Mitochondrial DNA analyses of Indian water buffalo support a distinct genetic origin of river and swamp buffalo.

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is broadly classified into river and swamp categories, but it remains disputed whether these two types were independently domesticated, or if they are the result of a single domestication event. In this study, we sequenced the mitochondrial D-loop region and cytochrome b gene of 217 and 80 buffalo respectively from eight breeds/locations in northern, north-western, central and southern India and compared our results with published Mediterranean and swamp buffalo sequences. Using these data, river and swamp buffalo were distinguished into two distinct clades. Based upon the existing knowledge of cytogenetic, ecological and phenotypic parameters, molecular data and present-day distribution of the river and swamp buffalo, we suggest that these two types were domesticated independently, and that classification of the river and swamp buffalo as two related subspecies is more appropriate.

Long-term outcome of intracoronary microstent implantation: lesion matched comparison with Palmaz-Schatz stent.

We performed a lesion matched comparison of AVE Microstent and Palmaz-Schatz stent implants with 6 month follow-up angiography to compare the occurrence of restenosis. Thirty-three pairs of lesions were matched for lesion location, ACC/AHA lesion type, reference diameter, lesion length, and angiographic descriptors. Age, sex, clinical profile, and indication for stenting were comparable. Quantitative coronary analysis before and after the procedure was comparable in the two groups but minimum lumen diameter (MLD) at follow-up was less with Microstent--2.01 +/- 1.01 mm than Palmaz-Schatz stent--2.43 +/- 0.96 mm (P = 0.05). Binary restenosis was present in 33% and 21% and was diffuse in 55% and 29% of the two groups, respectively. Typical angina at follow-up was more frequent with Microstent (36%) than Palmaz-Schatz stent (15%; P = 0.038). When implanted in lesions of similar complexity, Microstent yields similar post procedure angiographic results but smaller MLD at follow-up and more frequent angina than Palmaz-Schatz stent.

Doppler echocardiographic evaluation of normal and thrombosed Björk-Shiley mitral prosthetic valves.

Doppler echocardiographic characteristics of 75 normally functioning Björk-Shiley mitral prostheses were studied in patients whose valvar function was considered normal by clinical and fluoroscopic evaluation. The mean Doppler peak and end-diastolic gradients were 9.01 +/- 3.23 mm Hg, and 2.36 +/- 1.0 mm Hg, respectively. The mean area of the mitral valve calculated by the half-time method was 2.58 +/- 0.38 cm2. No significant difference between the various Doppler parameters was found for the two different valve sizes (25 and 27 mm) studied. Trivial mitral regurgitation was detected in 21 (28%) cases. Doppler echocardiography was performed in six patients with suspected malfunction of the Björk-Shiley mitral prosthesis subsequently confirmed at operation. The end-diastolic gradients in the six patients were 16, 20, 10, 14, 16, and 24 mm Hg, respectively. The calculated areas of the mitral valve were 1.57, 1.37, 1.3, 1.5, 1.46, and 1.3 cm2, respectively. The values of the gradient and calculated areas in malfunctioning valves were very different from those found in normally functioning Björk-Shiley mitral prostheses. It is concluded that Doppler echocardiography is a very useful noninvasive technique for the study of the function of the Björk-Shiley mitral prosthesis and provides quantitative information regarding pressure gradients and valvar area.