Identification of predictive biomarkers of peri- and postpartum disorders in dairy cows

We aimed to identify predictive markers of peri- and postpartum disorders in dairy cows. Data regarding peri- and postpartum disorders, serum metabolites, body condition score (BCS), and rectal temperature, were collected from 227 dairy cows, which were allocated to healthy (n = 57) and diseased (n = 170) groups. Serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration was higher in diseased than healthy cows 4 weeks before (p < 0.01) and immediately after (p = 0.05) calving. Serum alanine aminotransferase (AST) activity was higher (p < 0.05) in diseased than healthy cows 1 and 2 weeks after calving, whereas total cholesterol (TCH) concentration was lower (p < 0.05–0.0001) in diseased cows 4 weeks before, and after calving. BCS was higher (p < 0.05) in diseased than healthy cows 4 weeks before calving, but lower (p < 0.01) in diseased cows 8 weeks after calving. Rectal temperature was higher (p < 0.05–0.01) in diseased than healthy cows between 2 and 14 days postpartum. In conclusion, high serum NEFA and AST concentrations and lower TCH concentration during the peripartum period, and high prepartum BCS and postpartum rectal temperature, could be used as biomarkers to predict the subsequent development of peri- and postpartum disorders.

Identification of predictive biomarkers of peri- and postpartum disorders in dairy cows / 대한수의학회지

We aimed to identify predictive markers of peri- and postpartum disorders in dairy cows. Data regarding peri- and postpartum disorders, serum metabolites, body condition score (BCS), and rectal temperature, were collected from 227 dairy cows, which were allocated to healthy (n = 57) and diseased (n = 170) groups. Serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration was higher in diseased than healthy cows 4 weeks before (p < 0.01) and immediately after (p = 0.05) calving. Serum alanine aminotransferase (AST) activity was higher (p < 0.05) in diseased than healthy cows 1 and 2 weeks after calving, whereas total cholesterol (TCH) concentration was lower (p < 0.05–0.0001) in diseased cows 4 weeks before, and after calving. BCS was higher (p < 0.05) in diseased than healthy cows 4 weeks before calving, but lower (p < 0.01) in diseased cows 8 weeks after calving. Rectal temperature was higher (p < 0.05–0.01) in diseased than healthy cows between 2 and 14 days postpartum. In conclusion, high serum NEFA and AST concentrations and lower TCH concentration during the peripartum period, and high prepartum BCS and postpartum rectal temperature, could be used as biomarkers to predict the subsequent development of peri- and postpartum disorders.

Cytological endometritis in dairy cows: diagnostic threshold, risk factors, and impact on reproductive performance

We determined the threshold proportion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) for a diagnosis of cytological endometritis (CEM), the risk factors for this condition, and its impact on reproductive performance in dairy cows. Uterine cytology was performed on 407 Holstein cows 4 weeks postpartum to determine the proportions of endometrial cells and PMNs. A receiver operator characteristics curve was used to determine the threshold above which the PMN proportion affected the likelihood of cows conceiving by 200 days postpartum. The optimal threshold was ≥ 14% PMN (sensitivity, 31.3%; specificity, 81.7%; p < 0.05). The farm identity, retained placenta (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87), and septicemic metritis (OR = 3.07) were risk factors for CEM (p < 0.05). Cows with CEM were less likely to resume cyclicity (OR = 0.58) and to conceive by 200 days postpartum (hazard ratio = 0.58). Cows with CEM tended (p < 0.1) to be less likely to become pregnant after their first insemination (OR = 0.65) and to require a greater number of inseminations per conception (2.3 vs. 2.2). In conclusion, a PMN threshold of 14% defined the presence of CEM at 4 weeks postpartum. The farm, retained placenta, and septicemic metritis were risk factors for CEM, which reduces subsequent reproductive performance.

Effectiveness of Hip Arthroscopy Performed Simultaneously before Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Acetabular Fracture and Fracture-dislocation of the Hip / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study is performed to evaluate the usefulness of arthroscopic surgery prior to open reduction and fixation surgery to treat acetabular fractures and hip fractures-dislocation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to March 2014, a total of 54 patients with acetabular fractures or hip fractures with dislocation were treated arthroscopically via fracture surface before open reduction and fixation (group 1, n=11), and without hip arthroscopy prior to open reduction and fixation (group 2; n=43). Clinical results were evaluated using Harris hip score (HHS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores. RESULTS: The mean age of patients is 43.2 years and there are 10 males and 1 females in group 1. The mean follow-up period is 15 months. The acetabular status of each case was assessed arthroscopically. Bone fragment was performed in 6 cases, and ligamentum teres shrinkage in 1 case. At the final follow up, the mean HHS and VAS pain scores were 78.6 and 2.18, respectively. During follow up, one case of osteoarthritis and one case of heterotopic ossification were identified. At the final follow up, the mean HHS and VAS pain scores were 77.5 and 2.23, respectively. In group 2, oteoarthritis and ectopic ossification were observed in 4 and 1 cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: No differences were observed in the clinical outcomes of patients with acetabular fracture or hip fracture-dislocation when treated with or without arthroscopic surgery before open reduction and fixation. However, arthroscopy is thought to be useful for evaluating the joint cartilage surface and fracture fragments more accurately.

Breakage of the Femoral Cross-Pin with Impending Rupture of the Popliteal Vessels after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Breakage of the femoral cross-pin with impending rupture of the popliteal vessels is a rare complication for femoral tunneling in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The authors experienced a case of impending rupture of the popliteal vessels following breakage of the cross-pin 16 days after primary ACL reconstruction. Impending rupture of the popliteal vessels was detected with ultrasonography following breakage of the cross-pins which caused popliteal discomfort and irritation. After removal of the broken cross-pins, previous ACL graft and interference screw with subsequent re-reconstruction of the ACL using a new allograft and interference screw, the patient showed satisfactory results and resolution of symptoms. Therefore we report on this case with a review of literature.

Two-Year Follow-up Results of Anteroposterior Cannulated Screw Fixation of Posterior Malleolar Fragment in the Trimalleolar Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the 2-year follow-up results of patients with a trimalleolar fracture, who had undergone an anterior incision cannulated screw fixation of the posterior malleolar fragment, which had more than 25% of articular involvement or had no cortical continuity with the distal tibia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 28 patients with a trimalleolar fracture who had undergone fixation of the posterior malleolar fragment between February 2005 and February 2010, 14 patients, who underwent an anterior incision cannulated screw fixation of posterior malleolar fragment and were followed-up for more than 2 years, were selected. The postoperative clinical and radiological findings immediately and at the 1- and 2-year follow-up were compared. The clinical findings were evaluated as American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. The radiological assessment was evaluated as the maintenance of reduction, period to bone union, and the presence of nonunion, malunion, and complications. RESULTS: The clinical outcome by mean AOFAS score revealed 83.0 points in the group with preoperative displacement below 2 mm and 80.7 points in the group with preoperative displacement above 2 mm postoperatively. The mean AOFAS score was 91.7 and 93.1 points in the group with preoperative displacement below 2 mm on 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively, and 89.8 and 91.7 points in group with the preoperative displacement above 2 mm on 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively. After a 2-year follow-up among 14 cases selected for this study, 13 cases showed an excellent reduction state and only 1 case (7.1%) showed a displacement of more than 2 mm. No complication were encountered in the group with preoperative displacement below 2 mm. On the other hand, among 8 patients in the group with preoperative displacement above 2 mm, there were 3 with limitations of the range of motion of the ankle joint (37.5%) and 1 post-traumatic arthritis (12.5%) at the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Anterior incision cannulated screw fixation of the posterior malleolar fragment could be a valuable method for the treatment of trimalleolar fractures that provides satisfactory results.

Korean native calf mortality: the causes of calf death in a large breeding farm over a 10-year period / 대한수의학회지

Calf losses have an economic impact on larger Korean native cattle (KNC) breeding farms due to replacement, productivity, and marketing. However, little research on KNC calf mortality or causes of calf death on large-scale breeding farms has been conducted. Based on medical records and autopsy findings from the Hanwoo experimental station of the National Institute of Animal Science, calf death records from 2002 to 2011 were used to identify the causes of mortality. Mortality rate of KNC calves was 5.7%. Large differences (1.8~12.6%) in year-specific mortalities were observed. Calf deaths were due to digestive diseases (68.7%), respiratory diseases (20.9%), accidents (6.0%), and other known diseases (2.2%). The main cause of calf death was enteritis followed by pneumonia, rumen indigestion, and intestinal obstruction. The greatest number of calf deaths occurred during the fall followed by summer. These results indicated that enteritis and pneumonia were the main reasons for calf death. However, autopsy findings demonstrated that other factors also caused calf death. This study suggested that seasonal breeding and routine vaccinations are the most important factors for preventing calf death, and improving calf health in high land areas with low temperature.

The dairy calf mortality : the causes of calf death during ten years at a large dairy farm in Korea / 대한수의학회지

The objective of this study was to investigate the calf death and analyse the causes of the mortality by based on medical records and autopsy findings during 10 years in a large dairy farm. Total of 1,361 calf born and 146 calf dead during the invested period. Mortality rate was 10.7% and showed the big difference by year-specific mortality from 2.8% (4 calves) to 19.2% (28 calves). The highest rate of mortality was 1 week age (18.5%, 27 calves) and followed by 2 week age (11.6%, 17 calves) and mortality of more old calf tended to be reduced. The death less than 4 weeks and 8 weeks of age of the entire mortality accounted for 41.1% (60/146 calves) and 70.0% (102/146 calves), respectively. Causes of calf death were digestive diseases (53.4%), respiratory diseases (17.1%), musculoskeletal disease (8.2%), and systemic disease (8.2%) in order. Specific causes of calf death was highest in enteritis (43.2%), followed by pneumonia (14.4%), sepsis (8.2%) and fractures (3.4%). Seasonally, most of calf death happened in winter (48.6%) and then fall (21.2%). This results showed that enteritis and pneumonia are the main reason of calf death but other reasons were involved in calf death on the based on autopsy finding. On going research relating factors of calf mortality is needed.

Classification of acute clinical mastitis on the base of vital signs and complete blood count test in dairy cows / 대한수의학회지

This study was carried out to evaluate the diagnosis of acute clinical mastitis (ACM) which was based on the vital signs and complete blood count (CBC) tests in dairy cows. Twenty eight dairy cows diagnosed with ACM, were selected for the study between Jan 2003 and July 2006 in the National Institute of Animal Science. Based on their vital signs (rectal temperature, depression, rumen contraction and, dehydration status), ACM was divided into three different classes; mild, moderate and severe forms. In addition, ACM cows were subjected to CBC tests for further diagnosis of ACM. Of the 27 dairy cows diagnosed with ACM, 3 cows were determined to have a mild form, while moderate and sever forms were each observed in twelve cows. Among of them, 4 cows died, 5 cows were culled and 18 cows were recovered. In the mild form, all haematological parameters were comparable with normal values. However, leukopenia, due to neutropenia and lymphocytopenia, appeared characteristically in the moderate and severe forms. Using the observation of vital signs in conjunction with CBC tests, the diagnosis of ACM is more accurate, and is helpful in making decisions of whether treatment or culling of dairy cows infected with ACM is most appropriate.

Effects of barley and barley bran contaminated with Fusarium spp. on the growth and feed efficiency of fattening and growing pigs / 대한수의학회지

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of barley and barley bran contaminated with Fusarium spp on growth performance and feed efficiency of fattening and growing pigs. In experiment 1, total 48 fattening Landrace pigs were used in a fattening trial for 71 days. Pigs weighing around 75 kg were allocated into different substitution groups containing 0, 10, 20 and 30% of barley contaminated Fusarium spp. In experiment 2, total 16 growing Landrace pigs were used in a growing trial for 45 days. Pigs weighing around 29.4 kg were allocated into different substitution groups containing 0, 5, 10 and 20% of barley bran contaminated Fusarium spp. Mycotoxin concentrations of barley and barley bran contaminated with 30% Fusarium spp were 0.452 and 1.049 ppm for deoxynivalenol, 8.125 and 17.646 ppm for nivalenol and 0.023 and 0.029 ppm for zearalenone, respectively. In experiment 1, no differences were found in weight gain and feed intake between control group (0%) and 10 or 20% substitution groups, but in 30% substitution group, weight gain and feed intake were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those in control group. After slaughtering, the extended haemorrhage of the fundus region in stomach was observed in 20 or 30% substitution groups. In experiment 2, weight gain and feed intake were not significantly different among treatment groups. After slaughtering of experimental pigs, the extended haemorrhage of the fundus region in stomach was observed in pigs fed diet with 20% substitution group. These results suggest that the feeding of diet with contaminated highly levels of Fusarium spp was negative effect on growth and feed efficiency in growing and fattening pig.

The impact of the duration of retained placenta on postpartum diseases and culling rates in dairy cows / 대한수의학회지

The objective of this study was to evaluate the duration of retained placenta (RP) on postpartum diseases and culling in dairy cows. Data were collected from 456 Holstein cows between 2008 and 2010. RP (> or = 24 h after parturition) and postpartum diseases were diagnosed by farm managers and a veterinarian according to standardized definitions. The overall incidence rate of RP was 14.0%, and the incidence rate of RP with fourth and higher parity was two times that of cows having offspring for the first time. The duration of RP was 2 to 15 days with a mean of 6.8 days, except for cases of fourth and higher parity which had a mean of 10.5 days. A total of 63% of cows with RP had postpartum diseases. Among the cows diagnosed with RP, 23.4% developed metritis, and of those, 35.3% developed endometritis or pyometra. A total of 25% (n = 16) cows with RP were culled within 60 days in milk (DIM) and of those culled, 75% (n = 12) had postpartum diseases. These results suggest that RP increases the risk of postpartum diseases such as metritis and mastitis and is a culling hazard up to 60 DIM.

Clinical Predictors of Incomplete ST-Segment Resolution in the Patients With Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The failure of ST-segment resolution (STR) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. However, the clinical predictors on admission for incomplete STR are poorly known. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing pPCI (n=101, 79 males and 22 females, mean age 60.0 years) were divided into complete STR group (> or =70%, n=58) and incomplete STR group (<70%, n=43). The groups were compared according to clinical factors including history, electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns, angiographic features and laboratory data. RESULTS: The incomplete STR group contained more frequent hypertensive patients (p=0.04) and patients displaying longer tendency in total chest pain duration (p=0.08). This group was associated with worse clinical factors such as low ejection fraction (p=0.06), higher Killip class (p=0.08) and more death (p=0.042). Grade 3 ischemia pattern of ECG and precordial ST elevation (i,e anterior myocardial infarction) at admission were more frequent in the incomplete STR group (p=0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Initial troponin I, creatinin kinase -MB and brain natriuretic peptide levels were higher in the incomplete STR group (p=0.001, 0.002, and 0.043, respectively). Coronary angiography showed that culprit lesions were more frequent in left anterior descending artery than other arteries in the incomplete STR group of patients (p=0.002). Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grades 2 or less before PCI was more frequent in the incomplete STR group (p=0.029). However, TIMI flow grade after PCI was not appreciably different between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that TIMI flow grade 2 or less was most powerful predictor for incomplete STR {odds ratio (OR)=12.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23-119.35, p=0.032}. Other independent predictors were anterior infarction (OR=3.39, CI 1.46-10.57, p=0.007), ischemia grade 3 ECG at admission (OR=3.87, CI 1.31-11.41, p=0.014), and hypertensive patients (OR=3.03, CI 1.13-8.15, p=0.027). CONCLUSION: Incomplete STR after pPCI is associated with poor prognostic clinical factors. TIMI flow grade 2 or less before pPCI, ST elevation on precordial leads, ischemia grade 3 pattern of initial ECG, and hypertensive patients are independent predictors for incomplete STR in the early stage.

Margin of Safety in Positioning Double-lumen Endotracheal Tubes Using a Fiberoptic Bronchoscope in Korean Adult / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The margin of safety is the length of the mainstem bronchi, over which double-lumen endotracheal tubes (DLTs) can be moved and still be correctly positioned. A negative value of margin of safety means that DLTs may not be safe. We measured the length of the left and right mainstem bronchi and margin of safety in Korean adults. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-six ASA I or II adult patients undergoing an elective surgery were examined. After nduction of general anesthesia, we measured the lengths from the upper incisor to the tracheal carina, to the proximal margin of the left and right upper lobe bronchial opening using a fiberoptic bronchoscope. We calculated the lengths of the left and right mainstem bronchi and margin of safety using the measured lengths. RESULTS: In Korean adults, the average margin of safety of left-sided DLTs of males and females was 2.4 +/- 1.0 cm and 1.9 0.7 cm and right-sided DLTs of males and females was 1.0 +/- 0.9 cm and 0.8 +/- 0.3 cm, respectively. The percentage of a negative value of the margin of safety in positioning right-sided DLTs was 10.4% in males and 8.6% in females. However, all values of the margin of safety in left-sided DLTs were positive. CONCLUSIONS: Using left-sided DLTs, regardless of the operative side, is better than right-sided DLTs because left-sided DLTs have a greater margin of safety in positioning. If we use right-sided DLTs, we should confirm the proper position of tubes using a fiberoptic bronchoscope.

Differences in the serum immunoglobulin concentrations between dairy and beef calves from birth to 14 days of age

The changes in serum levels of immunoglobulins G, M and A of dairy and beef calves of well-managed herds were monitored from birth to 14 days post partum using single radial immunodiffusion. Serum levels of all three immunoglobulin classes reached its peak at 24 hours in both groups of calves after birth, at which time there were very high levels of each immunoglobulin present. The mean IgM and IgA levels of the two groups became same at 6 days and 8 days of age, respectively but the mean IgG level of beef calves was approximately twice that of dairy calves throughout the experiment.