Relationship Between Tube Voltage and Physical Image Quality of Pulmonary Nodules on Chest Radiographs Obtained Using the Bone-Suppression Technique

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Image quality of chest radiographs is affected by tube voltage. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between tube voltage and physical image quality of pulmonary nodules on bone-suppressed chest radiographs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An anthropomorphic chest phantom and a spherical simulated nodule, with a 12-mm diameter and approximately +100 Hounsfield units were used. The lung field of the phantom was divided into three areas, based on the overlap with the ribs in the chest radiograph. Ten positions of the simulated nodule were defined in each area. One hundred and twenty chest radiographs were acquired using four tube voltages (70 kVp, 90 kVp, 110 kVp, and 130 kVp) for a total of 30 nodule positions and were processed to create bone-suppressed images. Differences in contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were analyzed for all pairs of the four tube voltages using a two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

In the area not overlapping with ribs, a statistically significant difference was observed only in contrast between tube voltage of 70 kVp and 90 kVp (p = 0.01). In the area overlapping with one or two ribs, the contrast and CNR tended to be higher at a lower tube voltage. In particular, the p values between the contrast at 70 kVp and that at the other three tube voltage settings were less than 0.01.

CONCLUSION

For a relatively dense nodule, the contrast and CNR in the bone-suppressed chest radiograph were significantly improved with lower tube voltage in the lung field overlapping with the ribs.

Epidemiology of massive hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs: A 4-year retrospective study

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumour in dogs. However, the clinical features and risk factors of HCC have not been confirmed. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical features and risk factors for canine HCC. Medical records of 44 dogs diagnosed with HCC at Hokkaido University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. All dogs evaluated at the teaching hospital during the study period were used as the reference population for breed, age, sex predispositions or possible related factors for HCC, including concurrent disorders. Clinical characteristics of HCC were determined using propensity score matching analysis. The prevalence of HCC diagnosis was 0.96%. Multivariate analysis revealed that dogs diagnosed with HCC were significantly older (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.07-1.33) than the reference population. Welsh Corgis (OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.56-8.67) and Beagles (OR, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.58-11.90) were significantly predisposed to HCC. Twenty-seven of 44 dogs with HCC had at least one concurrent disorder. The most common concurrent disorder was hyperadrenocorticism (n = 10), and the adjusted odds of hyperadrenocorticism in dogs with HCC were 4.13 higher than those of the reference population (95% CI, 1.95-8.76). Propensity score matching analysis revealed that thrombocytosis (n = 30/43), increased alanine aminotransferase (n = 41/44), increased alkaline phosphatase (n = 42/44), and hypercalcemia (n = 13/32) were significantly associated with HCC diagnosis. The results of this study suggest that Welsh Corgis and Beagles are breeds with a predisposition for HCC and that hyperadrenocorticism might be a potential risk factor.

Predictive factors of malignancy in dogs with focal liver lesions using clinical data and ultrasonographic features

A definitive diagnosis of focal liver lesions (FLLs) requires invasive procedures for histopathologic examination. Thus, a simpler noninvasive diagnostic method, such as conventional ultrasonography combined with clinical data, is needed for the prediction of liver malignancy. The objective of this study was to examine the diagnostic accuracy of clinical data and ultrasonographic (US) features to differentiate benign and malignant liver lesions. Medical records and US images from dogs with FLLs that underwent abdominal US and histopathologic examinations following surgery or liver biopsy were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data, including signalment, clinical signs and laboratory findings, and the US features of liver lesions that could act as predictive factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate the associations between predictive factors and liver malignancy. Based on the histopathologic results, 55 dogs with malignant lesions and 28 dogs with benign lesions were included in the study. The results of univariate analysis showed that several US features and platelet count were significantly associated with liver malignancy. Multivariate analysis revealed that the platelet count (thrombocytosis; odds ratio [OR]: 4.13, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.81−9.41), lesion size (4.1 cm or greater; OR: 23.83, 95% CI: 3.74−151.95) and echotexture of FLLs (heterogenous; OR: 8.44; 95% CI: 1.37−51.91) were independent predictors for differentiating benign and malignant liver lesions, suggesting that a combination of clinical data and US findings of FLLs could predict liver malignancy in dogs.

Community-acquired Disseminated Exophiala dermatitidis Mycosis with Necrotizing Fasciitis in Chronic Graft-versus-host Disease

We herein report a case of systemic phaeohyphomycosis by Exophiala dermatitidis (E. dermatitidis) with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The patient had been taking oral corticosteroids for years to control the GVHD. Yeast-like fungi were identified in a blood culture, so treatment with micafungin (150 mg/day) was begun, with no improvement. The patient passed away on hospital Day 12. A sequence analysis of rRNA revealed the isolate to be E. dermatitidis. This report brings attention to an emerging mycosis of community-acquired Exophiala species infection in the very-late phase after allogenic HSCT in patients with chronic GVHD.

Ultra-power-efficient 2 × 2 Si Mach-Zehnder interferometer optical switch based on III-V/Si hybrid MOS phase shifter

We have demonstrated an ultra-power-efficient 2 × 2 Si Mach-Zehnder interferometer optical switch with III-V/Si hybrid metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) phase shifters. The efficient low-loss phase modulation enables low-crosstalk and broadband switching in conjunction with multimode interference couplers consisting of tapered input and output ports. Owing to the negligible gate leakage current in the hybrid MOS capacitor, the power consumption required for switching is 0.18 nW, approximately 10⁷ times smaller than that of a Si thermo-optic phase shifter. We also demonstrated a switching time of less than 20 ns. The III-V/Si hybrid MOS phase shifter is promising for fabricating large-scale Si photonic integrated circuits that require efficient, low-loss, and high-speed optical phase control.

Unusual bilateral ureter strangulation by fibrous tissue after perineal hernia repair in a dog

A 10-year-old castrated male cross-breed dog was referred for the repair of perineal hernia with bladder retroflexion and a mass lesion in the hernial sac. Surgical treatment was performed and the mass was identified as degenerated adipose tissue that was suspected to be derived from the omentum. The hernial contents were reduced without difficulty, and the dog exhibited a normal recovery. Two days after surgery, the dog suddenly exhibited anorexia and azotemia. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, which showed the dilation of both ureters with discoloration of the bladder serosa and strangulation of the urinary bladder neck. Careful inspection confirmed that a fibrous band, which was connected to the mass-like degenerated adipose tissue, had caused the strangulation. Two days after removal of these tissues, the dog recovered, with normal findings on blood biochemical analysis. The condition described in this report is an uncommon complication of perineal hernia repair. The findings suggest that degenerative fat tissue should be resected during perineal hernia repair in dogs, in order to prevent possible bladder strangulation after surgery.

Characteristics of bone strength and metabolism in type 2 diabetic model Tsumura, Suzuki, Obese Diabetes mice

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and complications such as obesity and osteoporosis. The Tsumura, Suzuki, Obese Diabetes (TSOD) mouse is an animal model of spontaneous obese T2DM. However, bone metabolism in TSOD mice is yet to be investigated. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of T2DM on bone mass, metabolism, microstructure, and strength in TSOD mice.

METHODS

We determined the following parameters in TSOD mice and Tsumura, Suzuki, Non-obesity (TSNO) mice (as controls): serum glucose levels; serum insulin levels; bone mass; bone microstructure; bone metabolic markers; and bone strength. We also performed the oral glucose tolerance test and examined histological sections of the femur. We compared these data between both groups at pre-diabetic (10 weeks) and established (20 weeks) diabetic conditions.

RESULTS

Bone strength, such as extrinsic mechanical properties, increased with age in the TSOD mice and intrinsic material properties decreased at both 10 weeks and 20 weeks. Bone resorption marker levels in TSOD mice were significantly higher than those in the control mice at both ages, but there was no significant difference in bone formation markers between the groups. Bone mass in TSOD mice was lower than that in controls at both ages. The trabecular bone volume at the femoral greater trochanter increased with age in the TSOD mice. The femoral mid-diaphysis in TSOD mice was more slender and thicker than that in TSNO mice at both ages.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone mass of the femur was lower in TSOD mice than in TSNO mice because hyperinsulinemia during pre-diabetic and established diabetic conditions enhanced bone resorption due to high bone turnover. In addition, our data suggest that the bone mass of the femur was significantly reduced as a result of chronic hyperglycemia during established diabetic conditions in TSOD mice. We suggest that bone strength in the femur deteriorated due to the reduction of bone mass and because the femoral mid-diaphysis was more slender in TSOD mice.

Effects of immunosuppressive prednisolone therapy on pancreatic tissue and concentration of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in healthy dogs

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of immunosuppressive prednisolone therapy on pancreatic tissue and the concentration of serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) in healthy dogs. Six healthy beagle dogs were subcutaneously administered an immunosuppressive dose of prednisolone [4 mg/kg body weight (BW)] once daily for either 2 or 3 weeks. Serum cPLI concentration was measured before and after treatment. Ultrasonographic examination of the pancreas and laparoscopic biopsy and histopathological examination of the right pancreatic lobe and the liver were also conducted before and after treatment. The expression of pancreatic lipase messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the pancreas and liver was examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Although the serum cPLI concentration was significantly higher on day 14 and on the day of the second laparoscopy than before treatment, it was classified as normal (≤ 200 μg/L) in 5 dogs and as abnormal (≥ 400 μg/L) in only 1 dog. None of the 6 dogs showed clinical signs of pancreatitis during the study period. After treatment, ultrasonographic examination of the pancreas showed no changes except for a hypoechoic pancreas in 1 dog. Histopathological examination of the right pancreatic lobe in all dogs showed no evidence of pancreatitis after treatment. Pancreatic lipase mRNA expression was detected in the pancreas, but not in the liver, before and after treatment. The administration of 4 mg/kg BW per day of prednisolone for 2 or 3 weeks increased the serum cPLI concentration without clinical signs of pancreatitis, although an abnormal cPLI concentration (≥ 400 μg/L) was observed in only 1 dog. No ultrasonographic or histological evidence of pancreatitis was observed in any of the dogs.

Characteristics of Bone Strength and Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic Model Nagoya Shibata Yasuda Mice

We evaluated the suitability of Nagoya Shibata Yasuda (NSY) mice as an animal model for examining the influence of a glucose metabolism disorder on bone integrity, using Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice as controls. We selected six NSY and ICR mice each that were matched for weight, and measured serum glucose levels, serum insulin levels, and conducted an oral glucose tolerance test. Histological sections of the femurs of both mouse lines were prepared, and the bone strength, mass, and microstructure of the femur were compared, along with bone metabolism. Serum glucose levels were significantly higher in the NSY mice than in the control mice, but body weight and serum insulin levels did not differ between the groups. Bone mass, microstructure, and strength of the femur, and bone metabolism were lower in the NSY mice than in the control mice. In the cortical bone of the femur in the NSY mice, several parts were not stained with eosin, demonstrating a strong negative correlation between serum glucose levels and bone mineral density; however, there was a negative correlation between serum glucose levels and bone metabolic markers. The bone turnover rate in the NSY mice was decreased by hyperglycemia, resulting in a thinner and shorter femur, reduced cortical and trabecular areas, and lower bone mass compared to those of the control mice. Collectively, these results suggest deteriorated bone strength of the femur in NSY mice, serving as a useful model for studying the link between glucose metabolism and bone integrity.

Mandibular vascular hamartoma in a cat

A 10-year-old cat presented for evaluation with a 1-month history of salivation and oral bleeding. A right mandibular mass was palpated and computed tomography examination revealed entire bone proliferation. Mandibular bone biopsy was performed, and histopathological diagnosis was vascular hamartoma. The cat suddenly died on day 140.

A Case of Successful Treatment of Ruptured Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysm Caused by Celiac Artery Dissection

A 52-year-old man was admitted due to severe epigastric lesion pain. Esophagus gastroduodenal endoscopy showed impaired duodenal dilatation, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA) aneurysm 13 mm in diameter below the head of the pancreas, retroperitoneal hematoma, idiopathic celiac artery (CA) dissection, and common hepatic artery disruption. Angiographic embolization with a mixture of N-butyl-1,2-cyanoacrylate and lipiodol was performed, and follow-up study showed improvement of the dilatation of the duodenum and disappearance of the aneurysm. Here we report a quite rare case of PDA aneurysm by idiopathic dissection of CA treated successfully with angiographic embolization.

Evaluation of costimulatory molecules in dogs with B cell high grade lymphoma

B cell high grade lymphoma is the most common hematopoietic malignancy in dogs. Although the immune checkpoint molecules, programmed death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been evaluated for the treatment of various human lymphoid malignancies, the expression of those molecules and their relationship with prognosis remain unknown in canine lymphoma. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of costimulatory molecules on peripheral blood lymphocytes and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, in addition to associated ligand expression in the lymph nodes of patients with B cell multicentric high grade lymphoma. Eighteen patients diagnosed with B cell high grade lymphoma and nine healthy control dogs were enrolled. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the expression of PD-1 on CD4+ peripheral and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and CTLA-4 on CD4+ peripheral lymphocytes was significantly higher in the lymphoma group than in the control group. The expression level of CD80 mRNA was significantly lower in the lymphoma group than in the control group. In contrast, there were no significant differences in PD-L1, PD-L2, and CD86 expression between the groups. Dogs with CTLA-4 levels below the cutoff values, which were determined based on receiver operating characteristic curves, on peripheral CD4+, CD8+, and tumor infiltrating CD4+ lymphocytes had significantly longer survival than dogs with values above the cutoff. Although it is uncertain whether the expression of immune checkpoint molecules affect the biological behavior of canine lymphoma, one possible explanation is that PD-1 and CTLA-4 might be associated with the suppression of antitumor immunity in dogs with B cell high grade lymphoma, particularly through CD4+ T cells.

Blocking IFNAR1 inhibits multiple myeloma-driven Treg expansion and immunosuppression

Despite significant advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), most patients succumb to disease progression. One of the major immunosuppressive mechanisms that is believed to play a role in myeloma progression is the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs). In this study, we demonstrate that myeloma cells drive Treg expansion and activation by secreting type 1 interferon (IFN). Blocking IFN α and β receptor 1 (IFNAR1) on Tregs significantly decreases both myeloma-associated Treg immunosuppressive function and myeloma progression. Using syngeneic transplantable murine myeloma models and bone marrow (BM) aspirates of MM patients, we found that Tregs were expanded and activated in the BM microenvironment at early stages of myeloma development. Selective depletion of Tregs led to a complete remission and prolonged survival in mice injected with myeloma cells. Further analysis of the interaction between myeloma cells and Tregs using gene sequencing and enrichment analysis uncovered a feedback loop, wherein myeloma-cell-secreted type 1 IFN induced proliferation and expansion of Tregs. By using IFNAR1-blocking antibody treatment and IFNAR1-knockout Tregs, we demonstrated a significant decrease in myeloma-associated Treg proliferation, which was associated with longer survival of myeloma-injected mice. Our results thus suggest that blocking type 1 IFN signaling represents a potential strategy to target immunosuppressive Treg function in MM.

Platelets Enhance Multiple Myeloma Progression via IL-1β Upregulation

Purpose: Tumor cell-platelet interactions contribute to tumor progression and metastasis in solid tumors. However, the role of platelets in hematological malignancies is not clear. We investigated the association of platelet activation status with clinical stages in multiple myeloma (MM) patients and explored the role of platelets in MM progression.Experimental Design: Platelets were obtained from healthy donors and MM patients. We examined platelet activation status in MM patients by flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. We also observed the enriched pathways that are involved with platelet activation in RNA sequencing of platelets. MM cell lines were used to assess the effect of platelets on MM cell proliferation in vitro and their engraftment in vivo RNA sequencing of MM cell lines was performed to explore molecular mechanisms underlying MM cell-platelet interaction and a CRISPR/Cas9 knockout approach was used for validation.Results: Platelets from MM patients were highly activated with disease progression. RNA sequencing of platelets revealed that genes involved in platelets were enriched in patients with smoldering MM (SMM) or MM. Platelets promoted MM cell proliferation in vitro and contributed to tumor engraftment in bone marrow in vivo RNA sequencing revealed that IL-1β was upregulated in MM cell lines co-cultured with platelets, whereas IL-1β knockout in MM cell lines abrogated the effects of platelets on MM cell proliferation and engraftment in vivoConclusions: Platelets from MM patients were highly activated with disease progression. IL-1β is critical to platelet-mediated MM progression and might be a potential target for MM treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 24(10); 2430-9. ©2018 AACR.

Dual Segmental Distraction Osteogenesis of the Midface in a Patient with Apert Syndrome

Objective

To present orthodontic treatment combined with dual segmental distraction osteogenesis in a patient with Apert syndrome.

Patient

A 15-year-old boy exhibited severe midfacial hypoplasia with retruded and hypoplastic maxilla and anterior open bite. The patient was treated with a rigid external distraction II system for distraction osteogenesis, a preadjusted edgewise appliance, and a modified maxillary protraction headgear. The concave profile with midfacial hypoplasia was improved. A tight occlusal relationship between maxillary and mandibular teeth was achieved. Postoperative treatment results have been stable for 1 year.

Does a Treadmill Running Exercise Contribute to Preventing Deterioration of Bone Mineral Density and Bone Quality of the Femur in KK-Ay Mice, a Type 2 Diabetic Animal Model?

Although it has been recently shown that type 2 diabetics have an increased risk of hip fracture, the effects of exercise therapy to prevent this have not been clarified. We examined whether a treadmill running exercise contributes to the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microarchitecture of the femur and what kind of exercise intensity and duration are optimum in type 2 diabetes mellitus using KK-Ay diabetic mice. The mice were divided into two running groups, one fast speed and short duration (FS), the other slow speed and long duration (SL), and a group of controls with no running (CO). The running exercise was started when the mice were 8 weeks of age, and continued once a day 5 days per week for 10 weeks. Ten weeks after the start of the running exercise, the BMD of the proximal region and mid-diaphysis in the SL were significantly higher in comparison with that in the CO, whereas there was no difference in bone microarchitecture among the three groups. Blood glucose, insulin levels, and visceral fat contents in the SL were significantly lower than those in the CO and FS. Bone resorption protein and C-reactive protein levels in the SL were significantly lower than those in the CO. These results suggest that slow, long duration loading is better for both bone and glycemic control than fast, short duration loading in type 2 diabetes.

Synergistic anti-AML effects of the LSD1 inhibitor T-3775440 and the NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor pevonedistat via transdifferentiation and DNA rereplication

Lysine-specific demethylase 1A (LSD1, KDM1A) specifically demethylates di- and monomethylated histones H3K4 and K9, resulting in context-dependent transcriptional repression or activation. We previously identified an irreversible LSD1 inhibitor T-3775440, which exerts antileukemic activities in a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines by inducing cell transdifferentiation. The NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor pevonedistat (MLN4924, TAK-924) is an investigational drug with antiproliferative activities in AML, and is also reported to induce cell differentiation. We therefore tested the combination of these two agents in AML models. The combination treatment resulted in synergistic growth inhibition of AML cells, accompanied by enhanced transdifferentiation of an erythroid leukemia lineage into granulomonocytic-like lineage cells. In addition, pevonedistat-induced rereplication stress during the S phase was greatly augmented by concomitant treatment with T-3775440, as reflected by the increased induction of apoptosis. We further demonstrated that the combination treatment was markedly effective in subcutaneous tumor xenograft models as well as in a disseminated model of AML, leading to tumor eradication or prolonged survival in T-3775440/pevonedistat cotreated mice. Our findings indicate the therapeutic potential of the combination of LSD1 inhibitors and pevonedistat for the treatment of AML.

A novel in vivo model for studying conditional dual loss of BLIMP-1 and p53 in B-cells, leading to tumor transformation

The tumor suppressors B-lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (BLIMP-1) and p53 play a crucial role in B-cell lymphomas, and their inactivation contributes to the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of lymphoid malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). Patients with activated B-cell-like (ABC) DLBCL may present with loss of BLIMP-1, c-Myc over-expression, decreased p53, and poor prognosis. Nevertheless, there is a lack of in vivo models recapitulating the biology of high-grade ABC DLBCL. We therefore aimed to develop an in vivo model aiming to recapitulate the phenotype observed in this cohort of patients. A Cre-Lox approach was used to achieve inactivation of both p53 and BLIMP-1 in murine B-cells. Contextual ablation of BLIMP-1 and p53 led to development of IgM-positive B-cell lymphoma with an aggressive phenotype, supported by c-Myc up-regulation, and accumulation of somatic mutations, as demonstrated by whole exome sequencing. Sensitivity of B-tumor cells to BTK inhibition was demonstrated. This model mirrors what reported in patients with ABC DLBLC, and therefore represents a novel model for studying the biology of ABC-DLBCL harboring the dual loss of BLIMP-1/p53 and c-Myc over-expression.

Germline factor DDX4 functions in blood-derived cancer cell phenotypes

DDX4 (the human ortholog of Drosophila Vasa) is an RNA helicase and is present in the germ lines of all metazoans tested. It was historically thought to be expressed specifically in germline, but with additional organisms studied, it is now clear that in some animals DDX4/Vasa functions outside of the germline, in a variety of somatic cells in the embryo and in the adult. In this report, we document that DDX4 is widely expressed in soma-derived cancer cell lines, including myeloma (IM-9) and leukemia (THP-1) cells. In these cells, the DDX4 protein localized to the mitotic spindle, consistent with findings in other somatic cell functions, and its knockout in IM-9 cells compromised cell proliferation and migration activities, and downregulated several cell cycle/oncogene factors such as CyclinB and the transcription factor E2F1. These results suggest that DDX4 positively regulates cell cycle progression of diverse somatic-derived blood cancer cells, implying its broad contributions to the cancer cell phenotype and serves as a potential new target for chemotherapy.

Relationship between plasma anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations during the rearing period and subsequent embryo productivity in Japanese black cattle

To use plasma anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations as early-stage markers for donor cow selection, we investigated the relationship between plasma AMH concentrations in Japanese black heifers and subsequent embryo productivity following superovulation treatment. Plasma AMH and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in 6 heifers were evaluated once per month from 3 mo before successful AI for primiparity to 3 mo postpartum. Following calving, embryo collection by superovulation treatment was performed at 3- to 4-mo intervals. There were no significant differences in plasma AMH concentrations between the time points throughout the study period. There were, however, significant inter-animal differences in plasma AMH concentrations (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that plasma AMH concentrations were stable over time and individually specific. There were significant positive correlations between plasma AMH concentrations before AI and embryo productivity variables, including the number of ova/embryos (number of transferable embryos, degenerated embryos, and unfertilized oocytes) and numbers/proportions of fertilized and transferable embryos. There was no significant correlation between plasma AMH and NEFA concentrations throughout the study period. These findings reveal that plasma AMH concentrations during the rearing period can be used to predict subsequent embryo productivity following superovulation treatment, suggesting that these concentrations are useful early-stage markers for selecting donor cows.