Machine Learning Methods and Visual Observations to Categorize Behavior of Grazing Cattle Using Accelerometer Signals.

Accelerometers worn by animals produce distinct behavioral signatures, which can be classified accurately using machine learning methods such as random forest decision trees. The objective of this study was to identify accelerometer signal separation among parsimonious behaviors. We achieved this objective by (1) describing functional differences in accelerometer signals among discrete behaviors, (2) identifying the optimal window size for signal pre-processing, and (3) demonstrating the number of observations required to achieve the desired level of model accuracy,. Crossbred steers (Bos taurus indicus; n = 10) were fitted with GPS collars containing a video camera and tri-axial accelerometers (read-rate = 40 Hz). Distinct behaviors from accelerometer signals, particularly for grazing, were apparent because of the head-down posture. Increasing the smoothing window size to 10 s improved classification accuracy (p < 0.05), but reducing the number of observations below 50% resulted in a decrease in accuracy for all behaviors (p < 0.05). In-pasture observation increased accuracy and precision (0.05 and 0.08 percent, respectively) compared with animal-borne collar video observations.

Two hundred three cases of equine lymphoma classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification criteria.

Lymphoma is the most common malignant neoplasm in the horse. Single case reports and small retrospective studies of equine lymphomas are reported infrequently in the literature. A wide range of clinical presentations, tumor subtypes, and outcomes have been described, and the diversity of the results demonstrates the need to better define lymphomas in horses. As part of an initiative of the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group, 203 cases of equine lymphoma have been gathered from 8 institutions. Hematoxylin and eosin slides from each case were reviewed and 187 cases were immunophenotyped and categorized according to the World Health Organization classification system. Data regarding signalment, clinical presentation, and tumor topography were also examined. Ages ranged from 2 months to 31 years (mean, 10.7 years). Twenty-four breeds were represented; Quarterhorses were the most common breed (n = 55), followed by Thoroughbreds (n = 33) and Standardbreds (n = 30). Lymphomas were categorized into 13 anatomic sites. Multicentric lymphomas were common (n = 83), as were skin (n = 38) and gastrointestinal tract (n = 24). A total of 14 lymphoma subtypes were identified. T-cell-rich large B-cell lymphomas were the most common subtype, diagnosed in 87 horses. Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (n = 45) and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (n = 26) were also frequently diagnosed.

Lung stereotactic radiation therapy: Intercomparison of irradiation devices in terms of outcome and predictive factors.

PURPOSE: To compare three different radiotherapy devices able to perform pulmonary stereotactic radiotherapy: CyberKnife® (CK), Helical Tomotherapy® (HT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). This study aims to define the patients' outcome in terms of SBRT efficacy and toxicities depending of the device choice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, radiological, and dosimetric data of patients treated with lung SBRT between 2016 and 2020 at Lausanne University Hospital, using the Chi2 test for proportions, the t-test for means comparisons, the Kaplan-Meier method for survival, and the Log-rank test and Cox-regression for intergroups comparisons. RESULTS: We identified 111 patients treated by either CK (59.9%), VMAT (38.0%), or HT (2.1%). Compared to other techniques, CK treated comparable gross tumor volume (GTV; 2.1 vs. 1.4cm3, P=0.84) with smaller planning treatment volume (PTV; 12.3 vs. 21.9cm3, P=0.013) and lower V5 (13.5 vs. 19.9cm3, P=0.002). Local control rates at 2years were not different whatever the irradiation device, respectively of 96.2% (range, 90.8-100) and 98.1% (range, 94.4-100), P=0.68. Toxicity incidence significantly increased with V5 value>17.2% (56.0 vs. 77.4%, P=0.021). CONCLUSION: Compared to other SBRT techniques, CK treatments permitted to treat comparable GTV with reduced PTV and V5. Toxicity incidence was less frequent when reducing the V5. CK is particularly attractive in case of multiple courses of lung SBRT or lung reirradiation.

The effect of pergolide mesylate on adrenocorticotrophic hormone responses to exogenous thyrotropin releasing hormone in horses.

Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation testing is often used to support a diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in horses although it is unclear whether or not repeat TRH stimulation testing post-treatment is a valid means of assessing response to medical therapy. Laboratory submissions from 64 suspected equine PPID cases were examined including the initial pre-treatment TRH stimulation test and a follow up test within 100 days of starting medical therapy with pergolide. In a subset of cases, further follow-up tests were examined beyond 100 days of starting treatment. Results from tests conducted between 1 July and 30 November were excluded. Significant improvements were seen in both the baseline and TRH-stimulated adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentrations within 100 days with no further improvements seen in the subset of cases examined thereafter. Although 88% (n = 56/64) of all cases showed a decreased response to TRH post-treatment, only 24% (n = 9/38) of horses with positive pre-treatment TRH stimulation tests normalised following treatment, with a further 34% (n = 13/38) improving into an equivocal test outcome category. Most commonly (42%; n = 16/38), horses with positive pre-treatment TRH stimulation tests remained positive following treatment, although 75% (n = 12/16) of these showed a numerically lower post-treatment response to TRH. These results will help inform practitioners of expected changes in TRH stimulation test results when assessing response of horses with PPID to medical therapy with pergolide.

The effect of month and breed on plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations in equids.

Use of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations for the diagnosis of PPID in equids requires awareness of other factors that might influence ACTH concentrations, including breed and time of year. This study was designed to investigate effects of breed on plasma ACTH concentrations and potential interactions between breed and time of year. Ten breeds were selected from a laboratory database containing data on plasma ACTH concentrations. Breeds represented were Arabians, Cobs, Connemara ponies, donkeys, Irish Sports horses, New Forest ponies, Shetland ponies, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods and Welsh breeds. Multivariable analysis was used to determine the effects of month and breed on plasma ACTH concentrations. A circannual pattern of ACTH concentration was documented, with a nadir in April and a peak in September. Arabian horses and donkeys had significantly higher ACTH concentrations than some other breeds, primarily from May to November, whereas in Shetland ponies and Welsh breeds, relatively higher ACTH concentrations only occurred from July to November. The annual increase in plasma ACTH appeared to commence in late April/early May in response to increasing daylight and decreased again promptly after the late September equinox as daylength fell below 12 h per day. Inter-breed differences in plasma ACTH were substantial and indicated that breed and time of year should be considered when interpreting plasma ACTH concentrations in equids suspected for PPID.

Classification of canine malignant lymphomas according to the World Health Organization criteria.

A study was carried out to test the accuracy and consistency of veterinary pathologists, not specialists in hematopathology, in applying the World Health Organization (WHO) system of classification of canine lymphomas. This study represents an initiative of the ACVP Oncology Committee, and the classification has been endorsed by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WASVA). Tissue biopsies from cases of canine lymphoma were received from veterinary oncologists, and a study by pathologists given only signalment was carried out on 300 cases. Twenty pathologists reviewed these 300 cases with each required to choose a diagnosis from a list of 43 B and T cell lymphomas. Three of the 20 were hematopathologists who determined the consensus diagnosis for each case. The 17 who formed the test group were experienced but not specialists in hematopathology, and most were diplomates of the American or European Colleges of Veterinary Pathology. The overall accuracy of the 17 pathologists on the 300 cases was 83%. When the analysis was limited to the 6 most common diagnoses, containing 80% of all cases, accuracy rose to 87%. In a test of reproducibility enabled by reintroducing 5% of cases entered under a different identity, the overall agreement between the first and second diagnosis ranged from 40 to 87%. The statistical review included 43,000 data points for each of the 20 pathologists.

Vertebral compression fracture during stereotactic body radiotherapy for spinal metastasis: A rare case of tracking failure.

Spinal metastasis are a daily challenge in clinical practice. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) allows delivery of definitive treatment with excellent long-term control rates. Its implementation needs dedicated devices and day-to-day image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). The XSight™ spine tracking system, integrates with the CyberKnife® (Accuray™), provides a fiducial-free tracking system for spinal SBRT. We report a rare case of tracking failure during treatment due to the occurrence of a vertebral compression fracture (VCF).

Multi-omic analysis of the effects of low frequency ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Heart surgery with cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with lung ischemia leading to injury and inflammation. It has been suggested this is a result of the lungs being kept deflated throughout the duration of CPB. Low frequency ventilation (LFV) during CPB has been proposed to reduce lung dysfunction. METHODS: We used a semi-biased multi-omic approach to analyse lung biopsies taken before and after CPB from 37 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery randomised to both lungs left collapsed or using LFV for the duration of CPB. We also examined inflammatory and oxidative stress markers from blood samples from the same patients. RESULTS: 30 genes were induced when the lungs were left collapsed and 80 by LFV. Post-surgery 26 genes were significantly higher in the LFV vs. lungs left collapsed, including genes associated with inflammation (e.g. IL6 and IL8) and hypoxia/ischemia (e.g. HIF1A, IER3 and FOS). Relatively few changes in protein levels were detected, perhaps reflecting the early time point or the importance of post-translational modifications. However, pathway analysis of proteomic data indicated that LFV was associated with increased "cellular component morphogenesis" and a decrease in "blood circulation". Lipidomic analysis did not identify any lipids significantly altered by either intervention. DISCUSSION: Taken together these data indicate the keeping both lungs collapsed during CPB significantly induces lung damage, oxidative stress and inflammation. LFV during CPB increases these deleterious effects, potentially through prolonged surgery time, further decreasing blood flow to the lungs and enhancing hypoxia/ischemia.

Inflammatory biomarkers in airways of patients with severe asthma compared with non-severe asthma.

BACKGROUND: About 5-10% of patients with asthma suffer from poorly-controlled disease despite corticosteroid (CS) therapy. OBJECTIVE: We determined whether there were any differences in inflammatory biomarkers between severe and non-severe asthma patients. METHODS: Nineteen severe and 20 non-severe asthma patients were recruited and underwent collection of induced sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and bronchial biopsies. RESULTS: Biopsy results showed no differences in eosinophils (major basic protein positive), neutrophils, macrophages, T cells and mast cells in the bronchial submucosa. However, subbasement membrane (SBM) thickness and smooth muscle area were increased in the biopsies. No significant differences were observed in the induced sputum inflammatory cells. In BAL fluid, there was a significant increase in neutrophils but a significant decrease in macrophages. Eosinophil counts were non-significantly increased threefold in both sputum and BAL in severe asthma. Levels of IL-8 and IL-13 in sputum supernatants were similar in both groups of asthma patients. There was a significant inverse correlation between post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s and provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV(1) with SBM thickness. CONCLUSION: Differences in inflammatory cells were observed mainly in terms of increased neutrophils and reduction in macrophage numbers in BAL fluid with a trend towards increased eosinophils in severe asthma compared with non-severe asthma. However, the most notable features are the increase in features of airway wall remodelling of SBM thickness and smooth muscle area.

Oscillations of calcium ion concentrations in Physarum polycephalum.

Aequorin is a photoprotein which emits light in response to changes in free calcium concentration. When aequorin was microinjected into plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum, light emission varied in synchrony with the motile oscillations of the organisms. Therefore, movement is correlated which changes in the concentration of free calcium.

Control of chemotaxis in Physarum polycephalum.

Plasmodia migrate towards those situations which increase the frequency of their alternations in streaming, and away from those which decrease the frequency. Therefore peristalsis-like waves in Physarum move in the direction opposite from the net movement of the organism. The mechanism is fundamentally related to other known types of chemotaxis.

Functional specialization in rhesus monkey auditory cortex.

Neurons in the lateral belt areas of rhesus monkey auditory cortex prefer complex sounds to pure tones, but functional specializations of these multiple maps in the superior temporal region have not been determined. We tested the specificity of neurons in the lateral belt with species-specific communication calls presented at different azimuth positions. We found that neurons in the anterior belt are more selective for the type of call, whereas neurons in the caudal belt consistently show the greatest spatial selectivity. These results suggest that cortical processing of auditory spatial and pattern information is performed in specialized streams rather than one homogeneously distributed system.

Stability of common biochemistry analytes in equine blood stored at room temperature.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Time delays between collection of blood samples and biochemical analysis of equine blood are unavoidably common in equine practice. The effect that delays may have on the accuracy of results of blood biochemical analyses is not well established. HYPOTHESIS: Delays in processing of blood of up to 72 h results in alterations in measured levels of common biochemical analytes that are of potential clinical relevance. Separation of serum prior to storage is protective against the effects of time delays. METHODS: Samples of clotted blood, separated serum and oxalate fluoride plasma from 20 horses were stored and analysed at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. Graphical exploration of each analyte was undertaken. General linear models with fixed effects were fitted for the whole blood data. The mean bias and 95% limits of agreement were calculated, using bootstrapped data, to assess agreement between pairs of samples analysed at 0 h and other time points. Bland-Altman plots were used to explore general trends in the data. Paired t tests were used to compare the results from whole blood and separated serum. RESULTS: Delays in processing equine blood resulted in significant increases in measured concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, total bile acids and magnesium. A significant decrease in concentration was identified for glucose (serum and oxalate fluoride preserved plasma). Separation of serum immediately following clot formation resulted in nonsignificant increases in accuracy for some analytes. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Delays in processing of blood samples may result in biochemical changes of clinical relevance in individual cases; however, in the majority of cases, where delays are only a few days and a number of analytes are assessed concurrently, delays are unlikely to have an effect on the interpretation of results. Separation of serum following clot formation is of limited benefit. Clinical samples in which a delay in processing has occurred may be interpreted with reference to the data presented.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with pancreatic beta cell dysfunction in 3 horses confirmed with minimal model analysis.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is diagnosed rarely in equine practice although it may be under-recognised. A greater awareness of the condition and therapeutic considerations would be to the benefit of such cases presenting in practice. More investigation into the pharmacological management of these cases is needed. OBJECTIVES: Three cases of diabetes mellitus were investigated using a specific test for insulin sensitivity and pancreatic beta cell function in order to define accurately and characterise the existence of T2DM in all 3 subjects. METHODS: The insulin-modified frequently sampled i.v. glucose tolerance test was performed in each case and the data so obtained were subject to minimal model analysis of insulin-glucose dynamics. Cases were then monitored following treatment using a combination of dietary modification, metformin, glibenclamide and pergolide. RESULTS: Marked insulin resistance was identified in each case and, furthermore, severe pancreatic beta cell dysfunction was present therefore classifying each case as end stage T2DM. Treatment was nevertheless associated with restoration of normoglycaemia in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM in horses may be more common than generally considered.In some cases individuals may respond to therapy aimed at restoring insulin sensitivity and pancreatic function. Drugs used in other species for the treatment of T2DM have not yet been adequately tested in horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: T2DM should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in mature to elderly horses and ponies suffering from weight loss, polydipsia and polyuria. Clinicians should be encouraged to offer treatment and management advice when such cases are encountered.

Evaluation of adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for the treatment of feline mammary carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Feline mammary carcinomas (FMC) are locally invasive and highly metastatic tumors. Because of the high metastatic potential, patients often are treated with adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy, but little data exist to evaluate the effect of this strategy. HYPOTHESIS: Adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy improves outcome for FMC compared with surgery alone. ANIMALS: Cats with naturally occurring, biopsy-confirmed FMC treated with either surgery alone (Sx) or with surgery plus adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy (Sx + Chemo). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. Clinical data were collected and compared to identify differences between groups. Outcome results were determined and compared. Prognostic factors for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy-three cats were evaluated, of which 37 were in the Sx group and 36 in the Sx + Chemo group. No differences in clinical data were found between Sx and Sx + Chemo groups. Median DFS times for the Sx and Sx + Chemo groups were 372 and 676 days, respectively (P= .15) and median survival times (ST) were 1,406 and 848 days, respectively (P= .78). For cats that underwent a unilateral radical mastectomy, ST was significantly longer for the Sx + Chemo compared with the Sx group (1,998 versus 414 days, respectively; P= .03). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study did not find a benefit to adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in cats with FMC. Additional studies are required to determine whether patient subgroups with negative prognostic factors may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

The effect of metformin on measurements of insulin sensitivity and beta cell response in 18 horses and ponies with insulin resistance.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Laminitis in equids is a very common debilitating disease, and insulin resistance (IR) and hyperinsulinaemia are increasingly recognised as important predisposing factors. Pharmacological modification of IR and hyperinsulinaemia might reduce the risk of laminitis. HYPOTHESIS: Metformin, a drug commonly prescribed for treatment of human IR, may also decrease IR in equids. METHODS: Eighteen horses and ponies with IR and recurrent laminitis were treated with 15 mg/kg bwt metformin per os q. 12 h. Each animal served as its own control by comparing pre- and post treatment proxies for IR, insulin sensitivity (IS) and pancreatic beta cell function while controlling for possible dietary and managemental influences on IR. RESULTS: Evidence of significantly improved IS and decreased pancreatic beta cell secretion was found following metformin treatment. The magnitude of effect was greater at earlier resampling (6-14 days) than at later times (23-220 days). Apparent subjective clinical benefits were good but less favourable than effects on IR. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin is safe and appears to increase IS in equids. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Metformin may be indicated as a treatment for IR in equids. Further studies are required to define appropriate selection of subjects warranting therapy, dosing schedule and pharmacokinetics.

Long-term management of sabulous cystitis in five horses.

Five horses with sabulous cystitis were managed for up to three years. They were treated by emptying the bladder through a urinary catheter and saline lavage with cytoscopic guidance to remove residual sabulous material. The cystitis was treated with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medications, and bethanechol chloride was also administered. Frequent catheterisation and emptying of the bladder was an alternative to regular cystoscopic examination with saline lavage but it resulted in the development of a urethral stricture in one case. Four of the horses returned to work and one was retired owing to persistent incontinence.

A study of the environmental survival of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus equi represents a common hazard to equids worldwide. Environmental contamination with bacteria shed from an infected horse may represent a significant source of contagion and further knowledge of ex vivo bacterial survival under different conditions is important for disinfection and isolation protocols. OBJECTIVES: To determine the potential duration of survival and vigour of growth of S. equi inoculated onto surfaces relevant to equine veterinary practice and stabling in summer and winter. STUDY DESIGN: Repeat sampling of environmental inocula of S. equi. METHODS: Cultures of S. equi were inoculated onto wood, a shoe sole, cotton overalls, inside a nasogastric tube, inside a dental rasp, in a wet plastic bucket and onto a fence post both in the summer and winter seasons. Frequent resampling and culture from the inoculated sites was conducted until no viable bacteria were found. Bacterial viability was determined by both duration (time to first negative culture) and vigour of growth (growth score over the first 3 days of culture) and compared between inoculated sites and times of year. RESULTS: Bacterial viability was enhanced by a wet local environment and by the winter season. Survival tended to be short in the summer (up to 9 days in wet sites and up to 2 days in dry sites) but much longer in the winter (up to 34 days in wet sites and up to 13 days in dry sites). Vigour of bacterial growth was also greater in the winter than in the summer as judged by 3-day-growth scores. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Direct comparison with the variable size and nature of naturally shed infectious material is difficult. CONCLUSIONS: Veterinarians and personnel handling horses should be aware that S. equi may survive in an equine environment for longer than previously found, especially when protected by wet and cold conditions.

Clinical, immunophenotypic and functional characterisation of T-cell leukaemia in six horses.

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Lymphoid leukaemia (LL) is rare in equids. In man, immunophenotypic classification identifies distinct leukaemic types with different treatment strategies. Improved understanding and classification of equine LL may allow similar advances. OBJECTIVES: To document the clinical, immunophenotypic and functional characteristics in 6 cases of equine LL of T-cell origin. METHODS: The clinical records and pathological findings from 6 cases of equine LL were analysed. Immunohistochemistry to identify T or B lymphocytes was performed on paraffin embedded tissues in 4 cases. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were phenotyped for expression of CD4, CD8, MHC class I and II and B-cell antigens in 4 cases using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and flow cytometry. Neoplastic lymphocytes from 4 horses were stimulated with mitogens. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Six horses of various breeds were identified with LL of T-cell origin. The clinical course and presenting signs varied. Neoplastic lymphocytes were identified in peripheral blood samples from all horses and tissue invasion was confirmed at examination post mortem in 4 horses. Immunophenotyping identified a predominance of CD3+ T-cells in lymphoid tissues and CD4+ T-cells in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the affected horses. Neoplastic lymphocytes from the 4 cases that were tested failed to proliferate in response to mitogens. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Characterisation of the clinical, pathological and immunological findings in 6 horses with LL has added to reports of this rare condition, characterised it in greater detail and therefore provides a starting point for further investigations.

Splice site prediction using stochastic regular grammars.

This paper presents a novel approach to the problem of splice site prediction, by applying stochastic grammar inference. We used four grammar inference algorithms to infer 1465 grammars, and used 10-fold cross-validation to select the best grammar for each algorithm. The corresponding grammars were embedded into a classifier and used to run splice site prediction and compare the results with those of NNSPLICE, the predictor used by the Genie gene finder. We indicate possible paths to improve this performance by using Sakakibara's windowing technique to find probability thresholds that will lower false-positive predictions.