Genome-wide association study of birth weight in sheep.

Birth weight is the earliest available growth trait with considerable impacts on lamb survivability and growth performance traits. This study was conducted to perform a genome-wide association study of birth weight in a meat-type sheep. A total of 132 Lori-Bakhtiari sheep were selected based on estimated of breeding values (EBVs) for BW analyses. The selected animals were genotyped using Illumina Ovine SNP50 Bead Chip. After quality control, a total of 41 323 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 130 sheep were used for subsequent analyses. Plink 1.90 beta software was used for the analyses. Seven SNPs on chromosomes 1, 16, 19 and 22 were detected based on genome-wide unadjusted P-values (P <10-6), which jointly accounted for 1.2% of total genetic variation. However, based on Bonferroni-adjusted P-values, only three SNPs on chromosome 1 had significant associations with EBVs for birth weight (P <0.05), which jointly explained 0.8% of total genetic variation. A total of seven genes were found in 50 kb intervals from the three significant SNPs on chromosome 1, but only three genes, including RAB6B (a member of RAS oncogene family), Tf serotransferrin and GIGYF2 (a GRB10 interacting GYF protein 2), could be considered as candidate genes for birth weight in future studies. The results of this study may facilitate potential use of the genes involving in growth and production traits for genetic improvement of productivity in sheep.

Bio-inspired Model of Humanoid Robot for Ascending Movement.

Stair climbing is one of the important daily life activities that biped robots have to carry out. However, the number of researches study the ascending movement mechanisms and its stability is low. In this study, we have inspired by human ascending movement underlying mechanisms and developed a new control law based on the nature of the human motor behavior. This model has been developed in phase space using an intermittent sliding mode controller to give stable control and eliminate the effect of the system's uncertainty. A planar five-link biped model has been used to test the model. The embedded space and controller has been formed for each joint separately. Therefore, in this case, the position of each angle in embedded space gets compared along time with its corresponding desired dynamic. The position of each angle in space regarding its corresponding reference trajectory made the error signal. Results show that the designed sliding mode controllers successfully keeps the trajectory near the desired dynamics, and the output follows the desired dynamic very well.

Experimental salvage of the spleen. A combined technique of cryosurgery and tissue sealant.

The goal of this investigation has been to improve the safety of intra- and post-operative haemostasis in splenic lesions by a combined technique of tissue freezing followed by the application of collagen fleece and fibrin glue in an animal study. The progression of healing was observed after different periods of time. Grade II lesions were set on the spleens of 15 pigs. The wounds were frozen for 1 m at -60 degrees C with a cryosurgical probe and afterwards sealed with fibrin glue and collagen fleece. In every case, complete haemostasis was achieved intraoperatively. The spleens of 3 animals each were examined microscopically after 2 days, 1, 2, 5 and 6 weeks, respectively. A visceroperitoneal adhesion was observed in only 1 spleen and u-shaped viscerovisceral adhesions in 5 spleens. Superficial coagulation necroses were observed only in specimens removed after 2 days and 1 week, respectively. Complete and safe haemostasis followed by acceptable subsequent healing was achieved using this combined technique.

[Therapy of splenic injuries by freezing and fibrin gluing. Animal experiment study]. / Therapie von Milzverletzungen durch Vereisung und Fibrinklebung. Tierexperimentelle Untersuchung.

The goal of this investigation was to improve the reliability of intraoperative and postoperative hemostasis and to observe the healing process after using a combined technique of tissue freezing followed by the application of collagen fleece and fibrin glue for the treatment of splenic ruptures. Grade II lesions were inflicted on the spleens of 15 swine. The bleeding wounds were frozen for 1 min at -60 degrees C using a cryosurgical device. Immediately afterwards the frozen lesions were covered with fibrin glue and collagen fleece and kept under slight compression. In every case complete hemostasis was achieved intraoperatively. The spleens of three animals each time were collected for gross and microscopic examination after 2 days and 1, 2, 5, and 6 weeks. A visceroperitoneal adhesion was observed in only one spleen, U-shaped viscerovisceral adhesions in five spleens. Superficial coagulation necroses could be detected microscopically only after 2 days and 1 week. Organization of the wounds, indicated by granulation tissue which contained siderophages, started in the 2nd week. There was distinct formation of collagen fibers after 5 and 6 weeks; only a residue of the collagen fleece was visible and the surplus fibrin glue was encapsulated. With this combined technique complete and safe hemostasis and a good subsequent healing process was achieved.

[Primary conservative treatment of open tibial shaft fractures]. / Offene Tibiaschaft-Fraktur, primär konservativ behandelt.

Between 1969 and 1976 104 open tibia shaft fractures were primarily conservatively treated. 85 of these fractures healed without complications. In 19 cases a late operation was necessary. In 3 cases an ostitis developed. The follow-up, after 4 1/2 years on average, of 59 exclusively conservatively treated patients, showed in 51 cases a good result. It appears that the conservative treatment of open tibia shaft fractures still provides a debatable alternative to primary osteosynthesis.

[Coumarin necrosis (author's transl)]. / Cumarin-Nekrose der Haut.

2 cases of hermorrhagic skin infarctions of breast and thigh after anticoagulation with coumarin are reported. The mechanism of coumarin necrosis remains unknown. Treatment of lesions is necrotomy. A skin graft may be needed to cover the defect.

[Errors and complications using the curved nail after Lezius-Herzer (author's transl)]. / Fehler und Komplikationsmöglichkeiten bei der Rundnagelung nach Lezius-Herzer.

Intramedullary fixation of intertrochanteric fractures with the curved nail of Lezius-Herzer is a stable and simple osteosynthesis. The purpose of this article is to introduce some principles designed to avoid the very low complications of this nailing, which are mostly founded on errors in technic.