Optimization of the PCR test for the mutation causing bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency.

The recent emergence of the bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD) demonstrated the risks of narrowing the genetic basis of a population. About 6% of the Holstein-Friesian cattle now descends from one bull who was a heterozygous BLAD carrier. Crossing his descendants resulted in the birth of homozygous BLAD calves with a life expectancy of < 1 year. The BLAD syndrome is caused by a point mutation in the gene coding for CD18, a subunit of the beta 2 integrins on the surface of leukocytes. By using a PCR-RFLP test, large numbers of cattle are now being screened in several countries to eradicate the mutant allele. We describe an optimization of the PCR primer set that has led to an improvement of the test.

Multivariate logistic analysis of risk factors for stroke in Tilburg, The Netherlands.

By means of a case-control study conducted between October 1, 1978, and July 31, 1981, in Tilburg, The Netherlands, various characteristics and events, including personal data, health-related behavior, and medical history, were evaluated as risk factors for stroke. The study subjects included 132 stroke patients and 239 age- and sex-matched control patients interviewed at the two city hospitals. To assess joint effects and possible interactions, and to control for multiple confounding factors, a series of multivariate logistic models for matched data were studied. From this analysis, it appeared that hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, transient cerebral ischemic attacks, obesity, physical activity during leisure time, education of head of household, and Rhesus factor were all significant stroke risk factors. These risk determinants demonstrated a multiplicative effect in general; however, the influence of some variables on stroke risk was not constant with age (hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, obesity, and Rhesus factor) and sex (hypertension and education of head of household). The relationship of diabetes mellitus to stroke slightly decreased and became nonsignificant after adjustment for factors besides age and sex. Stroke risk was not associated with cigarette and alcohol use, family history of stroke and related disorders, marital status, and ABO blood typing.

Epidemiology of stroke in Tilburg, the Netherlands. The population-based stroke incidence register: 2. Incidence, initial clinical picture and medical care, and three-week case fatality.

The results of a prospective population study of stroke in Tilburg are reported. The average annual over-all incidence (per 100,000 population) for the period October 1, 1978-September 30, 1980 was 174 for total cases, 145 for first-ever cases. Males and older persons were at greater risk for a stroke. The vast majority of strokes were thrombo-embolic infarctions. Hemiplegia was the predominant neurological deficit resulting from an insult. Patients with speech problems, as opposed to those without, demonstrated more extreme motor deficit when such occurred. Seventy-four per cent of stroke cases had hypertensive blood pressure readings shortly after onset. Most patients were under hospital care during the initial phase of their attacks. The presence of such handling was related to specific patient characteristics. Three-week stroke case fatality was 30% for all patients registered, and varied significantly by age, sex and diagnostic type.

An evaluation of risk factors for stroke in a Dutch community.

The objective of the present epidemiological study was to reevaluate the relationship of various suspect risk factors to stroke within a Dutch community. The Tilburg study lends support to findings in other countries concerning the greater stroke risk of persons with high blood pressure, heart disorders, and diabetes mellitus. Significant interactions of both age and a history of myocardial infarction with hypertension on stroke risk were noted. The presence of overweight and possible transient ischemic attacks (TIA) were found related to stroke onset. No increase in stroke risk was associated with cigarette smoking. The extent of leisure time physical activity during one's lifetime was found inversely related to one's chances for stroke.

Epidemiology of stroke in Tilburg, The Netherlands. The population-based stroke incidence register: 1. Introduction and preliminary results.

We present the methodology and some preliminary findings of a population-based stroke incidence register operating in Tilburg (about 150,000 persons), The Netherlands. From October 1, 1978 to March 31, 1979, 152 new strokes occurred giving an estimated overall incidence (per 100,000 population) for total and first attacks of 202 and 162, respectively. No major sex difference in stroke risk (all ages) was noted, although males did have a significantly higher incidence at 55--64 years of age. Stroke incidence increased strikingly with age. Thromboembolic infarcts comprised 83% and intracranial hemorrhage 13% of attacks. Males and females differed little in distribution of stroke types. The proportion of cerebral infarction was higher among older than younger cases. The opposite was true regarding intracranial hemorrhage. Embolic infarcts constituted a significantly higher proportion of cases at 65--74 years of age than at other ages. Hemiplegia and speech deficits dominated the clinical picture at onset. The 3-week case fatality for all strokes was 26%. Both a lowering of consciousness (found among 38% of cases during the first 24 hours) and a history of prior stroke were found related to a reduction in survival. Of patients surviving 3 weeks 25% were completely dependent and 25% partially dependent upon others for personal care.