Short communication: Correlation of on-site inspection and laboratory milk testing results for Wisconsin grade A dairy farms in 2007 and 2008.

This study examined whether regulatory on-site dairy farm inspection results correlated with reported laboratory somatic cell count (SCC), standard plate count (SPC), and beta-lactam drug residue (DR) results for individual farms. Results were obtained for Wisconsin grade A dairy farms in 2007 and 2008 (>11,000 farms, >1.4 million data points). The proportion of farms failing an on-site inspection ranged from 12% for farms that had never failed an SCC test (>750,000 cells/mL), an SPC test (>100,000 cfu/mL), or a DR test (drug detected) to 55% for farms that had failed at least 1 of each type of test. Conditional probability analysis showed that the probability of a farm failing an on-site farm inspection was higher if the farm had failed a DR test and increased as the proportion of samples failing SCC or SPC or both increased. However, the statistical correlations were weak (R

Unilateral oculomotor nerve palsy: unusual sign of hydrocephalus.

We report an unusual case of hydrocephalus in which unilateral oculomotor nerve paralysis was the predominant sign. Misinterpretation of such an atypical clinical sign may lead to inappropriate therapy. We outline the role of intracranial pressure monitoring as an adjunctive diagnostic tool and we suggest a presumptive mechanism to explain the correlation between enlarged ventricles and 3(rd) nerve dysfunction. A 16-year-old boy presented with a complete left oculomotor nerve palsy associated with imaging findings of dilated ventricles and Dandy-Walker variant cystic malformation. Monitoring of intracranial pressure through a ventricular catheter was undertaken. In the first phase (no cerebrospinal fluid drainage [CSF] drainage) mean intracranial pressure (ICP) values were >0 mmHg. A second phase (with progressively longer CSF draining) further defined the diagnosis. A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was then placed and the nerve function returned to normal within few days. Third cranial nerve dysfunction as a predominant sign of hydrocephalus is very rare and may raise doubts as to the real significance of the imaging findings of enlarged ventricles. In this ground, ICP monitoring is a safe and helpful diagnostic tool that can afford a more accurate evaluation and proper treatment. The supposed mechanism of 3(rd) nerve dysfunction was bending/stretching of the nerve.

Identification of extracellular vesicles and characterization of miRNA expression profiles in human blastocoel fluid.

In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated the presence of microRNAs and extracellular vesicles in human blastocoel fluid. The bioinformatic and comparative analyses identified the biological function of blastocoel fluid microRNAs and suggested a potential role inside the human blastocyst. We found 89 microRNAs, expressed at different levels, able to regulate critical signaling pathways controlling embryo development, such as pluripotency, cell reprogramming, epigenetic modifications, intercellular communication, cell adhesion and cell fate. Blastocoel fluid microRNAs reflect the miRNome of embryonic cells and their presence, associated with the discovery of extracellular vesicles, inside blastocoel fluid, strongly suggests their important role in mediating cell communication among blastocyst cells. Their characterization is important to better understand the earliest stages of embryogenesis and the complex circuits regulating pluripotency. Moreover, blastocoel fluid microRNA profiles could be influenced by blastocyst quality, therefore, microRNAs might be used to assess embryo potential in IVF cycles.

A diagnostic flowchart, including TCD, Xe-CT and angiography, to improve the diagnosis of vasospasm critically affecting cerebral blood flow in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage, sedated and ventilated.

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate a clinical protocol including transcranial doppler (TCD), Xenon-CT (Xe-CT) and angiography, for the detection of vasospasm leading to critical reductions of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in both ventilated and sedated SAH patients, i.e. patients in whom clinical evaluation was not possible. Seventy-six patients were prospectively included in a surveillance protocol for daily TCD vasospasm monitoring. When TCD showed a V(mean) above 120 cm/sec in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), patients underwent Xe-CT study. If rCBF in the MCA was reduced to below 20 ml/100 g/min or if there was a reduction in the rCBF with significant asymmetry between the two MCAs, angiography was performed. Conversely, further Xe-CT and angiography were not obtained unless the TCD V(mean) values reached values above 160 cm/sec. In 35 patients, V(mean) attained values above 120 cm/sec, but only in five of them, rCBF was suggestive of vasospasm, and angiography confirmed the diagnosis in four. The protocol suggests that in sedated and ventilated patients, detection of a critical rCBF reduction due to vasospasm is possible to allow for more specific treatment and to reduce undue medical complications.

Cerebral blood flow in mean cerebral artery low density areas is not always ischemic in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage--relationship with neurological outcome.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can be complicated by reduction of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) from large conductance vessels leading to focal edema appearing as an area of hypoattenuation on CT. In this study we included 29 patients with SAH due to aneurysmal rupture, having 36 CT low density areas within the middle cerebral artery territory in whom a total of 56 Xenon-CT (Xe-CT) studies were performed. Collectively, we evaluated 70 hypoattenuated areas. rCBF levels were measured in two different regions of interest drawn manually on the CT scan, one in the low density area and the other in a corresponding contralateral area of normal-appearing brain tissue. In the low density area (22.6 +/- 22.7 ml/100 gr/min) rCBF levels were significantly lower than in the contralateral area (32.8 +/- 17.1 7 ml/100 gr/min) (p = 0.0007). In the injured areas deep ischemia (CBF < 6 ml/ 100 g/min) was present in only 25.7% of Xe-CT studies, suggesting that hypodense areas are not always ischemic, whereas in 43.7% of the lesions/Xe-CT studies we found hyperemic values. Patients with a better outcome had hyperemic lesions, suggesting brain tissue recovery in injured areas.

Metabolic fate of FCE 22716, a new antihypertensive agent, and of its N-oxide (FCE 24220) in the rat.

[3H]-FCE 22716 and [3H]-FCE 24220 were given both orally and intravenously to the rat. Radioactivity was mainly eliminated by the faecal route after oral administration in both cases. After intravenous administration, renal excretion was twice the faecal one in the case of FCE 22716, whereas for FCE 24220 the two routes were equal. In urine FCE 22716 was eliminated almost completely unchanged after both oral and intravenous administration. FCE 24220 was extensively reduced to FCE 22716 after oral administration, whereas after intravenous treatment, this reduction, although important, was not complete.

Comparison of the disposition and of the metabolic pattern of Reboxetine, a new antidepressant, in the rat, dog, monkey and man.

The purpose of this study was to compare the disposition and the metabolic pattern of Reboxetine in several species, including man. [14C]-Reboxetine was given orally to the rat, the dog, the monkey (5 mg/kg) and man (2 and 4 mg/kg). Radioactivity was eliminated both by the renal and faecal route in the rat and the dog, mainly in urine in the monkey and man. Reboxetine was extensively metabolized. A number of urinary metabolites were quantified by radio-HPLC and tentatively identified by comparison with the retention times of reference compounds. Suggested routes of metabolic transformation are: 2-O-dealkylation; hydroxylation of the ethoxyphenoxy ring; oxidation of the morpholine ring; morpholine ring-opening; and combinations of these. Metabolites were partially or completely conjugated with glucuronic acid and/or sulphuric acid.

Acute endovascular treatment (< 48 hours) of uncoilable ruptured aneurysms at non-branching sites using silk flow-diverting devices.

A blood blister-like (BBL) or dissecting aneurysm should be carefully considered if located at a non-branching site of the supra-clinoid internal carotid artery (ICA). Several surgical and endovascular treatment methods have been proposed but they all carry a relatively high risk of morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel Silk flow-diverting device (SFD) placed in the early acute stage. Three patients presenting with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by small blister-like aneurysms of the carotid siphon were treated within 48 hours after admission by placement of SFDs. More than one device was placed to cover the lesion. None of the patients were premedicated and started anti-platelet therapy during the procedure. All aneurysms were successfully occluded. A good outcome was observed in two out of three treated patients. No thromboembolic or haemorrhagic event occurred during or after the procedures, or during follow-up (6-14 months). SFD prevented rebleeding and the use of these devices could be proposed as an option to treat fragile uncoilable BBL aneurysms, even in the early acute phase without anti-platelet premedication. Larger studies and long-terms results are necessary.

Regional cerebral blood flow levels as measured by xenon-CT in vascular territorial low-density areas after subarachnoid hemorrhage are not always ischemic.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess regional cerebral blood flow (rCBV) in areas of CT hypoattenuation appearing in the postoperative period in patients treated for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) using xenon-enhanced CT scanning (Xe-CT). METHODS: We analyzed 15 patients (5 male and 10 female; mean age 49.7+/-12.1 years) with SAH on CT performed on admission to hospital and who showed a low-density area within a well-defined vascular territory on CT scans after clipping or coiling of a saccular aneurysm. All zones of hypoattenuation were larger than 1 cm(2) and showed signs of a mass effect suggesting a subacute phase of evolution. Two aneurysms were detected in two patients. Aneurysms were located in the middle cerebral artery (n=7), in the anterior communicating artery (n=6), in the internal carotid artery (n=3), and in the posterior communicating artery (n=1). Treatments were surgical (n=8), endovascular (n=2) or both (n=1). A total of 36 Xe-CT studies were performed and rCBF values were measured in two different regions of interest (ROI): the low-density area, and an area of normal-appearing brain tissue located symmetrically in the contralateral hemisphere. RESULTS: rCBF levels were significantly lower in the low-density area than in the contralateral normal-appearing area (P<0.01). In the low-density areas, irreversible ischemia (CBF <10 ml/100 g per minute) was present in 11/36 lesions (30.6%), ischemic penumbra (CBF 10-20 ml/100 g per minute) and oligemia (CBF 20-34 ml/100 g per minute) in 8/36 lesions (22.2%), relative hyperemia (CBF 34-55 ml/100 g per minute) in 7/36 lesions (19.4%), and absolute hyperemia (CBF >55 ml/100 g per minute) in 2/36 lesions (5.6%). CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that rCBF is reduced in new low-density lesions related to specific vascular territories. However, only about one-third of the lesions showed rCBF levels consistent with irreversible ischemia and in a relatively high proportion of lesions, rCBF levels indicated penumbral, oligemic and hyperemic areas.

Residual feed intake of purebred Angus steers: effects on meat quality and palatability.

Relationships between residual feed intake (RFI) and other performance variables were determined using 54 purebred Angus steers. Individual feed intake and BW gain were recorded during a 70-d post-weaning period to calculate RFI. After the 70-d post-weaning test, steers were fed a finishing ration to a similar fat thickness (FT), transported to a commercial facility, and slaughtered. A subsample of carcasses (n = 32) was selected to examine the relationships among RFI, meat quality, and palatability. Steers were categorized into high (> 0.5 SD above the mean; n = 16), medium (mid; +/- 0.5 SD from the mean; n = 21), and low (< 0.5 SD below the mean; n = 17) RFI groups. No differences were detected in ADG, initial BW, and d 71 BW among the high, mid, and low RFI steers. Steers from the high RFI group had a greater DMI (P = 0.004) and feed conversion ratio (FCR; DMI:ADG; P = 0.002) compared with the low RFI steers. Residual feed intake was positively correlated with DMI (r = 0.54; P = 0.003) and FCR (r = 0.42; P = 0.002), but not with initial BW, d 71 BW, d 71 ultrasound FT, initial ultrasound LM area, d 71 ultrasound LM area, or ADG. The FCR was positively correlated with initial BW (r = 0.46; P = 0.0005), d 71 BW (r = 0.34; P = 0.01), and DMI (r = 0.40; P = 0.003) and was negatively correlated with ADG (r = -0.65; P = 0.001). There were no differences among RFI groups for HCW, LM area, FT, KPH, USDA yield grade, marbling score, or quality grade. Reflectance color b* scores of steaks from high RFI steers were greater (P = 0.02) than those from low RFI steers. There was no difference between high and low RFI groups for LM calpastatin activity. Warner-Bratzler shear force and sensory panel tenderness and flavor scores of steaks were similar across RFI groups. Steaks from high RFI steers had lower (P = 0.04) off-flavor scores than those from low RFI steers. Cook loss percentages were greater (P = 0.005) for steaks from low RFI steers than for those from mid RFI steers. These data support current views that RFI is independent of ADG, but is correlated with DMI and FCR. Importantly, the data also support the hypothesis that there is no relationship between RFI and beef quality in purebred Angus steers.

Specific detection and determination of azide in wine.

In view of false-positive results obtained with the azide-detection method based on complex-formation with ferric ions, a specific liquid-chromatographic azide determination was adapted for the analyses of wine. The samples are distilled free of alcohol under alkaline conditions and acidified, and a new distillate is collected. The distillate is buffered (pH 4.7) and treated with 3,5-dinitrobenzoylchloride and the derivative thus formed is detected and determined by HPLC.

Modification of the technique of radical intrapericardial pneumonectomy.

Since radical intrapericardial pneumonectomy was introduced by Allison in 1945, complications of several serious types have been reported secondary to this technique. The authors have seen fatal cardiac herniation, as well as severe paradoxical respiration after sacrifice of the phrenic nerve. Simple technical steps can eliminate these dangers, and after introduction of the required changes we have not seen the former complications. The authors' techniques are described and a small series of animal experiments supporting their use is presented.

Animal pharmacokinetics and interspecies scaling of FCE 22101, a penem antibiotic.

The pharmacokinetics of FCE 22101 were studied in rats, rabbits, Cynomolgus monkeys and dogs after intravenous administration. Pertinent pharmacokinetic parameters were determined according to a two-compartment model and correlated among species as an exponential function of body weight, thereby allowing an estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters corresponding to a 70 kg man. Allometric equations, including data on humans reported in the literature, were also established and used to study similarities and differences in the disposition of FCE 22101 among species. The pharmacokinetic profile of FCE 22101 was consistent with the principles of allometry in all animal species studied (and in man) with the exception of the Cynomolgus monkey, in which clearance of FCE 22101 was slower than expected.

Italian cooperative study on giant intracranial aneurysms: 1. Study design and clinical data.

10 Italian centres joined together for a retrospective Cooperative Study aimed at evaluating clinical and radiological data, various modalities of treatment and clinical outcome in patients with giant intracranial aneurysms, observed from 1976 to 1986. Various clinical data were collected through a questionnaire and evaluated through computer analysis. Two size categories were considered: 2-2.5 cm in diameter (A 1 group) and over 2.5 cm (A 2 group). A total of 240 cases were evaluated: 110 in A 1 group and 130 in A 2 group. As regards clinical history, intracranial (mainly subarachnoid) haemorrhage was observed in 70% of A 1 patients and in 45% of A 2 patients (p less than 0.001) and was more severe (Hunt's grades III-V) in A 2 patients. Symptoms of an expanding mass lesion were observed in 15% of A 1 patients and in 39% of A 2 patients (p less than 0.001). Sudden deficits of cranial nerves were observed in 11% of A 1 and 12% of A 2 patients. Ischaemic episodes were rare. On admission, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) was 15 in 62% of cases. Regardless of treatment employed, patients in A 1 group presented a slightly better (N.S.) outcome than patients with larger aneurysms (A 2 group). The presence of intracranial haemorrhage in the clinical history increased significantly the mortality rate (p less than 0.001); symptoms of an expanding mass lesion were associated with a significant increase in the disability rate (p less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Italian cooperative study on giant intracranial aneurysms: 2. Radiological data.

240 patients with giant aneurysms admitted to 10 Italian centres were evaluated regarding radiological features and relationships to the outcome. Visualization of the aneurysm without contrast was obtained on CT scan in 49% of patients with aneurysms between 2 and 2.5 cm in diameter (A 1 group) and in 80% of patients with larger aneurysms (A 2 group). Contrast enhancement was homogeneous in 49% of patients, not homogeneous--with central or peripheral hypodensity--in 47% of patients, absent in 4% of patients. Ventricular shift was present in 17% of A 1 patients and in 36% of A 2 patients. Hypodense areas were observed in 12% of cases, and calcifications in 19% of cases; bone erosions were rare. On angiography, the most common aneurysmal locations were the intracavernous carotid (21% of cases) and the middle cerebral artery (23% of cases). A neck could be identified on angiography in only 14% of patients, and stenosis of afferent vessel in 16% of patients. Vasospasm was rarely observed on angiography (17% of A 1 and 10% of A 2 patients). Aneurysmal thrombosis (partial, subtotal or total) was present in 48% of A 1 and 76% of A 2 patients (p less than 0.001); partial peripheral thrombosis was most commonly observed (one half of cases). Round or oval shapes were most commonly observed, while fusiform, irregular, serpentine or doughnut shapes were rare. A few clinical/radiological relations were considered, such as the relation between partial thrombosis and haemorrhage, symptoms of expanding mass lesion, ischaemic episodes, aneurysmal location.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Italian cooperative study on giant intracranial aneurysms: 3. Modalities of treatment.

240 patients with giant aneurysms were treated in 10 Italian centres with various therapeutic modalities: out of them, 50 patients were conservatively treated (19 with a severe intracranial haemorrhage). Direct surgery was performed in 140 patients: 67% of patients with aneurysms between 2 and 2.5 cm (A 1 group) and 50% of patients with larger aneurysms (A 2 group). The aneurysm could be secured by clip in 102 cases (56% of A 1 and 31% of A 2 patients). In patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage, surgery was done within 3 days in 24 cases, between 4 and 14 days in 21 cases, and later in 52 cases. In patients operated on directly, brain swelling was observed in 39% of cases; controlled hypotension was employed in 56 cases, and temporary vessel occlusion (mainly of M 1 tract) in 33 cases; removal of intra-aneurysmal thrombi was done in 18 cases, and intraoperative aneurysmal rupture occurred in 39 cases. Carotid ligation was performed in 31 patients, and was associated with a by-pass in 17 cases. Balloon occlusion was performed in 23 cases, and was associated with a by-pass in 10 cases. As regards aneurysmal location, intracavernous aneurysms were treated mainly by balloon occlusion or carotid ligation, while carotid/ophthalmic, middle cerebral and anterior communicating aneurysms were treated prevalently by direct surgery. 60% of treated patients were submitted to postoperative angiography, and 54% to postoperative CT scan; total obliteration of the aneurysm was documented in 83% of patients submitted to postoperative angiography.

Italian cooperative study on giant intracranial aneurysms: 4. Results of treatment.

240 patients with giant aneurysms admitted to 10 Italian centres were evaluated in regard to results of treatment and postoperative complications. As a whole, a complete recovery was observed in 39% of cases, various degrees of disability in 38% of cases, and death in 23% of cases, considering also patients admitted in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 3-6. By excluding patients in GCS 3-6, active treatment was linked with a recovery rate of 47% and a mortality rate of 15%; the worst outcome was observed for carotid bifurcation aneurysms, the best for intracavernous aneurysms. In patients with giant carotid/ophthalmic or supraclinoid aneurysms, the outcome was similar after early surgery and after indirect methods of treatment. Factors playing a negative influence on outcome were mainly early exclusion after hemorrhage, operative brain swelling and cisternal tamponade; induced hypotension was associated with a significant decrease in mortality. Postoperative complications were observed in 48% of cases, and were mainly caused by ischaemic disturbances not associated with vasospasm (17% of cases), followed by surgical trauma and cerebral oedema; in 32 patients the postoperative neurological deterioration was fully reversible. In patients submitted to carotid occlusion association with a by-pass did not decrease the rate of ischaemic complications. In patients submitted to active treatments (open surgery or indirect methods of exclusion) the causes of morbidity were mainly: -deficits due to mass lesion, surgical complications, and ischaemic disturbances without vasospasm; the causes of mortality were mainly surgical trauma or medical complications.

Evaluation of the genetic stability of the temperature-sensitive PB2 gene mutation of the influenza A/Ann Arbor/6/60 cold-adapted vaccine virus.

A single-gene reassortant bearing the PB2 gene of the A/Ann Arbor/6/60 cold-adapted virus in the background of the A/Korea/82 (H3N2) wild-type virus is a temperature-sensitive (ts) virus with an in vitro shutoff temperature of 38 degrees C. A single mutation at amino acid (aa) at 265 (Asp-Ser) of the PB2 protein is responsible for the ts phenotype. This ts single-gene PB2 reassortant virus was serially passaged at elevated temperatures in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells to generate ts+ phenotypic revertant viruses. Four ts+ phenotypically revertant viruses were derived independently, and each possessed a shutoff temperature for replication in vitro of > 40 degrees C. Each of the four phenotypically revertant viruses replicated efficiently in the upper and lower respiratory tracts of mice and hamsters, unlike the PB2 single-gene reassortant virus, confirming that the ts phenotype was responsible for the attenuation of this virus in rodents. Mating the ts+ revertants with wild-type virus yielded ts progeny in high frequency, indicating that the loss of ts phenotype was due to a suppressor mutation which was mapped to the PA gene in each of the four independently derived ts phenotypic revertants. Nucleotide sequence analysis confirmed the absence of new mutations on the PB2 gene and the presence of predicted amino acid changes in the PA proteins of the revertant viruses. These studies suggest that single amino acid changes at aa 245 (Glu-Lys) or 347 (Asp-Asn) of the PA protein can completely suppress the ts and attenuation phenotypes specified by the Asp-Ser mutation at aa 265 of the PB2 protein of the A/Ann Arbor/6/60 cold-adapted virus.

Metabolism of metergoline in the rat.

[19,10-3H] Metergoline was administered orally to female rats and radioactive metabolites were recovered form urine and bile. Besides unchanged drug, the presence of 1-demethylmetergoline (II) was confirmed both in urine and bile. Two other urinary metabolites were identified, namely 8 beta-aminomethyl-6-methylergoline (IX) and 8 beta-acetylaminomethyl-6-methylergoline (VI). A third metabolite, 1,6-dimethyl-8 beta-aminomethylergoline (VIII), was identified only in bile. Beside these metabolites, further polar and so far unidentified biotransformation products are present both in bile and urine, accounting for about half of the radioactivity present in these excreta.