Response to selection for litter size in Danish Landrace pigs: a Bayesian analysis

A replicated selection experiment aimed at increasing litter size (total number of pigs born per litter) in Danish Landrace pigs was conducted from 1984 to 1991. The experiment included two selection and two control lines. In each generation, 30 and 14 first litters were produced in selection and control lines, respectively, and dams produced two litters. Each replicate, consisting of one selection and one control line, was founded from 60 families chosen randomly from the population at large. Family selection was practiced, and the criterion was the predicted breeding value for litter size computed using a repeatability animal model, and taking into account all available information. The data consisted of 947 records from 523 dams (424 dams had two litters) representing five cycles of selection of increased litter size. Data were analyzed from a Bayesian perspective, based on marginal posterior distributions of genetic parameters of interest. Marginalization was achieved using Gibbs sampling, with a single chain length of 1 205 000. After discarding the first 5 000 iterations, a sample was drawn every ten iterations, so 120 000 samples in total were saved. Densities were estimated and plotted, and summary statistics were computed from the estimated densities. The posterior means (± standard error) of heritability and repeatability were 0.22 ± 0.06 and 0.32 ± 0.05, respectively. These point estimates of genetic parameters were within the range of literature values, although on the high side. The posterior mean (± standard error) of genetic response to selection, defined as the difference between the mean breeding values of the selected lines and that of the base population, was 1.37 ± 0.43 pigs after five cycles of selection. The regression (through the origin) of breeding values in the selected lines on generation was 0.25 ± 0.08 pigs. Several informative priors constructed from information obtained with field data in this population were used to examine their influence on inferences. The priors were influential because of the relatively small scale of the experiment. An analysis excluding data from one of the control lines gave smaller genetic variance and heritability, and a smaller response to selection. However, it appears that selection for litter size is effective, but that the true rate of response is probably smaller than data from this experiment suggest.

Establishing a ketoconazole suppression test for verifying testosterone administration in the doping control of athletes

The ratio of urinary testosterone (u-T) to epitestosterone (T/EpiT) is used to disclose testosterone (T) administration in the doping control of sports, and a ratio greater than 6 constitutes an offence. Nevertheless, the possibility of biological outliers must not be discounted, and the use of ketoconazole has been suggested for a dynamic test to distinguish between such athletes and those using T. In this investigation, ketoconazole was administrated to three groups of T-pretreated and two groups of untreated healthy male subjects. The subjects in one of the pretreated groups were patients with mild hypogonadism. One untreated group consisted of athletes that had been tested three times with high urinary T/EpiT levels. The effects of ketoconazole administration on serum T (s-T) level and urinary T/EpiT ratio were monitored every 2 h for an 8-h period and clearly separated T-pretreated and untreated subjects into two clusters (P < 0.0001). The T/EpiT ratio increased and the s-T level remained unchanged in pretreated individuals during the ketoconazole test, whereas T/EpiT decreased by 60% and s-T by almost 90% in untreated subjects. The statistical power of the test increased by using several time points and combining the urinary T/EpiT with the s-T data. In conclusion, the ketoconazole test is suitable as a supportive dynamic test for the urinary T/EpiT ratio measurements in the doping control of athletes.

Varying treatment strategies for reconstruction of maxillary atrophy with implants: results in 98 patients

This report describes the outcome of maxillary implant reconstruction in 98 consecutively treated patients assigned to three groups based on the degree of maxillary atrophy as noted on radiographic examination and method of treatment. In group 1, 33 patients had 83 implants installed following sinus and/or nasal mucosal lift procedures. In group 2, 26 patients had 56 implants placed that penetrated the sinus and/or nasal cavities. The penetrating portion of the implant was covered with autogenous particulate bone harvested from the lateral aspect of the ipsilateral sinus. In group 3, 39 patients had 152 implants fixed to autogenous mandibular bone grafts placed either in the antral and/or nasal floors and/or as an onlay over the residual alveolar ridge. The age range of the patients was 15 to 76 years, with a mean of 56 years. Follow-up periods ranged from 12 to 58 months, with a mean of 26 months. Of the 291 implants installed, 19 have been lost. The importance of considering different treatment strategies when reconstructing the edentulous maxilla is discussed.

What predicts the persistence of delusional beliefs?

The persistence of delusional beliefs may to a marked degree influence the patients' global functioning. It is therefore clinically relevant to search for predictors of this course. In a study sample of 75 delusional first admitters such demographic, social and clinical variables were investigated which concern the course during 8 years. A number of variables had predictive value, e.g. characteristics of the delusional beliefs themselves such as theme and dimensions, absence of mood disturbance and subjective thought disorder but not hallucinations. The variables of diagnosis (schizophrenia according to the ICD-10 or the DSM-III-R at discharge from first admission) was a highly significant predictor of which only the following variables had a significant and independent predictive value: living alone, no psychosocial stressor, main delusion of persecution, and main delusion other than reference. In spite of the diagnostic uncertainty among first admitters the new systems of classification provide diagnostic categories as the most significant predictor of persistent delusional beliefs. Two logistic regression models for prediction are presented. In the presence of all independent predictors, the persistence of delusional beliefs is predicted for 94% of the present patient sample.

HIV infection among seafarers in Denmark

The purpose of this study was to estimate the minimal magnitude of the HIV problem among seafarers in Denmark. The material is based on case records from the 6 medical departments in Denmark that undertake treatment of HIV patients. Retrospectively, all case records of HIV infection among seafarers--and of their sexual contacts--have been identified. 33 seafarers with HIV infection or AIDS were identified; 17 had no other known risk factor than heterosexual contacts in high-endemic areas. These results show that HIV infections have entered into the heterosexual group of seafarers. HIV-infected seafarers are a risk group for carrying HIV infection into the heterosexual population in non-endemic areas. In 5 known cases, this has actually taken place in Denmark. The majority of the heterosexually infected seafarers were probably infected early in the AIDS era. We do not know if Danish seafarers are still acquiring HIV abroad.

Localisation of interleukin 8 in the synovial membrane, cartilage-pannus junction and chondrocytes in rheumatoid arthritis

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) may play an important role in the development of synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in that it is a powerful chemoattractant for neutrophils and T cells. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of IL-8 in the synovial membrane and cartilage, from RA, osteoarthritis (OA) and normal joints. By immunohistochemical techniques, IL-8 was shown to be present in the lining layer cells in RA (87%) and in OA (62%). By contrast, only a few of the normal synovial lining layer cells (14%) contained IL-8. Deeper in the membrane the number of IL-8 positive cells decreased. Only vessels were highly positive for IL-8. At the RA cartilage-pannus junction 26% of the cells contained IL-8, whereas at the OA cartilage-pannus junction 8% of the cells were IL-8 positive (P < 0.05). Chondrocytes present in joint surface cartilage stained positive for IL-8 in an average of 20% of the cells of both RA and OA. These results provide histological evidence that IL-8 is present in the arthritic synovial tissue and cartilage, and is distributed in a manner that may form a chemotactic gradient, which favours localisation of neutrophils to the joint lumen.

How to understand the formation of delusional beliefs: a proposal

The formation of delusional beliefs is elucidated by the expressed experiences of 75 delusional patients. It is found that such beliefs may develop regardless of the presence (64%) or absence (20%) of anomalous experiences. Patients within the same diagnostic category remember it very differently. Many patients (71%) find a simple and reassuring way of understanding and relating to the external world by the formation of delusional beliefs. To many patients (47%) the delusional theme remains unchanged from the start and from one psychotic episode to another, while to other patients (24%) the theme changes in a hierarchical way. It is suggested that the formation of delusional beliefs is caused by impaired two-way communication or metathinking and that the delusional theme indicates the severity of cognitive dysfunction or mental disorder.

Delusional beliefs in first admitters. A clinical description

Delusional beliefs in first admitters with no organic disorder are studied. The study sample of 88 patients provides a representation of delusional beliefs in first admitters. A scale for dimensions of delusional beliefs is proposed and applied to the patient group. The scale includes dimensions of conviction, extension, systematization, probability, pressure and global state. Adequate interobserver agreement is achieved. The patients are distributed according to ICD-10 and DSM-III-R with schizophrenia as the most frequent diagnostic category. More than half of the patients are, however, diagnosed differently. It is obvious that many patients with schizophrenia and persistent delusional disorder are seriously dysfunctioning at their entry into hospital. In contrast patients with affective disorder and acute and transient psychotic disorder are, on the average, functioning reasonably well. Identical delusional themes appear in different diagnostic categories while the dimensional severity of delusional beliefs varies from one category to another. When assessed at admission patients with a discharge diagnosis of schizophrenia have delusional beliefs with a high degree of dimensional severity in contrast to patients with affective disorder. Delusional beliefs in patients with persistent delusional disorder seem more systematized and probable than those diagnosed differently. In interpreting the findings one has to remember that the presence and theme of delusional beliefs are in no way independent aspects of diagnostic category. Description of delusional dimensions may, however, be important for the conceptualization of delusional beliefs and a method to study psychotic decompensation and resolution. Later on the patients were followed in search of the predictive significance of a qualified assessment of delusional beliefs in contrast to syndromes when defined according to new classification systems.

Primary structures and effects on gastrointestinal motility of tachykinins from the rainbow trout

Purification and structural characterization of tachykinins from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) intestine has demonstrated the presence of three different peptides related to the mammalian tachykinins: substance P, neurokinin A, and neuropeptide-gamma. The substance P- and the neurokinin A-related peptides present in the intestine are identical to the tachykinins previously isolated from the trout brain. The neuropeptide-gamma-related peptide (Ser-Ser-Ala-Asn-Pro-Gln-Ile-Thr-Arg-Lys-Arg-His-Lys-Ile-Asn-Ser-Phe- Val-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2), not previously identified in brain tissue, has the sequence of the neurokinin A-related tachykinin at its COOH-terminus. Both trout substance P and neurokinin A stimulated the motility of isolated trout intestinal muscle [pD2(-log of EC50) values 8.5 +/- 0.15 and 7.35 +/- 0.08, respectively] and the vascularly perfused trout stomach (pD2 values 9.63 +/- 0.23 and 8.18 +/- 0.23, respectively). Trout substance P was 14 times more potent than trout neurokinin A in the intestine and 28 times more potent in the stomach. The data suggest that receptors interacting with tachykinins in the trout gastrointestinal tract have a similar selectivity as the mammalian NK-1 receptor.

The correlation of symptoms, occult blood tests, and neoplasms in patients referred for double-contrast barium enema

One hundred and forty-nine patients (86 women) with a mean age of 64 years (52-74 years), referred for double-contrast barium enema (DCE), were invited to have fecal occult blood test and rectosigmoidoscopy (60 cm) (RSS) before the DCE. Carbon dioxide was used for inflation at RSS to enable the two examinations to be done at the same time. Eight adenomas < 1.0 cm in diameter, 11 adenomas > or = 1.0 cm in diameter, and 5 carcinomas were diagnosed in altogether 23 patients. There was no correlation between symptoms, diverticula, or neoplasm, but a positive rehydrated Hemoccult II test was correlated to the presence of neoplasms (cancer and adenoma > or = 1.0 cm in diameter), but Hemoccult is not suitable as selection basis for work-up of symptomatic subjects. To diagnose colorectal neoplasms, we have to accept a certain number of negative work-ups of the large bowel. If DCE is chosen for work-up of the large bowel, it has to be combined with rectosigmoidoscopy (60 cm).

The reference range for complexed alpha 2-macroglobulin human plasma: development of a new enzyme linked in immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantitation of complexed alpha 2-macroglobulin

Purified alpha 2-macroglobulin was complexed by reaction with methylamine and used to raise monoclonal murine antibodies. A four-step enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to determine the antibody-specificity of the produced monoclonal murine antibodies towards human native and complexed alpha 2-macroglobulin. Two monoclonal antibodies were selected, H11A11 (specific towards complexed alpha 2-macroglobulin) and 1CG4 (recognizes both forms of the molecule), and purified by affinity chromatography on protein G. The purified antibodies were used to develop a fast three-step ELISA for exact quantitation of complexed and total alpha 2-macroglobulin in human plasma. The intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) for measurement of complexed alpha 2-macroglobulin is 2.2-9.9%, whereas the inter-assay CV was determined to be 3.7-10.5% and the recovery of the assay is 93-108%. The assay for total alpha 2-macroglobulin has an intra-assay CV of 3.0-15.5%, an interassay CV of 5.1-21.2% and a recovery of 91-116%. Citrated plasma samples from 139 healthy blood donors were examined, resulting in a reference range for complexed alpha 2-macroglobulin of 13.5-31.1 mg 1(-1) with a median value of 21.7 mg 1(-1). The concentration of total alpha 2-macroglobulin was measured by the same assay using the monoclonal antibodies 1CG4. For total alpha 2-macroglobulin we determined the reference range to be 1.12-3.54 g 1(-1) with a median value of 2.14 g 1(-1). Based on these results the reference range for complexed alpha 2-macroglobulin as a percentage of total alpha 2-macroglobulin was calculated to be 0.8-1.9% with a median value of 1.0%.

Effects of substance P and distribution of substance P-like immunoreactivity in nerves supplying the stomach of the cod, Gadus morhua

The innervation of the cod stomach by neurons showing substance P-like immunoreactivity (SPLI), and the effect and mechanism of action of substance P (SP) on the vascularly perfused cod stomach and on isolated muscle strip preparations from the pyloric sphincter have been investigated.Infusion of SP produced a contraction of the stomach wall, which could not be blocked by tetrodotoxin, atropine or methysergide, indicating a direct effect on the stomach smooth muscle. Similarly, the contraction produced by SP on preparations from the pyloric sphincter was unaffected by tetrodotoxin.Nerves showing SPLI were frequent in the myenteric plexus of the whole stomach, and in the submucosa and mucosa of the pyloric part of the stomach. SPLI was also observed in fibres in the intestinal branch of the vagus and occasionally in the splanchnic nerves. Ligation of the nerves showed an accumulation of SPLI above as well as below the ligature, being more prominent proximal to the ligature in the vagus and distal to the ligature in the splanchnic nerve. In the vagus nerve, descending and ascending SPLI-fibres were seen surrounding non-reactive cell bodies. No reduction in intensity of the immunoreaction of the neurons in the stomach wall was observed after ligation or sectioning of the vagosympathetic trunk or the splanchnic nerves, nor were SP-levels measured by radioimmunoassay reduced. After denervation of vagal branches close to the stomach wall an insignificant decrease of immunoreactivity was observed in the myenteric plexus. Capsaicin treatment had no conclusive effect on the distribution of SPLI.It is concluded that the innervation showing SPLI may be of intrinsic as well as extrinsic origin, with pathways in both vagal and splanchnic branches. Only a direct effect of SP on the smooth muscle could be demonstrated.

[Delays in admissions for observation in suspected acute myocardial infarction]

One hundred and fifty-three patients hospitalized for observation and treatment of suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were studied. The time delay from debut of symptoms until the decision was taken as to whether the patient was a candidate for treatment with thrombolysis or not was registered. The decision was made within four hours for 55.5% of the patients, and for 81.0% the decision was made within 12 hours of debut of symptoms. In all, 47 (30.1%) of the patients were treated with thrombolysis. Fifty-six (36.6%) of the patients had an AMI or unstable angina pectoris, and 39 (69.6%) were treated with thrombolysis. Seventeen patients with AMI did not receive the treatment, and for one of these the only reason for not receiving thrombolysis was a time delay longer than 12 hours. The median time for patient delay was 60 minutes, doctors' delay 39 minutes, and transport delay 29 min. At the hospital the first ECG was done 14 minutes after arrival, and the decision about whether to treat with thrombolysis or not was taken 25 minutes after arrival. It is still possible to diminish the time delays for patients suspected of AMI. The longest delay is due to the patient, and public education is needed to minimize patient delay. Doctors are recommended to refer patients suspected of AMI directly to the hospital, omitting a delaying visit to the patient.

A study of hospital admissions over time, using longitudinal latent structure analysis

The aim was to study patterns of utilization of non-psychiatric admissions over time and factors affecting the utilization. The study cohort includes all individuals born 1934-66, living in one of two Danish municipalities and admitted to a non-psychiatric department at least once in 1977 (n = 2,686). The hospitalizations of the cohort were followed during a 5-year period by means of the Danish National Patient Register. The data were analysed using a longitudinal latent class (LC) model and a longitudinal latent Markov (LM) model. The LC model suggests that among the cases in the cohort there were 4 variants of utilization patterns. The LM model adequately described the sample in only 3 variants or classes. These classes may be interpreted as a small group of "chronically ill" individuals (1.9% of the cohort), a major group of "healthy" individuals, with no, or only a single, random re-admission during the follow-up period (74.4% of the sample), and finally an intermediate group of "high utilizers" (23.7% of the sample). This "chronicity" variable was markedly associated with mental illness, multiple discharge diagnoses from non-psychiatric departments and total utilization of hospitalizations during the follow-up period. Conversely, gender, age and days in hospital per admission were without importance. The study implies that the analysis of patterns of hospital admissions over time can yield important insight into health service utilization and that longitudinal latent structure analyses are powerful statistical tools in this aspect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effects of thiazide diuretics on calcium metabolism in the aged

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of long-term use of the thiazide diuretic chlorthalidone on serum bone-related biochemical variables in older persons.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional comparison.

SETTING

Community-dwelling subjects who had participated in the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly (SHEP) program.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-six Caucasians (36 male and 30 female), age range 70 to 89 years, of whom 23 were taking a thiazide diuretic.

MEASUREMENTS

25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, calcitonin, and serum bioavailable testosterone.

RESULTS

In both groups, there was a high prevalence of low 25 (OHD) levels (30%). Log 25OHD showed a significant inverse relationship to parathyroid hormone (r = .33, P < 0.05). Thiazide users had lower levels of osteocalcin (P < 0.05) and parathyroid hormone levels (P < 0.05) compared with non-thiazide users. Male thiazide users had decreased bioavailable testosterone levels compared with non-thiazide users (P < 0.05). Serum osteocalcin was significantly related to bioavailable testosterone in men not on thiazide (r = .43, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypovitaminosis D is a common finding in older individuals with associated elevations in parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone and testosterone concentration (in men) are correlated with serum osteocalcin, a measure of osteoblastic activity. Long-term thiazide use alters these relationships and produces a biochemical profile suggestive of decreased bone formation. Reduced bioavailable testosterone may also play a role in these biochemical changes.

Total condylar arthroplasty for gonarthrosis. A prospective 10-year study of 138 primary cases

The results of 138 consecutive primary Insall-Burstein arthroplasties with an average observation period of 10 (9-11) years were assessed. Mean age at surgery was 71 (30-81) years. The patients were evaluated clinically, using the Hospital for Special Surgery knee rating scale, and radiographically, according to the radiolucency score of the Knee Society. At latest follow-up, the overall evaluation of the patients who completed the study was excellent or good in 86 percent, fair in 8 percent and poor in 6 percent. Residual functional pain was recorded in 12 percent of cases with prostheses in situ. An ability to walk more than 500 m was found in 62 percent. The median range of motion was 104 degrees. Arthrodesis was performed on 2 knees due to deep infection. There were 14 cases with substantial radiolucency around the prosthesis, but none of these patients had severe functional pain. The crude prosthetic survival rate was 98 percent. A correlation was found between the radiolucency score and both the total score and the intensity of the residual functional pain.

Enhancement of susceptibility of CB-17 mice to systemic candidiasis by poly(I . C)-induced interferon

Poly(I . C) enhanced the susceptibility of CB-17 (BALB/c) mice to acute systemic candidiasis. Poly(I . C), supernatants from poly(I . C)-treated macrophages, or alpha and beta interferons suppressed macrophage candidacidal activity in vitro. Thus, poly(I . C)-induced interferons may enhance the susceptibility of CB-17 mice to candidiasis by suppressing macrophage candidacidal activity in an autocrine fashion.

Proventriculotomy in ostriches: 18 cases (1990-1992)

Over a 3-year period, proventriculotomy was performed on 18 ostriches to relieve impaction of the proventriculus. Diagnosis was confirmed by abdominal palpation, abdominal radiography, and in some cases, exploratory proventriculotomy. In addition to proventriculotomy, an esophagotomy was performed in 5 birds that were debilitated to allow force-feeding during the postoperative period. The median age of ostriches treated surgically for proventricular impaction was 7.5 months (range, 3 months to 18 years). Impactions consisted of sand, rocks, or gravel in combination with grass, leaves, wood, or other fibrous materials. In 7 birds, small pieces of wire or nails were also removed from the proventriculus. In 1 bird, a large metal punch was removed via the proventriculotomy. Six ostriches died at the hospital in the immediate postoperative period. Four of these died within 24 hours of surgery. All 4 birds were emaciated and in a severely weakened condition at admission, and they continued to deteriorate after surgery. One bird died 8 days after surgery as a result of complications associated with a septic joint unrelated to the proventriculotomy procedure. Another bird was euthanatized 6 days after surgery because its condition failed to improve and the owners did not want to pursue further treatment because of expense. Follow-up information was obtained for 12 surviving ostriches 1 week to 29 months (median, 5.5 months) after they were discharged from the hospital. Four of the 12 birds died within 30 days of discharge from the hospital. The remaining 8 birds (44%) were alive at follow-up evaluation (median, 10.5 months after surgery; range, 5 to 29 months).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)