Supplemental protein plus ruminally protected methionine and lysine for primiparous beef cattle consuming annual rye hay

Primiparous beef cows (n = 35 Bos taurus, average initial BW of 498 kg) were allotted to treatments in a split-plot designed experiment to determine the effects of supplemental ruminally protected amino acids on cow and calf productivity and metabolic changes in the cows. Cows were fed chopped annual rye hay at 1.5% of BW. The following treatments were used: 1) .8 kg soybean hulls, 1.4 kg ground corn, .6 kg soybean meal (CON); 2) 1.4 kg ground corn, 1.4 kg soybean meal (PRO); 3) PRO plus ruminally protected methionine and lysine (supplied 5 and 10 g, respectively; PRO1); and 4) PRO with twice the level of ruminally protected amino acids in PRO1 (PRO2). Cow weight gain was not different (P > .26) among treatments and averaged 1.2 kg/d for the 45 + 6 d before parturition. After parturition, cow weight gain did not differ (P > .47) between CON and PRO treatments, but it decreased quadratically (P < .01) with increasing level of ruminally protected amino acids. Total milk yield, protein, and fat (4 h) were greater (P < .05) for cows consuming PRO supplements than for CON, whereas CON cattle tended (P = .11) to lose less body condition. Total milk protein showed a quadratic increase (P < .05) in response to level of ruminally protected amino acids that was the inverse of the quadratic response noted for cow weight gain. Serum urea N concentration was greater (P = .07) for cattle consuming additional protein. Metabolic hormones were not affected (P > .18) by dietary treatment, but they responded (P < .05) to changes in physiological state. Supplements with additional protein supported greater (P = .0001) milk urea N concentration and output. Milk urea N concentration increased (P < .05) and milk IGF-I decreased (P < .05) as the lactation period progressed. The measurement of CON and PRO diets revealed that supplements with additional soybean meal had greater (P < .05) DM and N degradation; the extent of forage DM and NDF degradation was similar (P > .05) among treatments. Production shifted away from body weight gain to increased milk protein production when daily supplementation of ruminally protected methionine and lysine increased from 5 and 10 to 10 and 20 g, respectively. This shift in production was not reflective of changes in the metabolic regulators measured.     

Dynamic and CW linewidth measurements of 1.55-μm InGaAs-InGaAsPmultiquantum well distributed feedback lasers

Measurement of the CW linewidth and frequency chirp as functions of modulation data rate and bias level for 1.55-μm InGaAsP multiquantum-well distributed feedback lasers grown by low-pressure MOCVD are presented. The results show that the CW linewidth of asymmetric facet-coated multiquantum-well DFB lasers can be as low as 2.0 MHz at 13.5 mW output power. The frequency chirp increases with modulation data rate and is significantly larger if the laser off-state is below threshold than if it is above threshold. The 20 dB down chirp widths are in the range of 1.9-5 Å for 40 mA peak-to-peak modulation current at 10 Gb/s under above-threshold bias     

Improved clinical effectiveness with a collagen vascular hemostasis device for shortened immobilization time following diagnostic angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

This study prospectively compared immobilization time followed by use of a vascular hemostasis device (VasoSeal) versus manual compression to achieve hemostasis at the arterial puncture after angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The trial shows that use of a vascular hemostasis device results in earlier mobilization, even in highly anticoagulated PTCA patients compared with manual compression, with no statistically significant complications.     

A powerful GABA(B) receptor-mediated inhibition of GABAergic neurons in the arcuate nucleus

We combined histofluorescence with in situ hybridization to identify GABAergic neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) following electrophysiological recordings, using GAD65 as a marker. Intracellular recordings were made in hypothalamic slices prepared from ovariectomized guinea pigs. Over 90% of ARC neurons tested with the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen responded with a membrane hyperpolarization or an outward current. The hyperpolarization was dose-dependent, and the GABA(B) receptor antagonist CGP 35,348 produced a rightward shift in the agonist dose-response curve. Agonist potency was lower, and the efficacy greater, in GAD-positive neurons. The use of this novel technique for identifying GABAergic neurons thus reveals differences in the pharmacodynamics of GABA(B) receptor activation GABAergic and non-GABAergic ARC neurons.     

Recurrent Epstein-Barr virus-associated lesions in organ transplant recipients

This paper discusses the problem of violence and its expression upon mortality due to external causes. A few indicators are offered, which have been worked upon it to emphasise the importance of the theme. In a general way, the study demonstrates violent death has had its magnitude increased along the years, not only throughout Latin America but also in Brazil and in Santa Catarina.     

Chronic morphine administration increases beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK) levels in the rat locus coeruleus

Based on the established role of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK) and beta-arrestin in the desensitization of several G protein-coupled receptors, we investigated the effect of chronic morphine administration on beta ARK and beta-arrestin levels in selected brain areas. Levels of beta ARK were measured by blot immunolabeling analysis using antibodies specific for two known forms of beta ARK, i.e., beta ARK1 and beta ARK2. It was found that chronic morphine treatment produced an approximately 35% increase in levels of beta ARK1 immunoreactivity in the locus coeruleus, but not in several other brain regions studied. In contrast, chronic morphine treatment failed to alter levels of beta ARK2 immunoreactivity in any of the brain regions studied. Levels of beta-arrestin immunoreactivity, measured using an antiserum that recognizes two major forms of this protein in brain, were also found to increase (by approximately 20%) in the locus coeruleus. It is proposed that chronic morphine regulation of beta ARK1 and beta-arrestin levels may contribute to opioid-receptor tolerance that is known to occur in this brain region.