Genetic parameters and trends for birth weight, birth coat score and weaning weight in Merino lines divergently selected for ewe multiple rearing ability

Data were recorded for birth weight, birth coat score and weaning weight of between 2018 and 4235 Merino lambs born over a 17-year interval from 1986 to 2002. The resource population was divergently selected from the same base population since 1986, either for (H line) or against (L line) maternal multiple rearing ability. Direct additive genetic variances - expressed as a ratio of the total phenotypic variance (h2, direct heritability) - were estimated at 0.12 + 0.03 for birth weight, 0.70 + 0.05 for birth coat score and 0.13 + 0.04 for weaning weight. Maternal genetic variance ratios (m2) were estimated at 0.23 + 0.04 for birth weight and 0.10 + 0.04 for weaning weight. It was not significant for birth coat score. Maternal permanent environmental variance ratios (c2) for the respective traits amounted to 0.08 + 0.03 for birth weight, 0.04 + 0.02 for birth coat score and 0.08 + 0.03 for weaning weight. No consistent phenotypic or genetic differences in favour of either line were found for birth weight or birth coat score. Compared to L line lambs, phenotypic means for weaning weight were heavier in favour of H line lambs from 1995. This trend was confirmed by divergence in yearly averaged direct breeding values in the H and L lines. Expressed as percentage of the overall phenotypic mean for weaning weight, genetic changes amounted to +0.23% in the H line and -0.26% in the L line. A corresponding maternal genetic trend amounting to -0.19% of the overall phenotypic mean for weaning weight was found in the L line, while no maternal genetic change could be discerned in the H line. Divergent selection for multiple rearing ability thus did not influence birth weight and birth coat score, while the correlated response in weaning weight was favourable. Keywords: Direct heritability, Genetic trends, Maternal heritability, Parameter estimation, Smoothing splines South African Journal of Animal Science Vol.33(4) 2003: 248-25

A pulmonary mass with invasion into the heart

We describe the case of a 58 year old woman who presented with bronchial atypical carcinoid found at surgery to invade the left atrium along the pulmonary veins. A right pneumonectomy and removal of a portion of the left atrium was performed. The patient made an excellent post operative recovery. Three years later she presented in acute respiratory failure secondary to local recurrence. This is first case described in which recurrence after resection of bronchial carcinoid metastatic to the heart is described

Imaging-guided chest biopsies: techniques and clinical results

Background This article aims to comprehensively describe indications, contraindications, technical aspects, diagnostic accuracy and complications of percutaneous lung biopsy. Methods Imaging-guided biopsy currently represents one of the predominant methods for obtaining tissue specimens in patients with lung nodules; in many cases treatment protocols are based on histological information; thus, biopsy is frequently performed, when technically feasible, or in case other techniques (such as bronchoscopy with lavage) are inconclusive. Results Although a coaxial system is suitable in any case, two categories of needles can be used: fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and core-needle biopsy (CNB), with the latter demonstrated to have a slightly higher overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Conclusion Percutaneous lung biopsy is a safe procedure even though a few complications are possible: pneumothorax, pulmonary haemorrhage and haemoptysis are common complications, while air embolism and seeding are rare, but potentially fatal complications

Isolation of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria in Children Investigated for Pulmonary Tuberculosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and clinical significance of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolates among children investigated for pulmonary tuberculosis in a rural South African community. METHODS: Children were investigated for pulmonary tuberculosis as part of a tuberculosis vaccine surveillance program (2001–2005). The clinical features of children in whom NTM were isolated, from induced sputum or gastric lavage, were compared to those with culture-proven M. tuberculosis. RESULTS: Mycobacterial culture demonstrated 114 NTM isolates from 109 of the 1,732 children investigated, a crude yield of 6% (95% CI 5–7). The comparative yield of positive NTM cultures from gastric lavage was 40% (95% CI 31–50), compared to 67% (95% CI 58–76) from induced sputum. 95% of children with NTM isolates were symptomatic. Two children were HIV-infected. By contrast, M. tuberculosis was isolated in 187 children, a crude yield of 11% (95% CI 9–12). Compared to those with culture-proven M. tuberculosis, children with NTM isolates were less likely to demonstrate acid-fast bacilli on direct smear microscopy (OR 0.19; 95% 0.0–0.76). Children with NTM were older (p<0.0001), and more likely to demonstrate constitutional symptoms (p = 0.001), including fever (p = 0.003) and loss of weight or failure to gain weight (p = 0.04), but less likely to demonstrate a strongly positive tuberculin skin test (p<0.0001) or radiological features consistent with pulmonary tuberculosis (p = 0.04). DISCUSSION: NTM were isolated in 6% of all children investigated for pulmonary tuberculosis and in more than one third of those with a positive mycobacterial culture. NTM may complicate the diagnosis of PTB in regions that lack capacity for mycobacterial species identification. The association of NTM isolates with constitutional symptoms suggestive of host recognition requires further investigation

Lung abscess predicts the surgical outcome in patients with pleural empyema

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objectives</p> <p>Most cases of pleural empyema are caused by pulmonary infections, which are usually combined with pneumonia or lung abscess. The mortality of patients with pleural empyema remains high (up to 20%). It also contributes to higher hospital costs and longer hospital stays. We studied pleural empyema with combined lung abscess to determine if abscess was associated with mortality.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>From January 2004 to December 2006, we retrospectively reviewed 259 patients diagnosed with pleural empyema who received thoracscopic decortications of the pleura in a single medical center. We evaluated their clinical data and analyzed their chest computed tomography scans. Outcomes of pleural empyema were compared between groups with and without lung abscess.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Twenty-two pleural empyema patients had lung abscesses. Clinical data showed significantly higher incidences in the lung abscess group of pre-operative leukocytosis, need for an intensive care unit stay and mortality.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Patients with pleural empyema and lung abscess have higher intensive care unit admission rate, higher mortality during 30 days and overall mortality than patients with pleural empyema. The odds ratio of lung abscess is 4.685. Physician shall pay more attention on high risk patient of lung abscess for early detection and management.</p