Craniofacial morphology and growth in Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and TCF12-related craniosynostosis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the midface of patients with Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, or TCF12-related craniosynostosis is hypoplastic compared to skeletal facial proportions of a Dutch control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included seventy-four patients (43 patients with Muenke syndrome, 22 patients with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and 9 patients with TCF12-related craniosynostosis) who were referred between 1990 and 2020 (age range 4.84 to 16.83 years) and were treated at the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Special Dental Care and Orthodontics, Children's Hospital Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The control group consisted of 208 healthy children. RESULTS: Cephalometric values comprising the midface were decreased in Muenke syndrome (ANB: ß = -1.87, p = 0.001; and PC1: p < 0,001), Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (ANB: ß = -1.76, p = 0.001; and PC1: p < 0.001), and TCF12-related craniosynostosis (ANB: ß = -1.70, p = 0.015; and PC1: p < 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed that the midface is hypoplastic in Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and TCF12-related craniosynostosis compared to the Dutch control group. Furthermore, the rotation of the maxilla and the typical craniofacial buildup is significantly different in these three craniosynostosis syndromes compared to the controls. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The maxillary growth in patients with Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, or TCF12-related craniosynostosis is impaired, leading to a deviant dental development. Therefore, timely orthodontic follow-up is recommended. In order to increase expertise and support treatment planning by medical and dental specialists for these patients, and also because of the specific differences between the syndromes, we recommend the management of patients with Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, or TCF12-related craniosynostosis in specialized multidisciplinary teams.

Deviating dental arch morphology in mild coronal craniosynostosis syndromes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the intramaxillary relationship of patients with Muenke syndrome and Saethre-Chotzen syndrome or TCF12-related craniosynostosis are systematically different than those of a control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients (34 patients with Muenke syndrome, 8 patients with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and 6 patients with TCF12-related craniosynostosis) born between 1982 and 2010 (age range 4.84 to 16.83 years) that were treated at the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Special Dental Care and Orthodontics, Children's Hospital Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, were included. Forty-seven syndromic patients had undergone one craniofacial surgery according to the craniofacial team protocol. The dental arch measurements intercanine width (ICW), intermolar width (IMW), arch depth (AD), and arch length (AL) were calculated. The control group existed of 329 nonsyndromic children. RESULTS: All dental arch dimensions in Muenke (ICW, IMW, AL, p < 0.001, ADmax, p = 0.008; ADman, p = 0.002), Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, or TCF12-related craniosynostosis patients (ICWmax, p = 0.005; ICWman, IMWmax, AL, p < 0.001) were statistically significantly smaller than those of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed that the dental arches of the maxilla and the mandible of patients with Muenke syndrome and Saethre-Chotzen syndrome or TCF12-related craniosynostosis are smaller compared to those of a control group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To gain better understanding of the sutural involvement in the midface and support treatment capabilities of medical and dental specialists in these patients, we suggest the concentration of patients with Muenke and Saethre-Chotzen syndromes or TCF12-related craniosynostosis in specialized teams for a multi-disciplinary approach and treatment.

Carotid ultrasound measurements for assessing fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients: corrected flow time and respirophasic variation in blood flow peak velocity.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the ability of two Doppler ultrasound-derived parameters, the carotid corrected flow time (FTc) and respirophasic variation in carotid artery blood flow peak velocity (ΔVpeak), to predict fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients. METHODS: A total of 53 spontaneously breathing patients were studied before anaesthetic induction for neurosurgery. Carotid FTc, ΔVpeak, and haemodynamic data were measured before and after administration of 6 ml kg-1 colloid. Fluid responsiveness was defined as a 15% or more increase in stroke volume index as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography after the fluid challenge. RESULTS: Twenty-two (42%) patients were fluid responders. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for FTc and ΔVpeak were 0.842 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.735-0.948, P<0.001] and 0.818 (95% CI: 0.701-0.935, P<0.001), respectively. The optimal cut-off values of FTc and ΔVpeak for fluid responsiveness were 349.4 ms (sensitivity of 72.7%; specificity of 83.9%) and 9.1% (sensitivity of 72.7%; specificity of 87.1%), respectively. The grey zone for FTc was 346.9-361.0 ms and included 28% of the patients, and the grey zone for ΔVpeak was 6.5-10.2% and included 50% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Using Doppler ultrasound-derived parameters measured at the carotid artery, FTc predicted fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients better than ΔVpeak. However, further studies are warranted before these parameters are recommended for clinical use. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT 02843477.

Sex differences in the estrogen-dependent regulation of temporomandibular joint remodeling in altered loading.

OBJECTIVE: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases predominantly afflict women, suggesting a role of estrogen in the disease etiology. Previously, we determined that decreased occlusal loading (DOL) inhibited collagen type II (Col2) expression in the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) of female wild-type (WT) mice whereas no change was observed in males. This decrease in chondrogenesis was abolished by estrogen receptor beta (ERß) deficiency in females. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine the role of estradiol - ERß signaling in mediating DOL effects in male mice to further decipher sex differences. METHODS: Male 21 day-old WT and ERßKO male mice were treated with either placebo or estradiol and exposed to normal or DOL for 4 weeks. Cartilage thickness and cell proliferation, gene expression and immunohistochemistry of chondrogenic markers and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), and analysis of bone histomorphometry via microCT were completed to ascertain the effect of estradiol on DOL effects to the TMJ. RESULTS: ERßKO male mice lack a MCC phenotype. In both genotypes, estradiol treatment increased Col2 gene expression and trabecular thickness. DOL in combination with estradiol treatment caused a significant increase in Col2 gene expression in both genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The sex differences in DOL-induced inhibition of Col2 expression do not appear to be mediated by differences in estradiol levels between male and female mice. Greater understanding on the role of estrogen and altered loading are critical in order to decipher the sex dimorphism of TMJ disorders.

Genome-wide linkage disequilibrium and past effective population size in three Korean cattle breeds.

The routine collection and use of genomic data are useful for effectively managing breeding programs for endangered populations. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) using high-density DNA markers has been widely used to determine population structures and predict the genomic regions that are associated with economic traits in beef cattle. The extent of LD also provides information about historical events, including past effective population size (Ne ), and it allows inferences on the genetic diversity of breeds. The objective of this study was to estimate the LD and Ne in three Korean cattle breeds that are genetically similar but have different coat colors (Brown, Brindle and Jeju Black Hanwoo). Brindle and Jeju Black are endangered breeds with small populations, whereas Brown Hanwoo is the main breeding population in Korea. DNA samples from these cattle breeds were genotyped using the Illumina BovineSNP50 Bead Chip. We examined 13 cattle breeds, including European taurines, African taurines and indicines, and hybrids to compare their LD values. Brown Hanwoo consistently had the lowest mean LD compared to Jeju Black, Brindle and the other 13 cattle breeds (0.13, 0.19, 0.21 and 0.15-0.22 respectively). The high LD values of Brindle and Jeju Black contributed to small Ne values (53 and 60 respectively), which were distinct from that of Brown Hanwoo (531) for 11 generations ago. The differences in LD and Ne for each breed reflect the breeding strategy applied. The Ne for these endangered cattle breeds remain low; thus, effort is needed to bring them back to a sustainable tract.

Models for Estimating Genetic Parameters of Milk Production Traits Using Random Regression Models in Korean Holstein Cattle.

The objectives of the study were to estimate genetic parameters for milk production traits of Holstein cattle using random regression models (RRMs), and to compare the goodness of fit of various RRMs with homogeneous and heterogeneous residual variances. A total of 126,980 test-day milk production records of the first parity Holstein cows between 2007 and 2014 from the Dairy Cattle Improvement Center of National Agricultural Cooperative Federation in South Korea were used. These records included milk yield (MILK), fat yield (FAT), protein yield (PROT), and solids-not-fat yield (SNF). The statistical models included random effects of genetic and permanent environments using Legendre polynomials (LP) of the third to fifth order (L3-L5), fixed effects of herd-test day, year-season at calving, and a fixed regression for the test-day record (third to fifth order). The residual variances in the models were either homogeneous (HOM) or heterogeneous (15 classes, HET15; 60 classes, HET60). A total of nine models (3 orders of polynomials×3 types of residual variance) including L3-HOM, L3-HET15, L3-HET60, L4-HOM, L4-HET15, L4-HET60, L5-HOM, L5-HET15, and L5-HET60 were compared using Akaike information criteria (AIC) and/or Schwarz Bayesian information criteria (BIC) statistics to identify the model(s) of best fit for their respective traits. The lowest BIC value was observed for the models L5-HET15 (MILK; PROT; SNF) and L4-HET15 (FAT), which fit the best. In general, the BIC values of HET15 models for a particular polynomial order was lower than that of the HET60 model in most cases. This implies that the orders of LP and types of residual variances affect the goodness of models. Also, the heterogeneity of residual variances should be considered for the test-day analysis. The heritability estimates of from the best fitted models ranged from 0.08 to 0.15 for MILK, 0.06 to 0.14 for FAT, 0.08 to 0.12 for PROT, and 0.07 to 0.13 for SNF according to days in milk of first lactation. Genetic variances for studied traits tended to decrease during the earlier stages of lactation, which were followed by increases in the middle and decreases further at the end of lactation. With regards to the fitness of the models and the differential genetic parameters across the lactation stages, we could estimate genetic parameters more accurately from RRMs than from lactation models. Therefore, we suggest using RRMs in place of lactation models to make national dairy cattle genetic evaluations for milk production traits in Korea.

[A disulfiram-alcohol reaction after inhalation of a salbutamol aerosol: a plausible interaction?]. / Een disulfiram-alcoholreactie na gebruik van salbutamolaerosol; een plausibele interactie?

An asthmatic patient (male, aged 47) being treated for his alcohol dependence complained of experiencing mild symptoms of disulfiram-alcohol reaction after using of pressurised metered-dose inhaler containing ethanol. It has been reported in the literature that the disulfiram-alcohol reaction may occur after a patient has been exposed to only minimal amounts of ethanol. This is why, in daily practice, physicians are generally reluctant to prescribe preparations containing ethanol and why they usually switch patients to an alternative. However, close evaluation of the biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic aspects of ethanol suggests that subjective disulfiram-alcohol reactions following the use of inhalers containing ethanol cannot be explained rationally from a clinical pharmacological perspective.

Magnetism in single metalloorganic complexes formed by atom manipulation.

The magnetic properties of molecular structures can be tailored by chemical synthesis or bottom-up assembly at the atomic scale. We used scanning tunneling microscopy to study charge and spin transfer in individual complexes of transition metals with the charge acceptor, tetracyanoethylene (TCNE). The complexes were formed on a thin insulator, Cu2N on Cu(100), by manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. The Cu2N layer decouples the complexes from Cu electron density, enabling direct imaging of the TCNE molecular orbitals as well as spin-flip inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy. Results were obtained at low temperature down to 1 K and in magnetic fields up to 7 T in order to resolve splitting of spin states in the complexes. We also performed spin-polarized density functional theory calculations to compare with the experimental data. Our results indicate that charge transfer to TCNE leads to a change in spin magnitude, Kondo resonance, and magnetic anisotropy for the metal atoms.

Assessment of masticatory function in patients with non-sagittal occlusal discrepancies.

Non-sagittal occlusal discrepancies such as posterior cross-bite and anterior openbite are common types of malocclusion, but studies on masticatory function related to those malocclusions have been scarce. The aim of this study was to quantify the masticatory performance in patients with non-sagittal discrepancies compared to those with normal occlusion, using both objective and subjective measures. Maximum bite force and contact area using Dental Prescale(®) system as a static objective assessment, Mixing Ability Index (MAI) as a dynamic objective evaluation and food intake ability (FIA) as a subjective assessment were analysed from 21 people in normal occlusion (Group N) and 64 patients with posterior cross-bite (Group C), anterior openbite (Group O) or both (Group B). The differences of the maximum bite force, the contact area, the MAI and the FIA were compared, and their correlations were figured out. The non-sagittal malocclusion groups showed lower values in the maximum bite force, the contact area, the MAI and the FIA compared to those in the normal group (P < 0·0001). Compared to Group N, Groups C, O and B showed 61·5%, 42·1% and 40·1% of the maximum bite force, and 84%, 84% and 76% of hard food FIA, respectively. However, there were no significant differences among Groups C, O and B. The MAI showed higher correlation with the FIA (r = 0·38, P < 0·01), than with the maximum bite force and the contact area (both r = 0·24, P < 0·5). These results revealed that masticatory function in patients with non-sagittal discrepancies is significantly reduced both objectively and subjectively.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Somatic Cell Scores of Holsteins Using Multi-trait Lactation Models in Korea.

The study was conducted to analyze the genetic parameters of somatic cell score (SCS) of Holstein cows, which is an important indicator to udder health. Test-day records of somatic cell counts (SCC) of 305-day lactation design from first to fifth lactations were collected on Holsteins in Korea during 2000 to 2012. Records of animals within 18 to 42 months, 30 to 54 months, 42 to 66 months, 54 to 78 months, and 66 to 90 months of age at the first, second, third, fourth and fifth parities were analyzed, respectively. Somatic cell scores were calculated, and adjusted for lactation production stages by Wilmink's function. Lactation averages of SCS (LSCS1 through LSCS5) were derived by further adjustments of each test-day SCS for five age groups in particular lactations. Two datasets were prepared through restrictions on number of sires/herd and dams/herd, progenies/sire, and number of parities/cow to reduce data size and attain better relationships among animals. All LSCS traits were treated as individual trait and, analyzed through multiple-trait sire models and single trait animal models via VCE 6.0 software package. Herd-year was fitted as a random effect. Age at calving was regressed as a fixed covariate. The mean LSCS of five lactations were between 3.507 and 4.322 that corresponded to a SCC range between 71,000 and 125,000 cells/mL; with coefficient of variation from 28.2% to 29.9%. Heritability estimates from sire models were within the range of 0.10 to 0.16 for all LSCS. Heritability was the highest at lactation 2 from both datasets (0.14/0.16) and lowest at lactation 5 (0.11/0.10) using sire model. Heritabilities from single trait animal model analyses were slightly higher than sire models. Genetic correlations between LSCS traits were strong (0.62 to 0.99). Very strong associations (0.96 to 0.99) were present between successive records of later lactations. Phenotypic correlations were relatively weaker (<0.55). All correlations became weaker at distant lactations. The estimated breeding values (EBVs) of LSCS traits were somewhat similar over the years for a particular lactation, but increased with lactation number increment. The lowest EBV in first lactation indicated that selection for SCS (mastitis resistance) might be better with later lactation records. It is expected that results obtained from these multi-trait lactation model analyses, being the first large scale SCS data analysis in Korea, would create a good starting step for application of advanced statistical tools for future genomic studies focusing on selection for mastitis resistance in Holsteins of Korea.

Estrogen via estrogen receptor beta partially inhibits mandibular condylar cartilage growth.

OBJECTIVE: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases predominantly afflict women, suggesting a role for female hormones in the disease process. However, little is known about the role of estrogen receptor (ER) signaling in regulating mandibular condylar cartilage growth. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine the effects of altered estrogen levels on the mandibular condylar cartilage in wild type (WT) and ER beta Knockout (KO) mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 21-day-old female WT (n = 37) and ER beta KO mice (n = 36) were either sham operated or ovariectomized, and treated with either placebo or estradiol. The mandibular condylar cartilage was evaluated by histomorphometry, proliferation was analyzed by double ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine/bromodeoxyuridine (EdU/BrdU) labeling, and assays on gene and protein expression of chondrocyte maturation markers were performed. RESULTS: In WT mice, ovariectomy caused a significant increase in mandibular condylar cartilage cell numbers, a significant increase in Sox9 expression and a significant increase in proliferation compared with sham operated WT mice. In contrast, ovariectomy did not cause any of these effects in the ER beta KO mice. Estrogen replacement treatment in ovariectomized WT mice caused a significant decrease in ER alpha expression and a significant increase in Sost expression compared with ovariectomized mice treated with placebo. Estrogen replacement treatment in ovariectomized ER beta KO mice caused a significant increase in Col2 expression, no change in ER alpha expression, and a significant increase in Sost expression. CONCLUSION: Estrogen via ER beta inhibits proliferation and ER alpha expression while estrogen independent of ER beta induces Col2 and Sost expression.

Beat note stabilization of mode-locked lasers for quantum information processing.

We stabilize a chosen radio frequency beat note between two optical fields derived from the same mode-locked laser pulse train in order to coherently manipulate quantum information. This scheme does not require access or active stabilization of the laser repetition rate. We implement and characterize this external lock, in the context of two-photon stimulated Raman transitions between the hyperfine ground states of trapped 171Yb(+) quantum bits.

Optimal quantum control of multimode couplings between trapped ion qubits for scalable entanglement.

We demonstrate entangling quantum gates within a chain of five trapped ion qubits by optimally shaping optical fields that couple to multiple collective modes of motion. We individually address qubits with segmented optical pulses to construct multipartite entangled states in a programmable way. This approach enables high-fidelity gates that can be scaled to larger qubit registers for quantum computation and simulation.

Development of microsatellite markers for the kelp grouper Epinephelus bruneus by 454 pyrosequencing and transfer to related species.

The kelp or longtooth grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), which inhabits Eastern Asia, is the most economically important of 11 grouper species that inhabit the Southern Sea near Jeju Island in Korea. This species is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources because of a rapid decrease in its resources. We developed microsatellite markers for E. bruneus using the pyrosequencing technique for applications in resource management and aquaculture. In addition, we tested the cross-species transferability of the microsatellite markers in four species belonging to the Epinephelus genus. Among 66,452 simple sequence repeats, 64 loci containing more than eight CA or TG repeats were randomly selected for primer synthesis; 45 primer sets (75.0%) produced polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of 100-300 bp and were selected as candidates. After primary testing with four E. bruneus fish, 28 polymorphic loci were selected as the final microsatellite markers, and 23 sets showing clear amplification of polymorphic loci were used to analyze 71 fish. These loci have allele numbers ranging from 2 to 23. Null alleles were detected at three loci, and three loci showed an excess of homozygotes in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test. Of the three species used for cross-species transfer of these markers, Epinephelus moara showed the highest transferability (92.9%) and polymorphism (67.9%), followed by Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (75.0 and 67.9%, respectively) and Epinephelus septemfasciatus (57.1 and 46.4%, respectively). These results suggested that these microsatellite loci should be valuable tools for population genetic studies of the species Epinephelus.

Development of microsatellite markers for a hard-shelled mussel, Mytilus coruscus, and cross-species transfer.

The Korean mussel Mytilus coruscus, an endemic marine bivalve mollusk, is economically important. Its population is currently decreasing due to overexploitation and invasion of a more competitive species, Mytilus galloprovincialis. In this study, microsatellite markers for M. coruscus were developed using a cost-effective pyrosequencing technique. Among the 33,859 dinucleotide microsatellite sequences identified, 176 loci that contained more than 8 CA, CT, or AT repeats were selected for primer synthesis. Sixty-four (36.4%) primer sets were produced from the 100- to 200-bp polymerase chain reaction products obtained from 2 M. coruscus individuals. Twenty of these were chosen to amplify DNA from 82 M. coruscus individuals, and 18 polymorphic loci and 2 monomorphic loci were selected as microsatellite markers. The number of alleles and the allele richness of the polymorphic loci ranged from 2 to 22 and from 2.0 to 19.7 with means of 10.8 and 10.1, respectively. Null alleles were detected for all but three loci, which resulted in an observed heterozygosity lower than the expected heterozygosity and therefore an excess of homozygotes. In a cross-species transfer analysis of these markers using 7 Mytilidae species, the locus Mc65 was amplified from all species tested and was found to be polymorphic in all of them. Among the species, M. galloprovincialis, Lithophaga curta, and Hormomya mutabilis showed the same transferability of 25%, but the five amplified loci were polymorphic only in M. galloprovincialis and H. mutabilis. These microsatellite markers may be useful for future resource management and artificial production of juveniles for aquaculture.

Transgenic mice containing a human heavy chain immunoglobulin gene fragment cloned in a yeast artificial chromosome.

We have developed a method for the introduction of yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) into transgenic mice. An 85 kilobase (kb) fragment of the human heavy chain immunoglobulin gene was cloned as a YAC, and embryonic stem cell lines carrying intact, integrated YACs were derived by co-lipofection of the YAC with an unlinked selectable marker. Chimaeric founder animals were produced by blastocyst injection, and offspring transgenic for the YAC were obtained. Analysis of serum from these offspring for human heavy chain antibody subunits demonstrated expression of the YAC-borne immunoglobulin gene fragment. Co-lipofection may prove to be a highly-successful means of producing transgenic mice containing large gene fragments in YACs.

National genetic evaluation (system) of hanwoo (korean native cattle).

Hanwoo (Also known as Korean native cattle; Bos taurus coreanae) have been used for transportation and farming for a long time in South Korea. It has been about 30 yrs since Hanwoo improvement began in earnest as beef cattle for meat yield. The purpose of this study was to determine the trend of improvement as well as to estimate genetic parameters of the traits being used for seedstock selection based on the data collected from the past. Hanwoo proven bulls in South Korea are currently selected through performance and progeny tests. National Hanwoo genetic evaluations are implemented with yearling weight (YW), carcass weight (CW), eye muscle area (EMA), backfat thickness (BF) and marbling score (MS). Yearling weights and MS are used for selecting young bulls, and EMA, BF, and MS are used for selecting proven bulls. One individual per testing room was used for performance tests, and five individuals per room for progeny tests. Individuals tested were not allowed to graze pasture, but there was enough space for them to move around in the testing room. Feeds including roughages and minerals were fed ad libitum, and concentrates were provided at the rate of about 1.8% of individual weight. Overall means of the traits were 352.8±38.56 kg, 335.09±44.61 kg, 77.85±8.838 cm(2), 8.6±3.7 mm and 3.293±1.648 for YW, CW, EMA, BF and MS. Heritabilities estimated in this study were 0.30, 0.30, 0.42, 0.50 and 0.63 in YW, CW, EMA, BF and MS, respectively, which are similar to results from previous research. Yearling weight was 315.54 kg in 1998, and had increased to 355.06 kg in 2011, resulting in about 40 kg of improvement over 13 yrs. YW and CW have improved remarkably over the past 15 yrs. Breeding values between 1996 and 2000 decreased or did not change much, but have moved in a desirable direction since 2001. These improvements correspond with the substantial increase in use of animal models since the late 1990s in Korea. Hanwoo testing programs have practically contributed to the improvement in aspects of quality and quantity. In sum, the current selection system is good enough to accommodate circumstances where fewer sires are used on many more cows. Although progeny tests take longer and cost more, they seem to be appropriate under the circumstances of the domestic market with its higher requirement for better meat quality. Consequently, accumulative data collection, genetic evaluation model development, revision of selection indices, as well as cooperation among farms, associations, National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, universities, research institutes, and government agencies must be applied to the Hanwoo selection program. All these efforts will assist the domestic market to secure a competitive position against imported beef under Free Trade Agreement trade system and will provide farmers with higher profits as well as the public with a higher quality of beef.

Effect of carcass traits on carcass prices of holstein steers in Korea.

The present study investigated the contribution of carcass traits on carcass prices of Holstein steers in Korea. Phenotypic data consisted of 76,814 slaughtered Holsteins (1 to 6 yrs) from all over Korea. The means for live body weight at slaughter (BWT), chilled carcass weight (CWT), dressing percentage (DP), quantity grade index (QGI), eye muscle area (EMA), backfat thickness (BF) and marbling score (MS), carcass unit price (CUP), and carcass sell prices (CSP) were 729.0 kg, 414.2 kg, 56.79%, 64.42, 75.26 cm(2), 5.77 mm, 1.98, 8,952.80 Korean won/kg and 3,722.80 Thousand Korean won/head. Least squares means were significantly different by various age groups, season of slaughter, marbling scores and yield grades. Pearson's correlation coefficients of CUP with carcass traits ranged from 0.12 to 0.62. Besides, the relationships of carcass traits with CSP were relatively stronger than those with CUP. The multiple regression models for CUP and CSP with carcass traits accounted 39 to 63% of the total variation, respectively. Marbling score had maximum economic effects (partial coefficients) on both prices. In addition, the highest standardized partial coefficients (relative economic weights) for CUP and CSP were calculated to be on MS and CWT by 0.608 and 0.520, respectively. Path analyses showed that MS (0.376) and CWT (0.336) had maximum total effects on CUP and CSP, respectively; whereas BF contributed negatively. Further sub-group (age and season of slaughter) analyses also confirmed the overall outcomes. However, the relative economic weights and total path contributions also varied among the animal sub-groups. This study suggested the significant influences of carcass traits on carcass prices; especially MS and CWT were found to govern the carcass prices of Holstein steers in Korea.

Radiographic Characteristics of the Femoral Nutrient Artery Canals in Total Hip Arthroplasty using Cementless Femoral Stem.

Introduction: Accurate diagnosis of undisplaced periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) after hip arthroplasty is crucial, as overlooked PFF may affect its treatment and prognosis. The undisplaced PFF is often difficult to distinguish from radiolucent lines of nutrient artery canal (NAC) of the femur present on post-operative radiographs. We aimed to identify the radiographic features of NAC to distinguish them from PFFs. Materials and methods: In this retrospective radiological study, a total of 242 cases in 215 patients with hip arthroplasty were analysed using pre-operative and post-operative anteroposterior (AP) and translateral (TL) radiographs. Interobserver agreement of the measurements was assessed by two independent experienced orthopaedic surgeons. The kappa value ranged from 0.83 to 0.87, indicating strong agreement according to the Landis and Koch criteria. Results: The NACs were found pre-operatively in 94 (39.8%) cases on AP views and in 122 cases (50.4%) on TL views. The radiolucent lines were observed post-operatively in 42 (17.4%) on AP views and 122 (50.4%) on the TL views. three cases (1.2%) had a fracture around the stem that were detected on radiographs. One case with PFF presented simultaneously with NAC on the immediate post-operative radiographs. All patients were treated by conservative measures, and the radiolucent lines did not appear on follow-up radiographs. Conclusion: It is not easy to differentiate undisplaced PFFs that can occur after hip arthroplasty operation from NACs. However, accurate diagnosis is possible through careful observation and comparison of pre-operative and post-operative radiologic images.

Genetic differentiation of octopuses from different habitats near the Korean Peninsula and eastern China based on analysis of the mDNA cytochrome C oxidase 1 gene.

Distributed along the coastal waters of Korea and China, Octopus minor is found in various habitats, including the mud flats in the southern and western coasts of the Korean Peninsula and the rocky areas around Jeju Island; however, the genetic relationships among the different populations are unknown and have not been studied. We compared 630-nucleotide sequences of the CO1 gene from O. minor specimens collected from five regions around the Korean Peninsula and three regions from eastern China in order to determine population structure and genetic relationships. Based on the sequences at 12 polymorphic sites in this region, 11 haplotypes were identified from 85 specimens. Individuals from Jeju Island had unique haplotypes, including two haplotypes not found in the other populations. Nucleotide and haplotype diversity for all populations ranged from 0.03-0.37 and 0.20-0.64, respectively. Pairwise F(ST) values indicated significant genetic differences in populations from Korea and China. An UPGMA dendrogram showed separation of the eight populations into three clusters; one included only the Jeju population, another included the rest of the Korean populations and some from Dalian, China; a third cluster consisted of two other populations from China. We conclude that there are discrete genetic differences in O. minor from the different habitats, suggesting that the populations should be considered as management units in the ongoing recovery program.