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OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare the efficacy of a filter embolic protection device (F-EPD) and a distal occlusive embolic protection device (DO-EPD) in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS). BACKGROUND: The embolic protection device (EPD) may lower the periprocedural rate of cerebral ischemic events during CAS. However, it is unclear whether there is a difference in effectiveness between the different types of EPD. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Carotid Artery Stent (CAS) Registry. RESULTS: From July 1996 to July 2003, 1,734 patients were included in the prospective CAS Registry. Of these patients, 729 patients were treated with an EPD, 553 (75.9%) with F-EPD, and 176 (24.1%) with DO-EPD. Patients treated with DO-EPD were more likely to be treated for symptomatic stenosis (64.5% vs. 53.4%, p = 0.011). The carotid lesions in patients treated under DO-EPD seemed to be more complicated, as expressed by a higher proportion of ulcers (p = 0.035), severe calcification (p = 0.039), a longer lesion length (p = 0.025), and a higher pre-interventional grade of stenosis (p < 0.001). The median duration of the CAS intervention was 30 min in the DO-EPD group, compared with 48 min in the filter group (p < 0.001). No differences in clinical events rate between the two groups of protection devices were observed. Multivariate analysis on the occurrence of the combined end point of in-hospital death or stroke found no difference between filter- and DO-EPD (4 of 176 [2.3%] for DO-EPD vs. 10 of 551 [1.8%] for F-EPD; adjusted odds ratio = 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.24 to 4.44; p = 0.958). CONCLUSIONS: Filter EPD is the currently preferred method of EPD in clinical practice. Both F-EPD and DO-EPD seem to be equally effective during CAS.
A total of 1,028 birth weight (BWT) and gestation length (GL) records were collected for calves from 1994 to 1997 in five U.S. Angus herds. Parental BWT EPD and dam BWT maternal breeding values (MBV) computed from the entire U.S. Angus data base after each breeding season were also available. A full model was fit to BWT that contained contemporary group (CG), sire BWT EPD, dam BWT EPD, and dam BWT MBV. A reduced model that dropped dam BWT MBV was also fit. The full model had smaller (P < .01) sum of squares for error than the reduced model. Calf BWT records were then adjusted for CG. Two data sets were formed to include adjusted BWT progeny records from sires with BWT EPD > or = .75 or > or = 1.0 SD above the mean of sires in the data set. Adjusted birth weights were assigned to either > or = .75 or other < .75 SD and > or = 1.0 or < 1.0 SD categories based on the mean BWT of calves in the entire data set. Dams were assigned to either > or =2 .75 or < .75 SD and > or = 1.0 or < 1.0 SD categories based on dam BWT EPD, MBV, or total maternal genetic contribution (TMGC = EPD + MBV). Chi-square analyses showed that dam BWT EPD, MBV, or TMGC categories were not independent (P < .10) of BWT SD categories, indicating that both dam BWT EPD and BWT MBV provide useful information to attenuate calf BWT. Calf BWT records were then adjusted for the overall mean, CG, sire and dam BWT EPD, and dam BWT MBV. Dams were then assigned to five categories: high dam EPD and MBV (HH), high dam EPD and low MBV (HL), low dam EPD and high MBV (LH), low dam EPD and MBV (LL), and other (OTH). High was > or = .75 or > or = 1.0 SD and low was < .75 or < 1.0 SD based on the mean BWT EPD or MBV of dams in the data set. In all adjusted BWT analyses, HH, HL, and LH categories did not differ (P > .05) from each other; however, the LL category was less (P < .05) than all other categories, indicating that calves from LL dams were lighter at birth than expected. For GL, LL was significantly different (P < .05) from only HH. The large differences in birth weight for the LL dams compared to other groups did not seem to be primarily due to shorter GL. Results showed that MBV provided additional information to control BWT; however, when both dam MBV and EPD were low, birth weight of calves was less than expected. Future research should focus on explanations for this interaction.
Reaction of the purified Ca2+-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum at 0 degrees C at low [gamma-32P]ATP (0.1 to 0.67 microM) and enzyme (0.025 to 0.24 microM) concentration in the presence of 0.11 to 30 mM Ca2+ without added Mg2+ has resulted in the formation of phosphorylated intermediate (EP:maximal level of EP = 0.45 mol/mol of enzyme) at a very slow rate. Under these conditions, the reaction steps in which EP decomposition takes place are completely prevented. This has permitted us to study the EP formation reaction and its reversal specifically, with a considerably improved time resolution. An apparent rate constant of EP formation (Vf) increases in parallel with the concentration of Ca . ATP, but not with those of Mg . ATP, or of protonated or fully ionized free ATP. This suggests that Ca . ATP is the substrate under these conditions. If Co2+ or Mn2+ are in excess over the other ions during the reaction, Vf varies in parallel with [Co . ATP] or [Mn . ATP]. Thus, it appears that either Ca2+, Co2+, or Mn2+ can be complexed with ATP to form the effective substrate. An apparent rate constant of the back reaction of EP initiated by addition of ADP to EP (Vr) increases in proportion to [ADP] or [H . ADP], but is inhibited by increasing concentrations of the ADP complex with Ca2+ or Mg2+, indicating that free ADP or protonated ADP, or both, are actual substrates for the back reaction of EP. These results suggest a new type of site to which the metal moiety of metal . ATP complex remains bound after the release of ADP from the enzyme. An acid-stable phosphorylated intermediate (EP) produced in the presence of high Ca2+ concentrations (e.g. 0.11 mM) without added Mg2+ does not decompose spontaneously, and the major portion (approximately 90%) of this EP (EPD+) reacts with ADP to form ATP (ADP-sensitive). Upon chelating Ca2+ with ethylene glycol bis(beta-amino-ethyl ether)N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), EPD+ is converted to another form of EP (EPD-), which is unreactive with ADP (or ADP-insensitive). Addition of Mg2+, after initiation of the reaction leading to EPD- by EGTA, results in rapid production of Pi from a portion of EPD- with KMg approximately equal to 3.3 x 10(3) M-1. The fraction of EPD- that is Mg2+-sensitive (EPD-,M+) increases with reaction time at a much slower rate than the Mg2+-insensitive portion of EPD- (EPD-,M-). These results suggest that the enzyme reaction involves the sequential formation of at least three forms of acid-stable EP, viz. in the order of formation, EPD+, EPD-,M-, and EPD-,M+. The equilibrium between EPD+ and EPD-,M- is shifted by higher [K+] and [Ca2+] towards EPD+.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of enzyme-potentiated desensitization (EPD) in children with asthma. Twenty asthmatic children (14 males and 6 females; median age: 8.5 years) were included in the study. They had positive skin tests to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt), no history of other allergy and had suffered from asthma for at least two years. The children were examined before starting the trial, at the first EPD dose, after 8 weeks, at the second EPD dose and 3 months after the second EPD dose. Blood samples for PRIST and RAST were drawn before the first and at the second EPD dose, and at the last follow-up. Conjunctival provocation tests (CPT) and skin test endpoint determinations were performed with dilutions of a freeze-dried Dpt extract (10-100,000 SQ-U/ml) at the start of the trial and at the last follow-up. Parents kept a diary record of the days with asthma and daily drug usage. The children were randomized to receive either two intradermal placebo injections or the active material with an 8-week interval (November 1991 and January 1992). Ten children received EPD and 10 children placebo. The intradermal injection of EPD (0.05 ml) contained 0.01 ml of beta-glucuronidase (40 Fishman units) and 0.04 ml of a mixture of inhalant allergens (1 Noon unit). The placebo injection consisted of buffer solution only. The EPD-treated children had significantly fewer days with asthma (p = 0.00000). In addition, the EPD-treated children used significantly less medication for the management of asthma attacks (p = 0.00000). At the start of the trial, three out of 10 children in the EPD group and two out of 10 in the placebo group reacted only to the highest dose of allergen used in the CPT (100,000 SQ/ml) (NS). At the last follow-up, the threshold dose in the CPT was 100,000 SQ/ml or more in nine out of 10 children in the EPD group and in four out of 10 children of the placebo group (p = 0.0349). At the last follow-up, one child in the EPD group had a negative CPT with all doses tested. Global clinical evaluation by the investigators showed that eight out of 10 EPD-treated children improved, in comparison with three out of 10 children in the placebo group (p = 0.0349). Assessment by the parents was six out of 10 and four out of 10 improved, respectively (NS). Specific IgE to Dpt, total IgE and skin prick test endpoints before and after EPD showed no significant changes. One child in the placebo group experienced mild urticaria several hours following the second injection. No other local or systemic side effects were reported. The results of the present study provide further data on the effectiveness and safety of EPD in patients with asthma.
Field records from the American Angus Association were used to study the associations of sire marbling score EPD and sire weaning weight maternal (milk) EPD with age at first calving (AFC) and calving interval (CI). Cows were selected based on the accuracy of their sire's milk (> or =.7) or marbling (> or =.6) EPD. The data were screened using biological constraints, and regression models were used to identify records that were greater than 5 SD from the mean. The AFC was modeled for both milk and marbling data sets to account for effects of year, sire EPD, and their interaction. The CI was subdivided into first, second, and mature calving interval traits and modeled to account for state, year, calf sex, calf birth weight (BW), calf weaning weight (WW), sire EPD, and interactions of EPD with year and state. Derivative-free REML was used to estimate heritability and genetic correlations for AFC and CI. Sire milk EPD and marbling EPD were predictors of AFC (P < .001); however, pooled estimates were unreliable because of state x EPD interactions (P < .001). Increases in sire milk EPD resulted in reductions in AFC; however, there was no consistent pattern to effects of marbling EPD increases. Models accounted for < 8% of variation in AFC. Sire milk EPD was not a predictor of first, second, or mature CI (P > .1). Sire marbling score EPD was not a predictor of second, or mature CI (P > .1); however, it was associated (P = .059) with first CI, although regression estimates varied across states and prevented pooling. The BW, sex, and WW were predictors of CI (P < .001). Increases in BW resulted in longer mature CI, and mature CI decreased as WW increased. The AFC was heritable (.22), and CI traits had heritabilities ranging from .01 to .03. The AFC was genetically correlated with first CI (-.6) and mature CI (-.93). Genetic correlations between CI traits were uninterpretable because of low additive genetic variances. In conclusion, sire marbling score and milk EPD do not seem to be reliable predictors of AFC or CI. The BW and WW have significant but small effects on AFC and CI. Selection for AFC is possible, but earlier calving heifers may have longer calving intervals.
To compare the clinical usefulness of endoscopic papillary dilation (EPD) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for removal of bile duct stones, 110 patients with stones up to 15 mm in diameter and less than 10 in number were randomly treated with either EPD (55 patients) or EST (55 patients). The patients were followed up for a median period of 23 months and endoscopic manometry with the administration of morphine was carried out in 17 patients who were observed more than 12 months after the procedures to evaluate the post-procedure papillary function. Duct clearance was achieved in 51 EPD (92.7%) and 54 EST patients (98.1%, not significantly different). Forty EPD (78.4%) and 51 EST patients (94.4%) achieved duct clearance in the initial procedure (P=0.02). Early complications occurred in one EPD (2.0%) and in three EST patients (5.6%, P=0.62). Complications during the follow-up period occurred in two EPD and eight EST patients. Recurrence of bile duct stones was observed in two EPD and three EST patients (P=0.98). Acute cholecystitis was observed in one EPD and five EST patients (P=0.06) and among patients with gall-bladder stones in situ, the rate of acute cholecystitis after EPD was significantly lower than that after EST (P=0.03). Endoscopic manometry showed the existence of a choledochoduodenal pressure gradient only after EPD, while papillary contractile function was observed after both procedures. In conclusion, both EPD and EST are safe therapeutic modalities, although EPD is more clinically effective in decreasing the risk of acute cholecystitis in patients with gall-bladder stones in situ and in preserving post-procedure papillary function.
Body measurements on Angus- (n = 374) and Polled Hereford-sired (n = 438) calves were used to quantify calf shape via multivariate factor analysis, and measurements on Polled Hereford-sired calves were further used to investigate relationships between calf shape and sire expected progeny differences (EPD) for birth weight and first-calf calving ease. Calf birth weight, head circumference, shoulder width, hip width, heart girth, cannon bone circumference and length, and body length were recorded at 24 h postpartum. Sire birth weight EPD was positively associated (P less than .05) with all calf measures but only with head and cannon circumference after adjustment for phenotypic birth weight and gestation length. Thus, at constant birth weight, calves from higher birth weight EPD bulls tended to have larger cannon and head circumferences. Calving ease EPD was negatively related (P less than .05) to all calf measures except shoulder width. After adjustment for birth weight, only cannon circumference was associated with calving ease EPD, and this effect was removed by additional adjustment for birth weight EPD. Thus, at constant birth weight, bulls with higher EPD for calving ease sired calves with smaller cannon circumference, but at constant birth weight EPD, body measures were not associated with calving ease EPD. Factor analysis defined underlying skeletal width and frame components of shape (independent of birth weight) for both sire breeds. Calf shape differed among sires and was in part explained by birth weight EPD. No additional variation in shape was explained by calving ease EPD. Calf shape seemed to add no information for prediction of dystocia to that provided by birth weight EPD.
BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression is a major health issue for many women around the world with well-documented negative health consequences for the mother, child and family. While research has demonstrated the amenability of postpartum depression to treatment, there is preliminary evidence suggesting maternal mood in the immediate postpartum period may be predictive of postpartum depression such that secondary preventive interventions may be implemented. METHODS: A population-based sample of 594 mothers completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 1, 4 and 8 weeks postpartum. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive power of the 1-week EPDS in relation to identifying mothers with elevated EPDS scores at 4 and 8 weeks was determined. The predictive power of the 1-week EPDS was further assessed using odds ratios and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: At 1 week postpartum, 29.5% of mothers scored >9 on the EPDS, decreasing to 23% at 4 weeks and 20.5% at 8 weeks. Using the cut-off score of 9/10, the 1-week EPDS accurately classified 85.4% mothers at 4 weeks and 82.5% mothers at 8 weeks with or without postpartum depression symptomatology. The 1-week EPDS was significantly correlated to the 4-week (r=0.72, P<0.001) and 8-week (r=0.65, P<0.001) EPDS. Mothers with a 1-week EPDS score >9 were 30.3 times more likely at 4 weeks (95% CI=17.5-42.3) and 19.1 times more likely at 8 weeks (95% CI=11.0-32.9) to exhibit postpartum depression symptomatology. LIMITATIONS: Psychiatric interviews were not completed in collaboration with the EPDS. CONCLUSION: The EPDS administered in the 1st week postpartum was predictive of maternal mood at 4 and 8 weeks postpartum. To identify mothers at high risk for postpartum depression, health care professionals could consider screening all new mothers in the immediate postpartum period such that secondary preventive interventions may be implemented.
Early-stage Parkinson's disease (EPD) is often clinically asymmetric. We used 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and PET to assess whether EPD can be detected by a characteristic pattern of regional metabolic asymmetry. To identify this pattern, we studied 10 EPD (Hoehn and Yahr stage I) patients (mean age 61.1 +/- 11.1 years) using 18F-FDG and PET to calculate regional metabolic rates for glucose. The scaled subprofile model (SSM) was applied to metabolic asymmetry measurements for the combined group of EPD patients and normal subjects to identify a specific covariation pattern that discriminated EPD patients from normal subjects. To determine whether this pattern could be used diagnostically, we studied a subsequent group of five presumptive EPD patients (mean age 50.9 +/- 18.3), five normal subjects (mean age 44.6 +/- 15.3), and nine patients with atypical drug-resistant early-stage parkinsonism (APD) (mean age 44.6 +/- 14.0). In each member of this prospective cohort, we calculated the expression of the EPD-related covariation pattern (subject scores) on a case-by-case basis. We also studied 11 of the EPD patients, five patients with APD, and 10 normal subjects with 18F-fluorodopa (FDOPA) and PET to measure presynaptic nigrostriatal dopaminergic function, and we assessed the accuracy of differential diagnosis with both PET methods using discrimination analysis. SSM analysis disclosed a significant topographic contrast profile characterized by covariate basal ganglia and thalamic asymmetries. Subject scores for this profile accurately discriminated EPD patients from normal subjects and APD patients (p < 0.0001). Group assignments into the normal or parkinsonian categories with FDG/PET were comparable to those achieved with FDOPA/PET, although APD and EPD patients were not differentiable by the latter method. Metabolic brain imaging with FDG/PET may be useful in the differential diagnosis of EPD.
UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND AND THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Postnatal depression is a key concept for mother-infant mental health. Evidence of its impact on mother-infant relationship has been increasingly demonstrated in recent years. Therefore optimal intervention is important for women and their babies' mental health. Identifying risk factors of postnatal depression and developing screening system are needed. Study I Hospital-based prospective study--onset and course of Postnatal depression and developing screening system. SAMPLING AND METHOD: One hundred and one consecutive admitted women on maternity ward in our university hospital were invited to the study and 88 mothers participated. Present psychiatric status was assessed by telephone interview at three weeks and three months postnatally, using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia and diagnosis was made based on Research Diagnostic Criteria. The Maternity Blues Scale and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were also administered at the 5th day, one and three months postnatally. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: At 3 weeks, 21 of the 88 mothers (24%) were categorized as having had Maternity blues, and twelve (14%) were diagnosed as depression cases. At 3 months postpartum overall 15 of 88 mothers (17%) were categorized as depression cases. Ten out of total 15 mothers had their onset of depression within the first week. There were no differences in age, parity, educational level, social class compared to non-depressed mothers. The scores of the Blues and the EPDS were always significantly higher in depressed mothers. The Blues scale score was significantly higher in the depressed mothers compared to the control mothers at any timing of investigation. Even at the fifth postnatal day, 11 of 15 mothers who subsequently became clinical depression had already scored 9 or more, which is indicative of postnatal depression, this means postnatal depression could be detected from the very early postpartum period. As for the validity test of the EPDS, having set a cut-off point being 9 or more, the sensitivity was 82% and the specificity were 95% respectively. This score is the same as Okano reported in Japan and lower than many studies in Western countries. Study II Multi-centre prospective study of early postpartum mood states. SAMPLING AND METHODS: Fourteen obstetric wards in teaching hospitals participated in the study, and there, recruitment in each ward continued until 20 post-natal women had agreed to participate. Two hundred twenty six patients (89.7%) completed the study. During the first 5 days Maternity blues scale, and the EPDS on the 5th postnatal day, and one month postnatally the EPDS again were given to the mothers. The EPDS score of 9 or more was regarded as a probable case of postnatal depression. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Seventy-nine out of the 226 patients (35%) had maternity blues. Forty six out of the 226 patients (20%) had postnatal depression (EPDS being 9 or more) at one month postnatally. There was a significant correlation between the EPDS scores on the 5th postnatal day and those at one month. Having maternity blues and higher than 9 or more of the EPDS score were significantly related to the EPDS scores of 9 or more at one month postnatally. (odds's ratio = 4.4 and 13 respectively). Dysphoria on 5 day was significantly related to history of pregnancy loss, Caesarean section, Maternal and neonatal complications and Maternity blues. Dysphoria on one month was only related to Maternal complication. CONCLUSIONS: The onset of postnatal depression can be within the first week after delivery. The use of the EPDS during the first week is a simple and useful screening for early onset case. Maternal complications and related medical factors might be the risk factors of mood disturbance during early postnatal period.
The development of projections from somatic motor-sensory areas of neocortex to the diencephalon and brainstem was studied by using the orthograde transport of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) in a series of pouch-young opossums. The opossum was chosen for study because it is born in a very immature state, 12 days after conception, and has a protracted postnatal development. Cortical axons form a cerebral peduncle by at least postnatal day (PD) 10, a medullary pyramid by estimated PD (EPD) 17, a pyramidal decussation by EPD 26, and reach the first cervical segment of the spinal cord by EPD 29. Cortical axons innervate diencephalic nuclei and perhaps the substantia nigra by EPD 17, but do not grow into more caudal brainstem nuclei until EPD 26. The first brainstem areas innervated by cortical axons are the mesencephalic and rostral pontine tegmentum and parts of the pontine gray adjacent to the pyramidal tract (EPD 29). By EPD 31, cortical axons project to additional areas of the pontine gray, the gigantocellular reticular formation, the medial accessory olive, and the cuneate nucleus. Cortical innervation of the red nucleus and superior colliculus begins at EPD 31 but is not well developed until EPD 35. Cortical axons do not innervate the parvicellular reticular formation or the sensory trigeminal nuclei until EPD 35. Evidence for transient cerebrocerebellar axons was also found.
BACKGROUND: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10 item self-rating post-natal depression scale which has seen widespread use in epidemiological and clinical studies. Concern has been raised over the validity of the EPDS as a single summed scale, with suggestions that it measures two separate aspects, one of depressive feelings, the other of anxiety. METHODS: As part of a larger cross-sectional study conducted in Melbourne, Australia, a community sample (324 women, ranging in age from 18 to 44 years: mean = 32 yrs, SD = 4.6), was obtained by inviting primiparous women to participate voluntarily in this study. Data from the EPDS were fitted to the Rasch measurement model and tested for appropriate category ordering, for item bias through Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis, and for unidimensionality through tests of the assumption of local independence. RESULTS: Rasch analysis of the data from the ten item scale initially demonstrated a lack of fit to the model with a significant Item-Trait Interaction total chi-square (chi Square = 82.8, df = 40; p < .001). Removal of two items (items 7 and 8) resulted in a non-significant Item-Trait Interaction total chi-square with a residual mean value for items of -0.467 with a standard deviation of 0.850, showing fit to the model. No DIF existed in the final 8-item scale (EPDS-8) and all items showed fit to model expectations. Principal Components Analysis of the residuals supported the local independence assumption, and unidimensionality of the revised EPDS-8 scale. Revised cut points were identified for EPDS-8 to maintain the case identification of the original scale. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that EPDS, in its original 10 item form, is not a viable scale for the unidimensional measurement of depression. Rasch analysis suggests that a revised eight item version (EPDS-8) would provide a more psychometrically robust scale. The revised cut points of 7/8 and 9/10 for the EPDS-8 show high levels of agreement with the original case identification for the EPDS-10.
One hundred sixteen spring-calving Polled Hereford x Angus cows were milked using milking machines after receiving 20 IU of oxytocin. Sires of the cows had been divergently selected on yearling weight (YW) and total maternal (MAT) EPD to form four groups: high YW, high MAT EPD; high YW, low MAT EPD; low YW, high MAT EPD; and low YW, low MAT EPD. Average milk production after 12-h calf separation was 3.7 +/- 1.3 kg. Actual milk production of cows was regressed on their sires' milk EPD, where the milk EPD estimates the additive maternal genetic contribution of a sire to the weaning weight of his daughters' calves. The regression of actual 12-h milk production on sire milk EPD was .038 +/- .014 kg/kg, and the correlation was .26 (P less than .006), close to its expected value, based on the accuracy of the prediction, heritability of the trait, and the relationship between sire and daughter. Extension of results of a single milking to an entire lactation is difficult, but over the range of sire milk EPD sampled (-10 to 16 kg), the range in daughters' milk production predicted from the regression analysis was 27% of the mean actual milk production, corresponding to an increase of about 1% more milk per kilogram of milk EPD.
BACKGROUND: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been widely used to assess maternal depression following childbirth in a range of English speaking countries, and increasingly also in translation in non-English speaking ones. It has performed satisfactorily in most validation studies, has proved easy to administer, is acceptable to women, and rates of depression in the range of 10-20% have been consistently found. METHODS: The performance of the EPDS was compared across different population samples in Australia: (i) Women born in Australia or in another English speaking country who completed the EPDS in English as part of the 1994 postal Survey of Recent Mothers (SRM) 6-7 months after birth (n = 1166); (ii) Women born in non-English speaking countries who also completed the EPDS in English in the same survey (n = 142); and (iii) Women born in Vietnam (n = 103), Turkey (n = 104) and the Philippines (n = 106) who completed the EPDS 6-9 months after birth in translation in the Mothers in a New Country Study (MINC) study (total n = 313). The pattern of item responses on the EPDS was assessed in various ways across the samples and internal reliability coefficients were calculated. Exploratory factor analyses were also conducted to assess the similarity in the factor solutions across the samples. RESULTS: The EPDS had good construct validity and item endorsement by women was similar across the samples. Internal reliability of the scale was also very satisfactory with Cronbach's alpha for each sample being > or = 8. Between 39 and 46% of the variance in each of the three main samples was accounted for by one principal factor 'depression' (6-7 items loading), with two supplementary factors 'loss of enjoyment' (2 items loading) and 'despair/self-harm' (2-3 items loading) accounting for a further 20-25% of the variance. Alternative one and two factor solutions also showed a great deal of consistency between the samples. CONCLUSIONS: The good item consistency of the EPDS and the relative stability of the factor patterns across the samples are indicative that the scale is understood and completed in similar ways by women in these different English speaking and non-English speaking population groups. With the proviso that careful translation processes and extensive piloting of translations are always needed, these findings lend further support to the use of the EPDS in cross-cultural research on depression following childbirth.
BACKGROUND: Use of emboli protection devices (EPD) during saphenous vein graft percutaneous coronary intervention (SVG-PCI) has been proven to reduce major adverse cardiac events (MACE). However, the impact of EPD on the microcirculation using Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction myocardial perfusion grade (TMP) has not been fully characterized. We sought to analyze TMP after SVG-PCI with and without EPD and determine its impact on inhospital MACE. METHODS: From August 2001 to December 2002, 305 patients had SVG-PCI suitable for EPD; 210 (69%) had an angiogram appropriate for TMP evaluation. Of those, 46 (22%) had an EPD (GuardWire, Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn) deployed during the coronary intervention. Both groups were similar with regard to most demographic and clinical features. RESULTS: A TMP score of 2.5 or 3 was obtained in 98% of the EPD group versus 85% of the unprotected SVG-PCI (P = .01). There was a trend towards reduction in MACE when using EPD (15% vs 27%, respectively, P = .07). Peak postprocedural creatine kinase-MB was somewhat lower in the EPD group (6.03 +/- 7.8 ng/mL vs 14.87 +/- 42 ng/mL, P = .17) Patients with a TMP grade of 2.5 or 3 had a statistically significant reduction in MACE (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.14-0.87, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with SVG-PCI without emboli protection, EPD significantly improved TMP and trended towards a reduction in MACE.
Polled Hereford sires (n = 47) were divergently selected on published yearling weight (YW) and maternal (MAT) expected progeny differences (EPD) and mated to grade Angus cows to produce 457 calves in five spring calf crops. Sires selected for high and low YW differed by an average of 6.3 kg in YW EPD and those selected for high and low MAT differed by an average of 4.0 kg in MAT EPD based on 1989 EPD values. Calves by high-YW sires were heavier at birth (2.2 kg; P less than .10) and weaning (7.5 kg; P less than .01) and as yearlings (16.4 kg; P less than .01) than calves by low-YW sires and were taller at weaning (1.90 cm; P less than .01). Regressions of calf performance on corresponding 1989 EPD were 1.18 +/- .20 kg/kg for birth weight, .75 +/- .24 kg/kg for weaning weight and 1.79 +/- .42 kg/kg for YW. Expected progeny differences for individual sires were calculated from the data collected in this study and had correlations with published EPD of .53 for birth weight, .37 for weaning weight and .54 for YW. These corresponded to expected correlations based on accuracies of evaluation of .68, .61 and .58, respectively, and yielded estimates of the genetic correlation between performance in the environment of the study and the environment of the purebred herds where the published EPD were derived of .78 for birth weight, .61 for weaning weight and .93 for YW. The very large regression of YW on YW EPD (1.79 +/- .42 kg/kg) may have resulted from bias in published EPD due to culling of calves at weaning in purebred herds. Use of multiple traits analyses to account for such culling is recommended.