Longitudinal assessment of syringomyelia in Pomeranians.

Introduction: Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) are disorders that, in dogs, affect mainly small and toy breeds, including the Pomeranian. These disorders are linked to a great number of (owner-reported) clinical signs (ORCS) suggestive of pain. Aging was associated with an increased risk of having SM in several studies. However, there are only a few longitudinal studies that assess the presence and severity of CM/SM over time in CKCS dogs and progression of SM was linked to progression of clinical signs. The aim of this study was to investigate ORCS, CM/SM classification, and quantitative syrinx parameters in relation to progression of time (age) within individual Pomeranians. Materials and methods: Pomeranians with or without ORCS and with or without diagnoses of CM/SM were included that had undergone two (or more) MRI studies of the craniocervicothoracic region between January 2020 and June 2023. Classification of CM/SM and quantitative syrinx measurements were performed. Absolute values as well as ratios for syrinx height, width, and cross-sectional area were included for analysis. Results: A total of 19 Pomeranians were included in the study, of which 11 were male (58%) and 8 were female (42%). The median age at the time of MRI1 was 26 months (range 7-44 months). The median scan interval was 26 months (range 11-49 months). Eleven dogs (58%) were presented with ORCS at the time of MRI1, whereas the other 8 dogs (42%) had no ORCS at that time. At the time of MRI2, there were 17/19 dogs (89%) with ORCS and 2/19 dogs without ORCS (11%). Dogs were significantly more likely to have ORCS at MRI2 than MRI1 (p = 0. 0411). There was no significant difference between CM/SM classification at the time of MRI1 and MRI2. Significant differences were found between MRI1 and MRI2 for syrinx height (based on transverse images) (absolute value and ratio P = 0.0059), syrinx width (absolute value P = 0.1055, ratio P = 0.0039), and syrinx cross sectional area (absolute value P = 0.0195, ratio P = 0.0217). Discussion: There are differences in the presence or absence of ORCS as well as quantitative syrinx measurements in Pomeranians at different ages. This finding supports that longitudinal changes occur in the SM status of Pomeranians.

Beyond cannabinoids: Application of NMR-based metabolomics for the assessment of Cannabis sativa L. crop health.

While Cannabis sativa L. varieties have been traditionally characterized by their major cannabinoid profile, it is now well established that other plant metabolites can also have physiological effects, including minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Given the multiple applications of cannabis in the medical field, it is therefore critical to characterize it according to its chemical composition (i.e., its metabolome) and not only its botanical traits. With this in mind, the cannabinoid and metabolomic profiles from inflorescences of two C. sativa varieties with either high Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) or high cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) contents harvested at different times were studied. According to results from HPLC and NMR-based untargeted metabolomic analyses of organic and aqueous plant material extracts, we show that in addition to expected variations according to cannabinoid profiles, it is possible to distinguish between harvests of the same variety. In particular, it was possible to correlate variations in the metabolome with presence of powdery mildew, leading to the identification of molecular markers associated with this fungal infection in C. sativa.

Extended Computed Tomography Scale Images Provide a Detailed Assessment of Metal Screws and Are Superior to Standard Computed Tomography Scale Images and Digital Radiography at Detecting Experimentally Induced Screw Fractures In Vitro.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To compare the ability of standard computed tomography (CT) scale (SCTS) and extended CT scale (ECTS) images, produced using conventional CT technology, to provide detailed assessment of metal screws in vitro. (2) To assess how screw size, type, and orientation relative to the Z-axis of the gantry affect implant assessment. (3) To test the ability of SCTS, ECTS, and radiography to diagnose screw failure when there is negligible screw fragment displacement. STUDY DESIGN: Part 1: 12 screws of different size, type, and composition were scanned in three orientations (parallel or 0°; oblique or 45°; and perpendicular or 90°) relative to the Z-axis of the gantry. SCTS and ECTS reconstructions were made for each screw, in each plane, to assess implant shape, structure, and diameter. Part 2: fatigue-failure was induced in four screws commonly used to stabilize canine humeral intracondylar fissures. Screws were then reassembled achieving grossly perfect apposition and alignment of the fragments. Ability to detect implant failure was tested using SCTS, ECTS, and radiography. RESULTS: ECTS provided better screw assessment compared with SCTS resulting in clear visualization of the structure in 8/12 versus 0/12 screws and shape in 12/12 versus 11/12 screws; however, results were affected by screw size, type, and orientation. ECTS identified all in vitro screw fractures with negligible screw fragment displacement; however, success was affected by screw orientation: 4/4 fractures identified with a 90° angle, 1/4 for 45°, and 0/4 for 0°. SCTS and radiography did not identify any of them. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that ECTS reconstructions are useful for assessment of metal screws and for detection of nondisplaced screw fractures.