Background
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is highly labile and delayed processing might alter results of analysis.
Hypothesis/Objectives
To determine the effects of time and addition of autologous serum ...on cytological evaluation of CSF.
Animals
Ten client‐owned adult horses requiring euthanasia.
Methods
Prospective study. Serum and CSF were collected from each horse before and within 10 minutes after euthanasia. CSF samples were divided into 15 aliquots (2 mL each); 1 aliquot was submitted for routine CSF analysis within 60 minutes of collection. Four drops of autologous serum were added to 7 of the aliquots, and stored at 4°C (serum group); the remaining 7 samples were stored unaltered at 4°C (control group). Total nucleated cell count (TNCC) and cell morphology score were done at T4, T8, T12, T24, T48, T72, and T96 hours after collection. Protein concentration was measured in the control group at T0 and T96 hours.
Results
The cell morphology scores were significantly different in the control group at T48 (median 2, range 0‐4), T72 (2, 0‐4), and T96 (3, 0‐4) in comparison to T0 (1). No change was observed in the serum group. TNCC remained stable over time in both groups. No statistically significant difference in CSF protein concentration was found between T0 and T96.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
The addition of autologous serum to an aliquot of CSF sample before shipping improves the preservation of cell morphology up to 96 hours after collection.
Background
Rapid and accurate markers to aid diagnosis of sepsis are needed in neonatal foals. The CBC variable red blood cell distribution width (RDW) to platelet ratio (RPR) is associated with ...inflammatory response and linked to poor outcomes of sepsis in human patients.
Hypothesis
Explore the correlation of RPR with sepsis in neonatal foals and evaluate RPR predictive and prognostic value.
Animals
Three hundred seventeen hospitalized neonatal foals ≤7 days of age that had a CBC and physical exam performed at admission between 2012 and 2021.
Methods
Retrospective case‐control study. Clinical records were used to calculate sepsis scores and define groups. Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio was calculated and compared between groups (septic vs nonseptic) based on Kruskal‐Wallis and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests. A multivariate logistic regression model to predict sepsis was created. The cutoff for RPR was obtained based on the maximal Youden Index. The Kaplan‐Meier method and the log‐rank test were used to estimate survival curves and compare survival rates based on RPR.
Results
Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio was significantly higher in septic foals (Median = 0.099, confidence interval CI 0.093; 0.108) than in sick nonseptic (0.085, CI 0.083; 0.089) and healthy foals (0.081, CI 0.077; 0.086; P < .0001). Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio was able to predict sepsis with high accuracy (AUC = 82.1%). The optimal RPR cutoff for sepsis was 0.09.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio calculation is practical, inexpensive, and based on CBC‐derived data. Calculation of RPR along with CBC can aid in the diagnosis of sepsis and estimation of outcome.
Background
Irreversible sensorineural auditory loss has been reported in humans treated with aminoglycosides but not in horses.
Objective
Investigate if auditory loss occurs in horses treated using ...the recommended IV daily dosage of gentamicin for 7 consecutive days.
Animals
Ten healthy adult horses (7‐15 years; females and males, 5 each).
Methods
Prospective study. Physical and neurological examinations and renal function tests were performed. Gentamicin sulfate was administered at a dosage of 6.6 mg/kg via the jugular vein on alternating sides for 7 days. Gentamicin peak and trough concentrations were measured. Horses were sedated using detomidine hydrochloride IV to perform brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) before the first dose, immediately after the last dose, and 30 days after the last dose. Peaks latencies, amplitudes, and amplitude ratios were recorded. Data from the second and last BAER were compared to results at baseline. Bone conduction was performed to rule out conduction disorders.
Results
Seven horses had auditory loss: complete bilateral (N = 1), complete unilateral (N = 2), and partial unilateral (N = 4). Based on physical examination and BAER results, sensorineural auditory loss was suspected. Absent bone conduction ruled out a conduction disorder and further supported sensorineural auditory loss in horses with completely absent BAER. Auditory dysfunction was reversible in 4 of 7 horses.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
Gentamicin at recommended doses may cause sensorineural auditory loss in horses that might be irreversible. Follow‐up studies are needed to investigate if other dosing protocols present a similar risk.
Purpose
Whether the modified shuttle test (MST) achieves maximal effort in children and adolescents with asthma is unclear. The aim was to compare the physiological responses of MST to the ...cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in pediatric patients with asthma, to observe its convergent validity.
Patients and Methods
A cross‐sectional study with volunteers with asthma (6–17 years of age) under regular treatment. The MST is an external‐paced test, and the participants were allowed to walk/run. CPET was performed on a cycle ergometer to compare with MST. Gas exchange (VO2, VCO2, and VE) and heart rate (HR) were the outcomes and were continuously assessed in both tests.
Results
Forty‐seven volunteers were included, normal lung function expiratory forced volume at 1st second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) 88.6 (7.7). VO2peak was higher at MST (2.0 ± 0.6 L/min) compared to CPET (1.6 ± 0.5 L/min), p < 0.001. Similar results was observed to VE at MST (50 ± 16 L/min) versus VE at CPET (40 ± 13 L/min), and to VCO2 at MST (2.1 ± 0.8 L/min) versus VCO2 at CPET (1.7 ± 0.6 L/min), p < 0.001. HR was also higher at MST (94 ± 6%pred) versus CPET (87 ± 8%pred), p = 0.002. VO2peak in MST correlated to the CPET (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). The ICC of VO2peak between tests was 0.73 (0.06–0.89), p < 0.001, and VO2peak Bland–Altman analysis showed a bias of 0.46 L/min.
Conclusion
The MST showed a maximal physiologic response in children and adolescents with asthma. It is a valid test and can be used as an alternative to evaluating exercise capacity.
Accurate and scalable quantification of amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology is crucial for deeper disease phenotyping and furthering research in Alzheimer Disease (AD). This multidisciplinary study addresses ...the current limitations on neuropathology by leveraging a machine learning (ML) pipeline to perform a granular quantification of Aβ deposits and assess their distribution in the temporal lobe. Utilizing 131 whole-slide-images from consecutive autopsied cases at the University of California Davis Alzheimer Disease Research Center, our objectives were threefold: (1) Validate an automatic workflow for Aβ deposit quantification in white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM); (2) define the distributions of different Aβ deposit types in GM and WM, and (3) investigate correlates of Aβ deposits with dementia status and the presence of mixed pathology. Our methodology highlights the robustness and efficacy of the ML pipeline, demonstrating proficiency akin to experts' evaluations. We provide comprehensive insights into the quantification and distribution of Aβ deposits in the temporal GM and WM revealing a progressive increase in tandem with the severity of established diagnostic criteria (NIA-AA). We also present correlations of Aβ load with clinical diagnosis as well as presence/absence of mixed pathology. This study introduces a reproducible workflow, showcasing the practical use of ML approaches in the field of neuropathology, and use of the output data for correlative analyses. Acknowledging limitations, such as potential biases in the ML model and current ML classifications, we propose avenues for future research to refine and expand the methodology. We hope to contribute to the broader landscape of neuropathology advancements, ML applications, and precision medicine, paving the way for deep phenotyping of AD brain cases and establishing a foundation for further advancements in neuropathological research.Accurate and scalable quantification of amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology is crucial for deeper disease phenotyping and furthering research in Alzheimer Disease (AD). This multidisciplinary study addresses the current limitations on neuropathology by leveraging a machine learning (ML) pipeline to perform a granular quantification of Aβ deposits and assess their distribution in the temporal lobe. Utilizing 131 whole-slide-images from consecutive autopsied cases at the University of California Davis Alzheimer Disease Research Center, our objectives were threefold: (1) Validate an automatic workflow for Aβ deposit quantification in white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM); (2) define the distributions of different Aβ deposit types in GM and WM, and (3) investigate correlates of Aβ deposits with dementia status and the presence of mixed pathology. Our methodology highlights the robustness and efficacy of the ML pipeline, demonstrating proficiency akin to experts' evaluations. We provide comprehensive insights into the quantification and distribution of Aβ deposits in the temporal GM and WM revealing a progressive increase in tandem with the severity of established diagnostic criteria (NIA-AA). We also present correlations of Aβ load with clinical diagnosis as well as presence/absence of mixed pathology. This study introduces a reproducible workflow, showcasing the practical use of ML approaches in the field of neuropathology, and use of the output data for correlative analyses. Acknowledging limitations, such as potential biases in the ML model and current ML classifications, we propose avenues for future research to refine and expand the methodology. We hope to contribute to the broader landscape of neuropathology advancements, ML applications, and precision medicine, paving the way for deep phenotyping of AD brain cases and establishing a foundation for further advancements in neuropathological research.
Oxygen uptake (VO
) evaluations by cardiopulmonary exercise test is expensive and time-consuming. Estimating VO
based on a field test would be an alternative.
To develop and validate an equation to ...predict VO
based on the modified shuttle test (MST).
Cross sectional study, with 97 children and adolescents with asthma. Participants were divided in two groups: the equation group (EG), to construct the equation model of VO
, and the cross-validation group (VG). Each subject performed the MST twice using a portable gas analyzer. The peak VO
during MST was used in the equation model. The patients' height, weight, gender, and distance walked (DW) during MST were tested as independent variables.
The final model -0.457 + (gender × 0.139) + (weight × 0.025) + (DW × 0.002) explained 87% of VO
variation. The VO
predicted was similar to VO
measured by gas analyzer (1.9 ± 0.5 L/min and 2.0 ± 0.5 L/min, respectively) (
= 0.67), and presented significant ICC 0.91 (IC95% 0.77 to 0.96);
< 0.001. The Bland-Altman analysis showed low bias (-0.15 L/min) and limits of agreement (-0.65 to 0.35 L/min). There was no difference in DW between EG (760 ± 209 m) and VG (731 ± 180 m),
= 0.51.
The developed equation adequately predicts VO
in pediatric patients with asthma.
Cerebrovascular and α-synuclein pathologies are frequently observed alongside Alzheimer disease (AD). The heterogeneity of AD necessitates comprehensive approaches to postmortem studies, including ...the representation of historically underrepresented ethnic groups. In this cohort study, we evaluated small vessel disease pathologies and α-synuclein deposits among Hispanic decedents (HD, n = 92) and non-Hispanic White decedents (NHWD, n = 184) from three Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers: Columbia University, University of California San Diego, and University of California Davis. The study included cases with a pathological diagnosis of Intermediate/High AD based on the National Institute on Aging- Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) and/or NIA-Reagan criteria. A 2:1 random comparison sample of NHWD was frequency-balanced and matched with HD by age and sex. An expert blinded to demographics and center origin evaluated arteriolosclerosis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), and Lewy bodies/Lewy neurites (LBs/LNs) with a semi-quantitative approach using established criteria. There were many similarities and a few differences among groups. HD showed more severe Vonsattel grading of CAA in the cerebellum (p = 0.04), higher CAA density in the posterior hippocampus and cerebellum (ps = 0.01), and increased LBs/LNs density in the frontal (p = 0.01) and temporal cortices (p = 0.03), as determined by Wilcoxon's test. Ordinal logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, and center confirmed these findings except for LBs/LNs in the temporal cortex. Results indicate HD with AD exhibit greater CAA and α-synuclein burdens in select neuroanatomic regions when compared to age- and sex-matched NHWD with AD. These findings aid in the generalizability of concurrent arteriolosclerosis, CAA, and LBs/LNs topography and severity within the setting of pathologically confirmed AD, particularly in persons of Hispanic descent, showing many similarities and a few differences to those of NHW descent and providing insights into precision medicine approaches.
Despite the increasing demographic diversity of the United States' aging population, there remain significant gaps in post-mortem research investigating the ethnoracial heterogeneity in the ...neuropathological landscape of Alzheimer Disease (AD). Most autopsy-based studies have focused on cohorts of non-Hispanic White decedents (NHWD), with few studies including Hispanic decedents (HD). We aimed to characterize the neuropathologic landscape of AD in NHWD (n = 185) and HD (n = 92) evaluated in research programs across three institutions: University of California San Diego, University of California Davis, and Columbia University. Only persons with a neuropathologic diagnosis of intermediate/high AD determined by NIA Reagan and/or NIA-AA criteria were included. A frequency-balanced random sample without replacement was drawn from the NHWD group using a 2:1 age and sex matching scheme with HD. Four brain areas were evaluated: posterior hippocampus, frontal, temporal, and parietal cortices. Sections were stained with antibodies against Aβ (4G8) and phosphorylated tau (AT8). We compared the distribution and semi-quantitative densities for neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), neuropil threads, core, diffuse, and neuritic plaques. All evaluations were conducted by an expert blinded to demographics and group status. Wilcoxon's two-sample test revealed higher levels of neuritic plaques in the frontal cortex (p = 0.02) and neuropil threads (p = 0.02) in HD, and higher levels of cored plaques in the temporal cortex in NHWD (p = 0.02). Results from ordinal logistic regression controlling for age, sex, and site of origin were similar. In other evaluated brain regions, semi-quantitative scores of plaques, tangles, and threads did not differ statistically between groups. Our results demonstrate HD may be disproportionately burdened by AD-related pathologies in select anatomic regions, particularly tau deposits. Further research is warranted to understand the contributions of demographic, genetic, and environmental factors to heterogeneous pathological presentations.
The aims of this study were: 1) to compare the tape weight and associated weight-estimation formula to evaluate weight gain in pregnant mares, and 2) to develop a mathematical model to estimate the ...weight of pregnant mares using body measurements. Thirty-four criollo-type mares were evaluated every two weeks during the middle and late pregnancy. The mares were weighed on a livestock scale, and we estimated body weight using tape weights and an associated body-weight estimation formula. Also, heart-girth circumference (heartgirth) and abdominal circumference were measured; the latter at the 12th intercostal space (12th ICS) and 18th rib (18th Rib), to use in a mathematical model to estimate the weight of pregnant mares. Observations were divided into three periods of pregnancy: 5th to 7 h month, 7th to 9 h month, and 9th to 11th month. Mares in late pregnancy showed an increase in actual weight and an increase in 12th ICS and 18th Rib measurements. Tape weight and body-weight estimation formula underestimated the weight of pregnant mares. However, the regression model using heart-girth circumference, 12th ICS, and 18th Rib measurements showed high correlation (r2 = 0.87, P<0.001) with actual weight. Finally, the alternative methods usually used in horses are not accurate to estimate body weight in pregnant mares. In conclusion, the regression model Y=-540.143 + (heartgirth x 3.068) + (12th ICS x 1.278) + (18th Rib x 0.944) can be used to estimate body weight in pregnant mares from the 5th to 11th months of pregnancy.
RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivos: 1) comparar a utilização dos métodos alternativos fita de pesagem e peso metabólico em éguas gestantes e; 2) desenvolver um modelo matemático para estimar o peso de éguas gestantes, baseado em medidas corporais. Trinta e quatro éguas foram avaliadas quinzenalmente durante o terço médio e final da gestação. Foi realizada a pesagem em balança comercial; a mensuração com a fita de peso para equinos; o cálculo do peso metabólico; as medidas de perímetro torácico (Ptorac); a mensuração abdominal no décimo segundo espaço intercostal (12EI) e na décima oitava costela (18Cost). As observações foram divididas em três períodos gestacionais: Período de 5 a 7 meses, Período de 7 a 9 meses e Período de 9 a 11 meses. As éguas demonstraram incremento no peso na balança e na mensuração abdominal no 12EI e 18Cost no terço final da gestação. A utilização da fita de pesagem e o cálculo de peso metabólico subestimaram o peso na balança em éguas gestantes. O modelo de regressão utilizando o Ptorac, 12EI e 18Cost apresentou alta correção (r2=0,87; P<0,001) com o peso na balança. Observou-se que os métodos alternativos de pesagem, usualmente utilizados, não apresentaram a mesma eficiência em éguas prenhes. Pode-se concluir que o modelo de regressão Y=-540,143+(Ptorac X 3,068) + (12EI X 1,278) + (18Cost X 0,944) pode ser utilizado para mensurar o peso em éguas gestantes a partir do 5º mês de gestação.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The modified shuttle test is a field test that avoids the ceiling effect, and there are no reports of a multidimensional assessment concerning physical activity in asthmatic patients. Thus, the aim ...was to evaluate functional capacity, physical activity in daily life, muscle strength, and cytokine levels in children and adolescents with asthma, and to correlate these variables.
This cross‐sectional study included volunteers aged between 6 and 18 years who were divided into two groups: asthma group (n=43) that received regular treatment and control group (n=24). Functional capacity was evaluated by distance walked during the MST; physical activity in daily life was evaluated using an accelerometer by the number of steps. Quadriceps femoris strength was evaluated by load cell.
Distance walked was lower for the asthma group (790m 222m) when compared with the control group (950m 240m; p=0.007); however, the number of steps was similar between the two groups (asthma group: 7743 3075; control group: 7181 3040; p=0.41), and both groups were classified as sedentary behavior. There was no difference in muscle strength. Tumor necrosis factor‐α differed, but interleukin levels were similar between groups. Quadriceps strength was correlated to distance walked (r=0.62; p<0.001) and tumor necrosis factor‐α to the number of steps taken (r=−0.54, p=0.005).
Children and adolescents undergoing regular asthma treatment showed reduced functional capacity and sedentary behavior. The lower the quadriceps strength, the shorter the distance walked; the higher the tumor necrosis factor‐α levels, the lower their daily physical activity levels.
O Teste Shuttle Modificado é um teste clínico de campo que evita o efeito‐teto e não existem relatos de avaliação multidimensional com relação à atividade física em pacientes com asma. Assim, o objetivo era avaliar a capacidade funcional, a atividade física na vida cotidiana, a força muscular e os níveis de citocina em crianças e adolescentes com asma, a fim de correlacionar essas variáveis.
Este estudo transversal incluiu voluntários entre seis e 18 anos, os quais foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo com asma (n=43), que recebeu tratamento regular, e o grupo de controle (n=24). A capacidade funcional foi avaliada pela distância percorrida durante o Teste Shuttle Modificado, ao passo que a atividade física na vida cotidiana foi avaliada utilizando um acelerômetro pelo número de passos. A força muscular do quadríceps femoral foi avaliada por uma célula de carga.
A distância percorrida foi menor no grupo com asma (790m 222 m) em comparação com o grupo de controle (950 m 240 m; p=0,007), contudo o número de passos foi semelhante nos dois grupos (grupo com asma: 7.743 3.075; grupo de controle: 7.181 3.040; p=0,41) e ambos os grupos foram classificados como sedentários. Não houve diferença na avaliação da força muscular. O fator de necrose tumoral‐α apresentou divergências, porém os níveis de interleucina foram semelhantes entre os grupos. A força muscular do quadríceps foi correlacionada com a distância percorrida (r: 0,62; p<0,001) e o fator de necrose tumoral‐α, ao número de passos dados (r=−0,54, p=0,005).
Crianças e adolescentes que recebem tratamento regular de asma apresentaram redução da capacidade funcional e comportamento sedentário. Quanto menor a força muscular do quadríceps, menor a distância percorrida; quanto maiores os níveis de fator de necrose tumoral‐α, menores seus níveis diários de atividade física.
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