were compared in the field at Lexington, KY for 3 yr (1982–1984) in early (15 May) and late (21 June) planting on a Maury silt loam (fine, mixed, mesic Typic Paleudalf) soil. The early flowering group (group EF) flowered 10 days and matured 1 day earlier than the late flowering group (group LF). Group LF was taller with more nodes at Rl, R4, and R7 in both planting dates. The flowering and pod initiation (R1–R4) and seed filling (R4–R7) periods were shorter in group LF than in group EF. Yields averaged over all 3 yr were 1510, 1520, 1370, and 1380 kg ha−1 for group EF early planting, group LF early planting, group EF late planting, and group LF late planting, respectively. Both groups showed a 9% decrease in yield due to delayed planting. The planting date effect was highly significant, while the group effect and the planting date ✕ group interaction were nonsignificant for yield. In 1983 and 1984, group LF had smaller yield reductions in delayed plantings than group EF (6 and 17% reductions for each group, respectively). Although the planting date ✕ flowering group interaction for yield was highly significant in 1983 and 1984, group LF did not yield significantly more in late plantings. In 1982, the two groups did not differ in yield in late plantings. Thus, in this sample of soybean Pis, delayed flowering increased height and vegetative size but did not provide a yield benefit in late plantings.

152 TWO DIMENSIONAL ECHOCAEDIOGRAPHIC (2DE) ASSESSMENT OF RIGHT VENTRICULAR VOLUMES (RVV) AND EJECTION FRACTION (EF)

The ability of M-mode and 2DE to measure RVV and EF was assessed in 15 children without right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) (Group I). M-mode measurement of end diastolic dimension (RVEDD) was performed in the usual fashion. From the apical 4 chamber 2DE view the long axis of the right ventricle (RVLA) was measured from the apex to mid tricuspid valve, and area planed (RVA). From the anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral (lat) angio-graphic (angio) views the right ventricular body (RVB) longest length was measured, area planed, and volumes calculated using a Simoson's Rule algorithm. Data were compared by linear regression analysis (r=correlation coefficient, a=slope). RVEDD by M-mode correlated poorly with angio data. The 2DE obtained RVLA length correlated well with the maximum angio obtained length from either the AP or Lat views at both end systole (ES) and end diastole (ED). 2DE RVA also correlated with the planed area obtained from either AP or Lat angio projections. To determine the relationship between RVB volume (RVBV) and total right ventricular volume (TRW), these volumes were separately assessed in 30 other children without RVOTO (Group II). A constant relationship existed between RVBV and TRVV such that RVBV/TRW=0.75. By 2DE RVBV was determined from the apical 4 chamber view by an area-length algorithm assuming an ellipsoid model. Accurate 2DE assessment of TRW and EF in Group I patients could be achieved by the equation, Volume = 1.34 X echo calculated RVBV; (EDV r=0.92, a=0.98; ESV r=0.84, a=0.95; EF r=0.80, a=1.19). Therefore, 2DE is able to accurately measure RVV and EF in patients without RVOTO.

Approach tendency and threat display as related to social status of Siamese fighting fish,Betta splendens

Forty-eight maleBetta splendens were assigned to three groups of 16 (eight pairs) each. In two of the groups, pairs of fish were first allowed to fight until a dominance-subordinance relationship was established. Then each subject was tested on measures of time spent in approach and threat display toward either (1) its own pair member, with which it was experienced and familiar (Group EF), or toward (2) another combat-experienced fish, with which it was unfamiliar (Group EU). A third group of inexperienced and unfamiliar individuals (Group IU) were first exposed to their own mirror images and then tested for approach and threat-display duration. Pairs of these fish were then allowed to fight until dominance was determined. The three major findings were: (a) Dominant subjects approached and displayed significantly more than subordinates in all three groups; (2) Dominant subjects of Group IU did not differ significantly from dominants in the other two groups with respect to time spent in approach and display; and (3) Fish exposed to mirrors prior to combat required significantly fewer sessions to establish dominance than fish not receiving mirror exposure. Results suggest that dominant fish can be distinguished on the basis of their approach tendency and threat-display scores prior to actual physical combat. An habituation model of dominance determination was proposed.