Design-Retrospective case series.

Animals-Client-owned dogs (n = 7) and cats (5).

Procedures-A custom-made lift device was used to retract the abdominal wall for laparoscopic instrumentation. The lift device was used first in 3 dog cadavers to assess the risk of complications. Thereafter, the device was used for routine laparoscopic procedures in client-owned JNJ-26481585 purchase animals. Data collected from medical records included signalment, body weight, clinical signs, diagnosis, surgery type and duration, conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery, preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists score, mean intraoperative respiratory

rate, mean and peak end-tidal partial pressure of CO, during the laparoscopic surgery, ventilation method, mean saturation of hemoglobin with 02, mean and systolic arterial pressures during the laparoscopic surgery, total anesthesia time, signs of pain immediately after recovery, duration of hospitalization, and postoperative complications.

Results-Lift laparoscopy was successfully performed in 10 of the 12 patients. No adverse effects were noted with the use of this technique. However, in 1 dog and 1 cat, conversion to laparotomy was necessary because of poor visualization.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggested that lift laparoscopy is feasible in dogs and cats and is an option that can be used in clinical practice, especially

if creation INCB018424 manufacturer of positive-pressure pneumoperitoneum is not desirable. (J Am Metabolism inhibitor Vet Med Assoc 2011;239:1574-1579)”
“Background : IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis

worldwide, and the clinical course of IgAN shows marked variability. Many efforts have made to histologically predict the clinical outcome. There are two methods to classify IgAN. One is mainly based on the glomerular changes, such as the WHO and the Lee and Haas classification systems. The other is a morphologic semi-quantitative scoring system, which counts the changes of the glomerular, tubulointerstitial and vascular structures, respectively. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the WHO classification property reflects the various morphologic findings of IgAN. Methods: We analyzed 354 cases of IgAN by both the WHO classification system and the semiquantitative scoring system and evaluated the correlations of these two methods. Results : The severity of the glomerular lesions (glomerulosclerosis, capsular adhesion and mesangial matrix expansion) and the tubulointerstitial lesions (interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy and interstitial lymphocytic infiltration) are strongly correlated with the increase of the WHO classes of IgAN (Spearman’s rho [R] >= 0.5, p < 0.05). There is a weak correlation between crescent formation and the increase of the WHO classes (R=0.3, p < 0.05).

6 kbar. The temperature of the maximum MCE occurs near the assumed Kondo temperature for this compound. Using differential scanning calorimetry, we found that the entropy associated with the valence transition is nearly reversible under heating and VX-809 in vitro cooling. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3481440]“
“Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the compound strength of the fixation between 2 blocks of synthetic bone using ultrasound activated resorbable pins (regarding drill hole diameter) and compare them to fixation with titanium miniscrews.

Resorbable pins were up to 17 mm long.

Study design. Two synthetic bone blocks (Sawbone) were fixed by either a resorbable pin or miniscrew osteosynthesis. Maximum tensile forces were determined

www.selleckchem.com/MEK.html mechanically. Pin lengths of 7 mm, 11 mm, and 17 mm were analyzed in relation to different drill hole diameters.

Results. The ideal drill hole configuration was a combination of diameters of 2.1/1.6 mm (in a lag screw configuration). Mean maximum tensile force was 80 N for 7 mm pins (105 N/11 mm, 69 N/17 mm). In comparison, tensile forces of titanium screws were 20 N (7 mm), 97 N (11 mm), and 135 N (17 mm).

Conclusions. Osteosynthesis by resorbable pins reached equal compound strength levels compared with titanium miniscrews. This in vitro study was the basis for a clinical trial of ultrasound-guided resorbable pin osteosynthesis. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010; 109: 79-85)”
“The somatotropic axis is a major regulatory pathway of energy metabolism during postnatal growth in mammals. Genes involved in this pathway influence many economically important traits. The association of selected SNPs in these genes with carcass traits was examined in grazing Brangus steers. These traits included final live weight, ultrasound backfat thickness (UBFT), rib-eye area, kidney fat weight, hot carcass weight, and intramuscular fat percentage (%IMF). Genomic DNA (N = 246)

was genotyped for a panel of 15 tag SNPs located in the growth hormone receptor (GHR), insulin-like growth factor I, insulin-like Selleck BKM120 growth factor-binding protein 6, pro-melanin-concentrating hormone, suppressor of cytokine signaling 2, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) genes. Allelic and haplotype frequencies were compared with those of a sample of European breeds (N = 177 steers). Two tag SNPs in the GHR affected %IMF; one of them (ss86273136) was also strongly associated with UBFT (P < 0.003). The frequency of the most favorable GHR haplotype for %IMF was lower in Brangus steers. Moreover, the haplotype carrying two unfavorable alleles was present at a frequency of 31% in this group. Four tag SNPs on STAT6 had a significant effect on UBFT. One of these, SNP ss115492467, was also associated with %IMF.

(C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Short-fiber-reinforced Go-6983 rubber composites (SFRCs) with hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) as the matrix and fibrillar silicate (FS) nanofibers and short aramid microfibers (DCAFs)

as the fillers were developed, and their tensile properties, compression moduli, and mechanical anisotropies were investigated. The results indicated that the properties of the HNBR/DCAF/FS composites were determined by the loadings of the FS nanofibers and DCAF microfibers. A small amount of the microfibers combined with an appropriate amount of the nanofibers resulted in synergetic reinforcement and imparted to the SFRCs significantly improved mechanical properties without substantially compromising the rubbery characteristics. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120: 1439-1447, 2011″
“Tularemia is primarily caused by two subspecies of Francisella tularensis worldwide, ssp. tularensis (type A) and ssp. holarctica (type B), which were originally delineated by phenotypic differences. Application of molecular typing

methods to investigate population structure of F. tularensis has confirmed that catagorizing the two subspecies via phenotypic characteristics corresponds with genotypic differentiation. In addition, genotyping methods have demonstrated that both subspecies, type A and type B. can be further distinguished into Selleck EPZ004777 subpopulations and, in some cases, biological relevance BIBF 1120 in vivo has been ascribed to these identified subpopulations. Genetic variation among both type A and type B subpopulations has been shown to correlate with differences in geographic distribution and has also been coupled to distinct ecological niches, animal hosts and

replication foci. Among type A subpopulations, strain variation is linked to differing clinical manifestations in humans and virulence in mice. This article will highlight our current understanding of F. tularensis subpopulations, including methods for their detection, their observed epidemiologic differences, implications for public health and basic research programs, as well as future challenges yet to be solved.”
“A water-soluble polysaccharide (HCP) with a molecular mass of 6.7 x 10(5) Da determined by high performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), was isolated from the fruit bodies of Sarcodon aspratus (Berk.) S. Ito., an edible mushroom. HCP was elucidated as a liner glucan with a backbone structure of (1 -> 6)-linked-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl residues by interpretation of the composition analysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation experiment, FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopy. Immunological activity evaluation using H-3-thymidine incorporation method revealed that HCP could significantly stimulate the proliferation of the cultured mice spleen lymphocyte in a dose-dependent manner.

Methods: A total of 502 patients with DBP >= 100 and <= 115 mmHg were randomized to 8 weeks of treatment with placebo, HCTZ

12.5 or 25 mg/day, olmesartan medoxomil 10, 20, or 40 mg/day, or olmesartan medoxomil/HCTZ 10/12.5, 10/25, 20/12.5, 20/25,40/12.5, or 40/25 mg/day. Mean baseline SBP learn more ranged from 151.9 to 156.6 mmHg and mean baseline DBP ranged from 102.6 to 104.4 mmHg across the twelve treatment arms. The chi-squared test was used to compare the proportion of patients achieving each BP goal in each of the 11 active treatment regimens with that in the placebo group.

Results: The proportion of patients achieving an SBP <140 or <130 mmHg, DBP <90, <85, or <80 mmHg and combined SBP/DBP <140/90, <130/85, <130/80, or <120/80 mmHg typically increased with escalating dosages of olmesartan medoxomil and HCTZ when administered alone or in combination, but was always highest in those treated with the combination. As the BP goal became progressively more stringent, the proportion of patients achieving the

BP goal decreased in each treatment group, although the trend toward greater reductions in patients treated with combination therapy remained intact. All combined SBP/DBP goals were achieved by a statistically significant proportion of patients (p<0.05) in the olmesartan medoxomil/HCTZ 20/25, 40/12.5, and 40/25 treatment groups.

Conclusions: A majority of patients with uncomplicated stage 2 hypertension can achieve recommended BP goals when treated with the combination AG-120 ic50 of olmesartan medoxomil and HCTZ.”
“Several studies have used Stachys Lavandulifolia vahl (S. lavandulifolia) as medicinal plant in Iranian folk medicine. The present investigation is designed TPX-0005 supplier to elucidate therapeutic and preventive effects of S. lavandulifolia extract on

gastric acid and pepsin secretions in experimental gastric ulcer. Thirty two Wistar male rats were used to study therapeutic and preventive effects of S. lavandulifolia extract on alcohol-induced gastric ulcer. Animals were equally (n=8) divided into 4 groups: (I) Control (II) Alcohol (1 ml/200 g/bw) to induce gastric ulcer (III) Alcohol/Lvandu (100 mg/kg bw/daily, S. lavandulifolia extract was given for two weeks post alcohol administration) and (IV) Lvandu/alcohol (S. lavandulifolia extract was given for two weeks before alcohol administration). Ulcer index, gastric acid and pepsin secretions was measured. Ulcer index was significantly decreased in alcohol/Lvandu than Alcohol group. Also gastric acid and pepsin secretions, and gastric tissue’s NO metabolites level were significantly lower in alcohol and Lvandu/alcohol groups than control (p<0/05). But changes in gastric acid and pepsin secretions have not been noticeable in alcohol/Lvandu group than control.

Results: Forty patients were enrolled in this study. They all fulfilled the criteria for absence epilepsy with 3-Hz spike-wave complexes on the EEG, normal neurological examination, and no other seizures types. Seizure onset occurred between 24.1 and 36.0 months. There was a family history of epilepsy in 28%, and of febrile seizures in 13%. Thirty-three patients were treated with valproic acid (VPA), mostly used in monotherapy (26 patients) or in association with ethosuximide. At final follow-up, 33 patients were seizure free and 29 had normal EEGs. Thirty-four patients had a normal intelligence quotient (IQ), whereas 6

had a decreased IQ mainly associated with poor control of seizures.

Conclusion: In our series, absence seizures presenting before the age of 3 appeared to have quite a good long-term clinical prognosis; the neuropsychological outcome was comparable to that of childhood epilepsy presenting after 3 years of age. (C) 2010 Elsevier buy OSI-744 Inc. All rights reserved.”
“The pattern of altered gene expression due to epigenetic change is of selleck products major importance in malignancies. Aberrant DNA methylation is one of the many potential causes

for this and is considered to be an early event in the etiology of breast carcinogenesis.

The present study assessed the methylation status of three genes relevant in breast cancer (BC): The breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1), 17 beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD17B1) and type 2 (HSD17B2). Restriction enzyme based Methylation specific PCR (REMS PCR) was carried out in 104 tumor samples from sporadic BC patients and 48 samples of adjacent normal breast tissue.

The percentage of tumor samples showing BRCA1, HSD17B1 and HSD17B2 methylation was 20.4%, 83.3% and 31.3%, respectively. Methylation was higher in tumors when compared to adjacent normal breast tissue samples. This suggests that methylation of these three genes plays an important learn more role in BC etiology. Methylation is responsible for gene silencing and since BRCA1 and HSD17B2 were not found to be methylated in the same tissue

samples, this suggests that the etiology of > 50% of the tumors could be accounted for by the independent epigenetic silencing of these two genes. BRCA1 and HSD17B2 genes may increase the risk of developing BC via enhanced estradiol activity. It is for the first time that the role of HSD17B gene methylation in BC pathophysiology is being proposed.”
“Background: The expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) family has not been fully investigated in colorectal carcinomas. This study investigated IAP expression in colorectal carcinomas and assessed their prognostic significance. Methods: Livin, XIAP, and SMAC/DIABLO expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 159 colorectal carcinomas. Correlations between protein expression and clinicopathological features were evaluated.

In addition, we aimed to estimate the numerical density, total number, and height of renal glomeruli and the volume and volumetric fractions of the cortex, medulla, and whole kidneys, selleck inhibitor and tried to determine whether there was a change in these stereological parameters depending on haloperidol treatment. Both the qualitative and quantitative histological features of the kidney

samples were analyzed with conventional histopathological and modern stereological methods at the light microscopic level. The total number of glomeruli and numerical density of glomerulus in the haloperidol-treated groups was not changed by increasing the dose in comparison to the control group. The mean height of the glomerulus significantly increased, especially in low-dose groups. In the haloperidol-treated groups, the Smoothened Agonist chemical structure volumetric fractions of the cortex to the whole kidney of the rats were significantly decreased by increasing the dose. The volumetric fractions of the medulla to the whole kidney of the rats were increased significantly in parallel by the given dose. In addition, we present quantitative findings showing that haloperidol is associated with many alterations in rat kidneys. It was

shown that haloperidol may lead to undesirable changes in the kidney after chronic treatment with especially high doses.”
“Background: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) activates the complement system promoting opsonophagocytosis, which could represent an advantage for Mycobacterium leprae, an intracellular pathogen. Therefore, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MBL2 gene associated with low levels of MBL could confer protection against the development of leprosy disease.

Methods: In this study, we investigated SNPs of the MBL2 gene and MBL levels in 228 Brazilian leprosy patients and 232 controls.

Results: There were no differences in the frequencies of variant genotypes and haplotypes of MBL2 between patients and controls, or between the different clinical forms of leprosy. In the group of patients with a genotype for high expression of MBL2, this website those aged > 40 years had decreased MBL levels compared to patients aged <= 40 years (p = 0.037).

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate that age could influence the phenotype of MBL2, but no evidence was found for an association of MBL2 polymorphism with susceptibility to leprosy or its clinical forms. (C) 2011 International Society for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The aim of this paper is to study the prevalence of Raynaud’s phenomenon in young males. Young males were examined prospectively in a district hospital, and laboratory tests were performed on the basis of the clinical history. Young males (3.912), age 18-28 years old, were examined. Raynaud’s phenomenon was present in seven men (1,79 per 1.000, 95% Cl 0.72-3.68). Three of them had at least one member in their family diagnosed with Raynaud’s phenomenon.

This pathology is often difficult to diagnose and requires a combination of multidisciplinary examinations. The confirmation of the diagnosis is important in order to quickly match the treatment with the pathology. We report a patient with primary esophageal tuberculosis for whom the interferon gamma release assay facilitated a timely diagnosis.”
“This analysis attempts to highlight the varied presentations, diagnostic difficulties, https://www.selleckchem.com/products/c188-9.html management and subsequent obstetric performances of women managed for advanced abdominal pregnancy.

A retrospective analysis of all 20 cases of abdominal pregnancies between 1976 and

2006, at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Afikpo, southeastern Autophagy pathway inhibitor Nigeria was performed.

There were 20 cases of abdominal pregnancy out of 58,000 deliveries, giving an incidence of 0.34 per 1,000 deliveries. The diagnoses were missed in 10 cases and there was one maternal death. There were four live births, two early neonatal deaths and four cases of lithopedion. The placenta was removed in 11 cases. Though the duration of hospital stay was longer in women in whom the placenta was left in situ compared to those in whom the placenta was removed, the observed difference was, however, not statistically significant

(p value, 0.538). The majority of the women were lost to follow-up over the years; however, of the five women successfully followed up, only two (40%) had subsequent childbirth.

The rate of 50% missed diagnosis in this study highlights the need for a high index of suspicion in the diagnosis of abdominal pregnancies as the clinical features are varied. It calls for vigilance on the part of the obstetrician. The maternal and fetal outcomes relate to early diagnosis and skilled management.”
“Phytochemical compounds in

fruits Captisol and vegetables have gained great importance in the last few years because of the increasing evidence suggesting their antioxidant and prevention of chronic diseases. Carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamins E and C, are among these phytochemicals. Several fruits have been characterized so far for their antioxidant and health properties but there is still limited information on fruits from the tropic. Therefore, the objective of this study was the characterization of mamey fruit (Pouteria sapota Jacq. H. E. Moore & Stearn) with regard to their antioxidant capacity and phytochemical profile. Phenolics, carotenoids and delta-tocopherol were quantified and identified by HPLC-DAD-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), and DPPH and FRAP assays were used to evaluate antioxidant capacity. Hydrophilic extracts of mamey fruit showed higher antioxidant capacity than the lipophilic portion. Total soluble phenols content was 28.5 mg GAE/100 g fw, being p-hydroxybenzoic acid as the main phenolic that was identified. Total carotenoid content was 1127.

Considering the diversity of phenotypic characteristics assigned to expression of ApoE/E > 4, seems

to be a potentially useful to direct practitioner on concrete figures related to the genetic propensity of many conditions, from circulatory to mental disorders.”
“BACKGROUND: Ovarian pathology, including nonfunctional tumors and massive edema of the ovary, has been associated with stromal luteinization and clinical endocrinopathies.

CASE: An adolescent girl presented with primary amenorrhea, clitoromegaly, and large abdominopelvic mass. Laboratory evaluation revealed an elevated serum total testosterone level of 241 ng/dL. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed three cystic adnexal this website structures, with the largest measuring 16 x 8 x 18 cm. Surgery with pelvic washings, bilateral ovarian cystectomies, unilateral paratubal cystectomy, and bilateral ovarian biopsies were performed. Pathology confirmed bilateral mucinous cystadenomas and massive edema of the ovaries. Postoperatively, the serum total testosterone level normalized.

CONCLUSION: Nonfunctional ovarian tumors and massive edema of the ovaries

should be considered in the differential diagnosis for a patient presenting with signs of hyperandrogenism. (Obstet Gynecol 2012;120:473-6) DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3182572654″
“To evaluate the relationships between F352V polymorphism of Klotho gene, bone mineral density (BMD), and intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery in postmenopausal women.

Spine and selleck chemicals llc hip BMD was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and IMT was measured by ultrasonography in 184 postmenopausal women. The genotyping of the Klotho gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Genotype frequencies were 81.5% for the homozygous wild type FF and 18.5% for the combined FV and VV genotypes. There were no significant differences

in BMD at any site of measurement Stattic datasheet and mean carotid artery IMT across Klotho genotypes. In regression analysis, femoral neck BMD, but not total hip or lumbar spine BMD, was negatively associated with mean carotid IMT (p = 0.04). Patients with low femoral neck BMD had a significantly higher prevalence of carotid artery plaques as compared to those with normal BMD (p = 0.01).

The F352V polymorphism in the Klotho gene does not have a significant influence on bone mass and carotid atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women. Femoral neck BMD is associated with mean carotid IMT, suggesting that low bone mass may identify postmenopausal women at risk of atherosclerotic CVD.”
“BACKGROUND: We report the diagnosis and management of testosterone hypersecretion in the presence of an adrenal mass and no initially discernible ovarian mass.

Together, our results indicate that F90G5-3 is of potential value as a diagnostic immunoreagent for BoNT/A capture assay development and bio-forensic analysis.”
“The palm Euterpe oleracea Martius (acai) has been acclaimed to have a wide range of health-promoting and therapeutic benefits due to its reportedly high levels of antioxidants. Acai has a history of use as MK-2206 chemical structure a medicinal plant and as a staple food in many parts of Brazil. Traditionally, it has been used to treat fevers, skin complications, digestive disorders and parasitic infections. Acai has also been of great economic

importance in Brazil. In recent years, acai berry has been advertised widely, for example, via the Internet. This is based to a relatively high content of polyphenols, which in turn has been linked to a range of reported (mostly in vitro) antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and cardioprotective properties.

This review highlights the scientific knowledge about its phytochemistry and pharmacology

(and its GSK2879552 price limitations). In vitro and in vivo studies have been assessed in order to determine the therapeutic potential of acai. Since there have been very limited studies the results are mostly inconclusive. Acai demonstrates promising potential with regard to antiproliferative activity and cardioprotection but further studies are required. Claims about alleged health benefits can generally only be substantiated to a very limited degree.

Strategies need to be developed in order to prioritise lesser studied ‘novel’ herbal, medicines or nutraceuticals generally distributed/popularised via the Internet and to 3-Methyladenine mw assess the benefits and risks of such products which also allows for the evaluation of the claims made. (C) 2010 Phytochemical Society of Europe. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Objective. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) 8-isoprostane concentrations are increased in asthma, but it is not known if they acutely change following bronchoprovocation. The objective of this study was to evaluate EBC 8-isoprostane concentrations following

allergen-induced bronchoprovocation in asthma. Methods. This comparison study included eight mild atopic asthmatics and six controls. Asthmatics were challenged with inhaled specific allergen, methacholine, and irrelevant allergen in random order. Controls were challenged with irrelevant allergen. EBCs collected at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 23 hours by the R-tube method were measured for 8-isoprostanes by ELISA technique. Repeated measures ANOVA technique was used for analysis. Results. EBC 8-isoprostane concentrations did not change following any inhalational challenge, as compared to baseline, in either asthmatics or controls. Conclusions. EBC 8-isoprostane concentrations do not acutely change following bronchoprovocation in subjects with mild asthma.

The depth of wear is gradually decreased which makes the fluid-based wear cannot realize the global surface planarization by itself. The abrasive wear process leads to characteristic surface topography running in the same direction as the sliding motion while the adhesive wear leads to the atoms of the substrate materials adhere to the opposing surface. The adhesion wear plays an important role at lower moving speed while

the abrasive wear dominates the wear process at higher moving speed which means the moving speed is one of the key factors that influence the particle wear mechanism at the nanometer scale. Different tribology behavior involved in the CMP indicates that the final surface planarization is accomplished by the synergetic effect of different wear mechanism. (C) 2011 American Institute buy NU7026 of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3626798]“
“The objectives of this study were to study the relationship between in vivo ultrasound measurements and cold carcass measurements at 4 anatomical points of the backbone, and to establish regression equations to estimate KPT-8602 manufacturer carcass composition within the cold carcass weight range for Ternasco lambs (8 to 12.5 kg) by using ultrasonic measurements taken

at a single location. Measurements of subcutaneous fat and skin thickness and of muscle depth and width were taken over the 10th to 11th and 12th to 13th thoracic vertebrae and the 1st to 2nd and 3rd to 4th lumbar vertebrae. These measurements were taken at 2 and 4 cm from the nearest end of the LM to the backbone and at 1/3 of the LM width with the probe perpendicular to and parallel to the backbone. The left sides of the carcasses were dissected into muscle, fat, and bone. Body weight (22.6 kg) and cold carcass weight (10.8 kg) were representative of Ternasco light lambs. Muscle depth measured selleck chemical at 2 cm, 4 cm, and 1/3 of LM width remained regular, with slight ups and downs along the spine. All the pairs of in vivo ultrasound and cold carcass measurements were significantly different (P < 0.05) and had small correlations. All the ultrasound measurements of muscle depth at any location or at

any distance to the backbone were less than their equivalent cold carcass measurements, with differences ranging from 0.8 to 5.9 mm. Differences between ultrasound fat thickness + interface (US_FDGI) and cold carcass fat thickness were less than differences between ultrasound fat thickness and cold carcass fat thickness, ranging from -0.9 to -1.0 mm for the former and from -2.1 to -0.5 mm for the latter. The small differences in absolute values between US_FDGI and cold carcass fat thickness suggest that US_FDGI is the best measure of the real fatness level of the lambs. The best prediction equations for muscle, bone, and fat were developed with in vivo ultrasound data measured at the 1st to 2nd lumbar vertebrae perpendicularly to the backbone, but they had limited predictive value.