LDL receptor mutation genotype and vascular disease phenotype in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia

Patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) caused by receptor-negative, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene mutations have higher concentrations of LDL-cholesterol in plasma and earlier onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than patients homozygous for receptor-defective, LDL receptor mutations. In contrast, it is uncertain whether the severity of atherosclerotic disease differs in heterozygous FH caused by receptor-negative and receptor-defective mutations. The present authors investigated the influence of LDL receptor mutation type on the clinical phenotype in 31 patients with heterozygous FH caused by the receptor-negative, Trp23-stop mutation and in 31 patients heterozygous for the receptor defective Trp66-Gly mutation. Untreated levels of plasma LDL-cholesterol and calculated cholesterol-years score did not differ significantly between the two groups of patients. Detection of vascular disease was based on two approaches: (1) measurement of coronary calcification by spiral computed tomography (CT) scanning; and (2) ultrasonic measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Age was significantly correlated to the presence of coronary calcification, but controlling for relevant cofactors, there was no evidence that the receptor-negative mutation caused more calcification than the receptor-defective mutation. Furthermore, carotid IMT was significantly influenced by plasma concentrations of Lp(a) and triglycerides, as well as by age, sex and smoking status, but again, there was no statistically significant effect of LDL receptor gene mutational type. The similarity in vascular phenotypes was probably caused by a similar life-long burden of LDL-cholesterol in the two groups of patients.

Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition impairs adipose tissue development in mice

The effect of galardin, a broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, was studied in mice kept on a high fat diet (HFD). Five-week-old male wild-type mice were fed the HFD (42% fat) for up to 12 weeks and were daily injected intraperitoneally with the inhibitor (100 mg/kg) or with vehicle. After 12 weeks of the HFD, the body weights of both groups were comparable, but the weight of the isolated subcutaneous (SC) or gonadal (GON) fat deposits was significantly lower in the inhibitor-treated group than in the control group (88 +/- 11 versus 251 +/- 66 mg, respectively, for SC fat [P<0.05]; 90 +/- 24 versus 217 +/- 30 mg, respectively, for GON fat [P<0.02]). The number of adipocytes was somewhat higher and the diameter was somewhat smaller (but not significantly) in adipose tissues of the inhibitor-treated group. Adipose tissue of the inhibitor-treated mice contained more collagen than did that of the vehicle-treated mice (Sirius red-stained area of 42 +/- 2.6% versus 22 +/- 4.4%, respectively, for SC fat [P<0.05]; 21 +/- 5.1% versus 4.7 +/- 0.92%, respectively, for GON fat [P<0.01]); a distinct collagen-rich cap was formed around the inhibitor-treated tissue. In situ zymography with casein- or gelatin-containing gels confirmed a reduced MMP activity in SC and GON adipose tissues of inhibitor-treated mice. Thus, in this model, growth and development of adipose tissue appears to be limited by the formation of a collagen-rich matrix cap around the inhibitor-treated tissue. These data suggest a functional role for MMPs in the development of adipose tissue.

Heritability of teat-end shape and the relationship of teat-end shape with somatic cell score for an experimental herd of cows

Teat-end shapes were categorized for 1443 Holstein cows with 3582 lactations, in the Iowa State University herd at Ankeny, approximately 40 d postpartum between 1970 and 1995. Frequencies of teat-end shapes were as follows: round, 52.2%; prolapsed, 0.8%; flat, 14.2%; plate, 3.4%; funnel, 8.9%; and mixed, 20.5%. Cows were coded as mixed if all four teat-end shapes were not the same. Heritability estimates were obtained with an animal model with pedigrees traced back to registration numbers roughly conforming to birth year 1955. The heritability estimates for first, second, and third and later lactations were 34, 21, and 13%, respectively. Lactation averages for linear somatic cell scores were adjusted for days in milk, and month and age at calving, and were available for 255 cows with 431 lactations categorized from 1992 to 1995. Frequencies of teat-end shape on the 255 cows were as follows: round, 58%; prolapsed, 3%; flat, 11%; plate, 2%; funnel, 6%; and mixed, 20%. Least-squares means of somatic cell score for categories of teat-end shape were computed from a mixed model that included year, parity, and teat-end shape as fixed effects and cow as a random effect. Teat-end shape did not significantly affect somatic cell score.

A stable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis system to characterize Ma Huang products found in health foods and supplements

Herbal mixtures containing Ma Huang are of significant interest because of their popularity regardless of their potential health hazards. In spite of reports of health problems and even several deaths, these products are still frequently recommended for use. The complex nature of the commercial supplement mixtures has posed a problem in both their qualitative and quantitative analysis. A gas chromatographic procedure has been developed to evaluate authenticity of Ma Huang mixtures. Mass spectrometric identification of the six major alkaloid ephedrine components and application of chi-square evaluation of the chromatographic profile allows a determination to be made regarding the nature of the origin of the mixture. For comparison, a standard mixture was prepared that approximates a typical Ma Huang composition based on average amounts of each alkaloid component reported in the literature. The system is temperature stable and allows simultaneous analysis for caffeine and other components of the commercial supplements. Several samples of commercial herbal products were analyzed by the procedure, and their composition is evaluated and discussed.

Heritability of clinical mastitis incidence and relationships with sire transmitting abilities for somatic cell score, udder type traits, productive life, and protein yield

The objective of this study was to determine the relationships among daughter clinical mastitis during first and second lactations and sire transmitting abilities for somatic cell score, udder type traits, productive life, and protein yield. Data on clinical mastitis during first lactation were available for 1795 daughters (in six Pennsylvania herds, one Minnesota herd, and one Nebraska herd) of 283 Holstein sires. Data on clinical mastitis during second lactation were available for 1055 of these daughters. A total of 479 cows had 864 clinical episodes during first lactation, and 230 cows had 384 clinical episodes during second lactation. Clinical mastitis incidence and the total number of clinical episodes during each lactation were regressed on herd-season of calving (a classification variable), age at first calving, lactation length, and sire transmitting abilities taken one at a time. Linear effects, nonlinear effects, and odds ratios were estimated for sire transmitting abilities. Separate analyses were conducted on dependent variables that considered clinical mastitis from: all organisms, coagulase-negative staphylococci, coliform species, streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae, and the most common environmental organisms (coliform species and streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae). Heritability of clinical mastitis ranged from 0.01 to 0.42. Daughters of sires that transmit the lowest somatic cell score had the lowest incidence of clinical mastitis and the fewest clinical episodes during first and second lactations. Daughters of sires that transmit longer productive life, shallower udders, deeper udder cleft, and strongly attached fore udders had either fewer clinical episodes or lower clinical mastitis incidence during first and second lactations. The incidence of clinical mastitis and the number of clinical episodes per lactation may be reduced by selection for lower somatic cell score, longer productive life, shallower udders, deeper udder cleft, or strongly attached fore udders.

Determination of ascorbigens in autolysates of various Brassica species using supercritical fluid chromatography

A new method of analysis based on normal phase supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) has been developed for investigation of ascorbigens [2-C-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-beta-L-xylo-3-hexulofuranosonic acid gamma-lactone derivatives]. This method has been adapted to preparative isolation and quantitative determinations of individual ascorbigens comprising ascorbigen, neoascorbigen, and 4-methoxyascorbigen. The structures of these compounds have been revealed from 1D ((1)H, (13)C) and 2D (COSY, HMQC, HMBC) NMR experiments. The developed SFC method had an acceptable linearity for the ascorbigens with correlation coefficients (R(2)) > 0.9995 (n = 10) in the range of 0.13-4.9 nmol injected, detection limits were below 13 pmol, retention time stabilities were excellent, and relative response factors have been determined. The SFC method has been used for determination of ascorbigens produced during autolysis of indol-3-ylmethylglucosinolates in various Brassica vegetables and rapeseed seedlings. Generally, 30-60% of the indol-3-ylmethylglucosinolates in the plants were transformed into ascorbigens, with the concentration in autolysates varying from 0.51 +/- 0.002 to 3.72 +/- 0.21 micromol/g of dry weight (DW) for ascorbigen, from 0.05 +/- 0.01 to 2.42 +/- 0.23 micromol/g of DW for neoascorbigen, and from 0.03 +/- 0.002 to 0.84 +/- 0.07 micromol/g of DW for 4-methoxyascorbigen.

Diffusion of N adatoms on the Fe(100) surface

The diffusion of individual N adatoms on Fe(100) has been studied using scanning tunneling microscopy and ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The measured diffusion barrier for isolated N adatoms is E(d) = (0.92+/-0.04) eV, with a prefactor of nu(0) = 4.3x10(12) s(-1), which is in quantitative agreement with the DFT calculations. The diffusion is strongly coupled to lattice distortions, and, as a consequence, the presence of other N adatoms introduces an anisotropy in the diffusion. Based on experimentally determined values of the diffusion barriers and adsorbate-adsorbate interactions, the potential energy surface experienced by a N adatom is determined.

Consequences of selection for milk yield from a geneticist's viewpoint

The annual genetic trend for milk yield of Holsteins in the United States has accelerated with time and had means of 37 kg during the 1960s, 79 kg during the 1970s, 102 kg during the 1980s, and 116 kg from 1990 to 1996. Selection programs of the dairy cattle breeding firms in the United States have become more selective and effective with time, and selection goals continue to place major emphasis on yield traits, which clearly impact profitability of dairying. Traits other than yield are also included in selection goals of the industry. Type traits, especially those related to udder conformation, body size, and angularity have been included in selection programs and have altered the appearance and physiological functions of Holstein cows. Selection programs have continued to increase the body size of Holsteins despite mounting evidence that smaller cows have advantages for survival and efficiency. Favorable emphasis on cows that appear sharper might result in cows that are more prone to metabolic problems. The high intensity of current selection in the United States has brought about a rapid increase in genetic relationships among animals. Increased relationships will inevitably result in undesirable levels of inbreeding in the commercial cow population unless dairy producers turn to crossbreeding.

Heritabilities of teat end shape and teat diameter and their relationships with somatic cell score

Teat end shapes were categorized for 1740 Holstein cows with 2261 lactations in nine herds. Frequencies of teat end shapes were pointed, 7%; pointed disk, 1%; round, 43%; round ring, 16%; round flat, 5%; round disk, 11%; flat, 6%; disk, 10%; and inverted, 0.8%. Teat diameters were measured 1.5 cm from the end of the teat. Teat end lesions were visually classified into four categories: no lesion, rough ring, very rough, and ulcerated, raw appearance. Repeatability estimates for teat end shape and teat diameter were 0.75 and 0.36, respectively. Heritability estimates of teat end shape for first, second, and all lactations combined were 0.53, 0.44, and 0.56, respectively. Teat diameter heritabilities were 0.23, 0.27, and 0.35, respectively. The genetic correlation between teat end shape and teat diameter was 0.64. Linear somatic cell scores (SCS) averaged across lactation and adjusted for days in milk and for month and age at calving were available for single lactations of 1506 cows. Least squares means of SCS for categorically scored teat end shapes were computed from a model that included herd date, parity, days in milk, lesion, and teat diameter. Teat end shape and teat end lesion did not significantly affect SCS. Wider teat diameters were associated with higher SCS. Predicted transmitting abilities for SCS and udder composite index scores were available for 113 sires that had five or more daughters with teat end scores. Predicted transmitting abilities for SCS were significantly associated with udder composite index but not with sire solutions for teat end shape.

Injuries caused by falling soccer goalposts in Denmark

OBJECTIVE

A falling soccer goalpost is associated with the potential risk of serious injury that can sometimes even be fatal. The aim of the study was to analyse the extent of the problem in Denmark and focus on the mechanism of injury and prevention.

METHODS

Data were analysed for the period 1989-1997 from the European Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System, which is an electronic register of the injuries seen in the casualty departments of the hospitals of five selected cities in Denmark representing 14% of the Danish population; in addition, fatal accidents in the whole of Denmark since 1981 were examined. Forty two injured persons were interviewed about the circumstances of the accident. Attempts were made to estimate the proportion of goalposts secured by counterweight in the five different regions, compared with the proportion secured with ground stakes and those that were unsecured, by analysing data from the largest producers of goalposts in Denmark.

RESULTS

In the period 1981-1988, two fatal accidents were recorded. In the period 1989-1997, 117 people were injured by a falling goalpost; six of the injuries required hospitalisation. Some 88% of the injured were under the age of 15. In a telephone interview with 42 of the injured, 50% stated that the goalpost fell because someone was hanging on the crossbar. Comparing the five different regions with respect to the proportion of goalposts secured by counterweight and the number of accidents, the following relation was found. Areas in which a high percentage of the goalposts were secured by a counterweight correlated inversely with a high number of accidents (r = -0.9; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Soccer is a widely played sport and it is important to be aware that accidents caused by falling goalposts can occur and that they presumably can be prevented by proper use of goalposts, by using secure goalposts, and by securing old goalposts with a counterweight.

Productive life and reasons for disposal of Holstein cows selected for large versus small body size

Holstein cows were compared for direct and correlated responses to selection for large versus small body size. The divergent selection lines differed for body weight, body dimensions, and birth weight of calves but did not differ for production or calving ease. Also, cows in the small line required fewer services to conception during first lactation than did cows in the large line. Cows in the body size lines differed for three reasons for disposal: udder conformation, which favored cows in the large line; problems with legs and feet, which favored cows in the small line; and a miscellaneous category, which included internal infections and favored cows in the small line. Productive life to a maximum of 6 yr was 87.7 d (15.4%) longer for cows in the small line than for cows in the large line. Continued selection for larger Holstein cows in North America might not be economically justifiable.

Photoaffinity labeling of the human receptor for urokinase-type plasminogen activator using a decapeptide antagonist. Evidence for a composite ligand-binding site and a short interdomain separation

Binding of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) to its cellular receptor (uPAR) renders the cell surface a favored site for plasminogen activation. Recently, a 15-mer peptide antagonist of the uPA-uPAR interaction, with an IC50 value of 10 nM, was identified using phage display technology [Goodson, R. J., Doyle, M. V., Kaufman, S. E., and Rosenberg, S. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 91, 7129-7133]. In the present study, the molecular aspects of the interaction between this peptide and uPAR have been investigated. We have characterized the real-time receptor binding kinetics for the antagonist using surface plasmon resonance and identified critical residues by alanine replacements. The minimal peptide antagonist thus derived (SLNFSQYLWS) was rendered photoactivatable by replacing residues important for uPAR binding with photochemically active derivatives of phenylalanine containing either (trifluoromethyl)diazirine or benzophenone. These peptides incorporated covalently into purified soluble uPAR upon photoactivation, and this was inhibited by preincubation with receptor binding derivatives of uPA. The intact three-domain structure of uPAR was essential for efficient photoaffinity labeling. Proteolytic domain mapping using chymotrypsin revealed a specific labeling of both uPAR domain I and domains II + III dependent on the position of the photoprobe in the antagonist. On the basis of these studies, we propose the existence of a composite ligand binding site in uPAR combined of residues located in distinct structural domains. According to this model, a close spatial proximity between uPAR domain I and either domains II or III in intact uPAR is required for the assembly of this composite binding site. Since the receptor binding properties of the peptide antagonist closely mimic those of uPA itself, these two ligands presumably share coincident binding site in uPAR.

Frequencies and effects of alternative DRB3.2 alleles of bovine lymphocyte antigen for Holsteins in milk selection and control lines

Frequencies of alleles at the DRB3.2 locus of the bovine major histocompatibility complex for two genetic lines of Holsteins were compared, and allelic effects on yield and udder health traits were examined. The DRB3.2 genotypes of 186 cows and heifers were determined using DNA that had been extracted from blood samples. The cattle were from a designed selection experiment for milk yield. After edits, 173 cows and heifers with known alleles remained (54 from a control line and 119 from a selection line for milk yield). A total of 19 alternative DRB3.2 alleles appeared across the two lines, and frequencies ranged from 0.3 to 21.4%. Allelic frequencies differed significantly between the selection and control lines. Alleles 3, 8, 9, 10, 26, and 28 were more frequent in the control line, but alleles 16, 24, and 27 were more frequent in the selection line. An animal model was used to estimate gene substitution effects of alternative alleles on milk yield, fat yield, and protein yield, SCS, chronically elevated SCS, acutely elevated SCS, and mastitis incidence. First, second, and third lactations were analyzed separately. Allele 7 was associated with a significant increase in protein yield during first and second lactations and a significant increase in chronically elevated SCS and acutely elevated SCS during second lactation. Because of conflicting results with other studies and a limited numbers of cows, additional research is needed before specific alleles are confirmed to be associated with measures of yield and udder health.

[Lipomas and liposarcomas. 10-year incidence in a local area]

The aim of this study was to show the clinical expression and histologic diagnosis in 105 patients, 46 males and 59 females, treated for lipomas of the extremities. The coincidence between the histological and peroperative diagnosis was also evaluated. The patients were successively treated at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Glostrup county Hospital in the period 1978-88. Ninety-seven patients were found to have a lipoma and eight of the patients had a malignant tumour (liposarcoma). There were no significant differences in the appearance of malignancy with respect to age or sex. Tumours greater than 100 cm2 in size were significantly more often malignant than those less than 100 cm2. There was a considerable discrepancy between the surgeon's peroperative judgement of malignancy and the histological diagnosis. The tumours were located in the humeroscapular region (39), the femoral region (30), the crural region (10), and in the forearm region (7). We conclude that diagnostic clearing and treatment ought to be centralized in regional centres, where liposarcomas might also be diagnosed. However, the liposarcomas should afterwards be treated in oncological centres. Furthermore, we conclude that histological examination of lipomas in imperative.

Association of somatotropin (BST) gene polymorphism at the 5th exon with selection for milk yield in Holstein cows

A selection project produced control cows from continuous matings with breed average bulls for predicted transmitting ability for milk (PTA-milk) in 1964 and select cows from matings to four of the highest PTA-milk bulls each year since 1964. Blood samples were collected in 1992 when milk yield difference of select and control line cows exceeded 3,800 kg of milk/305-day lactation. Genomic DNA from control (n = 49) and select (n = 101) cows was analyzed for the presence of variants associated with amino acid position 127 (leucine, AluI[+]; valine, AluI[-]) of bovine somatotropin (bST). Amplification of a 428 base-pair fragment of the bST gene from individual cows, subsequent restriction enzyme (AluI) digestion, and separation resulting fragments indicated three genotypes AluI(+/+), AluI(+/-), and AluI(-/-) in 110, 39, and 1 animal(s), respectively. Gene frequencies of leucine127 and valine 127 alleles were similar for control (0.867m 0.133) and select (0.861, 0.139) animals. United States Department of Agriculture-PTA values were compared between the two genotypes, AluI(+/+) and AluI(+/-). Estimated breeding value for milk (EBV-milk) and average yield deviation for milk (AYD-milk) were not associated with genotype for control animals. However, presence of the valine allele was correlated with decreased EBV-milk (P = 0.03) and AYD-milk (P = 0.16) in select animals and accounted for a decrease of approximately 170 kg of EBV-milk and 240 kg of AYD-milk.

Ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of iliopsoas tendinitis: a case report

Ultrasound examination is a recognized advanced tool in the diagnosis of many sport-related overuse injuries. This article illustrates a new indication for ultrasound examination: the diagnosis of iliopsoas tendinitis and its treatment by ultrasound-guided local injection of long-acting corticosteroid.

[Iliopsoas tendinitis in athletes. Diagnosis and treatment]

Iliopsoas tendinitis is a common injury in sport. Despite of this there are only a few articles in the literature that deal with these injuries. The changes in the inflamed tendons and muscles have been difficult to determine objectively. The modernization of ultrasound devices has improved the methods of examination and made it possible to diagnose objective changes in the tendons and muscles. Recommendations for the treatment of acute and chronic iliopsoas tendinitis are given.

Response of health care to selection for milk yield of dairy cattle

A selection experiment began during 1964 to measure long-term responses to selection of dairy cattle based only on milk yield. An unselected control group of cows was maintained as part of the experimental design. The four highest sires for PTA milk that were available from active AI were mated each year to cows of all generations in the selection group. Expenses for veterinary treatment, health supplies, drugs, and labor of animal attendants were recorded for each cow and categorized as mastitis, udder, edema, locomotion, digestion, ketosis, milk fever, reproduction, respiration, and other. Cows studied were born from 1975 to 1990. Over the 16-yr period, 236 selection and 227 control cows were observed while lactating. Cows in the selection group had greater health expenses as a correlated response to increased milk yield than did unselected controls. Lactational difference for genetic groups was $28.22 from an analysis of only first lactations and $49.44 from an analysis across parities. Expenses for mastitis accounted for most of the difference between genetic groups. Most health expense occurred during the first 20 d postpartum and increased for cows with successive lactations. During the 16-yr period, expense for selection cows increased more than for controls for reproduction, digestion, and ketosis, but not mastitis, udder (nonmastitis), edema, locomotion, milk fever, respiration, and other categories. Separate analyses of heifers from birth to initial calving and of dry cows provided little evidence of differences for genetic groups during nonlactating stages of life.

Osteosynthesis of medial humeral epicondyle fractures in children. 8-year follow-up of 33 cases

33 children with a mean age of 12 (7-15) years had open reduction and osteosynthesis for a displaced fracture of the medial humeral epicondyle. 8 (2-15) years after the operation a clinical and radiographic examination was performed. 22/33 had a prominent scar. No patients had symptoms from the ulnar nerve. Function and range of motion of the elbow were good in all cases, albeit with 20-25 degrees of extension in 3. There were 3 cases of asymptomatic nonunion. Surgery was found to reduce the frequency of nonunion, compared to previous reports of non-operative treatment.

Comparison of United States and Danish strains of Jerseys for yield traits

Eleven US and 11 Danish young bulls were AI sampled in the US and Denmark. The milking daughters of these sires provided an opportunity for comparison of the US and Danish Jersey populations. Danish age and month of calving and DIM adjustment factors were developed so that Danish and US records could be compared on a standardized basis (305-d lactation, mature equivalent). Least squares and animal model analyses were used to estimate strain differences and effects of heterosis. Jerseys from the US had superiority over Danish Jerseys of approximately 1000 kg for milk and 17 kg for protein. However, Danish Jersey had an advantage of 20 kg for fat. Estimates of heterosis from crosses of US and Danish Jerseys were 1.5 to 3% of the mean for milk, fat, and protein yields. Correlations of EBV from official genetic evaluations of the US and Denmark were high, > or = .78, for the project bulls, providing little evidence of an interaction of genotype and environment.