influence of a slow-release multi-trace element ruminal bolus on trace element status, number of ovarian follicles and pregnancy outcomes in synchronized Afshari ewes

Published data on the effects of ruminal bolus on the number of ovulatory follicles in ewes does not exist. The present study determined the effects of a ruminal bolus on trace element status, follicular dynamics and reproductive performance in ewes. Eighty Afshari cycling ewes were synchronized during breeding season using CIDR for 14 days and assigned to 4 groups [n=20]; group 1 received a single Ferrobloc bolus four weeks prior to CIDR insertion following 400 IU eCG on CIDR removal, group 2 received two boluses four weeks prior to CIDR insertion following 400 IU eCG on CIDR removal, group 3 received only 400 IU eCG on CIDR removal and group 4 [control] received no bolus and no eCG. Transrectal ultrasonography was done to monitor the ovarian follicles on the day of CIDR removal and a day later. Results showed that boluses increased the status of copper, selenium and iodine on mating day and days 90 to 100 of gestation. Ruminal bolus did not significantly increase the number of different classes of ovarian follicles in ewes fed a diet meeting all trace mineral requirements. All ewes eventually became pregnant with 1 or 2 boluses but the multiple births rate [80%] was higher [P<0.05] after 2 boluses compared to the other groups

Liver transplantation and aortic valve replacement

Surgical procedures involving heart and liver are rare and have been limited to either combined heart and liver transplantation or coronary artery bypass graft surgery [CABG] or aortic valve surgery and orthotopic liver transplantation [OLT]. Aortic valve replacement [AVR] and pulmonary valve vegetectomy for bacterial endocarditis after OLT have also been reported. There are only five cases with aortic stenosis and cirrhosis reported to have combined AVR and liver transplantation. In the presence of cirrhosis, AVR has a significant risk for mortality because of bleeding from coagulopathy, renal failure, infection, and poor post-operative wound healing. Herein, we report on a case and management analysis of combined sequential AVR, and OLT in a 40-year-old cirrhotic man with Child and MELD score of C and 29, respectively. Echocardiography detected severe aortic insufficiency [AI] with enlarged left ventricle. Due to severe AI, the cardiologist recommended AVR prior to transplantation. The patient underwent metallic AVR. 4 months later, he received OLT. Both operations were successful and uneventful. Prioritizing AVR before OLT was successful in this patient. However, each patient must be evaluated individually and multiple factors should be assessed in pre-operation evaluation

Effect of CABG on p-wave dispersion and the relationship between AF and p-wave dispersion

Atrial fibrillation [AF] is a common complication after CABG. It is associated with doubling of mortality rate and increased incidence of CHF, MI, renal insufficiency, and stroke which prolongs hospital stay and is associated with increased rate of re-hospitalization. In this study we examined the effect of CABG on atrial electrophysiology as reflected by P-wave dispersion. A total of 197 consecutive patients undergoing elective CABG due to CAD were monitored for 4 days in hospital and their daily ECGs were obtained. .Differences in P-wave dispersions were compared between the patients who developed AF and those maintaining sinus rhythms. Post-operative AF occurred in 18.2% of patients, who showed statistically significant increase of P wave duration, in lead aVL of pre-op ECG [79.4 +/- 25.0 vs 70.1 +/- 22.4; P = 0.032]. In addition, P wave dispersion was significantly increased on first and third days of post-op period [77.2 +/- 22.0 vs 67.5 +/- 22.2; P=0.018] and [69.4 +/- 22.7 vs 61.1 +/- 20.3; P= 0.035] respectively, in those developing AF rhythm compared to patients remaining in sinus rhythm Our result indicates that P-wave dispersion is a risk factor for development of AF in patients undergoing CABG