scholarly journals Validation of a skin and coat scoring protocol in dogs

2021 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 227-230
Author(s):  
N. Devriendt ◽  
T. C. N. Rodrigues ◽  
S. Vandenabeele ◽  
S. Favril ◽  
A. Biscop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interobserver Agreement ◽  
Intraobserver Agreement ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Over Time

Skin and coat scores have been used to assess changes in skin and coat quality in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate a skin and coat protocol in dogs of different coat types. Skin and coat of long-haired, short-haired and wire-haired dogs were scored for alopecia, glossiness, greasiness, softness, scaliness and overall skin and coat quality by ten observers. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement was assessed using kappa values. Thirty-six client-owned dogs were included in the study. The overall intraobserver agreement was moderate when assessing greasiness and glossiness and substantial when assessing alopecia, softness, scaliness and overall skin and coat quality. The overall interobserver agreement was only slight to fair for all features assessed. In conclusion, the proposed skin and coat scoring protocol assesses different aspects of the skin and coat quality in dogs and is easy and non-invasive. Scoring skin and coat quality over time is only reliable if performed by the same person.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Photobiology of Photosynthetic Dinoflagellate Endosymbionts in the Nudibranch Berghia stephanieae

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2200
Author(s):  
Ruben X. G. Silva ◽  
Paulo Cartaxana ◽  
Ricardo Calado
Keyword(s):  
Food Deprivation ◽  
Photosynthetic Efficiency ◽  
Rapid Decrease ◽  
Complete Loss ◽  
Symbiotic Association ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Sea Slugs ◽  
Non Destructive ◽  
Over Time

Berghia stephanieae is a stenophagous sea slug that preys upon glass anemones, such as Exaiptasia diaphana. Glass anemones host photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts that sea slugs ingest when consuming E. diaphana. However, the prevalence of these photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts in sea slugs appears to be short-lived, particularly if B.stephanieae is deprived of prey that host these microalgae (e.g., during bleaching events impacting glass anemones). In the present study, we investigated this scenario, along with food deprivation, and validated the use of a non-invasive and non-destructive approach employing chlorophyll fluorescence as a proxy to monitor the persistence of the association between sea slugs and endosymbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates acquired through the consumption of glass anemones. Berghia stephanieae deprived of a trophic source hosting photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts (e.g., through food deprivation or by feeding on bleached E. diaphana) showed a rapid decrease in minimum fluorescence (Fo) and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) when compared to sea slugs fed with symbiotic anemones. A complete loss of endosymbionts was observed within 8 days, confirming that no true symbiotic association was established. The present work opens a new window of opportunity to rapidly monitor in vivo and over time the prevalence of associations between sea slugs and photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts, particularly during bleaching events that prevent sea slugs from incorporating new microalgae through trophic interactions.

scholarly journals ACL Graft Signal Characteristics Measured by Quantitative MRI Are Significantly Correlated with Patient Reported Outcomes Two-Years after Hamstring Autograft ACL Reconstruction

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967119S0035
Author(s):  
Drew A. Lansdown ◽  
Weiyuan Xiao ◽  
Alan L. Zhang ◽  
Christina R. Allen ◽  
Brian T. Feeley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Quantitative Imaging ◽  
Relaxation Times ◽  
Tendon Graft ◽  
Hamstring Autograft ◽  
Acl Graft ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Proteoglycan Content ◽  
Over Time

Objectives: Following surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the tendon graft undergoes a remodeling process of ligamentization. Collagen within the ACL graft becomes organized along the long-axis of the ligament and the proteoglycan content increases. Quantitative imaging sequences, specifically T2 and T1rho, allow for a non-invasive assessment of collagen orientation and proteoglycan content, respectively. The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal progression of T2 and T1rho relaxation times of the graft after ACL reconstruction and the relationship between these quantitative imaging markers and patient-reported outcome measures. We hypothesized that T2 and T1rho would decrease significantly over time, reflecting improved collagen organization and ncreased proteoglycan content, and that T2 and T1rho relaxation times would be inversely correlated with Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS). Methods: Thirty-two patients (mean age 29.4±8.2 years, 12 females) were followed prospectively after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft. Patients provided informed consent and all procedures were IRB-approved. Exclusion criteria included allograft reconstruction, other ligamentous injury, meniscal tear requiring repair, prior knee surgery, or history of arthritis. Post-operative MR imaging was obtained for 31 patients at 6 months, 30 patients at 12 months, 26 patients at 24 months, and 23 patients at 36 months after surgery. T2 and T1rho relaxation times were simultaneously acquired with a combined 3D sagittal sequence using a 3 T MR system (GE Healthcare) with a 1Tx/8Rx knee coil. The intra-articular ACL graft was identified on a fat-suppressed sagittal high-resolution 3D fast spin echo images and manually segmented. The T2 and T1rho relaxation times for the graft were recorded. Patients completed the KOOS at each imaging time point. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests with Tukey corrections were used to compare T2 and T1rho relaxation times between time points. The relationship between KOOS and T2 and T1rho values at 2 years post-operative was investigated with Spearman’s rank correlation. Significance was defined as p<0.05. Results: The T2 relaxation times of the ACL graft were significantly higher at 6 months relative to 12 months (p<0.001), 24 months (p<0.001,) and 36 months (p<0.001) after ACL reconstruction, as well as significantly higher at 12 months relative to 36 months (p<0.001) (Figure 1A). The T1rho relaxation times of the ACL graft were significantly higher at 6 months relative to 12 months (p<0.001), 24 months (p<0.001), and 36 months (p<0.001) (Figure 1B). The two-year T2 relaxation times and T1rho relaxation times were significantly correlated with the KOOS Sports, Pain, Symptoms, and Activities of Daily Living sub-scores. Conclusion: We observed significant changes in the tendon graft over time following ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft, reflecting a higher concentration of proteoglycan and more longitudinally-organized collagen structure over time. Improved collagen organization (lower T2 values) and increased proteoglycan content (lower T1rho values) were correlated with better outcomes based on KOOS scores. Quantitative T2 and T1rho relaxation times of ACL graft may offer a non-invasive method for monitoring graft maturation that correlates with patient-reported knee function after ACL reconstruction. [Figure: see text][Table: see text]

Intrasample variation and the effect of storage delay on faecal metabolite concentrations in the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons)

2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin A. Descovich ◽  
Allan T. Lisle ◽  
Stephen Johnston ◽  
Tamara Keeley ◽  
Clive J. C. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Wild Animal ◽  
Initial Increase ◽  
Sample Storage ◽  
Metabolite Analysis ◽  
Adrenal Hormone ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Metabolite Concentrations ◽  
Hormonal Fluctuations ◽  
Over Time

Faecal hormone metabolite analysis offers a non-invasive alternative to blood sampling that is particularly relevant to wild animal populations. It has been used for reproductive and adrenal hormone monitoring in captive wombats, but no information exists on its accuracy when sample storage is delayed or on whether variation exists within samples. This study aimed to quantify the effect of storage delay and intrasample variation on faecal metabolite concentrations of testosterone, progesterone and corticosterone in southern hairy-nosed wombats. For all metabolites, intrasample variance was 15% or less of total variance. Delays in storage significantly changed metabolite concentrations, with progesterone showing a progressive decrease over time (0–72 h: t24 = 2.14, P = 0.05), testosterone showing a significant increase after 6-h delay (0–6 h: t21 = 2.83, P = 0.01), and corticosterone showing an initial increase (0–6 h: t48 = 3.60, P = 0.001), followed by a reduction to original concentrations by 72 h (0–72 h: t48 = 0.91, P = 0.38). Although changes caused by storage delays may not obscure large hormonal fluctuations, this study outlines the importance of immediate storage and consistent sampling to allow the most accurate results to be obtained.

scholarly journals Patterns of Non-Invasive Ventilation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 445-450
Author(s):  
Nevena Markovic ◽  
Marcus Povitz ◽  
Joanne Smith ◽  
David Leasa ◽  
Christen Shoesmith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Invasive Ventilation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Non Invasive Ventilation ◽  
End Of Life Decision ◽  
Life Decision ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Over Time

AbstractBackground: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) improves quality of life and survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and respiratory symptoms. Little is known about the patterns of NIV use over time and the impact of NIV on end-of-life decision-making in ALS. Objective: This study assessed the pattern of NIV use over the course of the disease and the timing of end-of-life discussions in people living with ALS. Method: A retrospective single-center cohort study was performed at London Health Sciences Centre. Daily NIV duration of use was evaluated at 3-month intervals. The timing of diagnosis, NIV initiation, discussions relating to do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) and death were examined. Results: In total, 48 patients were included in the analysis. Duration of NIV use increased over time, and tolerance to NIV was observed to be better than expected in patients with bulbar-onset ALS. There was a high degree of variability in the timing of end-of-life discussions in patients with ALS (356±451 days from diagnosis). In this cohort, there was a strong association between the timing of discussions regarding code status and establishment of a DNAR order (r2=0.93). Conclusion: This retrospective cohort study suggests that the use of NIV in ALS increases over time and that there remains a great deal of variability in the timing of end-of-life discussions in people living with ALS. Future prospective studies exploring the use NIV over the disease trajectory and how NIV affects end-of-life decision-making in people with ALS are needed.

scholarly journals How long do anti-predator interventions remain effective? Patterns, thresholds and uncertainty

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 190826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Khorozyan ◽  
Matthias Waltert
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Temporal Trend ◽  
Supplemental Feeding ◽  
Temporal Dimension ◽  
Trend Line ◽  
Know How ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Over Time

Human–predator conflicts are globally widespread, and effective interventions are essential to protect human assets from predator attacks. As effectiveness also has a temporal dimension, it is of importance to know how long interventions remain most effective and to determine time thresholds at which effectiveness begins to decrease. To address this, we conducted a systematic review of the temporal changes in the effectiveness of non-invasive interventions against terrestrial mammalian predators, defining a temporal trend line of effectiveness for each published case. We found only 26 cases from 14 publications, mainly referring to electric fences ( n = 7 cases) and deterrents ( n = 7 cases). We found electric fences and calving control to remain highly effective for the longest time, reducing damage by 100% for periods between three months and 3 years. The effectiveness of acoustical and light deterrents as well as guarding animals eroded quite fast after one to five months. Supplemental feeding was found to be counter-productive by increasing damage over time instead of reducing it. We stress that it is vital to make monitoring a routine requirement for all intervention applications and suggest to standardize periods of time over which monitoring can produce meaningful and affordable information.

scholarly journals Trends in the Use and Outcomes of Mechanical Ventilation among Patients Hospitalized with Acute Exacerbations of COPD in Spain, 2001 to 2015

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1621 ◽  
Author(s):  
de Miguel-Diez ◽  
Jiménez-García ◽  
Hernández-Barrera ◽  
Puente-Maestu ◽  
Girón-Matute ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Ventilatory Support ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Non Invasive Ventilation ◽  
Acute Exacerbations ◽  
Discharge Database ◽  
Over Time

(1) Background: We examine trends (2001–2015) in the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) among patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD). (2) Methods: Observational retrospective epidemiological study, using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database. (3) Results: We included 1,431,935 hospitalizations (aged ≥40 years) with an AE-COPD. NIV use increased significantly, from 1.82% in 2001–2003 to 8.52% in 2013–2015, while IMV utilization decreased significantly, from 1.39% in 2001–2003 to 0.67% in 2013–2015. The use of NIV + invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) rose significantly over time (from 0.17% to 0.42%). Despite the worsening of clinical profile of patients, length of stay decreased significantly over time in all types of ventilation. Patients who received only IMV had the highest in-hospital mortality (IHM) (32.63%). IHM decreased significantly in patients with NIV + IMV, but it remained stable in those receiving isolated NIV and isolated IMV. Factors associated with use of any type of ventilatory support included female sex, lower age, and higher comorbidity. (4) Conclusions: We found an increase in NIV use and a decline in IMV utilization to treat AE-COPD among hospitalized patients. The IHM decreased significantly over time in patients who received NIV + IMV, but it remained stable in patients who received NIV or IMV in isolation

Interobserver agreement on Poser’s and the new McDonald’s diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Zipoli ◽  
E Portaccio ◽  
G Siracusa ◽  
G Pracucci ◽  
S Sorbi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Interobserver Agreement ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Kappa Statistic ◽  
Substantial Agreement ◽  
Diagnostic Reliability ◽  
Diagnostic Categories ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
Over Time

We assessed the interobserver agreement on the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a study sample consisting of 41 MS (15 relapsing -remitting, two secondary progressive, five primary progressive and 19 presenting their first clinical attack) and three non-MS cases. C linical and paraclinical information was recorded in standardized forms. Four neurologists were asked to make a diagnosis using Poser’s and McDonald’s criteria and to assess MRI scans according to the McDonald’s guidelines. In terms of the kappa statistic (k), we found a moderate agreement on the overall diagnosis using both Poser’s and McDonald’s criteria (k, respectively, 0.57 and 0.52). A s for distinct diagnostic categories, we observed a moderate to substantial agreement for the three McDonald categories (range of k values 0.49-0.64) and a fair to substantial agreement for the nine Poser categories (range of k values 0.37-0.67). Taking into account clinical information, the agreement on dissemination over time was substantially higher (k=0.69) than that found on dissemination over space (k=0.46). In contrast, for MRI assessment, the agreement for spatial dissemination was substantial (k=0.74) compared with the fair agreement (k=0.25) yielded by dissemination over time. The new McDonald’s criteria yield a good overall diagnostic reliability, and compare favourably with Poser’s classification in terms of agreement on distinct diagnostic categories.

Interrater and Intrarater Reliability of the Kuntz et al New Deformity Classification System

Neurosurgery ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Thaler ◽  
Ricarda Lechner ◽  
Michaela Gstöttner ◽  
Matthias Luegmair ◽  
Michael Liebensteiner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Classification System ◽  
Interobserver Agreement ◽  
Intraobserver Agreement ◽  
Spinal Alignment ◽  
Intrarater Reliability ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Apical Vertebral Rotation ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
The Mean

Abstract BACKGROUND: Kuntz et al recently introduced a new system for classifying spinal deformities. This classification of spinal deformity was developed from age-dependent deviations from the neutral upright spinal alignment. OBJECTIVE: To determine the interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities of the new Kuntz et al system for classifying scoliosis. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients were evaluated. Three observers independently assigned a major structural curve, minor structural curve, curve type, apical vertebral rotation, spinal balance, and pelvic alignment to each curve following the guidelines described by Kuntz et al. Assignment of the curves was repeated 4 weeks later, with the curves presented in a different blinded order. The Kendall W and Holsti agreement coefficients were used to determine the interobserver and intraobserver agreement. RESULTS: The intraobserver value of agreement for all parameters was 0.85 (range, 0.28-1.0), and the mean Kendall W coefficient was 0.89 (range, 0.5-0.97), demonstrating perfect reliability. The interobserver agreement averaged 0.7 (range, 0.251-1.0). The mean Kendall W coefficient was 0.67 (range, 0.19-1.0), demonstrating substantial reliability. The average time for classification of 1 curve was approximately 8.4 minutes. CONCLUSION: The new Kuntz et al deformity classification system is comparable to the Lenke et al system in terms of reliability. However, the Kuntz et al classification system provides no recommendations for surgical interventions. It is more complex and time-consuming and therefore may be of limited value in daily clinical practice.

scholarly journals A Non Invasive Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease Detection

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2S5) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Brain Region ◽  
Healthcare Costs ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Over Time

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases occurring in elderly population worldwide, which usually starts slowly and worsens over time. AD is generally diagnosed too late, when irreversible damages have been caused in the patient’s brain region. Present need demands the discovery of diagnostic and prognostic patient specific effective biomarkers to improve patient’s life quality and avoid big healthcare costs. Objective of this survey is to review the non-invasive biomarkers that could be used to predict early onset of AD and delay cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals Non-invasive MR assessment of the microstructure and microcirculation in regional lymph nodes for rectal cancer: a study of intravoxel incoherent motion imaging

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinyue Yang ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
Ziqiang Wen ◽  
Yiyan Liu ◽  
Xiaojuan Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Cancer ◽  
Diffusion Coefficient ◽  
Lymph Nodes ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Interobserver Agreement ◽  
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion ◽  
Short Axis ◽  
Regional Lymph Nodes ◽  
Individual Parameter ◽  
Non Invasive

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to evaluate the microstructure and microcirculation of regional lymph nodes (LNs) in rectal cancer by using non-invasive intravoxel incoherent motion MRI (IVIM-MRI), and to distinguish metastatic from non-metastatic LNs by quantitative parameters. Methods All recruited patients underwent IVIM-MRI (b = 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 100, 150, 200, 400, 600, 1000, 1500 and 2000 s/mm2) on a 3.0 T MRI system. One hundred sixty-eight regional LNs with a short-axis diameter equal to or greater than 5 mm from 116 patients were evaluated by two radiologists independently, including 78 malignant LNs and 90 benign LNs. The following parameters were assessed: the short-axis diameter (S), long-axis diameter (L), short- to long-axis diameter ratio (S/L), pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion factor (f). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess the interobserver agreement between two readers. Receiver operating characteristic curves were applied for analyzing statistically significant parameters. Results Interobserver agreement of IVIM-MRI parameters between two readers was excellent (ICCs> 0.75). The metastatic group exhibited higher S, L and D (P < 0.001), but lower f (P < 0.001) than the non-metastatic group. The area under the curve (95% CI, sensitivity, specificity) of the multi-parameter combined equation for D, f and S was 0.811 (0.744~0.868, 62.82%, 87.78%). The diagnostic performance of the multi-parameter model was better than that of an individual parameter (P < 0.05). Conclusion IVIM-MRI parameters provided information about the microstructure and microcirculation of regional LNs in rectal cancer, also improved diagnostic performance in identifying metastatic LNs.

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