NOV Group Research Articles

Can wheel polishers improve surface properties and color stability of monochromatic resin composites?

BackgroundTo overcome the color layering procedure, monochromatic resin composites have been introduced. However, little is known about their polishability, gloss and color stability. This study aimed to investigate the surface roughness, gloss, and color change of monochromatic resin composites polished with wheel systems after being immersed in coffee.Materials and methodsOmnichroma, Zenchroma, Essentia Universal, Charisma Diamond One and NeoSpectra ST were used to obtain 120-disc samples of 8 × 2 mm. Only one side of the sample was polished with Twist Dia (TWD) or Nova Twist (NOV). The samples were examined for surface roughness, gloss, and color (ΔE and ΔE00) before and after 7 days of immersion in coffee and subsequent repolishing. The discs were examined via SEM. Surface roughness and gloss values were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey and Pearson correlation tests. ΔE and ΔE00 values were evaluated using T tests, multivariate ANOVA, and Dunnett’s post-hoc tests.ResultsFor TWD groups, the smoothest material was Omnichroma (p < 0.05), while for NOV groups, it was Omnichroma and Zenchroma. Omnichroma was the glossiest, while Charisma Diamond One was the least glossy. In TWD groups, Charisma Diamond One and Essentia Universal were the most discolored, while Zenchroma and Omnichroma were the least. For NOV groups, Essentia Universal and Charisma Diamond One were the most discolored, while NeoSpectra ST, Omnichroma and Zenchroma were the least. After repolishing, Charisma Diamond One did not reach the level of ΔE < 2, while the other groups showed values below. Color evaluation with the CIELab and CIEDE2000 systems revealed similar results for the TWD groups after post-staining.ConclusionsSmooth and glossy surfaces could be achieved with the wheel system regardless of the composite resin. Repolishing after discoloration ensures that the color recovery is below the acceptable limit. Color evaluations with CIELab and CIEDE2000 yielded similar results.

Repeated exposure to novelty promotes resilience against the amyloid-beta effect through dopaminergic stimulation.

The accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) in the forebrain leads to cognitive dysfunction and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Studies have shown that individuals with a consistently cognitively active lifestyle are less vulnerable to Aβ toxicity. Recent research has demonstrated that intrahippocampal Aβ can impact catecholaminergic release and spatial memory. Interestingly, exposure to novelty stimuli has been found to stimulate the release of catecholamines in the hippocampus. However, it remains uncertain whether repeated enhancing catecholamine activity can effectively alleviate cognitive impairment in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Our primary aim was to investigate whether repeated exposure to novelty could enable cognitive resilience against Aβ. This protection could be achieved by modulating catecholaminergic activity within the hippocampus. To investigate this hypothesis, we subjected mice to three different conditions-standard housing (SH), repeated novelty (Nov), or daily social interaction (Soc) for one month. We then infused saline solution (SS) or Aβ (Aβ1-42) oligomers intrahippocampally and measured spatial memory retrieval in a Morris Water Maze (MWM). Stereological analysis and extracellular baseline dopamine levels using in vivo microdialysis were assessed in independent groups of mice. The mice that received Aβ1-42 intrahippocampal infusions and remained in SH or Soc conditions showed impaired spatial memory retrieval. In contrast, animals subjected to the Nov protocol demonstrated remarkable resilience, showing strong spatial memory expression even after Aβ1-42 intrahippocampal infusion. The stereological analysis indicated that the Aβ1-42 infusion reduced the tyrosine hydroxylase axonal length in SH or Soc mice compared to the Nov group. Accordingly, the hippocampal extracellular dopamine levels increased significantly in the Nov groups. These compelling results demonstrate the potential for repeated novelty exposure to strengthen the dopaminergic system and mitigate the toxic effects of Aβ1-42. They also highlight new and promising therapeutic avenues for treating and preventing AD, especially in its early stages.

Characterization of Postpartum Ovarian Follicular Development Pattern in Crossbred Cows

Background: The postpartum period is crucial for cattle reproduction. The length of postpartum anestrus significantly impacts reproductive efficiency. Apparently enhanced energy attribution to milk production may lead to anestrus by delaying the onset of follicular activity. The absence of an ovulation stimulus, rather than insufficient follicle growth, determines the limited duration until ovulation. The current study was aimed to document the postpartum ovarian dynamics in crossbred Jersey cows. Methods: The study was conducted in ten postpartum crossbred Jersey cows. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed to record the follicular development pattern from parturition till two ovulation or 90 days postpartum on alternate days. The data was analyzed for follicular wave emergence, no of follicular waves, size of the dominant follicle and ovulatory status. Result: Fourty per cent of crossbred Jersey cows showed cyclicity and rest 60 per cent of cows are in anestrum. The mean diameter size of the dominant follicle in ovulated cows is 12.2±1.2 mm and in anestrum cows is 10.6±0.4 mm. The first wave emergence is 5.7±0.3 and 10.8±5.9 day in OV and NOV group respectively. In conclusion significant difference could be observed in emergence of first, second, third, fourth and fifth follicular wave emergence, growth phase duration, rate, size of the dominant follicle and duration of wave between postpartum ovulated and anestrum cows.

Efficacy of maintaining low-tidal volume mechanical ventilation as compared to resting lung strategy during coronary artery bypass graft cardiopulmonary bypass surgery: A post-hoc analysis of the MECANO trial

Study objectiveTo compare a low-tidal-volume with positive end-expiratory pressure strategy (VENT strategy) to a resting-lung-strategy (i.e., no-ventilation (noV) strategy) during cardiopulmonary bypass for coronary artery bypass graft surgery on the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. DesignPost-hoc analysis of the MECANO trial which was a prospective single-center, blind, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial. SettingTertiary care cardiac surgery center. PatientsPatients who underwent isolated on-pump coronary bypass surgery were randomized either to VENT or noV group. InterventionDuring the cardiopulmonary bypass phase of the cardiac surgery procedure, mechanical ventilation in the VENT group consisted of a tidal volume of 3 mL/kg, a respiratory rate of 5 per minute and a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O. Patients in the noV group received no ventilation during this phase. MeasurementsPrimary composite outcome combining death, early respiratory failure, ventilation support beyond day 2 and reintubation. Main resultsIn this post-hoc analysis, we retained 725 patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery, from the 1501 patients included in the original study. There were 352 in the VENT group and 373 patients in the noV group. Post-hoc comparison yielded no differences in baseline characteristics between these two groups. The primary outcome occurred less frequently in the VENT group than in the noV group, with 44 (12.5%) and 76 (20.4%) respectively (odds-ratio (OR) = 0.56 (0.37–0.84), p = 0.004). There were fewer early respiratory dysfunctions and prolonged respiratory support in the VENT group (respectively, OR = 0.34 (0.12–0.96) p = 0.033 and OR = 0.51 (0.27–0.94) p = 0.029). Complications related to mechanical ventilation were similar in the two groups. ConclusionsIn this post-hoc analysis, maintaining low-tidal ventilation compared to a resting-lung strategy was associated with fewer pulmonary postoperative complications in patients who underwent isolated CABG procedures.

Effects of decision-making on indoor bouldering performances: A multi-experimental study approach.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether novice, intermediate, and advanced bouldering athletes would differ in their decision-making abilities and to what extent distinct problem-solving tactics would affect the athletes' bouldering performances. Seventy-seven male bouldering athletes participated in a multi-experimental study with the conceptual replication of three bouldering tasks. Participants were allocated according to their ability levels to the novice group (NOV with n = 18), the intermediate group (INT with n = 18), or the advanced group (ADV with n = 41). The data collected for movement analysis via video consisted of the pre-ascent decision-making times, the number of movement deviations from the best solution, the number of movement mistakes, the average gripping times, the bouldering times to the top, the number of successful ascents, and the number of attempts to complete the tasks. Results among all three experiments revealed shorter decision-making times, fewer movement mistakes, and shorter average gripping and bouldering times to the top in the ADV group than in the NOV group and the INT group. Furthermore, participants from the ADV group demonstrated fewer movement deviations than participants from the NOV group (in all three experiments) and the INT group (Experiment 1 and Experiment 2). Moreover, participants from the ADV group and the INT group were characterized, in all three experiments, by a higher number of successful ascents and a lower number of attempts to complete the tasks than participants from the NOV group. In total, these findings emphasize that accomplished decision-making abilities consist of a key determinant in successful indoor bouldering performances.

ANALYSIS OF CHANGEMENT DE PIED, ECHAPPÉ AND SISSONNE FERMÉ JUMPS IN FEMALE BALLET DANCERS

In classical ballet, jumping should stand more on technique and elegance rather than maximal height. This study aimed to investigate dancers’ ability to perform stable jumps with classical ballet technique. Twenty-two female dancers [divided in two groups: Expert: n=12; Novice, n=10] were recruited to perform three vertical jump protocols: 1) Changement de Pied (CHA), composed by 5 consecutive jumps; 2) Echappé (ECH), composed by two consecutive ‘Echappé’ jumps; and 3) Sissonne Fermé (SF) jumps. Through an Optojump Next system were measured: a) Height (H) of jumps; b) Jumping Point Gap (JPG) and c) Used Area (UA). The CHA analysis showed differences between consecutive jumps for JPG (p=0.003). An approach to significance (p=0.52) and a difference (p=0.42) between groups were found for H and JPG respectively, while no differences were found for UA. The ECH analysis revealed main differences between jumps for H (p&lt; 0.001), JPG (p=0.003) and UA (p&lt; 0.001), post-hoc analysis showed differences (p&lt;0.05) between each jump from the fifth position to the second one and vice versa for H and UA whilst differences between groups emerged only for UA (p=0.001). The SF analysis showed no differences for all parameters. The results showed as in CHA dancers carried out a control on the jump height to maintain their “aplomb” and limit the mediolateral displacement, which was also influenced by the dancers’ experience (NOV group showed higher H and JPG values). The dancers’ skill was also demonstrated by their ability to perform similar jumps in each of the two echappé cycles. Key words: classical ballet, dance, ability, jumps

The Effect Of Time Of Day On Jump Potentiation In Distance Runners

The Effect of Time of Day on Jump Potentiation in Distance Runners. Time of day is a key factor that influences athletic performance. No study has specifically investigated the effect of early morning vs. late afternoon training on jump potentiation in distance runners. This is important because circadian rhythms and alterations in sleep patterns can affect training adaptations and athletic performance. PURPOSE: To determine whether the time of day influence jump potentiation in distance runners. METHODS: We recruited 18 male runners that were divided into two groups: novice runners (NOV) with ≤3 years of racing experience (n=6; age 34.7±6.4) and experienced runners (EXP) with ≥3 years of experience (n=12; age 34.5±5.1). Chronotypes were identified using the Horne-Ostberg's Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire and sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Counter movement jump (CMJ) was determined with the My Jump App. CMJ height was measured after 5 min warm-up and after 30 min test (70% HRR) of running on a treadmill at 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. Following the 30 min test treadmill CMJ height was measured at 0, 3, 6 and 9 minutes of recovery. RESULTS: The overall sleep quality of the athletes were poor (5.4 ±3.8, n=18). The NOV group were poor sleepers (6.5±3.6, n=6) whereas the EXP group were at the limit score to become poor sleepers (4.8±3.9 n=12). The majority (77.3%, n=14) of the runners were morning types and 22.2% (n=4) were intermediate types. CMJ height in the EXP group was increased at 0 min of recovery and was decreased to warm-up levels at 3, 6 and 9 min (p< 0.01) during morning test. Interestingly, jump potentiation only occurred in the morning while no significant increases were observed in the evening in the EXP group (p=0.6). The NOV group had no changes in jump potentiation in both morning and evening tests. CONCLUSION: We conclude that jump potentiation could be only observed during morning in experienced distance runners probably because of their chronotypes.

Ventilation strategies with different inhaled Oxygen conceNTration during CardioPulmonary Bypass in cardiac surgery (VONTCPB): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThere is no consensus on the ventilation management during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and the anesthesiologists or the surgeons usually ventilate the lungs with different ventilation strategies or keep them static. Better outcomes are more likely to occur when the ventilation is administered during CPB according to the existing literatures. However, the use of high fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) is debatable in cardiac surgery. And the potential effects of strategies combining low tidal volume (VT) ventilation with different FiO2 during CPB on postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are unclear.DesignThe VONTCPB trial is a single-center, prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. We are going to recruit total 420 elective cardiac surgery patients with median sternotomy under CPB, who will be equally randomized into three different ventilation strategy groups: NoV, LOV and HOV. (1) The NoV group receives no mechanical ventilation during CPB; (2) the LOV group receives a low VT of 3-4 ml/kg of ideal body weight (IBW) with the respiratory rate (RR) of 10–12 acts/min, and the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5–8 cmH2O during CPB; the FiO2 is 30%; (3) the HOV group receives a low VT of 3-4 ml/kg of IBW with the RR of 10–12 acts/min, and the PEEP of 5–8 cmH2O during CPB; the FiO2 is 80%. The primary endpoints are the incidence of the composite of PPCs and the PPCs score. The secondary endpoints refer to the incidence of the oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) < 300 mmHg at three time points (the moment arriving in the ICU, 6 and 12 h after arrival in the ICU), the surgical incision healing grade, the intubation time, the stay of ICU, the length of hospital stay, and mortality at 30 days after the surgery.DiscussionThe VONTCPB trial is the first study to assess the effects of strategies combining low tidal volume (VT) ventilation with different FiO2 during CPB on patients’ outcomes.Trial registrationChiCTR1800015261. Registered on 20 March 2018.

Low tidal volume mechanical ventilation against no ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass heart surgery (MECANO): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostoperative pulmonary complications are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. There are no recommendations on mechanical ventilation associated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during surgery and anesthesiologists perform either no ventilation (noV) at all during CPB or maintain low tidal volume (LTV) ventilation. Indirect evidence points towards better pulmonary outcomes when LTV is performed but no large-scale prospective trial has yet been published in cardiac surgery.DesignThe MECANO trial is a single-center, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial comparing two mechanical ventilation strategies, noV and LTV, during cardiac surgery with CPB. In total, 1500 patients are expected to be included, without any restrictions. They will be randomized between noV and LTV on a 1:1 ratio. The noV group will receive no ventilation during CPB. The LTV group will receive 5 breaths/minute with a tidal volume of 3 mL/kg and positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O. The primary endpoint will be a composite of all-cause mortality, early respiratory failure defined as a ratio of partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen <200 mmHg at 1 hour after arrival in the ICU, heavy oxygenation support (defined as a patient requiring either non-invasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation or high-flow oxygen) at 2 days after arrival in the ICU or ventilator-acquired pneumonia defined by the Center of Disease Control. Lung recruitment maneuvers will be performed in the noV and LTV groups at the end of surgery and at arrival in ICU with an insufflation at +30 cmH20 for 5 seconds. Secondary endpoints are those composing the primary endpoint with the addition of pneumothorax, CPB duration, quantity of postoperative bleeding, red blood cell transfusions, revision surgery requirements, length of stay in the ICU and in the hospital and total hospitalization costs. Patients will be followed until hospital discharge.DiscussionThe MECANO trial is the first of its kind to compare in a double-blind design, a no-ventilation to a low-tidal volume strategy for mechanical ventilation during cardiac surgery with CPB, with a primary composite outcome including death, respiratory failure and postoperative pneumonia.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03098524. Registered on 27 February 2017.

Influence of Experience and Attentional Focus in a Single Arm Isokinetic Elbow Flexion

Previous research has shown that adopting an external focus (i.e., movement of the handle), rather than an internal focus (i.e., muscle contraction) increases force output and decreases muscle activation during an elbow flexion movement in men and women with strength training experience. However, little is known about the influence of attentional focus in novice populations. PURPOSE: To determine the influence of attentional focuses on muscle activation and force output among experienced and inexperienced males performing a unilateral isokinetic elbow flexion. METHODS: Fourteen male participants with >3 years of strength-training experience (EX group mean age 20.6 ± 0.9) and 9 novice participants with <6 months of resistance training experience (NOV group mean age 19.5 ± 1.0) performed 10 repetitions of a unilateral elbow flexion using a Biodex System 4 dynamometer. Repetitions were performed under 3 conditions (a control followed by randomly assigned internal and external focuses) at a speed of 60°(s-1). Peak torque (N·m) was measured by the Biodex, and peak muscle activation (mV) of the biceps brachii was measured using surface EMG. RESULTS: Within-group differences were analyzed using a repeated measures MANOVA. In the EX group, an external focus showed significantly higher peak torque (65.3 ± 3.2 N·m) than both the control (60.0 ± 3.2 N·m) and internal (50.1 ± 4.2 N·m) focus (all p<0.05). For the NOV group, there were no significant differences in peak torque production between any conditions. Further, there were no within-group significant differences in peak muscle activation for either group. CONCLUSION: Supporting previous research, our results show that adopting an external focus yields greater force output than an internal focus for experienced populations. However, no difference in force output is observed in novices with an external or internal focus. Thus, instructing experienced individuals to adopt an external focus may be beneficial for exercises where maximum force output is the goal, but additional research is needed to better understand the influence of attentional focus for similar exercises among novices. Supported by University of St. Thomas Collaborative Inquiry Grant.

Postpartum hormone and energy profiles and their influence on the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate hormone and energy profiles in the postpartum period and to correlate these profiles with the resumption of ovarian cyclicity, as well as characterizing the postpartum short estrous cycle of Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows. Twelve Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows were examined via rectal palpation and ultrasound at 10 days postpartum, and subsequently examined daily to evaluate the resumption of ovarian cyclicity as well as every five days in order to evaluate uterine involution. Upon analysis of the data, it was possible to observe the formation of two distinct groups, one of which was comprised of those animals which returned to cyclicity within 60 days postpartum and another comprised of those animals which returned to cyclicity more than 105 days postpartum. Therefore, animals were divided into two groups; precocious, designated Ov Group, and delayed, designated NOv Group, wherein the cut-off time for all tests was 60 days postpartum. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) between the groups occurred only regarding the day of 1st ovulation, which in the Ov Group averaged 51.4 ± 9.3 days and in the NOv Group averaged 138.3 ± 19.8 days postpartum. The other postpartum short estrous cycle variables assessed did not show statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between the groups. NEFA, BHBA and thyroxine concentration levels did not differ (P > 0.05) between the groups in any of the statistical analyses. However, in the analysis comparing growth curves, triglycerides levels were higher for the Ov Group (P = 0.04) and cholesterol levels were higher for the NOv Group (P = 0.02). In this experiment, a small influence of a negative energy balance between the groups was observed, suggesting that these animals can present significant genetic variability due to natural selection, as evidenced by the formation of groups of animals with precocious and delayed reproductive characteristics.

Efficacy and safety of coadministration of sitagliptin with insulin glargine in type 2 diabetes.

The aim of the randomized present study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of a combination of sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor, plus insulin glargine (GL + sita) with that of premixed insulin aspart 30 (NOV) for type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients controlled with oral hypoglycemic drugs (HbA1c 7%-9%). Sixty-five patients were randomized (1: 1) to the GL + sita (n = 33) and NOV (n = 32) groups and were treated with the combination regimen or premixed insulin twice a day for 16 weeks. The primary endpoint was mean change in HbA1c. Secondary endpoints included fasting blood glucose, blood glucose profiles (seven time points), rate of achieving target HbA1c (<7% or ≤6.5%), insulin dose, incidence of hypoglycemia, and body weight. After 16 weeks, there was no significant difference in HbA1c between the two groups, although more patients achieved HbA1c <7.0% in the GL + sita group. There was a significant difference in body weight changes between the GL + sita and NOV groups (-0.45 vs 1.52 kg, respectively; P <0.001). Mean plasma glucose and the mean amplitude of glycemic excursion were significantly lower in the GL + sita than NOV group (P <0.005), as was the incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia (2.85% vs. 13.3%, respectively; P <0.001). The combination of GL + sita greatly improved HbA1c in T2D patients (HbA1c 7%-9%) with an efficacy that was equal to that of premixed insulin. Thus, GL + sita treatment is a viable option for patients who fail to achieve glycemic control using oral hypoglycemic drugs.

Influência dos hormônios sexuais no consumo de oxigênio de ratos

Introdução: Achados da literatura sugerem que oscilações dos hormônios sexuais femininos podem alterar o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max).Objetivo: Comparar o VO2max entre ratos machos (M, n=8), fêmeas nas fases ovulatórias (OV, n=8) ou não-ovulatórias (NOV, n=8) do ciclo estral e ooforectomizadas (OS, n=8).Métodos: A avaliação do consumo de oxigênio foi realizada em esteira rolante com caixa metabólica acoplada.Resultados: Em repouso, o VO2 foi semelhante entre os grupos estudados. O grupo M apresentou maior VO2max em relação ao grupo NOV, mas valores semelhantes ao do grupo OV. O VO2max foi menor no grupo ooforectomizado (OS: 62±3 ml.kg-1.min-1) quando comparado aos demais grupos (M: 92±2; NOV: 77±4; OV: 87±3 ml.kg-1.min-1).Conclusões: Esses achados evidenciam que a variação hormonal decorrente das diferentes fases do ciclo estral e da privação dos hormônios ovarianos pode induzir alterações no consumo máximo de oxigênio em ratos.

A retrospective database analysis on persistence with inhaled corticosteroid therapy: comparison of two dry powder inhalers during asthma treatment in Germany

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Patient persistence with treatment is essential to achieve sufficient outcomes, in particular to avoid exacerbations. To investigate inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy with two different inhalers (Novolizer® and Turbuhaler®) by comparing persistence, concomitant use of additional asthma medication and occurrence of exacerbations in real life. A retrospective analysis of prescription data from outpatient treatment was performed using the IMS Disease Analyzer. It provides longitudinal anonymized patient data from ~ 3,000 office-based physicians in Germany. Treatment persistence of asthma patients (ICD 10 code: J45) using 200 μg budesonide either via Novopulmon®/Budecort® (Novolizer group = NOV) or Pulmicort® (Turbuhaler group = TUR) was compared. Eligible patients hadthe first prescription of ICS medication (index day) between June 2001 and September 2007 and a data history available for at least twelve months before and after the index day. Analysis of 1,780 NOV and 664 TUR patients revealed that 1 year after index day, 89% NOV patients remained on their ICS compared to 85% TUR patients. NOV patients changed significantly less often and later to another ICS (p = 0.0108; log-rank test). Significantly fewer NOV patients switched temporarily or permanently to another ICS during the observation time (NOV group: 14.7%; TUR group: 20.8%; p = 0.0002, log-rank test). On average, NOV and TUR patients received comparable prescriptions of short acting medication (NOV more SABA, TUR more formoterol). There was a trend towards fewer prescriptions of systemic corticosteroids in NOV patients. Our results suggest better therapy persistence with NOV compared to TUR during asthma treatment in Germany. This can be a marker of better compliance and may contribute to prevent exacerbations. However, the number of exacerbations per patient year in the NOV group (0.12) compared to the TUR group (0.18) was not statically significantly lower (p = 0.4096).

Performance of a Simplified Wall Motion Score Index Method for Noncardiologists to Assess Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Backgrounds. For emergency physicians performing a goal-directed transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), a reliable estimate of LVEF must be obtained rapidly. We compared rapid LVEF estimates obtained from short axis sections to those obtained from apical sections using two methods of evaluation. Methods. The TTE's of 6 patients were interpreted by 16 echo-proficient readers (PRO group) and 105 novice readers (NOV group). LVEF was assessed by each group. The strategies consisted of either a global visual estimation (VIS) of LVEF or semiquantitative (SQ) methods. Results. Using RNV and BIP as a reference standard, NOV readers performed better with the SQ method than global visual estimation. For NOV readers, best agreement was achieved with the 234C sequence in low LVEF situations, but with the BMA series in normal LVEF settings. Neither series of views was better than the other in the setting of mild LVEF depression. Conclusion. Semi-quantitative method was superior to global visual estimation of LVEF in NOV group in most of the LVEF ranges.

Effect of Follicular Aspiration at the Onset of Progesterone-based Timed Artificial Insemination on the Follicular Dynamics and Fertility of Early Postpartum Japanese Black Cows

The effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRH-A) or follicular aspiration at the onset of progesterone-based timed artificial insemination (TAI) on subsequent follicular growth and synchronization of ovulation was examined in early postpartum Japanese Black cows. A total of 40 (22 in Exp. 1 and 18 in Exp. 2) Japanese Black cows at 20-30 days postpartum were fitted with a progesterone releasing internal device (PRID) for 7 days, injected with a prostaglandin F2α analogue upon removal of the PRID and GnRH-A 48 h later, and inseminated 18 h after GnRH-A injection. In Exp. 1, the animals were divided into three groups (untreated control, GnRH-A injection or follicular aspiration) of different treatments on the first day of PRID insertion (day 0), and the synchronized ovulation rate in the follicular aspiration group (100%; 8/8) tended to be higher (P = 0.077) than that in the control group (42.9%; 3/7). In Exp. 2, follicular growth in the GnRH (n = 9) and follicular aspiration (n = 9) groups was monitored by ultrasonography. Four out of the nine animals in the GnRH group had a corpus luteum on either day 4 or day 7 (OV group), and the other five animals had no induced ovulation (NOV group). The diameter of the ovulatory follicle on day 9 in the OV group (1.44 ± 0.11 cm) tended to be greater (P = 0.078) than that in the NOV group (1.13 ± 0.07 cm). Follicular aspiration at the onset of PRID-based TAI of early postpartum Japanese Black cows, regardless of the resumption of ovarian cyclicity, tended to result in a higher rate of synchronization of ovulation than that of the untreated controls.

Response to Induction Chemotherapy with Novel Agents Does Not Predict Outcomes of Multiple Myeloma Patients Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

AbstractAbstract 1347 Introduction:High dose therapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) is a standard therapy option for at least young (<65 years) and otherwise transplant eligible multiple myeloma (MM) patients. While outcomes of AHCT in Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients showing evidence of chemo-sensitive disease pre-transplant are clearly superior, the prognostic significance of pre-AHCT remission status in MM is controversial. Failure to achieve at least a partial remission (PR) in response to induction chemotherapy before AHCT has not been shown to negatively impact transplant outcomes, at least in the pre-thalidomide (Thal)/lenalidomide (Len)/bortezomib (Bor) era (Kumar S, BMT 2004 & Singhal S, BMT 2002). Whether this paradigm holds true for novel agent-containing induction therapies is not known. Recently <50% reduction in ‘serum M-protein’ following induction with Thal or Len based induction therapy has retrospectively been shown to predict poor outcome after AHSCT (Gertz M, Blood 2010). However, data evaluating transplant outcomes relative to pre-transplant remission status assessed by strict IMWG criteria, and data in Bor-based regimens is still scant. We report here the impact pre-transplant remission status on outcomes of AHCT after chemotherapy with novel agents. Methods:The study involves 63 consecutive patients who underwent a planned, single AHCT within 1-year of starting induction chemotherapy with regimens containing Thal, Len, or Bor, between 2000–2009. All patients with normal renal function received uniform conditioning with Mel200 (MEL140 if serum creatinine was >2 mg/dl). The disease response pre- and post transplant was determined by using the IMWG criteria. SPSS version 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Outcomes of patients achieving at least a PR (P-group; n=54) before AHCT were compared with one not achieving at least a PR (NO-P-group; n=9). As an exploratory analysis outcomes of patient achieving at least a very good partial response (VGPR) (V-group; n=40) with ones not achieving at least a VGPR (NO-V-group) was also performed (no-V group; n=23). Results:The mean age of the patients at transplant was 53yrs (range 44 –72yrs). 68 % (n=43) of patients were male. At diagnosis 42 patients (66%) had Salmon-Durie stage III disease, while 21 (34%) had stage I/II disease. Median Karnofsky performance status was 90. At the time of AHCT, the median HCT-CI score was 0. 33 % (n=21) of the patients received radiation therapy prior to transplant. At a median follow-up of 36 months, the 3 year OS of patients in P-group and NO-P-group was 58% vs. 60% (p=0.93) respectively. The 3 year PFS in similar order was 22% vs. 31% (p=0.74). The 3 year OS of patients in V-group and NO-V-group (44% vs. 62%) was also not significantly different (p=0.53). Respective figures of 3 year PFS are 22% vs. 24% (p=0.72) respectively. 3yr non relapse mortality was 5% for the whole cohort. Of the 31 patients that entered an AHCT with a PR, 15 improved to a CR post transplant, 2 improved their status to a VGPR whereas 14 remained in a PR. A total of 9 patients entered an AHCT with a stable disease (SD) of which 5 advanced to a CR, 3 a PR and one remained in SD. On the other hand of the 6 patients who entered an AHCT with a VGPR, 2 improved to a CR whereas the rest maintained their status. Finally, all the 17 patients entering an AHCT with a CR maintained their status. Conclusion:Our limited, retrospective data suggest acceptable AHCT outcomes in MM patients who do not achieve at least a PR in response to novel induction chemotherapies pre-transplantation. Failure to achieve a PR following novel induction therapies should not ‘routinely’ preclude consideration for high-dose therapy and AHCT. Disclosures:Abraham:Genentech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Craig:Genentech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Hamadani:celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; otsuka: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

Correlation between plasma neurohormone levels and left ventricular functional and morphological improvement in LVAD patients

Objective: Certain neurohormones (e.g., brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), endothelin-1 (ET-1)) have demonstrated reliability as clinical markers of left ventricular (LV) function. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma levels of these neurohormones, LV function and histological evidence of morphological improvement in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients to determine whether serial hormonal expression may be used to assess cardiac status in the LVAD setting. Methods: Plasma levels of BNP and ET-1 were measured in 19 end-stage congestive heart failure patients directly before and up to 18 weeks after implantation with various devices (DeBakeyVAD, Novacor, TCI HeartMate). Echocardiographic indices corresponding to the time-points of serial hormonal measurement were evaluated. Immunohistochemical collagen staining of LV tissue samples derived from LVAD patients at the time of device insertion and removal were then contrasted. Patients were grouped according to device employed and etiology (ischemic/dilated cardiomyopathy, ICMP/DCMP). Results: LVAD therapy significantly enhanced LV ejection fraction (EF%: 21% ± 3.8% to 37% ± 11.39%) and cardiac output (CO: 3.49 ± 1.3 to 7.3 ± 0.2 l/m) in all patients; other parameters were not appreciably altered. Absolute BNP and ET-1 plasma levels remained significantly lower in all patients after LVAD implantation (both: p < 0.001). The NOV group exhibited the most BNP reduction and EF% increase (p < 0.0004 and p < 0.038, respectively), whereas ET-1 was lower in the DVAD group (p < 0.06). In all categories, the ICMP group experienced more significant change when compared to those in the DCMP grouping. Collagen levels were sharply reduced in all patients (p < 0.0005); however, while those in the DVAD demonstrated the most evident change (p < 0.0036), there was little difference between the DCMP/ICMP groups (p < 0.012 vs p < 0.022). Both BNP and ET-1 manifested bi-phasic tendencies and an inverse proportionality to EF% measurements. Conclusions: Plasma BNP and ET-1 levels appear to correlate both with device-related LV functional and myocardial morphological improvement and may be of potential use as therapeutic indicators.