Development of a biosecurity assessment tool and the assessment of biosecurity levels by this tool on Japanese commercial swine farms.

It is well known that infectious diseases such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) decrease herd productivity and lead to economic loss. It is believed that biosecurity practices are effective for the prevention and control of such infectious diseases. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether or not an association between biosecurity level and herd productivity, as well as disease status exists on Japanese commercial swine farms.

Mismatch between results of myocardial fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements and myocardial perfusion SPECT for identification of the severity of ischemia: pitfall of FFR in patients with prior myocardial infarction.

We experienced two rare cases of mismatch between the results of FFR and myocardial perfusion SPECT for identification of myocardial ischemia after myocardial infarction. If a FFR cutoff value of 0.75 is applied as in angina patients to patients with myocardial infarction, the severity of ischemia may be underestimated.

Influence of uterine inflammation on the estrous cycle in rats.

To investigate how uterine inflammation affects ovarian activity in rats, endometritis was induced and changes in the length of estrous cycle and serum concentrations of estradiol-17beta (E(2)) and progesterone (P(4)) were examined. A suspension of Staphylococcus aureus (bacterial solution) or iodine solution was infused into the uterine lumen at various estrous phases. When the bacterial solution was infused at estrus, metestrus, or the first day of diestrus, the following diestrus continued for 5 to 12 days.