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To characterize the immunogenicity of mRNA-1273 (Moderna, Cambridge, MA, USA) vaccine in HIV-positive hemophilic patients during the third COVID-19 wave in Italy and to investigate biomarkers of coagulation and endothelial perturbation before and after complete vaccination schedule, twenty-three consecutive adult HIV-positive patients with hemophilia were included. Blood was collected before and two weeks after vaccination. We measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies to assess immunogenicity; circulating biomarkers of coagulation (protein C and D-dimer), endothelial perturbation (von Willebrand factor (VWF)) and anti-Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) antibodies were analyzed. Flow-based analysis of thrombus formation was performed in nine patients using a flow-chamber device. Two weeks after completing the vaccination schedule, all patients had anti-spike antibodies values consistent with an effective immunization. Mean (±standard deviation) basal values of protein C and VWF (106 ± 21% and 171 ± 45%, respectively) were not significantly different from data obtained two weeks after the second dose (103 ± 20%, 162 ± 43%, respectively). D-dimer median values (interquartile range) were not significantly different at baseline (442 (603–142) ng/mL) and after the second dose (477 (654–262) ng/mL). Anti-PF4 antibodies were detected in three patients with no associated clinical manifestations. No significant differences were found in flow-based analysis of thrombus formation. Our data demonstrate that in HIV-positive patients with hemophilia, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is effective and safe, with no effects on coagulation and endothelial perturbation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate allele frequencies and genotypes of β- lactoglobulin (LGB) and their association with milk composition and milk coagulation properties in Brown cattle in Bulgaria. Milk proteins’ polymorphism was found out in 155 tissue samples from cows reared at 4 farms. Innovative protocols and techniques were used for determination of genetic polymorphism of β-lactoglobulin (LGB) in Brown cattle. After collection, tissue samples were shipped to the University in Padova, Italy The analysis of milk composition was done in the lab of the Agriculture Institute – Stara Zagora on Lactoscan ultrasound milk analyzer, whereas coagulation properties of individual milk samples were evaluated on a Computerized Renneting Metter – Polo Trade, Italy. Coagulation ability is characterized by three traits – RCT /rennet coagulation time, min./; a30 /curd firmness, mm/ и к20 /curd firming time, min/. The milk was analysed within 3 hours after sample collection. The frequency of allele B of β- lactoglobulin (LGB) was higher – 0.580. LGB is characterised with three genotypes – АА, АВ and ВВ, whose frequency varied within various ranges. Heterozygous cows with genotype AB produced milk with higher fat and protein content than the other two genotypes: 4.48% fat and 4.88% protein. The milk produced by cows from different LGB genotypes was characterised with moderate curd firmness and good rennet coagulation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between CSN3 genotypes with traits describing milk composition and coagulation ability in Bulgarian Black-and-White cattle. Milk proteins’ polymorphism was found in 104 tissue samples from cows reared at 4 farms. The genetic polymorphism of milk proteins was determined by PCR-RFLP analysis in the laboratory of the University of Padova, Italy. For evaluation of milk coagulation ability and milk composition, 104 individual milk samples were obtained from 104 Bulgarian Black-and-White cows from 4 farms. Milk samples were collected during the morning milking, without adding any conservant. The analysis of individual coagulation properties of milk was done in the lab of the Agricultural Institute - Stara Zagora, by means of Computerized Renneting Metter – Polo Trade, Italy. During the study, the following parameters were studied: daily milk yield (kg), milk fat and protein contents (%), rennet coagulation time (RCT, min), curd firmness (а30, mm) and curd firming time (k20, min). Three alleles of CSN3 А, В and Н; and five genotypes – АА, АВ, ВВ, ВН and НН were established in the present study. Homozygous animals carrying the HH genotype of CSN3 were outlined with the highest average daily milk yield – 49.50 kg. It has been found that animals from the BH genotype of CSN3 produced milk with the highest protein content: 3.38%, fastest rennet coagulation time 14.24 min and the firmest curd 40.00 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to explore the variability of milk composition, coagulation properties, and cheese-making traits of the Sarda goat breed, and to investigate the effects of animal and farm factors, and the geographic area (Central-East vs. South-West) of an insular region of Italy, Sardinia. A total of 570 Sarda goats reared in 21 farms were milk-sampled during morning milking. Individual milk samples were analyzed for composition, traditional milk coagulation properties (MCP), modeled curd-firming over time parameters (CF t), and cheese-making traits (cheese yield, %CY; recovery of nutrients, %REC; daily cheese yield, dCY). Farms were classified into 2 categories based on milk energy level (MEL; high or low), defined according to the average net energy of milk daily produced by the lactating goats. Milk yield and composition were analyzed using a mixed model including the fixed effects of MEL, geographic area, days in milk, and parity, and the random effect of farm within MEL and geographic area. Data about MCP, CF t , and the cheese-making process were analyzed using the same model, with the inclusion of the effects of animal and pendulum of the lactodynamograph instrument, allowing the measure of repeatability of these traits. Results showed that animal had greater influence on coagulation and cheese-making traits compared with farm effect. Days in milk influenced milk composition, whose changes partly reflected the modifications of %CY traits. Moreover, large differences were observed between primiparous and multiparous goats: primiparous goats produced less milk of better quality (higher fat, lower somatic cell and bacterial counts) and less cheese, but with higher recovery of fat and protein in the curd, compared with multiparous goats. The repeatability was very high, for both coagulation (84.0 to 98.8%) and cheese-making traits (89.7 to 99.9%). The effect of MEL was significant for daily productions of milk and cheese, coagulation time, and recovery of protein in the curd, which were better in high-MEL farms. As regards geographic area, milk composition and percentage cheese yield were superior in the Central-East area, whereas daily milk and cheese production and MCP were better in the South-West. This result was explainable by the phenomenon of crossbreeding Sarda goats with Maltese bucks, which occurred with greater intensity in the South-West than in the Central-East area of the island. The results provided by this study could be of great interest for the goat dairy sector. Indeed, the methods described in the present study could be applicable for other farming methods, goat breeds, and geographic areas. The collection of a wide range of phenotypes at individual animal level is fundamental for the characterization of local populations and can be used to guarantee breed conservation and the persistence of traditional farming systems, and to increase farmers' profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pediatric hemostatic balance, which is different from that in adults, is an evolving process as the hemostatic system changes and matures throughout the time from fetal to adult life, particularly in the first months of life. The concept of developmental hemostasis was confirmed by several studies evaluating different patients' population in various technical conditions. All these studies demonstrated that, at birth, the plasma levels of most coagulation factors were around half that found in adults, the preterm newborns having lower levels than full-term newborns. Adult values were usually reached between a few months of age and up to above 16 years for specific parameters. If the global trends are consistent across the studies, differences in absolute values could be demonstrated that are likely due to differences in the reagents and/or the instruments used. Accordingly, it is recommended by the Perinatal and Pediatric Haemostasis Subcommittee of the Scientific and Standardization Committee of the ISTH for each laboratory to define the age-dependent reference ranges using its own technical condition. The understanding of that concept of developmental hemostasis, which is now universally accepted, is critical to ensure optimal prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of thrombotic and hemorrhagic diseases in children. Actually, developmental hemostasis could affect the interaction between anticoagulant drugs and the coagulation system and so explain in part the discrepancy between anticoagulation in adults and in children. Finally, developmental hemostasis could probably provide a protective mechanism for neonates and children, contributing to the decreased risk of thrombosis and/or bleeding in these age-groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factor V ( FV) serves an important role in the regulation of blood coagulation, having both pro- and anticoagulant properties. The circulating high molecular weight single-chain FV molecule undergoes a series of proteolytic cleavages during both activation of coagulation and during anticoagulant regulation of coagulation by activated protein C ( APC). It is noteworthy that mutations in the factor V gene ( F5) either cause thrombosis or bleeding. New insights into the importance and complexity of FV functions have been generated from elucidation of the pathogenic mechanisms of two familial mutations in the F5 gene. The first mutation was identified as a result of the discovery of APC resistance as the most common risk factor for venous thrombosis. The mutation ( FV Leiden) predicts the Arg506Gln replacement, which impairs the normal regulation of FVa by APC, as the Arg506 site is an important APC cleavage site. In addition, elucidation of APC resistance resulted in the discovery of the anticoagulant APC cofactor activity of FV. The second FV mutation (FVA2440G), identified in a family with an autosomal dominant bleeding disorder, has led to the discovery of an alternative splicing generating a previously unidentified FV isoform ( FV-Short), which inhibits coagulation via an unexpected and intriguing mechanism involving the coagulation inhibitor TFPI-α. These are naturally occurring mutations in the F5 gene that have generated new knowledge on the role of FV in regulation of coagulation and the importance of genetic risk factors for thrombosis and bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess the effects of in vitro hemodilution of canine blood with a low molecular weight hy-droxyethyl starch ( HES 130/0.4) by means of thromboelastometry ( TEM). Design In vitro experimental study. Setting University Teaching Hospital. Animals Ten healthy adult staff-owned dogs were sampled for the purposes of the study. Samples were also collected from 45 clinically normal dogs to establish thromboelastometric reference intervals. Interventions For each dog whole blood was collected by jugular venipuncture and placed into tubes containing 3.8% trisodium citrate and stored at 37°C. Two standard dilutions (1:4 and 1:10) from canine blood specimens were prepared with HES 130/0.4 and saline 0.9%. Measurements and Main Results The effects of dilution were studied by TEM. No statistically significant differences were observed between the TEM values of the control samples and the samples diluted with saline solution (ratio 1:10 and 1:4). In contrast, hypocoagulability was observed in the samples treated with HES 130/0.4, with more severe effects at 1:4 dilution than at 1:10 dilution. The 1:4 dilution with HES 130/0.4 produced marked alterations: CT ( P = 0.035) and CFT ( P = 0.0007) on the ex-TEM profile, CT ( P = 0.0005) and ML ( P = 0.0017) on the fib-TEM profile and CFT ( P = 0.0043) on the in-TEM, were all significantly increased ( P < 0.05), whereas MCF ( P = 0.0042) and alpha angle ( P = 0.002) on the in-TEM and MCF ( P = 0.011) and alpha angle ( P = 0.001) ex-TEM profiles and MCF ( P = 0.0001) on the fib-TEM profile were significantly decreased ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Dilution of canine blood with HES 130/0.4 results in a thromboelastometric pattern consistent with hypocoagulation and this effect appears to result from a dose-dependent alteration in fibrinogen concentration and inhibition of platelet function. As this is an in vitro study, further in vivo investigations are necessary to confirm the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this work was to estimate the annual genetic response for milk yield (MY), milk components, somatic cell score (SCS), milk acidity and milk coagulation properties (MCP: rennet coagulation time, RCT; curd firmness 30min after rennet addition, a30) in Italian Holstein–Friesian (IHF) population under different selection indices and breeding objectives. Current selection index (PFTSI) of IHF breed includes fat (FY) and protein (PY) yields, fat (F%) and protein (P%) percentages, and SCS. Annual genetic response (GRy) for the aforementioned traits and correlated response for MCP, MY and milk acidity were estimated using selection index theory. Genetic parameters for all traits were assumed from different sources and validated for positive definite matrix. Alternative selection indices were simulated by adding MCP as direct (MCPd) or predicted (MCPp) traits to current selection index. Direct measures were assumed to be recorded in laboratory by computerized renneting meter, whereas predicted measures by mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS). Current breeding objective (PFTBO) includes FY, PY, F%, P% and SCS with relative emphasis of 13.6, 61.0, 3.4, 5.1 and −16.9%, respectively. Six alternative breeding objectives were formulated according to the relative weight given to MCP: 5% (MCP5%), 12.5% (MCP12.5%), 25% (MCP25%), 50% (MCP50%), 75% (MCP75%) and 100% (MCP100%). Current selection index does not affect significantly MCP traits, whereas MCPp to improve MCP12.5% resulted in a gain of about 0.10 genetic standard deviations per year for both RCT and a30, without losses in GRy for MY, FY and PY. The inclusion of MCP traits in the selection index of IHF is expected to increase casein to protein ratio and to decrease SCS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cell saving systems are commonly used during cardiac operations to improve hemoglobin levels and to reduce blood product requirements. We analyzed the effects of residual pump blood salvage through a cell saver on coagulation and fibrinolysis activation and on postoperative hemoglobin levels. Thirty-four elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients were randomized. In 17 patients, residual cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit blood was transfused after the cell saving procedure (cell salvage group). In the other 17 patients, residual CPB circuit blood was discarded (control group). Activation of the coagulative, fibrinolytic and inflammatory systems was evaluated pre-operatively (Pre), 2 hours after the termination of CPB (T0) and 24 hours postoperatively (T1), measuring prothrombin fragment 1.2 (PF 1.2), plasmin-anti-plasmin (PAP), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The cell salvage group of patients had a significant improvement in hemoglobin levels after processed blood infusion (2.7 ± 1.7 g/dL vs 1.2 ± 1.1 g/dL; p=0.003). PF1.2 levels were significantly higher after infusion (T0: 1175 ± 770 pmol/L vs 730 ± 237 pmol/L; p=0.037; T1: 331 ± 235 pmol/L vs 174 ± 134 pmol/L; p=0.026). Also, PAP levels were higher in the cell salvage group, although not significantly (T0: 253 ± 251 ng/mL vs 168 ± 96 ng/mL; p: NS; T1: 95 ± 60 ng/mL vs 53 ± 32 ng/mL; p: NS). No differences were found for PAI-1, IL-6, heparin levels or for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. The cell salvage group of patients had increased chest tube drainage (749 ± 320 vs 592 ± 264; p: NS) and fresh frozen plasma transfusion rate (5 (29%) pts vs 0 pts; p<0.04). Pump blood salvage with a cell saving system improved postoperative hemoglobin levels, but induced a strong thrombin generation, fibrinolysis activation and lower fibrinolysis inhibition. These conditions could generate a consumption coagulopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken on Cacioricotta, a traditional Italian goat's cheese obtained from overheated milk (90 °C) without use of starter. The profile of proteolysis in the artisanal type, made with vegetable coagulant (latex released from caprifig branches) as milk clotting agent, was compared to that of the 'industrial' one, manufactured with calf rennet. Particular aim of the investigation was to study the differences and, possibly, establish a useful tool for distinguishing the two types of cheese. The study was based on the quantification of the water soluble, 15% TCA soluble and amino acid nitrogen fractions, RP-HPLC separation of low molecular weight peptides and their identification by mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS). The use of fig latex was associated to higher amounts of the nitrogen fractions and to RP-HPLC chromatograms very rich in peptides, in contrast to an almost complete lack of peptides in the industrial counterpart. These results confirm the strong proteolyitic activity exerted by the caprifig clotting enzymes in spite of the intense overheating of the milk, which is considered to cause reduction of the rate of casein degradation in cheese. The MS-based identification of several peptides provided a support at the molecular level for the characterization of Cacioricotta made with this vegetable coagulant and could be useful for 'tracing back' purposes. In conclusion, the peptide pattern determined by the use of caprifig for milk coagulation can be considered a particular feature of the artisanal Cacioricotta, giving confirmation of its vocation to EU protection as typical product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by the large amount of goat milk destined for cheese production, and to pioneer the goat cheese industry, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of farm in predicting goat milk-coagulation and curd-firmness traits via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Spectra from 452 Sarda goats belonging to 14 farms in central and southeast Sardinia (Italy) were collected. A Bayesian linear regression model was used, estimating all spectral wavelengths' effects simultaneously. Three traditional milk-coagulation properties [rennet coagulation time (min), time to curd firmness of 20 mm (min), and curd firmness 30 min after rennet addition (mm)] and 3 curd-firmness measures modeled over time [rennet coagulation time estimated according to curd firmness change over time (RCT eq ), instant curd-firming rate constant, and asymptotical curd firmness] were considered. A stratified cross validation (SCV) was assigned, evaluating each farm separately (validation set; VAL) and keeping the remaining farms to train (calibration set) the statistical model. Moreover, a SCV, where 20% of the goats randomly taken (10 replicates per farm) from the VAL farm entered the calibration set, was also considered (SCV 80 ). To assess model performance, coefficient of determination (R 2 VAL ) and the root mean squared error of validation were recorded. The R 2 VAL varied between 0.14 and 0.45 (instant curd-firming rate constant and RCT eq , respectively), albeit the standard deviation was approximating half of the mean for all the traits. Although average results of the 2 SCV procedures were similar, in SCV 80 , the maximum R 2 for some of them being close to 0. Our work outlined the importance of considering the effect of farm when developing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy prediction equations for coagulation and curd-firmness traits in goats.VAL increased at about 15% across traits, with the highest observed for time to curd firmness of 20 mm (20%) and the lowest for RCT eq (6%). Further investigation evidenced important variability among farms, with R 2 VAL for some of them being close to 0. Our work outlined the importance of considering the effect of farm when developing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy prediction equations for coagulation and curd-firmness traits in goats., (Copyright © 2021 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 by contact (direct or indirect) is widely accepted, but the relative importance of airborne transmission is still controversial. Probability of outdoor airborne transmission depends on several parameters, still rather uncertain: virus-laden aerosol concentrations, viability and lifetime, minimum dose necessary to transmit the disease. In this work, an estimate of outdoor concentrations in northern Italy (region Lombardia) was performed using a simple box model approach, based on an estimate of respiratory emissions, with a specific focus for the cities of Milan and Bergamo (Italy). In addition, the probability of interaction of virus-laden aerosol with pre-existing particles of different sizes was investigated. Results indicate very low (<1 RNA copy/m 3 ) average outdoor concentrations in public area, excluding crowded zones, even in the worst case scenario and assuming a number of infects up to 25% of population. On average, assuming a number of infects equal to 10% of the population, the time necessary to inspire a quantum (i.e. the dose of airborne droplet nuclei required to cause infection in 63% of susceptible persons) would be 31.5 days in Milan (range 2.7-91 days) and 51.2 days in Bergamo (range 4.4-149 days). Therefore, the probability of airborne transmission due to respiratory aerosol is very low in outdoor conditions, even if it could be more relevant for community indoor environments, in which further studies are necessary to investigate the potential risks. We theoretically examined if atmospheric particles can scavenge virus aerosol, through inertial impact, interception, and Brownian diffusion. The probability was very low. In addition, the probability of coagulation of virus-laden aerosol with pre-existing atmospheric particles resulted negligible for accumulation and coarse mode particles, but virus-laden aerosol could act as sink of ultrafine particles (around 0.01 μm in diameter). However, this will not change significantly the dynamics behaviour of the virus particle or its permanence time in atmosphere., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To describe transfusion management during post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) and the usefulness of standard or point-of-care (POC) laboratory tests for guiding haemostatic management., Background: PPH is the leading cause of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity worldwide. Despite the efforts made in recent years, PPH is often burdened by preventable death. Recent data from the active Italian Obstetric Surveillance System (ItOSS) highlighted the following main critical issues: inadequate communication between healthcare professionals, inability to correctly and promptly assess the severity of haemorrhage, delays in diagnosis and treatment, failure to request blood promptly and inappropriate monitoring post-partum., Materials and Methods: Data in the literature have been compared with the rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM)- and the thromboelastography (TEG)-guided algorithms applied in the authors' departments., Results: PPH transfusion therapy may have an empirical approach based on the standard use of blood products or a targeted approach based on coagulation monitoring by laboratory or POC tests. Here, the authors describe how they manage PPH in their departments, according to the Italian guidelines, along with the addition of a ROTEM- and a TEG-guided algorithms developed by themselves., Conclusion: Although the proposed algorithms have not been validated by trials or observational studies conducted in our departments, we believe that these indications could be useful for supporting clinical practice. Furthermore, we deem it appropriate to emphasise the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and the need for standardised and shared protocols to support the decisions of healthcare professionals., (© 2021 British Blood Transfusion Society.)

Background: Iron metabolism and immune response to SARS-CoV-2 have not been described yet in intensive care patients, although they are likely involved in Covid-19 pathogenesis., Methods: We performed an observational study during the peak of pandemic in our intensive care unit, dosing D-dimer, C-reactive protein, troponin T, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, serum iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation, transferrin soluble receptor, lymphocyte count and NK, CD3, CD4, CD8 and B subgroups of 31 patients during the first 2 weeks of their ICU stay. Correlation with mortality and severity at the time of admission was tested with the Spearman coefficient and Mann-Whitney test. Trends over time were tested with the Kruskal-Wallis analysis., Results: Lymphopenia is severe and constant, with a nadir on day 2 of ICU stay (median 0.555 10 9 /L; interquartile range (IQR) 0.450 10 9 /L); all lymphocytic subgroups are dramatically reduced in critically ill patients, while CD4/CD8 ratio remains normal. Neither ferritin nor lymphocyte count follows significant trends in ICU patients. Transferrin saturation is extremely reduced at ICU admission (median 9%; IQR 7%), then significantly increases at days 3 to 6 (median 33%, IQR 26.5%, p value 0.026). The same trend is observed with serum iron levels (median 25.5 μg/L, IQR 69 μg/L at admission; median 73 μg/L, IQR 56 μg/L on days 3 to 6) without reaching statistical significance. Hyperferritinemia is constant during intensive care stay: however, its dosage might be helpful in individuating patients developing haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. D-dimer is elevated and progressively increases from admission (median 1319 μg/L; IQR 1285 μg/L) to days 3 to 6 (median 6820 μg/L; IQR 6619 μg/L), despite not reaching significant results. We describe trends of all the abovementioned parameters during ICU stay., Conclusions: The description of iron metabolism and lymphocyte count in Covid-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit provided with this paper might allow a wider understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology.

Simple Summary: Considered that all sheep milk in Italy is destined for cheese processing, traits describing rennet coagulation aptitude should be among the most important selection goals for dairy breeds. To reduce the costs and logistics related to the large-scale recording of these traits, mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy could be conveniently used to generate reliable predictions without any additional cost. The aims of this research were to predict the milk coagulation properties (MCP) and individual cheese yield (ILCY) in sheep by MIR spectrometry using partial least squares regression (PLS), and to compare different data pre-treatment procedures. The prediction results observed in the present study, although moderate, suggest the possibility of adding novel phenotypes (e.g., MCP and ILCY) in breeding schemes for dairy sheep breeds. Mid-infrared spectroscopy coupled with PLS regression could allow the prediction of phenotypes at the population level without additional costs. The objectives of this study were (i) the prediction of sheep milk coagulation properties (MCP) and individual laboratory cheese yield (ILCY) from mid-infrared (MIR) spectra by using partial least squares (PLS) regression, and (ii) the comparison of different data pre-treatments on prediction accuracy. Individual milk samples of 970 Sarda breed ewes were analyzed for rennet coagulation time (RCT), curd-firming time (k20), and curd firmness (a30) using the Formagraph instrument; ILCY was measured by micro-manufacturing assays. An Furier-transform Infrared (FTIR) milk-analyzer was used for the estimation of the milk gross composition and the recording of MIR spectrum. The dataset (n = 859, after the exclusion of 111 noncoagulating samples) was divided into two sub-datasets: the data of 700 ewes were used to estimate prediction model parameters, and the data of 159 ewes were used to validate the model. Four prediction scenarios were compared in the validation, differing for the use of whole or reduced MIR spectrum and the use of raw or corrected data (locally weighted scatterplot smoothing). PLS prediction statistics were moderate. The use of the reduced MIR spectrum yielded the best results for the considered traits, whereas the data correction improved the prediction ability only when the whole MIR spectrum was used. In conclusion, PLS achieves good accuracy of prediction, in particular for ILCY and RCT, and it may enable increasing the number of traits to be included in breeding programs for dairy sheep without additional costs and logistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the occurrence of thrombotic events (myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis or ischemic stroke) in a group of 39 cases of severe FXII deficiency during a mean 22.5 years follow-up. All patients seen in Padua during the years 1968-2006 will the object of this investigation. FXII was less than or 1% of normal in all cases. Factor FXII activity in unaffected family members was 98% (range 90-140%). No patient or control had a thrombotic event in the past and none were on anticoagulant therapy. FV Leiden was present in one patient and in two controls whereas the G to A20210 prothrombin polymorphism was absent in both groups. There was one death among the patients (breast cancer) and one among the control (car accident). There were two thrombotic events (myocardial infarction and deep vein thrombosis) in the patient group and three (myocardial infarction and two deep vein thrombosis) in the control group. Heterozygous FV Leiden was present in the patient who had venous thrombosis, One of the two control subjects who developed venous thrombosis had heterozygous FV Leiden and was on oral contraception. The second control subject who developed venous thrombosis was on oral contraception and had varicose veins. No ischemic stroke was observed in the patients or controls. Periods of immobilization were 42 days and 38 days, respectively for FXII deficient patients and for the controls. Patients with severe FXII deficiency may present thrombotic events but these are similar to these presented by unaffected family members. As a consequence it may be stated that severe FXII deficiency does not appear to effect thrombotic events.