Time budgets and weight shifting as indicators of pain in hospitalized horses.

Introduction: Pain assessment in horses presents a significant challenge due to their nonverbal nature and their tendency to conceal signs of discomfort in the presence of potential threats, including humans. Therefore, this study aimed to identify pain-associated behaviors amenable to automated AI-based detection in video recordings. Additionally, it sought to determine correlations between pain intensity and behavioral and postural parameters by analyzing factors such as time budgets, weight shifting, and unstable resting. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the development of AI-based quantitative tools for pain assessment in horses. Materials and methods: A cohort of 20 horses (mean age 15 ± 8) admitted to a university equine hospital underwent 24-h video recording. Behaviors were manually scored and retrospectively analyzed using Loopy® software. Three pain groups were established based on the Pain Score Vetmeduni Vienna : pain-free (P0), mild to moderate pain (P1), and severe pain (P2). Results: Weight shifting emerged as a reliable indicator for discriminating between painful and pain-free horses, with significant differences observed between pain groups (p < 0.001) and before and after administration of analgesia. Additionally, severely painful horses (P2 group) exhibited lower frequencies of feeding and resting standing per hour compared to pain-free horses, while displaying a higher frequency of unstable resting per hour. Discussion: The significant differences observed in these parameters between pain groups offer promising prospects for AI-based analysis and automated pain assessment in equine medicine. Further investigation is imperative to establish precise thresholds. Leveraging such technology has the potential to enable more effective pain detection and management in horses, ultimately enhancing welfare and informing clinical decision-making in equine medicine.

Predicting Acute Cardiovascular Complications in COVID-19: Insights from a Specialized Cardiac Referral Department.

BACKGROUND COVID-19 increases the risk of acute cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including acute coronary syndrome (ACS), acute pulmonary embolism (APE), and acute myocarditis (AMyo). The actual impact of CVDs on mortality of patients with COVID-19 remains unknown. This study aimed to determine whether CVDs influence the course of COVID-19 pneumonia and if they can be easily detected by using common tests and examinations. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data of 249 consecutive patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in a dedicated cardiology department were analyzed. On admission, clinical status, biomarkers, computed tomography, and bedside echocardiography were performed. RESULTS D-dimer level predicted APE (AUC=0.850 95% CI [0.765; 0.935], P<0.001) with sensitivity of 69.4% and specificity of 96.2% for a level of 4968.0 ng/mL, and NT-proBNP predicted AMyo (AUC=0.692 95% CI [0.502; 0.883], P=0.004) and showed sensitivity of 54.5%, with specificity of 86.5% for the cut-off point of 8970 pg/mL. Troponin T levels were not useful for diagnostic differentiation between CVDs. An extent of lung involvement predicted mortality (OR=1.03 95% CI [1.01;1.04] for 1% increase, P<0.001). After adjusting for lung involvement, ACS increased mortality, compared with COVID-19 pneumonia only (OR=5.27 95% CI [1.76; 16.38] P=0.003), while APE and AMyo did not affect risk for death. CONCLUSIONS D-dimer and NT-proBNP, but not troponin T, are useful in differentiating CVDs in patients with COVID-19. ACS with COVID-19 increased in-hospital mortality independently from extent of lung involvement, while coexisting APE or AMyo did not.

Leukodystrophy with Macrocephaly, Refractory Epilepsy, and Severe Hyponatremia-The Neonatal Type of Alexander Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare neurodegenerative condition that represents the group of leukodystrophies. The disease is caused by GFAP mutation. Symptoms usually occur in the infantile age with macrocephaly, developmental deterioration, progressive quadriparesis, and seizures as the most characteristic features. In this case report, we provide a detailed clinical description of the neonatal type of AxD. METHOD: Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), including a panel of 49 genes related to Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy (EIEE), was carried out, and then Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was performed on the proband's DNA extracted from blood. CASE DESCRIPTION: In the first weeks of life, the child presented with signs of increased intracranial pressure, which led to ventriculoperitoneal shunt implementation. Recurrent focal-onset motor seizures with secondary generalization occurred despite phenobarbital treatment. Therapy was modified with multiple anti-seizure medications. In MRI contrast-enhanced lesions in basal ganglia, midbrain and cortico-spinal tracts were observed. During the diagnostic process, GLUT-1 deficiency, lysosomal storage disorders, organic acidurias, and fatty acid oxidation defects were excluded. The NGS panel of EIEE revealed no abnormalities. In WES analysis, GFAP missense heterozygous variant NM_002055.5: c.1187C>T, p.(Thr396Ile) was detected, confirming the diagnosis of AxD. CONCLUSION: AxD should be considered in the differential diagnosis in all neonates with progressive, intractable seizures accompanied by macrocephaly.

A serological survey of pathogens associated with the respiratory and digestive system in the Polish European bison (Bison bonasus) population in 2017-2022.

BACKGROUND: The European bison (Bison bonasus) is a near threatened species and requires health monitoring. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to pathogens known to cause respiratory and digestive illness in ruminants. RESULTS: In the studied 328 European bison, the highest seroprevalence was observed for Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) (50.27%), Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) (26.36%), and Bluetongue Virus (BTV) (12.83%). For Mycoplasma bovis strains and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), positive results were rare. Interestingly, a higher prevalence of BTV antibodies was noted in the northeastern populations and older animals. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the Polish European bison population appears to have considerable contact with BoHV-1; however, this does not appear to be of great significance, as clinical symptoms and post-mortem lesions are rarely noted in Polish European bison population. The high seroprevalence of BTV in the north-east of Poland is an ongoing trend, also noted in previous studies. It is possible that European bison may perpetuate the virus in this region. This is the first report of antibodies for BCoV in European bison.

Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis in Asymptomatic Zoo Herbivores in Poland.

Mycobacterial infections are significant issues in zoo animals, influencing animal welfare, conservation efforts, and the zoonotic potential of pathogens. Although tuberculosis is recognised to be highly dangerous, paratuberculosis can also lead to animal losses and is potentially dangerous for humans. The aim of the current study was to confirm whether Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infections are currently present in zoos in Poland. Faeces samples (n = 131) were collected from different animal species from eight zoos in Poland. The faeces were decontaminated and inoculated into Herrold's Egg Yolk Media. The species was determined using commercial DNA testing. The IS900 was checked using RT-PCR. The culture was positive in seven samples: five with M. avium, one with Mycobacterium fortiatum, and one without any identified Mycobacterium species. RT-PCR confirmed MAP genetic material in nine animals. Our findings represent the first confirmation of MAP in bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus), indicating that it is present in Polish zoological gardens. Fortunately, the disease can be monitored more easily due to recent legislation (the Animal Health Law).

Drug-Eluting Stents: Technical and Clinical Progress.

Drug-eluting stents (DES) demonstrated superior efficacy when compared to bare metal stents and plain-old balloon angioplasty and are nowadays used in almost all percutaneous revascularization procedures. The design of the stent platforms is constantly improving to maximize its efficacy and safety. Constant development of DES includes adoption of new materials used for scaffold production, new design types, improved overexpansion abilities, new polymers coating and, finally, improved antiproliferative agents. Especially nowadays, with the immense number of available DES platforms, it is crucial to understand how different aspects of stents impact the effect of their implantation, as subtle differences between various stent platforms could impact the most important issue-clinical outcomes. This review discusses the current status of coronary stents and the impact of stent material, strut design and coating techniques on cardiovascular outcomes.

COQ8A-Ataxia as a Manifestation of Primary Coenzyme Q Deficiency.

COQ8A-ataxia is a mitochondrial disease in which a defect in coenzyme Q10 synthesis leads to dysfunction of the respiratory chain. The disease is usually present as childhood-onset progressive ataxia with developmental regression and cerebellar atrophy. However, due to variable phenotype, it may be hard to distinguish from other mitochondrial diseases and a wide spectrum of childhood-onset cerebellar ataxia. COQ8A-ataxia is a potentially treatable condition with the supplementation of coenzyme Q10 as a main therapy; however, even 50% may not respond to the treatment. In this study we review the clinical manifestation and management of COQ8A-ataxia, focusing on current knowledge of coenzyme Q10 supplementation and approach to further therapies. Moreover, the case of a 22-month-old girl with cerebellar ataxia and developmental regression will be presented.

Age-Adjusted D-Dimer Levels May Improve Diagnostic Assessment for Pulmonary Embolism in COVID-19 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to a hypercoagulable state. The prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) seems to be higher in this subgroup of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We combined data from two tertiary referral centers specialized in the management of PE. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to evaluate the prevalence of PE among a large population of consecutive patients admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia in two centers, (2) to identify a plasma D-dimer threshold that may be useful in PE diagnostic assessment, (3) to characterize the abnormalities associated with PE and mortality in COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: The incidence of symptomatic acute PE was 19.3%. For diagnosing PE in COVID-19 patients, based on ROC curve analysis, we identified a D-dimer concentration/patient's age ratio of 70, which improved D-dimer diagnostic capacity for PE and led to a reclassification improvement of 14% (NRI 0.14, p = 0.03) when compared to a cut-off level of 1000 ng/mL. Especially in severe COVID-19 lung involvement, D-dimer/age ratio cut-off equal to 70 was characterized by high diagnostic feasibility (sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value of 83%, 94%, 96%, and 73%, respectively). Apart from PE status, lung involvement and troponin T concentration were also independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. In the subgroup of PE patients, mortality was comparable with non-PE patients (19/88 (21.5%) vs. 101/368 (27.4%) for non-PE, p = 0.26) and was associated with older age, higher Bova scores, and higher troponin T concentrations. Age was the sole independent predictor for mortality in this subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: PE in COVID-19 patients is common, but it may not influence mortality when managed at a specialized center. In suspected PE, age-adjusted D-dimer levels (upper limit of normal obtained from the formula patient's age × 70) may still be a useful tool to start the diagnostic workup. In COVID-19 patients without PE, older age, more extensive parenchymal involvement, or higher D-dimer levels are factors predicting mortality.

Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia: Insight into Current Therapies.

Nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a rare inborn error of glycine metabolism that is characterized by the accumulation of glycine in all tissues, especially in the central nervous system (CNS). Based on clinical outcomes, NKH can be divided into two forms, i.e., severe and attenuated NKH. A poor prognosis, including no developmental progress and intractable epilepsy, is typical of severe NKH, whereas patients with the attenuated form present with varied symptoms and neurodevelopmental outcomes. So far, no causal treatment of NKH is known. Currently, the therapy is based on sodium benzoate and NMDA (The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) receptor site antagonists (dextromethorphan, ketamine). Different clinical outcomes of the therapy raise doubts about the effectiveness of the treatment. The purpose of this review is to summarize the therapeutic potential, challenges and effectiveness of different NKH therapies.

Evaluation of Active Renin Concentration in A Cohort of Adolescents with Primary Hypertension.

Our study aimed to assess active renin concentration in children with primary hypertension. Thus, we evaluated active renin concentration, clinical parameters, office and ambulatory blood pressure, and biochemical parameters in 51 untreated adolescents with primary hypertension (median: 14.4 [interquartile range-IQR: 13.8-16.8] years) and 45 healthy adolescents. Active renin concentration did not differ between patients with hypertension and healthy children (median: 28.5 [IQR: 21.9-45.2] vs. 24.9 [IQR: 16.8-34.3] [pg/mL], p = 0.055). In the whole group of 96 children, active renin concentration correlated positively with serum potassium and office and ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Among children with hypertension, patients with isolated systolic hypertension had lower renin concentration than patients with systolic-diastolic hypertension (26.2 [IQR: 18.6-34.2] vs. 37.8 [IQR: 27.0-49.6] [pg/mL], p = 0.014). The active renin concentration did not differ between patients with isolated systolic hypertension and healthy children. In multivariate analysis, diastolic blood pressure Z-score (beta = 0.238, 95 confidence interval [0.018-0.458], p = 0.035) was the only predictor of active renin concentration in the studied children. We concluded that active renin concentration is positively associated with blood pressure and potassium in children, and diastolic blood pressure was the strongest predictor of renin level. Patients with isolated systolic hypertension may differ from patients with systolic-diastolic hypertension in less severe activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Case Report: Blepharophimosis and Ptosis as Leading Dysmorphic Features of Rare Congenital Malformation Syndrome With Developmental Delay - New Cases With TRAF7 Variants.

Germline variants in tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 7 (TRAF7) gene have recently been described in about 50 patients with developmental delay and cardiac, facial, and digital anomalies (CAFDADD). We aimed to depict further the clinical and genetic spectrum associated with TRAF7 germline variants in two additional patients, broaden the mutational spectrum, and support the characteristic clinical variety to facilitate the diagnostics of the syndrome among physician involved in the evaluation of patients with developmental delay/congenital malformations.

PorZ, an Essential Component of the Type IX Secretion System of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Delivers Anionic Lipopolysaccharide to the PorU Sortase for Transpeptidase Processing of T9SS Cargo Proteins.

Cargo proteins of the type IX secretion system (T9SS) in human pathogens from the Bacteroidetes phylum invariably possess a conserved C-terminal domain (CTD) that functions as a signal for outer membrane (OM) translocation. In Porphyromonas gingivalis, the CTD of cargos is cleaved off after translocation, and anionic lipopolysaccharide (A-LPS) is attached. This transpeptidase reaction anchors secreted proteins to the OM. PorZ, a cell surface-associated protein, is an essential component of the T9SS whose function was previously unknown. We recently solved the crystal structure of PorZ and found that it consists of two ß-propeller moieties, followed by a CTD. In this study, we performed structure-based modeling, suggesting that PorZ is a carbohydrate-binding protein. Indeed, we found that recombinant PorZ specifically binds A-LPS in vitro Binding was blocked by monoclonal antibodies that specifically react with a phosphorylated branched mannan in the anionic polysaccharide (A-PS) component of A-LPS, but not with the core oligosaccharide or the lipid A endotoxin. Examination of A-LPS derived from a cohort of mutants producing various truncations of A-PS confirmed that the phosphorylated branched mannan is indeed the PorZ ligand. Moreover, purified recombinant PorZ interacted with the PorU sortase in an A-LPS-dependent manner. This interaction on the cell surface is crucial for the function of the "attachment complex" composed of PorU, PorZ, and the integral OM ß-barrel proteins PorV and PorQ, which is involved in posttranslational modification and retention of T9SS cargos on the bacterial surface.IMPORTANCE Bacteria have evolved multiple systems to transport effector proteins to their surface or into the surrounding milieu. These proteins have a wide range of functions, including attachment, motility, nutrient acquisition, and toxicity in the host. Porphyromonas gingivalis, the human pathogen responsible for severe gum diseases (periodontitis), uses a recently characterized type IX secretion system (T9SS) to translocate and anchor secreted virulence effectors to the cell surface. Anchorage is facilitated by sortase, an enzyme that covalently attaches T9SS cargo proteins to a unique anionic lipopolysaccharide (A-LPS) moiety of P. gingivalis Here, we show that the T9SS component PorZ interacts with sortase and specifically binds A-LPS. Binding is mediated by a phosphorylated branched mannan repeat in A-LPS polysaccharide. A-LPS-bound PorZ interacts with sortase with significantly higher affinity, facilitating modification of cargo proteins by the cell surface attachment complex of the T9SS.

Bilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis complicating acute unilateral pansinusitis in a 15-year-old boy.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare and potentially fatal complication of acute sinusitis. Timely diagnosis and management is, therefore, essential in preventing death and neurological disability. Here, we describe the case of a paediatric patient with bilateral CST secondary to acute unilateral pansinusitis that presented with rapidly progressing bilateral periorbital oedema. Initial imaging was negative. This case serves to emphasise the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion when managing paediatric patients with suspected CST with persistent symptoms. Expeditious investigation and management of our patient in this case resulted in a positive outcome, with resolution of symptoms and no residual neurological deficit.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal central nervous system: Timing and consistency between pre- and postnatal diagnoses.

INTRODUCTION: It has been shown that a proper comparison of prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is possible only in the case of a short interval between tests. However, it is worth noting that the reference test is a postnatal examination. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of time between prenatal MRI (pMRI) and postnatal examinations on the consistency of diagnoses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective observational study was carried out between 2014 and 2017 at the Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology of Krakow University Hospital. In total, 60 patients with fetuses suspected of central nervous system (CNS) defects were included in the study group. PMRI examinations were conducted in the third trimester of pregnancy. RESULTS: The median gestational age of pMRI was 35 weeks and median of the time interval between carrying out pre- and postnatal test was 34.5 days. In the group of nonconcordant diagnoses, the interval was longer. The analysis did not show a statistically significant relationship between consistency of diagnoses and timing of pMRI. The median time of pregnancy at which pMRI was performed was similar in both groups. A prolongation of the interval between examinations reduced the probability of consistency of diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: The number of inaccurate results increased with the prolongation of the interval between pre- and postnatal tests. KEY MESSAGE: Prolongation of the interval between pre- and postnatal increases number of inaccurate results.

Comparison of eleven commonly used formulae for sonographic estimation of fetal weight in prediction of actual birth weight.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to compare the accuracy of 11 formulas in predicting fetal weight. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study includes 1072 pregnant women of gestational age from 28 to 42 weeks, who gave birth between January and June 2017. Pregnant women were divided into five groups; group 1, where actual birth weight (ABW) was less than 2500 g, group 2, where ABW was between 2500-4000 g, group 3, where ABW was above 4000 g. Group 4 - newborns with birth weight under 10 percentile and group 5 - newborns with birth weight above 90 percentile. The accuracy of the estimated fetal weight (EFW) was assessed by calculating absolute percentage error (APE) and 'limits-of-agreement'. R Spearman correlation was utilized between EFW and ABW. RESULTS: The most accurate formula for group 1 is Hadlock3 (MAPE = 7.04%), the narrowest limits of agreement has Combs - [mean (SD): 99.41 g (269.57 g)]. For group 2, the lowest MAPE (5.43%) has Ott, the narrowest limits of agreement belongs to Combs - [mean (SD): -101.36 g (275.88 g)] . For group 3 is Hadlock3 (MAPE = 5.79%), the narrowest limits of agreement has Hadlock5 [mean (SD): -637.32 g (209.59 g)]. For group 4 is Combs (MAPE = 7.72%), the narrowest limits of agreement has Combs [mean (SD): 195.77 g (264.97 g)]. For gr oup 5 is Warsof2 (MAPE = 7.06%), the narrowest limits of agreement has Campbell [mean (SD): 227.81 g (299.26 g)]. CONCLUSIONS: Median of absolute percentage error is the most useful parameter to predict birth weight. Each group of fetuses needs different formula to predict the most accurate weight.

Unpacking Transient Event Dynamics in Electrophysiological Power Spectra.

Electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activity show spontaneous and task-dependent changes in their frequency-domain power spectra. These changes are conventionally interpreted as modulations in the amplitude of underlying oscillations. However, this overlooks the possibility of underlying transient spectral 'bursts' or events whose dynamics can map to changes in trial-average spectral power in numerous ways. Under this emerging perspective, a key challenge is to perform burst detection, i.e. to characterise single-trial transient spectral events, in a principled manner. Here, we describe how transient spectral events can be operationalised and estimated using Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). The HMM overcomes a number of the limitations of the standard amplitude-thresholding approach to burst detection; in that it is able to concurrently detect different types of bursts, each with distinct spectral content, without the need to predefine frequency bands of interest, and does so with less dependence on a priori threshold specification. We describe how the HMM can be used for burst detection and illustrate its benefits on simulated data. Finally, we apply this method to empirical data to detect multiple burst types in a task-MEG dataset, and illustrate how we can compute burst metrics, such as the task-evoked timecourse of burst duration.

Evaluation of Pregnancy Outcomes at Advanced Maternal Age.

AIM: The study aimed to investigate the association between advanced maternal age (AMA) and the risk of adverse maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes about parity in singleton pregnancies. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 950 women who gave birth in the Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology of the University Hospital in Kraków for six months (between 1st January and 30th June 2018). The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their age (30-34 years old, 35-39 years old and over 40 years old). Each of these groups was subsequently subdivided into 2 groups depending on parity (primiparae and multiparae). Maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the groups and the subgroups. RESULTS: Comparison of the three age groups revealed that advanced maternal age might constitute a predisposing factor for preterm birth, caesarean section and large for gestational age (LGA). From these parameters, statistical significance was reached in case of greater risk of LGA (OR = 2.17), caesarean section (OR = 2.03) and elective C-section (OR = 1.84) in women over 40 years old when compared to the patients aged 30-34. Furthermore, AMA increases the risk of postpartum haemorrhage (OR = 6.43). Additionally, there is a negative correlation between maternal age and gestational age at delivery (R = -0.106, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced maternal age can undoubtedly be associated with several adverse perinatal outcomes. At the same time, the risk of perinatal complications begins to increase after the age of 35 but becomes significant in women aged ≥ 40.

Effect of oligohydramnios on the accuracy of sonographic foetal weight estimation in at term pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound estimation of foetal weight is a very important aspect of antenatal care. The role of amniotic fluid volume as a potential factor which may impede the relevance of ultrasonographic foetal weight estimation is still questionable. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of isolated oligohydramnios on the accuracy of ultrasound foetal weight estimation in at term pregnancies when examination was performed within 48 h before delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective cohort study included 1831 women with low-risk, singleton, at term pregnancy. Estimated foetal weight (EFW) was calculated using Hadlock-4 formula. Exclusion criteria consisted of multiple pregnancies, active phase of labour, preeclampsia, foetal growth restriction, foetal anomalies, gestational diabetes mellitus and the evidence of intrauterine infection. Isolated oligohydramnios was defined as Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) ≤50 mm without any other foetal anomalies. EFW and actual birth weight (ABW) were compared by calculation of: absolute error (AE), absolute percentage error (APE) and substantial error (SE) = APE >10%. RESULTS: Participants were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: patients with normal AFI (50 ≤ AFI ≤250 mm; n = 1602) and Group 2: (isolated oligohydramnios, n = 229). There were not observed statistically significant differences between mean ABW and mean EFW in both groups (Group 1: p = 0.525; Group 2: p = 0.317). Mean AE in Group 1 was 221.8 g and 223.1 g in Group 2 (p = 0.919). Mean APE was 6.54% and 6.64% in Group 1 and 2 respectively (p = 0.816). SE ratio was 21.9% in Group 1 and 19.2% in Group 2. Underestimation to overestimation ratio in Group 1 was 1.01 and 0.84 in Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic fluid volume has limited impact on ultrasound foetal weight estimation. In oligohydramnios group there might be a tendency of overestimation of neonatal ABW.